Happy November, Spartans!

On November 5th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. we will be having a TJ Open House for prospective Spartans. Be sure to spread the word to families of 8th graders who might like to join the TJ community! 

It's time to buckle down, as there are only 5 weeks of classes before Finals! Parents, please be sure to have your students log into their Student Portal and show you their grades. If they are missing any assignments, please help them to schedule some time to complete them. 

Let's make it a great ending to the semester!

Michelle Killian
Assistant Principal

Monday-

• Regular School Day

Tuesday-

• Student Opportunity for IT, Computer Science, and Softward Development: 12:00-1:15 p.m. (details below)

• PTO Meeting: 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Wednesday- 

• Blood Drive: 8:30-2:30 p.m.

• Class of 2028 Fundraiser at Freddy's (details below)

• TJ Open House: 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Thursday-

• TJ Shadows: 8:00-11:00 a.m.

Friday-

• Regular School Day

Saturday-

• Thanks to Kyler Jackson and all of the clubs and sponsors who made the Trunk or Treat event a success last week!

• Kudos to the Hispanic and Latino Club and sponsors for putting together the Ofrenda in the front lobby last week. It was beautiful and festive!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: NEXT PTO MEETING - TUES 11/4 (6-7pm)

Join us tomorrow November 4 in Room 111, to meet other parents and learn more about what your student’s class committee has in store and what help is needed to make it a special year. The speaker for this meeting with be TJHS Social Worker, Samanda Davis. If you need translation services for this meeting, please contact us at TJHSpto@gmail.com 

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!!

The Healthy Kids Colorado Survey (HKCS) will be held at Thomas Jefferson on November 5th and 6th for 9-12. Questions will take one class period to complete. Responses to the survey are anonymous and serve to inform the state on programs and policies that help youth thrive. 

Students are not required to take the survey. To opt your student out, please contact the survey coordinator at your child’s school within the next two weeks if you do NOT want your child to participate. If you wish to give your child permission to participate, no action is needed at this time.

Survey Coordinator Name: Mrs Bromby

Survey Coordinator Email: marnie_bromby@dpsk12.net

Survey Coordinator Phone Number: (720) 423-7149

Questions? Please refer to the Survey FAQs for more information.

Thanksgiving Boxes & Monthly Food Bank

As we head into the season of gratitude, we are happy to share that our annual Thanksgiving Boxes will be available again this year for families who would like them. Each box is filled with items to help make your holiday meal a little brighter.

Pick-up Details

• Date: Thursday, November 20th

• Time: 3:30–5:00 PM

• Location: TJ parking lot near the Denver Health entrance

 Deadline to sign up: Tuesday, November 12th

This registration also serves as the sign-up for our monthly food bank distribution, which will be given out at the same time.

Click here to register

Thank you to the TJ Community for your continued support of the Food Bank!  

Reach out to Samanda Davis (sdavis@dpsk12.net) with questions.

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

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

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.

Blood Drive

Thomas Jefferson HIgh School
Gymnasium

Wednesday, November 5, 2025
8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

For an appointment call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
or visit RedCrossBlood.org
Use sponsor code: RedCrossBlood.org

Bring a photo ID or your blood donor card, or two other forms of ID.

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

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

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 Financial Aid Completion 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:

• FAFSA (free application for federal student aid) and CASFA (CO application for non-US citizen residents) are OPEN NOW! Apply today! You complete one or the other app, not both. Even if you are not eligible for federal or state aid, many colleges use the results of the application to determine institutional aid. We recommend that all families complete the appropriate application in a timely manner for best results. 

• 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!

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

Tuesday, November 4th- DSF Networking Event: IT, Computer Science, and Software Development! Advanced Registration REQUIRED

Saturday, November 8th- DSF Community Financial Aid Workshop 10am Advanced Registration REQUIRED 

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

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…?

Your digestive system plays a key role in your overall health, impacting how you feel and function. Here are FIVE reasons to keep your gut healthy (and what to eat to help!)

1. Your gut acts like a second brain!: The gut and brain are hardwired together. Many studies have linked changes in your microbiome to mood disorders like depression and anxiety. Some research has found that eating probiotics may have similar effects as antidepressants in helping ease symptoms of depression and anxiety. 
   

2. It can help keep your skin clear: having a healthy microbiome helps regulate bacteria in other parts of your body, including your skin! When your gut microbiome becomes unbalanced, it may cause inflammation that impacts the entire body, including the skin, which can lead to breakouts. 
   

3. Your microbiome can strengthen your immune system: a large portion of your immune system is based on your digestive system. Your immune system depends on the microbiome to function properly.

4. It can help you stay at a healthy weight: Several studies have shown ther eis a difference in the microbiome of people who are obese compared to those who are lean. Why? The bacteria in your digestive system help break down fat, extract calories from food, and affect the production of appetite-regulating hormones. 
   

5. It may play a role in arthritis: An overactive immune system (which can happen if your gut is not healthy and happy) can lead to autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. 

SO! What can I do??

Eat up! A plant-based diet high in fiber and low in fat, sugar, and processed foods helps keep your microbiome healthy, encouraging the growth of “good” microbes. EAT THESE:

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

🥧 Help the TJ Class of 2027 — and Pie It Forward!
We’re partnering with Hinman Pie, a beloved Denver bakery known for its handmade, all-butter pies! Each 9” pie is $28, and you can add a pint of High Point Creamery ice cream for just $9 — the perfect combo for your Thanksgiving table.

All proceeds directly support the Thomas Jefferson High School Class of 2027, while also giving back to our community through the Pie It Forward program.

🗓 Order by November 12th!
📦 Place your order here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScxTHyqpoj6Em0dZkNdcRfzsSHjLQvloOVEuvpZ2bhs33BaVg/viewform?usp=dialog

Thank you for supporting our class and two amazing local businesses!

🕯️ Thomas Jefferson Class of 2027 Candle Fundraiser!
We’re excited to announce the Thomas Jefferson Class of 2027 Custom Candle Fundraiser, running November 12th through December 3rd! This is a wonderful opportunity to purchase beautifully crafted candles while helping support class events and activities for our future graduates.
More details on ordering and product options will be shared soon — thank you for supporting the Class of 2027!

Stay tuned for more information on our restaurant fundraiser night on Nov.18 at Noodles and Co. 

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.

The class of 2029 needs 1-2 parents to volunteer as Class Co-Chairs to 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 2029.  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 $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