Photo by Mia Nogueira

At the beginning of the second semester, Thomas Jefferson’s Special Education Department began brainstorming ideas on what to do for their semester Unified Legacy project. “The kids decided to do a mural that would be put up on TJ’s walls permanently,” said MI-S Program Director Mollie Pitrone.

On Wednesday, May 5th, the mural was put up on the wall in the special education hallway on the garden level. “The painting had ‘We Are Unified’ painted in big letters right in the middle, then had all the kids’ hand prints surrounding it and the year they graduated,” said Pitrone. “We left space so that hand prints can be added in the future so the legacy continues.”

The painting idea was conceived and planned at the beginning of the semester. “We came in contact with a lot of major companies, and many of them were generous enough to donate most of the materials we used in the mural,” said Pitrone. “Structural DPS Department donated the wooden planks we used as our canvas. Benjamin Moore and Ace Hardware donated the paint we used.”

This is Pitrone’s second year teaching at TJ in the Special Education program. “I wanted to put this together last year, but it didn’t get organized in time,” said Pitrone. “It went really well this year. We got every single student in the Special Ed program to participate.”

The Unified Sports Student Assistants also benefited from the overall experience. “It’s great to know that I’ll be a part of TJ for years to come,” said Senior Colette Hernandez.

Pitrone and the rest of the Special Education Department have high hopes that their project will have a strong affect on TJ. “Hopefully what we’ve done will inspire other departments to add to the overall culture of TJ,” said Pitrone.

The mural can be seen right outside of rooms 12 and 13 in the garden level of TJ.

Photo by Rebecca Holt

On April 29, 2010, Junior Luke DeGregori was summoned to the counselors’ office and informed that he had received a very prestigious award. “It’s an Outstanding Junior award presented by Colorado University at Boulder,” said DeGregori.

Attending CU Boulder has been on DeGregori’s to-do list for years, so receiving this award was very handy for him. “CU Boulder has been my college of choice since about 6th grade,” said DeGregori. “With tuition being raised every year, I’m glad I could get a head start on scholarships and other college funding before my senior year.”

Throughout DPS, one Junior is chosen from each school to receive the award.

“The award is the University of Colorado at Boulder Outstanding Junior Award, which recognizes the top juniors in the state of Colorado. Recipients are awarded a $1,000 scholarship to attend CU-Boulder. They are also invited to a recognition ceremony at CU in the summer with the other Outstanding Juniors and their families,” said TJ Counselor Dawn Catalano, who recommended DeGregori for the award.

DeGregori was eligible for the award without even knowing it. “I wasn’t aware the award even existed until it was given to me,” he laughed. “The candidates have to be set on going to CU Boulder to be eligible for the award, and I’ve been set on going to the school for a while.”

One student is nominated by the counseling department of each school in January annually, and it was a unanimous decision that the TJ nominee for the 2009-2010 school year should be DeGregori. “One day several months ago, I was called down to the office again and asked what college I plan on attending. I told my counselor CU Boulder, and then I was sent on my way,” laughed DeGregori. “I had no idea I was really being questioned for a potential scholarship.”

This year, CU received about 250 nominations from across the state, and from there CU decides who the winners will be. DeGregori is extremely grateful that he was one of the recipients. “I’m really glad I was nominated and won this award. I’m very humble to have received it, and especially so out of the blue. It was a very nice surprise.”

DeGregori plans on attending CU Boulder in the fall of 2011. “I’m thinking of applying for a few music scholarships, and there are a few others that I’ve already had my eye on,” he said.

Many adults at TJ agree that Luke is a top student in the school. “Luke is not only an Outstanding Junior academically, but he is creative, a talented musician, and a super nice person. He is a student we are excited to honor for his achievements!” said Catalano.

With nine years of violin under his belt, musical scholarships are also a potential money source for his college education. As a junior who has already received awards and college money, it’s safe to say that DeGregori has a lot to look forward to and an extremely bright future ahead of him.

