Administrator's Corner

April 25, 2022

Thanks so much to PTO for providing the food truck lunch to the staff on Friday! Thanks to all of those who helped organize and execute yesterday's SpartanPalooza! The seniors had a great time and it was an awesome way to celebrate this exciting time of year.

We only have a few weeks left in the school year! Keep in mind these upcoming events, and finish strong, Spartans!

This week is Spirit Week! (daily details below)
April 26: Makeup SAT
April 27: Makeup PSAT 10
April 28: Makeup PSAT 9
April 29: Pep Assembly and First Friday Celebration
May 2-May 13: AP exams
May 4: Senior Awards Night: by invitation
May 7: Prom 8 pm – 11 pm at The Space Gallery
May 12: Hide and Seek sponsored by Robotics
May 13: Senior Check-Out, Talent Show, Back Yard Bash, and Yearbook distribution
May 16th: Pancake Breakfast, Graduation Rehearsal at TJ, Cap and Gown Pick up
May 18: Graduation 2:00 pm at University of Denver
(NO SCHOOL)
May 25-27: Finals week! Click here to see the schedule.

¡Muchas gracias a PTO por proporcionar el almuerzo del camión de comida al personal el viernes! ¡Gracias a todos los que ayudaron a organizar y ejecutar el SpartanPalooza de ayer! Las personas mayores lo pasaron de maravilla y fue una manera increíble de celebrar esta emocionante época del año.

¡Sólo nos quedan unas semanas en el año escolar! Tenga en cuenta estos próximos eventos y termine Strong, Spartans!

¡Esta semana es la Semana del Espíritu! (detalles diarios a continuación)
26 de abril: Maquillaje SAT
27 de abril: Maquillaje PSAT 10
28 de abril: Maquillaje PSAT 9
29 de abril: Pep Assembly y First Friday Celebration
del 2 al 13 de mayo: Exámenes AP
4th de mayo: Noche de premios para personas mayores: Por invitación
7th de mayo: Prom 8 pm – 11 pm en la galería espacial
12th de mayo – Ocultar y buscar patrocinado por Robotics
13th de mayo – Salida para personas mayores, Espectáculo de talentos, Bash de patio trasero, Y distribución de anuarios
Mayo 16th – Pancake Desayuno, ensayo de graduación en TJ, Cap and Gown Recogida
Mayo 18th Graduación 2:00 pm en la Universidad de Denver
(SIN ESCUELA)
Mayo 25th-27th – Semana de las Finales! Haga clic aquí para ver el calendario.
Mike Christoff
Principal
  • Thanks to everyone who made SpartanPalooza such a success!

  • Congrats to the six students who are competing in Atlanta, GA! They are joining over 18,000+ students from all over the world to compete at the DECA International Career Development Conference:
  • Kate Jordan Little - Marketing Communications & DECA Colorado State President
  • James Lupo - Entrepreneurship
  • Suzie Yeh - Principles of Hospitality & Tourism
  • Blake Moe, Grant Randles, & Wyatt Tyler - Franchise Business Plan
Click here to listen to the National Anthem sung by Monticello at the Rockies game!

They were able to get a great picture with TJ alum and Rockies pitcher Kyle Freeland before the game!

The TJ Spartan community recently lost beloved alumni, former staff member, and coach, James Nixon. He passed away last Saturday. James, or Coach James as many knew him, was part of the class of 1999, worked as a paraprofessional, school resource officer, and a coach for both the boys’ and girls’ soccer teams. He is remembered for his larger-than-life laugh and huge heart. 
There has been a Go Fund Me set up in his name to help with funeral expenses.
There will be a Memorial Game to celebrate James on April 30th at 4:30, location to be determined. Friends, alumni, players, are all invited to attend or participate. 
 
