There will be no newsletter next week due to Spring Break -
we'll send the next one on the morning of April 4!
(Remember, students don't report back until Tuesday, April 5.)
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Administrator's Corner
March 21, 2022
Hello TJ Community,
Many of you know the sad news about our TJ teacher, Kelly Gates, who passed away after a difficult battle with cancer. I would like to thank the PTO for all of their help and support for her family. We wanted to make our entire community aware of a Gofundme fundraiser set up to benefit her husband and four children.
The TJ community is so generous and responds in times of need. Thank you for your consideration in helping the Gates family.
Hola TJ Community,
Muchos de ustedes conocen las tristes noticias sobre nuestra maestra de TJ, Kelly Gates, que falleció después de una difícil batalla contra el cáncer. Me gustaría agradecer a la PTO por toda su ayuda y apoyo a su familia. Queríamos hacer que toda nuestra comunidad supiera de una recaudación de fondos Gofundme establecida para beneficiar a su marido y a cuatro hijos.
La comunidad de TJ es muy generosa y responde en tiempos de necesidad. Gracias por su consideración para ayudar a la familia Gates.
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Paula Hammel
Assistant Principal
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Monday-
Tuesday-
- March Food Bank Distribution / Distribución de alimentos de marzo 3:30-5:30 p.m.
- Spring Choir Concert: 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday-
- 9th grade supports in room 111: lunch
- Office Hours
- Incoming 9th Grade - Choice of Studies: 6-7:00 p.m.
Thursday-
- Incoming 9th Grade - Choice of Studies: 6-7:00 p.m.
Friday-
Saturday-
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TJ took home a plethora of trophies during the recent SeaPerch Competition!
Stock:
(Best score using the initial kit of parts on the Mission/Obstacle course)
1st - Thunderbolts (Rylan Anderson, Adam DeMaria, Mason & Henry Newpower, Gavin Schiff)
2nd - Spartan Enterprise (Sam McPherson, Wren Krause, Jackson Adams, Asher Frost)
3rd - Navita (Devin Renn, Vince Mattei, Kenton Nguyen, Brian Parra-Vargas)
Open:
(Best score using unlimited resources on the Mission/Obstacle course)
1st - S.A.M (Fatimah Hasan, Mariah Williams, Maya Cordova, Evan Escutia)
Best in Show
(Best overall score including the Technical Design Report, Team Video, Mission/Obstacle course)
Spartan Enterprise (Sam McPherson, Wren Krause, Jackson Adams, Asher Frost)
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TJ Food Bank and Distribution Program |
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The March Food Distribution will take place TOMORROW Tuesday, March 22 from 3:30 - 5:30 pm at TJ!
La distribución de alimentos de marzo se llevará MAÑANA martes el 22 de marzo de 3:30 a 5:30 de la tarde en TJ!
If you are interested in making a financial contribution to the TJ Food Bank, you can do so HERE. Thank you for your continued support of the Food Bank!
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April PTO Meeting:
After two long years of Zoom meetings, the April PTO meeting will be held in person at TJ! Mark your calendar for Tuesday, April 12 at 7pm. TJ room location details to follow.
Spartan Staff Grants Request Window Deadline Extended to Friday, April 8th
TJ PTO's primary mission is to enhance and support the educational experience at TJHS. With that goal in mind, PTO has budgeted $20,000 to distribute as Spartan Staff Grants! This is DOUBLE the amount we have been able to provide in the past, and 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 TJ Auction funded Spartan Staff 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, JROTC, World Languages, Counseling, Art, and Math.
TJ Staff: Please submit Spartan Staff Grant requests using this Grant Request Form. All requests are due by the end of the day on Friday, April 8th..
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The 6th Annual TJ Online Auction is coming up the week of April 10-14.
The Auction is TJ's only school-wide fundraiser and proceeds from this year’s Auction will be dedicated to helping those in our TJ community and awarding classrooms grants:
- Supporting our community members in need is a huge priority. Auction proceeds will be available to support our TJ community including, but not limited to, helping those experiencing food insecurity.
- Our Classroom Grant program supports our teachers in their work to deliver an exceptional educational experience for all TJ students.
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In order to reach our goal to raise $20,000 this year, we need your help to acquire auction items! It’s easy—when you are in a business (restaurant, salon, your favorite shops), ask for their support for our auction this year in the form of a gift card or an item to auction! Or reach out to family and friends who own businesses and ask for their support. Anything works, and is appreciated! Print a few copies of the attached letter to have in your car to hand to businesses when you ask for a donation. The letter provides additional details about the event, delivery instructions as well as TJ's tax-id # as all donations are tax deductible. You can also direct donors directly to our Auction management site to enter their business and donation information: https://cbo.io/bidapp/index.php?slug=thomasj
Thank you for your support,
Megan Perkins & Becca Mahoney
Auction Co-Chairs
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Library Celebrating Neurodiversity Week
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The library is celebrating Neurodiversity Week. The concept of neurodiversity is the acceptance that all humans are different, with unique minds, needs and abilities. Some of the different ways of thinking, learning, interacting and perceiving the world have been given labels, such as: ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette Syndrome and others. Neurodiversity Celebration Week is about recognizing, embracing and respecting that there is a wide range of neurological variations in the human brain, instead of viewing these variations as being “abnormal." |
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Neurodiversity Celebration Week serves as a reminder that no matter what our differences and challenges, everyone also has their own strengths and talents. The week also serves as a reminder of the importance of being kind, tolerant and accepting of everyone, especially students, colleagues and classmates who have learning differences.
The human brain is so complex. No brain is the same. Come celebrate Neurodiversity Week and checkout materials that center writers, authors, characters and illustrators with neurological differences. Titles fromTJ's collection can be found on our shelves and here. Additional materials can be found in Sora's curated Neurodiverse Collection.