Artwork by Rebecca Holt

For its second year now, Thomas Jefferson has been giving assistance and support to the troops by participating in the Knit For Our Troops organization. “The program is in conjunction with the Rocky Mountain USO,” said TJ Librarian and Knitting Guru Sudi Stodola.

Knit For Our Troops is an ongoing program that allows students, and anyone else who wants to contribute, the opportunity to knit hats that are sent out to U.S. troops in other countries (as well as those who are based in the U.S.) for warmth. “We start in November and continue knitting until the end of school,” said Stodola. “All materials have to be labeled, because of the diverse range of flammability each one presents.”

The organization is initiated by Chris Loffelmacher, who runs the programs at the Denver Public Libraries. “We actually have two connections to Chris here at TJ. He has two sons, one who graduated from TJ [Aaron] and the other who is still attending [Matt],” said Stodola.

The Knit and Lit club at TJ meets every Tuesday and Thursday after school, and during Excel Time on Wednesdays. “I didn’t know how to knit until I joined the club. It was pretty hard at first, but you learn. I’ve been knitting ever since, from scarves to the hats for the soldiers,” said Knit Club Member Feben Asfaw.

Stodola runs two collection days during the entirety of the project. “I try to collect as many as I can before spring break and then before senior check out,” said Stodola. “It’s better during spring break because seniors have a lot going on towards the end of the school year.”

Members are still being accepted, and all students are encouraged to join, even if it’s just to knit one hat. “Any student can join,” said Stodola. “Your first ball of yarn is free!”

Stodola has also decided to add a special incentive to students for the sake of the project. “If any senior brings a hat they knitted in before May 17th (Senior Check-Out), I will personally take five dollars off his or her overdue fees.”

Artwork by Rebecca Holt

Prom: the highly anticipated school dance; a symbol of high school seniors’ final year coming to an end. The planning and organization of this event is completely hectic until the dance finally comes and everything magically pulls together at the last minute. With the 2010 prom rapidly approaching, this guide was created to help light a path for those who don’t know where to begin when it comes to making this a night to remember.

First, and most importantly: attire. Not everyone can afford that $500 dollar dress or the fancy-schmancy lavender tux. What most people aren’t aware of though, is that there are places out there where they can find quality and designer clothes for a much cheaper price. Here are just a few places that can offer great dresses and tuxedos for a great price:

1. David’s Bridal Salon- It’s a common misconception that bridal stores only offer wedding dresses. This store has some of the most spectacular prom dresses in the area and offer a wide variety of sizes to fit everyone’s needs.

Phone Number: (720)-579-0700
Address: Unit B, 100 South Abilene Street Aurora, CO 80012

2. Al’s Formal Wear- This is a store that offers it all: tuxedos, dresses, and great prices. This location specializes in low cost formal wear, so if you want to look great for a low price, Al’s Formal Wear is your best bet.

Phone Number: (720)-941-2999
Address: 201 Steele St. #1B Cherry Creek North Denver, Colorado, 80206

Second, you can’t forget about dinner. After spending hundreds of dollars on outfits, transportation, and tickets, the last thing you want to do is spend a couple more hundred on dinner. The good thing about restaurants in the area is a good majority of them are willing to work with big groups for a great price. Here are just a few that are cheap and tasty.

1. The Old Spaghetti Factory

Phone Number: (303) 295-1864
Address: 1215 18th Street Denver, CO 80202-1401

2. The Cheesecake Factory
Phone Number: (303) 858-1111
Address: 8405 Park Meadows Center Drive Littleton, CO 80124

3. The Saucy Noodle
Phone Number: (303) 733-6977
Address: 727 South University Boulevard Denver, CO 80209-4722

Third, the boutonnieres and corsages. There’s a wide range of prices for both items, you just have to be a smart shopper. Both good and bad prices can be found at all the different shops, but here are some suggestions for those looking for a bargain and to save a little gas.

