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November 4, 2024
Happy November, Spartans!
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. As always, students can use Spartan Time on Mondays to connect with teachers and get some help.
As it gets colder, please factor in some extra time in the morning to make sure everybody gets here on time. Remember, the doors don't open until 8:00 a.m., and students are asked to leave the building at 3:30 due to supervision.
Thank you for all of your support - let's make it a great ending to the semester!
Paula Hammel
Assistant Principal
Monday-
Regular School Day
Tuesday-
Regular School Day
Wednesday-
Regular School Day
Thursday-
TJ Shadows: 8:00-11:00 a.m.
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.
Kudos to Samanda Davis for her efforts in spearheading Challenge Day for juniors last week! We appreciate all of the staff and community members who gave their time and efforts to the cause as well. Thanks to the facilities staff for helping to prepare the space as well!
Kudos to Mike Christoff for being highlighted by the district for National Principals Month! A special thanks to junior Sonja Calhoun for writing the accompanying article! Click here to read the article.
TJ Warm clothing drive! We are looking for gently used winter weather clothes specifically -however, all clothes are welcome. Jackets, gloves, hats, boots, and pants are great examples of high demand items. We will have a donation box in the dance room labeled "Warm clothes" or something similar to that. The drive will run from Nov 4 - 15 and then there will be a "shop" with all the organized clothes here at TJ on the 21st. With any questions or comments please reach out to Zach Alleman at 783957@dpsk12.net or Ms. Davis from the student support team.
SkillsUSA and DECA are running a food drive to provide Thanksgiving Dinner for 40 families within our TJ community. Food collection will run from Nov. 4-15. 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!
The 'Your Voice/Tu Voz' Family Survey Has Been Extended
Dear School Leaders,
Family participation in the DPS “Your Voice/Tu Voz” survey is very important for individual schools and for the district overall. The more family opinions and experiences we learn about, the more accurate our data is, enabling school and district leaders to make informed decisions.
To give schools the opportunity to hear from as many families as possible, the “Your Voice/Tu Voz” family survey has been extended to Friday, Nov. 8. As an added incentive, the Family and Community Engagement team (FACE) will be awarding $10,000 to recognize the top elementary, middle, high, K-8 and alternative schools with the most improved participation rates! See where your school stands by visiting the Student Representation tab in the Participation Dashboard.
Please complete the survey by Friday, Nov. 8 using messaging and graphics available in the Extended Survey Toolkit.
Noche de recursos familiares multilingües
Martes 12 de noviembre
5:00-7:00
Habra una breve presentación sobre el aprendizaje multilingüe para su estudiante y recursos para servicios de fuerza laboral y empleo, atención médica, ropa, centros comunitarios de DPS y más. Se proporcionará comida y habrá guardería disponible para los niños pequeños.
Regístrese utilizando el código qr o este enlace.
¿Preguntas? emily_bobrick@dpsk12.net o mateo_rocha@dpsk12.net.
Multilingual Family Resource Night
Tuesday, November 12
5:00-7:00
Please join us for a short presentation about Multilingual Learning for your student and resources for workforce and employment services, medical care, clothing, DPS Community Hubs and more. Food will be provided and childcare will be available for small children.
Please register using the qr code or this link.
Questions? emily_bobrick@dpsk12.net or mateo_rocha@dpsk12.net.
TJ DECA Family,
We are in desperate need of judges for our District Competition on Thursday, November 14th. If you have ever had any interest in “seeing behind the curtain” of a DECA Competition, this is your chance!
If you have any questions feel free to contact Mr. Nicolo: mnicolo@dpsk12.net
For more information please click on the following link and we hope to see you there!
TJ fans, the online store is closing November 5. Get your favorite TJ gear in time for the holidays! tjdenverfanstore.com.
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.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: NEXT PTO MEETING - TUES 11/12 (6-7pm)
Join us on November 12 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 will be TJHS Social Worker, Samanda Davis. If you need translation services for this meeting, please contact us at TJHSpto@gmail.com
The PTO still has vacancies in the following positions. Come to our next meeting or 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.
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 Food Bank is partnering with the TJ SkillsUSA chapter for the Thanksgiving and November Food Bank distribution. Details and signup have been sent via email.
Thank you to the TJ Community for your continued support of the Food Bank! If you are interested in making a financial contribution to the TJ Food Bank, you can do so HERE.
Reach out to Megan Perkins (megandperkins@gmail.com), Becca Mahoney (beccaandjoemahoney@gmail.com) or Jillian Krause (jillian.krause@gmail.com) with questions.
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.
Monday, November 4: Create Your FSAID Workshops p.6-8 Sign up via MAIA:Events
Wednesday, November 6: Western CO University and CSU Rep Visits in the TJFC
Friday, November 15: University of Colorado Boulder and Colorado State University Early Action Application Deadline
Thursday, November 21: Business and Marketing Career Panel in Rm 111 at 11:04am
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…?
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!)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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/
Please join Class of 2025 for an After Prom fundraiser restaurant night at Freddy’s Custard and Steakburgers 6240 Leetsdale Drive on November 7th from 4-8pm. Remember to tell them you’re there for the TJ 2025 Fundraiser.
Then on November 18th join us for a fundraiser at Esters on 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
Thank you for your support and continued donations to the class of 2027! We have more fundraising opportunities upcoming. Save the following dates:
Wednesday, December 11, 4-8 pm - Chipotle (Tiffany Plaza)
Wednesday, January 22 - Birdcall
And, you are never too late to give $27 to the Class of '27 through the PTO's Online Square Account:
https://tjhsstore.square.site/product/2027-class-donations/112
Does your employer match donations? We are looking for an organization willing to do a match. Contact information below if you know of an organization that will match non-profit giving.
Sophomore parents, do want to connect? Contact committee co-chair Tiffany Berry at broncofantif@hotmail.com.
Save the Date - Tuesday November 12
Dear Sophomore Parents,
We would like to invite you to join us for a fundraising brainstorm session before the upcoming PTO meeting on November 12th at 5:15 PM in room 111. Your ideas and insights would be greatly appreciated as we work together to enhance our students' experiences
Shopping Party at Wish Gifts Happy Canyon! From 6-8, Wish Gifts will be hosting a shopping party in support of the Class of 2027. There will be sweet treats and light bites. 10% of all sales during this party will go toward the after prom fundraising goals for the Class of 2027!
If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to contact committee co-chairs Tiffany Berry at broncofantif@hotmail.com or Katie Mousel at katielmousel@gmail.com.
It's time to give $27 to the Class of '27
Give $27 to the Class of '27 and help cultivate community for our students!
The Class of 2027 Class Fund supports class activities each year. If each family gives $27 we get close to our fundraising goals.
Give $27 to The Class of '27 through the PTO’s Online Square Account:
https://tjhsstore.square.site/product/2027-class-donations/112
Sophomore Parents - want to connect? Contact Committee Co-Chair Tiffany Berry at broncofantif@hotmail.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