March 18, 2019
Administrator's Corner

Hello TJ,
 
Thanks to your support in 2016 for the bond issue that DPS put forward, TJ will be seeing over 3 million dollars in updates and renovations starting this spring and continuing throughout the summer. I want to again thank the parents, community members, and students that were a part of the decision making process to ensure that as many stakeholders voices were heard as we selected these projects. Here are the projects that have already been completed and/or are upcoming:
 
New Field Turf (completed fall 2018)
  • New Concession Stand with Restrooms between baseball/softball fields (construction started March, 2019 - ending July, 2019)
  • Field Lights (scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2019)
  • Lobby remodel (construction starting March, 2019 - ending August, 2019)
  • Library remodel (construction starting March, 2019 - ending August, 2019)
  • Retractable Gym Wall replacement (construction starting March, 2019 - ending April, 2019)
From our St. Jude's fundraiser this past fall (separate from the bond projects) - our new gym floor is scheduled to be completed on April 8th!
 
As you can see we have a lot going on over the next few months! I want to assure you that I have worked closely with the project manager and construction company to make sure instruction is not interrupted during the construction period. All work done inside the building on the lobby and library will be done after school hours until summer break. Part of the remodel of the lobby will require that the terrazzo floor be taken out (and replaced with new terrazzo), but this work should not impact students and visitors access the school through the front doors.
 
The goal is that all of this work will be completed before the start of the 2019-2020 school year (fingers crossed)!
 
Have a great week,
 
Haga clic aquí­ para la versión en Español.

Mike Christoff
Principal
Quick Links

Spring Break is
 next week! The next newsletter will go out on April 1st. 

Enjoy the time off, Spartans!

Week at a Glance - Week of 3/18-3/22
Monday
  • Please click here (or see the above "Athletics Schedule" quick link) to see athletic events for the week
  • Auction item pickup in the front lobby: 2:30-6:00 p.m.
Tuesday-
  • Choir concert - 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday -
  • Office Hours: 2:14-2:55 p.m.
Thursday-

Friday
Kudos Korner
  • March is Social Work Month and last week was School Social Work Week. We are so lucky at TJ to have 2 wonderful Social Workers,  Samanda Davis  and  Megan Miccio! We also want to celebrate
    Natalie Koncz, our fabulous School Psychologist. She was not here for School Psychologist Week in the fall so we want to include her in this celebration.  TJ is a better place because of all the hard work they do! Please take a moment to share your gratitude and celebrate them!
Thank You for Making TJ's 2019 Online Auction a Success!
Thank you to everyone for helping make the 2019 Online Auction a Success!

Auction item pickup is MONDAY, March 18th in the front lobby from 2:30 - 6:00 pm. Receipts will be available at pickup, so no need to bring a copy. 

If you are unable to attend item pick up please reach out to Megan Perkins ([email protected]) to arrange a time to pick up your items.

The final fundraising amount will be available in the next few weeks. Again thank you to everyone who helped make the Auction a success!

PTO News
The 3rd  Annual TJ Online Auction has come to an end. The funds raised go towards classroom grants to promote an enriched learning environment for all TJ students. It is almost time for staff to submit their grant requests. Do you know a teacher or staff member who may have a need for grant money? PTO plans to give away $10,000. Spread the word!

Questions? Email them to  [email protected]
Free Camp for Young Women
Camp Ember is a 4 day, 3 night camp offered to young women ages 16-18. The camp is FREE for the young women selected and includes training, mentorship from community female firefighters, lodging, transportation between training events and food/drink. Campers will be introduced to the world of firefighting and EMS by mentors that will inspire them to embrace their full potential. Click here to apply!
Summer Opportunities for Students
  • For Juniors interested in Engineering: 
Campos EPC EngiNearMe is a free week-long STEM program held June 2 - 7, 2019 at the College of Engineering and Applied Science at CU Boulder. This program offers rising seniors from Colorado high schools an opportunity to explore everything engineering has to offer. During this week, students will work on various hands-on engineering projects and build connections with current students and faculty. 