1. Happy Canyon Flowers- With a location that’s right around the corner from TJ, students without cars have complete access to the store. A quick five-minute walk will lead you right to the shop with great customer service and quality boutonnieres and corsages.
Phone Number: (303) 758-2511
Address: 5046 East Hampden Avenue Denver, CO 80222

2. The Little Flower Market- Located in a convenient area, the Little Flower Market offers great prices and a wide variety of colors and options. Great for any occasions.
Phone Number: (303) 765-2008
Address: 709 S. University Blvd., Denver, Co 80209

Last, but not least, is transportation. Because it is so close to the actual prom, most limo and party-bus companies are all booked up. Here are some alternatives so you and your date can still be chauffeured from destination to destination.

1. Your parents – It might seem like a bad idea at first, but when you look at the option from all the different angles, it’s a pretty sweet deal. First of all, it’s free. Second of all, chances are your parents would be more than happy to be involved in this night to remember. It’s a good option to keep in the back of your mind.

2. Taxi Service – Although it does cost, it’s not nearly as much as what you would pay for a limo or bus service. You have a chauffeur for the night who will wait for you while you get your dance on at the prom, and then transport you to after prom for no more than 50 cents per minute.

3. A close friend – For those of you who have friends who go to different schools, most of them have proms that are scheduled for different dates. This is a great option for those who don’t want much parent involvement and who want to show off their great outfits to friends outside of school. This can be a fun alternative; rent your buddy a tux and have him play chauffeur for the night.

This guide should be a good starting point for those who feel lost when it comes to prom. Remember, make smart choices and don’t forget to have a great time!

Prom 2010 Facts:

Underwater Fantasy

April 24th

at the Aquarium

Dance is from 8:00-11:30

Exhibit is open from 8:00-10:00
(anyone in the exhibit after 10:00 will have to pay a $1500 fine)

Ticket Prices:
$35 for singles
$65 for couples

Price includes parking and admission to the exhibit until 10:00
A signed contract is required to purchase tickets
Tickets on sale April 7 – April 16

Photo by Rebecca Holt

Since 1999, Kathy Wells has been donating her time to the Spartan community inside and out. Between assisting in the raising of almost $30,000 for the 2007 after prom, and coming back to put together the annual Mr. TJ show for the past 11 years, Kathy Wells has left her permanent mark at TJ.

Wells has three daughters, all graduates of Thomas Jefferson High School, and has been a promoter for TJ even before her children went to high school. “Back when my girls were attending Hamilton Middle School, I would bring parents of future high school kids and show them around TJ and all the good things the school has to offer,” said Wells.

Once her daughters got to TJ, Wells immediately began fundraising for their classes. “I fundraise on my own for organizations supporting kids in the arts, so I didn’t need much incentive to do it for my kids,” said Wells. “I fundraise for everything.”

Ashley, Wells’ oldest daughter, graduated from TJ in 2002, and continued on to the University of Colorado at Boulder and earned a degree in business. She currently manages HW Home in Cherry Creek. “I really got involved with TJ when Ashley was a sophomore,” said Wells. “I took over Mr. TJ in 2002 when Ashley was a senior.”

Hayley, the second daughter, graduated from TJ in 2004 and went on to the University of Northern Colorado. She received a degree in Musical Theatre and a minor in Literature. Hayley was also a judge for the 2004 Mr. TJ show. She is currently in New York City making a living doing comedy improv. “She aspires to be on Saturday Night Live one day,” said Wells.

Chelsea is the youngest of Wells’ daughters, and graduated from TJ in 2007. She is currently a Junior at Colorado State University and plans on being a veterinarian. “Chelsea has been interning at Alameda East with Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald the past two summers,” said Wells. Chelsea was also an emcee for the 2007 Mr. TJ show.

2007 was a particularly memorable year for TJ, not only because one of Wells’ daughters was a part of the Mr. TJ show again, but because of the amount of money raised for the after prom. “We raised $30,000 for the prom and after prom that year. It was the best,” said Wells, who put together many of the fundraisers that contributed to the large amount of money collected. “We started fundraising for all my girls their freshman year,” said Wells. “A few of the organizations and events that helped us out were the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, the Mile High City Marathon, Celebrate Colorado Artists, and the Tagawa Gardens Plant Sale. We also had a couple of casino nights at the school. I liked to make at least a couple thousand dollars at a time to make it worthwhile. I always had awesome parents to help me out too!”

