Happy Monday, Spartans! 

If you know any 8th graders, please send them our way for tomorrow's Open House! Students and staff will be here from 5:30-7:00 to showcase all that TJ has to offer. 

We have extended the deadline for food donations for our holiday food drive, so please keep your donations coming through Wednesday! (details and flyer below).

Thanksgiving Break is quickly approaching! Remember, there will be no school next week due to Thanksgiving break. We will resume classes on Monday, December 2, and we will only have two weeks of classes before finals. Click here for the Finals schedule, and please be aware that all students are required to attend that week. 

Please check your student's grades and attendance using Parent Portal. Students should be attending every class every day. If they need help with a class, encourage your student to work with their teacher to bring up their grade.

Finish the semester strong!

Anne Rice
Athletic Director
Assistant Principal

Monday-

• Ester's Restaurant Night: 4-8 p.m. (details below)

Tuesday-

• TJ Open House: 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Wednesday- 

• Regular School Day

Thursday-

• TJ Shadows: 8:00-11:00 a.m.

• TJ Clothing Boutique: 8:45 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (details below)

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

• Class of 2027 QDOBA fundraiser: 4:00-8:00 p.m. (details below)

Friday-

• TJ Tours: 9-10:30 a.m.

Saturday-

• AP Music Theory: 9 a.m.-12:00 p.m. in room 148

• Set Construction Build Day: 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

TJ DECA did amazing at the District 3 DECA Competition last week. There were 749 total competitors from 10 different schools competing for a spot at the State Conference in February. TJ Qualified 26 students, with 2 additional students qualifying to run for a State Officer position. Please congratulate all of our competitors, they competed with class and character.

A HUGE SHOUT OUT TO THE CHAPERONES: Jeremy Anderson, Graham Baughn, Paula Hammel, Megan Miccio, Emily Bobrick, Natalie Koncz & Samanda Davis. TJ DECA could not have done anything without your support and we thank you!

The following students qualified in their event for the State Conference:

Jack Berz - Automotive Services Marketing
Olivia Osterhaus-Binkert - Business Services Marketing
Olivia Simon - Hospitality & Tourism Professional Selling
Zach Alleman - Hotel & Lodging Marketing
Emelia Talburt - Marketing Communications Series
Sarah Yellen - Marketing Communications Series
Ella Storey - Marketing Communications Series
Finn Donahue - Principles of Business Management
Isabella Srodulski - Principles of Business Management
SophieAnn Scott - Principles of Entrepreneurship
Lilah Sani - Principles of Entrepreneurship
Hazel Baur - Principles of Entrepreneurship
Stella O'Malley - Principles of Hospitality
Sloane Straayer - Principles of Marketing
Ari Winn - Principles of Marketing
Ava Zareck - Principles of Marketing
Tek Tewodros - Professional Selling
Macy Whistler - Professional Selling
Jackson Nathan - Professional Selling
Jonah Smith - Quick Serve Restaurant Marketing
Leah Franco - Quick Serve Restaurant Marketing
Miles Kahn - Restaurant & Food Service Management
Kota Hoskins - Sports & Entertainment Marketing
Nate McMahon - Sports & Entertainment Marketing
Noeh Roetto & Harrison Hauer - Travel & Tourism Team Decision Making

State Officer Candidates:
Katie Mullins
Ella Storey

Please help spread the word to prospective Spartan families about our upcoming Open House TOMORROW!

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.  We are also asking to provide a holiday dinner box.  This is optional so please do not let this deter you. 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:
Holiday Helper Link

SkillsUSA and DECA are running a food drive to provide Thanksgiving Dinner for 40 families within our TJ community.  We have extended the deadline, so please keep donating until Wednesday! Collection boxes are located at the front security desk and in rooms 105 & 108.  Students will receive a DECA Dollar if they bring in 8 items. Please signup to bring the items listed on the SignUpGenius form:  

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0949ADAA29A2FC1-52557694-thanksgiving#/

Thank you!

Look for DECA at the Open House on November 19. They will be selling TJ gear.

You can also 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. 

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 3.

