sophomores at the trailhead in Horse Gulch

Hello Osprey Community,

It's really gratifying to receive positive feedback from our community when our students head out for field trips.  Mary Monroe Brown, executive director of local nonprofit  Trails 2000 shared the following about our sophomores, who worked hard alongside Tina Hott and a handful of intrepid parent volunteers this week at the Horse Gulch trail system:

"Tina and the students were outstanding; it was such a pleasure to work with engaged and interested young people. The morning ecology lesson was fantastic and I was impressed with both our Trail Kids educator, Ziggy and Tina's passion for teaching and the obvious lessons the kids already had wrapped their heads around. The afternoon trail work went equally well and the work on Mike's Trail is top notch."

juniors McKayla Lee and Rollin Leavitt at Fort Lewis College

Also this week, our juniors took part in the Real History of the Americas celebration of the first officially declared Indigenous Peoples' Day in Durango at Fort Lewis College, where they learned about the history of the holiday's evolution and heard from several Native American artists, historians and activists. We are grateful to junior McKayla Lee, who helped organize this field trip as part of her work as founder of the Native American Youth Leadership group.

Next Wednesday, all juniors will take the PSAT/NMSQT here on campus, beginning at 8:20. This exam is used to determine qualification for the National Merit Scholarship and is also helpful preparation for college entrance exams.

	freshman Michael Horton, looking dapper thanks to the Professional Dress Clothing Swap and some assistance from his advisor, Jess Adams and tie-tying expert Sean Woytek

Wednesday afternoon, we look forward to welcoming families of 9th, 10th and 11th graders to campus for fall Student-Led Conferences. Please be sure that you've signed up for your 20 minute time slot online; follow the links here for 9th grade, 10th grade and 11th grade. Many thanks to all who have donated dress shirts, slacks, neckties, skirts, dresses and shoes for our Professional Dress Clothing Swap! We have plenty of options in many sizes for students who are putting together an appropriately professional outfit for SLCs, Exhibitions and Presentations of Learning. We'll have the donated clothes displayed in the main office through next Wednesday. Please come "shop" for whatever you might need so all our students are dressed for success.

seniors Piper Rossi, Jonathan Smith and Dylan Katz prepping for Model Senate with Lori Fisher

The senior class is in the middle of preparing for Model Senate and we need your expertise.  Seniors will be tackling three pressing issues: Climate Change/Energy, Immigration and College Debt. We are seeking people with experience with any of these three issues to consult with students as they begin crafting their legislation in early November.  Ideally we will have a variety of political viewpoints represented and expertise from a wide range of fields.  If you or someone you know might fit this role, please email [email protected].   Thanks for considering this; our students are passionate about government and finding solutions to these very difficult problems, and would greatly benefit from your expertise and advice.

Thanks for all you do to help the Ospreys soar!