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Camp Ember - FREE Opportunity for Young Women (deadline to apply is 3/28!) |
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FREE CAMP FOR YOUNG WOMEN
Camp Dates: June 2-5, 2022
Applications Open 2/14/22-3/28/22
Camp Ember is a 4 day, 3-night camp offered to young women ages 16-18.
The camp is FREE for the young women selected and includes training, mentorship from community female firefighters, lodging, transportation between training events and food/drink. Campers will be introduced to the world of firefighting and EMS by mentors that will inspire them to embrace their full potential!
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Music Department Fundraisers |
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The music department needs your support. We are taking students on a field trip next spring to study the history of jazz and connections to the Civil Rights Movement. We want to make this trip possible for our TJ students.
We've scheduled a few fundraisers, and could use our TJ community's help in making these a success.
1) Reach out to local businesses and friends, and/or consider making a donation yourself.
We are asking for direct donations to our music program. Click here to view the letter you can share with friends and businesses. Donors will have their names or businesses listed in the concert programs this year and next.
2) Save the date . . . April 6, 2022, from 4 pm - 8 pm Dinner at Chipotle
Similar to dinner out at Panera, a portion of the earnings from meals served to TJHS Music supporters will go to the music department. These funds will be used to help students traveling on our History of Jazz and Civil Rights. Again, in order to qualify towards our fundraiser, patrons will need to mention the TJHS music program, or better yet bring this attached flyer.
Please, share the fundraising flyers with family, friends and neighbors.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely and gratefully,
Robin Morrissey
Instrumental music teacher
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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!
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Denver Parks & Recreation Survey for Families |
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Please click here to share your opinions about outdoor adventures and alternative sports ideas!
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9th Grade Student Supports |
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Hey 9th Graders! Do you have a grade of 62% or below in any of your classes?
Are you ready to strengthen your academic competency, self-advocacy or organization?
Come meet with Ms. Taylor the 9th grade counselor on Wednesdays.
TJ wants to celebrate YOU and YOUR hard work when you exhibit these Spartan Values!
Aspire to Achieve:
On March 23rd during lunch Ms. Taylor will be supporting students in Rm 111. Lunch will be provided for those who sign up.
Academic Accountability:
Students have an additional opportunity to earn some free swag by checking off some items in their 9th Grade Success Passport!
Ms. Taylor is located in the counseling office and is open to setting up smaller sessions.
*Please do not let language be a barrier to reaching out. Please leave a message in your language and we will call you back.
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Looking for a Summer Job? The Wellshire Wants You! |
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Paraprofessional Job Openings at TJ |
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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. |
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Mental Health and Social/Emotional Tips |
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Did You Know…?
Spring Break is next week, March 28th - April 1st!
See you in April!
Need some ideas of things to do around Denver? Check out the Denver Free Days Website HERE
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News from the Future Center |
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Class of 2022
Congratulations on earning over $7.65 MILLION in scholarships thus far. This is truly EPIC and a reflection of your hard work. Well done!
Your college(s) may be asking you for more information 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.
Please continue to share your Admissions and Scholarship Wins so we can celebrate your successes as you continue to inspire rising Spartans!
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!
Important Dates:
Wednesday, March 23: CSU Rep Visit, Sallie Mae Presents: College Admissions Tips
Thursday, March 24: CO Mesa Rep Visit, Virtual Insight Panel: Careers in Mental Health/Psychology, Sallie Mae Presents: College Admissions Tips, QuestBridge Prep Scholars Application DUE
Friday, April 1: CU Denver Admitted Students Day
Saturday, April 2: CU Boulder Women in Law Day
Friday, April 15: Robert Sullivan Scholarship Application DUE
Thursday, April 21: DSF Scholarship Almost There Required Session
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
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SpartanPalooza is on!
Thank you to the parents that joined the last planning meeting and offered great ideas and their time to pull it all together. The Senior SpartanPalooza event will be on Sunday, April 24th from 12pm-3pm at TJ. This is a free festival for all TJ seniors with music, food and entertainment. The afternoon will have lots of fun and games that include plenty of great prizes for an apartment, a dorm or whatever comes next after high school. There is a Class of 2022 Amazon Wishlist to collect a great assortment of prizes for students to win.
Ways to get involved…
Lend – lawn games, tents and other items for the day of the event - signup genius coming soon
Volunteer – day of event – signup genius coming soon
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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.
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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!
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READY TO ROLL?? Come join us 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!
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!
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PARENTS! HOW TO GET CONNECTED:
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT of 2023!
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Class of 2024 - Sophomores |
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Fundraising News!
We’ll be planning a wine tasting party in mid to late April to help raise funds for the class. Please watch for more details to come!
Parent Meeting – Join Us!
Class meetings will be held the third Tuesday of month at 7pm.
Our next meeting details:
Date: Tuesday, April 19, 2022
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Meeting ID: 847 2873 7251
Passcode: 222894
One tap mobile
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Dial by your location
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833 548 0282 US Toll-free
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Meeting ID: 847 2873 7251
Passcode: 222894
Class Donations – Every dime counts!
Sophomores are quite possibly the best “10s” out there! Gather those dimes (pennies, quarters, and ten-dollar bills too) and make a donation 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! Corporate matching is always appreciated.
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)
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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.
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Part of the Thomas Jefferson PTO mission is to build a strong community, but we can't do that without parents’ help. Please take a moment to complete a short survey for the Class Sponsors to let the know how you want to be involved in class activities. 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)! For any questions, you can reach out to Heather Reeder at hmbdvm@yahoo.com or the PTO at TJHSPTO@gmail.com.
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Stay Connected, Spartans! |
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