April 8, 2024

Happy Spring! 

We have a ton of fun activities this spring so please encourage your students to participate and engage in clubs, activities, and events as we finish out the school year. 

Community members: we appreciate all the support we receive from our amazing community, from food and clothing drives, to financial donations to athletics, to volunteering in clubs and activities. Community support is part of what makes TJ so special and is what allows us to provide additional events and resources for students!

Parents/guardians: please consider joining PTO or reaching out to your student's coach or club sponsor to help in various ways. Your student's high school experience is enhanced when the school has the support of parents/guardians. To sign up for PTO, contact TJHSpto@gmail.com

Athletics is in full swing so bookmark the School calendar and come out to support your TJ Spartans as we continue our season! 

(https://dpscalendars.org/public/genie/757/school/11/)

¡Feliz primavera!

Tenemos un montón de actividades divertidas esta primavera, así que anime a sus estudiantes a participar y participar en clubes, actividades y eventos a medida que terminamos el año escolar.

Miembros de la comunidad: Agradecemos todo el apoyo que recibimos de nuestra increíble comunidad, desde campañas de comida y ropa, hasta donaciones financieras para atletismo, y voluntariado en clubes y actividades. ¡El apoyo comunitario es parte de lo que hace que TJ sea tan especial y es lo que nos permite proporcionar eventos y recursos adicionales para los estudiantes!



Padres/tutores: Por favor considere unirse a PTO o comunicarse con el entrenador de su estudiante o el patrocinador del club para ayudar de varias maneras. La experiencia de su estudiante en la escuela secundaria se mejora cuando la escuela cuenta con el apoyo de los padres / tutores. Para inscribirse en PTO, póngase en contacto con TJHSpto@gmail.com

¡El atletismo está en pleno apogeo, así que marque el calendario de la escuela y venga a apoyar a sus TJ Spartans mientras continuamos nuestra temporada!

(https://dpscalendars.org/public/genie/757/school/11/)

Anne Rice

Athletic Director

Assistant Principal

Monday-

• Hearing/Vision Screening for 9th grade

Tuesday-

• Hearing/Vision Screening for 9th grade
• Senior panoramic photo
• PTO Meeting: 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday- 

• Hearing/Vision Screening for 9th grade
• Mental Health Webinar: noon (details below)
• Talent Show Auditions: 3-5 p.m.
• Incoming 9th Graders Choice of Studies: 6:00 p.m.

Thursday-

• Skilled Trades Career Fair (details below)
• Talent Show Auditions: 3-5 p.m.
• GT Family Presentation: 6-7 p.m. (details below)
• After Prom Parent Committee Meeting: 7-8 p.m.

Friday-

Saturday-

• Saturday School: 8-11 a.m.

• Our very own Ms. Amber Wilson got to discuss important issues for Colorado educators with second gentleman Douglas Emhoff.

• Thanks to Marnie Bromby, Leslie Hillen, and everyone else who helped out with CMAS testing last week!

• Thanks to PTO for providing the food truck for the staff last week!

Hearing/Vision Screening

Each year Denver Public Schools provides the opportunity for a free vision, hearing and dental screening for students in mandated grades (Early Childhood Education, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th). Screening is considered best practice to identify students who may be at risk for health concerns affecting their ability to learn. Screenings for Thomas Jefferson High School will be held on April 8th, 9th, and 10th. 

These free screenings are not an assessment or an evaluation and do not replace professional exams. Parents/guardians of students whose screening results fall outside the optimal range will be notified.

If you DO NOT want your student to participate in these screenings, please contact your School Nurse directly at ally_larocque@dpsk12.net or 720-423-7061. 

Mental Health Webinar

Upcoming Webinar: Mental Health Issues Facing Denver Youth

April 10th at noon

Amanda Carter, a clinical social worker and counselor an rogram manager for the Jewish Family Services school-based program will join to talk about the mental health issues that youth in Denver are facing today. She will also share tools that families can use with their children to grow and maintain coping skills. Register for the webinar here.

Skilled Trades Career Fair

TJ Food Bank

The April 2024 Food Bank distribution will take place Tuesday, April 23 from 4:00-5:30 pm. Any family that is in need of food support is welcomed and encouraged to sign up HERE. Please note that you MUST sign up no later than Sunday, April 21 for us to have food available for you at the distribution. Please see below for information on the Monthly Mobile Food Pantry being offered by the Food Bank of the Rockies for additional food opportunities.

