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September 13th, 2023
Seniors and Families,
We are approaching the end of Osprey Blocks and starting to direct our thoughts back to the regular school schedule. Next week in humanities, Lori and I will work with Seniors on college essays. Many of you have already begun writing your essays and I've seen some really great stuff so far. If you haven't started yet, don't fret, everyone will have a complete colllege essay by the end of next week!
Please mark your calendar for Fall Senior & Family postsecondary night on Wednesday, Sept 27th from 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Individual Meetings
I have met with about 75% of the Seniors for the first postsecondary planning meeting and will continue to meet with Seniors in the next couple of weeks. During these meetings, we discuss your postsecondary plans and next steps. Parents and Caregivers are welcome to join in on these meetings and are also welcome to schedule meetings of your own. Click this link to schedule an individual meeting with me.
There is no need to schedule an appointment for quick questions! Students are always welcome to stop by with questions and I encourage you to come work on your college applications in the space outside my office so that you can ask me questions as you work.
Please read all the way to the bottom of this week's newsletter - I have included some information about two really great programs for free tuition and training for certain high demand and also some medical jobs in Colorado: Care Forwad Colorado and Career Advance Colorado.
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Upcoming College and Career Events
9/17: RMACAC college fair in Albuquerque 12:00-3:00 (info below)
9/19: College Fair @ DHS
9/20: Colorado School of Mines visit to AHS @ 9:00am
9/21: Colorado Mesa University visit to AHS @ 12:00pm
9/27: Senior/Family postsecondary night @ AHS 5:30-7:00pm
9/30&10/1: CMU tour and Western Slope College fair field trip
10/4: Colorado Colege visit to AHS
10/5: University of Colorado at Boulder visit to AHS @ 10:00am
10/17-10/19: Colorado Free Application Days
10/24: FLC pre-med tour @ 10:00am
11/1: Early Decision/Early Action deadine for many colleges
College & Career Events Calendar
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Senior Postsecondary action items:
What do be doing now
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Regional College Fair at DHS
What: Colleges from CO, NM, UT, WY, MT, and AZ will be at Durango High School to talk to YOU!
When: Sept. 19th, 6:00pm-7:00pm *this is different than the date on the flyer distributed at the back to school open house and is the correct date
Why? Talk to admissions representatives to learn about different colleges and their offerings to help you form an idea of what you're looking for in a college. Learn about what is out there for you!
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WESTERN SLOPE COLLEGE FAIR & CMU TOUR
We will be taking 20 students on a visit to Colorado Mesa University and the Western Slope College Fair in Aspen!
When: Saturday, Sept. 30th-Sunday, Oct. 1st
Details: Transportation, lodging, and meals provided.
Depart Animas High School Saturday morning, tour CMU Saturday afternoon, stay in Glenwood Springs Saturday night, attend Western Slope College Fair Sunday, return home Sunday evening.
Cost: $50/student, students who qualify for the USDA free and reduced lunch program attend for free. Students who do not qualify for F&R lunch but for whom the cost would present a barrier to attending can indicate this on the interest form.
Want to go? Fill out this interest form. Spaces will be first come, first served with Juniors and Seniors getting priority if the trip fills up.
Parents/Caregivers: Interested in chaperoning? We could use an additional driver or two, particularly to transport students' bags. Please email Erin CR @ collegeandcareer@animashighschool.com to sign up. Additionally, if you'd like to donate funds to sponsor a student, we welcome your donation!
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FAFSA Completion is now a Graduation Requirement at AHS
In Spring 2023, AHS was awarded a Fund my Future grant through the Colorado Dept. of Eduation to provide college-going support and increase the number of students who complete a student aid application (FAFSA/CASFA) before graduating high school. The Fund My Future Grant requires that all students at Animas High School complete the FAFSA or complete this waiver.
Assistance completing the FAFSA:
The FAFSA is scheduled to become available to students and families in Early December. We will provide assistance in completing the FAFSA on an evening in Eary December (TBD depending on the FAFSA release date) at AHS. We will also provide ongoing support for FAFSA completion from December-May to ensure that each AHS senior is able to obtain assistance in filing the FAFSA successfully.
