Administrator's Corner


April 24, 2023


We're in the final push! I hope everyone participates in this week's spirit week - it's the last one of the year! We hope that our seniors are excited for Prom. Our class sponsors and parents have put in a ton of work to make Prom and After Prom amazing and safe events.


Seniors - you only have 14 days until checkout! Please buckle down and make it count. We can't wait to celebrate with you in a few short weeks! The Finals Week schedule is below - please plan accordingly, as all 9th-11th graders are expected to attend every final. 


Thanks!


¡Estamos en el empujón final! Espero que todos participen en la semana de los espíritus de esta semana, ¡es la última del año! Esperamos que nuestras personas mayores estén emocionadas por Prom. Nuestros patrocinadores de clase y padres han puesto un montón de trabajo para hacer Prom y After Prom eventos increíbles y seguros.


Seniors - solo tienes 14 días hasta el check-out! Abróchese el cinturón y haga que cuente. ¡No podemos esperar para celebrar con ustedes en unas pocas semanas! El horario de la semana de las Finales está por debajo - por favor planifique en consecuencia, ya que se espera que todos los estudiantes de 9th a 11th grado asistan a cada final.


¡Gracias!

DPS Monthly School Lunch Menu
Click here to access DPS Online Pay

Mike Christoff

Principal

Week at a Glance

Monday-


  • Spirit Week: Tropical/Beach


Tuesday-


  • Spirit Week: Little Miss/Mister
  • Incoming 9th Graders Choice of Studies Night: 6-7 p.m.


Wednesday


  • Spirit Week: Decades


Thursday-


  • Spirit Week: Famous Groups
  • After Prom Prep 11:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m. & 6-8:30 p.m. 


Friday-


  • Spirit Week: TJ Day
  • After Prom Set-up & Decorating 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. 


Saturday-


  • After Prom Set-up 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 
  • Senior Prom Dance - Denver Athletic Club: 8-11 p.m.
  • TJ AFTER PROM at TJ 11 p.m. - 2 a.m. for Seniors


Sunday-



  • After Prom Tear Down 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. 
Kudos Korner


What a GREAT First Annual TJ Film Festival! Huge thank-you to our celebrity and TJ alum judges. We are excited to make this a new TJ spring tradition and hand out many more "Sparty" awards in the future!



Use the QR code to view each of the 48 videos nominated for an award. The Film Festival winners are highlighted in TJ Gold!

Sloan Steimel accepting his Sparty award.

Blake Moe and Charlie Koupal performing after the awards show.

Item pickup will take place on Wednesday, May 3 from 3:00-6:00 pm in the TJ Lobby. 

Please reach out to Megan Perkins (megandperkins@gmail.com) if you need to pick up your items at another time.


Prom Information

***MORE INFO BELOW in 2023 - SCROLL DOWN!***

SOME HELPFUL INFORMATION FROM YOUR CLASS OF 2023 SPONSORS, ANNIE BERG AND NIC LONG:


 “A NIGHT UNDER THE STARS” PROM WILL TAKE PLACE 8PM-11PM SATURDAY 4/29 ROOFTOP OF THE DENVER ATHLETIC CLUB! 

Address: 1325 Glenarm Place Denver 80204


*Please remind your students to continue checking Schoology, Remind, Advisement Lessons, and Spartan Edition for updated prom related information!


*Tickets will be sold THIS WEEK during lunch in the main lobby. Ticket prices: $40 per duo, $25 per single. 


*If your student is planning to bring a non-TJ student as their guest, they must speak with Mr. Skari to get a Prom Guest Permission Slip.


*If your student’s attendance rate is lower than 93%, they must speak with Mr. Skari. 


WE CANNOT WAIT TO CELEBRATE WITH THE CLASS OF 2023!

TJ Food Distribution Program

The FINAL Food Distribution of the school year will take place on Wednesday, May 17 from 3:00-5:00pm at TJ!  

Any family that is in need of food support is welcomed and encouraged to sign up HEREPlease note that you MUST sign up for us to have food available for you at the distribution.  


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


La última distribución de alimentos del año escolar se llevará a cabo el miércoles el 17 may de 3:00 p.m. a 5:00 p.m. en TJ!


Cualquier familia que necesite apoyo alimentario es bienvenida y animada a inscribirse AQUÍ. DEBE registrarse para que tengamos alimentos disponibles para usted en la distribución.

