May 8, 2017
Administrator's Corner

Just a reminder that Seniors who 
are taking online Edgenuity courses as credit recovery need to be completed this Friday, May 12th. Also, we will be having our Back Yard Bash on May 12th which will start at 1pm. Please note the schedule change for that day.
 
Sólo un recordatorio de que las personas en el grado 12 que están tomando cursos 'Edgenuity' en la computadora como recuperación de crédito deben terminar este viernes, 12 de mayo. Además, estaremos teniendo nuestro 'Back Yard Bash' el 12 de mayo, que comenzará a la 1pm. Tenga en cuenta el cambio de horario para ese día.

Paula Hammel
Assistant Principal
Quick Links
Week at a Glance - Week of 5/8-5/12
Monday
  • Please click here (or see the above "Athletics Schedule" quick link) to see athletic events for the week
Tuesday
  • Partners PTO Meeting - 6:00 p.m.
  • GT Private Movie Screening (details below) - 6:30 p.m.
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
  • Band/Orchestra Concert - 7:00 p.m. (theme - "The Art in Music, and the Music in Art")
Friday
  • Special schedule for Backyard Bash:
(30 minute classes - 4 minute passing periods)
1) 7:30-8:00
2) 8:04-8:34
3) 8:38-9:08
4) 9:12-9:50 (8 min Spartan Edition)
6) 9:54-10:24
Lunch 10:25-11:10
7)11:14 -11:44
8)11:48-12:18
Assembly 12:25-1:05
BackYard Bash (outside) 1:10-3:00
Kudos Korner
Both Leora Busse and  Chloe Richter were recipients of the Colorado NCWIT Aspirations Award given in Boulder Sunday afternoon for their achievements in technology. 

NCWIT Aspirations in Computing (AiC) provides a long-term community for female technologists, from K-12 through higher education and beyond, encouraging persistence in computing through continuous engagement and ongoing encouragement at each pivotal stage of their educational and professional development. 

Way to go, ladies!
Yearbook Distribution and Signing Party



The yearbook distribution and signing party is May 12 during the Backyard Bash. It is still possible to buy a yearbook. The books are no longer available to purchase online, but you can purchase one from the school treasurer. The cost is $60. You will be able to purchase a book until they are all gone. We only have a few left, so act soon.

TJ's Tardy/Truancy Policy
Thank you for your su pport in keeping our attendance at its best!
GT News - Private Movie Screening
The Denver Association of Gifted and Talented (DAGT)
Invites your family to watch a private screening of the movie Gifted.
When: Tuesday, May 9, 2017
Where: The Denver Pavilions Theater 500 16th St, Denver, CO 80202
Time: Doors open at 6:00 pm. Movie begins at 6:30 pm. There will be a previewing
discussion beginning at 6:15 pm led by staff in the DPS gifted education
program.
Cost: DAGT is offering a discounted rate of $7.00 per ticket. This is the price for
children and adults. Please bring the exact amount. Concession items are on your
own.

Gifted is rated PG-13 due to some strong language. Please decide if this movie is
appropriate for your child to view.
Movie Plot: Frank Adler (Chris Evans) is a single man raising a child prodigy - his
spirited young niece Mary (Mckenna Grace) - in a coastal town in Florida. Frank's
plans for a normal school life for Mary are foiled when the 7-year-old's
mathematical abilities come to the attention of Frank's formidable mother, Evelyn
(Lindsay Duncan), whose plans for her granddaughter threaten to separate Frank
and Mary.

Reservations will be necessary as the theater only has a limited number of seats.
The seats will be awarded first come/first serve through the reservation.
To reserve your seats, please email Valerie Davis at
Valerie_davis@dpsk12.org with the number of seats requested.

Payment: When entering the theater look for a table marked DAGT. You will
receive your ticket at this table. Do NOT pay at the ticket window. Please have
cash ready in the exact amount. We might not have change.
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 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.
Parents - We Need Your Help for the Backyard Bash!
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As the school year winds down, several fun traditions are back! 
Back Yard Bash is coming up - see the sign up genius for the easy ways you can help make these events successful for TJ students! Thanks in advance for your support. 

Backyard Bash
Leadership is also hosting the Backyard Bash on Friday, May 12 which will be full of fun, games/sports, and food for the whole school. PTO will again provide food including hot dogs, chips and bottled water.  

Please check the sign up for easy ways you can help support these events. You can also donate here and PTO will shop for you--even $5 helps!  
Last Call for Robotics Gear
Robotics is placing our last order of the year for shirts and hoodies...show some support for the Colorado Regional winning team!

T-shirts are  $20.00
Hoodies are $45.00
sizes small-xxxl

Orders due to Matt Santambrogio (room 34) by  May 9th for delivery before the end of year. 
Finals Schedule and Transportation for Finals Week
Please note: for parents of students who receive transportation on district school buses, transportation on these days will be adjusted to have the bus/ALC driver come and pick students up at 12:45 p.m. 
 