This will be Wells’ 12th year returning to put together the annual Mr. TJ show, which is a comical production that gives the top senior guys a chance to compete to be pronounced Mr. TJ of that year. “The boys are judged in several different categories: a talent of their choice, a bathing suit competition, and on-the-spot responses to questions we ask them at the actual show, are a few of the most important,” said Senior and 2010 Mr. TJ Judge Alex Clark.

It’s the outcome of the production that keeps Wells coming back year after year. “I love the way everyone comes together as a class and puts the production on,” said Wells. “I love coming back to help the kids put this show on.”

It’s not an easy task putting together the yearly production. “Many sleepless nights go into the whole effort before the show is actually ready to present,” laughed Wells. “Usually in December I touch base with all of my contacts for the show. I talk to everyone from FedEx to the pizza companies that provide the kids lunch. Everything goes into motion starting January 1st.”

Although Wells is a major contributor to Mr. TJ, a good majority of the planning and fine-tuning is a result of all the student’s hard work, as well. “I try to stay in the background so the kids can be the ones who really put on the production,” said Wells.

Wells’ efforts don’t go unappreciated; the staff and administration at TJ is extremely grateful for the yearly return Wells gives in order to put on one of the crown jewel productions at TJ. “Her assiduous efforts and overall TJ pride that she’s maintained over the years makes her a true valued member of our community,” said TJ Principal Sandra Just. “She rocks.”

The 2010 show is currently being choreographed, and Wells has an optimistic outlook on the outcome. Will it be a success? “Do you even have to ask? Of course it’s going to be the best one ever!” exclaimed Wells.

Every year, the current top seniors are chosen to be contestants of the production, then the participating senior girls vote for the top 20 who will continue on into the contest. “We had to accept 21 guys into the competition this year because there was a four-way tie in the votes, and I couldn’t just pick one guy to not be in the competition.; not any of these 21 talented, entertaining gentlemen anyways!” Laughed Wells.

The 21 Senior Mr. TJ contestants are as follows: Demetrius Allen, Matthew Averyhart, Chase Bostic, Andrew Brown, Scott Bruskin, Kyle Caruthers, Deontae Fair, Zachary Jackson, Hayden Lammermann, Jared Lewis, Benjamin Makovsky, Thomas Moehlman, Shane Oliver, Nasheed Robison, David Sanchez, Billy Sprague, Peter Taylor, Bandon Truesdale, Dante Velez, and Keith Warren. “I’m really excited to be a part of the show this year. Mr. TJ is one of my favorite events at TJ, and I think we’ve got a great group of guys for the competition this year,” said Senior and Mr. TJ Contestant Jared Lewis.

If you wish to see the result of all the hard work put in by Kathy Wells and the 2010 Senior Ladies, the show is scheduled to go on stage April 9th, 2010 at 7 pm. Come watch as the top guys at TJ compete to charm the judges and go on to be crowned Mr. TJ 2010.

Artwork br Rebecca Holt

January 12, 2010. This day began as any other in Haiti, but ended with disaster. Residents went from sitting in offices and in their homes to running for their lives as the deadliest earthquake in over 200 years struck their country. The initial 7.0 magnitude quake was later followed by twelve aftershocks greater than magnitude 5.0. The earthquake itself was disastrous, but it’s the aftermath that has the whole world mourning for Haiti.

Structures of all kinds were damaged or collapsed altogether, and 150,000 were reported killed in the disaster. Homes were destroyed, and families were displaced with nowhere to run. Rescue teams from all over the world are surrendering their time and resources to Haiti in a recovery effort, and Thomas Jefferson’s Interact Club was one of many organizations to immediately begin raising money for the effort.

TJ’s Interact organization is run through the Denver Tech Center Rotary Club (www.dtcrotary.org). “Rotary is an international organization. Each city has a rotary, some even have several,” said TJ Interact Sponsor and CTE Resource Specialist Danny Showers. “Each of them has the option of having an interact club. That’s what we are, for the Denver Tech Center Rotary.”

