Hello Spartan Families!
We hope enjoyed the time off for Thanksgiving break! First Friday celebration will be on Friday, December 5th to celebrate students who have had high attendance and have been recognized by their teachers for upholding our SPARTAN values.
A reminder that we are quickly approaching the end of the semester and students only have two weeks of instruction left before finals. Parents are encouraged to review their student's Schoology accounts to review current grades and look for any missing assignments that can be resolved. Encourage them to finish the semester strong and be prepared for final exams!
Click here for the Finals Schedule!
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Andrew Skari
Assistant Principal |
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On Saturday, November 15, Thomas Jefferson High School hosted the South Denver First Lego League Challenge Regional Tournament. 24 teams from all over the state competed in team judging as well as the 2025 DECODE game with 5 teams selected to move on to the state tournament. This event was truly a community event pulling volunteers from TJ Alumni, current robotics students from TJ, George Washington, and Mullen High School, industry professionals from a wide array of careers, and robotics mentors. The event had over 300 people in attendance and was supported at TJ with teachers donating rooms and equipment, JROTC Color Guard held a Presentation of Colors, and Joe Poole led everyone in The National Anthem. Thank you to all who participated, volunteered, and attended this incredible event.
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Thanks to Samanda Davis, Natalie Koncz, the counseling team, Brittany Nicolo, facilities staff, and all who donated clothing to make the Clothing Swap a huge success!
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TJ DECA competed in the D3 DECA District Conference and represented our school and community with class and character today. District 3 is the largest and most competitive DECA District in the state of Colorado with 10 total schools and more than 800 competitors! In total, we had 98 students compete in more than 40 Role Play Events to demonstrate 21st Century professional business skills.
Special thanks to our adult chaperones that helped us, we couldn't have had the success we did without your help today: Andrew Skari, Erin Thompson, Jeremy Anderson, Rossanda Jackson, Graham Baughn, Samanda Davis, and Natalie Koncz.
The following students qualified for the State Conference in February where they will represent TJ against more than 3,500 competitors to see who will "Go The Extra" and make it to the ICDC (International Career Development Conference) in Atlanta, Georgia in April. Congratulate all of the DECA Competitors when you see them, they were outstanding examples of why TJ DECA is "The Standard By Which Others Are Measured."
State Qualifiers:
Ari Winn - Apparel & Accessories Marketing
Sloane Straayer - Apparel & Accessories Marketing
Lilah Sani - Entrepreneurship Marketing
Lia Rivera - Food Marketing
Meriem Sadkhi - Hospitality & Tourism Professional Sales
Ava Zareck - Hoel & Lodging Management
Harrison Hauer - Hotel & Lodging Management
Zach Alleman - Hotel & Lodging Management
Katie Mullins - Human Resources Management
Emelia Talburt - Marketing Communications
Sarah Yellen - Marketing Communications
Deen Azari - Personal Financial Literacy
Johnny Semple-Guerrero - Principles of Entrepreneurship
Lizzy Johnson - Principles of Entrepreneurship
Nadhyia Owens - Principles of Entrepreneurship
Saull Brittan - Principles of Finance
Izzy Roth - Principles of Marketing
Olivia Srodulski - Principles of Marketing
Tucker Blue - Professional Selling
Jonah Smith - Quick Serve Restaurant Management
SophieAnn Scott - Quick Serve Restaurant Management
Sophie Hockett - Restaurant & Food Service Management
Stella O'Malley - Restaurant & Food Service Management
Isabella Srodulski - Retail Merchandising
Ella Storey - Sports & Entertainment Marketing
Kai Rogers - Sports & Entertainment Marketing
Kota Hoskins - Sports & Entertainment Marketing
Olivia Osterhaus-Binkert - Sports & Entertainment Marketing
State Officer Candidates:
Ella Storey
Hazel Baur
Thank you to everyone that supported us this year, it takes a village and our village is strong!
