Administrator's Corner
Welcome back! I am extremely excited to get the 2018-2019 school year started! TJ had another great year with so many more accomplishments! We again set the bar very high for our students and they continue to rise to the challenges! We had one of our largest graduating classes in 2018 which earned over $6,000,000 in scholarship money! Additionally, the Class of 2018 earned over 1,500 college credits through Concurrent Enrollment classes saving them over $200,000 tuition money. Our overall daily attendance rate and our tardy rate continues to be one of the lowest amongst high schools in DPS. We saw gains in our students PSAT and SAT scores and again increased the number of students taking and passing the very rigorous Advanced Placement tests this past spring. Let's keep the momentum going!
¡Dar una buena acogida! ¡Estoy extremadamente emocionado de comenzar el año escolar 2018-2019! ¡TJ tuvo otro gran año con tantos logros más! ¡De nuevo establecimos un nivel muy alto para nuestros estudiantes y continúan enfrentando los desafíos! ¡Tuvimos una de nuestras clases de graduación más grandes en 2018 que ganó más de $ 6,000,000 en dinero de becas! Además, la Clase de 2018 obtuvo más de 1,500 créditos universitarios a través de las clases de inscripción concurrente, lo que les permitió ahorrar más de $ 200,000 en matrículas. Nuestra tasa de asistencia diaria general y nuestra tasa de tardanzas continúa siendo una de las más bajas entre las escuelas secundarias en DPS. Vimos avances en los puntajes de nuestros estudiantes en los exámenes PSAT y SAT, y de nuevo aumentamos la cantidad de estudiantes que aprobaron y pasaron los rigurosos exámenes de colocación avanzada la primavera pasada. ¡Mantengamos el impulso!
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Week at a Glance - Week of 8/20-8/24
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- First Day of School - Freshmen only!
- Please click here (or see the above "Athletics Schedule" quick link) to see athletic events for the week
Tuesday-
Wednesday-
- Office Hours: 2:14-2:55 p.m.
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- Four TJ coaches received DPS Coach of the Year awards at the DPS coaches conference in May. Please congratulate them when you see them!
Damion Allen - Girls' Basketball
Derrick Martin - Football
Jon Poole - Boys' Soccer
Justine Sullivan - Girls' Swimming
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Continued expectations for this year are:
- All students must wear their IDs at all times; no student will be issued either an excused or unexcused pass without an ID. Students have been told that wearing their ID is a way to make sure all teachers get to know all students, and is a safety measure, per our School Resource Officer (SRO) Tim Cueva. Replacement ID's are $5, so please make sure that you keep track of them!
- All students are expected to use their planners as a way to be and keep them organized as we continue to create a college going culture at TJ.
- Seniors must have a 93% attendance rate in order to attend Senior Prom or the commencement ceremony. We all know that consistent attendance supports academic success.
We will continue with the systems that have been in place and have proven to be effective in maximizing time for instruction and providing the environments that are conducive to the success of our students. We will continue to enforce the following:
- Tardy policy
- Attendance policy
- Dress codes
- Behavior expectations
*These policies are clearly defined in the student handbook that is issued to each student, and also on the TJ website (www.tjhs.dpsk12.org).
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Spartan Tardy/Truancy Policy
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Download the TJ App Today!
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We encourage you to download the app from the App Store or Google Play at no cost (scan the QR codes below or simply search for "TJHS"). Our hope is that this will be yet another way to strengthen communication for our community.
Helpful hint: make sure your push notifications are on,
so that you can get updated info and event reminders!
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TJ has a new master calendar! It resides on the main page of the school website,
http://tjhs.dpsk12.org/, under the main articles. The "Upcoming Events" section gives you a glimpse of events and activities, but you can see the monthly view if you click on "More Events."
If you'd like to keep up with dates and upcoming events more easily, be sure to click on "Subscribe to the TJ Calendar Feed" at the top of the calendar. (Please note, if you have previously subscribed to the calendar, you must re-subscribe to the new one, as the old one will no longer be seen). Be sure to stay informed and stay connected!
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DPS Monthy School Lunch Menu
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Click here to view the district-wide monthly menu!
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News from the Kitchen - Students Must Complete Lunch Application!
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| All students need to fill out a lunch application every year. It's all on line now. No more paper applications! Visit www.myschoolapps.com to apply. It takes about ten minutes to complete and can be done on your cell phone. There is only a 30 day grace period to complete the lunch app on line or the student will be put on a paid status. |
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New Parent Portal Coming Soon
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The New and Improved Parent Portal is Almost Here!
We're excited to bring you this new and improved experience on the Parent Portal, and we want to keep you informed about the new features we will be adding to the platform. To create a Parent Portal account, please visit myportal.dpsk12.org and click Getting Started. If you do not remember your username or password, contact our hotline at 720-423-3163 or email [email protected].
¡El Portal para padres nuevo y mejorado ya casi está aquí!
Estamos entusiasmados de brindarle esta experiencia nueva y mejorada en el Portal para padres, y queremos mantenerlo informado sobre las nuevas funciones que agregaremos a la plataforma. Para crear una cuenta del Portal para padres, visite myportal.dpsk12.org y haga clic en Comenzar. Si no recuerda su nombre de usuario o contraseña, comuníquese con nuestra línea directa al 720-423-3163 o envíe un correo electrónico a [email protected].
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The TJHS CareerLaunch Program for 2018 will have an end of program celebration lunch in Mr. Showers room during the week of August 20th. The specific date will be announced during the first week of normal school schedule after all students return.
The celebration will highlight the 2018 CareerLaunch Program. All TJHS students that were in this year's program and all of the CTE Teachers that recommended the students will be invited. This year's program (From June 11 through July 20) was outstanding!