 

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

 

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

Current Juniors - Reserve your Senior Parking Spot Starting Friday!

car-sales-lot2.jpg


Juniors!


You can start reserving your parking spots for next year beginning on Friday, April 28! These are the spots you can paint and the cost is $50.


They are first come first served.


Please see Carla Allen in the Treasurer's Office before and after school and at lunchtime - but please be sure to wait until FRIDAY!

School Fees

money-icon.gif

- As Seniors check out, please go to Parent Portal and pay their fees so that they can check out on May 12th



- AP Testing is rapidly approaching in May. If you haven't paid for your student's AP test in MySchoolBucks, please go to your Parent Portal and pay for it before exam day.

PTO News

After Prom is this Saturday!

There’s more information in the Class of 2023 section about the PTO sponsored “After Prom.”

Even if your student isn't a senior, please consider helping out so we can give our students a

safe and fun event on Prom night. The committee needs help with set up and tear down: Thurs

4/27, Fri 4/28, Sat, 4/29 and Sun 4/30. See this Sign Up for specifics.



Staff Appreciation Week needs your support!

Our Staff Appreciation committee showers our teachers and staff throughout the year with appreciation events. This includes holiday

and Valentine’s gifts, staff lunches 2-3 times per year and a week of Staff Appreciation events each May. With over 150 employees to reward, our annual expenses are about $6,000, but to date, we’ve only received around $1250 in donations.


Our staff are grateful and so appreciative of these efforts. Many remark that TJ has the best PTO and parents in the district!

The PTO is currently making plans for next week's Staff Appreciation Week - May 1-5. Each day our teachers and staff will get a special treat or gift, facilitated by the parent committee for one of the classes.


How can you help? We’ll handle all of the plans and legwork, but please consider making a

tax-deductible donation to the fund online here. And if this is your passion, let us know and we’ll

add you to the committee for next year’s efforts. email: http://TJHSpto@gmail.com


2023-24 PTO Board Update

Congratulations to Erin Kimmel, parent of a freshman, who was elected to position of PTO

Treasurer. We are so grateful that she stepped up to help! Additional vacancies for next year

include:


Secretary

Fund Raising Committee Chair(s)

Class of 2026 Member at Large


Are you feeling the arm twist yet? Please reach out to discuss! Email:

TJHSpto@gmail.com

Finals Week Schedule - Week of May 22

Finals week will be here before you know it! Please plan accordingly.

Senior Art Show

The TJHS Senior Art Show will be held at Blue Tile Art Space (BTAS) in Englewood this year! Join us at the reception to celebrate our amazing Senior artists! Seniors will experience curating, hanging, exhibiting publicly, marketing and other skills as they produce their own exhibit. The artists’ reception is Friday, May 12th, 2023 from 5 to 8 pm. All are welcome. Bring your friends and family to see our ceramics, drawings, paintings, mixed media artworks and more! The exhibit is open to the public May 8 - May 20. BTAS is located at 3944 South Broadway, Englewood 80113.



BTAS hours of operation:

Closed Sunday & Monday

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10-4

Also by appointment (contact Ms. Biermann at tbierm1@dpsk12.net). 

Senior Checkout - Health Center

This next announcement is for any graduating senior. Make sure to book your Senior Check-Out Appointment with the Clinic. This is a senior specific appointment where you will receive a pamphlet filled with helpful health information, different resources, and be able to speak with your provider about accessing care after graduation. You will also be able to discuss any health questions or concerns you may have. The clinic is open from 7:30 am- 4:00 pm Monday-Friday. Book your appointment today!

Amazing Student Job Opportunity - Podcast Host!

Colorado Young Leaders (CYL) has two openings for youth podcast hosts for Generation Collaboration, a collaborative podcast with Colorado Young Leaders (CYL) and Youth on Record (YOR). This is a youth initiative podcast focusing on a range of social and cultural themes through an intergenerational lens to enhance the power of youth leadership. This podcast was created to amplify the tremendous leadership of youth and youth development organizations across the state of Colorado.


Position Description

Working with the CYL Program Director and YOR Youth Success Manager, the Podcast Host(s) will be responsible for the success and launch of monthly podcast episodes, produced during the school year. As a podcast host, you will be responsible for researching, creating interview questions, communicating with the podcast guests, and helping share out each episode utilizing social media. You will get hands-on experience building your skills as a podcast host.


