February 12, 2018
Administrator's Corner

Dear Families,
 
Spring sports start February 26th.  To register, families will need to follow the directions below to ensure your MySchoolBucks account is set up. 
  1. Preregistration - Setup your MySchoolBucks Account: Create a MySchoolBucks (MSB) account or link your existing MSB account by logging into the Parent Portal (https://myportal.dpsk12.org/) , clicking on the Students Payments via MySchoolBucks button and then the MySchoolBucks link.
  • If you are a new MySchoolBucks user, click on the green New MySchoolBucks User button and follow the prompts
  • If you are an existing MySchoolBucks user (for meal accounts), click on the orange Existing MySchoolBucks User button and enter your MSB username and password. You will receive an email confirming the linkage of your existing MSB and Parent Portal accounts.
3. Payment: Click the green Pay & Submit button and follow the prompts, enter your DPS Parent Portal Username and Password when prompted

4. Physical Exam - Expires every year. Up to date copy turned into Ms. Jasmine Locks (Athletics Office)
 
Returning Spartans still need to log into their FamilyID account, update their season, and pay fees. First time Registering Spartans will need to create a FamilyID profile and answer all of the emergency contact information, etc. in addition to payment of fees. There is not an N/A option for medical questions, please just answer no.
 
NOTE: If you do not have a Parent Portal account, go to https://myportal.dpsk12.org, click on Getting Started and complete the Registration Form.  You will receive an email with account activation instructions.  Once your Parent Portal account is set up, follow the steps above.
 
**Please access our frequent Q&A section here:  FamilyID Q&A or visit the Athletics Page on the school website at  http://tjhs.dpsk12.org/athletics-home-2/ for more information about specific sports.
 
Visit https://payonline.dpsk12.org for more information on the implementation of MySchoolBucks, including a user guide that can be translated into multiple languages and contact information if you need support. 

Queridas familias,

Los deportes de primavera comienzan el 26 de febrero. Para registrarse, las familias deberán seguir las instrucciones a continuación para asegurarse de que su cuenta MySchoolBucks esté configurada.

Preinscripción: configure su cuenta MySchoolBucks: cree una cuenta MySchoolBucks (MSB) o enlace su cuenta existente de MSB iniciando sesión en el Portal para padres (https://myportal.dpsk12.org/), haciendo clic en el botón Pagos de estudiantes a través de MySchoolBucks y luego Enlace MySchoolBucks.
  • Si eres un usuario nuevo de MySchoolBucks, haz clic en el botón verde New MySchoolBucks User y sigue las instrucciones
  • Si usted es un usuario de MySchoolBucks (para cuentas de comida), haga clic en el botón naranja existente de MySchoolBucks User e ingrese su nombre de usuario y contraseña de MSB. Recibirá un correo electrónico confirmando la vinculación de sus cuentas existentes de MSB y Parent Portal.
2. Regístrese en línea: www.familyid.com/thomas-jefferson

3. Pago: haga clic en el botón verde Pagar y enviar y siga las instrucciones, ingrese su nombre de usuario y contraseña del Portal principal de DPS cuando se le solicite

4. Examen físico: expira cada año. Copia actualizada convertida en Ms. Jasmine Locks (Oficina de Atletismo)

Los Spartans que regresan todavía necesitan iniciar sesión en su cuenta FamilyID, actualizar su temporada y pagar tarifas. La primera vez que inscriba a Spartans deberá crear un perfil de FamilyID y responder a toda la información de contacto de emergencia, etc., además del pago de tarifas. No hay una opción N / A para preguntas médicas, solo responda no.

NOTA: Si no tiene una cuenta de Parent Portal, vaya a https://myportal.dpsk12.org, haga clic en Getting Started y complete el Formulario de registro. Recibirá un correo electrónico con las instrucciones de activación de la cuenta. Una vez que su cuenta de Parent Portal esté configurada, siga los pasos anteriores.

** Acceda a nuestra sección frecuente de preguntas y respuestas aquí: FamilyID Q & A o visite la página de atletismo en el sitio web de la escuela en http://tjhs.dpsk12.org/athletics-home-2/ para obtener más información sobre deportes específicos.

Visite https://payonline.dpsk12.org para obtener más información sobre la implementación de MySchoolBucks, incluida una guía del usuario que puede traducirse a múltiples idiomas e información de contacto si necesita ayuda.