Services:
May 7th, 2022: 11:00 am Viewing, 12:00 pm – Funeral
New Direction Praise and Worship
12455 E Missisippi Ave suite 104
Aurora CO

Please wear a soccer jersey or other sports attire. 
Thank you again for your tremendous support of the TJ Auction! We are excited to share with you that the Auction raised close to $21,000 - our greatest amount to date! We could not have done it without the help we received collecting donations and everyone's participation in the online Auction.  Proceeds from the Auction will have an immediate impact on TJ students and staff by paying for classroom grants!  Again...thank you for your support!

Megan Perkins & Becca Mahoney
2022 Auction Chairs
The April Food Distribution will take place Wednesday, April 27 from 3:30 - 5:30 pm at TJ!  

Reach out to Megan Perkins (megandperkins@gmail.com) or Becca Mahoney (beccaandjoemahoney@gmail.com) with questions!

La distribución de alimentos de febrero se llevará miercoles, el 27 de abril de 3:30 p. m. a 5:30 p.m. en TJ!
Comuníquese con Megan Perkins (megandperkins@gmail.com) si tienes 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
Teacher Appreciation Week is May 2-6 and the PTO is leading the efforts to make our teachers and staff feel our gratitude. There will be special events and treats for staff each day next week. How can you help? Parents and students are encouraged to write notes of appreciation to specific teachers or staff members, or drop unaddressed cards off at school that will be shared with the staff. 

The PTO has a fund that supports our year-round efforts to "show our staff the love,” which includes providing holiday gifts to staff, Valentine’s treats, various meals throughout the year and more. Donations to this fund are welcomed year-round and can be made online in the PTO Store
Current juniors: starting TODAY, you can reserve your senior spot for next year! Please see Ms. Allen in the Treasurer's office for more details!
Bitfactory gallery presents “Caught in 4K” an exhibition of student work by Thomas Jefferson High School (TJ) Photography classes instructed by Lea Wagner. In normal times, these students have a photo lab with access to high-end cameras and other equipment. When the pandemic took away their in- person, hands-on learning experience, their desire to keep creating and collaborating provided the opportunity to evolve as photographers and learn new techniques. Using the technology at hand—cell phone cameras that may have been dropped one too many times—they captured their personal experiences and growth throughout the year. The exhibition showcases the best of those images from May 20-June 9, 2022.

The public is invited to support these budding talents at an Opening Reception at 851 Santa Fe Drive on Friday, May 20, 6-9pm, the First Friday Art Walk on Friday, June 3, 6-9p. and to visit during regular gallery hours Tuesday–Saturday, 11:00–4p and by appointment, for the run of the show.Art may also be purchased online at www.bitfactory.net.

Gallerist Bill Thomason was introduced to this class of students by Wagner, who has exhibited her photography at Bitfactory in the past. He remembers how learning art and being in creative environments provided a sanctuary for him during high school and college. He explains:

“I jumped at the chance to give back to the community and encourage these young artists as they develop. It’s important to show them the different opportunities out there and that it is possible to
make a living doing what you love.”

Bitfactory Gallery, located at 851 Santa Fe Drive in the heart of Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe, exhibits work by the best emerging and up-and-coming local, national, and international visual artists. It strives to showcase art that may not be a good fit for other galleries. Additionally, they host one major or renowned artist a year, bringing new and exciting work to Denver. The Bitfactory building also houses artist studios with the vision of providing a helpful, friendly atmosphere for artists to work solo or collaborate with others. Gallery hours are Tuesday–Saturday, 11am –4p and by appointment.

For additional information please contact Bill Thomason at info@bitfactory.net or (303) 862-9367.www.bitfactory.net
Did you know that your student(s) may be able to participate in a summer internship - even one that pays!? 

DPS partners with businesses and organizations such as United Airlines, Xcel Energy, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Arts Street to host DPS interns during the summer. 

To find out more information about summer internships and eligibility, click here and talk to your school Navigator or Counselor!
We are so excited to be hosting PROM 2022 in a few short weeks. See above for details. Tickets will go on sale starting April 25th at lunch time. TJ seniors are allowed to bring guests from other high schools but that will require a permission slip. These can be picked up and turned into Mr. Skari. This must be done before you purchase your tickets. Guests must be approved by Admin. 

