Administrator's Corner

April 3, 2023

Welcome back, Spartans!

We hope you had a restful break and that you're ready to hit the ground running for the final push of the school year! We will start testing next week.

We are required as a school to have 95% testing participation. If you plan to keep your student home during testing and you missed the February opt-out deadline, please fill out this form so that we are not penalized.

College Board Testing Week April 12-14 there will be no school for students who don't test on that day

SAT Week Schedule - Start at 7:30 each day

-Monday- Normal School

-Tuesday- Normal School (yes, there will be advisement)

-Wednesday - 11th graders (by credit) only for SAT (7:30am - approximately noon, unless students have accommodations)

-Thursday* - 10th graders (by credit) only for PSAT10 (7:30am - approximately 11:30am, unless students have accommodations)

-Friday* - 9th graders (by credit) only for PSAT9 (7:30am - approximately 11am, unless students have accommodations)

*Students with 2-Day testing accommodations will be notified via email.

-Seniors with Edgenuity can come in during testing - (enter through doors near Senior Parking Lot/Robotics doors)

¡Bienvenidos de nuevo, Spartans!

¡Esperamos que haya tenido un descanso reparador y que esté listo para comenzar a correr para el empujón final del año escolar! Comenzaremos a probar la próxima semana.

Estamos obligados como escuela a tener un 95% de participación en las pruebas. Si planea mantener a su estudiante en casa durante las pruebas y no cumplió con la fecha límite de exclusión de febrero, por favor llene este formulario para que no seamos penalizados.

Semana de las Pruebas de la Junta Universitaria 12-14 de abril No habrá escuela para los estudiantes que no hagan la prueba ese día Horario de la semana del

SAT - Comience a las 7:30 cada día

-Lunes- Escuela Normal

-Martes- Escuela Normal (sí, habrá asesoramiento)

-Miércoles - 11th grado (por crédito) solo para SAT (7:30am - aproximadamente mediodía, a menos que los estudiantes tengan alojamiento)

-Jueves* - Estudiantes de 10th grado (por crédito) solo para PSAT10 (7:30am - aproximadamente 11:30am, a menos que los estudiantes tengan acomodaciones)

-Viernes* - Estudiantes de 9th grado (por crédito) solo para PSAT9 (7:30am - aproximadamente 11am, a menos que los estudiantes tengan acomodaciones)

*Los estudiantes con acomodaciones para exámenes de 2 días serán notificados por correo electrónico.

- Las personas mayores con educación pueden entrar durante las pruebas - (entre por las puertas cerca de las puertas de estacionamiento para personas mayores / puertas de robótica)

Andrew Skari

Assistant Principal

Monday-

• No classes for students

Tuesday-

Wednesday- 

• Talent Show Auditions: 3:00-4:30 p.m. (details below)

Thursday-

• Talent Show Auditions: 3:00-4:30 p.m. (details below)

Friday-

• LGBTQ+ Student Dance Hosted by South HS: 5-7:30 p.m. (details below)
• Monticello singing at the Rockies Game! 6:40 p.m. (ticket info below)

Saturday-

• From JROTC: Last Saturday was the Colorado State Drill Championships in Fountain Colorado. Our Drill and Honor Platoon participated in this competition and we took the Governor's Cup the highest award at the event making Thomas Jefferson the state champion for JROTC Drill. Along with the overall, we won first place in the Army Division and placed in multiple events including: 1st Place Unarmed Regulation, Unarmed Exhibition, Armed Inspection and Color Guard. Additionally 3rd place in the Unarmed Inspection and Armed Exhibition events. This is not the end of the season, however - there is still the Rocky Mountain Nationals and All Service Nationals in Daytona Beach Florida left to go.

• A big thank you to Interact Club members for reaching out to grateful Holly Creek residents!

Talent Show Auditions

Rockies Game - Monticello National Anthem -Tickets Available!

Staff “Welcome Back Lunch” is today! 

Thanks to the generosity of parents who have contributed to our Staff Appreciation fund, the PTO is providing lunch for all staff today from “The Magic Food Bus,” a gourmet food truck. We hope this makes your Professional Development day more fun! The PTO is making plans for next month’s Staff Appreciation Week - May 1-5. Parents who would like to support our daily treats and gifts planned for the week are encouraged to make a tax-deductible donation to the fund online here. 

