Administrator's Corner
Reminder that students do not have school today, Monday, September 28. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday will be a normal schedule, and Friday students will have their Monday schedule (periods 1, 3, and 7).
TJ golf and tennis have multiple State qualifiers!
Tennis:
Alex Lee, Luke Lloyd, Owen Robert, Dylan Huntsman, Tyler Hetzel, and
Dean Trujillo
Golf: Tyler Anderson
Congratulations and good luck to coaches and student-athletes!
Softball and Cross Country are in their last few weeks of regular season competition - good luck to both teams for a strong finish!
Recuerde que los estudiantes no tienen escuela hoy, lunes 28 de septiembre. Martes, miércoles y jueves será un horario normal, y los estudiantes de los viernes tendrán su horario de lunes (períodos 1, 3 y 7).
TJ golf y tenis tienen múltiples clasificatorios estatales!
Tenis: Alex Lee, Luke Lloyd, Owen Robert, Dylan Huntsman, Tyler Hetzel y Dean Trujillo
Golf: Tyler Anderson
¡Felicitaciones y buena suerte a entrenadores y estudiantes-atletas!
Softball y Cross Country están en sus últimas semanas de competición de temporada regular - buena suerte a ambos equipos para un final fuerte!
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Monday-
- No Students Today - Teacher Inservice Day
Tuesday-
- Tech and Materials pickup by appointment only (details below): 11-1
Wednesday-
Thursday-
- Tech and Materials pickup by appointment only (details below): 11-1
Friday-
- Make-up for Monday's Classes - Advisement and periods 1, 3, 7 (no Office Hours)
Saturday-
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- Thank you to for all the support for the TJ Food Bank! Students, parents and staff came together to sort and distribute the food last week. There was a huge outpouring of donations from the community and we were able to provide over 100 people with food. Please stay tuned for more information about how to support these efforts next month.
- Thanks to everyone for making the first-ever Virtual Back to School Night a success! We appreciate all of the families who navigated to their students' classes to connect with the teachers and learn more about the year ahead! We also appreciate all of the work that the Administration did to organize the evening and support teachers.
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Virtual Tardy Policy for Remote Learning
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TJ Spartans,
Punctuality is important, even remotely. Please be sure you are logging into your classes on time. If you are 5 minutes late to class, you will be marked Tardy. If you are more than 20 minutes late, you will be marked Absent.
If you arrive to class after 5 minutes or more for any reason, you should reach out to your teacher(s). To excuse tardies and absences, parents and guardians should call the automated attendance line at 720-423-7040. This line is for leaving messages only. You can also send an email to rebecca_moore@dpsk12.org.
Thank you!
The Student Excellence Team
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Communication Expectations and Norms
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In an attempt to support the needs of your students and while maintaining the work/life balance of our staff, we are adopting the following policies:
- Work day for teaching faculty will be from 7:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
- Meetings will held be scheduled during of normal work hours unless otherwise agreed upon.
- Please use the email address listed in the staff directory when reaching out: https://tjhs.dpsk12.org/directory/
- Email with an understanding of a 24 hour return time expectation.
- Please free to reach out to us when it is convenient for you via email/Remind with the expectation that we will respond to you within 24 hours.
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A collaboration between the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS), Forward Together helps parents and teens become more connected.
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Helpful Schoology Tips and Resources for Students
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Parents! We know that some of you would like more information about how to access Schoology. Please click on this helpful link to learn more! |
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Chromebook and Materials Distribution - By Appointment Only
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Dear Spartan Families,
TJHS will offer additional drive through pick up opportunities for Chromebooks and class materials distribution on Tuesday 9/29 and Thursday 10/1 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
The request form helps us ensure we have the proper level of staffing to handle demand. If you miss your pickup appointment your items will be returned to stock and you will need to resubmit your request for a future pick-up date. If you are returning damaged technology please make sure the power cord is returned with the unit.
Due to high demand across the district we are out of Wifi Hotspots and don't know when additional units will be made available. In order to comply with Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and Denver Public School Nursing Services, we ask that families remain in their cars at all times in order to practice social distancing and allow TJ staff to deliver the items to your car. (See map below) We will place it in the trunk, backseat or hand it through a window. If you are on foot or bike please wear a mask and maintain 6-feet of distance from other people. TJ staff will be wearing masks for everyone's protection. If you have any questions please email Andrew_skari@dpsk12.org.
