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April 17, 2017
Administrator's Corner

Dear Parents and Students,

As we move through April (and our plethora of testing), I just want to remind everyone to have fun in the midst of it all!! This is a time that seniors are celebrating and enjoying Mr. TJ and Prom as they look forward to check out and graduation. We have our Inaugural Online Auction going from April 15th through the 20th, and have planted new trees along the driveway that goes along the back of the baseball fields. Please check that all out! Thank you to all of the families and volunteers who participated in our College 101 day on the 15th as well. Winding down the year, I want to encourage all of you to please find new and fun ways to connect with us as a community.

Estimados Padres y Estudiantes,
¡A medida que avanzamos a través de abril (y nuestra plétora de exámenes), sólo quiero recordarles a todos que se diviertan en medio de todo! Este es un momento en que los estudiantes en el grado 12 están celebrando y disfrutando del Mr. TJ y Prom (baile) mientras esperan en graduarse. Tenemos nuestra subasta inaugural que va del 15 de abril al 20, y hemos plantado nuevos árboles a lo largo de la calzada que va a lo largo de la parte posterior de los campos de béisbol. ¡Por favor, venga a verlo! Gracias a todas las familias y voluntarios que participaron en nuestro College 101 día, el día 15 también. Terminando el año, quiero animar a todos ustedes a que encuentren formas nuevas y divertidas de conectarse con nosotros como comunidad.

Paula Hammel
Assistant Principal
Quick Links
TJ's Tardy/Truancy Policy
Thank you for your su pport in keeping our attendance at its best!
Week at a Glance - Week of 4/17-4/21
Monday
  • Please click here (or see the above "Athletics Schedule" quick link) to see athletic events for the week
Tuesday
  • GT fundraiser at the Garlic Knot - all proceeds to to GT, just mention GT at TJ!
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
  • Last day for TJ Online Auction!
Friday
Kudos Korner
  • Kudos to the 29 students who went to Colorado Springs for the SkillsUSA Competition. They represented TJ with pride and were rewarded with many medals. We also were granted the only Chapter in Colorado to receive the Gold level of Chapter of Distinction. This qualifies us to represent Colorado at Nationals in Louisville, KY in June. Please give our SkillsUSA students congratulations if you see them in class or in the halls on Monday.
Computer Programming
Gold- Matt Bulger
Silver- D'Aris James
Bronze- Julio Munoz

Web Design
Gold- Asianae Jackson & Rachel Sadler
Bronze- Liza Boronikhina & Grace Leonard

3D Animation
Gold- Hunter Holmes and Conner Side
Silver- Xavier Texidor & Regelio Flores
Bronze- Collin Sonnerberger & Daniel Orzescu

Photography
Gold- Avery Hericks
Silver- Andrew Seidenstat

Video
Bronze- Erik Stolz & Oscar Nurmat

Customer Service
Silver- Lizzy Ryan

Demonstration A
Bronze- Tyler Weiskopf

All GOLD winners qualify to attend the National Competition in Louisville, KY the week of June 19th.
  • Kudos to the members of the JROTC Honor Platoon Drill Team, who recently completed their trip to Louisville, KY for the Army JROTC National Drill Championships. The team was financially sponsored by JROTC based on their high ranking in the JROTC Western Regional Qualifying Competition.  They spent 3 days in Louisville over spring break preparing and competing in the Championships for the first time.  The team returned home with a 12th place overall finish, representing over 1700 programs nationwide.  Awesome representation for the team, TJ and Denver JROTC. 
  • Kudos to the TJ art students! Their work will be on display at the Department of Transportation office (Colorado Blvd and Arkansas) through May 5th. Way to go, Spartans!
Help the Robotics Team get to the World Championship!

Sparta Robotica is headed to Houston April 19-23 to compete in the FIRST Robotics World Championship. If you're interested and able to donate to the cause, please click here!

TJ's 2017 Inaugural Online Auction is here...It's Time to Bid and Win Big!

