Greetings Ospreys,

We've passed the midway mark of fall semester and have just 5.5 weeks of classes left before Presentations of Learning (POLs) and Winter Break.

Seniors are refining research questions for Senior Project and will begin an intensive research stage soon. They'll workshop Senior Project ideas through December POLs, and after writing their research papers next semester, will deliver TED Talks and complete Action Projects. A sampling of questions in development from the class of 2024 demonstrates the diversity and complexity of interests among our senior class:

• How does biomimicry in architecture help with mental health and connecting people with nature?
• How does corporate social responsibility impact the supply chain on global trade and cross-border acquisitions and mergers?
• Why are strange depictions of feminine characters so prevalent in science fiction media?
• How do artificial green spaces affect the cognitive function of children in schools?
• Do the advantages of Tesla turbines over standard turbine technology make them well suited for the automotive industry as turbos?
• How are Neo-liberal laws and policies affecting poverty in the United States?
• To what degree can music therapy be used to treat patients with debilitating diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia?

Ninth through 11th grade students are working towards Exhibitions of Learning later this term, and we'll be sharing more details in the coming weeks for the sophomore Rocketry Project Exhibition, a Media Arts Exhibition and Winter Exhibition, which will include Humanities projects from 9th, 10th and 11th grades alongside 9th grade Biology project work. We look forward to these events, which bring our community together and provide a chance for students to demonstrate their learning in interactive ways.

We had another strong turnout for this week's TWIGS event with our Dean of Wellness, Erin Skyles and Osprey Parent Rachel Turiel (mom to Col '24 and Rose '25). The evening proved to be a connective conversation about parenting teens using compassionate communication skills as a way to support their wellbeing. Thanks to Erin and Rachel, and to all who attended!

TWIGS Buds are considering Johann Hari's book Lost Connections as a shared read for families, with an event next semester to discuss Hari's exploration of the roots of depression and anxiety alongside hopeful strategies to address these pervasive mental health issues. Last year, TWIGS hosted a conversation around Hari's more recent book, Stolen Focus, in which he examined factors that have contributed to a decreased ability to focus and maintain attention, including the impact of technology. Hari's work is well-researched and thought-provoking. Let us know if you think you might be interested in reading and discussing Lost Connections by emailing twigs@animashighschool.com.

Next Week's Events

AHS Student Council's Spirit Week festivities will give Ospreys the opportunity to show off their creativity next week, with a different theme for each day. We hope to see plenty of costumes each day! Congratulations to newly elected Student Council members: senior Julian Dugas, juniors Shamilah Workman and Gabe Minot-Mathy, and freshpeople Bennett Esterday, Kalli Bane, Ethan Dugas, Jody Holden and Mark McGinnis. They join carryover members: seniors Maddie Tharp, Zoell Lhomi, Porter Hilgenberg and Shea Davis, juniors Hannah Storm and Cyrus Calderwood and sophomore Tucker Owens.

Second quarter XBlock classes begin next Wednesday and run through the end of the semester. Students received the XBlock sign up Wednesday through their school email accounts and should check in Infinite Campus by Tuesday to see which class they've been placed in.

Families are encouraged to attend the Sophomore Postsecondary Night Wednesday at 5:30pm. Dean of College and Career Counseling Erin Cummins-Roper will discuss academic and postsecondary planning, building the student resume and tips for paying for college along with exciting new opportunities for Career and Technical Education (CTE) at AHS.

Thursday at 5:30, we'll offer a Campus Tour for prospective families. RSVP here. Friday, November 3 is the deadline to apply for students who are interested in joining this year's Student Ambassador Team. Find the application and teacher recommendation form in student email inboxes.

AHS Enrollment

The January 2024 Intent to Enroll form is now open for students who would like to transfer to AHS for 2nd semester. Fall 2024 enrollment opens January 17 and 8th grade families are encouraged to visit with us to learn more and see if AHS is the best fit. Contact libby.cowles@animashighschool.com with enrollment questions, or if your student is planning to transfer out of AHS for 2nd semester.

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

Upcoming Events

AHS Spirit Week: Mon. 10/20 through Fri. 11/3

Student Ambassador Applications Due: Fri. 11/3

2nd Quarter XBlocks Begin: Wed. 11/1

10th Grade Postsecondary Night: Wed. 11/1, 5:30pm

AHS Campus Tour: Thurs. 11/2, 5:30pm RSVP here

No Hub Bus (AHS in session, 9R schools are not): Mon. 11/6

Anticipating the Unthinkable: Mon. 11/6, 8:30am to 4pm at DoubleTree Hotel (registration required)

9th Grade Postsecondary Night: Wed. 11/8, 5:30pm

TWIGS Parent Evening Coffee (online): Mon. 11/13, 6pm

AHS Board Meeting: Thurs. 11/14, 5:30pm

Thanksgiving Break: Mon. 11/20 through Fri. 11/24

Winter Exhibition of Learning: Thurs. 12/7

Presentations of Learning: Wed. 12/13 through Fri. 12/15

Winter Break: Mon. 12/18 through Mon. 1/1

Professional Development Day (no classes): Tues. 1/2

First Day of 2nd Semester: Wed. 1/3

Fall 2024 Enrollment Opens: Wed. 1/17