Greetings Ospreys,

It's been a short but full week around the Nest, with 9th graders in the lab for dissections, the Avalanche Education elective students hitting the backcountry at Cascade Creek, sophomores grappling with the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict for their Model United Nations Project, juniors working on their Art of Chemistry projects and seniors workshopping ideas for their Action Projects.

Many thanks to Dr. Zach Levy, visiting professor at CU Boulder's International Affairs Program for visiting with the sophomores virtually this morning to speak about the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Dr. Levy's expertise provided extremely valuable, balanced background knowledge for the class of 2026 as they work to understand the Israel-Hamas War and widening Mideast crisis in preparation for eventually assuming the role of various nations to seek diplomatic solutions--no small feat, and, of course, critically important work.

Next Week's Events

Seniors and their families should plan to attend the Scholarship Fair and FAFSA Night Tuesday to get support with navigating local scholarship opportunities and completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Snacks and childcare provided!

A handful of Student Ambassadors and Student Council members plan to attend the Engage Durango Forum on Tuesday evening, 5pm at the Durango Public Library to practice their engaged citizenship skills and share youth perspective on local issues. Student Council will host our monthly NEST Meeting on Wednesday afternoon during Advisory period.

On Thursday morning at 8:45, we will welcome prospective students and families for a Campus Tour, led by Student Ambassdadors. Fall 2024 enrollment is now open, and we are offering weekly tours, alternating between Tuesday evenings and Thursday mornings. It's not too late to sign up for Thursday's tour, or the one scheduled for Tuesday, January 30 at 5:30pm. RSVP here.

Studying Satire

by Toby Fecik '25

Props to the freshpeople on their hilarious satire skits this week! The class of ‘27 has been exploring the question “What is the significance of satire?” in their Humanities 9 classes. The students were tasked with creating original satires in small groups, which they performed for each other and teachers in the Commons on Wednesday. One group made a video poking fun at the struggles with IC that many of us can relate to.

They are looking into different mediums through which satire can be expressed with the goal of ultimately creating their own for a February exhibition. They will have various options to present their projects such as posters, videos, comics, and other forms of media.

Ninth grade Humanities teacher Genevieve Buzan-Dansereau explained that the question is intentionally vague so that students may find their meanings within the project. She shared, “Satire is significant to show the world's problems, have people interested in problems, and to have laughter in the world,”

In response to the essential question of the project, 9th grader Lacy Ruggiero said, “The significance of satire is bringing attention to problems of the world, but also bringing humor to serious topics.”

Stay tuned for more information about their final exhibition!

TWIGS Book Discussion

Don't forget to pick up a copy of Johann Hari's book Lost Connections in preparation for the TWIGS book discussion scheduled for Tuesday, February 20. If you purchase your copy at Maria's Bookshop, mention that you're part of the AHS TWIGS book group for a 15% discount. Osprey parent Rachel Turiel will lead the conversation, and we look forward to a rich, connective discussion around anxiety, depression and how to best support those we love.

Fall 2024 Enrollment

Fall 2024 Enrollment is now open for incoming 9th through 12th graders, with limited seats in each grade. Complete the online Fall 2024 Intent to Enroll Form by March 3 to be entered in our Enrollment Lottery. Families considering AHS for next school year are strongly encouraged to visit our campus or attend an online information session. View dates and RSVP here.

Current 9th through 11th students are guaranteed a spot for next year, and do not need to complete the Fall 2024 Intent to Enroll form. We will send information about how to re-enroll for the 2024/25 school year in March. Siblings of returning students and AHS alumni are given priority in our Enrollment Lottery, but only if they complete the online Fall 2024 Intent to Enroll Form by March 3. Email libby.cowles@animashighschool.com with enrollment questions.

Have a great weekend and thanks for all you do to help the Ospreys soar!

Upcoming Events

Scholarship Fair and FAFSA Completion Night for Senior Families: Tues. 1/23, 5:30-8:00pm

Engage Durango Forum: Tues. 1/23, 5pm at Durango Public Library

NEST Meeting: Wed. 1/24

AHS Campus Tour: Thurs. 1/25, 8:45am; RSVP here

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

Animas Wilderness Experience Applications Due: Tues. 1/30

Snowdown Spellebration Fundraiser for Durango Adult Education: Wed. 1/31, 5:30pm at the Powerhouse; Come cheer for the AHS team!

Snowdown Chili Cookoff: Sat. 2/3, 11am-2pm at the La Plata County Fiargrounds; Look for AHS student ambassadors selling sodas as a fundraiser for AHS!

Professional Development Day (no classes): Mon. 2/5

9th Grade Explore Career Fair: Wed. 2/7, 8:30am to noon; Contact elliot.baglini@animashighschool.com it you'd like to share information about your career!

AHS Online Information Session: Wed. 2/7, 5:30pm; RSVP here

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

TWIGS Parent Coffee: Fri. 2/9, 8:30am

TWIGS Book Discussion: Lost Connections by Johan Hari: Tues. 2/20, 6pm

NEST Meeting: Durango Film Festival's REEL Learning Program: Wed. 2/28