Parents/guardians interested in volunteering for set up or looking to be involved in other ways, please email Jillian_Gleason@dpsk12.net or Margaret_Kennedy@dpsk12.net. Set up will start at 5pm. 
We are trying to put together a few complete sets of TJ yearbooks for posterity. If anyone has yearbooks they would like to donate to us - specifically, the years 1984, 1986, 1989, and 1993 - that would be awesome!
May 21st- Saturday- 8-12
We are having a prep day for the garden
Your student is highly encouraged to join as they will have been working on the garden all year for this prep day! 

We will be getting a huge shipment of soil to fill our 45 new beds that students put together.

Families are welcome and also encouraged to join and help-

Lunch will be provided for those who attend full day 8-12.
RSVP or Questions: Elizabeth_lynch2@dpsk12.net
In addition to the numerous concurrent enrollment classes we offer at TJ during the school year, your student can earn college credits by taking concurrent enrollment classes this summer! Offered with Regional Summer School, the summer concurrent enrollment courses are condensed five-week courses. Entering college with completed credits makes the path to a college degree shorter and less expensive.

When?
  • June 21 - July 21, 2022
  • 8:00am - 12:00pm, with no classes on July 4th and 5th
  • Students must commit to the course and be present for all class days

Where?
Courses offered through CCD will be located at Bruce Randolph and Lincoln high schools and courses offered through CCA will be located at Florida Pitt Waller. You will get to choose your course, but not your location.
  • Most courses will be conducted in-person with specific meeting dates and times. 
  • A few courses will be offered remotely with synchronous and asynchronous time.

Students are limited to taking 1 (one) concurrent enrollment class over the Summer.

If you are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity or if you have questions about what classes are offered, contact your student's counselor or Graham Baughn, Concurrent Enrollment Coordinator at TJ, by email at graham_baughn@dpsk12.net
TJ Gymnastics is starting offseason practices for their upcoming fall season. Any athletes interested in participating in gymnastics or getting in shape during the offseason should reach out to Coach Molly at tjspartansgymnastics@gmail.com. There is no experience necessary, you just need to come to practice and be willing to work hard. Practices are on Thursday evenings from 6-8pm at Golden Gymnastics. For more info, including price and paperwork requirements, please email Molly!

Thank you!
Please click here to share your opinions about outdoor adventures and alternative sports ideas!
Check out this list of 2022 summer programs for 9th-12th grade students. The programs in this link are free, or offered at reduced rates, and provide students with opportunities to earn college credits, gain career experiences, prepare for high school, and even earn $$ this summer! Sign up today! If you have questions, talk with your school counselor or email careerandcollegesuccess@dpsk12.org.
Go Spartans! 

Email us at tjhs.store@gmail.com if you have any questions.
There are 3-4 paraprofessional jobs available here at TJ! The job would pay $15 and would be from 7:20 am-2:50 pm. Please contact the main office if you are interested.
Did You Know…?
Earth Day, April 22nd, is almost here! Earth Day is an annual event celebrated around the world that focuses on environmental protection. What we love about this day is that in addition to us getting outdoors and enjoying where we live, we can learn about small and easy steps we can take every day to positively impact our environment. 

Some facts:
Americans use 380 BILLION plastic bags used each year
Our use of plastic bags annually requires 12 MILLION barrels of oil
Annually, Americans throw away 34 MILLION TONS of paper
In one day, each person creates approximately 4 POUNDS of trash

What are some small changes I can make right now?
  • Carry reusable bags that are washable and able to be condensed easily so you can carry them in your car, purse or pocket!
  • Before you use a plastic bag, think, “does this really need to be in a bag?” or “can I put this in a Tupperware?” Aim to use glass containers, as they are better for the environment and usually BPA free

  • Think twice about printing that email or document, and remember to recycle all paper! Thinking about all those unwanted catalogs you get? Consider canceling unwanted catalogs through this website: www.catalogchoice.org 

Remember to recycle as much as possible. Find out where you can recycle ANYTHING at

Test your knowledge! Take a quiz!
Mental Health and Social Emotional “Did You Know”: Compiled by Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP and Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW. Resources: www.bhg.com; https://www.earthday.org/ 
Class of 2022
 
The DSF Scholarship is OPEN for application. The application takes about 20 minutes and is due this Sunday, May 1st! 
 
