April 22, 2024

Happy Monday, Spartans! 

We appreciate everyone's help and efforts with testing last week, and we hope that students had a nice week and are and ready to hit the ground running for the last several weeks of school. 

Thanks to all of the parents and staff who helped make prom a memorable and safe event for our seniors. This week is Spirit Week, so be sure to check out each day's theme below and participate! Additionally, please join us in the auditorium on Wednesday to be wowed by the second annual TJ Film Festival. We also have our 2nd Annual Multicultural Night on Friday! 

There are only about 5 weeks left before finals, so get to class, work hard, and make it count!

¡Feliz lunes, espartanos!

Apreciamos la ayuda y los esfuerzos de todos con las pruebas de la semana pasada, y esperamos que los estudiantes hayan tenido una buena semana y estén listos para comenzar las últimas semanas de escuela.

Gracias a todos los padres y el personal que ayudaron a hacer de la fiesta de graduación un evento memorable y seguro para nuestros adultos mayores. Esta semana es la Semana del Espíritu, así que asegúrese de revisar el tema de cada día a continuación y participar! Además, por favor únase a nosotros en el auditorio el miércoles para ser sorprendido por el segundo Festival de Cine de TJ anual. ¡También tenemos nuestra segunda Noche Multicultural Anual el viernes!

Solo quedan unas 5 semanas antes de los exámenes finales, ¡así que ve a clase, trabaja duro y haz que cuente!

Mike Christoff

Principal

Monday-

• Spirit Week: Western Day

Tuesday-

• Spirit Week: "They're a 10, but...."
• Capture the Flag - Junior Girls vs. Senior Girls at lunch
• Food Bank Distribution: 4-5:30 p.m.

Wednesday- 

• Spirit Week: Movie Night In vs. Movie Premier
• Talent Show Auditions: 4-5:30 p.m.
• TJ Film Festival: 6:00 p.m.
• Class of 2026 Birdcall Fundraiser - open to close! (details below)

Thursday-

• Spirit Week: Rhyme without Reason
• Clothing Boutique (for families and students in need): 8:45 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
• Talent Show Auditions: 4-5:30 p.m.

Friday-

• Spirit Week: TJ Day/Culture Day
• Clothing Boutique (for any TJ student): 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
• Multicultural Night: 5:30-8:00 p.m.

Saturday-

• Saturday School: 8-11 a.m.
• College 101: 8:30-10 a.m.

• Parents - thanks for getting your students here for testing last week! Special thanks to Marnie Bromby, Leslie Hillen, and all faculty and staff who helped out with the many testing roles and responsibilities

• Thanks to all parents and staff sponsors/chaperones who helped make prom a wonderful event! See specific parent shoutouts below in the senior section.

Our very own Natalie Koncz was just awarded SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST OF THE YEAR within DPS. She was first nominated by our Speech Language Therapist, Kathleen Auburt but I know so many share the same sentiment. It was tough competition and we have over 400 school social workers and psychologists so this is BIG! IT was a fun surprise (for her).

Here is a five minute video created from school staff, admin, students, and parents shouting out our favorite! Make sure to click on the video link here!

Kudos to Jonathan Howard and his Advanced Web students who made the DPS Weekly with their impressive web skills:

Thomas Jefferson High School Web Design Class Inspires Career Paths

Thomas Jefferson High School students are taking charge and making change! Advanced web design students at Thomas Jefferson recently pitched their web designs for a new school website.  

“This is not a class that is offered in every school district. This is not a class you find even within school districts,” said Jacob Turner, DPS Web Designer. “And having that real-world experience is what sets us apart.”

Learn about Thomas Jefferson's web design course and how it is pushing students to seriously consider career paths in technology and design.

Watch the full video here.

PTO News

TJHS Supporter Business Directory

The PTO often uses local businesses for our projects and events. Do you own a landscaping company or commercial/residential cleaning company? We need to hire you! To tell us about a business, fill out this form. Note: this information will only be used internally, not published or promoted to the TJHS community.

Please consider how you can use your skills to help TJ be the best it can be. Interested in working

with Hospitality? Spirit Store? Volunteer Coordinator? We can use your skills! Email

TJHSpto@gmail.com

TJ Food Bank

The Apil Food Distribution will take place tomorrow - TUESDAY, April 23 from 4:00-5:30pm at TJ!  

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

¡La distribución de alimentos de abril es mañana - martes 23 de abril de 4:00-5:30 pm en TJ!

Comuníquese con Megan Perkins (megandperkins@gmail.com) si tiene preguntas.

If you are interested in making a monetary donation to the TJ Food Bank you can do so HERE. We appreciate your support! 

