October 30, 2017
Administrator's Corner

Happy Halloween week! 
 
Just a reminder, we want Halloween to be a fun and safe experience for everyone, so we ask that anyone wearing a Halloween costume adhere to a few long-standing school policies. These include: 
  • No face coverings such as masks, disguising make-up, or sunglasses
  • All costumes must be school appropriate and meet our dress code policy
  • No inappropriate props such as look-alike weapons
Trick-or-Treat street will take place at 4 p.m. tomorrow. This is a TJ tradition where we invite local children to TJ for safe and fun Halloween festivities. Please join us!
 
Believe it or not, the second 6 week grading period ends on Friday. Students, please continue to work hard and finish strong!

¡Feliz semana de Halloween!   

Solo un recordatorio, queremos que Halloween sea una experiencia divertida y segura para todos, por eso le pedimos a cualquier persona que vista un disfraz de Halloween que se adhiera a algunas políticas escolares de larga data. Éstas incluyen: 
  • Sin máscaras, como máscaras, disfrazando maquillaje o anteojos de sol 
  • Todos los disfraces deben ser apropiados para la escuela y cumplir con nuestra política de código de vestimenta 
  • No hay accesorios inapropiados como armas 
Trick-or-Treat tendrá lugar a las 4 p.m. mañana. Esta es una tradición de TJ en la que invitamos a niños locales a TJ para celebrar fiestas de Halloween seguras y divertidas. ¡Por favor únete a nosotros!   

Créalo o no, el segundo período de calificación de 6 semanas termina el viernes. Estudiantes, por favor sigan trabajando duro y terminen fuertes!

Mike Christoff
Principal
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
Week at a Glance - Week of 10/30-11/3 
Monday
  • Please click here (or see the above "Athletics Schedule" quick link) to see athletic events for the week
Tuesday- Halloween!
  • Trick-or-Treat Street: 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday
  • Office Hours: 2:14-2:55 p.m.
  • Winter Sports parent meeting: 5:00 p.m. (auditorium)
  • SE Denver Town Hall Meeting: here at TJ, 5:30 p.m. (see below for details)
Thursday -

Friday
  • No School for Students
  • Last day for $50 Yearbook discount
Kudos Korner
Real Science!

A shout out to  Brett Butera  for a successful student trip to Rocky Mountain National Park where his students experienced hands-on real science! 

Special  thanks to TJ Partners for helping to make it happen with their generous grant. Click here to read all about it in the Estes Park Trail Gazette!


CCT Magnet Open House - November 7
Tuesday, Nov. 7 - 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. CCT Magnet Only Open House
Interested students will have the opportunity to learn more about TJ's Center for Communication Technology (CCT) magnet program. This unique program offers students the opportunity to explore web design, software engineering, 3D design and animation, radio and television broadcasting, photojournalism, journalism, and robotics.  Families will have the opportunity to visit classrooms, meet with teachers and observe students at work on their current projects, including producing a daily television show, making robots for an upcoming competition, and receive more information on the CCT program and application/interview process and deadlines. 
Yearbook Cost and Deadlines



The yearbook is still at a discounted price! It is now $50, but will eventually go up to $65, so act now! The $50 discount will last until this Friday, 11-3-17.

To see if we received your senior portrait, please go to the yearbook webpage or check the poster on the office window.

If you would like to purchase a senior/baby ad, they are due by 11-17-17.  

Anything that you would need to know about the yearbook can be found   here .




Winter Sports Start Next Week!
Winter sports start November 10 th . Students must do the following to receive their "golden ticket" to participate:

1.       Register and pay online here
2.       Bring a current physical to Jasmine Locks in the Athletics Office
         a. Students who already have a current physical on file do not                     need to bring another copy
3.       Students should see Jasmine Locks to pick up the "golden ticket"
 
There will be a Winter Sports Informational Meeting on November 1st from 5pm - 6pm in the Auditorium.  If you are unable to attend, please reach out to the coach of your sport for information.  Contact information for coaches is located in the "Athletic Flyer Info 2017-2018" on the  Spartans Athletics page
Stress to Success
Town Hall Meeting with Kendra Black
Superintendent 
Parent Forum - November 1
Deepening Family and Community Partnership with Denver Public Schools

