Hi TJ!

Our fall play is coming up soon! Be sure to support the arts and buy tickets for Noises Off. The show will run November 13-15th. Read more about this performance below!

There are only 2 more weeks of classes before Thanksgiving break (no school the week of November 24th) and then only 2 more weeks after that before Finals Week. Finals will take place December 16-18th. All finals will begin at 8:20 a.m. and each final is scheduled for 90 minutes.

12/15: Normal School Schedule

12/16: 8:20 a.m. - 1 p.m. (periods 2,3,4)

12/17: 8:20 a.m. - 1 p.m. (periods 5,6,7)

12/18: 8:20 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (periods 1,8)

12/19: Make Up Testing By Approval and Appointment Only - No Drop In Make Up testing!

Please note: ALL students are expected to attend their finals. Please plan your family trips accordingly. If there is a conflict it must be approved by me ahead of time. You can email me at mchrist@dpsk12.net.

Time to lock in and finish strong, Spartans! 

Mike Christoff
Principal

Monday-

• Regular School Day

Tuesday-

• Regular School Day

Wednesday- 

• Junior Accuplacer A-L: 8:20 – 11:50 am

Thursday-

• TJ Shadows: 8:00-11:00 a.m.

• Junior Accuplacer M-Z: 8:20 – 11:50 am

• Noises Off: 7:00 p.m.

Friday-

• TJ Tours: 9:00-11:00 a.m.

• Noises Off: 7:00 p.m.

Saturday-

• Noises Off: 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

• Thanks to Tambyr Reed, Stephanie Jones, the NHS students who helped organize the event, and all who donated blood for last week's blood drive! Click here to read more about the event,

• TJ Speech and Debate got off to a great start at our first Novice Tournament! Almost all of our participants were recognized with an excellent or superior acknowledgement and we had our first undefeated debater!! Feel free to give a shout out to our winners if you see them!
  
  Results Speech and Debate

  Simone — Excellent Dramatic Interpretation

  Mikayla — Excellent Congress

  Angus — Superior Lincoln Douglas

  Victoria — Undefeated in Lincoln Douglas. 

  Liam — Excellent National Extemporaneous

  Hazel — Excellent National Extemporaneous

  Meriem — Excellent National Extemporaneous

  Jackson — Excellent Public Forum

  Logan — Excellent Public Forum

  Caddison — Superior Original Oratory

Thank you to everyone who attended our meeting on Tuesday. Our minutes will be posted on the TJ website by the end of the month. Our next meeting will be held on December 2.

Easy Fundraising Opportunity! 

We can’t believe the holidays are right around the corner! This year we are partnering with Minted to help us fundraise for the TJHS Spartan Grants program. Since 2017, the PTO has granted over $100,000 to the TJ community through the grants program to fund needs in our classrooms and extracurriculars. 

Using our unique code, FUNDRAISETJHSP, you can get 20% off your holiday card and Minted gift purchases - and for every order placed, Minted will donate 10% of sales back to TJ! To participate, simply go to minted.com/holiday to order your holiday cards and to start shopping. Apply code FUNDRAISETJHSP at checkout to claim your discount. It’s that easy! As always, thank you for your support!!

All 2027 graduates will be taking the Accuplacer on Wednesday 11/12 (last names A-L) or Thursday 11/13 (last names M-Z). This test is a way that students can meet the DPS graduation requirement for Math and/or English. We also use this test as a way to place students for Senior level Math and English concurrent enrollment classes, as well as elective concurrent enrollment classes.

Students will be excused from class for 1st through 3rd period on their test date. They will take the test in either the gym or room 111. They will need a fully charged Chromebook/laptop to test with. Students will need to stay in their testing room until the end of 3rd period, so if they finish early they can bring a book to read or can work on homework on their computer. Students will not have access to their phones during the testing time (similar to SAT/PSAT requirements).

Thomas Jefferson Theatre Arts proudly presents Noises Off by Michael Frayn.

Shows Dates:
Thursday, November 13th at 7PM
Friday, November 14th at 7PM
Saturday, November 15th at 12PM
Saturday, November 15th at 5PM

Tickets to be bought at the door. Tickets are $5 for children, student, TJ Faculty and Staff, senior, and veteran admission, $10 for general adult admission.

Director: André Moss
Technical Director: Gabby Lentini
Audio Engineer: Mark Mallaney

Cast:
Dotty Otley: Kit Leatherman
Lloyd Dallas: Miah Torres
Garry Lejeune: Joss Beren
Brooke Ashton: Simone DiFalco
Poppy Norton-Taylor: Makayla Johnson
Frederick Fellowes: David Ornelas
Belinda Blair: Evelyn Jackson
Tim Allgood: Harley Storey
Selsdon Mowbray: Ethan Petersen

Crew Leads:
Stage Manager: Celeste Escobar
Prop Master: Ori Nguyen
Costume Designer: Amielia Danielson
Lighting Designer: Keagen Figueroa
Sound Designer: Logan Tamburello

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.

