Greetings Ospreys,

On Professional Development Days like this past Monday's, our teachers get to focus on being learners, sharing valuable project-based learning resources and strategies. This time around, Oliver Kennedy received constructive feedback on a very cool Brand Identity Project he plans to launch next semester in Digital Arts through a Project Tune protocol we often use, borrowed from High Tech High. Having the space to dig into our craft as educators keeps us inspired!

The season has come to a close for the AHS Mountain Biking Team, with strong results at the Colorado High School Cycling League's State Championships in Glenwood Springs last weekend. Junior Jake Sandau took 6th in Varsity Boys and sophomore Delyla Kroenung landed atop the podium in 2nd place for JV Girls. Junior Joseba Izaguirre finished strong in the JV Boys category, and senior Kaden Wood came along to cheer his teammates on, showing excellent sportsmanship. Senior Cole LeRoux rounded out the team this year with his friendly "What's Good?" greeting for everyone he sees, while also competing with the Durango Swim Club,

Seniors are researching, analyzing data and writing about the challenging topic of school shootings as a way to develop the skills and processes needed to successfully complete their senior thesis papers and projects second semester.

Juniors have started the process of preparing for their three-week LINK Internships in the spring, focusing this semester on refining resumés and conducting Informational Interviews with professionals in career fields they'd like to explore.

Rocket design and building is fully underway for sophomores, with their Rocketry Project Exhibition less than two weeks away on November 6.

Last but not least, 9th graders are exploring the impact of social class through their study of SE Hinton's classic novel The Outsiders as part of their Socialization and Identity Project in Humanities 9.

Coming Next at the Nest

It's election season! Student Council elections opened today and will close Monday. Students received an electronic ballot through their school emails and can view the candidate's statements on the Quill Media Instagram feed. Bravo to the following Ospreys, who are running for class representative:

• 9th grade: Kyle Ripple, Avery Underell, Max Hunter, Rhian Martin
• 10th grade: Penelope Cartwright, Dylan Livingston, Zoe Boesflug, Mark McGinnis
• 11th grade: Arlo Churchill, Oscar Bowsman, Max Portier

Next Monday through Friday, Student Council is hosting Spirit Week, giving Ospreys a chance to show off their creativity and Halloween best. Don't forget to bring your laptop, notebooks and lunch to the Nest in Anything But a Backpack on Monday!

The Student Ambassador Team is seeking applications from students interested in sharing their experiences with prospective students, families, visitors and community members. Ambassadors lead Campus Tours, help with Online Information Sessions and attend community events as representatives of our school. Interested 9th through 12th graders should attend the Ambassador Information Session next Tuesday at lunch and complete the New Ambassador Application and Teacher Recommendation Form by the November 8 deadline. Learn more by checking out senior Quillsprey journalists Bella Austin, Rosie LeCompte and Finn Scarpella's video!

Second quarter XBlock classes begin next Wednesday afternoon. Please check Infinite Campus by Tuesday to be sure your family knows where your student will be Wednesday afternoon at the end of the day!

TWIGS invites Osprey parents and caregivers to a conversation Wednesday evening at 6pm about Communicating Effectively with Your Teen. Dean of Student Wellness Erin Skyles and Osprey Parent Christy Deem will co-facilitate, sharing tips and creating space for parents to practice strategies.

Mike Bienkowski's Ecology students will travel to the Hermosa Creek Trail Thursday afternoon to examine the 416 Fire burn scar area as part of their study of the role science plays informing land management practices that promote resilience.

In Humanities 11, Sarah Brockett's juniors have been studying the Colorado Ballot Information Blue Book. Friday at 12:45pm in the Commons, they will present to all seniors, many of whom are voting for the first time this election cycle, providing an overview of of each constitutional amendment, law, or question on the ballot. Families and community members are welcome to attend!

Enrollment

Second semester enrollment is now open for 9th, 10th and 11th grade students interested in transferring to AHS. We offer seats as they become available in each grade in the order that families complete the Intent to Enroll Form. Sign up for a Campus Tour to visit and reach out to libby.cowles@animashighschool.com with questions.

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

Upcoming Events

Student Ambassador Information Session: Tues. 10/29, 12pm

PSAT/NMSQT Make Up Date (11th grade): Wed. 10/23

2nd Quarter Clubs and XBlocks begin: Wed. 10/30

TWIGS Event: Communicating Effectively with Your Teen: Wed. 10/30, 6pm

Advancement Committee Meeting: Mon. 11/4, 9am

Rocketry Exhibition (10th grade): Wed. 11/6, 1:40-3:25pm at Smith Fields

TWIGS Parent Coffee: Fri. 11/8, 8:30am

Student Ambassador Applications Due: Fri. 11/ 8

AHS Board Meeting: Wed. 11/13, 5:30pm

TWIGS Happy Hour: Wed. 11/20, 6pm at Ska Brewing

Thanksgiving Break: Sat. 11/23 through Sun. 12/1

Digital Photography Exhibition: Fri. 12/6, 5-7pm at the Smiley Building

Winter All School Exhibition: Thurs. 12/19, 4-7pm

Winter Break: Sat. 12/21 through Sun. 1/5

Professional Development Day (no classes): Mon. 1/6

Presentations of Learning: Tues. 1/7 through Fri. 1/10

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.