La distribución de alimentos de abril es martes el 23 de abril de 4:00-5:30 pm en TJ. Cualquier familia que necesite apoyo alimentario es bienvenida y animada a inscribirse AQUÍ. DEBE registrarse antes del 21 de abril para que tengamos alimentos disponibles para usted en la distribución. Consulte a continuación para obtener información sobre la despensa móvil mensual de alimentos que ofrece the Food Bank of the Rockies.

Thank you to the TJ Community for your continued support of the Food Bank!  If you are interested in making a financial contribution to the TJ Food Bank, you can do so HERE.

Reach out to Megan Perkins (megandperkins@gmail.com), Becca Mahoney (beccaandjoemahoney@gmail.com) or Jillian Krause (jillian.krause@gmail.com) with questions.

After Prom - TJ Community Help Needed!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

The TJ post-prom is approaching, and we could use your help in a variety of ways to help make the event a success. Kindly take a moment to review the sign-up genius and let us know where you can assist. Thank you so much!



Janet & Colley

Post-Prom Volunteer Coordinators

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090948A5AD2C7-48697953-thomas

PTO News

Next PTO Meeting

Our April meeting will be held tomorrow - Tuesday, April 9 from 6-7pm in Room 111. It will feature

approvals for the Spartan Grant program and officer elections.

Please consider how you can use your skills to help TJ be the best it can be. Even if you’re not cut out to be President or VP, we have other roles that could be filled. Interested in working with Hospitality? Spirit Store? Volunteer Coordinator? We can use your skills! Email TJHSpto@gmail.com

Save the Date - TJ Film Festival April 24th

Saturday School

We are focusing on students who have F's during Saturday School. If you will be dropping your student off for Saturday School, please be sure that they do have their Chromebook to work on their F, and that you drop them off at door #8 by the softball field. The times are from 8:00 am-11:00 am. The school will provide snacks/drinks. 



The dates for Saturday School are 4/13, 4/20, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18.

We will begin Saturday School starting this Saturday. The form will always be in the Newsletter and will be open for you to fill out. Our Spring Saturday School sessions will only be focused on students through the semester who have an F.

Thank you for supporting your students to stay on track with their credits!!

Speech & Debate Donation Request

The TJ Speech and Debate team will be selling GRAD GRAMS again this year! We are looking for donations of the little individual wrapped candy. If you are able to donate, please drop off to the office before April 30th! Thanks for your support!!  

GT News

Want to learn more about Perfectionism or Healthy Relationships

as they relate to your GT child?

We are excited to announce that we will be hosting our Spring Gifted and Talented Family Presentation Night on Thursday, April 11th. If your child is identified as GT, 2e or HGT, please join us!

When: Thursday April 11th, 2024

Time:  6:00pm - 7:00pm

Where:  TJHS Room 134 

The Presentations will be facilitated by two members of the DPS Gifted and Talented Department, with your TJ GT Site Team members there to support!

Please click HERE to register. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Assistant Principal, Paula Hammel (phammel@dpsk12.net) or Rachel Stutzman, GT Itinerant Teacher (rstutzm@dpsk12.net). 

We look forward to seeing you!

¿Quieres aprender más sobre el perfeccionismo o las relaciones saludables en lo que respecta a su hijo GT?

Estamos muy contentos de anunciar que seremos los anfitriones de nuestra Primavera Dotados y Talentosos Noche de Presentación Familiar el jueves, 11 de abril. ¡Si su hijo está identificado como GT, 2e o HGT, por favor únase a nosotros!

Cuándo: Jueves 11 de abril, 2024

Hora: 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Donde:  TJHS Sala 134

¡Las presentaciones serán facilitadas por dos miembros del Departamento de Dotados y Talentosos de DPS, con los miembros de su equipo de TJ GT allí para apoyar!

Por favor, haga clic AQUÍ para registrarse.

Si tiene alguna pregunta, por favor, póngase en contacto con el Subdirector, Paula Hammel (phammel@dpsk12.net) o Rachel Stutzman, GT Itinerante Maestro (rstutzm@dpsk12.net). 

¡Esperamos contar con su presencia!

Healthcare Career Webinar

College 101 - Save the Date: April 27

Future Center News

Spartan Seniors and Families,

• The DSF Scholarship is NOW OPEN for application! Apply today!
• Every year, Seniors’ Scholarship Wins are shared in the Graduation Program. Be sure to share your wins by completing this form so we can include your name on the program!
• If you still have not submitted your FAFSA, do so as soon as possible.

