January 22, 2021
Sophomore Chloe Sturm's short film, “Masterpiece,” created for her Film Studies elective, invites us into the process and sense of place for the young artist. Her cinematography is dynamic and layered, while her editing works to bring us a surprising and climactic ending.
Greetings Ospreys,

As we shared in the letter to families earlier this week, based on our analysis of local COVID community transmission and positive case data alongside input we gathered from our school community, we have determined that our current plan is for students to return to in-person classes on Monday, February 8. To increase the likelihood that we will be able to remain in-person once we return, in-person days will release before lunch. As in the fall, 9th and 10th grade students will attend in-person core classes on Mondays and Tuesdays and 11th and 12th grade students will be on campus Thursdays and Fridays. Wednesdays will continue to be set aside for online elective classes and deep cleaning of our buildings. We will share adjusted grade-level schedules for in-person days as soon as possible.
Beautiful Work
Despite the challenges of online learning, Ospreys continue to create truly Beautiful Work, with guidance and support from Animas teachers. In Digital Arts class with Roxy McKnight, 9th grade students are using free online software to express themselves and how they want others to see them through the Self Portrait Project. The final pieces will be printed and hung in our hallways to greet students when they return to school and will help Ospreys get to know the class of 2024 a bit better. We love the individuality and creativity we're seeing in the self-portraits thus far, including these three examples from Vista DeMarco, Mia Macon and Zander Albers.
Junior Cooper Machicek's short film, "Viruses Explained in Under 10 Minutes," which he created for Chemistry class with Steve Smith, is a superbly funny, entertaining and informative look at the science behind SARS-CoV-2, Smallpox and Ebola . It will have you singing along to his catchy theme song and subscribing to his YouTube channel. Look out, Bill Nye!
If you’re looking for a meditative masterclass in composition, look no further than senior Luke Davis’ short film,Glass Eyes,” which he's crafted for Stephen Sellers' Film Studies elective. Exploring organic textures, dynamic lines and the infinite depth of everyday household items, Luke’s work speaks to the alienation and routine of life as a student during the COVID pandemic. It's a beautiful example the way in which artists can find inspiration and make meaning from challenging life experiences.
Course Add/Drop Period Open
As a reminder, students can request course changes through next Friday, January 29 using the Add/Drop form; find this form on the AHS website, along with many others, under the "Our Families" tab. Dropping a course after the add/drop deadline will result in a "Withdrawal" on the student's transcript.

Second Semester XBlock Credit
Students will receive a semester of XBlock credit if they can demonstrate they have completed 40 hours of wellness-supporting activities between January 1 and June 4, when the spring semester ends. Our hope is that this is a target that Ospreys will easily meet, and we hope that this process will help ensure that everyone is being intentional about engaging in healthy activities to support physical and mental health. Please keep a log at home so you'll be able to complete 2nd semester XBlock forms later in the semester.

College and Career Preparation
Jess Morrison and Janae Hunderman have begun meting with juniors weekly to help them prepare for LINK Internships and the process of exploring colleges and the application process. Curious about Jess' first session with the juniors? Check it out here.

Enrollment Open for Fall 2021
AHS enrollment for fall 2021 is open, with a lottery on March 1 if interest exceeds available spots in any grade level. We have limited spots available in 9th, 10th and 11th grade. For more information about enrollment, or to complete an Intent to Enroll form, visit http://animashighschool.com/how-to-enroll/. As we are currently unable to offer Shadow Days, prospective students and families are strongly encouraged to attend an online Information Session; the next one is Wednesday at 5:30. Contact libby.cowles@animashighschool.com to RSVP.

Current 9th, 10th and 11th grade students will receive fall 2021 registration materials in March--no need to do anything until then!


Enjoy the weekend and thank you for all you do to help the Ospreys soar!
Upcoming AHS Events

Marketing Committee Meeting: Wed. 1/27 1pm via meet.google.com/edo-ngye-kvt

School Excellence Committee Meeting: Wed. 1/27 5pm via meet.google.com/awm-dctf-zkh

Information Session for Prospective Families: Wed. 1/27, 5:30pm via meet.google.com/iod-tzkm-scx

Information Session for Prospective Families: Tues. 2/9, 12:30pm via meet.google.com/iod-tzkm-scx

Marketing Committee Meeting: Wed. 2/10 1pm via meet.google.com/edo-ngye-kvt

Professional Development Day for Staff (no classes): Fri. 2/12

Presidents' Day Holidy (no classes): Mon. 2/15

AHS Board Meeting Wed. 2/17, 5:30pm

Online Osprey Parent Coffee: Fri. 2/19, 9am via meet.google.com/uwo-dbav-fia
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