“A DTC Rotary representative comes to TJ every Monday to help align their efforts with us,” said Showers. “The two work together as a team.”

The primary focus of the Rotary Organization is international projects and assistance, and when the disaster in Haiti occurred the club stepped right in. “The heads of Rotary International felt a need to help, so they proposed the plan to all the Rotaries and then further to the interact clubs,” said Showers. “TJ Interact immediately began fundraising the day after the earthquake in Haiti.”

Since January, the Interact club has been holding the “Pennies for Haiti” fundraiser. “We’ll take anything from pennies to dollar bills,” said Showers.

The fundraiser is still taking place, with representatives out in the main hall during the last 20 minutes of lunch collecting change. “It was a great time to hold the fundraiser. Even if it’s a few pennies kids had left over from lunch, it all adds up in the end,” said TJ Interact President Daniella Cardona.

The Pennies for Haiti fundraiser is not the only way TJ Interact got involved in the recovery effort. “Our club put together a ‘Shelter Box’, which contains all of the essentials needed to survive out there right now, such as tents, blankets, and first aid kits,” said Showers. “Each box is worth one-thousand dollars, and ours was one of the boxes selected to be sent out to Haiti.” If you want to learn more about the Shelter Box organization, visit www.shelterbox.org.

The sponsoring DTC Rotary matches everything earned by the TJ Interact club. “If we raise $500, they immediately match it, so we have a total of $1000 raised for our efforts that can go to Haiti,” said Showers.

The Pennies for Haiti fundraiser is still taking place, and the club believes that every little bit helps. If you have some spare change to donate, stop by the Interact table in the main hall during lunch and give your assistance to the Haiti recovery effort.

Professor Derrick Hudson imparts valuable lessons to students. photo by Rhea Boyd.

As the second semester of the 2009-2010 school year kicked off, a select group of Thomas Jefferson High School students were given their first taste of the college academic life. Those who signed up for the CU Succeeds African-American Studies course attended the first of a two-day-a-week class, and were given lots to look forward to.

Traditionally, the college transition for students includes more independence and a higher level of mutual respect from the teachers. These aspects were all provided in the first five minutes of class. “Not that we aren’t treated with respect at TJ, but the new sense of independence and maturity was refreshing in the class. Dr. Hudson treats us like fellow adults,” said Senior Matthew Averyhart.

The class takes place during 8th period every Tuesday and Thursday. “The class is so interesting, it’s nice to have at least one block period of it each week. That extra forty five minutes really helps with more face time with our professor and absorbing the material presented to us in class,” said Junior Christine Vlier.

Dr. Derrick Hudson is a professor at Metropolitan State College of Denver (MSCD) and chose to be a part of the CU Succeeds program this year. “The main reason I decided to participate is that I believe there is a major disconnect between grades k-12 and college,” said Hudson. “Too often the transition is hard and students go to college unprepared.”

Hudson is a firm believer of combining the learning environments of both high school and college students. “As educators, it’s better to create a ‘working together’ environment for the students,” said Hudson. “It helps the students realize that when it comes to college, ‘we can do it’.”

Hudson is a part of the International Relations and African Studies department at MSCD. “I am grateful to get the opportunity to expand the knowledge of races and other ethnic groups to Thomas Jefferson’s students,” said Hudson.

The class includes juniors and seniors, and students will focus on the history and culture of the African-American race. Origins and struggles will also be topics of discussion throughout the course of the semester.

Students taking the course have opportunities to participate in events held outside of the classroom as well. “On February 6th, four students from the class participated in a discussion about President Lincoln and whether he was the Great Emancipator to the African-American people or if he was forced in glory during the Civil War,” said Averyhart.

“The United States is one of the most diverse countries on earth, and the majority of us don’t even realize it,” said Hudson.

Artwork by Mia Nogueira

With a total of 14 albums (studio/studio-recorded solo albums, JM Trio album, and 8 live albums), John Mayer has made his mark on this decade’s music industry. It’s his solo albums that have defined him as an artist though, each one revealing some of Mayer’s personal feelings about conflict, life, and now in his latest album Battle Studies, love and heartbreak.

