Dear Parents,

This week is Choice of Studies for the 2025-2026 school year. On the 20th of this week, your students will be choosing their classes for next year. Please take some time to ask them about their next steps. See below for more information from the counselors. Please have your students reach out to their counselor if they have any questions.

Paula Hammel
Assistant Principal

Monday-

• Presidents' Day - No School

Tuesday-

• TJ Food Bank Distribution: 3:30-5:00 p.m.

Wednesday- 

• Class of 2026 Chipotle Fundraiser: 5:00-9:00 p.m. (details below)

Thursday-

• Regular school day

Friday-

• Regular school day

Saturday-

• Saturday School: 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

• Set Construction/Saturday Build Days: 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

• AP Music Theory: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

• Congratulations to all of our Spartans who made the Honor Roll! And big thanks to Danyelle Charles, Paula Hammel, Carla Allen, teachers & staff, facilities staff, and the kitchen staff who helped with the Smarty Party!

  Congrats to our student winners:

  • Bronze:

    Jiyan Mohamad and

    David Ornelas

  • Silver:

    Briana Bravo-Gonzalez

  • Gold:

    Hannibal Dessalegn

  • Platinum:

    Max Almanza and

    Hazel Baur

  • Academic Letter:

    Tek Tewodros

Keep working hard in your classes, Spartans....it all pays off in many ways!

• Thanks to our amazing PTO for showing the love by providing the staff with burritos last Thursday! Thanks for brightening the day with a lovely breakfast on a cold morning.

• TJ DECA has been awarded the Gold Certification for School Based Enterprise and also been named as a THRIVE LEVEL Chapter for the 2024-2025 School Year. TJ DECA Officers submitted verification for both awards and have been rewarded with 4 invitations to the upcoming International Career Development Conference in Orlando taking place in April of this year. We also have 50 competitors attending the State Career Development Conference February 22-25 at the Broadmoor so wish our competitors luck when you see them.

  Click below to see the press releases for details, and congrats TJ DECA!

  • Thrive Level Press Release

  • Snack Shack Press Release

• We'd like to acknowledge Julie Jackson, who donated $3000 on behalf of the Class of 1974 for some additional seating for the kids outside. Thanks for bringing the Spartan love and helping to improve our outdoor space for students!

Current TJ Students will choose their classes for next school year on Thursday February 20th. 

Here is a list of classes available for each grade level (this can be found on TJ’s Website under Academics & Programs- Choice of Studies as well).

Sophomores

Juniors

Seniors

The Process

1. On the morning of February 20th, ALL students will pick up a Choice of Studies Form on their way to class (each grade will have their own color of paper).

2. Students will attend every class as normal for the day and will get their core teacher's signature for the class they are recommended for next year. 

3. If a student wants to move to level 2 or higher of an elective path, they also need to get that teacher’s signature.

4. TJ will be on an assembly schedule on Thursday for the Choice of Studies Fair at the end of the day. At this fair, all teachers will be in attendance and students will get questions answered and any last signatures from teachers for classes they need recommendations for. 

5. All students will need to turn in their completed Choice Forms before they leave school on Thursday.

It is important that students are in attendance on Thursday so they can pick their classes for next year. Reach out to counselors with questions!

Concurrent Enrollment students will begin receiving their 1098-T tax document for courses completed through ACC in 2024. The Colorado Community College System prepares and mails IRS Form 1098-T to the student’s home address. In the past, CCCS was able to exclude the printing of 1098Ts if the scholarship amount was equal to or greater than the eligible payment amount. The new process does not allow this printing exclusion. Because of this, you may receive calls from confused students and parents.  I’ve attached a 1098-T FAQ to this correspondence to you to help you field most calls regarding this form. or view the 1098T FAQ online) Although it is mandatory that the Colorado Community College System provide this form to all students, CCCS and Arapahoe Community College are not allowed to offer tax or legal advice to students. Parents and students should be referred to their tax consultant to determine if and how to utilize this form in the preparation and submission of their taxes. Further information can be found here.

Dear DPS Community,

Denver Public Schools is committed to providing equitable and inclusive environments where all our students feel safe and socially and emotionally supported. With the potential change of federal policies, students, families, and staff who are undocumented are experiencing unease and uncertainty regarding potential mass deportation.

While we still do not know exactly what actions the incoming administration may or may not take at this time, it is important that our families have access to resources and information to establish an action plan.

This Family Resource Toolkit is available in English and Spanish and contains information and resources about your rights, current DPS policies, training, mental health support, and a list of community resources. Please read this guide and save it so you can refer back to it whenever necessary.

In addition to reviewing the guide, it is important that families update emergency contacts. Each student should have at least two emergency contacts. These individuals do not need to be family members; they can be any trusted adult known by the family. We also ask that families identify those authorized to pick up their students (including older siblings) from school if a parent or guardian cannot. Please see the directions at the bottom of this email for more information on how to update emergency contacts.

At the time of this communication, our schools are still designated sensitive locations, meaning that they are places where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is restricted from conducting enforcement actions. Our schools are safe, and we want our students here. While our function is to provide education for all students, our responsibility is to provide safe and welcoming environments. That has not changed.

