Hello Spartan Families!

Just a reminder that there is no school today, Monday the 13th due to the comp day for parent teacher conferences. Here are some important dates and events coming up:

We are thrilled to share that Challenge Day is coming to our Junior class this October 21st and 22nd!

• Juniors A–L: Tuesday, October 21
  

• Juniors M–Z: Wednesday, October 22
  Check-in: Cafeteria at 8:20 AM sharp, no need to bring backpacks and lunch will be provided

We encourage all juniors to attend. However, if you do not want your child to participate, please complete the opt-out form here: Opt-Out Form.

There will be a $20 program fee however this should not prevent any student from joining. Please contact Sam Davis at sdavis@dpsk12.net if you need a fee waiver. No student will be turned away.

What is Challenge Day?
Challenge Day, a full-day social-emotional learning workshop that has been part of TJHS for over 15 years. Challenge Day is designed to build connections, break down barriers, and strengthen important life skills such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, decision-making, and relationship skills. Students will leave the day with tools to increase resilience, empathy, and confidence—helping create a more supportive school community.

Curious what it looks like? Challenge Day has been featured on Oprah, MTV, and Chicken Soup for the Soul. Take a glimpse here: Challenge Day Video

Other Important Dates:

• 10/14 - Class of '27 fundraiser at the Chipotle at 7350 E. Hampden Ave from 4-8 p

• 10/22 - Need help with your FAFSA or CASFA? All Seniors and their parents are invited to attend the Denver Scholarship Foundation's financial aid workshop from 3 to 7 pm. Please use this link to schedule an appointment: Bookings- TJ DSF FAFSA/CASFA Workshop Oct 22 2025

• 10/24 - We will be hosting our first college fair from 1 to 2 pm for all juniors and seniors in the gymnasium

Andrew Skari
Assistant Principal

Monday-

• Comp Day - No School

Tuesday-

• Class of 2027 Chipotle Fundraiser (details below)

Wednesday- 

• Regular School Day

Thursday-

• TJ Shadows: 8:00-11:00 a.m.

Friday-

• TJ Tours: 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Saturday-

• Thank you to PTO parents for providing the faculty and staff with dinner last week for conferences. It was a lovely way to break up a long day!

• Thank you to Emily Webster, Alyssa Baker, Alejandra Rivera-Lopez, and the counselors for all that you did last week around Free App Day! They supported about 200 Senior Spartans to submit over 400 college applications.........WOW! We appreciate all you do for our students.

•  DPS is leading the way with solar outdoor learning spaces! TJ is enjoying the shade and environmental action as one of 14 schools with this new engaging outdoor learning space for our students! Check out this Shade, Science, and Savings video here!

• Congrats to Mya Robinson for winning the banner design competition at Hallett Academy!

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Your junior has been selected to participate in Challenge Day, a full-day social-emotional learning workshop that has been part of TJHS for over 15 years. Challenge Day is designed to build connections, break down barriers, and strengthen important life skills such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, decision-making, and relationship skills. Students will leave the day with tools to increase resilience, empathy, and confidence—helping create a more supportive school community.

We encourage all juniors to attend. However, if you do not want your child to participate, please complete the opt-out form here: Opt-Out Form.

There will be a $20 program fee however this should not prevent any student from joining. Please contact Sam Davis at sdavis@dpsk12.net if you need a fee waiver.

The PTO would like to extend a HUGE thank you to all of the parents who donated soup and snacks, as well as those who donated their time to help set up, clean up, and serve food, to help make our annual Teacher Conference Dinner a great success. Extra thanks to the Teacher Appreciation Committee, including Beth Hockett, Genia Beale, Melody Johnson, and Caitlyn Storey, for organizing the dinner for the teachers and keeping them well fed! The staff truly appreciated everyone’s support during the busy evening.

Thank you to everyone who attended our October meeting last week. The minutes will be posted to the website later this month. Our next meeting will be held on November 4.

Participate in the Easiest Fundraiser Ever!  

We use these funds to support our Teacher Appreciation program. Have you signed up yet? Or perhaps need to change the beneficiary from your previous school to TJ? Click here for more instructions. The PTO’s organization name is Thomas Jefferson High School Partners, or use code UT036. Thank you to all who currently participate!     

A few volunteers are also needed to help during dinner - see the sign up for shifts during 3:30-7:30 PM. Please help make this dinner a huge success by signing up here! 

Dropping Off Your Food Donations: On Wednesday, October 8th, drop off your item in Room 111 between 3:30-4:00pm. If your item does not need to be refrigerated or heated, you can drop it off in the main office kitchen on Wednesday before 3pm. Soups, stews and chili should be delivered ready to serve in a crockpot fitted with a liner to help us with clean up. We have plenty of serving utensils so no need to bring any of your own. The staff truly appreciates your support during this busy evening. If you have questions or need to contact someone on the day of the event, please call or text Beth Hocket at 720.448.3381. Thank you in advance for your generosity!

The Food Bank will partner with the school for the November food bank and Thanksgiving Box distribution on November 20. Signup information will be shared soon.

Reach out to Megan Perkins (megandperkins@gmail.com), Becca Mahoney (beccaandjoemahoney@gmail.com) or Jillian Krause (jillian.krause@gmail.com) with questions.