Estimadas familias espartanas,
TJHS ofrecerá oportunidades adicionales de recolección de Chromebooks y distribución de materiales de clase el martes 29 de septiembre y el jueves 1 de octubre de 11:00 am a 1:00 pm solo con cita previa. Si desea programar un período de recogida de dos horas, complete nuestro formulario de solicitud aquí: https://forms.gle/h381kzTdGeEnXTa46 El formulario de solicitud nos ayuda a asegurarnos de que tenemos el nivel adecuado de personal para manejar la demanda. Si no llega a la cita de recogida, sus artículos se volverán a poner en stock y deberá volver a enviar su solicitud para una fecha de recogida futura. Si está devolviendo tecnología dañada, asegúrese de que el cable de alimentación se devuelva con la unidad. Debido a la gran demanda en todo el distrito, no tenemos puntos de acceso Wifi y no sabemos cuándo estarán disponibles unidades adicionales. Para cumplir con el Departamento de Salud Pública y Medio Ambiente de Colorado y los Servicios de Enfermería de las Escuelas Públicas de Denver, pedimos que las familias permanezcan en sus automóviles en todo momento para practicar el distanciamiento social y permitir que el personal de TJ entregue los artículos en su automóvil. (Ver mapa abajo) Lo colocaremos en el maletero, en el asiento trasero o lo pasaremos por una ventana. Si va a pie o en bicicleta, use una máscara y mantenga una distancia de 6 pies de otras personas. El personal de TJ usará máscaras para la protección de todos. Si tiene alguna pregunta, envíe un correo electrónico a Andrew_skari@dpsk12.org.
عائلات سبارتان الأعزاء ،
ستقدم TJHS رحلة إضافية من خلال فرص الالتقاط لأجهزة Chromebook وتوزيع المواد الصفية يوم الثلاثاء 9/29 والخميس 10/1 من الساعة 11:00 صباحًا إلى 1:00 مساءً عن طريق تحديد موعد فقط. إذا كنت ترغب في جدولة نافذة استقبال مدتها ساعتان ، فيرجى ملء نموذج الطلب الخاص بنا هنا: https://forms.gle/h381kzTdGeEnXTa46 يساعدنا نموذج الطلب على التأكد من أن لدينا المستوى المناسب من الموظفين للتعامل مع الطلب. إذا فاتك موعد الاستلام الخاص بك ، فسيتم إرجاع العناصر الخاصة بك إلى المخزون وستحتاج إلى إعادة تقديم طلبك لتاريخ الاستلام في المستقبل. إذا كنت تعيد تقنية تالفة ، فيرجى التأكد من إرجاع سلك الطاقة مع الوحدة. نظرًا لارتفاع الطلب في جميع أنحاء المنطقة ، فقد خرجنا من نقاط اتصال Wifi ولا نعرف متى سيتم توفير وحدات إضافية. من أجل الامتثال لإدارة كولورادو للصحة العامة والبيئة وخدمات التمريض في مدرسة دنفر العامة ، نطلب من العائلات البقاء في سياراتهم في جميع الأوقات من أجل ممارسة التباعد الاجتماعي والسماح لموظفي TJ بتسليم العناصر إلى سيارتك. (انظر الخريطة أدناه) سنضعها في صندوق السيارة أو المقعد الخلفي أو نسلمها عبر النافذة. إذا كنت على الأقدام أو على الدراجة ، يرجى ارتداء قناع والحفاظ على مسافة 6 أقدام من الأشخاص الآخرين. سيرتدي موظفو TJ أقنعة لحماية الجميع. إذا كان لديك أي أسئلة ، يرجى إرسال بريد إلكتروني إلى Andrew_skari@dpsk12.org.
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Want the 411 on fundraising at TJ? If you were wondering how it works, the PTO has several sources for funding. Primarily, PTO's mission is to support our awesome TJ students and their varied interests and needs through classroom grants. Last year we gave away over $10,000 to teachers! We partner with the school leadership to build a stronger community for students, parents and staff by funding activities such as teacher appreciation events and parent education. We work with the student leadership team to support student initiatives that serve both the student body and families. Additionally, the PTO supports each graduating class with parent sponsors that coordinate raising money used for class specific activities. In the last few years, the PTO has moved to simplify fundraising by focusing on these efforts...
