May 7, 2018
Administrator's Corner

Finals are rapidly approaching. Please encourage your student to attend every class every day to finish strong! Click here to see the Finals week schedule.

As we close another fun year of athletics please visit our TJ team websites for updated information regarding summer workouts and team activities. If you have questions regarding a specific team please reach out to the head coach. Head coach information as well as links to team pages can be found here

Go Spartans!

Las finales se están acercando rápidamente. ¡Anime a su hijo a asistir a todas las clases todos los días para terminar fuerte! Haga clic aqui­ para ver el calendario de la semana de Finales.  

A medida que cerramos otro año divertido de atletismo, visite nuestros sitios web de equipos de TJ para obtener información actualizada sobre los entrenamientos de verano y las actividades del equipo. Si tiene preguntas sobre un equipo específico, comuníquese con el entrenador en jefe. La información del entrenador en jefe así como los enlaces a las páginas de los equipos se pueden encontrar aqui­.

¡Ve a Spartans!

Anne Rice
Athletic Director
Quick Links
Week at a Glance - Week of 5/7-5/11
Monday
  • Please click here (or see the above "Athletics Schedule" quick link) to see athletic events for the week
  • CSC meeting: 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday- 
  • PTO meeting canceled so parents can attend the Challenge Denver Annual Dinner (the organization that brings Challenge Day to TJ each year--we promise you'll be amazed and inspired! Don't miss it. Details below.) Click here to get tickets!
  • Challenge Denver Dinner: 6:00 p.m. (details below)
Wednesday-
  • Office Hours: 2:14-2:55 p.m.
Thursday -

Friday

Saturday
  • Saturday School: 8:00 a.m.
  • Class of 2020 Cinco de Mayo Fiesta fundraiser (details below)
Kudos Korner
DECA ICDC (International Career Development Conference) April 21-25, 2018, Atlanta, GA.
Junior  Joseph Bulger represented the State of Colorado as District 3 State Officer at the DECA ICDC in Atlanta, Georgia. He served as a voting delegate and Empower Leadership Academy member during the conference. We had an amazing time and learned a lot to bring back to the TJ DECA Chapter for next year. 

Some interesting facts about Colorado DECA this year: We had a record year for total membership (8675);  Colorado DECA ranks in the top 10 charter associations for membership in DECA for the 5thstraight year;  we had the largest number of attendees at the state conference in our 61 year history (3458 - Broadmoor); Colorado was represented by 597 students, advisors, and chaperones at ICDC in Atlanta, GA. 

Congratulations to senior Sophia (Phi) Ward! She was featured in the May issue of 
Seventeen Magazine for her passion and activism surrounding school violence. We are so proud of you - keep making your voice heard on these important issues!

Congratulations to Roger Nakagawa, Leo Busse, and Camy Guenther, who are this year's Denver Retired Teachers Scholarship Award Winners. They will be awarded $10,000 a year that is renewable throughout their undergraduate studies. Way to go, Spartans!
Principal Mike Christoff, teacher Matt Santambrogio, Roger Nakagawa, Leo Busse, counselor Stephanie Stone, Camy Guenther.
Congratulations to the 5280/ Student Board team for winning 1st place in our competition last week! These students worked incredibly hard all year on our project and I can think of no team more deserving. As a reward, the team will be travelling to Detriot, Michigan this summer to attend the Allied Media Conference. Way to go!
 
Malia McDorman
Logan Cecil
Sophia Ward
Joe McComb
Mariah Hurd-Crews
Bianca Escobar
Gwen Plue
And
Erin Maloof!
National Teacher Appreciation Week - Message from PTO
The week of May 7th  is National Teacher Appreciation Week. Our teachers work so hard for our kids all year long so let's show them some love!
  • You and your student can write an email, note or even call a teacher to show them how much you appreciate what they do.
  • Donate to the teacher appreciation events sponsored by the PTO (aka TJ Partners). Donate here or bring check or cash donations to the office by May 15th. 
During the year, PTO sponsors several meals and special events to let the teachers know how much we value the work they do. As we wrap up the year, the staff will enjoy a frozen yogurt bar and an indoor picnic.  We need your generous support to show the staff how important they are to us so please donate today. Any amount helps!
9th Grade Orientation
9th grade orientation will be on May 31st from 6-7 p.m.
Challenge Denver's Annual Fundraiser - May 8
H ello TJ Family!
On May 8th from 6-8:30pm, Challenge Denver is holding their annual fundraiser in our gym and it will be a great night for all who attend! Challenge Denver is a local nonprofit who helps us (and many other area schools) fund Challenge Days and provides a variety of follow up programming in the form of restorative justice and trauma informed practices trainings. They are working with other local nonprofits and foundations on important work in Aurora to disrupt-to-end the school-to-prison pipeline and are invested in issues of educational equity and access. But above all, they believe that ALL students deserve to feel safe, loved and empowered at school. 