Art News

CityWide High School Art Exhibit:

The DPS CityWide HS Art Exhibit runs April 5th through April 29th at the BRDG Project. Please see their website for gallery hours. The Artist Reception is Wednesday, April 17th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Please join us to honor & celebrate our artists.  

Here's our CityWide Art Exhibit: check out this slide deck to see some of the amazing student artwork!

JROTC News

Live links from above: HMMWV pull, Ammo cans

Talent Show Auditions This Week

Film Festival on Wednesday!

Spartan Garden News - Veggie Starters available!

Hello TJ Families, garden enthusiasts and those who want to be.....

It's that time of year again- Veggie garden Prep!

TJ Spartan Garden has been starting Veggies since January-

If you would like to order Veggie starters from the Spartan Garden please use this form- 

There will be an order form to come in May, this is just to give us an idea.

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 4/27, 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!!

College 101 - Save the Date: April 27

Please RSVP here!

por favor confirme su asistencia aquí

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!!  

Healthcare Career Webinar

Save the Date - Photography Exhibition at Bitfactory Gallery on May 17th

Mark your calendar for Friday, May 17th!

TJ Photo 2 & 3 students will be showing photography work professionally at the Bitfactory Gallery in the Santa Fe Arts District in Denver. 

Opening Night is Friday, May 17 from 6:00 - 9:00pm.  

All students in Photo 2 & 3 will have one piece in the show. If you can't make it on May 17th, the exhibition will be up until June 8th and you can stop by during gallery hours to see their work.   

The following students will be showing work. Be sure to give them some props the next time you see them!

Dixie Atkinson

Marissa Edwards

Townsend Herbst

Rachel Nelson

Brady Vinlove

Kegan White

Jackson Adams

Ethan Bell

Keyshaun Ceaser

Emma Cooper

Ruth Danquah

Brennan England

Noah Jones

Bree LaPlante-Dorlean

Evie Kindell

Remi Lee

Javier Matancillas-Guzman

Joshua Munthe

Dylan Renslen

Taylor Scarlett

Estrella Cuenca-Jimenez

Mark Dolson

Dylan Hagerty

Sabrina Iturbe-Bastida

Gabi Leyva

Amelie Miller

Sarhyia Owens

Sofia Sandoval

Gunner Walden

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. Please complete this form once you’ve submitted! 



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

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.

Denver Health Mobile Health Centers

Hi TJ fans! In need of TJ gear? Send us an email. Look out for DECA to begin selling TJ merchandise in the school store after school! 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 WAS AWESOME! 

Thank you to everyone who helped make After Prom a fun night for our seniors. Much love and eternal gratitude go to the After Prom Committee - Chairperson Cheri Jones and the Sub-Committee Chairs for your leadership and hard work. This would not have happened without your time and talents! 

Welcoming Committee: Carrie Alleman and Kim Tapia 

Chill Space: Sheila Tyler and Katie Swats

Volleyball Tournament: Janet Randles

Casino Room: Jll McLain and Jean Steimel

Food: Maria Sadkhi and Andrea F

Senior gifts and prizes: Megan Perkins and Becca Mahoney 

Decorations: Jenni Scobey and Jill VanAbbema

Volunteers: Janet Randles and Colley Moe

Event Volunteers - we owe many of you a good night’s sleep: Dan Moe, Derek Mullins, David McLain, Dave Alleman, John Scobey, David Steimel, Chad Swats, Steve & Krista Zizzo, Robin Schiff, Anthony Tapia, Joe Mahoney, Amy Lloyd, Laura Koupal, Sarah Dukes, Phyllis Smith, Jane McPherson, Chris & Lori Lee, Mindy & Steve Hartley, Melissa & Ryan Baca, Lansing Tyler, Nyssa & Rick Zabel, Lizzie & Dean Price

Food & Prize Donors: Sarah Dukes, Phyllis Smith, Kendal Mullins, Cheri Jones, Carrie Alleman, Mindy Hartley, Monica Snyder, Janis Herbst, Jennifer Newpower, Amanda Ostrom, Amy Lloyd, Elizabeth Price, Debbie Smith, Laura Koupal, Meredith Larimer, James Newpower, Kenlynn W

For all those who helped behind the scenes and supported the committee and this event, you are appreciated!

KEY DATES FOR SENIORS

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

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.

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://www.signupgenius.com/go/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

https://checkout.square.site/merchant/DFYJASFJ9AWJN/checkout/5YQZMIBZ7N2OMHRNKKJ55M5N

Sophomore S’mores is coming up on May 9th after school and we need your help! Please see the sign up genius to sign up-

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C45A8A629A3FC1-49154930-sophomore

If you have any questions, please reach out!

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