After another successful school year, TJ students and staff enjoy break.
by Vince Crespin
photo by Manuel Perez
Thomas Jefferson has had a tremendous run this past year. Principal Sandra Just in her third year at the helm has lead the school through many changes, from a new EXCELerator curriculum to an alternative bell schedule to be implemented in the coming year. Thomas Jefferson’s Computer Magnet program once again was ahead of the curve, as the Thomas Jefferson Journal became one of the first in the nation to convert its publication to an online newspaper, enabling it to publish up to date stories at anytime. The new tjjournal.com has become the central point for all communications at TJ. The DECA program also had an outstanding year sending a remarkable 33 students to the state competition and having three more qualify for nationals.
Athletics was another bright spot for the Spartans this year, as many teams have had success throughout the year. In the fall, the Spartan football team went 11-1, with their only loss to Douglas County, in the semi-finals of the Playoffs. The girls’ softball team won their third straight city-title, and played well in the playoffs. During the winter, the boys’ basketball squad made it to the playoffs, and made a strong run before their season came to an end, while the girls captured the 4A DPS league title. The girl’s swim squad also captured a city crown, and will look to repeat next year. The Spartan baseball team, continuing to be an elite power in the state, won a sixth straight DPL title and was in the running for the State title but came up just short as runners-up after a 17-2 record and having been the state-runner up the year before.
In its first year as an EXCELerator school, TJ has received new textbooks in every subject and is now following the College Board curriculum to help prepare students for college. The school has added two new AP courses: AP Language and AP Psychology, and plans to add at least two more for the upcoming school year. There is no doubt that this school year has been a successful one for the Thomas Jefferson Spartans.
As the 2007-2008 school year ends there are a few summer dates to remember. On August fifth senior registration will take place from 8am-12pm, Juniors will be on the following day, 8am-12pm with 10th graders. Sophomores will register at the same time on the seventh, but the newcomers barbecue will be the same day at 6pm. Freshmen will register on the eighth at the same time, but please keep in mind that all registration will be staggered by alphabetical order to avoid a huge rush. For those who missed the designated days, walk-in registration will be on the 11th and 12th. Freshman orientation, pictures and I.D.s will be on the 18th, while the first day of school for all other students will be the 19th. Back to school night will be hosted from 6-8pm on the 28th.
