April 8, 2022
sophomores particate in a Socratic Seminar about the poem "Dulce et Decorum Est" by Wilfred Owen in Humanities 10
Alaina Wray, Pierce Beyer and Desmond Tsosie practice belay skills in Andy Lloyd's Wilderness First Responder elective
Greetings Ospreys,

Thanks to those who turned out to support Ospreys at the Durango Arts Center and the FLC Center for Innovation last night. We love seeing talented, hard-working student artists like sophomore Col Hinds, pictured here, have the opportunity to exhibit their work in the community. Read more about the art shows below from the Quillspreys.

While we're talking Quillspreys, be sure to pick up a copy of the current issue of the Durango Telegraph, featuring the spring edition of the Animas Quill; read the e-edition here. It's chock full of great coverage from our student journalists! Hear more here.
Upcoming Events
Head down to 11th Street Station on Sunday afternoon to hear Osprey musicians at the iAM Music Institute Original Music Showcase. The AHS bands go on at 3pm.

Juniors will head to James Ranch on Tuesday to learn about regenerative agriculture, the science of cheese-making, soil science and the ethics that inform food production as part of their interdisciplinary Chemistry and Humanities project.

Next Wednesday 4/13 from 8:25 to 12:30 is testing for 9th through 11th grade, with all students taking the PSAT8/9, PSAT10 or SAT according to grade level. Classes are canceled on Wednesday and all students will be released at 12:30 or once they have finished taking the exam; those with extended time will be released later than other students. Advisory and XBlock classes will not meet.

Families choosing to opt out must submit an email or letter signed by a parent/guardian to libby.cowles@animashighschool.com no later than the day before the exam. 

Being well-rested and well-nourished help students do better on testing. Please help us provide healthy snacks for all students by signing up on this sheet and bringing donated snacks to school by Tuesday afternoon.

Catered lunch will not be provided on Wednesday. The Hub Bus will run as usual, and students are welcome to stay on campus until it comes at it's regular afternoon time.

Please remember that we have a 4-day week next week, with no classes on Friday so staff can gather for a Professional Development Day.

The AHS Prom is on Saturday, April 16, 8-10:30pm at the Durango Elks Lodge.
Ospreys Take Flight at Local Art Shows
Maddie Tharp, Animas Quill
Yesterday evening the Durango Arts Center (DAC) had the grand opening of the Creativity Festivity to celebrate youth art in our community. The grand opening kicked off the week-long event of “A Celebration of Children's Art” where activities include exhibitions of student artwork from grades kindergarten through 12, visual art classes for children and youth theater performances. Included in the student art exhibitions were several students from Britt Blasdell's studio art class, including works from Asher Rehman, Kristina Bodewes, Chloe Strum, Savanna Templeton, Porter Hilgenberg, Col Hinds, Haley Hurst and Eila Lance. These AHS students have a wall at the DAC to exhibit their work and the Creativity Festivity will continue at the DAC until April 30. Be sure to stop by and take a gander at the talented work of these student artists. 

Across the street at the Main Mall, another group of AHS students debuted their art as part of the FLC Center of Innovation’s show “The Magnitude of Gratitude.” The show is the 3rd annual show put on in Durango, and the purpose is to show the spirit of gratitude in the community through art. “It's always so refreshing, inspiring and fun watching students be in their first art show in a local gallery,” Britt Blasdell exclaimed. “Luckily for us, FLC's Gallery Management Class, as well as the Durango Arts Center, are amazing hosts, providing live music, entertainment, refreshments etc. to create an overall artsy and fun vibe! The talent of AHS always sticks out and is commended over and over again by viewers.  I leave all of these exhibitions with a smile on my face, and an overall feeling of pride for my students. Thanks for making me look good (and keeping me inspired) kids!” 
9th Grade Explore: Career Exploration
On April 27 and May 11, 9th grade students will participate in the the 9th Grade Explore program, where they will be exposed to several different industries, engage and ask questions with industry professionals, tour local Durango businesses and assess their interests and skills in different fields. We are seeking professionals in a variety of fields to participate in a Career Fair and through Community Field Trips. Interested? Reach out to Erin Cummins-Roper at collegecounseling@animashighschool.com to learn how you can get involved, or sign up here.
Building Our New Nest
The AHS Board will discuss various options we're exploring for solar power at the new campus at next Thursday's meeting and Jaynes will pour concrete next week on our second story. We hosted our first Elevated Nest Tour today and loved showing the new school site to an excited group of future, current and alumni families. We'll bring the whole staff up for a tour next Friday for our professional development day and know that they will be moved to see the building taking shape. RSVP here or just show up if you'd like to join us for one of the remaining 3 tours scheduled this month!

Staffing Updates
The Head of School search committee has completed initial screening interviews and will invite finalists to campus soon. We've begun inviting teaching applicants for Humanities and Digital Art to campus and will keep you posted as we fill positions. Please see the Employment Opportunities page on the AHS website and help us spread the word if you know an excellent educator who might be a good fit for our school community!

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

PSAT9, PSAT10 and SAT (9th, 10th and 11th grade): Wed. 4/13, 8:30am-12:30pm--early release after completion of testing for all students

AHS Board Meeting: Thurs. 4/14, 5:30pm

Professional Development Day (no classes): Fri. 4/15

Elevated Nest Tour: Fri. 4/15, 9am at new campus site

AHS Prom: Sat. 4/16, 8-10:30pm at Durango Elks Lodge

AHS Board Meeting: Thurs. 4/21, 5:30pm

Online Osprey Parent Coffee: Fri. 4/22, 8:30am

Elevated Nest Tour: Fri. 4/22, 1pm at new campus site

Earth Day Hangout Sponsored by StuCo: Fri. 4/22, 5pm at Rotary Park

LINK Internships (11th grade): Mon. 4/25 through Fri. 5/13

Elevated Nest Tour: Fri. 4/29, 9am at new campus site

Bears Ears Camping Trip (9th grade): Mon. 5/2 through Thurs. 5/5

Professional Development Day (no classes): Fri. 5/6

All School Exhibition: Thurs. 5/19

AHS Graduation: Fri. 5/27, 4pm
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. We accomplish this through:
Rigorous academics, where all students are prepared for college success
Culture of excellence, where students are held to high expectations
Strong student-faculty relationships, where students are well known.
Engaging learning, where students see the relevance in their education