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April 14, 2016
Administrator's Corner
This is a great time of year to come support spring sports! Please check out the athletics website for all team schedules. Students love and deserve the support!

Come see Mr. TJ on April 15th, it's sure to be a fun time!

Stay tuned for information about the upcoming Talent Show and Backyard BBQ - we always need parent support for such events. 

Thanks for all of your support!

¡Este es un gran tiempo del año para venir para apoyar los deportes de primavera! Por favor, den un vistazo a la página de atletismo para todos los horarios de los equipos. ¡Los estudiantes quieren y merecen su apoyo!
 
¡Vengan a ver el Sr. TJ el 15 de abril, de seguro que será un momento de diversión!
 
Manténgase en sintonía para obtener información sobre el próximo show de talentos y la barbacoa en la escuela - siempre necesitamos el apoyo de los padres para tales eventos .
 
¡Gracias por todo su apoyo!

Paula Hammel
Assistant Principal
Quick Links
Seniors taking APEX are invited to come to school on April 19th to get some APEX work done without any other distractions!
April Tutoring schedule: 
Monday 4/18
Thursday 4/21 
Thursday 4/28
Saturday School will take place Saturday the 23rd from 8-11am in the library.
Kudos Korner
Kudos to the 
TJ students who represented TJ with pride at the SkillsUSA State Conference in Colorado Springs. We had five 1st place gold winners and a total of 13 medalists:
  • Rachel Sadler and Asianae Jackson- 1st place web design
  • Kate Overn and Zach Service- 2nd place web design
  • Hunter Holmes and Sam Trout - 1st place 3d animation
  • Rogelio Flores and Scott McMahon - 2nd place 3d animation
  • Stephanie Chavez and Tyler Weiskopf - 3rd place 3d animation
  • Keith Joyner and Eli Webb - 3rd place Digital Video
  • Julio Munoz - 1st place computer programming 
All 1st place winners qualify for SkillsUSA Nationals in Louisville, KY. The National Conference will be held the week of June 20th. If you see any of these students, please take time to congratulate them!
PARCC Testing is Here!
Please note: participation rates for 2016 testing may impact SPF scores. All students are expected to attend school during these testing periods.
The PARCC online testing will begin at TJ in April.  Our 9th graders will take the PARCC ELA/Math test. The purpose of the state test is to formally assess how students can perform in regards to grade level Common Core Standards. This is also an accountability measure to ensure that schools are adequately preparing students. We will receive the results in much more timely fashion this year. This will allow us to adjust school-wide instructional strategies at the beginning of the year. I am glad to say this is a much better set up than last year.
 
9th graders will begin testing on April 6th.  We will work on an adjusted schedule so students will still attend all classes during our a djusted schedule.   See the modified schedule below.  All students are expected to attend school during this testing period
Please contact Julie Thibodeau at 720-423-7149 or julie_thibodeau@dpsk12.org  with any questions.

PSAT 10 and ACT - free for all students! 
Thomas Jefferson is excited to announce that we will be administering the PSAT 10 along with the ACT this year on April 19th starting at 7:30 am.  Sophomores will take the PSAT 10 and Juniors will take the ACT.  Due to testing, there will be no school for 9th and 12th graders that day. Be sure your students are well rested and come prepared.  Students should bring with them: pencils, approved calculators(TI84 or similar is acceptable) and their school id's.  Please contact Julie Thibodeau at 720-423-7149 or  julie_thibodeau@dpsk12.org with any questions.

Principal Selection Process Update
Click here to view the list of  School Leader Characteristics c ompiled by the Office of Family and Community Engagement. The list includes feedback received online from Thomas Jefferson High School community members and families.
Night Out - Rescheduled for Friday, May 13th
Boys Basketball Banquet 2015-2016
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We would like to celebrate the 2015-2016 basketball season and  the success of our C Team, JV and Varsity basketball squads.  Please join our celebration and dinner for all players and their families.

When:       Wed. April 20th  -  5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Where:        TJHS  -  Lunchroom
 
Cost:          **Players are FREE  -  $8.00 per person (pay at the door)
                 
Contact Coach Laman with any questions.
Email: grant_laman@dpsk12.org 
    
Thank You to The DPS Foundation, the TJ Community, and Friends & Supporters 
from Palmieri & The August Wilson Class
Our heartfelt thanks to all who donated and supported our trip to New York City.  Thanks to thoughtful, generous people like you, our class:

> Flew to New York and back
> Stayed in a great hotel a short, fun walk from Times Square
> Became New York City Subway experts
> Attended the Broadway hits 
The Color Purple  (beyond amazing) and  Sistas  (front row!)
> Toured many amazing sites, including the 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero
> Ate the best pizza and Italian food
> Built life-long memories
A Submersive Experience
TJ's robotics students prepare for the upcoming SeaPerch competition.
Students in TJ's advanced robotics classes are currently preparing for their first shot at the sixth annual National SeaPerch Challenge, where teams will construct submarine robots to perform underwater tasks. SeaPerch teaches students about buoyancy, propulsion, waterproofing, and many other important engineering concepts in a hands-on, immersive experience. Read more
APEX Update
If a senior is making up credits on Apex, they need to be done by 13 May 2016 so everything can be graded in time for senior checkout on 17-18 May.  If they are not finished by checkout, they have until the 19 th to do so;  the final list of student who will be able to participate in the ceremony needs to be with the principal by end of day on Friday the 20 th.
 
Students who are not finished can come in on April 19th.
 
The district is moving to another vendor next year, and our contract with Apex will expire on 30 June 2016.  Students will lose all progress in their current class if their class is not completely finished.
 
The only way for them to get more time is to attend summer school.  The Program Manager for the district will send the information to counselors in April, and students must go through their counselors to enroll in summer school.
April 2016 TJ Partners Meeting
With Spring Break behind us, the end of the year will be creeping up on us fast and there is a lot going on.  Join us for the TJ Partners PTO meeting on Tuesday, April 12th at 6pm in Room 111 to find out how you can get involved.  The agenda will include end of year events (Backyard Bash, Night Out, teacher appreciation luncheon) planning, the teacher grant request process, and TJ Partners Board election process. 

As our parents of seniors start to look toward life after TJ, this means there will be a few TJ Partners Board positions open this year.  If you are interested in joining the TJ Partners PTO leadership team, please contact us at tjpartnerspto@gmail.com.  Thank you for your continued support.  TJ would not be what it is today without you!

The time has come, Mr TJ show on Friday at 6pm, be there!

It's Raining Men!
Grab your rain boots and head on over to TJ on April 15th at 6pm.  It's going to be Raining Men in the auditorium.  Please join us for the long standing tradition of Mr TJ and get in on the fun to see who will be named Mr TJ 2016, Mr Talent and Mr Congeniality.  Even Mayor Hancock stopped by practice this weekend to see what the buzz is all about.  You don't want to miss it.  

DECA Breakfast




TJ DECA Annual Breakfast 
at Mount Vernon Country Club
 
When: Wednesday, April 20th, 2016         
Starts at 8am and will end approximately 9:30am
 
Where: Mount Vernon Country Club - 24933 Clubhouse Circle, Golden CO 80401 (Students must provide their own transportation to and from event)
 
General Information:
You must be enrolled in marketing to be in DECA
Cost $20.00/person
Buffet Style Breakfast
Business Attire Required for Students (Parents can be casual)
Expect 2 hours in length
RSVP and Payment BEFORE April 15th to Mr. Nicolo in Rm. 106
Try to be 15 minutes early, we start on time!!!
Attending Breakfast secures your seat in the Marketing Class next year!
Health Screening
NOTICE TO PARENTS/GUARDIANS
Each year DPS conducts health screenings for students in specific grades. At the high school level all 9th graders are screened as well as testable students in special education. The screening consists of vision and hearing screenings as well as height/weight (BMI) measurements. At Thomas Jefferson High School the screenings will take place onApril 22 & 25; Recheck dates are April 26 & 27. If you would NOT like your student screened you must notify the school nurse prior to April 15, 2016 via e-mail to Deborah_Samuels@dpsk12.org

AVISO A LOS PADRES / TUTORES
Cada año DPS lleva a cabo exámenes de salud para los estudiantes en grados específicos. En el nivel de secundaria todos los estudiantes de 9º grado son examinados, así tambien como estudiantes en educación especial que puedan ser examinados. Los exámenes consisten en exámenes de la vista y la audición, mediciones de altura/peso (IMC). En la escuela, Thomas Jefferson los exámenes tomaran lugar los días 22 y 25 de abril; revisiones son el 26 y el 27 de abril. Si NO le gustaría que su estudiante sea examinado debe notificar a la enfermera de la escuela antes del 15 de abril del 2016 a través de un correo electrónico a
Class News You Can Use
All Classes 
Class of 2016 - Seniors
SENIORS and FAMILIES OF SENIORS - Class of 2016 IMPORTANT INFO TO KNOW!

The countdown is ON - 24 school days until the Class of 2016 will no longer be DPS students.  You may be having a plethora of emotions as we get closer and closer to graduation; happiness, sadness, confusion, anxiety, and excitement just to name a few.  We thought it would be helpful to lay out a few dates that you will want to have on your calendar over the next few weeks.
 
If your student had Cap and Gown pictures taken, the order form proofs are available in the main office.
 