These feelings can be evoked when listening to songs on the new album like Heartbreak Warfare and All We Ever Do Is Say Goodbye, where Mayer seems to pass on feelings from personal experience or heartbreak to his listeners. As is the case in Heartbreak Warfare: “Lightning strikes inside my chest to keep me up at night, dream of ways to make you understand my pain,” or “…good to know it’s all a game, disappointment has a name, it’s heartbreak warfare,” Mayer portrays a loss of hope for relationships and sees it all as just a game.

Being a long-term John Mayer fan, I anticipate great things from him since that is what he has delivered in his previous albums. After receiving numerous awards ever since the start of his career, Mayer’s expectations are always high from his devoted fans. But even as dedicated listeners, it’s hard to put a thumb on what exactly Mayer delivers in his music that keeps us running back.

Before Mayer’s great solo success, he was in a two-man band with college friend Clay Cook, who urged Mayer to move with him to Atlanta to get their band name out to the public. It didn’t take long for an audience to start following the group around, but Mayer’s desire to take more of a “pop” direction in their music ultimately separated the two; thus began Mayer’s major label success as a solo artist.

In his new album, Mayer followed his craving and leaned more towards the “pop” end of the music spectrum, as opposed to his recent “blues-lovin’” sound by combining aggressive lyrics with a fresh rhythm. Mayer has created a unique sound for himself that is hard to compare to any other artist, mainly through his vocals. His fret work is where similarities to other musicians come in. Dave Matthews is known for his “blues” instrumental sound, and Mayer hasn’t strayed far away from it either. Like I said before though, it’s his vocals that really move him away from the blues realm.

This can be heard in the song Assassin; With a hip beat that starts the song, Mayer speaks of his techniques as a theoretical “heart-stealing” assassin and a woman who was his target, but ended up getting his heart stolen instead, by a girl who “…was an assassin too.”

The Battle Studies Tour has recently been posted, with Mayer performing all the way from Copenhagen to Colorado (March 23, 2010 at the Pepsi Center). I encourage everyone to sample some of Mayer’s old music before listening to the new album; I found the new sound refreshing and intriguing, but only because past albums all had a familiar, consistent rhythm. Battle Studies can be found in stores or on iTunes for $10.99 ($13.99 for the Deluxe Version); Previous albums can also be purchased at these locations for similar prices. I guess it’s true what they say- change isn’t always a bad thing.

The New Year is finally here, and many TJ traditions are taking place in the near future. The Valentine’s Day dance Eros, winter and spring pep rallies, and for seniors, prom. In the past, all of these events have posed the dilemma of whether teenagers should get intoxicated or not. The start of 2010 seems to be a great time for teenagers to break away from this stereotype and prove they can still have safe, sober fun.

The facts get drastically more shocking as the years go by and teenagers continue to get into even more trouble at even younger ages. Across the country adults and other teenagers who see a decline in their generation’s ability to avoid bad decision-making are trying to tackle the conflict: how do we solve the issue and keep kids safe?

According to starbreezes.com, most teenagers have their first drink by the age of 13. About 60% of high school seniors drink alcohol on a weekly basis, and 11% of the alcohol that is consumed in the United States is consumed by underage drinkers. These facts and statistics are scary, and increasing everyday.

Because teenagers are naturally more vulnerable than adults, they are also more likely to make decisions without being aware of the consequences if caught. They are more likely to drink and drive, more susceptible to brain damage and memory loss than adult drinkers, and are more likely to be sexually active and less likely to practice safe sex. Alcohol use in teens often also leads to experimenting with illegal drugs as well, which can bring forth a whole new set of problems in the teens’ lives. To put it very matter-of-factly, no good comes out of teenage drinking.

Everyday, on average, 11,318 American youth try alcohol for the first time, compared with 6,488 for marijuana, 2,786 for cocaine, and 386 for heroin. These facts portray a serious problem in America today: a drug and alcohol epidemic.