In collaboration,

Dr. Alex Marrero
DPS Superintendent

Updating Emergency Contacts

Follow the step-by-step guide (in English and Spanish) to add, remove or modify emergency contact updates for your child in Infinite Campus. Please read the steps in this guide carefully. If you have questions or need help updating emergency contacts, please contact your child’s school.

Parent Portal Login Support

If you are unable to log into Parent Portal because you forgot your username and/or password, visit the MyPortal Support Contact webpage for links to reset. Note: You will need access to the email address associated with your Parent Portal account.

If you need help:

• Creating an account

• With a failing username or password

• Updating your email address

• With missing a student account

Submit a support ticket or call 720-423-3163.

Interact is hosting a drive that runs until 2/28. We are partnering with Colorado Young Leaders to help them collect backpacks, water bottles, and feminine hygiene products. These items will be distributed directly to homeless shelters. We are also collecting small shampoos, conditioners, toothbrushes, toothpaste, pre packaged snacks, band-aids, etc. 

There are boxes in English classrooms and the main office. Interact club will be using extra supplies to create homeless bags. Thanks in advance for your donations!

Saturday School is back! During the week, (Monday-Wednesday) teachers will provide passes to students and assign them to Saturday School for Math and/or English. Students- if your teacher gives you a pass, you have been assigned to Saturday School due to a low grade in Math and/or English. Parents- you will receive a text message on Thursday if your student has been assigned to Saturday School. Saturday School hours are 8am-12pm. The entrance is located on the north side of the building near the softball field. A small breakfast snack will be provided for students. 

Any students interested in going to Ireland in the summer of 2026? Please contact Amber Wilson for more information - awilso2@dpsk12.net

Any students interested in going to Ireland in the summer of 2026? Please contact Amber Wilson for more information - awilso2@dpsk12.net

MC2 Program Applications! 

Applications are open for Denver Health’s Medical Career Collaborative (MC²). Current high school sophomores from the Denver metro area are encouraged to apply. 

MC² offers paid internships, mentorship, certification opportunities and career coaching, helping students explore health care careers and build a strong foundation for the future.

To learn more visit the program’s website.

 Application deadline: 5 p.m. on March 5.

You can stop by the DECA store in the cafeteria after school Monday thru Thursday. We sell t-shirts, hoodies, pants, hats, stadium seats, socks, stickers, etc. Feel free to email us with any questions. 

The February Food Bank distribution will take place tomorrow - TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18 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.

We are looking for donations of mini cupcakes for the upcoming Mardi Gras dance on March 8. Please sign up here to donate. Please bring all donated cupcakes to Mr. Poole’s office no later than March 7. Thank you in advance for your support!

Class Parent Committee Chairs: Seniors: Heather Reeder & Kerry Muhovich, Juniors: Carrie Alleman & Sheila Tyler, Sophomores: Katie Mousel & Tiffany Berry, Freshmen: Jill & Kevin Krug

PTO Officers - Secretary: Heather Fall, Treasurer: Erin Kimmel, Vice President: Brooke Bolinske, Co-Presidents: Melisa Megliola & Shanna Vigil, Fundraising Co-Chairs: Tracy Smith & Jill Van Abbema

There is room for your name on this list! We are looking for a Vice President and Spirit Store co-chairs for the 2025-26 school year! Please consider getting involved. Interested? Email tjhspto@gmail.com

It is almost time for the 2025 TJ Spartan Grant program! This has been funded in the past by the TJ Silent Auction and the direct giving campaign. If you have wondered how this money has directly affected the students, take a look at this article.

In this article written by one of TJ’s talented students, it states, “The grants have historically supported countless programs, departments, and initiatives, all of which play a crucial role in shaping the TJ experience. These grants allow students and staff to explore new opportunities, overcome financial barriers, and bring innovative ideas to life.”

Timothea Biermann, TJ Art teacher, reported that “last year the drawing & painting class received about $250 to purchase a replacement transfer cartridge for our very old color printer. The printer still works very well, and replacing the transfer cartridge is much cheaper than a new printer! We use the printer to create prints of digital artwork, as well as color images for collage. The students are thrilled to have their digital artwork printed. We are able to display these artworks at the TJHS art shows as well as art shows in the community.”

Without funding from the TJ Spartan Grant Program, essential supplies like these might not be available to help our students achieve their best. Please donate to the Spartan Grant Drive today. As you can see, the money goes directly to the classrooms and benefits our students!

The TJ Together online auction committee is gathering donations.   Do you own a business you want to be included in the auction and recognized in our newsletter?  Would you be willing to host a party to be scheduled late this summer or early next school year?  All ideas considered! Click here to submit your item or idea.

We are currently in need of host families for 16 students participating in an exchange program from Chiben Gogo in Japan.

The students will be living with and attending school with students here at TJ. They will attend each of their classes but they will have their own work provided from their schools in Japan. These students study English in Japan so, although they are not fluent in English, they have the tools to communicate in the language. They simply need practice and exposure. The students will be with us from March 4th through March 23rd when they will return to Japan together. There are 8 girls and 8 boys in need of a host family.