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A TJHS exchange student from Brazil needs a new home for the Spring semester as her current family is moving. We have greatly enjoyed hosting her and want to help her find a new family! If you have a room and the ability to welcome her into your family, or just want to ask some questions, please email suzymlewis@yahoo.com. |
In September, Thomas Jefferson entered into an exchange agreement with Luther Gakuin High School in Kumamoto, Japan. The agreement allows up to 3 students from TJ to attend school in Japan for up to 3 months while 3 students from Luther will be travelling to TJ for 3 months beginning in January. We are currently in need of 3 exchange host families for those 3 students. This is a paid exchange as the students will pay a monthly stipend to the host families while they stay for 3 months. There will be 2 girls and 1 boy in need of housing. Here is a link to the Host Family Application. The students will be arriving January 4th and they will be returning to Japan on March 22nd.
We also have an exchange agreement with Chiben Gojo in Nara Japan. Chiben has been sending students from Japan to TJ for 3 weeks in March since 2019. This March, Chiben will be sending 16 students (8 boy and 8 girls) for a 3 week study. They will live with a family for 3 weeks. They will shadow current TJ students and attend classes and school activities with them. In return, we will have 6 students who will travel to Nara, Japan this summer. Those students will attend school in Chiben for 3 weeks in July. In total, that makes 19 total exchange students in need of a home for an amount of time next semester. If you are interested, please do not hesitate to Mr. Jackson by email at kjackso@dpsk12.net.
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SkillsUSA and DECA are excited to help provide Holiday Dinners for 50 families within our TJ community. Donations can be dropped off at the collection box inside the front entrance at TJHS.Please review the available slots in the link below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0949ADAA29A2FC1-59999150-2025
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Save the Date! Our next meeting will be held on December 2 in Room 111 from 6-7. We hope to see you there!
Help Wanted!
2026-2027 Leadership: Our Co-President positions will be vacant as of May. We are hoping to have “apprentices” in place by January to shadow this role for a semester. Interested in leading the TJHS PTO next year? Please reach out to us directly at TJHSPTO@gmail.com
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Holiday Teacher Appreciation Opportunity
Wondering how to spread holiday cheer to TJ Teachers & Staff? TJ PTO is collecting $10 gift cards to be part of a broader gift to the whole team. Please sign up to bring physical gift cards here: gift card sign up OR donate money directly here direct give sign up: and we'll save you a trip to the store. Gift cards can be dropped off in a labeled box in the main office. Deadline to help is 12/8. Thank you! - The TJ PTO Teacher Appreciation Committee
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Thank you to the TJ Community for your continued support of the Food Bank! We’ve seen an increase in need within our TJ community and beyond, and we expect that to grow as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits are suspended due to the government shutdown. SNAP provides vital food assistance to low-income families, and this pause has created an even greater need for support. If you’d like to make a financial contribution to the TJ Food Bank, you can do so HERE.
The November Food Bank and Thanksgiving distribution will take place THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20 from 3:30-5:00 at TJ!
Please reach out to Megan Perkins (megandperkins@gmail.com) Becca Mahoney (beccaandjoemahoney@gmail.com) or Jillian Krause (jillian.krause@gmail.com) with questions.
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Deck the Walls: TJ's Art Show is COMING SOON!
Support our students and the arts at TJHS. Student artwork is on display December 9th through the 11th in room 111.
4th period lunch: on Tuesday & Thursday only
5th period lunch: Tuesday - Thursday
Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 4 to 6 pm
See artwork from all our drawing & painting and ceramics classes this first semester.
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Donate to the Spartan Grant Program!
Greetings TJ Community! We're launching our direct give campaign to raise funds for our teacher grants, also known as the Spartan Grant program. These teacher grants go a long way in providing financial assistance to our teachers, who continually go above and beyond for our students and the TJ community. Your support is greatly appreciated and will make a direct impact in the classroom. Every dollar counts. Donate today!
