December 10, 2015
Administrator's Corner

Click here or see below for details about the Final Exams Schedule for the week of December 14-18.

Make sure to visit the ArtFest this Saturday, December 12th, from 9-4 p.m.. This is a wonderful annual event that allows you to get some holiday shopping done while supporting the school at the same time (teacher grants and studen t events rely heavily on this successful event). The Partners PTO is opening up special "V.I.T." (Very Important Teacher) access from 8:30-9:00 a.m., allowing teachers to get early shopping done before the crowds gather. Vendors have been asked to consider offering a discount to all TJ faculty and staff if they have their ID. Please read below to learn more about the ArtFest.  

There is a full lost and found bin in the main office. If students are missing any items, please have them check there. Those items will be donated to Goodwill right before Winter Break.

Since we have over two weeks of school off, that would be a wonderful time for students to do some community service hours or to work on Apex work! Students, be sure to connect with Ms. Spivey if you need any Apex work unlocked before break.

Students will return back to school on Wednesday, January 6th to kick off another successful semester. We hope that everyone has a safe and wonderful holiday season! 

Mike Christoff
Principal Resident 
Quick Links
Bake Sale Items Requested for the ArtFest
checkerboard-cookies.jpg There will be a bake sale at Saturday's ArtFest to benefit the class of 2017. Please click here to sign up and support a great cause! 
Let the Festivities Begin
Local artists get to showcase and sell their wares at TJ's Artfest, just in time for the holidays.
On Saturday, December 12th, from 9:00 to 4:00, TJ will host its annual Artfest. Going into its 27th year, the show will feature handcrafted artwork from many different artists, and will provide an opportunity for TJ students, parents, and faculty to interact with and support the community surrounding TJ. Read more 
TJ ArtFest - This Saturday, December 12th!
TJ's ArtFest is back!
Mark your calendars now for this wonderful tradition, and t hanks in advance for making this another successful fundraising event for the TJ Community!

Plan to enjoy, shop and perhaps sign up to help either the night before (set up Friday eve) or the day of, Saturday.  A list of options may be found by clicking this link.

Please visit our facebook page to see some pictures and vendors!

Thank you for your consideration and support of your neighborhood high school!
Student Volunteers Needed for Saturday's ArtFest! 
Calling all students!

Do you want to be a part of a cool community event?

Do you want to check off some volunteer hours?

Do you like free breakfast and snacks?

Come to the ArtFest on Saturday! There will be FREE BREAKFAST AND SNACKS FOR ALL WHO HELP.  We have lots of slots to fill! Please sign up here!

Hope to see you Saturday!
Contributions for the ArtFest Book Fair
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We need your help!
Please gather up all your gently used books, CDs, DVDs, VHS cassettes, audio cassettes and yes, even, 8-track tapes and bring them to the TJHS office for the TJ Partners PTO ArtFest and Book Sale. This fundraising event for TJ Partners PTO is being held on Saturday, December 12th from 9 am to 4 pm in the gymnasium and cafeteria.
 
We welcome your donations for the book sale right up to December 12th. We will provide a receipt for your tax-deductible contribution! Tell your friends, family and neighbors that we will be happy to accept their contributions as well. Last year we raised over $700 from the book sale alone to support various programs benefiting the students and staff at TJ. 
 
If you have donations but are unable to drop them off at the school, please contact Susan Sundeen at [email protected] and she will arrange to have your donations picked up and delivered to Thomas Jefferson.
Adopt-A-Family
It is that time again where we step in and help our school and community. We have several families where the holidays are not necessary a "joyous" time but a stressful time. We want to spread some holiday cheer and make this time fun and festive. Included is the families wish and want list.  Please sign up here and bring the item into TJ marked with the family number and the person's age/gender .  You can also do a money or gift card donation and have our DECA elves go shopping. DECA students will be wrapping and delivering (unless you want to do the task). You are more than welcome to come to the wrapping party on December 15th from 11:15-1:15.  Deliveries will be conducted on the 15th and 16th.  Please feel free to send to your friends and family as I know most people are looking for ways to help.
Season of Joy
Fun holiday events get Denver citizens excited for the holidays.
The holiday season in Denver offers many fun and family-friendly events in the months ahead. While the days might be longer, citizens of Denver have more time to experience the beautiful light displays and activities occurring nightly.
Final Exams
Finals are just around the corner! Please note the below schedule for the week of December 14th-18th:

Monday, December 14th:    
Study Time: 7:30 to 8:00
Period 2: 8:00 to 9:30 (Final)
Period 3: 9:35 to 11:05 (Final)
Period 4: 11:10 to 12:40 (Final)
Lunch: 12:40 to 1:20
Test make-up and teacher conferences: 1:20 - 3:00
 
