September 25, 2017
Administrator's Corner

Hello TJ Families,
 
I am incredibly excited for this school year. While I am sad to leave teaching for the year, I am looking forward to my new role in supporting TJ students beyond the classroom. 

After teaching at TJ for almost a decade and a half I have been given the opportunity to expand on the work our Leadership program has been engaged in since 2011. We will be reaching out more and more to the community, building capacity with our students and the Southeast Denver community.  

The Culture of TJHS is great, I will work tirelessly to make sure our students and staff continue to enjoy TJHS as much as I do. In addition to this fun work with Leadership, I will also be heavily involved in promoting college readiness for our students, making sure the TJ students are ready for when they leave TJ. TJ is the jewel of Denver Public Schools thanks to our families and staff. Thank you TJ community for this great opportunity.
 
Sincerely,

Queridos padres y guardianes,
 
Tenemos fechas muy importantes. Primero, "October Count", que es la plantilla oficial de estudiantes para todos los distritos escolares públicos de Colorado. Cuando los estudiantes están matriculados, programados y en asistencia a partir del día oficial de conteo, el distrito recibe un promedio de $ 7,200 por ingreso de operación por alumno. Esta presentación representa el 85% de los fondos del distrito. Este año, la fecha oficial de conteo es el lunes, 2 de octubre. El 25 de septiembre al 9 de octubre es la ventana de cuando necesitamos recoger la asistencia y el trabajo de los estudiantes para obtener fondos. Por favor, asegúrese de que su estudiante este aquí durante la ventana.
 
Otras fechas para recordar son para las conferencias de padres de familia que son octubre 4-5 de 3:30 pm-7pm. Esta será una gran noche para tener una conversación sobre las calificaciones como nuestra ventana de 6 semanas para el primer cuarto de las calificaciones se cierra el 29 de septiembre. Por favor planee asistir.
 
Gracias,
 
Jon Poole
Principal Intern
Quick Links
TJ's Tardy/Truancy Policy
Thank you for your su pport in keeping our attendance at its best!  Please click here to view TJ's attendance policy.  Please click here to view Colorado's student attendance policy
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Week at a Glance - Week of 9/25-9/29
Monday
  • Yearbooks on sale (until 9/29) for $45...see below for details
  • Please click here (or see the above "Athletics Schedule" quick link) to see athletic events for the week
Tuesday

Wednesday
  • Office Hours/early release
Thursday

Friday
  • End of 1st 6 weeks grading period
Kudos Korner
  • Thomas Jefferson National Honor Society students sold ice cold popsicles to raise money for Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma relief efforts. Hoping to send some TJ Spartan Pride to the gulf states, NHS members raised close to $300 for donations to the Red Cross and Salvation Army Relief efforts in the  states of Texas and Florida, which have seen catastrophic devastation from the two storms. Way to step up and SPARTAN UP, TJ NHS!!
  • Congratulations to Roger Nakagawa and Andrew Villescas for advancing beyond boys' golf regionals in Montrose, CO! These two Spartans will compete in the State 4A golf tournament hosted by Raccoon Creek Oct. 2-3. Way to make us proud! 
Baseball Cleanup Day - Volunteers Needed on September 30
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We would love your help!
This past month the TJ baseball field was damaged by an arsonist. The concession stand was burned down and the fire caused extensive damage to the fence, backstop, and dugout area.  

We would like to turn this tragic act into something positive to show our pride in TJ and the baseball program. 
 
Please join us on Saturday, September 30th to help spruce up the field area and attend a BBQ.  There will be music, prizes, and free food!

When: Saturday, September 30th
Time: 10am - 1pm
What to wear: volunteers will likely be working in the grass and dirt so wear appropriate clothing
RSVP: please click here to RSVP (please RSVP by Thursday, Sept. 28th so we can plan accordingly)

Thanks in advance for coming together to show your support!
Yearbook Discount - Last Chance!


All information about the yearbook can found here

Whether you are looking for the senior picture deadline or how to                 purchase a book, there is one stop for everything! 

The book is currently on sale for $45. To get the lowest price, purchase     before 9-29-17. The book will be $65 at full price, so this is quite a             discount! 

Click here for more information.



PTO News
Want to help make your students high school experience the best it can be?  Want to support the staff at TJ? Want to get to know some parents at TJ? Come to a PTO meeting!   

We meet monthly and have 1-2 events each month that we support. You can help out as your schedule permits.   Email  [email protected]  with any questions.
Athletic Sticker and Pass Information
·Current fall athletes can get their Athletic Sticker in Jasmine's office if they bring their current student ID
 
·Students playing winter/spring sports who pay early at the treasurer (Carla Allen) can bring their receipt and ID to Jasmine to get their sticker also
 
·Students who don't pay a Pay-to-Play (non-athletes) can purchase a year pass (not a sticker) in Carla's office for $60

o   Parents and community members can also purchase a year pass for $60 in Carla's office
 
Please note: All passes and stickers get you in to DPS League games.  Passes/stickers do not work on out of district games, tournaments, and CHSAA regionals/state tournaments.

