Intelligence plus character--that is the true goal of education.

--Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Greetings Ospreys,

School will be closed for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday. Thirty years ago Congress designated the holiday as a national day of service, and we encourage all to consider how we might honor Dr. King's legacy with a "Day On not a Day Off."

At our TWIGS Parent Coffee this morning, we gathered feedback on Presentations of Learning, shared information on upcoming events and enjoyed hearing from our families about how the school year is going for their students. Ospreys returned to regular schedules this week, with new electives, Clubs and XBlock classes starting up and new projects launching. Students may request schedules changes through next Friday, January 24 by using the appropriate Add/Drop Form.

As a reminder, those who use Durango 9R Transportation to get to and from AHS must carry their bus badges in order to ride the bus. Our registrar, Heather Prekup can replace lost bus badges. Thank you for your help with this!

Coming Next at the Nest

There are multiple fun events organized by Student Council and Bridge Program leaders scheduled for next week. We're excited to witness a building full of "Rebeccas" and "Daves" on Tuesday to kick off Spirit Week--we've often wondered how much more we could get done if we could just clone them both! Thursday at lunch, 9th graders will partner up with their Bridge Program mentors to check in on the start of the semester while connecting over board games. Friday evening, all students are invited to the Winter Semi-Formal at the DoubleTree Hotel. We're psyched to see Ospreys all gussied up! Student Council would love your support with providing snacks for the event; sign up here to contribute food/drink or help with set up or clean up for the dance.

New Faces around the Nest

You may notice some new faces around campus this semester, with six new transfer students, a few additions to our staff and a new crew of educators-in-training here to learn from our outstanding faculty..

• Sharon Hampton and Weston Sullivan have joined the AHS Inclusion Department, where they are providing support for diverse learners and the teachers who work with them
• Christine Allende has come aboard as our new nurse
• Humanities teachers Alec Johnson and Sarah Brockett each have a student teacher from Fort Lewis College's Teacher Education Department this semester
• Dean of Experiential Education Ashley Carruth has an intern from the Fort Lewis College's Adventure Education Program
• Head of School Rebecca Ruland is teaching FLC's Secondary Teaching Methods class, here on the AHS campus, which will include her college students observing and supporting our teachers

In addition, we are seeking applicants for a new School Custodian position to help us keep our beautiful building clean, safe and in good repair. Help us spread the word and see full details about the job here.

College Corner

Our dean of college and career counseling, Erin Cummins-Roper, spent a couple of days at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore earlier this week, where she's been invited to serve on their admissions department's Access Advisory Board. As a passionate champion for equitable access to higher education, Erin is dedicated to providing opportunities for all students, including those who have been historically marginalized. It's a big deal that Johns Hopkins identified her to join the Advisory Board, recognizing the value of her expertise, developed here in Southwestern Colorado!

Erin has been steadfastly supporting the class of 2025 through the admissions process and impressive results are already rolling in. To date, our seniors have been accepted at the following colleges: Arapahoe Community College - Chapman University - Colorado College - Colorado Mesa University - Colorado School of Mines - Colorado State University, Fort Collins - Colorado State University, Pueblo - Chapman University - Fort Lewis College - Front Range Community College - Lewis & Clark College - Macalester College - Metropolitan State University of Denver - Montana State University - Nebraska Wesleyan University - Northern Arizona University - Pikes Peak State College - Portland State University - Reed College - Regis University - Saint Louis Community College - San Diego State University - Sarah Lawrence College - San Juan College - Smith College - Union College - University of Colorado, Colorado Springs - University of Colorado Boulder - University of Colorado Denver - University of Denver - University of Hawaii at Manoa - University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy - University of Northern Colorado - Western Colorado University - Western Washington University - Willamette University.

We're proud of our seniors and excited to see their postsecondary options falling into place!

Interested in Music Class over Spring Break?

We are piloting a two-week Spring Break this year, with no school March 15-30. In an effort to support families who may be searching for enrichment activities for students during this time, we are exploring the possibility of offering a weeklong music course in partnership with iAM Music designed to inspire to explore students' creativity through hands-on activities, group collaborations and independent practice. The class would run from 8:15am to noon Monday, March 15 through Friday, March 19, if we have at least 8 students sign up, with a cap of 15. The $100 course fee would be waived for those who qualify. Please let us know if you are interested by contacting rebecca.ruland@animashighschool.com.

TWIGS Shared Reading

The TWIGS Buds have a full calendar of events scheduled for the semester ahead, including a conversation about the book The Emotional Lives of Teenagers on Thursday, February 20. If you purchase your copy at Maria's Bookshop, be sure to mention that you are part of the Animas High School Reading Group for a 15% discount. Osprey parent and local communication coach Rachel Turiel, mom to Col '23 and Rose '25, will facilitate the discussion. Read along and join us for the event!

AHS Enrollment

Enrollment is now open for Fall 2025! All families who complete the Fall 2025 Intent to Enroll Form by March 2 will be entered into the Enrollment Lottery on March 3. On that date, we will email with an offer of admission or waitlist position.Families of Animas alumni or current students are given priority in the Lottery, provided they complete the Fall 2025 Intent to Enroll Form by March 3. We strongly encourage all families considering enrollment to visit our school. View the Campus Tour/Online Information RSVP Form to see dates/times and sign up.

Current students planning to return for the 2025/26 school year do not need to complete the Intent to Enroll; re-registration steps will be sent automatically in the spring. Reach out to Dean of Enrollment and Community Outreach Libby Cowles at libby.cowles@animashighschool.com with questions.

Enjoy the long weekend and thanks for all you do to help the Ospreys soar!

Upcoming Events

Martin Luther King Holiday (no classes): Mon. 1/20

AHS Campus Tour: Tues. 1/21, 5:30pm; RSVP here

AHS Campus Tour: Thurs. 1/23, 8:45am; RSVP here

Denver Youth Advocacy Trip: Mon. 1/27 through Thurs. 1/30

Snowdown Spellebration: Wed. 1/29, 5:30pm @Powerhouse Science Center: come cheer for the AHS Team at this fun fundraiser for Durango Adult Education Center!

Snowdown Light Parade: Fri. 1/31, 6pm Downtown Durango: look for the AHS float with Student Council Members and Student Ambassadors aboard!

Snowdown Spellebration: Sat. 2/1, 12-2pm @La Plata County Fairgrounds: look for Student Ambassadors selling sodas as a fundraiser for the school

Professional Development Day (no classes): Mon. 2/3

Scholarship Fair: Wed. 2/5, 5:30pm

AHS Online Information Session: Wed. 2/5, 5:30pm; RSVP here

AHS Campus Tour: Thurs. 2/6, 8:45am; RSVP here

AHS Student Council Blood Drive: Wed. 2/12, 9am-12pm; Sign up to donate blood here

Presidents' Day Holiday (no classes): Mon. 2/17

Student-led Conferences: Thurs. 2/27, 4-6pm

Spring Break: 3/15 through 3/30

Professional Development Day (no classes): Mon. 3/31

Animas High School prepares all students for college and postsecondary success by creating critical thinkers and engaged citizens through an innovative, student-centered, project-based curriculum.

Educational programs, activities, and employment opportunities at AHS are offered without regard to disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, family composition, marital status, national origin, religion, ancestry or need for special education services.