One of the major contributing factors to teens using drugs and alcohol is boredom. Most are lead to believe they must get intoxicated before events in order to have fun; when in reality, all it takes is a little extra planning in order to have fun without being intoxicated. Before a big event, like a school dance, establish what your group will be doing before and after the actual dance. For example, after the event, take a midnight bowling trip, participate in a game of laser tag, or have a late dinner with friends. Before the dance, have the entire group gather at one house and all get ready together, organize a pot-luck hors d’oeuvre party at someone’s house, or have a car decorating contest. There are plenty of other options out there that can replace drugs and alcohol and provide an even better, sober night.

The purpose of this article is not to preach to students about facts that are repeated on a daily basis, but to inform teenagers the statistics they are contributing to if they decided to drink and do drugs. The numbers above are real and are frightening, and only the teens themselves can make a difference and change the negative traditions that have gone on for so long. This year holds bright opportunities for the current teenage generation, but it’s up to them whether or not they decide to embrace them.

Photos by Lauren Abrams

Often overlooked in the mainstream of the school is the Special Education Department, which has served children with special needs for years. The Thomas Jefferson Journal has taken the opportunity to introduce the s taff as well as present each of their thoughts about the program as a whole.

	Kerry Black is the Multi-Intensive (MI) teacher and one of our center program teachers. At the start of the year she was only able to be with us for half days but was still a crucial part of her student’s learning. With a great deal of help for the paraprofessionals in her room, Prabin Risal, Scarlet Molock, Lorrie Armstrong, Barry Meriash, and Michele Lockhart, her students were in great care in her absence. She has also had the time to be the leader in our school recycling program and continues to find more ways to make TJ as ‘green’ as it can be. “I’m grateful for everyone’s help and I’m very glad to be back and working full time,” said Black.
	Peg Clover-Stipek is the Transitions Teacher. She has revolutionized the way that jobs and job tours reach our students. With the help of our newest paraprofessional, Dan Rule, our department has boards that all students can access in order to drive a more successful post-secondary future. “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from indomitable will. This is something I try to practive daily,” said Clover-Stipek.
	Deb D’Andrea is a science teacher in our department who teaches modified and inclusion classes. She is consistently fighting to make sure that all students in her classes are working to their most up-to-date information to department meetings and helps keep us on the cutting edge. “I enjoy working at TJ because the students are great. I love working with the teachers. The Special Education program here is the best in DPS; we are a great team,” said D’Andrea.
	Loretta Gonzales is a teacher of many hats. She teaches math and social studies as well as keeping the department aware of the newest union ideas and implementations. She is very knowledgeable on the most precise way for teachers to make sure they are getting all their students needs in conjunction with their highest abilities. She is very passionate in her role and strives to do all she can for all students in the department. “All students can excel at a high level given the appropriate environment and educational support. I love teaching; I get up in the morning and think to myself ‘Yay! I get to go to work!’” said Gonzales.
	Candice Grant is a math teacher in our department that teaches modified and inclusion classes. Not only is she helping us understand the data we collect but finding innovative and exceptional tools for the department to collect data which fit the students’ abilities and needs to better instruct them. In her spare time she is the other half of our dynamic duo of a department chair. “I think we have one of the best special education departments in Denver Public Schools. We are the only school in DPS to offer services for everyone,” said Grant.
	Suzanna Hurja is not only a new teacher to DPS but a teacher with a very new program. Her students are part of the new Pragmatic Language Affective Needs program (PLAN). Her energetic spirit drives students to learn about social skills and awareness of how their emotions drive their success. She is part of the Gay/Straight alliance as well as a member of the RENT project. With the help of her paraprofessionals, Sean Currey and Mike Kontrelos, they are a team that constantly strives to make TJ a better place for their students and all others. “I enjoy my program because I can make a true impact on students and how they change for their future,” said Hurja.
