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Administrator's Corner
We hope that everyone had a good first week of classes and that you're back into the swing of things.
Seniors, please continue connecting with your teachers, counselors and the Future Center to make certain that you are on track and close this last semester of high school out successfully!
Juniors, this is a pivotal time for you! Challenge Day is January 30th and 31st and is a transformational day of fun, leadership and power that can change the way people view one another forever. The goal of Challenge Day is to help stop the teasing, violence and alienation that is so deeply a part of the school experience for millions of young people every day. (Click here for the Opt out form)
Sophomores and Freshmen, most of you have learned how important it is to be consistent every day at school with your homework and attendance. Continue engaging!!
If you are in an AP course, please note that all invoices are now in myschoolbucks and you can start paying them.
Esperamos que todos hayan tenido una buena primera semana de clases y que estén de vuelta en el swing de las cosas.
Seniors, por favor continúe conectando con sus maestros, consejeros y el centro futuro para asegurarse de que usted está en la pista y cerrar este último semestre de la escuela secundaria con éxito!
Juniors, este es un momento crucial para usted! El día del desafío es el 30 y el 31 de enero y es un día transformador de diversión, liderazgo y poder que puede cambiar la forma en que las personas se ven una a otra para siempre. El objetivo del día del desafío es ayudar a detener las burlas, la violencia y la alienación que es tan profundamente una parte de la experiencia de la escuela para millones de jóvenes todos los días. (Haga clic aquí para el formulario de exclusión)
Sophomores y estudiantes de primer año, la mayoría de ustedes han aprendido lo importante que es ser consistente cada día en la escuela con su tarea y asistencia. ¡ Continúe enganchando!!
si usted está en un curso AP, tenga en cuenta que todas las facturas están ahora en mySchoolBucks y usted puede comenzar a pagarlos.
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Week at a Glance - Week of 1/14-1/18
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- Please click here (or see the above "Athletics Schedule" quick link) to see athletic events for the week
Tuesday-
- Class of 2019 parent informational meeting: 6:00 p.m. in room 111 (details below)
Wednesday
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- Office Hours: 2:14-2:55 p.m.
Thursday-
Friday
- LAST DAY to order a yearbook for $55! (Price goes up tomorrow)
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- Many of you know about the citizen science forest monitoring project that Brett Butera's AP environmental science students have been participating in over the past few years. They've done some excellent work. In fact, their work has been so good, that he was compelled to write an article about the project that showcases their evidence-based writing. The article is the feature article in the National Science Teachers Association January issue of The Science Teacher (high school science journal). Click here to access to the article.
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Congratulations to our very own paraprofessional
Dolores Leslie
, who went back to college to better educate the special needs students she serves.
Click here
for a great article about Delores.
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Denver Public Safety, Listen and Learn Public Community Meeting - Jan. 29
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Hello TJ parents,
TJ is getting geared up for challenge day on January 30th and 31st. It is a one day event specifically for the Junior class. Juniors with last names starting with A-L will participate on January 30th and Juniors with last names starting with M-Z will participate on January 31st. It is an all-day event, starting at 7:30 a.m. and ending at 2:45 pm and takes place in TJHS's gym. Lunch will be provided.
If you wish to contribute financially to providing this program to the school, please click on this link. Average cost per student to participate is around $20.
Thomas Jefferson High School and our students have been fortunate to be able to provide Challenge Day to our students. Challenge Day is a 20 year national program that has been proven to positively change the culture of a school in just one day. It creates lasting and strong relationships among students and between adults and students. These relationships often translate into greater student success.
What is Challenge Day?
- It is a one day (seven hour), action-packed, interactive program held in the gym at TJ where students, teachers, administrators, parents and other adult volunteers participate together and connect on a very personal level in a safe environment.
- Students, teachers, and parents own up to past behavior, apologize to each other, and make a pledge to "change their behavior.
- Students and adults participate equally and connect on a very personal level.