Thanks for all of your support of TJ athletics!
Counseling News - Fall 2017 Denver Area College Fairs
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Out of State College Fair
Thursday, September 28, 2017
(6:30-8:00 p.m.)
Lakewood High School
9700 West 8th Avenue
Lakewood, Co 80215

In-State and Out of State College Fair and workshops
Saturday, September 30, 2017
(10:00- 12:00)
Mountain Vista High School
10585 Mountain Vista Ridge
Highlands Ranch, Co 80126

In-State College Fair at TJ
Monday, October 9, 2017
(1:00-2:00)
TJ Gymnasium
Juniors and Seniors will be excused from class

Admission is free. Students are encouraged to register at GoToCollegeFairs.com and print the barcode and bring it with them to the fair.
Girls: You're Invited!
Mental Health and Social/Emotional Tips
Did You Know...?

In the state of Colorado, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for those who are 15-24 years old?  

Here is what our students are reporting: 
Colorado Healthy Kids Survey 2015 (all Colorado youth)

As a guardian, here is how you can get information and resources:
 
What: Signs of Suicide Parent Presentation by TJ Mental Health Team
When: Wednesday October 4th, 2017 (at parent-teacher conferences) - 5:00pm
Where: TJHS, room TBD

Questions? Please contact:
Samanda Davis- Social Worker (720) 423-7072
Natalie Koncz- School Psychologist (720) 423-7077
Mental Health and Social Emotional Tip: Compiled by Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW and Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP   
Volunteer and Internship Opportunities Available
Download the new TJHS Mobile App today!
We encourage you to download the app from the App Store or Google Play at no cost (scan the QR codes below or simply search for "TJHS"). We will be finalizing formatting and loading new content in the coming weeks, so please be patient and check the app frequently for new information! Our hope is that this will be yet another way to strengthen communication for our community. 

Helpful hint: make sure your push notifications are on, 
so that you can get  updated info and event reminders!
Spirit Store Items
Get Your Gear On!
The TJ Spartan Spirit Store is a virtual store which is online. The store is also set up at some school events such as athletic events, concerts, plays and conference nights.
 
Check out the new American Apparel soft 100% cotton v-neck t-shirts in dark gray or white with gold TJ on the front and Spartan on the back. Also, get a new gray fleece blanket with gold TJ embroidered in the corner to keep you warm while cheering on the Spartans this winter. 

New XXL and XL sizes in men's Under Armour ankle zip sweatpants and new inventory in the Under Armour 1/4 zip long sleeve pullovers in graphite gray stripe with embroidered TJ. XXL hoodies and T-shirts now available.
GT News
Class News You Can Use
All Classes 

 

  •  Great news! All Class T-Shirts are now available (as wells as other TJ gear) in the Spartan Store!

 


  • Student Travel Experience: PERU in JUNE 2018, all students welcome! [email protected] for information.
Class of 2018 - Seniors
  • Please look for more opportunities this school year for parents to socialize, get connected and contribute to the Class of 2018 fundraising efforts. Please email [email protected] if you're interested in helping out at any point this year. We need you!
Class of 2019 - Juniors
The Class of '19 is raising funds to support senior year activities such as After Prom.  Following are ways to support the class
  • Purchase a Class of '19 t-shirt on the Spartan Store Website or purchase one at the next TJ event.
  • Participate in Neighborhood Eats Programs:
    • Lowry Beer Garden:  Monday September 25th between 5-9pm.  A parent meeting will be held at 6pm, don't miss it!  10% of  the night's proceeds will be donated to the class!
    • Chipotle:  Monday, October 9th between 4-8pm.  50% of participant proceeds will be donated to the class!
  • Make a financial donation on the Spartan Store Website Ask your employer if they will match your donation!
  • Host a parent event!
For more information or to volunteer at class events, contact Anne McCord at   [email protected]

Class of 2020 - Sophomores
  • Thank you to Megan Perkins and Lisa LoJacono, the parent representatives for the Class of 2020. Please look for important information to come.  If you are interested in getting involved please email Megan at:   [email protected]  or Lisa at:   [email protected] .
Class of 2021 - Freshmen
  • New Graduation Requirements! DPS has adopted new, evidence-based graduation requirements that will go into effect this year for the graduating class of 2021. Click here
    to read more!
News from the Future Center
Seniors and Families-  Check out the resources below to help you plan your college and financial aid processes: 

 
Colleges Visiting Thomas Jefferson High School- Students can view and must sign up to attend college visits in their Naviance account.  University of Colorado Denver will be visiting TJ on Monday morning and Western State Colorado University on Wednesday.   
 
Meetings with Ms. MaezSeniors are encouraged to stop by the Future Center to set up a time to discuss their plans for next year.  A calendar of her availability is posted on the door.
 
Upcoming Events at TJ:
9/18/17- 3rd Period- Class of 2018 MANDATORY Meeting- Counselors and Ms. Maez will discuss the transcript request process, how to request recommendation letters, and important graduation information.  Parents are invited, but only students are required to attend. 

9/21/17- 6-8pm, TJ Auditorium- Financial Aid Information Night- Presentation about how to apply for financial aid and scholarships for college. RSVP ASAP only if translation services will be needed at [email protected].

10/5/17- 4-7pm- Thomas Jefferson FAFSA Night- Bring required paperwork  to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the first step of the college financial aid process.  Please arrive before 6:30 pm. 

10/9/17- 1-2pm- Thomas Jefferson High School- TJ College Fair- Juniors and seniors will be pulled from class for this in-state college fair. 

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