	Robert Katz is a social studies teacher and a passionate one at that. He is the teacher that will not only teach about the world around our students but create an environment that connects them to what is happening. He is continuously exerting his efforts to build his class to fit the abilities of his students as well as raise the bar and challenge their ever-growing intelligence. “I believe we have a very dedicated team. We all work very well together, and everything is aimed at supporting the students and their success,” said Katz.
	Herbert Lynch is an Affective Needs (AN) teacher at TJ. He also does many things in TJ. In conjunction with his role as a center program teacher he teaches a Literature inclusion class as well as being a devoted and enthusiastic men’s basketball coach. His staff of paraprofessionals, Dominic Lucero, Logan Vargas, Michele Lockhart, and Joe Smith, continue to increase the level of rigor and student growth with classes like Character Education and interventions that help them grow intellectually. This also allows students to understand how their demeanor compels their future success. “At TJ, we do not train children to learn by force or harshness, but direct them to it by what amuses their minds so that we will be able to discover the peculiar bent of the genius of each,” said Lynch.
	Elizabeth Repensek is the Multi-Intensive Autism (MI-A) teacher. This is her second year as a teacher and she is a great advocate for all of her students. She provides her students with incredible experiences while continuously accessing their learning through many different environments. Her staff of paraprofessionals, Leslie Acker, Hilda Babian, Katy Johnson, Lisa Hemmings, Matt Laurita, Delores Leslie, Jason Pound, Breanna Tonjes, Charlene Vanatta, and Jen Weber go all-out when it comes to support. Whether it be taking data, assisting a student in academic work, or leading the class in a great lesson, their teamwork allows the students in this program to gain a wealth of success and a promise to do great things in their future. “It takes a lot of patience and teamwork, but success does come in time,” said Repensek.
	Jenn Sonheim is the literature/literacy teacher. This is her first year at Tj and she is doing a great job. She really makes an effort to get to know all her students which allows her to get a better idea of what they may needs more support with. Whether it be the help with their studies or fashion sense she is there to make sure they are finding connections with the curriculum. Her ‘always sunny’ attitude on life makes her a great resource when your day or situation with a student is in the ‘glass half empty’ category. She is a great addition to the team and added to the strength of it. “TJ is the happiest, most positive place in the whole world!” said Sonheim.
	Katie Nethery is our new Disability Access Teacher (DAT). She is the liaison between the special education and general education population in finding their ability level in classes as well as interventions that may help them become successful. Not only is she a great resource for our students but she is also an absolutely wonderful resource for teachers. “This is the first special education department where all of the teachers work as a team. My team members are very supportive which creates a positive environment,” said Nethery.
	Mollie Pitrone is the Multi-Intensive Severe (MI-S) program director.  The students in the MI-S program are students with a great deal of character.  Many students participate in in-school and on the job training which take them down the successful path of superior transition into post-secondary education after graduation.  Their days are enriched by reading, math, civics, cooking classes as well as vocation training.  When asking the students in these classes about their favorite part of the day she gets an extraordinary response of “Unified Sports.”  This class consists of students from the MI-S class, the MI-Autism class, and the general education population.  All students receive a partner who assists them in activities ranging from sports, like basketball and dodge ball, to crafts for the holiday’s.  When having conversations with students from the general education population they say at first they were hesitant to join a class so different from everything else offered at TJ but so rewarding in the long run.  Not only do they learn about the differences these students have but how similar they are in friendship.  Her students are another element to the TJ community and strive to make TJ the best place it can be. “I have a great time coming into work and I enjoy TJ’s family feeling!” said Pitrone.

Because of this dedicated staff and all of their hard work, TJ has made its way up to being one of the top schools in DPS to offer an extremely successful special education department. It’s not only this department that benefits from all of their efforts, the entirety of Thomas Jefferson does as well.

Beyond these teachers, they are supported by a superb paraprofessional staff: Prabin Risal, Scarlet Molock, Lorrie Armstrong, Barry Meriash, Michele Lockhart, Dan Rule, Sean Currey, Mike Kontrelos, Dominic Lucero, Logan Vargas, Joe Smith, Leslie Acker, Hilda Babian, Katy Johnson, Lisa Hemmings, Matt Laurita, Delores Leslie, Jason Pound, Breanna Tonjes, Charlene Vanatta, and Jenn Weber.

Look out for more information on Thomas Jefferson’s paraprofessionals in future articles.