Help Wanted!
The PTO still has vacancies in the following positions. Contact us to learn more about these and other opportunities to give back to TJ:

Class Committee Co-Chairs for 2028 - help build community with other Class of 2028 families and parents, and fundraise for after-prom and other fun events for senior year!

Bus Stop Chair - Our bus stop chair will be vacant after May. We’re hoping to have an “apprentice” in place by January to shadow the current chair for a semester to learn more about the role. The chair works in collaboration with ROTC to maintain the bus stop and hang new art each quarter. 

Spirit Wear Co-Chairs - Our spirit wear co-chair positions will be vacant after May. In this role you will collaborate with DECA to help with spirit wear sales. 

Thank you to Susan Scovell for volunteering to serve as Member-at-Large, representing the Class of 2028 parents!

TJ PTO Launches Fundraising Campaign

Introducing the Spartan Grant Drive! TJ PTO has launched this online fundraising campaign that will support the very important TJ Spartan Grant program. Every year our TJ Staff has the opportunity to request funds from the PTO in a variety of areas including classroom needs, club/student activities support and social support services. The purpose of our fundraising campaign is to fund the Spartan Grant Program so that our school can receive financial support where it is needed most. Any donation amount is welcome and appreciated. Our goal is to raise $20,000. To read more and donate, visit TJ Spartan Grant Drive. Please consider sharing with family and friends.

The November Food Distribution will take place this Thursday, November 21 from 3:30-5:00 pm 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.

¡La distribución de alimentos de marzo es el jueves 21 de noviembre de 3:30-5:00 pm en TJ!

Comuníquese con Megan Perkins (megandperkins@gmail.com) si tiene preguntas.

If you are interested in making a monetary donation to the TJ Food Bank you can do so HERE. We appreciate your support! 

FREE CLOTHING EVENT!

en español

If you or your family are in need of clothing items, you can come shop (for FREE) with us!  

TJHS is hosting a Gently Used Fall Clothing Boutique- all clothing will be free! 

• On Thursday November 21st, in the Dance room.  It will be open from 8:45am -3:00pm for families and kids in need to come through. 

• On Friday November 22nd, The Boutique will open from 9:00am - 2:00pm for any TJ student to come through and shop until clothes are gone! (during off periods, lunch). 

  
  

What:  Clothing “Store”/Boutique

When:  For Families and students in need: Thursday November 21st, 8:45am-3:00pm

For any TJ student: Friday November 22nd, 9:00-2:00pm

Where:  Thomas Jefferson High School - Dance Room

Parents and Community Members:

We will be accepting used clothing (good condition only, please!) for all ages, sizes, shapes, etc.,  including shoes, accessories and anything that may be helpful for the colder weather.  Clothes can be dropped off at the front Security Desk or Mental Health Office (room 114) before Tuesday November 19th.  

Screenagers: Under the Influence - December 4th from 5:30-7pm at Thomas Jefferson High School. View the Trailer. Along with the screening, the Maddie Wright Foundation will be there as resource. They will have Narcan for free as well as additional resources on Fentanyl. 

Join Screenagers filmmaker Delaney Ruston as she picks up her camera once more to examine the impact of our digital age on teens' decision-making in relation to substances such as vaping, drugs, and alcohol.

Exploring the latest research and learning more about the personal experiences of teens and families, the film highlights the changing landscape of the substances themselves, offering solutions for how we can best empower teens as they face decisions about what they will and will not be influenced by.

Could your child benefit from some extra support? Consider signing them up for Denver Kids!  https://www.denverkids.org/

Denver Kids is a nonprofit organization that has been supporting the youth of Denver for over 75 years, and this year we are excited  to expand our presence at Thomas Jefferson High School! Our program offers personalized, one-on-one meetings during school hours, focusing on academic support, social-emotional learning, skill development, career & college exploration, and much more. Each meeting is thoughtfully tailored to meet your child's unique needs, interests, and experiences.

If you are interested in learning more or signing up your child, you can contact me directly at Justin_Protentis@dpsk12.net or via text at 720-255-5210.

Spartan Seniors and Families,

In your TJ Future Center: TJFC2025 schoology course, you will find many resources to help you with your college process. Please review the course updates, scholarships, and calendar at least weekly.