Forum Topic #2: Supporting Families in Being Their Child's First Teacher and Advocate 

We will discuss:
  • DPS District Family and Community Engagement Plan and how it serves our students and families
  • The current work being done in DPS to support families as teachers and advocates
  • Resources, tools, and strategies for effective academic support and advocacy
Interpretation, meals, and childcare (age 3-12) provided at no cost to participants.
Saturday School Schedule
Please note: Saturday school will take place on November 11th and November 18th. 
Library Closure
The Library will be closed from Wednesday, November 1 st  through Monday, November 6.  It will be open again on Tuesday, November 7.
Boys' Basketball Tryouts
Get Your Flu Shot!
Spirit Store Hours
We need volunteers!
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.
 
We will be opening the spirit store:
  • Tuesdays at lunch: 11:15 -12:00 
  • Wednesdays after school - 2:15 - 3:00 
  • Thursday mornings before school 6:45 - 8:30
  • Fridays at lunch: 11:15 - 12:00 
  • At all home Volleyball Games, Basketball games & JV Football Games
     
We take Cash and Credit Cards!
New PopSockets are in for $9 each or buy with a friend and save, 2 for $16.

When the store is open we will be in front of the physical store by the auditorium. For games, we will be in front of the gym in the lobby.

Call or email Laura Whalen if you have questions.
Laura Whalen
cell: 303-681-7226
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.
Free & Reduced Lunch Application
Click here to apply for Free & Reduced Lunch status!
TJ Talks: Passion Purpose and Lightning Bolts - November 16
Mental Health and Social/Emotional Tips
Did You Know...?
There are many warning signs that may indicate that someone is affected by bullying-either being bullied or bullying others. Recognizing the warning signs is an important first step in taking action against bullying. Not all children who are bullied or are bullying others ask for help.

It is important to talk with children who show signs of being bullied or bullying others. These warning signs can also point to other issues or problems, such as depression or substance abuse. Talking to the child can help identify the root of the problem.

Look for changes in the child. However, be aware that not all children who are bullied exhibit warning signs.

Some signs that may point to a child being bullied: 
  • Unexplainable injuries
  • Lost or destroyed clothing, books, electronics, or jewelry
  • Frequent headaches or stomach aches, feeling sick or faking illness
  • Changes in eating habits, like suddenly skipping meals or binge eating. Kids may come home from school hungry because they did not eat lunch.
  • Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares
  • Declining grades, loss of interest in schoolwork, or not wanting to go to school
  • Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations
  • Feelings of helplessness or decreased self esteem
  • Self-destructive behaviors such as running away from home, harming themselves, or talking about suicide
Some signs a child is bullying others:   
  • Get into physical or verbal fights
  • Have friends who bully others
  • Are increasingly aggressive
  • Get sent to the principal's office or to detention frequently
  • Have unexplained extra money or new belongings
  • Blame others for their problems
  • Don't accept responsibility for their actions
  • Are competitive and worry about their reputation or popularity
Mental Health and Social Emotional Tip: Compiled by Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW and Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP
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!
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
Join Parents and Friends of the Class of '19 on November 4th for a party to help raise money for Senior Year Activities!  $20/pp - you can pay at the door or on the PTO website. Click here to RSVP!
The Class of '19 is raising money for senior year activities including After Prom.

How you can support:
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
Ms. Maez will be hosting another FAFSA workshop on Friday, November 3rd.  This workshop will be by appointment only.  If you are interested in receiving support to complete the FAFSA, please contact her at [email protected] or at 720-423-7134 to schedule a time on that date. Please be prepared to bring required FAFSA documents.  Click here  for a list of documents to bring. 
If you are striving to apply to a Common Application university/college before Thanksgiving, keep in mind the following:

11/17/17- Last Friday before Thanksgiving
11/3/17- To give your counselor two weeks to prepare and send your Common Application materials (including letters of rec and transcripts), you must submit your Common Application by this date.  You can fill out an application checklist with Ms. Maez.
 
*Remember to check your Naviance account for college visits! 

Seniors and Families-  Check out the resources below to help you plan your college and financial aid processes: 

 
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.
 
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