NEWS FROM THE NEST  
October 16, 2015
senior Oli Sakadinsky tests out her group's Calculus project, demonstrating trigonometry concepts in an interactive and fun way
Greetings Osprey Community,

Student-Led Conferences next Wednesday after school provide a great opportunity for all of us to step back and reflect upon how the year is going, at the midpoint of the first semester.  We hope that the SLC conversations families have will demonstrate deep learning and authentic engagement.  Mid-semester is a great time to remind families that we always welcome your input and feedback; as a school with plenty of autonomy, we are committed to constantly refining our practices and programs and we have the flexibility to do so.  Look for a suggestion box at SLCs next week, and remember that Sean holds office hours on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5:30.  Advisors are another great avenue for your questions, concerns and ideas; please know that they are happy to serve as the conduit between your family and the school whenever issues arise.  

Our second quarter begins on Monday, October 26, when students will switch into new XBlocks and Exploratories.  

9th graders Saige Rasmussen and Aidyn Henkins work on their masks in Humanities class
Further on the horizon, 9th graders will have their first AHS Exhibition from 5:00 to 7:00 on Wednesday, October 28 (Matt Dooley's classes) and Thursday, October 29 (Sara Price's classes), when they will share writing and handcrafted masks at the Durango Public Library as the culminating work from the Humanities  Socialization and Identity Project.

Sophomores in Ally Johnson's Humanities classes will present an authors' reading on Wednesday the 28th from 6:00 to 8:00 at the Steaming Bean.  Please join them to hear excerpts from their historical fiction exploring the impact of imperialism in Africa.

All juniors, and those who have registered independently, will take the PSAT on Wednesday the 28th during school.  We are seeking three parent volunteers to help proctor the exam; volunteers cannot have a child taking the test.  Please contact Dusty Grannis at tech@animashighschool.com if you can help.

Steve Smith's 9th grade advisory group works on their winning design during the Advisor Costume Contest
On Thursday the 29th, Tina Hott's Biology students will host a blood drive with United Blood Services in the AHS Commons from 11:30 to 4:30 as part of their cells mini-project.  Sign up here for your appointment!

Finally, the AHS Board of Directors is adding a Parent-Elected Director.  This new board position is open to any person in our community; you do not need to be a parent to run.  If you or someone you know might be interested in serving on the AHS Board, please watch for full details coming in a letter home next week.  The Board is seeking applicants with expertise in finances, real estate and development as we work toward our goal of moving into a new 21st century facility in the near future.  If you have questions, please contact board@animashighschool.com.

Thanks for all you do to help the Ospreys soar!
Upcoming AHS Events  
View the 2015-16 AHS School Calendar here  



Half the Sky Screening
by Hannah Langford

If you haven't already heard the word or seen the posters, senior Hannah Langford is screening the documentary Half the Sky at 6:00 on Monday October 19 and Tuesday the 20th  at the Durango Public Library. This documentary is based off the book of the same name by Nicholas Kristof and Cheryl WuDunn. It shines a light on women's oppression in third world countries. This is a two-day, two-part series, meaning you can come one day or both, and it'll make sense either way.  Hannah is screening this as an extended project from last year, after reading the book and wanting to do something about these tough issues. From that project she earned that one way to make significant change in the world is to start with something small and use the domino effect. Educating Durangatangs may not directly translate into easing some of these issues, but the hope is that it will light a spark in our community and at some point down the line people will feel the need to take action--whether it be by spreading the word, donating,or anything and everything in between. First comes awareness, then comes action.

Come show your support for Hannah and women's equality on Monday and Tuesday!



Most Likely to Succeed Screening
Please join us at the Community Concert Hall on Wednesday, November 4 at 7:00 for a screening of Most Likely to Success, a film about innovative education featuring our colleagues at High Tech High.  The film will be followed by a panel discussion featuring educators from AHS, Mountain Middle School, Durango 9R School District and Fort Lewis College Teacher Education Program.  This will be an unprecedented dialogue about education in our community and we'd love you to be part of it! 

There are just 100 tickets reserved for the AHS community.  If you would like to attend, please get tickets in our Main Office.  Tickets are free, but donations are more than welcome!



College Corner

Colorado Mesa University Free Application Week!  There are two more days to submit an application and have the fee waived.  Use the promo code FREEAPP at the end of the application.  Questions? Contact Jess.

Juniors will take the PSAT on Wednesday, October 28 at AHS.  The test has a new format and scoring method this year, and Jess will share tips to help students navigate it successfully at a Power Lunch on October 22.

The Horatio Alger, Boettcher Foundation and Coca-Cola scholarships are all due in upcoming weeks.  Visit Jess' Digital Portfolio for applications--and lots of other great resources!
Please plan to join us for Animas High School's newest fundraiser, the 
Osprey Games , on 
Wednesday, November 18 from 6:00 to 9:00 at the Henry Strater Theatre !  You won't want to miss this fun, interactive, game-show-themed evening featuring our fabulous students and teachers.  Money raised through this fundraiser will directly support our students and programs, thanks to generous sponsorship from several local businesses.  Hearty appetizers and a cash bar.  Mark your calendars!


For More Photos and Updates...
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Phone: (970) 247-2474
Fax: (970) 247-2483
www.animashighschool.com