4/14 - 10:30am - Senior Panoramic Picture Day at TJ. (Order forms in the main office)
4/15 - 6-8:30PM - Nine of the esteemed class of 2016 young men will be joined by their escorts and emcees to compete for the title of Mr. TJ by showcasing their style, grace and talents.   It's going to be "Raining Men" and you won't want to miss it. $5 tickets will be sold all week at lunch and at the door. T-shirts - $20
4/19 - No School for Seniors.  Seniors can work on APEX at school if needed.
4/23 - 8-11pm - SENIOR PROM
· Curtis Room at Landmark - 5345 Landmark Pl, Greenwood Village, CO 80111
· Tickets must be purchased ahead of time - $35 for single, $60 for couple
· Prom corsages and boutonnieres - Class of 2016 are providing corsages ($15) and boutonnières ($10) for Prom, place your order with Sara at:   tjprom2016@gmail.com .
·We are looking for parent volunteers to help with the candy station  and volunteers to help set up decoration and tear down as well as chaperones. 
5/3 - 5-8:30PM - Senior Awards Dinner (By Invitation Only)
5/11 Office Hours Seniors Recognition 
5/17 - Last Full day of classes for Seniors - Senior Checkout!
5/18 - 8-10 a.m. - MANDATORY Mini-Graduation Rehearsal in TJ Auditorium
· Seniors must attend to participate in graduation ceremonies. 
5/18 - FINAL CHECKOUT with Counselors
5/24 - 8-11AM Graduation Rehearsal
· Auraria Campus Physical Education/Event Center (PE), 1255 10th St, Denver, CO 80204
· Seniors must attend to participate in graduation ceremonies
5/25 - 5-7PM - GRADUATION
·   Auraria Campus Physical Education/Event Center (PE), 1255 10th St, Denver, CO 80204 (more info on when to arrive will be provided at rehearsal)
· Each student will get 5 free tickets and additional tickets will be for sale for $5/each. Parking is at the Tivoli, parents do pay for parking. 
Congrats - YOU MADE IT.  Time to celebrate!  Best Wishes to the Class of 2016 as they move on to the next adventure in their lives.  You will be missed, Spartans!
Class of 2017 - Juniors
  • 4/15 - Tomorrow - Mr TJ Concessions will be run by the junior class volunteers. All profits from concessions will benefit the Junior class fund. Please go to the signup site and help out on Friday night!
  • Juniors! Need help applying to college? Financial Aid? Attend this workshop on 4/16 and receive valuable information to answer your college and financial aid questions!
  • How to stay in the loop and share your ideas for the Class of 2017:  tjhs2017@gmail.com
  • Class of 2017 t-shirts - at  mkt.com/tj2017 online store for Class of 2017
  •  Follow 2017 Class on Twitter - @2017TJHS
Class of 2018 - Sophomores
  • Parent Social - Thanks for the great parent social last Friday that kicked off fundraising for the Class of 2018 Prom/After Prom! If you were unable to make it or would like to still contribute, donations can be made at the Spartan Online Store in the section called "All Fundraisers."   mkt.com/tjspartanstore. 
Class of 2019 - Freshmen
Teens Take the Wheel
May 5th - Save the Date! Induction and Senior NHS Celebration 
Attention all students who will be Juniors or Seniors during the 2016/2017 School year! If you have a GPA of 3.75 or higher you should receive a letter inviting you to join the Thomas Jefferson High School Chapter of the National Honor Society. Extra Letters and lists of eligible students can be found on the door of room 229. Applications with essays are due by April 21st 2016. Decisions will be posted on April 25th 2016.
The Induction and Senior NHS Celebration  will occur on May 5 th  from 6:00-8:00 pm. 
 at Thomas Jefferson High School in the Community Room.
Tickets are $20.00 a person
Dinner catered by Jim & Nicks BBQ  
You do not need to attend the dinner to be inducted into the TJ NHS chapter.
Formal invitations will be sent with chapter acceptance letters
AP Testing Schedule
Swing into the Season
The girls' tennis team gets back into the swing of things with the new 2016 season.
Spring sports have officially begun their seasons, and the girls' tennis team is ready to rev up their competitive spirits. The team recently completed tryouts, and both new and old members are excited to play this year. This season, head coach Jeff Zinke plans to create an environment for the girls that is fun and enjoyable, yet also educational. Zinke wants the girls to be as educated about tennis as they are enthusiastic about playing it. "It's important to have fun and enjoy the sport while being knowledgeable about it," explained Zinke. "The only way to create that environment is through lots of time spent in practices with fun activities during practice." Read more
April 27th - Community Meeting with Councilwoman Black
News from the Future Center
graduation_cap.jpg

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
   
rmaez@denverscholarship.org |   www.denverscholarship.org