Dear Ospreys and Families,
At AHS, we know that student wellbeing is foundational to learning. One of the ways we usually work to support physical and mental health is through our XBlock program, which provides weekly opportunities to exercise alongside teachers through partnerships with community-based organizations such as Chapman Hill, Durango Rock Lounge, Durango Rec Center, The Good Fight, Alpine Aerial Acrobatics, Durango Gymnastics and more.
While we are unfortunately not able to offer XBlock classes this semester due to COVID safety guidelines, we recognize that student wellbeing is particularly important this semester, as students are facing new and ongoing challenges, such as social isolation and adjusting to online learning. Healthy habits, including exercise, mindfulness and community engagement can help students find balance and resiliency.
It is with this in mind that we are rolling out an alternative path to obtaining XBlock credit for fall semester 2020. Students who can demonstrate that they have completed a minimum of 30 hours of wellness-supporting activities over the course of this semester will be granted XBlock credit.
Students are required to complete three years of XBlock classes to graduate from AHS. Generally, we do not grant credit for independent exercise or participation in a sports team, as we feel that XBock classes are an integral part of the relationship-building that makes our school culture strong. However, we need to think creatively and make compromises this fall, due to our limited in-person time and the need to maintain social distancing.
Our hope is that this is a target that Ospreys will easily meet, and we believe that the process of reporting out about what students are doing to support their wellbeing will foster intentional engagement in activities that support physical and mental health.