- Through these personal connections, students are engaged and empowered, and are inspired to be successful.
- Students' personal power and self esteem are elevated.
- Dangerous peer pressure is transformed into positive peer support.
- Teasing, violence and all forms of oppression are recognized and eliminated.
- The aftermath of the school climate is remarkably noticeable.
Challenge Day has been featured on OPRAH, MTV and on other national news programs. The news stories show high school students "crossing the line" to show their experiences and share their differences. You can see the story on oprah.com or on YouTube. You can also check out this link and watch the video clip
http://www.challengeday.org/our_program/videos.html
or ask me for a DVD as I have them at my disposal. Many other schools in Denver have participated in Challenge Day with great success. Your child may have already experienced it in middle school or high school.
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New this year, the PTO offered to donate $10/ hour to students and parents who volunteered to help with ArtFest setup and clean. These clubs earned the following amounts, and two students earned $130 towards trips they are taking with their TJ club for a total of $1495. Good work Spartans!
Here is how much money PTO donated by activity...
Amount Activity
$510 JROTC
$160 Latin Club
$150 Volleyball
$130 Club Travel Expenses
$90 Girls Soccer
$80 Black Box Theatre
$70 Skills USA
$50 Swim (boys and girls)
$45 Interact
$40 Gymnastics
$35 Baseball
$35 Orchestra
$30 Track
$30 Future Girls LAX
$30 5280 Club
$10 Robotics
Our next meeting will be February 12, 2019 at 6 pm in Room 111.
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Yearbook Announcements:
- Please check to see if we received your senior quote and photo. There's a poster hanging on the office windows, or you can check the yearbook website to make sure.
- Price: Get your book at the price of $55 until 1-18-19. The price will eventually increase to $65, so act fast!
All
information about the yearbook can found on the journal under the News & Events tab or by clicking here.
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Give back to your community and make a difference working with youth!
If you love to have fun, and wish to gain experience with youth for your future career goals such as education, social work, recreation, psychology or human services, then this is the job for you. You will be engage with kids ages 5-11 years, play gym games and do fun art projects! Whether you are looking to gain experience or simply for a job that is different and fun and outside of the norm, then this is the job for you! Position details include: assisting the Site Director in all aspects of the after school program which include: building relationships with the kids and community, taking attendance, leading activities, actively supervising the kids and engaging with youth.
Our hours are flexible and you can work 2-5 days a week after school until 6pm with additional hours available on school breaks.
Apply online here
and search for program aide and program leader positions in Denver towards the bottom of the job offerings. Must be 16 to apply. Pay range is: $10.20-$11.05 depending on age.
We look forward to you joining our great team of youth developers!
Locations near TJ:
Holm Elementary (3185 S. Willow St Denver CO) 2:45-6:00pm
RMSEL-Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning (1700 S. Holly St Denver CO) 3:00-6:00pm
Schlessman YMCA (2625 S. Colorado Blvd Denver CO) 2:30pm-6:00
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News from the Future Center
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College Admissions Representative Visit:
Colorado Mountain College on
Thursday, January 17th during 4th period from 10:15-11:19
12th graders - please sign up in on Naviance!
Thank you!
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
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The TJHS Spirit Store is stocked and ready to sell! Show your TJ pride in style and comfort with hoodies, joggers, t-shirts, hats, blankets and stadium chairs. The Spirit Store is open every Friday at lunch time.
Great news: the SALE prices are extended through January, possibly longer! 2019 retro-Joe Spartan t-shirts are $5, all other short-sleeved t-shirts are $10, long-sleeved shirts are $20, and hoodies are $25. Also, the striped Under Armor quarter-zip shirts are now $35. We also have beanies with pom poms for $20 and beanies without for $15, dry-fit long sleeved shirts for $20, and TJ joggers for $35. We accept cash, credit cards and checks.
The store will be open during events like certain athletic games and other community events. Or, make an appointment to shop with Carrie (
[email protected]
).