Tuesday, December 15th
Study Time: 7:30 to 8:00
Period 6:8:00 to 9:30 (Final)
Period 7:9:35 to 11:05 (Final)
Lunch:    11:05 to 11:45
Test make up and teacher conferences:11:45 to 3:00 (Finals Make-up)
 
Wednesday, December 16th:
Study Time:7:30 to 8:00
Period 1:  8:00 to 9:30 (Final)
Period 8:  9:35 to 11:05 (Final)
Lunch:   11:05 to 11:45
Test make-up and teacher conferences: 11:45 to 3:00 (Finals Make-up)
 
Thursday, December 17th:
Test make-up and teacher grading: 7:00a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
 
Friday, December 18th:
Test make-up and teacher grading: 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
 Teacher Luncheon and Student Karaoke Night on December 16th 
It's hard to believe that it's December already!!! It's going to be a very busy month for teachers and students with the end of the semester drawing near and finals on the horizon.  With this in mind, TJ Partners PTO would like to ask for support with a couple of events on December 16th!
 
For TJ Staff we will be hosting the Holiday Luncheon from 11:30am to 1pm in the Dance Studio.
 
For Students, we will be helping support a Karaoke Night sponsored by TJ Student Leadership from 6-8pm that evening.
 
TJ Partners PTO needs your help providing food for these events.  Please sign up here to bring what you can. These events mean so much to our teachers and students, so your generosity at this busy time of year is appreciated!   
RTD Fare Increase - Effective January 2016
As an approved agency participating in the RTD Pass and Reduced Fare program, a fare increase has been approved by the Board of RTD to take effect January 2016.  As a result of this fare increase the DPS bus pass program cost will increase.  The logistics of the program will remain the same. 
 
The following increases will take effect January 2016:

·
The 10-Ride ticket books were $10.00 and will increase to $10.15.  
·District Issued Eligibility passes were $39.50. New passes will increase to $49.00

If you have any questions regarding this program, please do not hesitate to contact Sherri Jones at 720-423-4603. 
Back to the Boards
TJ basketball returns to the court this winter looking for another State Title.
As the Spartan boys' basketball team comes back from a heartbreaking loss in the playoffs last season, Head Coach
Grant Laman and his new batch of varsity players lace up their shoes and get ready for another promising year.
Holiday Performances
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The Advanced woodwinds will be performing in the lobby of the Ellie Caulkins prior to the Colorado Ballet's performance of The Nutcracker and then during intermission on December 24, for a 1 pm show.

Should you wish to attend this show, a "friends and family" discount is available. The coordinator for this event has asked that "friends and family" wishing to purchase tickets contact her directly, and mention that you are with the TJ performers.  If interested, please contact:

Molly Epstein
Group Sales Manager
303.619.6196
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Additionally, on December 20, a couple students and I will be joining the annual "Tuba Chr istmas" downtown.  200-300 tuba and euphonium players gather and play Christmas carols.  It's quite a sight &  sound.  This is an event the takes place in cities around the country, and Denver is know for quite a large turn out.  We play regardless of the weather conditions.  Concert is at 1 PM at Skyline Park (downtown).  

Sincerely,

Robin Johnson
Instrumental Music Teacher
Thomas Jefferson High School

720-423-7071

http://tj-johnson-r.wikispaces.com
Giving Back - Gloves and Socks Drive to Benefit L.O.V.E.
Donations will be accepted in the main office through December 18.  
Challenge Day Program Featured on Colorado Public Radio
Please click here to hear the CPR podcast describing Challenge Day.

We are excited to announce our Challenge day dates (for Juniors) are January 19th and 20th.

We are asking for a $20 participation fee for each student; however, NO Junior student will be denied participation in the day.  We made it easy to financially support the program, please click here for payment and description of the program. 
 
If you have questions or are interested in volunteering for the day, please contact Samanda Davis. It is a one full day commitment on either January 19th or 20th
 
Samanda Davis, LCSW MSW
Social Worker
Thomas Jefferson High School
M,T,Th
720-423-7072
News from the Future Center
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For upcoming events, college visits, financial aid workshops, scholarships, and much more, visit the Future Center wikipage!
 
Rena Maez 
College Advisor, Thomas Jefferson High School 
Denver Scholarship Foundation | a 501(c)(3) Public Charity  
3950 S. Holly Street  |  Denver, CO 80237 
O 720.423.7134   F 720.423.7098
   
[email protected] |   www.denverscholarship.org