The end of the year has come and teachers, students and staff say goodbye to TJ for the summer.
Thomas Jefferson High School had yet another successful year, and now is closing its doors for summer, with nostalgia for the graduating class of 2009, and high hopes for the upcoming school year.
For her fourth consecutive year, Principal Sandra Just was the lead educator for just over one thousand TJ Spartans. She has overseen both changes and triumphs within TJ’s academic curriculum, athletics, special programs, clubs, and the greater TJ community.
In the 2008-2009 school year, two weekdays were dedicated to a new block schedule allowing students more time with teachers. On Wednesdays, there are only three classes creating an early release day and a designated EXCEL time, which is specifically set aside to enable students to meet with their teachers, work on make-up work, and get any other help from the faculty they might need.
The College Board curriculum provided by the EXCELerator program has proven to be a success in preparing students for post-secondary education. AP Language and AP Psychology were added to the class choices for the 2009-2010 year. Next year will also welcome AP Music Theory and AP Physics, demonstrating TJ’s ever growing educational opportunities.
The TJ Athletic Department continued to be a leader in DPS for student participation and success. Girls’ Softball captured the City Title, along with Girls’ Soccer and Boys’ Track and Field. The Boys’ Basketball team made it to the third round in the playoffs, only losing by two points in overtime in the “sweet 16”.
The Colorado Association for Career and Technical Education gave their Outstanding CTE Education Program of the Year Award to two TJ Programs: the Computer Magnet and DECA, both of which have shown schools state-wide that TJ has a competitive spirit and a progressive educational philosophy. DECA sent an outstanding 35 students to the state competition in Colorado Springs. The Computer Magnet continues to produce an innovative online newspaper, tjjournal.com. The magnet received over $100,000 in grants this year allowing updates to the already cutting-edge, state-of-the-art facilities.
The clubs and organizations within TJ keep students involved and participating. This year the newly established Peace Panel held a Peace Week, promoting and celebrating tolerance and good will. The Peace Panel also began a sponsorship with a child in Zambia that will be funded directly by the student body.
The 2008-2009 school year has come to a close, but here are some important dates students and parents should keep in mind for the 2009-2010 school year:
June 27 – the administration has planned a workday at TJ, which will include painting lockers and other school improvements.
July 27- August 7 – Freshman Academy for incoming 9th graders
August 4 – Senior Registration
August 5 – Junior Registration
August 6 – Sophomore Registration
August 7 – Freshman Registration (or at the Freshmen Academy.
August 6 – Freshman welcome barbecue
August 19 – First day of school for freshmen.
August 20 – First day of school for all students.