College planning tasks from your Future Center schoology to work on now:

• Create your FSAID (FAFSA Username and Password). Parent(s) will need one too. Click here to learn more. 

• Some colleges require the completion of the CSS Profile for financial aid. Check here for your colleges! 

• Be sure to complete your Common App Transcript Request or other Transcript Request Form so we know to send your transcripts and letters of recommendation AFTER you submit applications!  

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

Tuesday, November 19: Webinar: What Makes a Strong College Application- Admissions Officer Insights 6pm, Independent Electrical Contractors -Rocky Mountain Open House  

Thursday, November 21: Business and Marketing Career Panel in Rm 111 at 11:04am 

Sunday, December 1: FAFSA and CASFA open for application submission! Submit as soon as possible to ensure timely receipt of your financial aid awards from colleges! 

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...? 

Adolescents who are rejected by their peers are at greater risk for anxiety and depression?

Here are 6 ways to accept others as they are:

1) Watch Your Thoughts: Think about what you’re thinking about. We often think things about other people, judging them, without even realizing it. Work on paying more attention to your thoughts and do your best to shift them in a non-judgement, more accepting direction.

2) Look For the Positive: Not accepting other is a result of seeing the negative in them. Instead of focusing on why someone is different, focus on what’s good about that person and their choices/actions.

3) Avoid Right/Wrong Dichotomies: It is very tempting to see the world in black and white with a right and wrong way to do things– but that’s just not how it is. Things don’t always have to be right or wrong of we choose to accept them as they are. One way we can do this is if we stop labeling our way as “right.”

4) Stop Judging Yourself: Our judgments of others are often a result of our personal criticisms. If we stop putting pressure on ourselves to do things the “right” way, we can also stop putting pressure on others. Not judging ourselves or others is a crucial step to acceptance. 

5) Focus On The Now: A lack of acceptance can generate from comparing things to the past. Comparing things to the past always hinders an acceptance of what it.

6) Reverse The Situation: ASk yourself, “what if someone were judging me and not accepting me? How would I feel?” Keep these questions in mind the next time you are not accepting others. 

Here is a short video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KyvlMJefR4 

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

Beautiful gifts for the holidays. They will ship directly to you. Order by Dec. 1st to guarantee delivery by Christmas. 50% of all sales go to 2025. There are even some Amaryllis that wear sweaters.

Check it out and see! http://tjhs2025.fpfundraising.com/

Join us November 18th join us for a fundraiser at Esters, 1950 S. Holly from 4-8pm. Remember to tell them you’re there for the TJ 2025 fundraiser.

Our goal is to raise more money for prizes and food for After Prom. As always if restaurant nights aren’t a good fit for you, please consider donating directly to the parent committee of 2025 where 100% of the money you spend goes directly to After Prom! https://tjhsstore.square.site/product/2025-class-donations/99

As we are winding down the first semester, 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

Join us November 21 for a fundraiser at QDOBA at 7155 E. Hampden Ave. from 4-8 PM. 25% of all sales will go toward the Class of 2027 after prom fund. Order in person and mention TJ or show this flier or order online and use the code QDOBAGIVES. 

Thank you to everyone who came out for our shopping night at Wish Gifts! 

Does your employer do 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. 

Want to get involved and help with ideas and planning for the Class of 2027? Please contact the 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! The class of 2028 needs 1-2 parents to be co-chairs and lead the planning of fundraising and social events. Each class is expected to raise the money needed to host their After Prom and other activities senior year.  The sooner the fundraising gets started, the more choices there will be for events senior year. Parent sponsors also plan community building activities for the parents of the class of 2028.  We are successful because of your behind-the-scenes contributions, large and small. It all adds up to a stronger community. An engaged parent body shows our students that we care about them!

If you need more information, contact tjhspto@gmail.com.

It's time to give $28 to the Class of '28 

Give $28 to the Class of '28 and help cultivate community for our students!
The Class of 2028 Class Fund supports class activities each year. If each family gives $28 we get close to our fundraising goals.

Give $28 to The Class of '29 through the PTO’s Online Square Account: https://tjhsstore.square.site/product/2028-class-donations/151