Challenge Denver has been a partner of TJ's for many years and has provided so many great things for this school. As an organization, they are committed to both our students and our schools, and showing your support by attending this event would be a phenomenal way to express your gratitude to Challenge Denver and all that they have done for us. 

You can get your tickets via their Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/challenge-denvers-annual-fundraising-dinner-tickets-43755356449 using the educators discount
If you want to go and cannot afford a ticket the promo code CONNECT which will unlock a free ticket level
 
I hope to be able to share this event with all of you on May 8th!
Yearbook News




Price:  The book is $65 until sold out. Last year, we sold out quickly, so act fast!

Distribution:  Yearbooks will be handed out at the Backyard Bash on Friday, May 18. Students will need a photo ID to pick up the book.

Class of 2019:  It's time to start thinking about senior photos for the class of 2019. The best time to get those taken is over the summer. The deadline will be early October, so please plan accordingly.  


TJ's Food Bank
Greetings TJ parents,
 
TJ's food bank has been restocked and ready to serve to any family who would benefit.  Please contact Samanda Davis for more information or visit the foodbank during school hours.  It is open from 7:15-3:00 any day of the week.  Appointment is not necessary however it is not guaranteed someone will be in the mental health office to assist without a prior appointment. 
 
Samanda Davis
720-423-7072
Better Your Home, Better Your School
Job Opportunities
Star Playgrounds
We're looking for people to help with our summer playground installations, specifically highschoolers who would need a summer job. Basic requirements: are no felony background, be able to lift a bag of concrete, and be able to get to our office on SantaFe & Titan Parkway. Last year we had kids biking here! We start at 7am, pay $13-15/hr, and have an awesome office manager! They get to work outside assembling playgrounds. Right now we're looking for bodies from end of April or May until the fall. Click here for more information!
Young Americans Bank
There are some potential job opportunities that we have for your students at Young Americans Bank. If you do not know anything about us we are a bank that is designed to teach the youth about financial literacy. Please feel free to visit us our website at  www.yacenter.org   for additional information.
 
I am looking to hire 6 New Account Representatives for our Cherry Creek location and one for our Lakewood location. This position is a year round position, during the school year the students will primarily work every Saturday and can work 3-4 days a week during the summer/winter/spring break. The students will need to be at least 16 years old and be excited to work and learn about the financial industry. I have enclosed a job application and a job description for your review. I would be happy to come out and interview students who are interested. Please call me at the number listed below with any questions.

Click here for the job description, and click here for the employee application!

Lila Rodriguez
Operations Officer
Young Americans Bank
3550 E. 1
st Ave
Denver, CO  80206
Main: (303) 321-2265

Direct: (303) 320-3206
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. 
School-Based Health Center News and Summer Hours
Gardening Season is Coming in Hot
fresh_tomatoes_basket.jpg
TJ Green Team is taking preorders!
  • For every preorder we will throw in an extra plant (of our choosing)
  • All Proceeds go to the Special Education Green Team
We will be selling:

Tomatoes (several varieties)
Tomatillos
Marigolds
Jalapeno peppers
Basil

Please email Elizabeth_lynch2@dpsk12.org with your preorders
Spartan Spirit Store
The  TJ Spartan Spirit Store  is now in two places for your convenience-online and in the main hallway at TJ between the gym and auditorium. The store is also set up at select school events including athletic events, concerts, plays and conference nights.  Click here  for more information!
  • On-campus Spirit Store hours are on Fridays during lunch only. A couple of our wonderful parents alternate shifts to make the store convenient and accessible to students. It's also open during various special events. Julie Thibodeau will continue to be available at other times for the occasional urgent or spontaneous purchase.
  • We take cash and credit cards!
  • Order Spartan wear online. Great gifts for every class, parents and grads, too. 
  • Purchases from the Spirit Store directly benefit PTO's activities to build community, improve school spirit, and have a positive impact on every student at TJ! 
Questions?  Contact Erin Markham for more information:   Erin@saucynoodle.com or  303-809-5449.
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  tjhspto@gmail.com  with any questions.
Mental Health and Social/Emotional Tips
Did You Know?
Teens spend approximately 9 hours a day online.