- Online Auction: Last year's auction raised $20,000! Money from this event goes towards classroom grants to enhance the learning environment at TJ. With this year's budget shortfalls, these grants are even more important. The auction is an easy way for lots of people to get involved. The PTO needs help with collecting donations and promoting this event. The auction is held in the spring but no date has been scheduled yet. If you would like to help, contact Auction Chair, Megan Perkins at megandperkins@gmail.com
- King Soopers Cards: This is an incredible source of FREE money. So far this calendar year, TJ has received $3000! About 80 families participate but we'd love to have even more. It is so easy to join - all you have to do is pick TJ as your rewards partner and then shop at King Soopers as you normally would. TJ receives a percentage of all purchases. Visit the KS Rewards page of the TJ website for details about how to sign up. A portion of these funds are granted to each class to fund senior year activities.
- AmazonSmile: Again FREE money. AmazonSmile is a simple way for you to support TJ every time you shop, at no cost to you. AmazonSmile is available at [smile.amazon.com]smile.amazon.com on your web browser and can be activated in the Amazon Shopping app for iOS and Android phones. When you shop AmazonSmile, you'll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added benefit that AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to the PTO (look for Thomas Jefferson High School Partners).
- ArtFest: This 30-year tradition for the wider community brings over 80 local artisans and small businesses together in the fall to sell unique holiday gifts. Proceeds of this fundraiser have benefited teachers and students alike. In 2019, we paused ArtFest to reimagine the event. With the current pandemic, it isn't clear when we may return to this long standing tradition.
- Parent Sponsors: Senior year activities are funded by parents raising money each year beginning when students arrive as 9th graders. Parent sponsors coordinate social activities to build relationships among class parents. Parent sponsors also organize one fundraiser each semester. These fundraising efforts coupled with the King Soopers grants provides ample funds for senior year fun. In past years, the class funds went towards events like the Senior Sleepout and the after prom party. The PTO is the custodian of the class funds but manage those separately from all other fundraising proceeds. Any class funds not used after senior year are returned to the PTO general fund. Separately, students organize their own events to raise money for their prom.
The PTO can't do any of this without our wonderful parents getting involved so thank you for your support! Together we are Spartan Strong!
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Overview of National Eviction Moratorium
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) took unprecedented action on September 1 by issuing a temporary national moratorium on most evictions for nonpayment of rent to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Citing the historic threat to public health posed by coronavirus, the CDC declared that an eviction moratorium would help ensure people are able to practice social distancing and comply with stay-at-home orders. The moratorium takes effect September 4 and last until December 31, covering tens of millions of renters at risk of eviction.
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DPS Custodians and Bus Drivers Needed!
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During this time of COVID our schools need more than ever to stay clean and safe for our kiddos and staff!
The reason for this email is to ask a favor - We have a dire need for Custodians and Bus Drivers!
We currently have 70 custodian vacancies.
Custodian Job Description:
The Custodian works under the direction of the Facility Manager and/or Assistant Facility Manager, cleaning the facility and performing grounds work in accordance with DPS guidelines. They may perform minor maintenance activities on facilities and equipment.
· Must be at least 17 years of age
· They must pass a reading test (8th grade reading level), Interview, Criminal Background Check and Fingerprints.
· High school diploma or equivalent required for FT
· All full time shifts are 8 hours a day - based on location, 8 hours between 12:30pm and 11:00pm, usually Monday - Friday
· All part time shirts are 4 hours a day - between 5:00pm-11:00pm
· $14.77/an hour! These positions are eligible for medical, vision benefits as well as sick, personal and vacation time
Bus Driver Job Description:
The Bus Driver is responsible for the safe and efficient transportation of elementary, middle, and high school students, including students with special needs, on regular routes, excursions and athletic trips.
· Must be at least 21 years of age.
· Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a valid Colorado commercial driver's license (CDL) - Class B with P2S endorsements if this license is not currently held.
· $20.34/an hour!
· Benefit eligible with minimum hours
· High school diploma or equivalent required
If interested they can text DPSFIELD to 97211 to speak to a Recruiter
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We have had several requests for TJHS spirit wear and with the school being closed to students and parents, it's been a challenge to get our inventory out and in your hands. We've attended a few sporting events to sell in person, but are excited to share this NEW online store.
You can click on the link below and view the items for sale, place an order and pay for the items you like. We will have the link open for orders through Monday, October 5.
All orders will be shipped to Carrie Oss's home (only a couple blocks from TJ) and we will arrange dates and times for order pick ups sometime around October 23rd.
We hope you have fun shopping for TJHS spirit wear! GO SPARTANS!!
