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February 27, 2017
Administrator's Corner

Hello Spartans!
 
For more than 50 years, many TJ student-athletes have gone on to play sports at the collegiate level.  All of these student-athletes spanning the past decades have one thing in common -  academics!  Student-athletes planning to play college sports should not forget the importance of academic eligibility and taking the right courses in high school.  All students who want to be considered for a Division I or Division II school will need to register for the NCAA Clearinghouse.  TJ will be giving opportunities for students to get help in registering for the NCAA Clearinghouse over the next few months in after school sessions, but if your 10th, 11th, or 12th grader wants to register now please visit the NCAA Clearinghouse website by clicking  here.
 
However, good academic planning is not just for athletes!  All students should work to make sure they are picking the right classes and staying on top of their studies.  TJ will be enrolling for choice studies starting March 7th. Take a look  here to get more information.
 
Hola Spartans!
 
Durante más de 50 años, muchos estudiantes-atletas de TJ han ido a jugar deportes en el nivel colegial. Todos estos estudiantes-atletas que abarcan las últimas décadas tienen una cosa en común - académicos! Los estudiantes atletas que planean jugar deportes universitarios no deben olvidar la importancia de la elegibilidad académica y tomar los cursos adecuados en la escuela secundaria. Todos los estudiantes que quieren ser considerados para una escuela de la División I o División II tendrán que registrarse en la "NCAA Clearinghouse". TJ ofrecerá oportunidades para que los estudiantes obtengan ayuda para registrarse en el NCAA Clearinghouse durante los próximos meses en las sesiones después de la escuela, pero si su estudiante en los grados 10, 11, 0 12 desea registrarse ahora, visite la pagina de NCAA Clearinghouse haciendo clic aqui.
 
Sin embargo, una buena planificación académica no es sólo para los atletas! Todos los estudiantes deben trabajar para asegurarse de que están escogiendo las clases adecuadas y mantenerse encima de sus estudios. TJ estará inscribiendo a los estudiantes para los estudios de elección a partir del 7 de marzo. Echa un vistazo aqui para obtener más información.

Anne Rice
Athletic Director
Quick Links
TJ's Tardy/Truancy Policy
Thank you for your su pport in keeping our attendance at its best!
Science Tutoring - Every Tuesday
Ms. Bromley has coordinated with Mr. Weaver to get a science tutor! Every Tuesday there will be a science tutor in room 134 after school to work with ANY student that needs extra help with science. Thanks!
Week at a Glance - Week of 2/27-3/3
Monday
  • Please click here (or see the above "Athletics Schedule" quick link) to see athletic events for the week
Tuesday

Wednesday
  • Office Hours/early release
  • All class t-shirts (as well as other gear) for sale during 8th period and after school (during Office Hours) in the lobby.
Thursday

Friday
Kudos Korner
  • Good news! The last newsletter highlighted the recent JROTC drill teams' Regional Qualifier Meet in San Antonio, Texas. In the Regional Meet TJ's JROTC Unarmed Drill Team (HP) outperformed most of the attending teams and in doing so qualified to represent Denver JROTC and TJ at the  Army National Championships in Louisville, Kentucky on April 1s t of this year.  It was earlier reported that the team would be unable to attend given the expense of the trip and the short amount of time to fundraise. However, we are happy to report that their Army JROTC Headquarters will be funding most of the trip, allowing the team to attend, compete, and represent TJ and the rest of the Denver programs.   The team is currently fundraising to help pay for the trip, but have no doubt, on the 30th of March the Spartan HP will board a plane bound for glory and a chance to compete for the Army JROTC National Championship.  
  • A big thanks goes to Brittany Nicolo, who organized a multi-day Ping Pong tournament for the faculty as a part of the wellness program. Thanks to all who participated and who came to cheer and heckle the competitors! Also a shout out to Grant Laman for taking home the championship!
Mumps Alert for Families
The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment has shared with us that there have been several cases of the Mumps virus reported in the state over the past few weeks. In order to minimize the spread of mumps in schools, the agency has asked us to provide information to our families.

We are sharing with you a cover letter in English and in Spanish for families along with a Mumps Alert letter in English and in Spanish from the CDPHE. Please share this valuable information with your school community.
Save the Date -Testing Correction
There was a misprint in last week's Admin Corner. Please note that 9th graders will be doing CMAS testing on Thursday, March 23rd and Friday, March 24th. Please make spring break plans accordingly so that students are here to test; the expectation is that students arrive at 7:30 a.m.
Please Note Athletic Ticket Price Change for Playoffs
basketball_closeup.jpg
Winter sports are on fire! Wrestling and swimming made it to State, and now girls and boys basketball are in playoffs. Since  these are CHSAA events the admission fee is set by the state and we can't change it.  Admission will be $7 for adults, $5 for students (with ID).  Athletic stickers/DPS passes don't work for playoff games.
 
