the team of 9th graders whose lego-themed Rube Goldberg machine took Best in Show at this week's Physics exhibition
Greetings Osprey Community,
Congratulations to the students and teachers who pulled together engaging, creative exhibitions of learning this week. In case you missed it, here is the front page article that ran in the Durango Herald the morning after the junior Humanities exhibition, which was attended by many community members who wanted to hear Animas students' ideas about homelessness in Durango.
Students and teachers are now turning their attention to preparation for Presentations of Learning. Please be sure to check in at home as students are responsible for communicating with their families the date and time of their individually scheduled POL. Remember that POLs require professional dress and that it is not unusual for students to be asked to refine and present again if they do not meet the standards set out for them. Grade level teachers are working hard to provide students with plenty of guided support to set them up for success and we look forward to the reflective conversations that will take place next week.
Lori's advisees show their holiday spirit during this week's advisory holiday celebrations
The AHS Health and Wellness Committee will meet next Monday from 4:00 to 5:00 in Jessica McCallum's classroom. The agenda includes hearing from those who attended the Suicide Prevention Community Meeting on Monday and exploring grant funding opportunities that might be a good fit for programming and initiatives to support student health and wellness moving forward. We will use the January Professional Development Day to provide additional training for all staff to build skills and confidence in supporting the mental health of our students. Please send questions and ideas for wellness programming to our counselor at erin.skyles@animashighschool.com. All are welcome at the meeting on Monday.
We look forward to having five new students join us for midyear enrollment when we return after the winter break, as well as welcoming back four juniors who have been away first semester. Enrollment for the 2018-19 school year opens for new students on January 8 and we will go to lottery on March 1 if interest exceeds available spots in any grade. Enrollment season means that we are particularly aware of our work in helping the community understand AHS' unique approach to project-based learning and college preparation. As such, we are seeking volunteers to join a newly forming Marketing and Communication Working Group. If you have marketing expertise and would like to help out, please contact AHS Board Member Mary Polino at mary.polino@animashighschool.com. We are also interested in hearing from those interested in serving as grade level parents whose role would be to gather information from core teachers and administrators monthly and send it out to parents of students in that grade. Again, please contact Mary if you are interested.
Finally, we've ordered a batch of snazzy Animas High School hoodies just in time for last minute holiday shopping. Pick up a black or brown AHS sweatshirt for your favorite Osprey. We expect the sweatshirts to arrive on campus next Wednesday and we are selling them for a special discounted holiday price of $25; they will return to their regular price of $35 after winter break. Contact Bridget Stowers at mainoffice@animashighschool.com or (970) 247-2474 to reserve yours now and pay via check or credit card when you pick it up next week.
Enjoy your weekend and thanks for all do to help the Ospreys soar!
Finally, we've ordered a batch of snazzy Animas High School hoodies just in time for last minute holiday shopping. Pick up a black or brown AHS sweatshirt for your favorite Osprey. We expect the sweatshirts to arrive on campus next Wednesday and we are selling them for a special discounted holiday price of $25; they will return to their regular price of $35 after winter break. Contact Bridget Stowers at 
