Greetings Ospreys,

That's a wrap on Fall 2024 Osprey Blocks! Ospreys have flown back to the Nest from their off-campus adventures, with the final group, Water in the West, on their way home his evening from Cataract Canyon.

Educational opportunities like the ones AHS students have had in the past three weeks are certainly not the norm for a public high school and we're deeply grateful for our faculty's energy, creativity and dedication in building Blocks that have connected and challenged our students in all the right ways. We're hearing about several transformational experiences and are excited to hear the feedback gathered from students.

Today, students focused on finishing up projects and prepared presentations for a special NEST Meeting next Thursday morning at 8:25am that will give us all a chance to hear key learnings and highlights. Year two of these three-week Block classes, rooted in interdisciplinary studies with extensions beyond the classroom, has been proof positive that the effort put in matches the output. It's apparent that the relationships and academic engagement gained through Osprey Blocks will provide a strong foundation for the rest of the 2024/25 school year.

Be sure to hop over to the AHS Facebook page to see more photos from each individual Osprey Block!

Fall Break begins tomorrow, with no classes Friday or Monday. Regular classes and the daily schedule resume on Tuesday, October 8.

Coming Next at the Nest

Save the date: Student-Led Conferences (SLCs) are in two weeks, on Thursday, October 17 from 4-6pm. These important mid-semester family conversations are facilitated by students and designed to foster meaningful reflection about progress and growth. SLCs occur once a semester; in the fall they are mandatory for all 9th, 10th and 11th grade students and their families. Each SLC should take approximately 20-30 minutes. Look for a letter next week with full details about grade-level expectations and links to sign up for an SLC time slot.

Tomorrow, the AHS Mountain Biking Team is off to the North Fruita Desert Classic, the last race of the regular season. Ride fast and have fun, Ospreys!

All juniors will take the PSAT/NMSQT on Wednesday, October 23. We will work with 11th graders during Math 11 classes next Wednesday to review PSAT10 scores from last spring and make sure everyone is comfortable with the College Board Bluebook app, which all 9th, 10th and 11th graders will use when they take their grade-appropriate PSAT/SAT tests this year. See 2024/25 Testing Letter for full details.

Elliot Baglini and Erin Cummins-Roper will host the 9th Grade Postsecondary Night on Wednesday at 5:30pm. Join them to start learning about career and college prep at AHS, what schools are looking for in college admissions and the basics of paying for postsecondary education.

The October TWIGS Coffee is next Friday, October 11 at 8:30am. Parents and caregivers--join us to connect with other families, hear the latest from Head of School Rebecca Ruland, get questions answered and share your feedback.

Enrollment

Second semester enrollment is now open. We will 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 long weekend and thanks for all you do to help the Ospreys soar!

Upcoming Events

Fall Break (no classes): Fri. 10/4 through Mon. 10/7

Advancement Committee Meeting: Tues. 10/8, 9am

9th Grade Postsecondary Night: Wed. 10/9, 5:30pm

NEST Meeting: Osprey Block Presentations: Thurs. 10/10, 8:25am

TWIGS Parent Coffee: Fri. 10/11, 8:30am

Colorado Free Application Days: 10/15-10/17

AHS Board Meeting: Wed. 10/15, 5:30pm

AHS Campus Tour: Thurs. 10/17, 8:45am RSVP here

Student-Led Conferences (9th through 11th grade families): Thurs. 10/17, 4-6pm

Professional Development Day (no classes): Mon. 10/21

AHS Campus Tour: Tues. 10/22, 5:30pm RSVP here

PSAT/NMSQT (11th grade): Wed. 10/23: see 2024/25 Testing Letter for full details

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

Our Dean of Experiential Education is looking to rehome her dog, Grits. Contact her at ashley.carruth@animashighschool.com or the number below for more information!

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.