March 1, 2021
Administrator's Corner
Season C sports have been approved and are starting soon!
March 4th - first official start date of CHSAA football
March 8th - first official start date of CHSAA volleyball, boys' soccer, & gymnastics
Deadline to register for Season C sports: March 7th at 5pm
Register, pay, and upload your physical on FamilyID to be cleared to try out.
Choice of Studies: March 8th we will start choice of studies for students. They will be doing this in classes. Please reach out to your counselor if you have any questions.
¡los deportes de la temporada C han sido aprobados y están comenzando pronto!
4 de marzo - primera fecha oficial de inicio del fútbol CHSAA
8 de marzo - primera fecha oficial de inicio del voleibol CHSAA, fútbol para niños y gimnasia
Fecha límite para inscribirse en los deportes de la temporada C: 7 de marzo a las 17:00
Regístrese, pague y cargue su médico en FamilyID para ser autorizado a probar.
Visit el sitio web de Spartan Athletics para enlaces adicionales e información, incluyendo información de contacto del entrenador.
Elección de estudios: El 8 de marzo comenzaremos la elección de los estudios para los estudiantes. Lo harán en clases. Por favor, comuníquese con su consejero si tiene alguna pregunta.
Anne Rice
Athletic Director
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Monday-
- Remote learning for all students
Tuesday-
- In-person learning (Cohort A-L)
- Torchy's Swim Team Fundraiser - 10:00 a.m.- 8 p.m. (details below)
- Food Bank Distribution Day (details below): 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Wednesday-
- In-person learning (Cohort A-L)
- Food Bank Distribution Day (details below): 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Thursday-
- In-person learning (Cohort M-Z)
- Final deadline for Freshmen Yearbook Pictures (details below)
Friday-
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In-person learning (Cohort M-Z)
Saturday-
- Spirit Wear Sale - 2:00-4:00 p.m. (details below)
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- Thanks to Grant Laman and the Spartan Edition crew for keeping the show running during remote/hybrid learning! If you are not watching it regularly or want to catch an episode again, click here!
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- Thanks to PTO for this amazing portable presentation screen! We are hoping to use it for some student activities as soon as possible.
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We Need Freshmen Photos for the Yearbook!
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We're having another spirit wear sale on Saturday, March 6, 2021 from 2:00-4:00PM at Onsite Consulting, located at 6446 E Hampden Ave, Denver, CO 80222 (in the King Soopers parking lot at Hampden & Monaco)
We have TJ beanies, t-shirts, PJ bottoms, & sweatshirts. Come get your spirit wear !
We will be working on a new collection of items for an online sale. Please watch the newsletter and School Deets for information. Reach out to TJHS.STORE@GMAIL.COM with any questions!
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Choice of Studies for 2021-22 Courses
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Choice of Studies is right around the corner. The Choice window will open March 8th for students to pick their classes for next year. Choice of studies forms can be found on the TJ website under the Academics and Programs tab: https://tjhs.dpsk12.org/choice-of-studies/ If you have any questions do not hesitate to reach out to your counselor. Jillian Gleason A-D, Maggie Kennedy E-L, Erin Thompson M-Q & IEP's, Jeremy Anderson R-Z |
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School Based Health Centers are OPEN!
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Denver Health School Based Clinic Staff is excited to welcome back students returning for in-person learning! Whether you are staying remote or coming back to school, we are here for you. Give us a call at 720-423-7190 to set up an appointment! #werehereforyou #covid19 #denverpublicschools
Thomas Jefferson School Based Clinic: 720-423-7190
Consent for Thomas Jefferson School Based Clinic:
English:
Spanish:
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Help! We need curb appeal at TJ!
The PTO is looking for parents who are interested in brainstorming ideas for the front entrance to the school. Freshening up the front area will make TJ more attractive and usable for both students and visitors. Now that we have a sparkling, new lobby, let's spruce up the exterior front entrance of our school. Some ideas include using more hardscape, new banners, art, sculptures, new concrete benches or other seating.