If we make it to Sweet 16 and Elite 8 tickets will be $9/$7
Unified TJ Swoosh Final Tournament
Unified TJ Swoosh Final tournament at the Pepsi Center Vs South Rebels on March 4! Wish them luck! Contact Coach Lynch if you want to go.
Macbeth 2012 is Sold Out!
Great news: Macbeth 2012 is sold out for all three nights! Thank you for your support. Palmieri
Counseling News
Special Olympics Winter Games Volunteer Opportunity
5 Mar 2017 @ 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Volunteer with Special Olympics at the Colorado Winter Games at Copper Mountain! Help participants in various activities from skiing to snowshoeing! No prior training required, and you don't have to ski or ride if you're volunteering with snowshoeing! Just sign up with Special Olympics and then email Jessica to get on the CYL group list!

Step 1: Sign up to volunteer  here
Step 2: Email jessica@coloradoyoungleaders.org to get on the CYL group list. We'll meet up at the beginning and at lunch to share stories and meet new CYL members!

Click here for more information!
Support TJ Robotics
Support the robotics program and let Jim 'N Nick's take care of the cooking! For $40, you can pre-order a Jim 'N Nick's Family Meal to be picked up on Friday, March 10th at Thomas Jefferson HS. Each meal consists of one pound smoked pork or chicken, two pints scratch-made trimmings, a dozen fresh baked cheese biscuits or 6 buns, and barbecue sauce (feeds 3-4). Make your selections, include a check (written out to Thomas Jefferson Robotics) or cash, and return to Matt Santambrogio RM 34 by March 7th. Click here to access the flyer with more details!
Immigration Presentation
In Need of a Prom Dress?
TJ Gear Wanted!
Leadership is doing a sports/TJ memorabilia project.  TJ families, alumni, or community members do you have any TJ gear that you no longer want?  Please bring them into the main office labelled Leadership. 
Important Attendance Reminders
Parents and Guardians,
 
As a reminder, the key to your student's academic success is coming to school on time and attending every class. Please note that we will not be accepting excused absences for students who are in school and want to miss one class to study or hang out. This is not acceptable. Also, we will require that all seniors have a 92% attendance rate to attend prom and participate in commencement ceremonies. (Seniors can connect with Mr. Skari for how to fix their attendance.) 

Please click here for a copy of our 
attendance policy.
 
If your student is struggling and needing academic support, please remember that we have tutoring after school in the library on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Office hours on Wednesday is from 2:15pm-3pm and every student should be connecting with at least one teacher during that time.
TJ's 2017 Inaugural Online Auction
The Auction Acquisitions Team is hard at work and Auction items are coming in!  We currently have Broncos Tickets, Restaurant Gift Cards, Massages and Hotels to name a few!  TJ's Inaugural Online Auction will be held  April 16-20, 2017  and proceeds will directly benefit our staff and students by helping to pay for valuable programs such as classroom grants and much-needed upgrades for improved working and learning environments. We want this to become TJ's biggest fundraiser on an annual basis and we need your help! 

Here's what you can do: 

1. Ask the places you already know, love and frequent for a donation...they rarely say no to a donation for a public school! Reach out to businesses and request donations such as restaurant certificates, merchandise, vacation and travel opportunities, spa packages, professional services, and tickets to entertainment, cultural and sporting events. The   TJHS 2017 Auction Letter  provides additional information and has the TJ Tax ID #, as donations to TJ are tax-deductible.  This can be printed out and given to businesses when requesting a donation.  Donation information can be submitted directly into the Auction system here   and items can be turned in or mailed to the TJ office.   
 
2. When the auction goes live on  April 16th , share the link with friends, families, neighbors, co-workers--anyone in the SE Denver community and beyond--who would enjoy supporting our neighborhood high school and walking away with some pretty awesome stuff as a result. When you bid and win, so does TJ! 
 
We need everyone to help with donations to make the Auction successful!   

Please email Megan Perkins at  megandperkins@gmail.com  and  see the attachment  for more information.
Parent Support Needed
Hi TJ families!

Tons of great things coming up this winter/spring and we need tons of help to pull it off!  

* April 14--Mr. TJ, the legendary, hilarious, often-imitated-never-duplicated beauty pageant spoof starring TJ seniors
* April 16 - 20--TJ's Inaugural Online Auction to raise money to meet classroom needs, help fund student competitions at the state/regional/national level, and build a positive school culture at TJ that continues to enhance the learning environment for our students

These great traditions and events help make TJ special, and ensure continued growth and success.  Please take a careful look at the  sign up genius  and pick at least ONE thing you can commit to over the next few months.  It will take a village--and we need you! Thanks for making TJ a special place to be!