Upcoming Events (visit the TJ Future Center schoology course for more details):

Wednesday, April 10th: Arapahoe CC Rep Visit in the TJFC 

Friday, April 12th: Community College of Denver/ TJ Orientation- SIGN UP! ; UC Denver Admitted Students Day SIGN UP!

Tuesday, April 16th: Emily Griffith Technical College Registration for Summer and Fall

Wednesday, April 24th: CSU Admitted Student Event at CSU Spur (Denver) SIGN UP!

Wednesday, May 1st: DSF Scholarship Application DUE 

Friday, May 3rd: MSU Denver/TJ Orientation SIGN UP!

Emily Webster, M.S. Alyssa Baker, M.Ed.

DSF Lead College Advisor DSF College Advisor

emily_webster@dpsk12.net alyssa_baker@dpsk12.net

DYEP Youth Applications Now Open!

Links to DYEP Youth Application

DYEP 2024 Summer Youth ApplicationENGLISH

DYEP 2024 Summer Youth ApplicationSPANISH

The Denver Youth Employment Program (DYEP) provides youth access to workforce development, career exposure, and opportunities to further their individual passions and

goals through foundational work experience opportunities with local organizations, businesses and other high growth industries. The success of this program over the years has been a direct result of collaboration and partnerships with organizations who have a vested interest in our youth and giving back to their community. Over the last four years, DYEP has partnered with 224 employers and was able to serve 1,028 youth participants putting over $1.4 million dollars back into marginalized youth’s pockets. Youth are supported throughout their 120 hour work experience and learn to leverage financial literacy practices and soft skills during the summer.

Summer STEM Shadow Program

Denver Summer STEM Shadow Program

Tuesdays & Wednesdays

June 11-12, 18-19, 25-26

9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Join us for a unique mentorship opportunity through this year's Denver Summer STEM Shadow Program. Over the course of three weeks, incoming high school juniors and seniors will get at least 40 hours of shadowing and hands-on experience linked to STEM. The program will allow students to engage with consulting engineers, marketing and construction professionals, working on commercial and industrial projects.

Each day, students will be introduced to a different discipline within the company including: mechanical, process, electrical, civil, structural and environmental engineers, along with other STEM professionals to gain a well-rounded view of the world of engineering consulting. Employee-owners from different disciplines will be sharing their work, basic principles and valuable resources, as well as facilitating hands-on activities to help demonstrate principles in their field.

Each student will be creating a resume as well as an end-of-program presentation, highlighting key takeaways. The presentation will be shared on the last day of the program with volunteers, Burns & McDonnell employee-owners and family members.

Participating students will be selected based on their application. The deadline to apply is April 12.

Apply Today!

Family and Community Engagement Meetings

Community Meetings

Calling all parents, guardians, teachers, and community members! Join the FACE Community Engagement team, in partnership with Periscope Theory, for an interactive session on how DPS can improve our engagement strategies and bring both student and community voice to the decision-making process.

Enjoy light refreshments while getting to know people in your community. Childcare, transportation, and language support will be provided! Participants will also receive a $25 cash stipend to honor the value of your time and contributions.

See the flyer (all languages) for more details and RSVP here

• April 10th, 12-1pm, Zoom (online), Link will be provided

DAC Membership

It's that time of the year! The District Accountability Committee (DAC) is currently accepting applications for 2024-25 membership. Click on this link for information/applications in all languages. If you have any questions, you can reach the DAC at denverdac@gmail.com

Bare Necessities Drive

The FACE team is working with local community partners and businesses to collect and donate essentials to schools across the district. Know of a business that would be interested in participating? We'll arrange box drop-off and pick up times and ensure your donation goes to a local school! See this toolkit for more information!

Denver Health Mobile Health Centers

Hi TJ fans! In need of TJ gear? Send us an email. Also, anyone interested in joining the fun and getting to know the TJ community by selling gear, please get in touch at tjhs.store@gmail.com. Thank you TJ community for your school spirit! 

Did You Know…?

(en español)

Thomas Jefferson High School is excited to announce that we will be hosting a special movie event (for FREE). 

We encourage families to come together!

What: Screenagers, The Next Chapter (presented with Spanish subtitles)

When: Thursday May 2nd, 2024

Hour: 5:30pm to enjoy drinks and food (more info to come!). Movie starts at 6:00pm

Where: TJHS Auditorium (3950 S. Holly Street, Denver 80237)

*  The movie is 63 minutes long and is encouraged for kids 6th grade and older.

What is this about and how can this benefit me?