This is a temporary work group to come up with a vision to share with the school administrators. If you are itching to put your creative energy to work for TJ, we'd love to have you be part of this group! If you are interested, contact Eileen Robinson at tjhspto@gmail.com.
Emily Lupo, TJ's Dean of Culture, will be speaking at the next TJ PTO meeting at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, March 9th. Here are a few of the topics Ms. Lupo will address:
- What are Restorative Practices at TJ? This is an opportunity for parents to gain an understanding of what Restorative Practices are and what the Dean of Culture and Student Excellence Team does.
- The Dean of Culture is a new administrator position at TJ. How did this role evolve?
- Ms. Lupo will talk about the relationship with the Denver Police Department. Since DPS is ending its contract with DPD at the end of the school year, what does that mean for the TJ community?
Classroom Grant Request Window is Now Open! TJ PTO's primary mission is to enhance and support the educational experience at TJHS. With that goal in mind, PTO has budgeted $10,000 to distribute as Classroom Grants! This is made possible by the fundraising done through the PTO's online auction. Your support of the auction directly benefits all TJ students. Do you know a teacher or staff member who may have a need for grant money? It's time for any staff member to submit a request for a PTO Grant to help support students in whatever class or activity they lead. Last year, grants funded by the TJ Auction were used for equipment and supplies to support the departments of Special Ed, PE, CCT, Social Studies, Math, Foreign Languages as well as Speech and Debate, the Library and TJ's Social Work staff.
TJ Staff: Please submit grant requests using this Grant Request Form. All requests are due by the end of the day on Friday, April 16th.
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Swim Team Fundraiser Tomorrow!
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Last fall we launched Real Talk, a virtual college exploration initiative designed to connect Black students and families with admissions representatives from universities across the country. Real Talk is not your traditional college fair. This series is intentionally designed to feel informal, authentic, and, most of all, real. In this virtual environment, we're committed to creating pathways for Black students to meaningfully engage with colleges and universities.
We're thrilled to launch our spring series in partnership with College Board's A Dream Deferred™ Conference. Join us for a special, two-night Real Talk: HBCU Edition on Wednesday, March 3, and Thursday, March 4. Your students will have an opportunity to connect with admissions representatives from the best HBCUs in the country and get questions answered in real time. We'll cover topics such as financial aid, scholarships, academic offerings, career paths, student organizations, Greek life, housing, and more!
All ages and academic achievement levels are welcome. We look forward to connecting with you soon for real talk. RSVP today and share the event with your networks.
Date: Wednesday, March 3, and Thursday, March 4
Time: 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT
The following HBCUs will be featured during this two-night event:
1. Alabama A&M University
2. Claflin University
3. Dillard University
4. Florida A&M University
5. Hampton University
6. Howard University
7. Jackson State University
8. Kentucky State University
9. Lincoln University
10. Morehouse College
11. Morgan State University
12. North Carolina A&T University
13. North Carolina Central University
14. Shaw University
15. Southern University
16. Spelman College
17. Texas Southern University
18. Tuskegee University
19. Xavier University
Sincerely,
College Board |
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Apprenticeship Opportunities for Juniors and Seniors
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Sophomores & Juniors:
Are you looking for a job that could lead to a career? Come join us on Thursday, March 4th at 3:00 PM to hear about the DPS Youth Apprenticeship Program! Grounded in the comfort and support of your high school, apprentices continue taking classes while getting paid to work for one in one of the following industries: healthcare, education, business/finance, IT, advanced manufacturing, and more. Sign up below to be added to the Google Meet! First 5 students to sign up AND attend, will receive a $20 GrubHub gift card!
I have attached the flyer to this email and the Google Form to register below:
This will also be the agenda covered in the event!
- Welcome
- What is a DPS Youth Apprenticeship? Program Requirements
- What jobs are currently available?