Let's talk about being online:  Connecting online is a way of life, though it comes with certain risks:
  • Inappropriate conduct
  • Inappropriate contact
  • Inappropriate content
You can reduce these risks by talking to your kids and putting some expectations in place. Naturally, teenagers are keen to increase their independence from their parents. However, they need to learn how to exercise judgment about being safe online. Let's see what some of the bigger issues are and how you can support.
Tell Me More...
 
1. Oversharing --  Some issues that arise with online socializing are sharing too much information, or posting pictures, videos, or words that can damage a reputation or hurt someone's feelings. Applying real-world judgment and sense can help minimize those downfalls.
                  - Remind your kid that online actions have consequences.
    A good question to ask, "Would you do that or say that to someone in-person?"
                  - Only post what you are comfortable with others seeing.
    A good question to ask, "Are you okay with your parents seeing or reading this?"
                  - Once you post something, you really cannot take it back. Messages, pictures and other                           text may be saved forever. They may be shared with other people you didn't want.
                  - Help them understand what information should be private. This is a guardian/familial unit                        decision.
 
2. Cyberbullying --   This is bullying or harassment that happens online.
                  - Tell your kid they cannot hide behind the words and images they put online. Again,                                "Would you say or do something like this in-person?"
                  - Teach them to recognize the signs of bullying. It involves mean-spirited comments,                                   intended to shame or hurt someone. Are these just friends joking around or is it more?
                  - Help them stop cyberbullying. There is no reason for this. If they see it, tell the bully to stop,                      do not engage back and forth, or forward along information, and report it to an adult.
 
3. Credibility, Manners and Expectations --  Not everything you read online is true!
                  - People online may not be who they say they are. Ask, "Are your Facebook, Twitter,                                    Instagram 'friends' really friends?" Friends know each other's last names, parents, where they                        live.
                  - Remind them these are real people with real feelings. Because they don't see faces,                                 emotions, body language, teens may feel free to say or do things online they wouldn't do                               offline.
                  - Set expectations. What information is okay to share; time limits for internet use; privacy                                settings for social media. Determine, and make clear, what will happen if expectations are                              broken (make sure you have consequences and reinforce them consistently.) 

Mental Health and Social Emotional "Did You Know":  Compiled by Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW and Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP.  Resources:   Information compiled from: Net Cetera -  www.onguardonline.org ; CNN-  https://www.cnn.com/2015/11/03/health/teens-tweens-media-screen-use-report/index.html
Food and Nutrition Resources for Families
  • Click here for Food Resource Hotline information
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!

     
  • 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
Class of 2018 parents: 
We need your help. Please sign up here to assist with After Prom. 

We are also in need of many items: We are looking for items to use in the transformation of the lobby and the gym for after prom.  The theme is "Enchanted Castle."  Please contact Amy Leonard if you have any of these items.  amy.leonard@comcast.net 

                        - Dungeon Lounge:  bean bags, large chairs or couches, benches, rugs, dark blankets
                        - Garden Food Court:  astro turf, garden tables and chairs, large glass jars & mason jars 
                        - Drawbridge Entry: two beams (like the kind you use for edging in a garden) to 
                          be used to mark the bridge as you enter the "castle doors" at the entrance to the school

Class of 2019 - Juniors
The Class of '19 is raising money for senior year activities including After Prom.

How you can support:
Class of 2020 - Sophomores
All parents are invited to attend the Class of 2020 Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at 7:00 pm on Saturday, May 12th at the home of Lisa and Brad Freedberg. $30/per person at the door, with all proceeds going directly toward the Class of 2020's Senior year activities (including Prom, After Prom, Mr. TJ, etc).  The total raised at this party will be matched by the company of a 2020 family, so please join and help us with this fundraising effort!  Please RVSP  HERE

If you are interested in donating to the class of 2020 or helping out with future events, please reach out to Lisa LoJacono (lisalojacono@gmail.com) or Megan Perkins (megandperkins@gmail.com).
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!
  • Click here for a video about the new graduation requirements.
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
   
rmaez@denverscholarship.org |   www.denverscholarship.org