February 2013

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Over the last eight years, I have served as the proud leader of the Thomas Jefferson High School Spartans. During this time, I have enjoyed working closely with TJ students, parents and teachers to create a supportive environment that welcomes and embraces all students.

It is with a heavy heart that I announce my plans to resign as principal of TJ at the end of the 2012-13 school year. I have accepted a new role with Denver Public Schools (DPS) working with the HR School Support Team as the Performance Management Advisor.

Having loved my time as principal of TJ, it was a very difficult decision to leave. However, I am excited for this new chapter in my career and having the opportunity to impact DPS students in a new and exciting way.

The TJ community will always be a special place to me, and I look forward to seeing continued progress on all of the wonderful initiatives in place to benefit TJ’s students and families.

DPS will launch an extensive principal search for my replacement. DPS will look locally and nationally to ensure the right candidate is selected to continue moving forward our mission of helping all students achieve their personal best. DPS will also be looking to the TJ community for input during the principal selection process. Additional information about this process, and how the community can get involved, will be shared soon.

I encourage you to call me or stop by my office if you have any questions about my transition. Thank you all for your incredible support over the last eight years. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for the TJ community.

Oprima aqui para leer esta carta en espanol (Click here to read this letter in Spanish)

Warm Regards,

Sandra Just
Principal
Thomas Jefferson High School

Spartan Spotlight: Camille Moore

Photo by Rachel Uyemura

My Favorite…
Color: Purple
TV Show: Shake It Up
Memory @TJ: Hanging out with all of my friends
Subject: Cooking
Teacher: Molly
What activities do you do @TJ? Swimming
If you could live through any time period, which would it be? The 80′s because it was cool.
A Random Fact:
I walk to school
Life Philosophy: Be yourself.

Spartan Spotlight: Sasha Mesropov

Photo by Tori Wallace

My Favorite…
Color: Red
TV Show: Scrubs
Band: Cage the Elephant
Memory @TJ: Making Varsity for soccer because I was really really happy!
Subject: Biology
Teacher: Mr. Thomas
What activities do you do @TJ? Soccer
If you could live through any time period, which would it be? The 70′s or 80′s because it seems like a really cool time.
If you could be any character from a book or movie, who would you be? Katniss Everdeen from the Hunger Games because she is really awesome!
Two Random Facts:
1. I’m Russian
2. My real name is Alexandra
Life Philosophy: Live life to the fullest.

Spartan Spotlight: Steven Light

Photo by Tori Wallace

My Favorite…
Color: Purple
TV Show: South Park
Band: The Black Keys
Memory @TJ: Going to Lollicup with Mateo and Jesse
Subject: History
Teacher: Smith
What activities do you do at TJ? I used to play golf
If you could live through any time period, which would it be? During the Renaissance times because they had dragons!
If you could be any character in a book or movie, who would you be? I would be David from Jumper because he can tele-port, and that’s tight!
Two Random Facts: 
1. I have two older brothers
2. I make long boards
Life Philosophy: Fun.

Spartan Spotlight: Connor Langeberg

Photo by Tori Wallace

My Favorite…
Color: Green
TV Show: I don’t watch TV
Band: Green Day
Memory @TJ: Homecoming freshman year because it was fun with my friends
Subject: Science
Teacher: Jackson
What activities do you do @TJ? I swim
If you could live through any time period, which would it be? The 1930′s because it would be fun
If you could be any character in a book/movie, who would you be? The Cat in the Hat because he doesn’t seem to understand the laws of physics
Two Random Facts:
1. I’m 6’2
2. I have brown hair
Life Philosophy: “When you want to succeed as much as you want to breathe, that’s when you become truly successful.”

Social Studies teacher Mark Smith is an all around Spartan

Teacher and coach Mark Smith helps Freshman Spartan Julia Turnbow improve her golf swing. Photo by Henna Danek

[Read more...]

Seattle looks to provide a new home for the struggling Sacramento Kings.

Could Seattle get a basketball team again. Artwork by Nate Gangler

[Read more...]