If you would like to make a donation and PTO will purchase what is needed,  click here
Cold Weather Care Guide and Sheltering Options for Families
As cold weather approaches, many families need extra assistance and sheltering options. Please click here to see the comprehensive guide. 
Communications Protocol for District Weather Closures and Delays
As we prepare for winter weather conditions, the Communications and Transportation Services teams want to ensure we're aligned with how we're sharing news about districtwide closures, dismissals and delays:
  • When districtwide school closures or early dismissals occur, information will be provided by Communications to students, families and educators.Additionally, messaging will be shared through area radio, television and print media, as well as through district websites and social media tools. We also encourage you to share this information on your school websites and social media tools.
  • Communications will use Infinite Campus to send out districtwide school closure or early dismissals messages.
  • Please note that the Transportation Services team will share information with students, families and educators about any delayed openings using its notification system called Bus Bulletin.
Mental Health and Social/Emotional Tips
~ National Unplugging Day ~

Let's challenge ourselves and hold each other accountable! The morning of March 3rd until the morning of March 4th, 2017 is  National Day of Unplugging . This day is designed to help people of all ages to embrace the ancient ritual of a day of rest and we are so excited that Screenagers is a co-sponsor! 
 
The goal of this important 24 hours is to open our eyes to how tech is so immersed in our lives. For some of us, our device is like a third hand.  Starting with just this one day, we encourage you to step back get a new perspective on your tech time, by not having tech time. 
 
Why? To increase social connections, to re-connect with friends and family, to give your eyes a break, to prove you can do it (hey, I don't need my phone!), to check-yourself and re-set your intentions, to re-discover 'the good old days' when we didn't have these everywhere we went, to give yourself better sleep- the list can go on and on. We know it is not convenient, but that is why it is an important challenge.
 
How? Take the pledge !  Encourage your family and friends to do it as well. It will be easier to hold each other accountable if you are all in it together.
 
What Else?  Get your community involved! Check out how to get NDU (National Day of Unplugging) to support your community! Need ideas for the kids? Check these resources out!
Download your own "Unplug" sign here !
Mental Health and Social Emotional Tip: Compiled by Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW and Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP  
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.
Attention Seniors
Center for Family Opportunity Resources
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 and during 8th period and after school (during Office Hours) on Wednesdays in the lobby. (Pictures of 2018 and 2020 shirts coming soon!)
Class of 2017 - Seniors
SENIOR T-Shirts - Get Yours Now
We still have some of the original Class of 2017 T-Shirts available. Y ou can purchase online and pickup at school OR  see Julie Thibodeau in the office  to buy your shirt.  Profits from these shirts support After-Prom Event for 2017.  So please support our Seniors and a safe, fun Prom 2017.  Purchase online here!
Stay CONNECTED - TeamApp - TJ Class of 2017, Twitter @2017tjhs, facebook TJHS 2017 Spartan Support 

Questions:  TJHS2017@gmail.com
Thanks for helping to make TJ and the Class of 2017 Great!
Class of 2018 - Juniors
  • Class of 2018 Parents:  Mr. TJ is on the horizon.  This male talent/variety show is a TJ tradition for Senior Boys and will be held Friday, April 14th.  Junior parents run the concession sales during the event.  We are in need of parents who want to volunteer to help with concessions and help coordinate the show.  This is a fun way to get involved.  Volunteer commitments vary; anyone interested should email: Sara_andolsek@dpsk12.org.  
  • Save the Date: Saturday, May 6th @ 7pm
    Cinco de Mayo party
    Casa de Freedbergs
    Hosted by the Leprys + Freedbergs
    FUNdraising for senior year activities for the classes of 2018 + 2020 (This will be a combined party.)
    details + evite to follow
  • 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   karycramer@msn.com  if you're interested in helping out at any point this year. We need you!
Class of 2019 - Sophomores
  • We are excited to introduce the Class of '19 retro t-shirt for sale (picture above)!  T-shirts are $15 each and proceeds will help fund Class of '19 Senior Year activities, including After Prom.  Shirts can be purchased directly from Julie Thibodeau, online at the Spartan Store, during Office Hours in the lobby, or at various school events. Parents will be selling the t-shirts in the lobby on February 8th and 15th as well.  THANK YOU for supporting the Class of '19!
     
  • If you have an idea for fundraising, community building event or volunteer opportunity, please contact Jane Bulger:  janeebulger@gmail.com
Class of 2020 - Freshmen
  • Save the Date: Saturday, May 6th @ 7pm
    Cinco de Mayo party 
    Casa de Freedbergs
    Hosted by the Leprys + Freedbergs
    FUNdraising for senior year activities for the classes of 2018 + 2020 (This will be a combined party.)
    details + evite to follow
  • Thank-you to Megan Perkins and Lisa LoJacono who have agreed to be 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:  megandperkins@gmail.com or Lisa at:  lisalojacono@gmail.com.
From the Counselors - Save the Date
April 15, 2017; 8:00-11:00 a.m.
College 101
Parents/Students: Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors;
learn about the college application process, financial aid, Naviance, and more!
More details to follow.
News from the Future Center
Seniors and families, we are approaching financial aid deadlines.  To receive priority financial aid and institutional scholarships, students must complete FAFSA and institutional scholarship applications before the colleges' deadlines.  Even if you think you have too much income to be considered for need-based aid, some colleges may still require the FAFSA to apply for their scholarships.  Click  here  to see a list of deadlines for Colorado colleges and universities.
 
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