If you have not yet received financial aid package information from your college(s), they may be asking you for more information, like signed tax transcripts or the CSS Profile, in order to award you financial aid. Don’t miss out! Check your college emails and portals regularly and provide the requested information as soon as possible. 
Time is running out to secure financial aid from your schools! 
 
Class of 2023: Be sure to check out your TJ Future Center schoology course to get started on planning for life after high school! I’ll share information about college rep visits, scholarship opportunities, career info sessions, and more! Please complete your Junior Survey if you have not yet done so! 
 
Important Dates:
Monday, April 25: Junior Survey DUE
Tuesday, April 26: NACAC Virtual College Fair
Wednesday, April 27: Sallie Mae Presents: How to Pay the Balance
Thursday, April 28: MSU Denver Rep Visit, Sallie Mae Presents: How to Pay the Balance 
Friday, April 29: CCD Red Carpet Orientation Day
Sunday, May 1: DSF Scholarship Application DUE!

Katie Damas 
Future Center Advisor CC Fellow
Future Center Phone #: 720-423-7134 
Rm 135
               
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
Class of 2022 - Seniors
Polynesian Club is selling Graduation Candy Leis for the low price of $5.00! 
This is a great way to celebrate your student and make the day special. The proceeds from this fundraiser will not only help to keep Polynesian Club going at TJ, adding to diversity but will also allow the members of Polynesian Club to do outreach work in the community. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to help the people of Tonga get back on their feet from the tsunami that hit the island. Leis will be on sale till April 30. They will be by pre-order only. All leis will need to be picked up by May 12 (day before Senior checkout) payment is also due at this time of pickup (cash only).
To order please follow the link or QR code below:
The Be Happy Boutique is an opportunity for young people to come in and find the perfect attire for prom, or another formal occasion, this season. We follow a pay what you can model with the hopes of removing the obstacle of cost. So whether someone can offer $0, $20, or more, all are welcome.
How does it work?
We will be “open for business” from March 1 - March 13. We are located at the Streets of Southglenn - Suite 236 (in the old Victoria’s Secret). We’re across the street from H & M.

Location
Streets of Southglenn (Old Victoria's Secret) - Suite 236
6851 S Vine St, Centennial, CO 80122

Hours:
Saturdays - 11 am - 7 pm
Sundays - 12 pm - 6 pm
Monday - Friday - 3 pm - 7 pm (by appointment)
On weekends we will be open during the posted hours and everyone is invited to just drop in and shop. During the week, we will serve customers by appointment. Appointments are available on the weekends, but not required.

For more information, email waves@ryliesark.org

Big news! Bella Boutique is back for Prom 2022. If you are planning on going to prom, please schedule an appointment now to get your free prom gown, shoes and accessories. Click here to schedule an appointment!
Class of 2023 - Juniors
READY TO ROLL?? ALL TJ PARENTS - You are invited to join Class of 2023 Parents THIS WEEK on Saturday, April 30, 2022, 7-10 p.m. at the McLain's home in Southmoor for our long-awaited LEFT RIGHT CENTER Parent FUNdraiser Party! $30 per person recommended donation. Dice fly at 7:45 p.m. so come join the fun in time to win great prizes! Please register by TODAY, Monday, April 25th!

A TJ Parent Tradition, this fun LRC game night invites you to:
  • Roll the dice (EASY game - see below!)
  • Enjoy our fabulous Mexican Buffet (GF & Vegan Options avail!)
  • Toast with great wine, tasty margaritas and cold beer!
  • Socialize and meet other 2023 TJ Parents!
  • Brief wine descriptions by Wine Specialist Catherine Quinney!
  • Please dress for the weather, game tables inside & out - Casual, fun attire!  