All expenses are paid for by the University of Colorado Boulder and Campos EPC, including on-campus housing. A $2,500 scholarship is available to participants who accept admission to the CU Engineering program.

If you want to learn how to harness your creativity and how you can make an impact in the world, be sure to apply for this opportunity! 

Deadline to Apply:  April 1, 2019 by 11:59pm MST
Click here for more information!  

  • For  Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors interested in Architecture:
The College of Architecture and Planning at the University of Colorado Denver has created a summer camp for rising sophomores, juniors and seniors in high school plus recent graduates called Architecture in the City. The camp will run from June 3rd to the 14th. Student will get the opportunity to explore architecture and the related fields in the studio environment through drawing and model building. They will also visit local firms and have a final project that will be installed near the CU Denver campus.
 
Deadline to Apply: April 3rd, 2019
Click here for more information! 
Yearbook News
Yearbook Announcements:
  • The yearbook is now $65 and can be purchased online or through the school treasurer. The book will be available until sold out, so act fast!
     
  • Yearbooks will be distributed at the Backyard Bash.
  • All information about the yearbook can found on the journal under the News & Events tab or by clicking here.
News from the Future Center
  • Seniors - Please be sure to visit the Future Center for deadlines, scholarships, and college visits!
Sophie Vogel
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
   
Unified Basketball Fundraiser
Spartan Spirit Store
The TJHS Spirit Store needs your business! Show your TJ pride in style and comfort with hoodies, joggers, t-shirts, hats, blankets and stadium chairs.

We're open every Friday at lunch. We STILL have great sale prices! 

Short sleeve t-shirts :$10
Long sleeved t-shirts: $20
TJ Hoodies: $25
Beanies with pom poms: $20
TJ joggers: $35
We accept cash, credit cards and checks. Come see us! 
We're also hoping to show up at some spring sporting events!

If you have any questions please email them to  [email protected].
Mental Health and Social/Emotional Tips
Did You Know?
101 Self-Care Suggestions for When It All Feels Like Too Much - Round Three!
 
As recognition of National Social Work Month, for the month of March (and part of April), our weekly "Did You Knows" will focus on self-care. We are all human; and therefore experience some days, weeks or months that may be difficult to get through, for a variety of different reasons. And that is okay! So if you or someone you love is going through one of these tough times right now, a time where it all just feels like too much, we want to offer up 101 suggestions for self-care to help you or your loved one get through this time.

Here are tips 31-45:
31. Exhaust yourself physically - running, yoga, swimming, whatever helps you feel fatigued.
32. Write it out. Free form in a journal or a Google doc. Get it all out and vent.
33. Create a plan if you're feeling overwhelmed. List out what you need to do next to tackle and address whatever you're facing. Chunk it down into manageable and understandable pieces.
34. Remember: You only have to get through the next five minutes. Then the next five. And so on.
35. Take five minutes to meditate.
36. Write out a list of 25 Reasons Why You'll Be OK.
37. Write out a list of 25 Examples of Things You've Overcome or Accomplished.
38. Write out a list of 25 Reasons Why You're a Good, Lovable Person.
39. Write out a list of 25 Things That Make Your Life Beautiful.
40. Sniff some scents that bring you joy or remind you of happier times.
41. Ask for support from friends and family via text if voice-to-voice contact feels like too much. Ask them to check in with you via text daily/weekly. Whatever you need.
42. Lay down on the ground. Let the earth/floor hold you. You don't have to hold it all on your own.
43. Clean up a corner of a room of your house. Sometimes tidying up can help calm our minds.
44. Ask yourself: What's my next most immediate priority? Do that. Then ask the question again.
45. Read some poetry. Rumi , Hafiz , Mary Oliver are all excellent.
 
Please remember, by no means is this list exhaustive nor will every item on this list possibly feel good and right for you. This list is not meant to be prescriptive, nor do we mean to imply you need to do all or any of these things to take good care of yourself. You are the expert of your own experience and know what's best for you.

