Jenny McKenzie and Sean Woytek serve up popcorn to seniors and families at our Drive-through FAFSA Night this week; read the Durango Herald story here
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Hello Ospreys,
Thank you to all who helped support this important measure, and to Durango 9R School District for leading the charge. Look for more exciting updates about our School Building Project in next week's Bird's Eye View, and check out the conceptual site map of our new campus at the end of today's newsletter.
Midyear Parent and Student Surveys
We are seeking input from our community as we approach the end of our first semester and consider refinements moving forward. Your input helps us know what we're doing well and where we need to grow--which is particularly important to us this year as we navigate the impacts of COVID-19.
Please complete your midyear survey by Monday!
Access the Parent Survey here and the Student Survey here.
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Beautiful Work
Sophomore Julia Earley "expressed a powerful passion for social justice, empowerment and artistic expression" in her gorgeous painting of a courageous Igbo woman, according to Lori. In her reflection, Julia wrote "Throughout my studies of the late day Igbo women I’ve learned that no matter how much abuse, oppression, or even murder a community can endure, their collective power and teamwork can push
through anything and make a change for all." View Julia's project here.
Rio Edmondson also studied the Igbo Women's War, and in her Op-Ed "Rioting in the Streets: Black Lives Matter Mirrors The Igbo Women's War" really "engaged in the process of deep structural revision," according to Lori, resulting in an excellent example of cross-cultural analysis. As Rio put it in her reflection, " I learned how to relate history to the present, and write about it in a more clear way. This is very important because one of the most important things about learning history is relating it to our current situations. Being able to draw those parallels is a crucial writing skill." View Rio's project here.
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AHS Board Committees
Looking for a way to get more involved with our school? We have several working committees that help our school thrive, including Marketing, School Excellence and Fundraising. All meetings are open to the public; drop in to learn more.
This year, the Fundraising Committee is selling Be Local Coupon Books to support local businesses while raising money for our school. The Be Local Coupon Book costs just $25 and contains coupons worth over $5000 for a wide range of local businesses, including restaurants, shops and more. AHS makes $6 from the sale of each book! Thank you to our friends at Local First for partnering with us on this endeavor. Purchase your coupon book(s) in the Main Office with cash or check (made out to AHS), or order using the Be Local Coupon Book Order Form and we'll bill your Infinite Campus account and deliver the book(s) to your student. Help support our school while supporting our local economy this Holiday season! The coupon book makes great gift for your friends and family, too!
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Osprey Self-Care Corner
With all of the unique and additional stressors that students and families are experiencing this year, we thought it could be helpful to share self-care tips and resources with everyone. Keep your eye out for new ways to support your wellbeing in the Osprey Self-Care Corner.
Today's Tip: Move your body every day!!! Exercise is one of the most important factors of self-care, especially for young adults. This does not mean you have to run 4 miles or join a CrossFit gym. Find ways to move your body that you actually enjoy, so you're more likely to do it: dance, walk, stretch, skateboard, bike, hike, ski, etc. Create an exercise routine (i.e same time, same place every day) so you're more likely to keep it up and find someone to hold you accountable (a hiking buddy, for example) so you're more likely to follow through. Sophomore Coleman Jackson reports that he takes a quick walk and focuses on deep breathing to manage his stress during the day.
As a reminder, Ospreys have an opportunity to receive XBlock credit this semester for independently engaging in exercise and other wellness activities. Follow these steps :
We'll administer a supplemental version of the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey during Flex period the week after next. The anonymous survey gathers information about topics including exercise, diet, drug, tobacco and and alcohol use, mental health and the impact of COVID-19. If you would like to opt your student out of the survey, please complete this form and return it to Erin.
Erin is available in-person for confidential student support Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, via phone (970-403-5093) or email (erin.skyles@animashighschool.com), and by virtual appointment on Wednesdays.
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COVID Updates
While we're seeing a concerning, significant upward tick in COVID cases locally, regionally and statewide, we continue to find success in preventing transmission at AHS thanks to these important safety protocols:
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Students must stay home from school if they are experiencing any COVID symptoms, even if they are minor.
We are closely monitoring the local COVID situation, which is shifting rapidly. Multiple schools in our region have quarantined students and staff this week, due to exposure to positive cases. Our goal continues to be to provide in-person learning as long as we can continue to do so safely. We know that in-person learning with our outstanding faculty is best for students, and we also recognize that our community's health and safety is critical. Please look for communication next week regarding the three weeks of school between Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks.
In the meantime, we do want to strongly encourage families to consider the safety of their holiday plans, particularly if they include travel and to quarantine for 14 days upon return if your travel plans involve high risk. We certainly understand the importance of being with friends and family for Thanksgiving Break and recognize that these are challenging decisions for families to make at this time.
Enjoy the weekend and thanks for all you do to help the Ospreys soar!
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Upcoming AHS Events
AHS Board Meeting: Wed. 11/18, 5:30pm
Thanksgiving Break: Mon. 11/23 through Fri. 11/27
Professional Development Day (no classes): Mon. 11/30
Final Day of Elective Classes: Wed. 12/9
Presentations of Learning: Mon. 12/14though Fri. 12/18
Winter Break: Mon. 12/21 though Fri. 1/1
Professional Development Day (no classes): Mon. 1/4
First Day of Second Semester: Tues. 1/5
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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
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