Wednesday, May 24th:    
Period 2:  7:30 to 9:00 (Final)
Period 3:  9:05 to 10:35 (Final)
Period 4:  10:40 to 12:10 (Final)
Lunch:  12:10 to 12:50
Test make-up and teacher conferences:  12:55 - 3:00
 
Thursday, May 25th
Period 6:   7:30 to 9:00 (Final)
Period 7:   9:05 to 10:35 (Final)
Test make-up and teacher conferences:  10:40 - 12:10
Lunch:     12:10 to 12:50
Test make up and teacher conferences:  12:55 to 3:00 (Finals Make-up) 
 
Friday, May 26th:
Period 1:   7:30 to 9:00 (Final)
Period 8:   9:05 to 10:35 (Final)
Test make-up and teacher conferences:  10:40 - 12:10
Lunch:       12:10 to 12:50
Test make-up and teacher conferences:  12:55 to 3:00 (Finals Make-up) 
Parent Help Needed at the Spirit Store


TJ parents and students - Freshman Orientation is May 18th at TJ from 6pm to 8pm. Please contact Laura Whalen if you can assist with selling TJ Spirit wear that night at the popup Spirit Store. Freshman are always excited to start wearing their TJ gear and we have a full inventory this year to offer. So lots of help selling, setting up and breaking down the store is needed.

Special Education Parent/Guardian Focus Groups
CO Summer Program Lets Rising Sophomores & Juniors Get Early College Experience












The  Colorado Student Leaders Institute  (COSLI) is the newest member of the 25-state Governor's School network, an institution steeped in a rich 50+ year history and revered throughout the nation as a highly successful model for post-secondary preparedness. 

Students accepted into COSLI will be hosted for 28 days at CU-Denver this summer and earn 3 college credit hours. In its second year in CO, this program lets kids get a taste for the college experience while exploring topics important to the State of CO, potential career interests, and fun weekend excursions.

Executive Director Celeste Archer and team have structured an exciting itinerary for this summer: 
  • July 9 - August 5, 2017
     
  • Live on CU-Denver campus in dorms for 28 days (great food, workout area, living quads and quarters, and more)
     
  • Explore different career fields
     
  • Create and execute a business plan
  • Meet other rising sophomores and juniors, make friends from across CO
     
  • Gain unique perspectives on critical issues in CO and U.S.
     
  • Learn from top speakers and via cool field trips
     
  • Weekend adventure in Buena Vista
     
  • Parent weekend at Rockies game
     
  • Sports and arts weekend
     
  • Choose a focus in either STEAM or international studies ("majors")
     
  • Complete two high school capstones
  • A day at the Anschutz campus
     
  • Meet legislators at Capitol who make this program possible
     
  • Create a community for CO's and America's future leaders
  • Earn 3 college credit hours!!!
Two Spartan students are on the COSLI Student Board--Ge'Swan Swanson and Avery Hericks--and reported an incredible experience last summer, and continue their involvement as current board members. 
 
DEADLINE: The program is in its third and final round of applications. All applications must be turned in by May 12. Please note: the application includes two teacher/admin recommendation forms so please don't delay!   Click here to apply!
 
New Graduation Requirements for the Class of 2021
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!
Summer Job Postings for Students
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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
The DPS Language Arts Department is hosting a Student Summer Writing camp
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Student Opportunity : The Denver Writing Project is offering a writing camp for 9 th  -12 th  graders at the Auraria Campus.  The camp is for students interested in writing for civic action and social justice.  The camp will be held Monday through Thursday from June 12 th -22 nd  (with no meeting on Friday, June 16 th ).  This is a grant funded camp and registration is free - however, students must apply and be accepted.  The camp will be capped at 30 to 40 participants and, as now, there is still space available.  For more information,  click here  or contact  Sarah Woodard  (thanks for sharing, Sarah!).
Peru Trip - Act Soon!

Contact jennifer_sonheim@dpsk12.org for information

Click here for more details about the trip.  We will have an informational meeting in the near future!
Interested in Being a Host Family?
Mental Health and Social/Emotional Tips
~ Managing Stress ~

As the school year winds down, we are noticing increased levels of stress in our students. For this reason, we are revisiting a previous tip to help with identifying and managing stress, so our kids (and parents, and staff!) can finish strong!
 
What Is Stress?
     * Stress is what you feel when you have to handle more than you are used to.
When you are stressed, your body responds as though you are in danger. It makes hormones that speed up your heart, make you breathe faster, and give you a burst of energy. This is called the fight-or-flight stress response .
 