What do I need to complete the FAFSA?
- Your Social Security Number
- Your Alien Registration Number (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
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Your 2022 federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned. (Note: You may be able to transfer your federal tax return information into your FAFSA using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.)
- Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable)
- Records of untaxed income (if applicable)
- An FSA ID to sign electronically.
CSS Profile
The CSS Profile is an online application used by colleges and scholarship programs to award non-federal institutional aid. Most students will not need to complete the CSS Profile. If you are applying to a private or selective school you may need to submit the CSS Profile. Here is a list of schools that ask for the CSS Profile.
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Scholarships
Look for scholarships with deadlines at least a month in advace to give yourself time to apply. Get help applying for scholarships during Financial Fridays office hours on Fridays from 12:00-3:00
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Free virtual essay writing Workshop with UChicago:
• Thursday, 9/28 from 7-8 p.m. CDT: Essay Writing Workshop: Learn about college essays with UChicago College Admissions
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The Small Town and Rural Students (STARS) College Network is dedicated to working with high schools and access organizations to widen pathways to higher education for rural and small-town students.
Upcoming events (click to register):
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Are you interested in construction, education, early childhood education, firefighting, law enforcement, or nursing?
• The Career Advance Colorado program provides free training for in-demand jobs through
the state’s 19 community and technical colleges.
• Starting in August 2023, students who enroll in qualifying programs will have tuition, fees,
course materials, and other costs completely covered while program funding is available.
• Students must apply for federal and/or state financial aid to enroll in a Career Advance
Colorado program.
Article: Pueblo Community College offers tuition-free options for high demand jobs
Are you interested? Meet with Erin CR to discuss next steps!
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Starting in Fall 2022, students who enroll in one of the following healthcare certificate programs will have tuition, fees, and course materials covered as Care Forward Colorado funding allows.
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Pharmacy Technician
- Medical Assistant
- Dental Assistant
- Nurse Refresher
- Integrative Health Practitioner & Massage Therapy
- Sterile Processing
- Paramedic Certificate
- Echocardiography Certificate
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Medical Office Certificate
Are you interested? Meet with Erin CR to discuss next steps!
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Sunday, September 10, 2023, 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
2023 Virtual College Fair -SeptemberMore Info
Sunday, October 15, 2023, 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
2023 Virtual College Fair -OctoberMore Inf
Sunday, November 12, 2023, 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
2023 Virtual College Fair -NovemberM
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LINK & LINK 2.0
LINK 2.0 is a great way to continue with an internship you had and loved, or start something new. Students who complete 60 hours of internship with a qualified mentor will be awarded .5 elective credit (one semester's worth). This is a great way to continue to build your resume and demonstrate rigor as a senior!
Please reach out to Elliot if you have LINK questions or to make arrangements for a LINK 2.0. His email is: elliot.baglini@animashighschool.com
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SAT
If you plan to retake the SAT to try to improve your score, you should plan to take the Oct. test in order to receive your scores in time to submit with your college applications. Click the image below to register. Not sure if you need to retake the SAT? Schedule a meeting with Erin CR or tome to office hourse to discuss.
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INTERNSHIP/EMPLOYMENT & other OPPORTUNITIES: | |
The purpose of the Mayor's Youth Advisory Commission is to involve youth participation in city government as stated in the Children, Youth, and Family Master Plan resolution that the City Council adopted in March 2009. The goal is to create opportunities for meaningful youth involvement, to develop citizenship skills in Durango’s youth, foster greater understanding of their concerns and contributions, and encourage greater youth participation in community issues. | |
Animas High School prepares all students for college and postsecondary success by creating critical thinkers and engaged citizens through an innovative, student-centered, project-based curriculum. We accomplish this through:
Rigorous academics, where all students are prepared for college success
Culture of excellence, where students are held to high expectations
Strong student-faculty relationships, where students are well known.
Engaging learning, where students see the relevance in their education
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