Position Requirements

1. Monthly recording sessions with CYL, YOR and episode guests

2. Build out interview questions and prepare for recording session

3. Optional: connect with local artists to be featured on the podcast, outreach to youth leaders in the

community to invite to podcast


Hours

Approximately 20 hours/month

● Weekly team meetings and on-site recording at Youth on Record

● Research on issues to prep for interviews and listening to each interview

● Professional and leadership development

● $18/hour received monthly


Who should apply?

This is an extraordinary opportunity for a high school student who is passionate about storytelling, community change, and highlighting youth leadership. Great for those looking for a part-time job to gain leadership experience, use your creative talents, and leave a positive impact on your community. This position is open to incoming freshmen through seniors for the 2023-2024 school year. Preference will be given to a young person who is local to the Denver Metro area. Reliable transportation or willingness to travel via public transportation (RTD pass provided) to Youth on Record requested.


Please apply via this Google Form. You will be asked to provide written answers as well as a voice memo.


Give it a listen!

You can listen to the first season of Generation Collaboration by going to Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Don’t forget to give it a follow so you can stay up to date on new episodes!


Submit your application by Monday, May 15th. If you have any questions about the application process, please email Lauren Steavpack at lauren@coloradoyoungleaders.org.

Summer Opportunities in Career Exploration and More! 

Check out this slide deck to see summer internship opportunities, summer camps and academies, current available apprenticeship opportunities for next school year and more! Email emily_bobrick@dpsk12.net with questions or for more info.  

All for One Golf Tournament - Sponsors and Players Needed!

Please visit https://www.allforonegolf.org/ for more information!

Denver Health School Based Health Centers are offering $30 visa gift cards to any DPS Student or Sibling who gets their Covid-19 vaccine!

These are the requirements:

·     DPS Students or DPS Sibling

·     Must receive Covid-19 vaccine at the SBHC site during a provider visit

·     Visa is gifted for EVERY Covid vaccine dose (1st, 2nd, booster) However TJ only has booster doses at this time – the bivalent Pfizer booster – this can only be given after the primary series.

·     Multiple visa gift cards can be gifted to the same family – example: 2 siblings are scheduled – family is gifted one $60 visa card or 2 -$30 visa gift cards.

 

Funds for additional family members receiving doses will be loaded to the initial visa gift card provided two weeks after visit completion.

Call 303-602-8958 to schedule an appointment!

TJ Spirit Store

The Spirit Store will be open every month during First Friday. In the meantime, if you are looking for a TJ hoodie, t-shirt, PJ pants, joggers, hat, seat cushion, sticker, bracelet, etc., please email us at TJHS.Store@gmail.com and we’ll help you get the items you want.

Yearbook News

https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1008670/Thomas-Jefferson-High-School/ 

Mental Health and Social/Emotional Tips

Did You Know...? 

(En Español


Listening to music is a mood booster. 

Playing an instrument is even better!


Adults who took an hour-long piano lesson once a week reported:

LESS stress, depression and anxiety!


That’s great! I am interested in finding local lessons, where should I go?




Want to learn more? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0JKCYZ8hng


Mental Health and Social Emotional Tip: Compiled by Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP and Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW. Resources: www.bhg.com (April 2023) 

News from the Denver Scholarship Foundation Future Center

Spartan Seniors and Families, 


Be sure to share your scholarship and grant wins here by April 25th for recognition in your Graduation Program

  • Complete your Comparing the Cost of Your Colleges assignment/spreadsheet to help identify your best fit! Remember to consider academic and social factors too. 
  • Check your college portals REGULARLY and provide requested information PROMPTLY. Not doing so can cause you to miss out on financial aid.
  • Once you’ve made a college decision, be sure to complete your college’s Next Steps promptly to allow you preferred access to housing, orientation timeslots, etc. 


Important Dates and Opportunities: 

The Denver Scholarship Foundation Scholarship Application is OPEN for applications!

Monday, April 24th: DSF Almost There Scholarship Info Session- REQUIRED! 

Tuesday, April 25th: Scholarship Wins form DUE! 

Thursday, April 27th: Decision Day celebrated during Advisement

Monday, May 1st: DSF Scholarship Application DUE! 


Class of 2024 and families: Be sure to check your schoology course list for YOUR TJ Future Center 2024 course. Use the resources provided to continue your college planning. Build your college and scholarship list over the next few months to be ready for your college app process! 


Emily Webster

DSF College Advisor

emily_webster@dpsk12.net

Class News You Can Use
Class of 2023- Seniors


FAQ - CLICK HERE FOR MORE AFTER PROM INFO/GUIDELINES!