The online auction is a great chance to score a deal and an opportunity to have the money you would normally spend on everyday items go to TJ! 100% of the proceeds from the Auction will benefit our classroom grant program. The online auction went live on April 15th and bidding ends at 7:00 pm on April 20th. You still have a lot of time to bid so please be sure to check it out. There are a lot of items - you are sure to find something that you want, and you can help out TJ by getting it here! 

We need YOU to help to make TJ's Auction a success...here's how you can help:

· Bid on items you already buy every day

· Bid on fun items including gift cards, weekend getaways, athletic tickets, cool experiences, great gifts

· Send the auction link to family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors and encourage them to bid, too

· Remind other TJ families to get in on the auction action

Everything you need to know about how the auction works can be found here in the Auction FAQs.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate contact Megan Perkins
at megandperkins@gmail.com or 303.870.0579.

Get online and start bidding!
Prom is Here!
Saturday April 22, 2017 
8pm- 11pm, Royalty announced at 10:30 pm
Tickets on sale now- $45 an individual $65 a couple

AFTER PROM TO FOLLOW AT TJ
After Prom is a free, fun, extension of Prom, held at the school from 11pm -2am. Students may leave but no re-entry allowed. Food, casino tables, inflatable obstacle course, lounge, music, and exciting giveaways to be announced all night. Students' names will be drawn, they must be present to win. 
Tickets on Sale Now for Challenge Denver's Annual Dinner
You're invited to join Challenge Denver for our Annual "Be the Change" Dinner at Thomas Jefferson High School on May 2nd, from 6:00-8:30 p.m.

Our largest event of year, our Annual Dinner unites educators, business leaders, community members, and students for an inspiring and powerful evening celebrating Challenge Denver's impact and allowing guests to personally engage in key pieces of our life-changing -- and often life-saving --social emotional programming.

The evening also features students sharing their "If You Really Knew Me..." stories, and how Challenge Denver's programs inspired them to see themselves, their community, and the world with more empathy, gratitude, compassion and love.

100% of proceeds help ensure our programs reach more students and schools in need.

Thank you in advance for your commitment to helping us ensure that every student across Denver feels safe, loved and empowered at school and in life!

Summer Job Postings for Students
join_our_team_sign.jpg
Hey students, looking for a great summer job? Interested in learning more about the hospitality industry?
Embassy Suites on Hampden has a few positions right in TJ's neighborhood they're looking to fill:
  • Restaurant Bus Person - set up and clear tables, stock all service stations and assist food servers with table service to ensure total guest satisfaction.  Must be at least 16 years of age.  Weekend evenings, starting pay $9.00/hour plus tips
  • Housekeeping Houseman - assure cleanliness of guest floor corridors, foyers, stairwells and public vending areas, folding of linens and assist with delivery of amenities to guest suites in order to maintain high standards of quality.  Must be at least 16 years of age.  Weekend evenings, starting pay $10.50/hour
  • Restaurant Servers - provide food and beverages in a friendly, professional and efficient manner to the guest ensuring a positive dining experience.  Must be at least 18 years of age. Weekend evenings, starting pay $8.23/hour plus tips. 
If interested, please contact Coral Bachusz,  Director of Operations/HR
Embassy Suites Denver Southeast
7525 E. Hampden Avenue
Denver, CO  80231
 
Direct Line:  303-923-4051
Fax: 303-337-6202
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.
Peru Trip - Act Soon!
It has been chosen, we are off to Peru in June 2018! All students interested in hiking Machu Picchu, rafting in the Sacred Valley, touring a wild animal sanctuary, cruising an Indian market and so many more adventures... Stop by room 217 for an informational packet!
 
Parents of interested travelers: please contact Jennifer Sonheim with any questions:  720-423-7093 or   Jennifer_Sonheim@dpsk12.org .
 
Click here for more details about the trip.  We will have an informational meeting in the near future!
Mental Health and Social/Emotional Tips
~ Earth Day and the Outdoors ~

Earth Day, April 22nd, 2017, is almost here! Earth Day is an annual event celebrated around the world that focuses on environmental protection. What we love about this day is that in addition to us getting outdoors and enjoying where we live, we can learn about small and easy steps we can do every day to positively impact our environment.
 
