Dear Families,
Here at Thomas Jefferson High School (TJ) and throughout Denver Public Schools, the safety and well-being of our students is always of the utmost importance. Understandably, the recentevents in Newtown, Connecticut bring the issue of student safety to the forefront of our minds. While this tragedy has filled our hearts with sadness, these events serve as a reminder of how we can and must maintain a commitment to take care of one another in our Spartan community.
I truly believe that the students, faculty and staff at TJ work hard to create an environment that models our values of Respect, Commitment, Honesty, Empowerment and Understanding. In the instances where our values may be overshadowed by poor judgment or behavior, it is each of our responsibilities to stand up, speak up and support each other in maintaining a warm, caring environment that welcomes and embraces all students.
By providing a safe environment for all, we can maintain a focus on helping each student achieve his/her personal best.
From a building perspective, TJ will continue to exercise consistent security measures to ensure student safety. This includes having all visitors enter through the front doors and sign in at the security desk. All other exterior building doors will remain locked. In accordance with state and district regulations, we will continue to practice lockdown drills each semester so that students and staff are prepared in case of emergency. If there is ever a threat to student safety, we will make every effort to keep you informed of our efforts to protect students.
The interactions from student-to-student and from student-to-adult also play a critical role in keeping students safe. We expect all students to have the opportunity to participate in class and extracurricular activities without fear of bullying or harassment. Activity associated with bullying, physical/emotional abuse, racial slurs and/or hazing will not be tolerated. If you become aware of any of these types of behaviors, please bring it to the attention of a teacher or administrator immediately. Reported incidents will be investigated and appropriate consequences will be applied.
I am confident TJ will continue to serve our students, faculty and staff in a safe and healthy environment in which everyone can thrive. We must continue to work together in this effort. Thank you for all you do to support TJ. Have a safe and happy holiday season, and we’ll see you in 2013.
Sincerely,
Sandra Just
Principal