Filmmaker and physician Delaney Ruston uses a personal lens and professional eye to help flip the script on stress, anxiety, and depression. Ruston sets out to understand challenges in our current screen-filled society, and how parents and schools empower teens to overcome mental health challenges and build emotional agility.

The film follows personal stories of families from an array of backgrounds with a spectrum of emotional challenges.  Interwoven into the stories are surprising insights from brain researchers, psychologists, and thought-leaders that reveal evidence-based ways to support mental wellness among our youth. 

Please RSVP HERE so we can plan for food!

Mental Health and Social Emotional “Did You Know”: Compiled by Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP and Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW.  Resources: https://www.screenagersmovie.com/about-screenagers-next-chapter 

Yearbook News

Buy A Yearbook Now!

Sparta-Fill is Here!

For more information, please visit https://spartafill.com/

After Prom is 11 days away! Mark your calendars for a fun night for our seniors, Friday, April 19 from

11:30-2:30am at “The Island.”

Parents - Want to help or contribute a donation? The Volunteer sign up is found here . Link to:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090948A5AD2C7-48697953-thomas#/

Students - The party doesn’t stop when Prom ends at 11pm! Make plans to bring your group to After Prom - an after hours beach party! Not going to Prom? This party is for all Seniors, please join us!

After Prom FAQs

All school rules will be followed by students who attend the TJ After Prom!

Q. What and where is After Prom?

A. After Prom is a FREE event that is held the same night as the Prom, Friday, April 19, 2024. It

begins at 11:30 p.m. and ends at 2:30 a.m. The location is “The Island,” an indoor beach volleyball

event center. 2233 S. Geneva Street, Denver 80247. After Prom is a safe, supervised, and FUN night for TJ Seniors and their guests.

Q. Do I have to attend Prom to be able to attend After Prom?

A. No, any TJ Senior can attend After Prom - just bring your TJ ID! You may not bring a student from

another school unless you got tickets for Prom and filled out the TJ/DPS paperwork to bring a student from another school and had it approved by TJ.

Q. What is there to do at After Prom?

A. Tons of fun activities and games and awesome PRIZES! The Island is set up to have an amazing

time!

Beach Volleyball tournament and free play

Corn hole and other chill games

Blackjack, Poker, Roulette in the Casino room!

Board games and food in the main area

Hula dancers, fire pits to hang and chill around, a live hypnotist, movie/concert playing on a huge

inflatable screen

Fun, Tasty Food and Drinks Galore

Prizes drawings throughout the night!

Q. What are some of the Prizes I could win?

A. How would you like to win prizes like an Ipad! Beats Headphones! Portable Bose speakers!

Airpods, CASH, tons of gift cards, and more! We have so many prizes you could win! MUST BE

PRESENT TO WIN!

Q. How do I get to After Prom? Is transportation to/from After Prom available or provided?

A. There is no organized transportation provided for After Prom.

Q. What time do I arrive at the After Prom event?

A. Check-in for the After Prom begins at 11:15 p.m. All students who want to attend After Prom must be checked-in by Midnight (12:00 a.m.). No attendee will be admitted to the event after Midnight.

Q. If I want to leave the After Prom event prior to the 2:30 a.m. end time, will I be allowed to

leave?

A. The committee is planning so many fun activities in hopes that all the students will want to stay for the entire event. We encourage everyone to stay and will be giving out the biggest and best prizes last – you must be present to win! If you do want to leave early, you will be allowed to, but you cannot return after leaving.

Q. Is there a separate permission form and cost to attend After Prom?

A. No! After Prom is free to all TJ seniors! We will check you in at the front door, so bring your TJ I.D. DPS Security will be present and helping with check-in.

Q. Do I need to bring anything with me to After Prom?

A. If you’re coming directly from Prom, you will want to bring a change of comfortable clothes and

shoes with you. There will be a check in area where students can leave their belongings during the

event and can pick up when ready to leave. Students can also stay in their tuxedos/suits and dresses - whatever you want!

Q. Is there a dress code for After Prom?

A. Yes. Clothing must be either Prom attire or school day appropriate or appropriate beach wear such as Hawaiian shirts, shorts, skirts, tank tops. Nothing too revealing.

Q. Will there be food and drink provided at After Prom?

A. Yes! There will be plenty of food and drinks provided to After Prom attendees all throughout the entire event. There is no additional cost to students for the food or the drinks.

Q. Can I bring my own food or beverages into the After Prom event?

A. No. In order to maintain the security and safety of all After Prom attendees, you are not allowed to bring in any food, beverages, or cups/glasses/bottles. All bags, coats, etc. are subject to search upon entering After Prom and DPS Security will be helping with check-in.