- General Questions and Q&A- Hear from current apprentices!
- Next Steps: Interest Survey, 1:1 Meetings and Application Review
Please let me know if you have any questions- I would be happy to answer.
Best,
Matthew Mason (He/Him/His)
Navigator at Thomas Jefferson High School DPS Career and College Success
Cell: 720-466-1617 | Email: matt_mason@dpsk12.org | Website
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Your Students and Families are Invited to a Virtual Financial Aid 101 Webchat!
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Grants...Loans...FAFSA...OH MY!
On Wednesday, March 10th, from 6 to 7pm, admissions counselors with four universities from around the state of Colorado will be hosting a Virtual Financial Aid 101 Webchat.
Join representatives from Adams State University, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Colorado School of Mines, and the University of Colorado Boulder, to learn some basic financial aid terminology, get advice on what questions to ask, and gain some confidence on how to navigate the financial aid process.
This event is open to Colorado incoming first-year students and families that are curious about the college financial aid process. No matter the university you are hoping to attend, we just want to be a resource for you!
All the registration information can be found below and we hope to connect with you in March.
Thank you!
College Collab Committee
Colorado Council on High School/College Relations
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Parent Support Through COVID-19
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Note: Registration is required for event.
Date and Zoom Link Email Questions to Scott Cypers at scott.cypers@cuanschutz.edu
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TJ Food Drive and Distribution Program
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March Food Distribution Dates: Tuesday, MARCH 2 from 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm AND Wednesday, MARCH 3 from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm in the far Northeast corner of the TJ parking lot (along the softball field fence). Please sign up for the day that works best for you to pick up food HERE.
Non-perishable food items are being collected continually for the Thomas Jefferson High Food Bank. We are also in need of REUSEABLE grocery bags for distribution if you have any to spare! Donations can dropped in the "TJ Food Bank" box at any of the following locations:
· 7996 E. Jefferson Place, Denver, 80237
· 7500 E. Dartmouth Avenue #25, Denver, 80231
· 2750 E. Bates Avenue, Denver, 80210
· 3732 S. Sebring Court, Denver, 80237
· 6895 Eastmoor Drive, Denver, 80237
· 7925 E. Mexico Avenue, Denver, 80231
· 2805 S. Gilpin Street, Denver, 80210
· 3614 S. Hudson Street, Denver, 80237
· 3004 S. Milwaukee Circle, Denver, 80210
· 3734 S. Oneida Way, Denver, 80237
· 3771 S. Rosemary Way, Denver, 80237
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Sustainability Club and TreePlenish Opportunity
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What: Sustainability Club is partnering with TreePlenish to plant 113 trees in order to offset TJ's paper usage!
When: We will be planting on Saturday May 1st. You need to order your trees by April 1st!
How: You can have volunteers plant the sapling in your yard (saplings are 18-24 inches) or you can come pick it up at TJ on that day!
Saplings are $5 and your choices are an Eastern Redbud or Quaking Aspen. More information on the tree types and the link to order are at the below link.
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5th Annual Thomas Jefferson High School Auction
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The Auction is an opportunity to support TJ and will run April 11th - April 15th. We acknowledge the impact that COVID has had on businesses, families, schools and students in the past year, and feel that now more than ever, we lean on each other for the support we all need to thrive during this time. We are working to gather donations and we strongly encourage our TJ families to support those businesses that support our school each year. Proceeds from this year's Auction will be dedicated to helping those in our TJ community, funding our Classroom Grant program and building improvements.
Any and all donations are appreciated...
- Do you own a business that can donate goods or services?
- Request a donation from the places you already know, love and frequent....they rarely say no to a donation for a public school!
- Reach out to businesses and request donations such as restaurant certificates, merchandise, vacation and travel opportunities, spa packages, professional services, and tickets to entertainment, cultural and sporting events.