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TJ Food Drive and Distribution Program
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This year the Thomas Jefferson High School PTO has established a Food Bank in an effort to ensure families who need food assistance are supported. Non-perishable food items will be collected continually throughout the school year and distribution dates will occur toward the end of each month. To make contributing as easy as possible non-perishable food items can be dropped in the "TJ Food Bank" box at any of the addresses across the community listed below.
Food Donation Drop off locations:
· Allen: 7996 E. Jefferson Place, Denver, CO 80237 (Hutchinson Hills)
· Bolinske: 2750 E. Bates, Denver, CO 80210 (Wellshire/Southern Hills)
· Henke: 3732 S. Sebring Ct, Denver, CO 80237 (Park Vista)
· LoJacono: 6895 Eastmoor Dr, Denver, CO 80237 (Southmoor)
· Luhman: Mexico Ave, Denver 80231 (Indian Creek)
· Moe: 2805 S. Gilpin St, Denver, 80210 (Cherry Hills Vista)
· Oss: 3614 S. Hudson St, Denver, 80237 (Belmont Heights)
· Perkins: 3004 S. Milwaukee Cir, Denver, CO 80210 (Wellshire/Southern Hills)
· Stone: 3734 S. Oneida Way, Denver, CO 80237 (Southmoor)
· Trautman: 3771 S Rosemary Way, Denver, CO 80237 (Southmoor)
October Food distribution date to be announced in the coming weeks!
Thank you for your support!
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Registration for the Fall 2020 Colorado School of Mines Virtual DECtech Outreach Program for Girls (9th-10th Grade) is open!
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Our program is are hard at work creating all new activities to engage girls in STEM! DECtech sessions are developed and led by female Mines students who are both passionate about their subjects of study and sharing this passion with the next generation of leaders and innovators. Zoom group sizes are kept small in order to encourage engagement and participation... and activities are interactive and hands-on!
Read further for program details and dates. Visit our website to learn more about our programming and to begin the registration process!
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King Soopers/TJ Fundraiser
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Welcome back to school, Spartans! We'd love to have even more families join the King Soopers Community Reward Program. This is FREE money that supports TJ students and the school community. From April through June, 89 families participated which generated a donation of $1,500 to the PTO. Thank you to all who participated! It is so easy to join - all you have to do is pick TJ as your rewards partner and then shop at King Soopers as you normally would. TJ receives a percentage of all purchases!!
It is easy to sign up. To get the benefits, you must register for the rewards program here...
- Go to https://www.kingsoopers.com/topic/king-soopers-community-rewards and sign in to your digital account or create a new one. Make sure your loyalty card number or alternate ID is associated with your digital account.
- Click on Enroll Now
- Search for Thomas Jefferson High School Partners or use code UT036
- Click Enroll
That's it! You are now ready to earn FREE money for the TJ community. At the point of purchase, you must swipe your loyalty card or type in your alternate ID for your purchases to apply to TJ.
It takes approximately 10 days for the King Soopers Community Rewards total to begin displaying on your receipt. TJ receives payments from King Soopers quarterly. The percentage TJ receives varies by quarter.
You can view the total you earned during the last quarter by signing into your King Soopers account and selecting My Account. There is a tab for the Community Rewards Program. You can verify that TJ is listed as your Community Rewards beneficiary and see the amount you've contributed.
Thank you for your support!
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College Opportunity for Students: Community College of Denver
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Are you interested in learning about the Community College of Denver? Advanced manufacturing, trades, welding, machining/CNC, etc? The Community College of Denver will be hosting an Advanced Manufacturing Day on October 7th at 1:00 PM via Google Meets. Come see a tour of facilities, watch a demonstration of work done at the Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC) at CCD, and participate in a Q+A with Admissions.
Please fill out the following Google Form to be part of this event.
Questions? Contact Mr. Mason at matt_mason@dpsk12.net
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Career Opportunity for Students: The Youth Apprentice Program
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Are you interested in earning money now and starting your career into a modern, in-demand career? The DPS Youth Apprenticeship Program is an opportunity for current 10th-12th grade students to begin to gain hands-on experience as an employee of a company, earn $40,000 in the course of 3-years, and more. Learn more about the program here.
Students and parents can also check out the CareerWise Hiring Hub to learn more about current apprenticeship openings and start the process. Attached to this email is also a 'How To Apply' Guide that will help students create an account, search for companies, and more.
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TJHS will be hosting a Virtual GT Student and Family Information Night in the month of October. Please SAVE the DATE and watch for an invitation in your email.