After_Prom_FAQ

HERE IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO HELP OUT!


  1. VOLUNTEER for AFTER PROM
  2. DONATE CHIPS, DRINKS, WATERS, FOOD FOR SET-UP
  3. DONATE MONEY!!!


VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED:  

AFTER PROM SIGN UP-GENIUS


  • ⭐Still need some helpers Thursday night, Friday day, Friday night, Saturday day, during the event Saturday night and Sunday afternoon to tear down! 


  • SEE SIGN-UP GENIUS for specific slots and fun people to volunteer with! 


We need just a few more parents and community members to join our After Prom team this week!

For more information contact Karla Henke karladhenke@gmail.com


THANKS TO OUR WONDERFUL DECORATIONS VOLUNTEERS!


We had a great group this past Saturday working on all kinds of cool After Prom decorations!

Thank you to our fabulous Decore Chairs Amy Feiman and Beth Scott for creating After Prom Magic! And to our hard creative workers Debra Geiger, Natalie Hererra, Candace Lewis, Jacqueline Davis, Jalyssa Davis, Karla Henke, Christy Jordan, Tanya Matthias, Lisa LoJacono, Paula Moore, Rebekah Rathgeber and PJ Warzon! Y’all are magicians for Oh the Places You’ll Go! Thanks also for the drink donations for After Prom! COME JOIN THIS FUN TEAM! 


WHAT IS AFTER PROM? 

  • After Prom is a super fun, FREE event for Seniors that is Parent-organized and designed to keep our Students safe late into the night after their Prom Dance!
  • It’s a huge, fabulously themed event at TJ! Yes, FREE! 
  • Featuring incredible food, games, mini golf, tattoo artist,  many giant inflatable games and fun, giant trike races, photo opportunities, prizes, drawings, casino blackjack, poker, roulette, relaxation, DJ, Karaoke and SO MUCH MORE! 

THEME: “Oh the Places You’ll Go” - 

  • Transforming TJ into a magical land featuring various, decorated famous Cities & attractions all around TJ! 
  • New York, Hollywood, Daytona 500, Maui, Las Vegas, Pebble Beach, Disney World and more!! 


PRIZE PATROL - THANK YOU!  We have more than 100 Prizes to give away at After Prom

($3,000+worth!)

including:  

  • Big Screen TV
  • PlayStation 5
  • iPad
  • Beats Headphones
  • AirPods
  • CASH
  • Tons of awesome gift cards!   
  • If you’d still like to send a cash or gift card of $15, $20, $50 or more please contact Sam or Jennifer Williams below! 
  • Prizes for Casino, Daytona 500 Races, Karaoke, Door Prizes and more! 
  • Click here for more information: 


PRIZE PATROL AFTER PROM

Contact Sam (303-884-7435) or Jennifer (720-949-4091) Williams with any questions or prize pickup coordination if unable to leave at the TJ office with Mrs. Melanie! We couldn’t do this without you, thank you!

2023 PARENTS:  

YOUR LAST CHANCE TO HELP! 

AFTER PROM IS THIS SATURDAY!!

 

Please DONATE $23 for ‘23

Help us with some last minute maintenance and security expenses! 

 $10  $23   $50  $100  $230 whatever you are able to do! This money has supported all the 2023 fun class activities the past four years, community-building, senior year events, and now goes to AFTER PROM! 


Click here to DONATE ONE LAST TIME!

2023 Class 2023 Class Donations | TJHS PTO 

MARK YOUR 2023 CALENDAR!

UPCOMING FUNDRAISING & EVENTS for SENIOR Class of 2023!


 *STUDENTS: SENIOR PROM TICKETS ON SALE: Monday, April 24,  2023 - Thursday, April 27, 2023  in lobby.  $40/duo, $25/single.  Cash is great, credit cards to Mrs. Allen Treasurer.  If you want to help Mrs. Berg and Mr. Long sell, please contact them! info at bottom of page.


*PARENTS & STUDENTS: SENIOR PROM & AFTER PROM: Saturday, April 29, 2023!

Senior Prom Dance 8 p.m. - 11 p.m. at the Denver Athletic Club Rooftop - 1325 Glenarm Place

“A Night Under the Stars!” - Advance Tickets required

After Prom Events  11 p.m. - 2 a.m. at Thomas Jefferson  - Free event with Student ID   

“Oh the Places You’ll Go!” 