SkillsUSA and DECA are excited to help provide Holiday Dinnersfor 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 slotsin the link below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0949ADAA29A2FC1-59999150-2025

Every year we ask our TJ community to help sponsor our TJ families that need a little extra help during the holiday season.  

The Ask:  We are asking those who are interested, to sign up for a family (or two).  No pressure but appreciate the support.  

The Financial Obligation:  We are capping the gift wish list to one gift  at $30 max and a clothing item for each child under the age of 18 in the household. This also does not need to be all from you.  I personally adopted five families last year, created a sign up, and sent it out to my network of families and friends.  Within minutes, the list was filled.

The Time Restraints:  I will send you the wish list for your family.  No need to wrap the gifts as DECA will be graciously supplying all the paper, tape, and tags so the parents can have the luxury of wrapping their children's gifts. 

The Deadline:  I will need the family's gifts in a box that is labeled with the number assigned to the family on December 16th, no sooner, no later.  I will also send you reminders to those who need it ; )  Families are picking up on the 17th.  

PLEASE USE THIS LINK TO SIGN UP TO BE A HOLIDAY HELPER:

https://forms.gle/gqEfYMcZcaFz59Ms7

Holiday Help for Families

Dear Families,

The holiday season can be a joyful but challenging time. If your family could use a little extra support this December — with gifts for your children or help with a holiday meal — we would love to lend a hand.

Please click the link below to register for assistance.
Application deadline: November 17
Pick-up date: December 17

We’re here to help make the season a little brighter for you and your family.

Sign Up Link:  

Holiday Help

Impacted by the Government Shut Down?  Here are some resources we hope can help.  

If you are unsure what resources you might qualify for or that might be available Meet My Friend Ben! This  very user friendly resource  can identify resources that are specific to YOUR family’s needs based on the information that you enter into the portal. It will tell you what benefits you may qualify for and which programs are currently available. You do not need to enter your name.

Food resources
Hunger Free Colorado 855-855-4626  They will direct you to the closest food pantry
Food Finder This resource will direct you to the closest food pantry. Can also install the app on your phone
Same Cafe A restaurant offering health fresh meals based on what you can afford to pay 
Tasty Food Free meals for Denver Youth

Clothing Resources
Clothes to Kids Colorado Free clothing for school-aged kids

Homeless Resources
Denver families in need of shelter or services  should call the centralized family shelter intake center 303–295-3366 

Families who are unhoused and in need of school transportation, enrollment or school supplies can complete a request for assistance from DPS Highly Mobile Youth Program

Shelter resources, day centers and cold weather procedures can be found here

Rental /Mortgage Resources/Housing programs

Families who are behind in rent payments and at risk of eviction can apply through the TRUA or CERA lotteries

Family Promise-Can help 2-3 families a month. Apply on the 15th of each month

Colorado Coalition for the Homeless  Offers 20 appointments a week for case management around housing navigation and support. 

If you need assistance with completing the application or need additional information about rental or mortgage assistance or other housing programs,  contact Colorado Housing Connects 

Eviction Legal Services
More information about free legal services for qualified families facing eviction can be found here

Energy  Assistance
Families with past due electricity bills that require assistance can find their nearest EOC location here

Families who need assistance with heating during the cold months can apply for LEAP 

DPS Community Hubs-Contact the community hub nearest to you

Other Benefits and Assistance
DDHS Peak System: Families can enter their info to see whether they qualify for any cash or benefits assistance in Denver County

DECA is partnering with this organization for a project and we are trying to spread awareness about the risk of opioid overdose and how people can prevent them. This flyer just has some quick information for TJ students.

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. 

Rescheduled! Our Canvas & Capri-Sun event has been rescheduled for Thursday, November 20th from 3:30 to 5 pm. Scan the QR code to sign up and join us! We'll provide the canvas, capri-suns & cookies and a Bob Ross tutorial for a fun winter painting. 

Please note: We will close the sign ups on Wednesday, November 19th at 3 pm. Sign up before the 19th at 3 pm!! 

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.

The Office of Children’s Affairs and the Tasty Food team are officially kicking off the FREE after-school meal program. Youth ages 3–18 are welcome to stop by any participating site to enjoy a free, nutritious meal. No ID or registration is required. With 14 open sites across the City and County of Denver, there are plenty of convenient options for families.