Donate to the Spartan Grant Program
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Score the latest styles, cuts and colors at great prices—customized and delivered to you with new discounts every week.
» Shop your Spartans Sideline Store
For in-house gear stop by the DECA store in the cafeteria after school. Feel free to email with any questions.
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🩹 IMPORTANT Immunization ReminderPlease take a minute to confirm your child’s vaccine status or exemption.
✅ If your child is up-to-date on vaccines:
Please confirm by uploading here
🚫 If your child has an exemption:
Colorado requires a valid exemption form on file each year. You can find and complete it 👉here
🕒 Deadline: December 1st
You can get Immunizations right at TJ!
English E-Consent
Spanish E-Consent
TJHS Hygiene & Dignity Closet
In support of our students that may not have access to basic hygiene items like deodorant, toothpaste, body wash, etc. We're building a Hygiene & Dignity Closet in the Health Office so students can discreetly access what they need.
If you'd like to support this effort, you can donate directly from our Amazon Wishlist Here:
Hygiene Amazon Wishlist
NARCAN distribution to the General Public
There is a vending machine located here on the Denver Health Main Campus
Narcan Distribution here
It may appear to be used with a badge, but it is actually for EVERYONE. You press 1234 and you can get free Narcan! As many as you need!
The Denver Health vending machines are also located at Denver Public Libraries
Asthma Support at School
If your student has moderate or severe asthma and needs to carry an inhaler at school, please have their health care provider complete this form.
Colorado Asthma Care Plan
Asthma Awareness:
Fragrance & Sprays
Many body sprays, perfumes, cleaning products, and air fresheners contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs)-- chemicals that easily become airborne and can linger in indoor spaces.
Even pleasant scents can trigger asthma symptoms, headaches, or coughing in sensitive individuals.
Avoid using strong perfumes, body sprays, or scented lotions before school
Choose fragrance-free laundry and cleaning products when possible
Encourage students to use spray products (like deodorant or hair spray) only at home.
Thank you for helping support improving our air quality at school for EVERYONE!
All Health Forms can be uploaded here
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Sarah Perry
School Nurse
720-423-7061
Sarah_Perry@dpsk12.net
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Fend Off Fentanyl is a project created by Emelia Talburt, Lilah Sani, and Avery Fowler. Our goal is to spread awareness about fentanyl and the useful resources that are available to help in case of an overdose. This short flyer provides a quick description of what fentanyl is, the signs and symptoms of an overdose, and what to do in case of an emergency. This information is incredibly useful in the chance that you encounter someone experiencing an overdose due to opioids such as fentanyl. |
Lifelong Learning Saves Lives
Fentanyl Awareness: Protect Yourself, Protect Your Community. -Lifelong learning is the
ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge. Learning more about fentanyl
could save a life. I know this isn’t the typical TJHS Newsletter story. However, this community
has shown me we are capable of so much and this topic is too important to stay silent. The
opioid epidemic is rapidly changing, and new dangerous emerging trends and synthetic
substances happen rapidly.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, now the leading cause of deaths in the U.S. Even a tiny
amount—just two grains of sand—can be fatal. Counterfeit pills sold as Oxy, Percocet, Xanax,
and others are often laced with fentanyl. Teens can buy these pills on social media platforms
like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok. All powders such as cocaine are likely to have fentanyl
mixed in. You cannot see, taste, smell, or detect when this deadly substance is in something.
Why Is It So Dangerous?
Unlike past generations, where mistakes were learning opportunities, a single mistake with
fentanyl can end a life. Many people don’t realize they’re taking fentanyl, as it’s often mixed into
other drugs or disguised as prescription pills. Roughly 22 high school students are poisoned
EVERY WEEK in the US.