The April PTO Meeting is next Tuesday, 4/11

The final business meeting of the school year will feature officer elections and the approval of our 2023 Spartan Grants to the school. If you haven’t had a chance to join us yet this year for a meeting, we’d love to see you - 6pm in Room 111 at TJ. And we’re still looking for a Secretary and Fundraising Chairs for next year. Please consider getting involved! Email TJHSpto@gmail.com for more information. 

March PTO Minutes and Financials are now Online

Click here to find the most recent PTO documents, as well as last month’s meeting minutes and an archive of past meeting minutes and monthly financial statements. 

TJ Food Distribution Program

The April Food Distribution will take place on Thursday, April 20 from 3:00-5:00pm at TJ!  

Any family that is in need of food support is welcomed and encouraged to sign up HERE. Please 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 distribución de alimentos de abril se llevará a cabo el jueves el 20 abril 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. 

Announcing the 7th Annual Thomas Jefferson High School Auction!

Did you know that the TJ auction proceeds DIRECTLY help TJ students? TJ staff members have their fingers on the pulse of the school and know where help is needed! They request grants from the PTO and those requests are supported through the auction funds. This means that the more YOU can help us with auction donations, the MORE support our teachers (and therefore your kids) get!! 

WE NEED YOUR HELP! Please ask your favorite businesses or restaurants for their help—and item, a gift card, a service…anything that people can bid on in the online auction! Donations are due April 9th. 

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://tjauction23.bebids.me/

Thank you for your help - we need the whole TJ community to make this a successful fundraising event! 

TJHS 2023 Auction Letter

Thank you for your support,

Megan Perkins & Becca Mahoney

Auction Co-Chairs

Speech & Debate Fundraiser - Donations Requested

Hello TJ community! The TJ Speech and Debate Club is raising money for the upcoming school year by selling Grad Grams. These will be small bags of candy and stickers that students can buy for seniors with a sweet message. We are hoping that you all can provide donations of peanut free candy for our fundraiser. This would greatly help our small but mighty club! Please drop off candy donations by April 10th at the front office. Thank you so much!

Upcoming GSA Events

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!

Resources Available for Prom and Graduation

If you have a student in need of PROM attire assistance, click on the link below for resources.

https://ryliesark.org/be-happy-boutique

https://www.bellaboutiquedenver.org/

If you have a senior in need of Cap and Gown assistance please Click on the following link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK9oxWbYFUuMJqwtIiCS1GbVwjm2NxatrzT6F-aGsLZqkcIw/viewform

College 101 - Save the Date

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 (1^st, 2^nd, 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!

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/ 

Did You Know...? 

(en español) 

Spring is here- let’s start the cleaning! 

It is that time of the year that some people look forward to- opening the windows, deep-cleaning the house, getting rid of old items they no longer need; others may wince at the thought of going through closets, drawers, cabinets and feeling pressured to make the “to get rid of this, or to keep it?” decision. Though it can be difficult, time consuming and possibly argument-invoking, it can be important for your physical and mental health. Let’s find out how! 

What can “Spring Cleaning” do for me?

• By making the effort to declutter areas, you can actually increase your productivity! Cleaning off your kitchen table, work-space, entry table, etc. can help support a more organized approach to work and facilitate ease with completing tasks. Plus, it may look nicer and more welcoming to guests and visitors in the home.
• The cleaning process itself can increase your energy levels!
• Spring cleaning can benefit your physical health! Do you ever think about the amount of dust and dirt that build up within the house? Cleaning your living space can help with asthma and allergies.
• People who have a clean and tidy home are happier. Hello strong mental health! Cleaning your space can provide a sense of accomplishment, pride and satisfaction. And perhaps decrease conflict with family members, roommates, etc.
• Regularly cleaning and decluttering can help increase focus and decision making! By removing obstacles (which are often the physical presence of stuff) from your space, you now can focus on problem solving and decision making.
• You can give back to your community. All those unused items can be donated to charities for people and families in need.  Or you can plan a garage sale with your neighbors and use the collected money to do something nice for the neighborhood or community (basketball hoop on the street, plants for some homes, donate to a local foodbank, etc.)

