Greetings Ospreys,

Jenny McKenzie's Spanish 3 students participated in a Socratic Seminar today, reflecting on the movie También la Lluvia, which tells the story of a group of actors who travel to Bolivia to shoot a film depicting the Spanish conquest of the "New World." The members of the Spanish film crew unexpectedly find themselves in a moral crisis when they arrive during the intensifying Cochabamba Water War, in which their key indigenous actor gets increasingly involved. Beautiful, thoughtful work from these Ospreys--and did we mention that the entire film analysis was conducted in Spanish?

We're getting close to our Enrollment Lottery date on March 4, and want to remind families that 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. Please be sure to complete that form if there's a younger sibling coming our way next fall!

Next Week's Events

Student-Led Conferences are next Thursday, February 29 after school from 4-6pm. See the SLC letter for full details about these important mid-semester check-ins, which require professional dress for students. All 9th and 10th grade families and most 11th grade families are required to complete spring SLCs. Juniors who have their LINK Internship plans confirmed are exempt from SLCs, unless they currently have a C- or lower in any class.

• 9th grade: sign up here
• 10th grade: sign up here
• 11th grade: sign up here

If your family is unable to meet next Thursday after school or you cannot sign up online for any reason, please reach out to the appropriate grade-level teacher:

• 9th grade: lauren.lucky@animashighschool.com
• 10th grade: julian.springer@animashighschool.com
• 11th grade:  john.grotenhuis@animashighschool.com

On Monday morning, 9th graders will walk over to Fort Lewis College's Center for Southwest Studies to view The Return of the Force, the current exhibition exploring "the significant influence the Star Wars movies have had on contemporary Native artists through an innovative collection of work that addresses themes such as resistance, place, belonging, and Indigenous knowledge." The field trip is part of the Culture through Mythology and Storytelling Project in Humanities 9, working towards an understanding of how storytelling both preserves and shapes culture, serving as a powerful medium to bridge cultural gaps by fostering understanding, empathy, and connections between different communities.

Continuing with the storytelling theme, Wednesday afternoon, the Durango Independent Film Festival brings their REEL Learning program of short films to NEST Meeting during Advisory period. We love this annual tradition, which includes an opportunity for students to hear from filmmakers in town for the festival. If you haven't attended screenings yet, we encourage you to check out the full schedule of films and events.

Next Wedensday is the final meting for 3rd quarter XBlocks. Students and families will receive information next week about 4th quarter XBlock offerings, which begin Wednesday, March 6.

Save the Date

Seniors and families are invited to the Class of 2024 Graduation Meeting on Monday, March 4 at 5pm. Dean of Enrollment and Community Outreach Libby Cowles will share information about cap and gown orders, the Senior Celebration Booklet, Senior Supper and the Graduation ceremony, which is scheduled for Friday, May 24, 4pm at the Community Concert Hall.

The class of 2027 will host their Humanities 9 Exhibition of the Satire Project at the Durango Public Library on Tuesday, March 5 from 4-5:30pm. All are welcome, including families considering AHS for the 2024/25 school year!

John's Next Steps

Math and Engineering Teacher John Grottenhuis first arrived at AHS in fall 2022, fresh off of an ultramarathon in Europe, and quickly became a beloved member of our faculty. Students praise John for his charismatic presence and inclusive strategies for making sure everyone in class is engaged. He's decided it's time to fly away from the Nest this spring, and we will miss his His thoughtful, caring and understanding presence. Any school would be lucky to have him!

"I want to thank each and every one of the staff, students, and parents I have interacted with here at Animas. I have decided to move back to Estes Park where I lived for seven years before moving down to Durango. I know that I will miss Animas High School but I think it's best for me to move back to Estes Park where my partner resides. Animas was my first teaching job and I have learned so much from students and fellow staff members. I will miss the joyfulness of the students and eagerness of the staff to learn alongside them. I will always bring a project-based mindset and will work to keep teaching critical thinking to all students. If any students need anything they will still always be welcome to reach out to me. Taylor Swift and I will miss serenading all the students on Friday mornings and all the cheerful faces of the staff."

The open Math/Science Teacher position for the 2024/25 school year has been posted on the Employment Opportunities page of the AHS website. Please help spread the word if you know an outstanding educator who would be a good fit.

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 on March 4. Families considering AHS for next school year are strongly encouraged to visit our campus or attend an online information session. The next Campus Tour is Tuesday at 5:30pm. View all dates and RSVP here.

Current 9th through 11th students are guaranteed a spot for next year. Please complete this brief survey to share your fall 2024 enrollment plans, if you haven't already. 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

Advancement Committee Meeting: Tues. 2/27, 1:15pm

AHS Campus Tour: Tues. 2/27, 5:30pm; RSVP here

NEST Meeting: Durango Film Festival's REEL Learning Program: Wed. 2/28, 12:40pm

Student-Led Conferences: Thurs. 2/29, 4-6pm

Enrollment Lottery: Mon. 3/4

Graduation Meeting: Mon. 3/4, 5:00pm

Avalanche Awareness Elective Field Work in Silverton: Tues. 3/5, 8:30am-3:20pm

Humanites 9 Satire Exhibition: Tues. 3/5, 4-5:30pm at Durango Public Library

4th Quarter XBlock Classes Begin: Wed. 3/6

TWIGS Evening Online Parent Coffee: Mon. 3/11, 6pm

Avalanche Awareness Elective Field Work in Silverton: Tues. 3/12 through Thurs. 3/14

Welcome to the Nest for New Families: Wed. 3/13, 5-6pm

AHS Campus Tour: Thurs. 3/14, 8:45am; RSVP here

AHS Board Meeting: Thurs. 3/14, 5:30pm

Spring Break: Mon. 3/18 through Fri. 3/22

Professional Development Day (no school): Mon. 3/25

CMAS Science Test (11th grade): Wed. 4/10

Application Case Study Workshop: Sat. 4/13

PSAT10 (10th grade): Wed. 4/17

SAT (11th grade): Thurs. 4/18

PSAT8/9 (9th grade): Fri. 4/19