Signs & Symptoms of Fentanyl Poisoning
Pinpoint pupils
Extreme drowsiness or inability to wake up
Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
Blue or gray lips and fingernails. Cold, clammy, or pale skin
Weak or no pulse. Vomiting, gurgling, or choking sounds
Limp body or loss of consciousness, Confusion or inability to speak
What To Do and Colorado’s Good Samaritan Law
Call 911 immediately
Administer Naloxone (Narcan) if available
Stay with the person until help arrives and cooperate with First Responders
Take Action
Learn more at these sites: Denver Public Schools Prevention Maddie Wright Foundation
Carry Naloxone/Narcan
Talk to your family and friends
For confidential help: Call SAMHSA at 1-800-662-4357. |
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Spartan Seniors and Families,
Congrats on your ongoing admissions to college, scholarship submission, and FAFSA or CASFA submission! Please be sure to share your progress with us so we can celebrate your accomplishments! Share Admissions Wins here. Share your Financial Aid Awards (ie admissions scholarships, etc) here.
Seniors: In your Future Center: TJFC2026 schoology course, you will find many resources to help you with your college planning process. Please review the course updates and calendar at least weekly with your family.
College planning tasks from your Future Center schoology to work on now:
If you have not yet submitted your FAFSA or CASFA application, please do so this week. FAFSA website. CASFA website.
Emily Webster, M.S.
DSF Lead College Advisor
emily_webster@dpsk12.net
Alyssa Baker, M.Ed.
DSF College Advisor
alyssa_baker@dpsk12.net
Alejandra Rivera-Lopez, M.S.W Candidate
DSF College Advisor- Intern
arivera-lopez@denverscholarship.org
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Did You Know...?
Sometimes we just need a quick grounding break throughout the day. Please enjoy this short breathing video that you can do anywhere. The intention is to help you pause, recenter yourself, and calm your body.
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Parents-
Just a friendly reminder that Senior pictures and quotes are due by December 10th—please be sure to submit them on time.
Also, mark your calendars! After Prom is scheduled for Saturday, April 25th. Planning will begin after Winter Break, and we’re excited to get started.
Thank you, Sheila and Carrie
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HOLIDAY COLOR FOR THE GARDEN
Now is the time to order some great holiday color for your home or maybe a gift to take to your favorite holiday party. The Class of 2028 Flower Power website is now full of holiday flowers and items like seed ornaments and holiday seed bomb gift packs. Check out the website to see what’s offered (and feel free to pass it along to friends and family who need plant ideas as well). |
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A shout out to everyone who has supported the Class of
2028 on our dine-out nights. Our next opportunity is an
all-day fundraiser at the Red Robin at I-25 & Arapahoe
on Monday, December 8. Stop by and grab a burger or
pizza for lunch or dinner, or swing by to grab shakes in
the after school or in evening. Just mention the fundraiser when you order. You can even order online and pick it up. We’ll post the flyer with instructions closer to the day. |
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HELP PLAN FUN EVENTS NEXT SPRING
We’re looking for people to help set up restaurant nights (it takes just minutes a month), help plan events like the Fun Run, Sophomore S’mores in the spring, Teacher Appreciation lunches and more. If you think you can spare a few minutes a month to help out, or maybe you just have an idea for a fundraiser, let us. Email jillkrug@gmail.com or kevkrug@gmail.com.
IT’S TIME TO GIVE $28 TO THE CLASS OF ‘28
It’s time to give $28 to the Class of ‘28 to help cultivate community for our students! If each family gives $28, we get close to our fundraising goals. You can give the $28 for the class of 2028 through the PTO’s Online Square Account: https://tjhsstore.square.site/product/2028-class-donations/151.
Remember, all money raised by these events and donations will help fund an amazing after-prom event during the students’ senior year and a fun event at the end of each school year.
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It's time to give $29 to the Class of '29
Give $29 to the Class of '29 and help cultivate community for our students!
The Class of 2029 Class Fund supports class activities each year. If each family gives $29 we get close to our fundraising goals.
Give $29 to The Class of '29 through the PTO’s Online Square Account: https://tjhspto.betterworld.org/campaigns/class-2029-donation
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