Anne Rice
Athletic Director
Quick Links
artwork by Andrew Villescas
Week at a Glance - Week of 2/12-2/16
Monday- 
  • Please click here (or see the above "Athletics Schedule" quick link) to see athletic events for the week
  • Spirit Week: PJ Day
  • Chipotle Theatre Fundraiser (see below for details)
Tuesday- 
  • Spirit Week: Mardi Gras
  • Class of 2019 Parent Meeting: 5:00 p.m. in room 111 (details below in Class News)
  • PTO Meeting: 6:00 p.m. in room 111
Wednesday-
  • Spirit Week: Valentine's Day
  • Office Hours: 2:14-2:55 p.m.
Thursday -
  • Spirit Week: Decades Day
  • Grease: 7:00 p.m. in Auditorum
Friday - 
  • End of the 4th 6-week grading period
  • Spirit Week: TJ Day
  • Pep Assembly: 2:00 p.m.
Kudos Korner
  • Kudos to Maddi Abram and Sam Chappell, two outstanding Spartans who performed with over 500 other students from across the state in the All State Choir Competition. Way to go, Maddi and Sam!
Chipotle Fundraiser Today/Tonight!
GREASE!
movie_tickets.jpg

TJ will be performing Grease for this year's musical Feb, 15,16, 17, @ 7pm. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults. Seniors class of 2018, purchase your tickets for student night, Friday night for only $2! You must present your ID for this deal and it is only available for pre-sale only! Keep you're eyes out for posters, announcements, and other info regarding the show including how your business card can be featured in our program!
PTO Early Dinner for P/T Conferences
Dear TJ Families:

The second semester is in full swing which means it is time for Parent Teacher Conferences. 
On  Wednesday, February 21, 2018 , TJ's PTO will host a baked potato bar for staff from 3:00-4:00 p.m. before conferences begin that night.  Please sign up here  to help make this dinner possible. We can't do it with you! 

Bring your item to room 111 any time between 1:00-2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 21st. We need to have all the food by 2:30 p.m. to begin serving at 3:00 p.m..   If your item does not need to be refrigerated or heated, you can drop it off in the main office on Tuesday before 3: 30pm  or anytime on Wednesday before 2:30  p.m . (There is no school on Tuesday, so all the food needs to arrive on Wednesday.)

If you are not available on the  21st , there are still ways to help!  You are invited to  click here to make a donation  or bring in check or cash donations to the office by February  17th . Donated funds will be used for this dinner or future staff appreciation events.

The teachers and staff really appreciate your support during this busy evening.  Thank you in advance for your generosity!

Sincerely,
TJ PTO
Final Yearbook Discount


This is the final discounted price for the yearbook! It will be $60 until 2-23-18. After that, the book will be $65 until we are sold out.   To ensure you get a book, buy now!

Anything that you need to know about the yearbook can be found on the yearbook website here!

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
Part Time Custodian Wanted
To apply, please visit our website http://careers.dpsk12.org

Select " Work in DPS " and go to School support Operations and select " Apply Now. " Select " External Candidates. " Enter " Custodian " in Keyword box. Click the " Apply for the Job " button and enter your information. 
Community Meeting - February 20th
24th Annual Safe City Youth Summit
2nd Annual TJ Auction
Planning for the 2nd Annual TJ Auction is underway and we NEED YOU! It is time to start reaching out to businesses in the community for end-of-year, tax-deductible donations to TJ's online auction, scheduled for  March 11-15 . Last year we raised $10,000 for our classroom grant program. This year, our goal is to raise $20,000 to have an even greater impact on all our students. 
 
Do you own a business or provide a valuable service?  Donate an item, goods, or services. We're looking for shopping, dining, entertainment, home/yard/vehicle goods and services, travel and getaways, treats, beauty/spas and health services, professional services and more. Simply go to  https://tjhs.ptapal.com  to enter your donation and follow the instructions!
 
Do you love to shop, dine and explore the Denver-Metro area?
Collect donations from the places you already frequent. Most businesses are excited to have an opportunity to support public schools and earn new customers. Don't be shy! If they advertise, they want business, and school auctions are a great opportunity to get in front of new people. If they're on Living Social, Travel Zoo or Groupon, they're probably great candidates to donate to TJ.  
 
Do you enjoy theme parties and social gatherings? 
Gather a couple TJ families to co-host a themed party. Get our your neon 80s wear, old college sweatshirts, or check Pinterest for the craziest new ideas for themed parties. Some we love: tacky party, murder mystery, painting and sipping, yoga n mimosas, mamas and margaritas, 80s prom, dads and drafts, pedal push party... the possibilities are endless, fun, and build the TJ community. We'll consult with you to make it a huge success and market your party on the auction site and all proceeds will go to TJ.  
 