GRACIOUSLY HOSTED BY:
Jll & David McLain
Karla & Scott Henke
Christy Jordan & Chris Little
Catherine & Scott Quinney

PAYMENT & REGISTRATION LINKS:

$30 per person on TJ PTO 2023 Square above. Limited to 1st 50 guests - Secure your Spots Today! Extra Donations are greatly appreciated!

RSVP in the Sign-up Genius Slots above. Note: Please list your full name and your guest's name in the Comments Section of this sign-up genius!

LEFT RIGHT CENTER is an easy, social dice rolling game that involves everyone standing around a long, big table. All parents start with a stack of poker chips upon entry and use them to play the game - the dice tell you where to put your chips, to the person on your left, to the person on your right or to the pot in the center or keep. No betting, no thinking, and players stay "In" until the end of the game as chips shift hands quickly! It's super easy and rules will be explained at the beginning of the game - eating, drinking and socializing are encouraged throughout the game! :)

Note: Once you have RSVPd and paid, we will send you an email with specific directions for parking and exact address the week of the event!    

Grab some friends and sign up today! Please help spread the word! Other parents or friends outside TJ 2023 are included as well! Adults only.  

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING 2023!                                                                 
If you’d like to help, please contact Cecilia Goergen at cecilia.goergen@comcast.net. You can also donate below to Class Donations for our Cinco de Mayo Teacher Treats! THANK YOU! 2023 LOVES OUR TJ STAFF! 
PARENTS! HOW TO GET CONNECTED: 
We always need more help and input! If you have any ideas or comments and would like to get more involved, please contact Catherine Poirier catherinepoirier@comcast.net or Christy Jordan christy.jordan@comcast.net Our 2023 Class Staff Sponsors are Rebecca Taylor, MA rebecca_taylor@dpsk12.net and Annie Berg, MSW, annie_berg@dpsk12.net.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT of 2023!
Class of 2024 - Sophomores
Thanks to everyone who joined us for the wine tasting event on Sunday! If you couldn't make it, click here to place an order online by April 30. Ten percent of sales will support the Class Fund and wines are shipped to your home about 3-6 days after ordering. Order now for wine to arrive just in time for Mother's Day or Graduation events! 
Funds can be provided directly to Megan via Venmo (https://account.venmo.com/u/Megan-Perkins-18)
Parent Meetings:
There will not be a parent meeting in May; we will resume in the Fall. Please continue to check the newsletters through the end of the school year for updates and information

Class Donations: Let’s end the year strong!  
If you haven’t donated to the Class of 2024, now is your chance! Corporate matching is a great, easy way to raise funds, so spread the word that Sophomores are quite possibly the best “10s” out there! Gather those dimes (pennies, quarters, and ten-dollar bills too) and donate to the Class of 2024; money raised will be used for the Class of 2024 After Prom. 

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
Tambyr Reed
Robin Morrissey
Dyanna Spicher (parent)
Class of 2025 - Freshmen
Our next class meeting will be via Zoom on Tuesday April 26th at 7pm. Join us to talk about teacher appreciation and events/fundraising for next year! 

Join Zoom Meeting
Teacher Appreciation!


Help 2025 show our appreciation to all our teachers and staff with cookies. Click on the link below for more information and to sign up.  


Class of 2025 Flower Fundraiser

Buy gorgeous bulbs and flowers for your summer garden while supporting the class of 2025! Help us raise the $10,000 we need for various class activities and After Prom. Visit http://tjhs2025.fpfundraising.com/ to view our catalog and don’t forget to share our link with family and friends! All orders will be shipped directly to you. Please contact Heather Reeder at hmbdvm@yahoo.com with any fundraiser questions.
If this fundraiser isn’t for you, we still need your financial support! Please consider donating directly to the class of 2025. A donation of just $25 from each family will get us to our goal! Visit https://tjhsstore.square.site/product/2025-class-donations/99 to donate today. 
We look forward to getting to know you and your student(s)! For any questions, you can reach out to Heather Reeder at hmbdvm@yahoo.com or the PTO at TJHSPTO@gmail.com.