*PARENTS & STUDENTS: SENIOR AWARDS NIGHT:  Tuesday, May 2nd in Auditorium by Invitation only - Time 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.  


* SENIORS & PARENTS GRADUATION INFO


TJ CLASS OF 2023 MANDATORY GRADUATION DATES: 


Senior Check-out Day 1:

Friday, May 12, 2023 - 7:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Thomas Jefferson High School


Senior Breakfast, Rehearsal, Cap & Gown Pick-up - Check-out Day 2:

Monday, May 15, 2023 - 7:00 a.m. Senior Breakfast

8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Rehearsal, Cap & Gown Pick-up and Final Check-out Opportunity

Thomas Jefferson High School


Graduation Rehearsal:

Tuesday, May 16, 2023 - 10:00 a.m. to Noon

University of Denver - Magness Arena


TJ 2023 Graduation Ceremony:

Thursday, May 18, 2023  - Senior Arrival at 1:00 p.m. - Ceremony at 2:00 p.m.

University of Denver - Magness Arena

There is not a  limit on Graduation Guests



For Questions Contact Danyelle Charles:  ddillar@dpsk12.net  720-423-7050


For a printable version Click Here:

TJ CLASS OF 2023 MANDATORY GRADUATION DATES


THANK YOU 2023 SENIOR PARENTS! 


THIS IS THE MONTH WE NEED YOU MOST! 

2023 Class Sponsors are:

Catherine Poirier catherinepoirier@comcast.net or

Christy Jordan christy.jordan@comcast.net - we will get you involved!



2023 Class Faculty Sponsors are:

Mrs. Annie Berg, MSW, annie_berg@dpsk12.net - Room 114B

Mr. Nic Long, nicholas_long@dpsk12.net - Room 237



THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT of 2023! 

Class of 2024- Juniors

The end is near! Can you believe in a few short months the Juniors will be SENIORS?! The parents and community have been so generous with supporting the Class of 2024 and we can’t

thank you enough!


  • Teacher Appreciation Week – Junior Class, May 4th: Sign up here!
  • Juniors & Junk Food – May 19th after school: A fun last class only event before the end of the year! Signup coming soon to donate junk food and time to help run games
  • Senior Sleepout (August 20): Additional information and signup coming soon

Please consider donating to the Class of 2024 Prom!

https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/prdembd?ref=ZZI5ZQ2XQU04MZG_ZZ5Y8RLWT7OPN6F 


Class Donations

Have you donated to the Class of 2024 yet?  If you have, thank you!  If you haven’t, now is your chance! As a final push for the current school year, we are asking that each family donate $50-$100 to the class for after prom. If this happens, we can guarantee funds for after-prom and can focus on fun Senior year events and planning!  


Of course, donations at any time and in any amount are always welcome and corporate matching is always accepted!  


Please click on the PTO Square link to support the class.  Feel free to pass the link onto family and friends! (https://tjhsstore.square.site/product/2024-class-donations/96)



Extraordinary parents – come get involved! 

 Reach out with questions, comments, and ideas. We look forward to a great year!

Rebecca Moore

rebecca_moore@dpsk12.org

Tambyr Reed

tambyr_reed@dpsk12.org

Robin Morrissey

robin_morrissey@dpsk12.org

Dyanna Spicher (parent)

dmspicher@hotmail.com

Class of 2025 - Sophomores

Help the Class of 2025 show all our teachers and staff how much we appreciate their hard work

for our kids. We will be providing movie snacks (candy, popcorn and soda) on Wed. May 3rd.

Please click on the Sign Up Genius below to sign up before April 28th.


https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0E45AFA62BAA8-teacher1


Don’t have time to shop? Donate $ here before April 28th.


https://tjhsstore.square.site/product/2025-class-donations/99

Class of 2026 - Freshmen

WE NEED YOUR HELP! Please save the Date for the first Class of 2026 social event: a "Bottom of the 9th" Tailgate Party! 


The event will take place on Thursday, May 4th immediately after school near the baseball field. All freshman and their parents are invited to join us at the event then stay to cheer on the TJ JV team at their last home game against South.


We need your help in making this event a success. 

Please look at our sign up genius for event supplies and volunteer needs:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084CADA72FA31-bottom


If you have any questions about the event or upcoming meeting, please contact Carrie Alleman at carriealleman@yahoo.com or Sheila Tyler at sheilamtyler@yahoo.com  

Stay Connected, Spartans!