Great, so where do I start?

1. Each weekend during the month of April, pick 1-2 rooms/spaces in your home you will tackle.
2. Enlist family members to help- it is everyone’s stuff! 
3. Get a box and label “donations,” and place all items you no longer need  in the box
4. Immediately after completing the area/room, take that box to a donation center! (get it out of your home before you find a “reason” to keep any of the items you know you don’t really need! :) 

Now, put on some tunes, a podcast, whatever, and get cleaning!

Mental Health and Social Emotional Tip: Compiled by Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP and  Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW. Resources: https://www.fastcompany.com; www.goodnet.org

VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED:  

AFTER PROM SIGN UP-GENIUS

• Come Join the After Prom Event Fun - bring a friend!
• Many Volunteer Slots Available - the day before, day of, during the event and day after! 
• Decore-Making/Painting Pre-Prom-April 15, 2023 11-3 at TJ
• SEE SIGN-UP GENIUS for specific slots and fun people to volunteer with! 

We need 60+ parents and community members to step forward and be part of this really fun event! Your name is already in here if you signed up on the Google spreadsheet, contact Karla for any necessary changes. For more information contact Karla Henke karladhenke@gmail.com

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!!

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

After_Prom_FAQ_word.docx

PRIZE PATROL - help us get to 100 PRIZES!   

• We are CLOSE but still need gift cards or cash prizes for After Prom!
• $15, $20, $50 or more! 
• 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:  

LAST CALL!

AFTER PROM IS IN 3 MONTHS!

Please DONATE $23 for ‘23

 $10 $23 $50 $100 $230 whatever you are able to do! This money supports 2023 fun class activities, community-building, senior year events and of course AFTER-PROM! 

Click here to DONATE!

2023 Class 2023 Class Donations | TJHS PTO 

MARK YOUR 2023 CALENDAR!

UPCOMING FUNDRAISING & EVENTS for SENIOR Class of 2023!

* PRIZE PATROL - Help us get to 100 prizes! Friday, April 14, 2023. Please turn in your gift certificates or prizes for After Prom by today! (We will gladly accept after this date, but want to get the majority in!) 

*PARENTS: DECORATION MAKING/PAINTING AFTER PROM PREP: Saturday, April 15, 2023 - 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. TJ Front Lobby - Come by even for an hour to help! 

*STUDENTS: SENIOR GROUP PANORAMA PHOTO: Thursday, April 20, outside in front of TJ during 4th Period around 10:45 - BE THERE! 

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

Senior Prom Dance 8 p.m. - 11 p.m. at the Denver Athletic Club (Tickets on Sale in April)

After Prom Events  11 p.m. - 2 a.m. at Thomas Jefferson (Free event) 

*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 Click Here: 

TJ CLASS OF 2023 MANDATORY GRADUATION DATES

2023 SENIOR PARENTS! 

THIS IS THE SEMESTER WE NEED YOU MOST! 

If you know you would like to help with After Prom, Karla Henke karladhenke@gmail.com is our After Prom Event Volunteer Coordinator!

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! 

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!

PARENT MEETING!

April 13, 6pm

Room 111

PLEASE mark your calendar to attend. We will be discussing a few important matters, including:

• Teacher Appreciation Week – Junior Class, May 4th 
• Prom and After Prom 
• Upcoming Senior Events
• Senior Sleepout (August 20)
• Parking Lot Painting
• “15 Minutes of Fame”

Please consider donating to the Class of 2024 Prom!

Please make your donation directly to the Spartan class of 2024 here using the myschoolbucks link.

Donations for the Class of 2024

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

Please join us for our spring meeting April 6 at 6pm at TJ in room 111. We will be discussing plans for Teacher Appreciation in May, a parent party in August, and Homecoming Bonfire in September. Hope to see you there!

Any ?’s or suggestions: Heather Reeder hmbdvm@yahoo.com

Please consider making a donation to the class of 2025!

$25 for 2025! https://tjhsstore.square.site/product/2025-class-donations/99

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

Our next class meeting will be over Zoom on April 10th at 7:30 p.m. to finalize details for the "Bottom of the 9th" event. The Zoom link will be in next week's Journal.  

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