Administrator's Corner
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As a reminder, the October Count window opens this week on September 26th and goes through October 10th. The official count date is October 3rd. This is how we confirm our student numbers with the State and get funding for Thomas Jefferson! Please ensure that your student is here on October 3rd.
Thank you for all your support of TJ!
Queridos padres y tutores,
Como recordatorio, la ventana del conteo de octubre abre esta semana el 26 de septiembre y pasa a través del 10 de octubre. La fecha oficial del conteo es el 3 de octubre. Así es como confirmamos nuestros números de estudiantes con el estado y obtener fondos para Thomas Jefferson! Por favor asegúrese de que su estudiante está aquí el 3 de octubre.
Gracias por todo su apoyo de TJ!
Paula Hammel
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Week at a Glance - Week of 10/1-10/5
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- Please click here (or see the above "Athletics Schedule" quick link) to see athletic events for the week
- Picture retakes
Tuesday-
- Junior/Senior In-State College Fair: 1:00 p.m.
- Chipotle fundraiser for Volleyball: 4:00-8:00 p.m. (details below)
Wednesday-
- Official Count Day
- Office Hours: 2:14-2:55 p.m.
Thursday
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- Black Box Cabaret: 7:00 p.m.
Friday
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- Black Box Cabaret: 7:00 p.m.
Saturday-
- Saturday School: 8:00-11:00 a.m.
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Our very own alum and head football coach
Derrick Martin
won the Denver Broncos Football Coach of the Week - congratulations Derrick!
Click here
to read more!
- Click here to see the awesome story that aired last week on Channel 4! Big thanks to Dominic Garcia for doing the story and always supporting TJ!
- Thomas Jefferson NHS students sold cool treats to TJ Spartans after the Homecoming Pep Rally. The club raised $100 to benefit the St. Jude Children's Hospital fund drive on behalf of TJ. Way to be COOL TJ Spartan NHS!
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Volleyball Fundraiser - October 2
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Let your friends and neighbors with students in the 8th grade know about TJ's fall open houses.
- October 9, 2018 - 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
CCT Magnet Only Open House
- see the labs in TJ's Center for Communication Technology Magnet. Talk to faculty and current students and see current project work.
- November 8, 2018 - 6 - 8 p.m.
All School Open House
- hear about all of TJ's academic programs and talk to faculty from each department.
Click here for additional information and to RSVP.
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Please join us!
The next PTO meeting will be on
Tuesday, October 9th from 6-7pm at TJ in room 111.
PTO works hard for every student by building a stronger community. TJ has a fantastic staff but there are only so many hours in the day. They need parents to get involved to make TJ even better. There are so many ways, big and small, to contribute your time, talent and treasure.
To be in the loop, send an email to
[email protected] with your name, your child's class and any areas of interest (e.g. event planning, accounting, merchandising, hospitality). You'll be added the PTO distribution list and know what is needed and when.
PTO meetings are the second Tuesday of the month so mark your calendars for the rest of the year. Together we are a Spartan Strong community!
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Price:
Get your book at the discounted price of $45 until 9-28-18. The price will eventually 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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Here at T.J., our school counselors work with and encourage students as they develop academically, personally and socially. We are here to support and advocate for all students.
Reminder: we have two new counselors this year and student assignments are below:
Erin Thompson
- Students with Last Names M-Q and students with IEPs
So....what are some areas we focus on as school counselors?
- Assisting students in exploring career areas and navigating their college and career options
- Delivering classroom lessons to students through the ICAP (Individual Career and Academic Plan) curriculum (ICAP is a graduation requirement for current freshmen and sophomores and a state requirement for juniors and seniors!)
- Supporting students' social and emotional well-being
- Providing additional support in collaboration with Denver Scholarship Foundation during the college application process
- Working with others - parents, teachers and other school staff - to help students succeed
- Advising students on scheduling and assessing student abilities to support appropriate course placement
- Checking credits and reviewing graduation requirements with students to promote on track to graduate status for all students
Here's what happened in the T.J. School Counseling World in September:
- Schedule changes and finalizations (no more schedule changes as we are 6 weeks in now!)
- Senior Contract meetings with every senior student
- ICAP lessons on graduation requirements for freshmen
- Senior Meetings with English classes to go over senior year timeline and college application process
- Ongoing individual student meetings to support academic and personal concerns
What we have planned for October:
- ICAP lessons in classrooms for 10th, 11th and 12th grades
- College Fair for Juniors and Seniors: October 2nd
- Ongoing individual student meetings for credit checks, academic and personal concerns
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Counseling News - Upcoming College Fairs
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Thomas Jefferson Junior/Senior COLLEGE FAIR
The TJ College Fair will be held during the school day on October 2nd. Seniors will report to the gym at the start of 7th period. Juniors will report to the gym half way through 7th period. There are over 60 colleges and universities scheduled to attend. This is a great time for students to connect with Admission Representatives and ask questions!
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GREATER DENVER COLLEGE FAIR
Please mark your calendars and spread the word that the College Fairs of Greater Denver are coming soon! We will have approximately 250 colleges at each location. Visit our website, CollegeFairsDenver.org, for a complete list of colleges attending.
Mountain Vista High School In & Out-of-State College Fair & Workshops, Highlands Ranch
Saturday, September 29, 2018
10:00AM - Noon
Monarch High School Out-of-State College Fair, Louisville
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Lakewood High School Out-of-State College Fair, Lakewood
Thursday, October 4, 2018
6:30PM - 8:00 PM
Please encourage students to register at GoToCollegeFairs.com. Those who register and get scanned at one of our fairs will be entered into a raffle for a $50 Visa gift card!
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News from the Future Center
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1.