The Denver Health School Based Health Center at TJ is now 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.kingsoopers.com/health/schedule-appointment

For any questions, please contact TJ Health Office
Sarah Perry, RN
720-423-7061

Retake images and data from Picture Day for Thomas Jefferson High School are now available on the Lifetouch Portal.

To download the images and data:

1. Log in to the Lifetouch Portal.

2. Go to Image & Data Management.

3. Select the retake information you want to view and download.

4. Click the Download button.

If you have questions or need assistance, contact your Lifetouch representative or call the local Lifetouch office. You can also contact Lifetouch Technical Support at 1-800-598-2466 or lnssfieldops@lifetouch.com.

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.

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.

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

Aurora AutoPros to Host Free Community Car Care Clinic on October 18

On Saturday, October 18, 2025, local, family-owned auto repair shop Aurora AutoPros will host a free Community Car Care Clinic from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at their Aurora shop. Open to drivers of all ages and experience levels, the clinic is designed to build confidence behind the wheel and empower attendees with the practical knowledge every vehicle owner should have.

Led by ASE-certified A-level technicians, this hands-on event will guide participants through essential vehicle maintenance skills like checking tire pressure and oil, topping off fluids, changing windshield wipers, understanding dashboard lights, and even changing a tire.

Attendees will also learn how to make sense of their owner’s manual and what to look out for in

extended warranties. “This is a great event for new drivers, first-time car owners, and anyone who wants to feel more in control when it comes to car care,” said Renee Leon, co-owner of Aurora AutoPros. “Our goal is to make car knowledge approachable and empowering—and ultimately, to make the roads safer for everyone.”

The Community Car Care Clinic is free and open to the public. Space is limited and registration is encouraged. Learn more or reserve your spot at www.AuroraAutoPros.com/Car-Care-Clinic.

Spartan Seniors and Families,

AMAZING work on Colorado Free App Days! You submitted over 400 college applications. The future is SO BRIGHT! If you need support submitting your FAFSA or CASFA, the DSF/TJ FAFSA/CASFA Completion Workshop is on Wednesday, October 22nd. Sign Up Required! Click here to schedule an appointment! 

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. 

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

Wednesday, October 15th- Boettcher Foundation Webinar: Everything You Need to Know about Scholarships 12pm, Community College of Aurora and Woodbury University Rep Visit in the TJFC, Be Your Best Buff: Ask Me Anything CU Boulder Virtual Session

Friday, October 17th- Daniels Fund Scholarship DUE

Wednesday, October 22nd- DSF/TJ FAFSA/CASFA Completion Workshop. Sign Up Required! Click here to schedule an appointment! 

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…?

Having an optimistic outlook and attitude can help with resilience in hardship, AND it is linked to long-term health benefits such as decreased rates of depression and heart disease. 

Here are some simple strategies that can encourage your kid to see the “glass half full” side of life!

1) Reframe your own reactions→ If something upsetting happens to you, turn it into a positive (“I had to pay a late fee for the bill I missed. Next time, I will set a reminder alarm in my phone so it won’t happen again.”)

2) Make a “Good Vibes Only” Jar→ Encourage your family to leave positive messages on pieces of paper in a designated jar in your home. When someone is having a bad day, they can reach in an find a pick me up, a joke, a memory, etc. 

3) Give specific praise → When you see your child persevere, point it out and be specific- “Great job working hard on that science project!”

4) Share your progress → every task doesn’t merit a high five, but it is helpful  to talk about your goals: “I am trying to read more by checking out books I like and setting aside 30 minutes each night to read.”

5) Teach random acts of kindness → Encourage your kid to assist others in one way or another, without expecting anything in return. Helping other people also increases self-confidence. 

6) Create a happiness list → At the end of each day, have your kid write down 5 things that made them smile (you can be the scribe if that’s a dealbreaker for them 🙂). Save the creation to look back at later! 

Mental Health and Social Emotional “Did You Know”: Compiled by Natalie Koncz, Ed.S., NCSP and Samanda Davis, LCSW, MSW.  Resources: Parents Magazine, August 2019 “How To Raise an Optimist.”

We’re excited to share that the Class of 2026 graduation ceremony is officially scheduled for Tuesday, May 26th at 2:00 p.m. at DU.

Between now and then, seniors can look forward to a variety of fun and memorable activities. Be sure to mark your calendars—we don’t want anyone to miss this special day!

🌯 Class of 2027 Chipotle Fundraiser! 🌯

Take a night off from cooking and support the Class of 2027! Join us at Chipotle on Tuesday, October 14th, from 4–8 p.m. A portion of sales will go directly to our class when you mention the fundraiser at checkout (or use the online code 9ENTRFL if ordering ahead). Address: 7150 E. Hampden Ave. Unit B-2

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 

Fun Run 2025
Did you miss the Fun Run but still want a T-shirt designed by our very own, Andie Stone? We have ‘em - $10 at https://tjhsstore.square.site/product/2028-class-donations/151 for these collector’s items. Email us at jillkrug@gmail.com or kevkrug@gmail.com to let you know what size you want and where to deliver it.

October Dinner Out Fundraiser TBD

SAVE THE DATE - Fundraiser at Freddy’s – November 5. More information to come closer to the date.

Want to help plan?
If you would like to help us plan fundraising events, class of 2028 activities or help in any other way, please let us know: 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