Did you know...
1)         Americans use 380 BILLION plastic bags used each year Our use of plastic bags                   annually requires 12 MILLION barrels of oil
2)         Annually,  Americans throw away 34 MILLION TONS of paper
3)         In one day, each person creates approximately 4 POUNDS of trash
 
What are some small changes I can make right now?
1)         Carry re-usable bags that are washable and able to be condensed easily so you can             carry them in your car, purse or pocket! Here is a great resource
 
            - Before you use a plastic bag, think, "does this really need to be in a bag?" or "can              I put this in a Tupperware?" Aim to use glass containers, as they are better for the                environment and usually BPA free
 
2)         Think twice about printing that email or document, and remember to recycle all paper!               Thinking about all those unwanted catalogs you get? Consider canceling unwanted                catalogs through this website 
 
3)         Remember to recycle as much as possible. Find out where you can recycle                              ANYTHING here.

Now, let's get outside and enjoy the great outdoors! April 15th-16th and April 22nd- 23rd FREE ENTRANCE to all NATIONAL PARKS in celebration of National Park Week.
Mental Health and Social Emotional Tip: Compiled by Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW and Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP  
Resources: www.bhg.com
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.
Youth LGBTQ Meet-Up Opportunities
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
After Prom is Back! 
Hello TJ families, as we prepare to re-establish this Senior Year event your help is needed. TJ has not had an After Prom in 4 years - it is time to bring it back! We are asking senior parents to get involved to create a memorable night for the Class of 2017. Your time and / or generous donations are appreciated!

After Prom is a free, fun, extension of Prom, held at the school from 11pm -2am (April 22, 2017) Students may leave but no re-entry allowed. Food, casino tables, inflatable obstacle course, lounge, music, and exciting giveaways to be announced all night. Student's names will be drawn, they must be present to win.

Parents participating during the event will hardly be noticed (by teens). The night cannot happen without you.

If you would like to financially support After Prom, donate here.
Questions? Email Steph Stoetzer.

Thanks in advance for your support!
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
Parents of Class of 2018 and 2020--Fiesta Like There's No Mañana! 

Cinco de Mayo Party
Saturday, May 6th at 7pm
Hosted by the Leprys and Freedbergs
3788 S. Poplar Street
$30 per person (collected at the door) 
Open to all TJ's grown-up friends and families

Enjoy a fun evening and fundraising for the Class of 2018 and Class of 2020 senior year activities (traditions galore including Mr. TJ, Prom and After-Prom)!

Cost includes appetizers, desserts, margaritas, beer and wine plus a fun evening with a great community. This fiesta is going to be serious fun, so please bring your friends! Adults only, please. 
 
Please RSVP ASAP (and no later than May 1)

Can't attend? You can still make a donation toward senior year activities!
Class of 2018: karycramer@msn.com
Class of 2020: lisalojacono@gmail.com

Please forward on to those we've missed. The more the merrier! 

Thank you,  
The Freedbergs + Leprys
  • 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
Parents of Class of 2018 and 2020--Fiesta Like There's No Mañana! 

Cinco de Mayo Party
Saturday, May 6th at 7pm
Hosted by the Leprys and Freedbergs
3788 S. Poplar Street
$30 per person (collected at the door) 
Open to all TJ's grown-up friends and families

Enjoy a fun evening and fundraising for the Class of 2018 and Class of 2020 senior year activities (traditions galore including Mr. TJ, Prom and After-Prom)!

Cost includes appetizers, desserts, margaritas, beer and wine plus a fun evening with a great community. This fiesta is going to be serious fun, so please bring your friends! Adults only, please. 
 
Please RSVP ASAP (and no later than May 1)

Can't attend? You can still make a donation toward senior year activities!
Class of 2018: karycramer@msn.com
Class of 2020: lisalojacono@gmail.com

Please forward on to those we've missed. The more the merrier! 

Thank you,  
The Freedbergs + Leprys
  • 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 .
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