Buy Your Yearbook Here:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/12v4BiS0N1HDYbhNkpQE4hULbMSMztjPmTTh4TCBBbAw/edit?usp=sharing

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:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2EJ96FNTO260I?ref_=wl_share

NARCAN distribution to the General Public
There is a vending machine located  here on the Denver Health Main Campus
https://maps.app.goo.gl/5DqD7jK1vfsTmxa56

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

Food Resources for Free Meals
Rec Centers providing hot meals
https://denvergov.org/tastyfood

https://www.denverlibrary.org/blog/library-events/yduarte/healthy-food-denvers-kids-snack-program

Healthy Habits for Teens 
Encourage your students to:
Drink Water
Get enough sleep
Eat Breakfast
Take care of personal hygiene

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.

https://www.cde.state.co.us/shs/coloradoasthmacareplan

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!

Vaccinations:
CDC’s Health Alert Network Update - New case of measles in out-of-state resident with potential exposures in southern Colorado | Oct. 17, 2025. Please ensure your child has had their measles vaccination!

Cold/Flu Season 
Small daily habits: wash hands often, cover coughs, and sneezes, and stay home when sick.

The Denver Health School Based Health Center at TJ is still offering flu shots.

• Students must be consented to receive care at the clinic. If you are not consented at the School-Based Health Center, you can pick up a consent form at the clinic which lasts for 4 years.  

• Appointments are required. Families may call the clinic at 303-602-8958 to schedule an appointment. Students that are already consented to be seen at the clinic can stop by to schedule an appointment.

• Covid-19 vaccines are not available at this time.

If your student is already consented, please reach out directly to make an appointment for their flu shot.

In addition, families can also get free flu shots and OTHER vaccines at local Safeway and King Soopers pharmacies for free.  Walk-ins or appointments are welcome, and many locations even offer grocery discounts with your vaccination.

King Soopers
https://www.kingsoopers.com/health/schedule-appointment

Safeway
https://www.safeway.com/health/appointments/home

Note: Paperwork can be returned to the main office and request to put it in the School Nurse's mailbox.

Thank you!

Sincerely,
Sarah Perry|
School Nurse
720-423-7061
Sarah_Perry@dpsk12.net

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 Completion here. The Class of 2025 earned OVER $20 million in scholarships. Can you top that??

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:

• Some colleges required the CSS Profile as an additional Financial Aid App. Learn more here. Deadlines for some colleges are fast approaching! 

• Check your email REGULARLY. Colleges will email you with ESSENTIAL Next Steps like claiming your college email, setting up your Admissions Status Portal, and more!

• Institutional Scholarship applications are OPEN for some colleges. Institutional scholarships are often students’ LARGEST form of financial aid. Apply to scholarships at 2+ of your colleges! 

Upcoming Events: For more information, please visit the Future Center schoology course calendar 

Wednesday, November 12th- CCA Rep Visit in the TJFC; Familias Alimentan Futuros: De Suenos a Titulos- Zoom 6:30pm Registrate en este link: https://tinyurl.com/2HXY98Z8

Saturday, November 15th- Early Action Application Deadline for CSU, CU Boulder, UNCo and more! 
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

Did You Know...? 

We have a very important challenge for you this week.

We challenge you to:

Find a reason to give someone a sincere compliment. It can be as simple as an appreciative “thanks for being a good neighbor.” 

Research shows that both the giver and receiver get an emotional boost. In fact, one study showed that getting a compliment has the same positive effect as receiving a cash reward! 

Mental Health and Social Emotional “Did You Know”: Compiled by Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP and Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW. Resources: https://www.bhg.com

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

Class of 2027 Restaurant Fundraiser Night!

Join us at Noodles & Company (6300 E. Hampden Ave, Ste K) on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 4–8 PM to support the Class of 2027! 25% of all qualifying in-restaurant and online orders will go directly back to the class. For ordering online and Noodles Rewards App, use the code GIVING25 in the coupon code line at checkout. When ordering in-restaurant, mention TJ or present the flyer. 

🕯️ Thomas Jefferson Class of 2027 Candle Fundraiser!
Get ready to light up your holidays! Our Custom Candle Sale runs November 12th–December 3rd, and it’s the perfect way to support the Thomas Jefferson Class of 2027. These super cute, great-smelling candles make amazing gifts for friends, family, and teachers — plus, every purchase helps fund class events and activities.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScD-7_wLIR9fwF5aU8Xw80G7DfnJTm9zRkrl-ivR9mOUr4XHg/viewform

Please 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. 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 

HELP PLAN FUN EVENTS LIKE THESE

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.

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