Is Stress Good or Bad?
  • Some stress is normal and even useful.
  • It can help if you need to work hard or react quickly. For example, it can help you win a race or finish an important job on time. Stress can help students finish assignments or do well when performing.
Healthy Ways to Relieve or Avoid Unhealthy Stress
  • Learn better ways to manage time; help your child with this. They may need guiding and modeling initially. You may get more done with less stress if you make a schedule. Teach your teen to prioritize their responsibilities. 
  • Find better ways to cope. Look at how they deal with stress. Be honest about what works and what does not. Think about other things that might work better. Some ideas:
-        Exercise. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to manage stress. Walking is a great way to get          started.
-        Write. It can help to write about the things that are bothering you.
-        Let your feelings out. Talk, laugh, cry, and express anger when you need to with someone you                  trust.
-        Encourage your teen to do something they like- A hobby can help you relax. Volunteer work or                work that helps others can be a great stress reliever.
-        Help your teen learn how to relax the body and mind. This can include breathing exercises, muscle          relaxation exercises, massage, aromatherapy, mindfulness exercises, yoga, or relaxing exercises            like tai chi and qi gong. A few smart phone apps such as Headspace and Smiling Mind also                      provide guided exercises and tools.
-        Remind your teen to focus on the present when they feel stressed. Try meditation, imagery                      exercises, listen to relaxing music. Try to look for the humor in life. Laughter really can be the best            medicine.
Mental Health and Social Emotional Tip: Compiled by Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW and Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP  
Resources: Content taken from presentation compiled by Sarah Hartman, LCSW at George Washington High School. 
Latin at TJ?
There is a possibility of offering of Latin as part of our World Languages offerings and Gifted and Talented programming during the course of the school day next year.

Latin is the crama of vocabulary development, and traditionally found in highest quality gifted programs.
Priority reservations are being held for rising sophomore, juniors and seniors.

If you are interested, email Mr. Weaver with "Latin 2017" in the subject line before Friday May 5 at 4:30 pm.  There are 7 spots left at the time of this publication and no guaranteed seats will be considered after this deadline.
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.
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
Graduation: Friday, June 2nd, at DU Arena 4:00 p.m.
  • Doors open at 3pm
  • NO tickets needed...open seating (but first come first served)
  • Students will receive Cap & Gown after completing Senior Checkout on the May 17th.
Rehearsals:
May 17th 7am-8am  Pancake breakfast
May 17th 8am-10am (MANDATORY) Rehearsal at TJ
May 30th  9:15-10:30am (MANDATORY) Rehearsal at DU (please arrive no later than 9:15)
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. 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
  • 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
  • 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
Dear Seniors and Families,
 
We are reaching the end of the school year.  Please read the entire email for steps students need to take before leaving TJ.  This email also has information about lots of opportunities and scholarships.
 
College Acceptances
Congratulations to the 145 students who have shared that they've been accepted to college!  Not all seniors have shared where they've been admitted.  If you have not shared, you will not be part of the senior college acceptances presentation.  I will use the college acceptances and senior pictures for recognition in the main hallway and possibly during the graduation ceremony. 
 
Scholarship Acceptances
Congratulations to the 48 students who have received scholarships!  At this point, 80 students have applied to at least one scholarship.  If you have received a scholarship, please share a copy of your acceptance letter.  I would like to recognize you in the graduation program booklet.  If I don't hear from you, I will be unable to recognize you.  At this point, TJ seniors have raised $4,159,885 in scholarship money.  We are getting closer to our goal of $7 million! 
 
Steps to Enrollment
If you have been accepted to college, here are a list of steps to take to enroll in college:
1.       Open your student account on your college's website.  ASAP!
2.      Complete the financial aid process.  Information will be in your student account.  Do not put down an enrollment deposit unless you know exactly what you'll have to pay.  I am happy to breakdown financial aid award letters with you.
3.      Enrollment deposit: Assuming you can afford to attend the university, confirm your spot through paying an enrollment deposit.  If cost is an issue, contact the university to see about deferring or waiving it.
4.      Housing: If you are going to live on campus, you need to put down a housing deposit.  If cost is an issue, contact the university to see about deferring or waiving it.
5.      Testing: Some colleges will ask you to take the ACCUPLACER or their own academic placement testing before you are allowed to register.  Make sure you know what your requirements are.
6.      Orientation:  Colleges and universities expect students to attend orientation. 
7.      Health insurance:  If you have health insurance with your family, make sure you give proof to the college.  If health insurance is required, you might automatically be enrolled for the university's insurance, which could be an extra $3000-$4000.  If you have Medicaid, check in with the clinic to make sure that you have what you need for college.
8.      Vaccinations: Get a copy of your vaccinations before you leave TJ. 
9.      Meet with an academic advisor/register for classes
10.   Send transcripts from any college where you were concurrently enrolled to the college/university that you will be attending.  Also send Advanced Placement test scores with a three or higher.  I will send directions in my next email in May.
 
 
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