The suggestions in this list are in no way a substitute for care or advice from a licensed mental health care clinician. These are self-care coaching suggestions, not therapeutic advice. Moreover, if you feel suicidal or find yourself having suicidal ideations, please call the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline  at 1 (800) 273-8255 .
Mental Health and Social Emotional "Did You Know":  Compiled by Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW and Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP. Resources: www.angstmovie.com
9HealthFair - Free Screenings in the Neighborhood
Facilities Management Jobs Available
Food and Nutrition Resources for Families
  • Click here for Food Resource Hotline information
Youth Sports Camps this Summer!
TJ is excited to host two youth camps this summer! Use promo code "TJSPARTANS" for 10% off. 
Kyle Freeland is hosting a youth baseball camp July 1!  Emmanuel Sanders is also hosting a youth football pro camp June 30-July 1.



Class News You Can Use
All Classes 
  • Great news! All Class T-Shirts are now available (as well as other TJ gear)  in the Spartan Store. If you would like to make a purchase, please contact [email protected].
Class of 2019 - Seniors
Class of '19 update
Parents,

Hard to believe we are rounding the corner to graduation! Don't forget these important dates:
  • April 19:                Mr. TJ
  • April 20:                Pick up Jostens orders (everything but cap and gown).
  • April 26:                Prom at Denver Athletic Club 8 pm to 11 pm.
    • After prom at TJ 11 pm to 2 am.
  • May 7:                  Senior awards by invitation
  • May 17:                Senior check out.
  • May 20:                Mini graduation rehearsal at TJ. Pick up cap and gown.
  • May 29:                Graduation rehearsal at Magness Arena 12 noon. Graduation at 2 pm.
Local University Application Deadlines:
  • Colorado State University: May 1st
  • Colorado School of Mines: March 1st
  • University of Northern Colorado: August 1st
  • Metro State University: July 1st
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
  • MR TJ, April 19th: If you are creative and are interested in helping our Senior Boys' pageant, please email [email protected] and we'll connect you with the right person to get this event moving. You will have support from other volunteers as needed.
  • After Prom, April 26th: A sign up genius will be sent out in the next week asking for volunteers to set up and attend After Prom held from 11pm-2am on the 26th of April. Stay tuned!
Reminders:
  • Seniors must have a 93% attendance rate to attend Senior Prom and to walk at Graduation. If you're student is not compliant, have them connect with Mr. Skari for assistance.
  • Students must have a 93% attendance rate and a 3.0 GPA to participate in the Mr. TJ Event.
The Class of '19 is raising money for senior year activities including After Prom.

How you can support:
  • Host an event
  • Make a tax deductible financial donation - Find out if your employer will match your donation!
  • Participate in Neighborhood Eats events
  • Buy a Class of '19 T-shirt via [email protected]
  • For more information contact Anne McCord - [email protected]
Class of 2020 - Juniors
As we look ahead to Senior year, we need several parent volunteers to take on the planning and execution of the Senior night camp out before the first day of school for incoming freshman (Aug.19).  This is a great TJ Spartan tradition. We would especially love to have some dads help out with this event.   If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Megan Perkins ( [email protected] ) or Lisa LoJacono ( [email protected] ).  
Class of 2021 - Sophomores

We're looking for volunteers to host future events for our class parents. If interested, please come to the next PTO meeting, or send an email to [email protected]; or [email protected] to find out more.

Class of 2022 - Freshmen
The class of 2022 needs 2-4 additional parents to join parent Julie Rubin in planning fundraising events. The class of 2022 has two faculty sponsors,  Jason Klimczak and Maggie Kennedy, but parents are needed to work with the staff to plan fundraising activities. Parent sponsors also plan community building activities for the parents of the class of 2022.  Each class is expected to raise money needed to host their Prom, After Prom and other activities senior year.  The sooner the fundraiser get started, the more choices there will be for events senior year. The time commitment can be as little or as much you can share.   Your involvement in any capacity is important and appreciated. We are successful because of your behind-the-scenes contributions, large and small. It all adds up to a stronger community. An engaged parent body shows our students that we care about them!
 
If you need more information, contact [email protected] or Julie directly at [email protected].