Greetings,

Ospreys were out and about this week, learning--and teaching--in the wild. Steve's Advanced Chemistry students and our resident rocket scientists entertained and delighted at the Weird Science Animas City Night Bazaar Wednesday evening. Today, juniors picked hundreds of apples with the Good Food Collective, gleaning fruit that might otherwise attract bears and go to waste as part of their Chemistry of Food Project. We love finding opportunities to work alongside community partners t create relevant, hands on learning experiences like these!

Congrats to the AHS Mountain Biking Team for a strong showing at their first race of the season last weekend in Leadville, where they took 2nd in Division 3. Their next race is September 11 in Eagle. Many thanks to the Durango Devo coaches for creating such a fun team experience for our riders alongside those from Durango High School!

The Osprey Student Activity Fair gave students plenty of opportunities midweek to learn about student-led clubs they might want to join, ranging from Photography to Tabletop Games and everything in between. The Animas Quilspreys, our student journalists, premiered their first video of the year at this week's NEST Meeting (did you know that stands for News, Entertainment, Shenanigans and Talent?), sharing a little advice to our freshies from seniors about what it means to by an Osprey. View it below, and be sure to follow them at instagram.com/ahsquillmedia!

Upcoming Events

XBlock classes begin next Wednesday afternoon. Students have received information about how to indicate their top 3 choices and will be able to view which class they're in by checking in Infinite Campus on Tuesday. Many 1st quarter XBlock classes meet off campus and will release from those off-campus locations. Read full details about our XBlock program here.

Because we use Durango 9R Transportation for XBlock classes and field trips, we are asking ALL FAMILIES to complete the very brief online Bus Registration Form.

Wednesday evening from 5:30 to 6:30, parents and guardians are invited to come to campus for Family Orientation, where they can meet teachers and staff and hear about the year ahead. We look forward to seeing new and returning families!

Men in Heels Fundraiser for the Women's Resource Center

Mark your calendar for the Men in Heels relay race in Downtown Durango on Tuesday September 13, 5:30pm. Join us as we cheer on the AHS team--Student Council co-president Zoell Lhomi, Math teacher John Grotenhuis, Osprey parent Todd Macon and 2021 alumnus Finn Bridgham. They'll be running in heels and tutus while raising awareness and funds for the Women's Resource Center, the local nonprofit that advocates for the personal empowerment and economic self-sufficiency of women and families in La Plata County. Help sponsor our team by making a donation to the WRC here. No donation is too small, and all donations cover the cost of our team registration and go directly to the WRC.

Let's have a big, fun green and gold crowd cheering on our team!

TWIGS Family Engagement Program

A group of parents has been working with board member Jesse Hutt and dean of enrollment and community outreach Libby Cowles to develop TWIGS, a new family engagement program whose mission is to create meaningful connections among AHS families so that we can collectively provide social, educational, and financial support for Animas High School. 

At the foundation of every beautiful Osprey getting ready to soar is an intricate woven nest of twigs, creating a safe and secure environment. Even though our students are learning to be fabulously independent humans, that support is still essential to their success. As AHS is not your typical high school, TWIGS is not your typical PTA. We are creating a fun, social environment where families can connect, support the students and staff and become part of the AHS community at large. You'll be hearing more soon about monthly TWIG Coffees and Happy Hours, a TWIG Reading Group, TWIG Hikes and more. We're excited to develop a full calendar of opportunities for parents and families to connect with each other and the school! 

Would you be interested in sharing a passion, accomplishment, or subject matter specialty in a TWIG lecture series? Presentations would be 20 to 30 minutes and paired with another Animas family member. If you are willing to share your knowledge and experience, please contact Todd Macon at todd@toddmacon.com.

Together We Inspire Great Students!

Western Slope College Fair

The Career and College Counseling office is taking students to the Western Slope College Fair. With over 250 colleges present and live college preparation workshops from college admissions professionals, this is a worthwhile event. We will provide transportation, lodging, dinner Saturday night and breakfast Sunday morning free of charge for those who attend. Students need to bring money for lunch and possibly dinner on Sunday. If this presents a financial hardship for your family we can make arrangements to cover those meal costs as well. Please use this google form to let Erin know you are interested in going to the fair. Juniors and Seniors will get first priority if the trip fills. 

Student ID and Key Cards

Students will receive their student ID cards and key cards along with lanyards and carabiners next week. Thank you for your patience as we work to get these completed! The cards will allow students to enter both buildings during the school day. Lost cards should be reported to the main office and will be replaced for a fee. Please get in the habit of having your card with you at all times.

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

Upcoming Events

Labor Day Holiday (no classes): Mon. 9/5

XBlock Classes Begin: Wed. 9/7

Family Orientation: Wed. 9/7, 5:30pm

Development Committee Meeting: Thurs. 9/8, 1pm

AHS Mountain Biking Team Race in Eagle: Sun. 9/11

NACAC Virtual College Fair: Sun 9/11 (register here)

TWIG Parent Coffee: Mon. 9/12, 8:30am

Men in Heels Fundraiser for Women's Resource Center: Tues. 9/13, 5:30pm downtown Durango (pledge your support and cheer for the AHS team! )

College Fair: Tues. 9/13, 6-7pm at Durango High School

Senior Family Postsecondary Night: Wed. 9/14, 5:30pm

AHS Board of Directors Meeting: Thurs. 9/15, 5:30pm

Osprey Back-to-School Social: Fri. 9/23, 5:30pm