Julie Thibodeau in the front office can also help if you need the store at times other than Friday at lunch.
You can view several items
here
, but we are not currently accepting online orders
.
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Mental Health and Social/Emotional Tips
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A recent study (2017) of 900 adolescents surveyed between 12-15 years old, 1 in 5 reported "almost always" waking up to check social media or messages throughout the night.
Why is this important?
- Using technology at night can seriously impact our natural circadian rhythm, which puts us at risk for health problems, including but not limited to obesity, academic struggles, concentration issues, memory deficits, diabetes, acne, sleep disturbances.
- This is especially true for developing minds and bodies of kids and adolescents
- Sleeping with their phone is the norm for teens- teens often complain about not being able to concentrate and/or being too tired to engage with academic demands.
- Of all age categories from school-age to older adults (65+), teens between the ages of 14-17 years old need the most sleep, but are likely not getting it! (8-10 hours/night). Phone and tech use is a big factor in this.
As a parent or guardian, what can I do?
- Research the facts behind technology pros and cons together and have a discussion! No need to make this a "because I said so" argument. Allow for dialogue and for them to understand why you care so much about this, and for you both to acknowledge how great technology can be!
- Set expectations and guidelines early onà Perhaps phones are turned in to parents at 9:00pm on school nights, and 12:00am on weekends. Starting these routines early will also help avoid some possible anxiety or anger that can occur if these routines and expectations are put in to place later in life (once habits are formed, they are harder to break).
- Model what you expectà if there is a "no tech after 9:00pm" rule, do your best to model that same behavior with your kids. When they turn in their phone to you, you put all phones away together.
- Be ready to problem solve their excuses:
- Teen: But I use my phone as an alarm!
- Parent: We'll get you a digital alarm clock
- Teen: But I need to check my messages!
- Parent: I can guarantee they'll still be there in the morning
- Create a contract to use to hold each other accountable, and keep is some place visible for everyone- check Common Sense Media for resources
- Help them develop and stick to a relaxing bedtime routine
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Mental Health and Social Emotional "Did You Know":
Compiled by Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW and Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP. Resources:
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Facilities Management Jobs Available
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Denver Mayor's Youth Commission is now accepting applications for the 2019-2020 term!
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The Mayor's Youth Commission provides youth the opportunity to develop leadership skills and advise the Mayor and the director of the Office of Children's Affairs on issues impacting youth living in the City and County of Denver. Youth commissioners work together with adult commissioners to make recommendations in the areas of:
- Developing procedures and processes
- Accessing and participating in citywide programs
- Ensuring equal rights and opportunities through legislation or administrative action
- Establishing goals and action plans
Applications for the 2019 - 2020 school year are open Jan. 1 - Mar. 8, 2019!
Selected commissioners can serve up to a three-year term limit.
Meetings are scheduled during the evening, the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, during the school year.
Youth Apply Here: Must be a Denver resident or attending Denver Public Schools (high school) in 2019 - 2020.
Adults Apply Here: Must be employed with a youth-serving organization or the City and County of Denver.
How can YOU be the change?
Click here for more information.
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Food and Nutrition Resources for Families
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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].
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Attention Class of '19 Parents:
Join us for an informational meeting on January 15th at 6pm in room 111. We'll cover important updates and have administration available to answer questions as we prepare for Graduation. Contact Anne McCord if you have questions ([email protected]).
Cheers! Class of '19 Parent Committee
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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]
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TJ AVID is selling Do it yourself Senior Shirts!
Join the new TJ tradition!
Tie Dye, paint and decorate to your Style!
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The Class of 2020 will raise money throughout the year for senior year activities including After Prom.
How you can support:
- Host an event and donate the proceeds to the class of 2020!
- Make a tax deductible financial donation by clicking here. Be sure to find out if your employer will match our donation!
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Class of 2021 - Sophomores
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- We're also 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.
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- If you have any questions or interest in joining a team of parents to help coordinate fundraising efforts and community building, please email [email protected] for more information.
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