Q. If I forgot something in my car or want to take something out to my car, will I be allowed to go out to the parking lot during After Prom?

A. No. None of the attendees are allowed to leave and then re-enter the After Prom event. This is a

safety concern that is taken very seriously and there are NO EXCEPTIONS to this rule.

Q. Who puts on After Prom?

A. The After Prom event is entirely planned, funded, and implemented by TJ 2024 parents and the PTO.

Q. How can I help?

Whether you’re a family member, teacher, or community member, you are encouraged to participate in After Prom! In this homestretch we need VOLUNTEERS and a few item donations to make this event happen! The Volunteer sign up is found here.

Q. Will my parents be at After Prom?

A. It’s possible that some of the attendee’s parents will be there as volunteer workers that night.

Q. If I have more questions about After Prom, who should I ask?

A. Your Class of 2024 Parent Sponsor - Cheri Jones. jonesoils.co@gmail.com or tjhspto@gmail.com

KEY DATES FOR SENIORS

TOMORROW! Tuesday, 4/9/24: Senior Class “Panoramic” Photo is taken today

Friday, 5/3/24: Senior Awards Night (by invitation)

Friday, 4/19/24: Prom - at Space Gallery in Denver’s Art District and After Prom at The Island. There’s no school for students on 4/19!

Monday, 5/20/24: Senior Check Out Day 1(last day for Seniors, they attend all classes)

Tuesday, 5/21/24: Senior Check Out Day 2

• 8am: Senior Breakfast
• 9-11am: Graduation Rehearsal in the TJ Auditorium
• 11am: Cap & Gown Distribution

Tuesday, 5/28/24: Graduation at 1pm at the University of Denver’s Magness Arena

A mandatory on-site rehearsal is held that morning. Seniors should be at DU by 10:40am.

More information about Graduation is found on the TJ website.

Seniors! Please fill out the form below to have input on your prom music!

Music Style and DJ Request Form

By filling out this questionnaire, you will help us customize the music selection and make sure that our DJ is fully prepared for your event. We will also use the information to tailor our services to meet your expectations and create an experience that exceeds your expectations.

Please sign up to donate snacks for our wonderful teachers and Staff! Class of 2025 is in charge of Teacher Appreciation for Monday May 6th. Please go the Sign Up Genius to sign up!! Any questions? Please reach out to Kerry Muhovich: kerry.muhovich@gmail.com

https://signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/20F0D4AAFAA28A1FA7-48875003-class

Stay tuned for more info in the next month or two about Teacher Appreciation the first week of May, Juniors and Junk food at the end of the school year and the Senior Sleep Out August 18th!

If you have any comments, suggestions or want to help out with a specific event, please email: hmbdvm@yahoo.com

Mark your calendars for this Wednesday, April 24th. Visit the Hampden location at Birdcall and use promo code: TJHS424. Every order with this promo code will collect 25% to be donated back to the Class of 2026! 

Also, Save the Date for our Class of 2026 Parent party fundraiser to be held on Thursday, May 16th from 6 - 8 pm. Look for an invite soon!

As always, if you want to help our fundraising efforts, please consider donating directly to Class of 2026!

https://tjhsstore.square.site/product/2026-class-donations/108

Thank you, 

Carrie (Carriealleman@yahoo.com) and Sheila (Sheilamtyler@yahoo.com)

Class of 2026 Parents, we are looking for someone to lead the Sophomore Smores event for the students right after school the week of May 6th (flexible on the date). Please reach out to Carrie or Sheila for more details.

Also “Save the Date” for a Happy Hour Fundraiser to be held on Thursday, May 16th from 6 - 8 pm. More details to follow.

If you want to help, please consider donating directly to Class of 2026!

https://tjhsstore.square.site/product/2026-class-donations/108

Thank you, 

Carrie (Carriealleman@yahoo.com) and Sheila (Sheilamtyler@yahoo.com)

Freshmen Parents - want to connect? Contact Committee Co-Chair Kendal Mullins at

kendalbmullins@gmail.com or 303-875-6810.

Please consider making a donation to the Class of 2027’s Class Fund. Donations will

support the After Prom event (held Senior Year) and other class activities that will be planned by

our Parent Committee these next four years. Your donation is tax deductible as the TJ Partners

PTO is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Please reach out to your employer as your donation

may be eligible for matching funds.

The Class of 2027 Donation Link is found in the PTO’s Online Store:

https://tjhsstore.square.site/product/2027-class-donations/112