We NEED YOU and helping is EASY!
1.  Use this form to share with businesses. Email it or share it in person. We're not kidding--it's that simple. It has all the necessary details plus PTO's tax ID number and instructions on how to submit donations. 
2. Collect as many donations as possible while you're out and about. Companies value the opportunity to earn the business of TJ parents and support public education. And the tax write-off is pretty great, too.  
 
Again, some of the categories of business we need include:
  • stores of all kinds
  • dining
  • entertainment, sports events and recreation (concerts, movie passes, memberships)
  • home & vehicle goods and services (interior design, roofs, painting, fences, landscape design, architecture, auto maintenance or repairs)
  • professional services (taxes, accounting, home organizing, marketing, graphic design, consulting, etc.)
  • travel and getaways 
  • treats of all varieties
  • beauty/spas and health services (hair, nail, body, relaxation, wellness, gyms, yoga, pilates, massage, acupuncture, etc.)
  • student services (tutoring, test prep, college admissions support, voice or music lessons)
  • athletic services (camps, strength and agility training, etc.)
  • parent parties
  • and just about anything else you or your families buy/use!
If you have any questions reach out to Auction Chair Megan Perkins: 
TJ Talks - March 1st
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week: Feb. 26 - March 4
New Spirit Store Hours
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. Click here for more information!
  • Beginning Friday, January 19, TJ spirit store hours will be on Fridays during lunch only. We have two parents who will be alternating shifts to make the store convenient and accessible to students. The store will continue to be open during special events, and Julie Thibodeau will continue to be available at other times for the offhand, urgent purchase. But we feel this regular weekly schedule will be easy to remember, easier to staff, and hopefully maximize use of the store. 
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.
Mental Health and Social/Emotional Tips
Did You Know...?

That February 17th is Random Acts of Kindness Day?
So what does this mean for my community and me? It means now is a great time to pay it forward! You can find fun, simple activities to do with your family, friends, community groups, for either people you know or to pass along to strangers!

- Lifespan
- Energy
- Happiness
- Pleasure
- Serotonin
 
- Pain
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Blood Pressure
 
Here are some fun ways to pass along kindness:
Community :
- Wheel out your neighbor's trash and recycling bins; shovel their sidewalks; put a nice note in their mailbox
School :
- make a hand-made card for people; send a positive email to a staff or peer; lend someone your class notes
Online :
- Text someone a nice message, send a positive email; post an inspiring quote, praise a local business
Strangers :
- Buy the coffee or groceries for the person behind you in line; put a nice note in a library book; put a fun surprise in someone's mailbox; smile at people when you pass them in the street.
Animals :
- Donate to a local shelter; fill a birdhouse with seeds for your yard; Adopt, don't shop.
You:
- Take a walk outside; laugh often; have a judgement-free day; try something new!

"KINDNESS CAN TRANSFORM SOMEONE'S DARK MOMENT WITH A BLAZE OF LIGHT. 
YOU'LL NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH YOUR CARING MATTERS. MAKE A DIFFERENCE 
FOR ANOTHER TODAY." -Amy Leigh Mercree
Mental Health and Social Emotional "Did You Know":  Compiled by Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW and Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP. 
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!

     
  • Supporting our TJ students, classrooms and teacher is as simple as a click of a button. Visit the online store to donate to TJ PTO today: Online Spartan Spirit Store for TJ Gear
Class of 2018 - Seniors
Calling all Senior Parents!
Our time is limited and these last few months will be filled with significant milestones and fun celebrations.  Now is the time to get involved and make Spring semester of Senior year memorable and meaningful for your Class of 2018 student. 

*We have a choreographer for Mr. TJ (thank-you Tyler Cobb) and now we need parents willing to supervise rehearsals and provide lunches/snacks.  All parents, regardless of if you have a son or daughter, are welcome to help.  Please contact  [email protected] to get involved with this fun TJ tradition.  

*Fundraising efforts have been successful and now comes the celebration.  Want to get involved with After-Prom?  All parents are welcome and needed with planning, implementing, and supervising this special event.  Please contact  [email protected] to indicate your interest in helping.  

Together we can make incredible memories for the Class of 2018. 
Class of 2019 - Juniors
Class of 2019 Parent Meeting!
When:  February 13th @ 5:00pm
Where:  TJ Room 111
What:  Join fellow parents from the class of '19 to learn about upcoming events, important testing dates and preparation, and fundraising goals to support Class of '19 Senior year activities.  

Questions?  Contact Anne McCord at  [email protected]
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
 
Seniors are encouraged to stop by the Future Center to set up a time to discuss their plans for next year.  

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