College Admissions Representatives will be visiting the Future Center:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology on Monday, October 1st during 6th period
- Virginia Tech on Tuesday, October 2nd during 4th period
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas on Wednesday, October 3rd during 4th period
- Dominican University of California on Wednesday, October 3rd during 6th period
- Soka University on Thursday, October 4th during 6th period
- University of Colorado, Colorado Springs on Friday, October 5th during 4th period
- Vanderbilt University on Friday, October 5th during 6th period
12th graders - please sign up in Naviance!
2. College Fair 10/2! 1:30-2:30 at TJ!
3.
Daniels Scholarship Application is now open!
- The Daniels Scholarship Program provides a four-year annually renewable college scholarship for graduating high school seniors in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming who demonstrate exceptional character, leadership, and a commitment to serving their communities. It is a "last dollar" scholarship that pays toward tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and miscellaneous educational expenses. Scholars may attend any nonprofit accredited school in the United States. For more information, visit www.DanielsFund.org/Scholarships.
4.
TJ's FAFSA Workshop is
October 25th from 10-2 in room 122!
All eligible 12th graders will sign up for a 1-hour appointment (between 10-2). Please bring your parent and 2017 federal income tax information plus other important documents! See list of documents at http://svogel.tjspartans.org/post/
5. When any TJ student (grades 9-12) completes a scholarship application, they need inform Sophie at the Future Center. They can email me at [email protected] their scholarship application confirmation or they can complete a scholarship raffle entry ticket to win a gift card!
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
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Part-Time Custodian Wanted
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The TJ Spirit Store is stocked and ready to sell! The store inside TJ will be open every lunch hour August 27-31. Show your TJ pride in style and comfort with hoodies, t-shirts, hats, blankets and stadium chairs. After August 31
, the store will be open during events like the Homecoming football game, some volleyball & basketball games and ArtFest. Or, make an appointment to shop with Carrie (
[email protected]
). The store accepts cash, credit cards and checks. 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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Did You Know?
According to the CDC, each year more than 41,000 individuals die by suicide. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death among adults in the U.S. and the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-24.
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUTH SUICIDE?
Definitions:
- Suicide Risk Factors: Certain characteristics that are associated with increased suicide risk.
- Warning Signs: A trait, attribute, or characteristic of the individual that is a 'sign' of suicidal thinking. Observable behaviors that signal possible suicidal thinking.
- Resiliency Factors: Things that help people cope with stress. The presence of resiliency factors can lessen the potential of risk factors to lead to suicidal ideation and behaviors.
Denver County Data from 2015 students grades 6 to 12 (Healthy Kids Colorado Survey):
- 29.7% of students report having feelings of depression in the past yea
- 13.1% of students seriously considered suicide in the past year
- 6.9% attempted suicide in the past year
It is important to remember the signs and risk factors listed are generalities. Not all students who contemplate suicide will exhibit these symptoms and not all students who exhibit these behaviors are suicidal Students from all types of families can become suicidal. Males are at higher risk of dying by suicide although females attempt more often than males.
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The Role of the School in Suicide Prevention
Children spend a substantial part of their day in school under the supervision of school personnel. Mental Health providers, which may include a school psychologist, social worker, school counselor and/or nurse who are trained to intervene when a student is identified at risk for suicide are available at school. These individuals conduct a suicide risk assessment, warn/inform parents, provide information about community services and, with your request, provide follow up counseling and support at school. TJHS also has a school-wide 9th grade prevention program the mental health team implements every year during Ninth Grade Academy to the incoming freshmen class, in addition to several other universal and targeted supports.
WHAT CAN I DO TO KEEP MY CHILD SAFE?
ASK:
Talking about suicide does not make a student suicidal. Asking if someone is having suicidal thoughts gives him/her permission to talk about it. Asking sends the message that you are concerned and want to help.
TAKE SIGNS SERIOUSLY:
Studies have found that more than 75% of people who die by suicide showed some of the warning signs in the weeks or months prior to their death. Reach out to TJ's mental health team if you are concerned or have questions. We are here to help!
GET HELP:
If you have concerns that your child is suicidal, seek immediate help from a mental health provider. Suicidal students need to be evaluated by an expert in assessing risk. Parents can contact school psychologists, social workers, counselors, or nurses for support. Parents may also want to consult with their insurance company to get a list of mental health providers covered by their policy. If there is immediate need for help you may take your child to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
LIMIT ACCESS:
To weapons, medication, sharp objects, and materials that could be used for hanging oneself.
DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CHILD ALONE:
Increase adult supervision. It is important that parents surround themselves with a team of supportive friends or family members who can stop in and help as needed.
REASSURE YOUR CHILD THAT LIFE CAN GET BETTER:
Many suicidal people have lost all hope that life can improve. They may have difficulty problem solving even simple issues. Remind your child that no matter how bad things are, the problem can be worked out. Offer your help.
LISTEN WITHOUT JUDGEMENT
: Avoid making statements such as "I know what it's like" or "I understand." Instead make statements such as "Help me understand what life is like for you right now."
Resiliency Factors:
- Family support and cohesion, including good communication
- Peer support and close social networks
- Being involved in school and community
- Cultural or religious beliefs that discourage suicide and promote healthy living
- Adaptive coping and problem-solving skills, including conflict-resolution
- General life satisfaction, good self-esteem, sense of purpose
- Easy access to effective medical and mental health resources
Resources:
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Mental Health and Social Emotional "Did You Know":
Compiled by Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW and Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP. Denver Public School Mental Health and Assessment with Support from NASP, CCST, DCST; https://www.nami.org/
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Help Prevent Prescription Drug Abuse / Misuse
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Hey TJ Families! Click here to t
ake a look at this short video about quick and simple ways to help keep your child safe!
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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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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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