If you are interested and able, please contact Mr. Jackson at kjackso@dpsk12.net for more information. This is a tremendous opportunity because it opens the doors for our students from TJ to travel to Japan and be hosted with families there as well. 

Tickets are $5 for children, student, TJ Faculty and Staff, senior, and veteran admission, $10 for general adult admission.

Director: André Moss
Vocal Director: Tambyr Reed
Conductor: Robin Morrissey
Technical Director: Gabby Lentini
Audio Engineer: Mark Mallaney

Principal Cast:
Anya: Sony Calhoun
Dmitry: Josh White
Vlad: Will Cordova
Gleb: Quin Sihon
Countess Lily: Rachelle Camilo
The Dowager Empress: Simone DiFalco

Crew Leads:
Stage Manager: Celeste Escobar
Set Designer: Ethan Smolinski
Costume Designer: Amielia Danielson
Hair & Make-Up Designer: Kit Letherman
Lighting Designer: Keagen Figueroa
Sound Designer: Bruno Estala

Spartan Seniors and Families,

Below are a few important college tasks to work on in the coming weeks. 

• Work on your Institutional Scholarship applications. These are often students greatest forms of financial aid. Colleges will send you information on how to access these applications through their portals. These applications are typically due in early to mid-March. Check your college’s deadlines and don’t miss them. Stop by the FC for help! 

• The DSF Scholarship application is now open and takes about 20 minutes to complete. 

Click here to learn more about eligibility and for the link to apply! 

• Share your Financial Aid Awards/Scholarship Wins by completing this form. 

Upcoming Deadlines and Events:
Thursday, February 20th: Regis University Rep Visits in the TJFC during 7th
Friday, February 21st: Institutional Scholarship Workshop in Rm 111, p. 2, 7, + 8
Tuesday, February 25th: DSF Scholarship App Workshop in Rm 111, p. 2, 7, + 8 
Saturday, March 1st: MANY Institutional Scholarship Applications are DUE TODAY

Emily Webster, M.S. Alyssa Baker, M.Ed.
DSF Lead College Advisor DSF College Advisor
emily_webster@dpsk12.netalyssa_baker@dpsk12.net

Did You Know...? 

In the current world, we may feel confused, frustrated, worried, angry, etc. when we encounter someone who has opinions that strongly differ from our own. The question may arise, “How well can we understand people whose life experiences — or identities — are vastly different from our own?” 

Increasing your understanding and empathy regarding the other people and their point of view can strengthen connection and community. 

Try this:

1. Listen carefully to someone you want to communicate with better, and choose something they said or did that you don’t like or agree with. 

2. Now imagine at least two reasons why they might have said or done that thing. Then ask the person to tell you about their experience — and don’t react emotionally to what they say. This is about opening your mind to someone else’s and learning all that you can. Get the data and withhold what you think and feel for later. 

3. Now, can you imagine why this person thinks or behaves as they do?

This approach — focusing intentionally, and holding off on an emotional reaction — can be much more effective in opening a line of communication than telling someone they’re wrong (or uninformed or ignorant). 

Empathy is not easy, and trying to be empathetic won’t work for everyone. But most of us are susceptible to the pull of empathy because we prefer to be understood rather than disliked or demonized.

Mental Health and Social Emotional “Did You Know”: Compiled by Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP and Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW.  Resources: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/11/26/this-empathy-exercise-might-help-you-bridge-some-divides/ 

We are in a great position for our After Prom on May 3rd 11p-2p at The Island. Please mark your calendars because we’ll need lots of parent help that night. Look for a Sign Up Genius for volunteer shifts and food donations after Spring Break. Any questions?hmbdvm@yahoo.com.

Please consider making a donation to the Class of 2026. 

Give $26 to The Class of '26 through the PTO’s Online Square Account:

2026 Class Donations | TJHS PTO

Thank you,
Sheila and Carrie

Class of 2026 have Prom Ideas?

Complete this form: 

Prom Locations 2026

More questions check in with Mr. Klimczak or Ms. Lynch

Class of 2027, mark your calendars for an upcoming restaurant fundraiser night at Dough Counter on Tuesday, March 11. More details to come as it gets closer!!!

Does your employer match donations? We are looking for an organization to do a match with one of our fundraisers. If you know of an organization willing to make a corporate match, please contact Tiffany or Katie at the emails listed below. Your donation is tax deductible as the TJ Partners PTO is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. 

Please also consider making a donation to the Class of 2027’s Class Fund. Donations will support the After Prom (held Senior Year) and other class activities. This can be done through the online square account listed below

https://tjhsstore.square.site/product/2027-class-donations/

Want to get involved and help with ideas and planning for the Class of 2027? Please contact Class of 2027 parent co-chairs Tiffany Berry at broncofantif@hotmail.com or Katie Mousel at katielmousel@gmail.com

Hello Class of 2028 parents and families! Thank you for your support at our first two events.

The Bottom of the 9th event is coming up in a few months. Please let me know if you interested
in helping. We are also brainstorming a bigger fundraiser so if you have any ideas, please send
them our way (kevkrug@gmail.com or jillkrug@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