The TJHS 2021 Auction Letter provides additional information on the Auction and has the TJ Tax ID #, as donations to TJ are tax-deductible. This can be given to businesses when requesting a donation. Donation information can be submitted directly into the Auction system here: https://tjhs.ptapal.com.
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College and Career Readiness
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Our goal is that all students graduate college and career ready. One of the ways we achieve this goal is to support students' career and college exploration through programs that provide opportunities for students to discover how their interests and passions might someday fit into the world of work. There are many resources to help you learn more about career and college programs in DPS, visit collegeandcareer.dpsk12.org to learn more! Handouts: English / Spanish
Matthew Mason (He/Him/His)
Navigator at Thomas Jefferson High School
DPS Career and College Success
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Incomplete Grades from Semester 1
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Incompletes....Did you know that if your incomplete from the first semester was between 40 and 59% you have the opportunity
now to make up that work and get a passing grade? Please contact your teacher for more information. Also, if you are a student who was enrolled in our "Winterim" semester recovery, you have until January 29th to complete your course. We can do this!!
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Food and Nutrition Services
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The FNS (Food and Nutrition Services) team had a meeting this morning with folks from the Colorado Food Cluster (CFC). CFC has launched a new initiative to deliver 7-day meal boxes with (7) suppers and (7) snacks to families in Denver. They are currently working with various charter schools, but they have the capacity to expand to other DPS schools.
FNS is not "involved" with this effort as we are not the vendor providing the suppers/snacks. However CFC is working directly with DPS schools to sign up families at no charge. The meals are available for kids ages 6-18 years old. Below is the sign up form and is available in English and Spanish.
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Chromebook and Materials Distribution - By Appointment Only
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Dear Spartan Families,
TJHS will continue to offer pick up opportunities for Chromebooks and class materials distribution by appointment only.
- To make a request please fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/h381kzTdGeEnXTa46
- We will contact you using the email address provided in the form to arrange a time for pickup.
- If you are returning damaged technology please make sure the power cord is returned with the unit
- We are out of Wifi Hotspots and we don't know when additional units will be made available.
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In an effort to provide GT students and their families with the resources and supports needed to begin/complete their Advanced Learning Plan (ALP), the TJHS GT Site Team has created a Google Classroom for each GT grade level. The title and code for each grade level is listed below:
TJHS Gifted and Talented 2024 Cohort - doyqstu
TJHS Gifted and Talented 2023 Cohort - b7vpvfn
TJHS Gifted and Talented 2022 Cohort - orzg7to
TJHS Gifted and Talented 2021 Cohort - by7mjwi
The TJHS GT Site Team, working alongside our District GT Partners, has included resources, websites and documents to help you complete your ALP goals. Keep in mind that there are affective as well as academic goals. At this time, students should only focus on the Goals / Advanced Learning Plan section and not worry about the badges right now. We don't want you to get in there and feel overwhelmed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Ms. Tate, our Dean Instruction and GT Point of Contact at adria_tate@dpsk12.org
Our District GT Partner is Brian Beard, brian_beard@dpsk12.org, and you may receive GT newsletters from his office with internship and university opportunities.
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Mental Health and Social/Emotional Tips
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Did You Know...?
Stress is the way your body responds to challenges and gets you ready to face them with attention, energy and strength!
Stress can get you ready for action and motivate you. BUT, problems can arise when your stress level is greater than your ability to apply healthy coping tools. As we make the transition from summer back to academic demands, here are a few things to watch for, and ways to intervene as needed.
Signs of Stress in Teenagers: Changes in your child's behavior- eating habits, sleeping habits, often appearing nervous or anxious, decline in academic engagement/achievement, crying, refusing to go to school, wanting to be alone more than usual Changes in your child's emotions- increase in being cranky or moody, feeling worthless, struggling to relax or "switch off," feeling that 'nothing is going right,' feeling like they are on an emotional rollercoaster ride, feeling sad/hopeless. Changes in physical appearance- feeling sick (headaches, stomach pain, etc.), feeling tired even when getting enough sleep, losing or gaining significant weight, getting frequent colds, panic attacks or becoming dizzy, breathless, and females may experience changes in their menstruation cycle. Changes in your child's thinking- struggles with sustained focus/attention, losing thread of thoughts/conversations, memory deficits, becoming confused or irrational, having trouble organizing thoughts or problem solving.