The 9th Grade GT Student and Family Information Night will be held Wednesday, October 7, from 5:30 - 6:30 pm
via Google Meet. The GT Student and Family Information Night for all 10th - 12th graders will be held Wednesday, October 14, from 5:30 - 6:30 pm via Google Meet.
Remember to SAVE the DATE and watch for an invitation in your email.
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...?
Spending just 15 minutes together (whether it be a walk, cup of coffee, etc.) is all it takes for two strangers to start to feel empathy towards each other.
Here are some ways to help increase empathy in children and adolescents:
1) Role Playing- There is evidence that role-playing has a positive and significant effect on empathy at all age and that role-playing might even have a positive effect on empathy for those who are merely passively exposed to it via others' actively role playing.
2) Talking About Feelings- Longitudinal studies have found that having conversations with young children that reference feelings predicts their later perspective taking. Beyond simply referring to feelings, caregivers who refer to the "why" behind feelings tend to rear children who are better able to take the perspective of others.
3) Induction and Distancing- Parenting techniques seem to have a significant impact on children's development of cognitive empathy as well. In particular, induction (when a parent refers to the other's perspective, points out their distress, and clarifies that the child's action caused this distress) promotes perspective-taking. Perspective-taking also increases when parents use the technique of distancing, in which caregivers question and challenge the child's viewpoint (versus explicitly explaining logic as with induction).Distancing is a Socratic method that involves questioning, providing counter examples, and creating dissonance within the child's existing perspective, thereby promoting consideration of alternative explanations of the feelings and behaviors of others.
4) Gratitude- Gratitude is also a positive emotion that, as some argue, broadens and builds personal assets such as empathy by increasing an individual's willingness to consider other perspectives. Gratitude may also be effective at inducing empathy via an indirect pathway-reducing personal distress levels. Ask your child to come up with a list of their blessings (things they are grateful for) as well as writing an appreciative letter to someone important in their life.
5) Mindfulness- Mindfulness involves intentional present-moment awareness without judgement. In youth, there is support for mindfulness having a positive impact on empathy overall, as well as for reducing distress.
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School Based Health Centers are OPEN!
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| https://www.denverhealth.org/services/school-based-health-centers
Thomas Jefferson School Based Clinic: 720-423-7190
Consent for Thomas Jefferson School Based Clinic:
English:
Spanish:
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We are in need of two paraprofessionals for our Special Education students. If you are interested, please contact Paula Hammel at paula_hammel@dpsk12.org
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News from the Future Center
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Spartan Seniors and Supporting Adults,
Review and complete the FAFSA: My Planner content together as soon as possible. It will help you prepare for FAFSA (Free Applications for Federal Student Aid) submission starting on October 1st.
If you are not eligible for FAFSA, there are other forms we can complete to help you access money for college! Let's get started on those!
If you will not be completing FAFSA although you are eligible, please let me know.
Review the Fall Timeline Grid at the end of the linked post and watch the embedded videos for more information about the college access process.
October 1: FAFSA opens for applications. Check the TJ Future Center Schoology for resources including calendared Question and Answer Sessions with DSF FAFSA Experts.
October 13: Colorado Free App Day- start your applications to colleges in Colorado TODAY so they are ready to submit FOR FREE on the 13th!
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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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If you have ideas or want to help, contact any one of us:
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If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Julie Rubin (rubin_j@comcast.net) or Marlene Talavera (TJSpartans2022@gmail.com).
The class of 2022 has two faculty sponsors, Jillian Gleason and Maggie Kennedy, but parents are needed to work with the staff to plan fundraising activities. Parent sponsors also plan community building activities for the parents of the class of 2022. Each class is expected to raise money needed to host their Prom, After Prom and other activities senior year. The sooner the fundraiser get started, the more choices there will be for events senior year. The time commitment can be as little or as much you can share. Your involvement in any capacity is important and appreciated. We are successful because of your behind-the-scenes contributions, large and small. It all adds up to a stronger community. An engaged parent body shows our students that we care about them!
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Class of 2023 - Sophomores
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$23 for '23!
Please join us in donating to the class of 2023! It's super easy, just click on the PTO Square link 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!)
THANK YOU! Fundraising will be a bit challenging this year due to Covid-19 restrictions and so many families affected by this. We appreciate your support!
Thank you also to all the 2023 Parents who came out to meet in-person and via Zoom to Kick-off our year. Great discussion and ideas! We look forward to planning some creative fundraisers and events with you all again this year to benefit the Class of 2023!
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The class of 2024 is in need of parent sponsors! If you are interested please reach out to PTO at TJHSPTO@gmail.com.
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