alumni and faculty, post-panel

Greetings Osprey Community,

With our amazing faculty and staff back on campus, the 2016-17 school year is already off to a really strong start. Even our "new" hires--former student teacher Kurt Pattinson and AHS Class of 2016 alumna Allee McKown--are familiar faces, and it's inspiring to be able to dive right into collaboration and planning for the year ahead.  Many thanks to those who joined us this morning for our Alumni Panel; it's invaluable to hear from our graduates about how their time at Animas is positively impacting their experiences in college and the adult world, and we appreciate them sharing ideas about ways we can keep challenging and supporting students better, too.  Staff Orientation will continue through next week, and then we look forward to welcoming the students back the week of August 22!

Janae, Dan, Stephen, Jessica and Roxy, excited to be back!

The Stronger Schools, Stronger Community campaign for the 3A Mill Levy that will appear on the November ballot is kicking into high gear.  We would love to see lots of AHS families and supporters get involved with the campaign, as it has the potential to significantly impact our budget, allowing us to better serve our students.  The mill levy funds would go to all public schools in Durango, including charter schools.  There are lots of ways to stay informed and help out.  Visit the Stronger Schools, Stronger Community website here and sign up for their mailing list.  Like the campaign's Facebook page here to see regular updates.  Attend weekly meetings, Thursdays at the Powerhouse Science Center, 5:30-6:30.  AHS Board Member Linda Fitts-Liberman is your contact person; email her at [email protected] to let her know you want to help and she will find a job for you, whether it's writing letters of support or knocking on doors in September.  Please get involved and support schools in our community!

The AHS Board of Directors is seeking new members to join this fall, as Machelle Richburg and Gordon Henriksen prepare to rotate off; Tom Morrisey's term on the Board ended this summer.  We are so grateful for all the time, wisdom and guidance Machelle, Gordon and Tom have provided--they certainly leave big shoes to fill!  We are seeking a new Board Treasurer with strong financial background.  Please contact Board President Ann Laffaye at [email protected] if you want more information or know someone who might be interested.  The AHS Board is a well-functioning, collaborative group of dedicated volunteers and their work is critical to the success of the school.  Please attend the next Board Meeting on September 14, 5:30-7:30 at AHS, if you would like to learn more about the Board's work and whether joining might be a good fit for you.

Our plans for Student Orientation and the first week of school have shifted a bit and we want to be sure families have the most up-to-date information.  We will send out a letter with more details next week, but here is a brief outline of the week of August 22-26:

Monday, August 22: 

• Student Orientation for 9th grade only at AHS, 8:20-3:20. Sophomores, juniors and seniors do not have orientation activities this day.

Tuesday, August 23: 

• Senior Sunrise--all seniors will meet at 6:30am at the trailhead for the ABC Trail then hike up to the Fort Lewis College campus for this special beginning of the year tradition
• Orientation activities at Fort Lewis College for all students, grades 9-12, 8:20-12:30.  Students will meet at the Smith Sports Complex at 8:20, and will be released from the same location at 12:30.  AHS will not be providing transportation to/from the college; families will need to make alternative arrangements.

Wednesday, August 24

• Student Orientation for 9th through 12th grade at AHS, 8:20-12:30. Because we are releasing early on Wednesday, students will not have access to the afternoon Hub Bus to DHS.

Thursday, August 25

• 9th and12th grade on campus from 8:20-3:20
• 10th grade off campus 8:20-3:20: meets and release from Rotary Park; Student Social and Potluck at Ally Johnson's home, 5:30-7:00pm
• 11th grade meets on campus at 8:20 then leaves midday for an overnight camping trip to Lemon Reservoir

Friday, August 26

• 9th and 10th grade on campus from 8:20-3:20
• 11th grade returns to AHS from camping for 3:20 release
• 12th grade off campus for Senior Project Vision Quest; times and location TBA

Finally, we are offering an AHS Information Session next Tuesday, August 16 from 5:30 to 6:30 on campus for any families in our community who might still be considering options for the 2016-17 school year.  While enrollment numbers are strong, we do still have a few open seats in our 9th, 10th and 11th grades.  Please encourage friends who might be considering AHS to join us.

Many thanks for all you do to help the Ospreys soar!