How You Can Help: Listen to them- sometimes they are not looking for advice, but just someone to talk to and sort out their thoughts. Spend time together- plan activities that make your child feel good. Help them change any negative, absolute, or all-or-nothing thinking to a different perspective. You can do this by modeling it for them, and helping them change their language.
Healthy Lifestyle changes: Physical activity-cortisol can leave your child feeling tense. Exercise and movement burns off cortisol and helps the body relax Stay connected-make sure to have your child stay connected with family and friends; plan an activity they will enjoy when they are feeling stressed. Positive relationships are essential for overall wellbeing and strong mental health. Get enough sleep-one of the biggest causes of stress in teenagers is not enough sleep. Your child still needs approximately 9 hours/night. Eat good food-aim for a family diet with plenty of fresh veggies, fruits, lean meat, dairy/calcium foods and whole grains Relax and unwind-take a walk, read a book, do some adult coloring, journaling, take a relaxing shower/bath, listen to music.
If your child's level of stress is on-going and does not seem to alleviate, we encourage you to reach out to your doctor or school support team to look at additional interventions and resources.
Mental Health and Social Emotional "Did You Know": Compiled by Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW and Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP. Resources: "Stress in Teenagers"- www.raisingchildren.net.au
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News from the Future Center
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Class of 2021,
Urgent:
Completion of FAFSA or CASFA by MARCH 1st and Institutional Scholarship submission.
Class of 2022 and Parents,
Your TJ Future Center schoology course is now available! Please visit the course for resources to support your college search. At this time, you can find Summer College Prep Program info, start your scholarship search, and view Virtual College Tours. More to come!
Upcoming Deadlines and Events:
Monday, March 1st: FAFSA/CASFA DUE, Institutional Scholarship Apps DUE, ASCENT Application DUE, CU Boulder Next Steps Presentation, Elevations Credit Union Scholarship DUE
Thursday, March 4th: HBCU, HSI, NASI Virtual College Fair- Advanced Registration Required
Friday, March 5th: Kappa Alpha Psi Scholarship Application DUE
Saturday, March 6th: CSU College 101 Webinar- for all college interested Class of 2022 students
Class of 2022 and Parents, please save the date to join us virtually for College 101 on Wednesday, March 24th at 5:30pm. Details and Registration Info to come.
Emily Webster
College Advisor | Thomas Jefferson High School
Denver Scholarship Foundation | a 501(c)(3) Public Charity
789 Sherman Street, Suite 610 | Denver, CO 80203
emily_webster@dpsk12.net
ewebster@denverscholarship.org
www.denverscholarship.org
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Food and Nutrition Resources for Families
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Remember - TJ gear is available in the Spartan Store. If you would like to make a purchase, please contact tjhs.store@gmail.com.
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Class of '21 - SENIORS! Cap and Gown orders? Does that mean we are having a graduation? Yes! Mr. Christoff is working closely with the district to determine the format of graduation (see below for more details). Tentative date is May 18 yet that is fluid depending on format. Stay tuned! Senior checkout is May 14 - Cap/Gown orders are picked up that day.
Our amazing Class Sponsors Liz Lynch and Jason Klimczak are determined to have additional senior events, including Prom. Stay tuned as we will be reaching out for help once we know what we can do.
We are also looking for volunteers to spearhead the graduation parade (likely the Saturday after senior checkout) and coordinate an outdoor evening movie/bonfire event (date-TBD). Please reach out to any of the class parents with ideas and interest in helping.
In the meantime, you may still donate $21 for '21. You can donate through the PTO Spirit Store here.