TJ Student
Craig Patterson
took the stage as the
Top Thomas Jefferson High School Student
with this year's CareerLaunch program. He received several awards with this honor. See a photo of Craig with this article of him and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock at a special lunch event, hosted by Craig's CareerLaunch Company, JLL Commercial Realty.
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Upcoming Community Events
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Colorado Rockies and TJ's Band - Sept. 8
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On
September 8
, the TJ band will be performing the National Anthem at the Colorado Rockies game for band day. Tickets purchased for the game can benefit the band program, if people use the following link and select Thomas Jefferson High School from the list of school names.
http://www.rockies.com/band Get your tickets soon, this has the potential to be a sold out game. Hope you'll join us.
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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:
[email protected] or
303-809-5449.
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Price:
Get your book at the discounted price of $45 now. The price will increase to $65, so act fast!
Senior Photos & Quotes:
Due date: Friday, October 12, 2018 by the end of the school day. Quotes are optional.
All
information about the yearbook can found on the journal under the News & Events tab or by clicking here.
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- 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.
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Please join us for a casual get together on the rooftop at The Pioneer! It's a great opportunity to stop in for a minute or the evening to meet new and existing TJ parents. (PTO will provide a few light eats.)
TJ Parent Happy Hour
Wednesday, October 22, 5:30-7:30pm
The Pioneer
2401 South University Boulevard
See you there!
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TJ's Mental Health and Counseling Teams have Expanded!
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Thomas Jefferson High school expanded its mental health and counseling team. Allow us to introduce ourselves.....
Mental Health Team:
Samanda Davis
, LCSW MSW - School Social Worker. She been a part of the TJHS community for 19 years. She works Monday's, Tuesday's, and Thursday's. She is available for all students to access. Her office is located in room 114C, off the main hallway. Her contact information is
[email protected]
and (720)423-7072.
Natalie Koncz
, Ed.S., NCSP- School Psychologist. She has been a part of TJHS community for 7 years. She is full time, Monday-Friday at TJHS, and is available for all students to access. Her office is located in room 114A, off the main hallway. Her contact information is
[email protected]
and (720)423-7077.
Megan Miccio
, MSW - Social Worker. This is her 2nd year at TJHS. She is at TJHS on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and her focus is on substance prevention, typically working in classrooms with teachers and students to implement prevention curriculums and supports. Her office is located in room 114D, off the main hallway. Her contact information is
[email protected]
Counseling Team:
Jeremy Anderson
, NCC, MA, LPC - School Counselor. He has been a part of the TJHS community for 5 years. He is full time, Monday - Friday at TJHS, and supports students with the last names R-Z. His office is located off the main hallway in the Counseling Center, in room 137G. His contact information is
[email protected]
and (720)423-7124.
Jillian Gleason
, NCC, MA, LPC- School Counselor. This is her first year as part of the TJHS community. She is full time, Monday - Friday, and supports students with the last names A-D. Her office is located off the main hallway in the Counseling Center, in room 137E. Her contact information is
[email protected]
and (720)423-7182.
Maggie Kennedy
, MA - School Counselor. This is her first year as part of the TJHS community. She is full time, Monday - Friday, and supports students with the last names E - L. Her office is located off the main hallway in the Counseling Center, in room 137K. Her contact information is
[email protected]
and (720)423-7114.
Erin Thompson
, MA - School Counselor. This is her 9th year as part of the TJHS community. She is full time, Monday - Friday, and supports students with the last names M - Q. Her office is located off the main hallway in the Counseling Center, in room 137H. Her contact information is
[email protected]
and (720)423-7179.
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Mental Health and Social/Emotional Tips
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Did You Know?
Summer vacation is over and another school year is upon us! There are simple and easy things you can do to help ease the transition from summer vacation to the start of a new school year.
In the 1st week of school:
1) Set up a clean and quiet space to do homework- make it an expectation for this space to be used every day for homework.
2) Re-establish bedtime and mealtime routines (if you can a week before school starts). The readjustment to early mornings, after school activities and rushed meals can be chaotic and overwhelming. Lessen that stress by starting the routine early and sticking to it!
3) Help your kids with managing themselves in the morning. Have them set the alarm. If they struggle to know how long it will take them to get ready, help them backwards plan by figuring out how long each morning activity takes them... and add in some wiggle room.
4) Take time for you and your child review the school calendar- put those important dates in your phone! Revisit throughout the year, as events are added.
5) Make sure you and your child review student handbook including the code of conduct/behavioral expectations and dress code. Additionally, remind them of your family/personal expectations for their achievement and behavior this year. Keep it positive!
6) Reach out to school staff if there are concerns or something you would like the school to know about. You can find all staff contact information on:
http://tjhs.dpsk12.org/directory/
7) If your student is anxious about the school year: let them know you care and are available to help them; listen to what they are nervous about and talk through options with them; go over healthy coping skills they can use; discuss things they are looking forward to this year; reach out to the school as needed so we can support!
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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:
www.nasponline.org
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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!
- 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
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The Class of '19 is raising money for senior year activities including After Prom.
How you can support:
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Please contact [email protected] to get involved in fundraising and other activities!
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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 has the unique opportunity to match donations through the remainder of the school year! If you are a parent of a current sophomore at TJ and would like to contribute, please contact class liaisons Megan Perkins (
[email protected]
) or Lisa LoJacono (
[email protected]
) before May 30th to have your donation matched. All funds raised will go toward Class of 2020 senior year activities which benefit the entire class.
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Class of 2021 - Sophomores
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Class of 2021 parent party postponed. Stay tuned for an update and details in the next newsletter!
- 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!
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- Stay tuned for more information!
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News from the Future Center
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Seniors are encouraged to stop by the Future Center to set up a time to discuss their plans for next year!
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
[email protected]
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www.denverscholarship.org
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