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Prom:
TBD
Senior Awards:
Date: May 4, 2021 @ 5:00 pm Location: TBD
Senior Check-Out:
Breakfast
Graduation Rehearsal Cap & Gown Pick-up
Date: May 14, 2021
Breakfast Time: 7:00 am
Rehearsal Time: 8:00 am - 10:00 am Cap & Gown Pick-up
Graduation Information:
Date: May 18, 2021
Rehearsal Time: 12:00 pm
Ceremony Time: 1:00 pm
Place: DU Magness Arena
Possible Graduation Scenarios
Interim Superintendent Jones and his Senior Leadership Team will make a district-wide decision regarding commencement ceremonies by Spring Break.
The scenarios we are considering for this year's graduation season are below:
Scenario 1:
In Person/Indoors (normal)
Schools manage event coordination with the venue and vendors as normal
Scenario 2:
In person/Indoors (limited guests to 0 or 2 depending on regulations) Schools manage event coordination and logistics with the venue as normal
Scenario 3:
In person/Outdoors (limited guests to 0 or 2 depending on regulations) Liloni is managing venue coordination with the various venues at a district level
Schools will be responsible for school coordination and communication with both Liloni and students
Centrally supported live streaming option will be available
Dick's Sporting Goods Park
Empower Field at Mile High
University of Denver Barton Lacrosse Stadium All-City Field
Scenario 4:
Alternative Celebrations (similar to 2020)
Schools responsible for coordination
Centrally supported live streaming option will be available
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VIRTUAL FUNDRAISING PARTY TO SUPPORT TJ CLASS OF 2022
JOIN IN THE FUN FOR A ZOOM WINE TASTING AND WINE PULL EVENT (wine gets delivered to you, it's not virtual!)
Thursday, March 25, 2021
2 sessions - max of 25 people each session
$60 includes tasting wines and a bottle of wine drawn during the event.
The tasting wines will be delivered prior to the event and the bottle of wine will be delivered within a few days after the event.
Details and rsvp to follow in an email
Your virtual party hosts:
The Beach, Chaiken, and Freedberg Families
Each class raises money needed to host Prom, After Prom and any other senior year activities. We have 1 year to go! WOW!!! Every dollar raised at this event will be matched by a corporate sponsor.
If you are not able to join in this fun, please consider donating to the class of 2022 at
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Class of 2023 - Sophomores
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DONATE $23 for '23! - Way to go! $3,700!
Thanks to some PTO funds, our Body Bark Fundraiser, 2023 Masks and some more donations Class of 2023 now has about $3,700 in our funds! GREAT EFFORTS - THANK YOU for helping make our goal of $10,000 by Senior Year a reality!
Ongoing $23 for '23 Campaign please just click on the PTO Square link below and support the Class of 2023! WHATEVER amount you can give - $23 $230 $50 $100 - any amount is so helpful! (Please scroll down to CLASS OF 2023 and hit the custom button or amount of your choice and follow the online payment instructions from there!) https://checkout.square.site/buy/VTNYMQ3ZBZ2T7XLUHGIKYVBT
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Last chance to Mask up 2023!
Hey Sophomores - We have only a few TJ 2023 masks left! They are still on sale for $10! All proceeds go to Class of 2023! Two quick steps to order:
1. Please email Catherine Poirier at cpoirier@bodybark.com with the number of masks you would like to order and student's contact name.
2. Payment via Venmo: @Catherine-Poirier-3 $10 per mask - Indicate: 2023 Mask and student's contact name.
Mask pick-up will be arranged after purchase!
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Class of 2024 - Welcome! Part of the Thomas Jefferson mission is to build community, but we can't do that without your help. Please take a moment to complete a short survey for the Class Parent Sponsors. The information you provide will help us direct our communication to the people who want to receive it. We look forward to getting to know you and your student(s)! Class of 2024 Parent Survey
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