November 20, 2020
Hello Ospreys,

As we transition to the Thanksgiving Break, we are feeling grateful for so many things, despite extraordinary challenges we're facing together as a school community this fall due to the COVID pandemic.

We've reached some exciting milestones recently on our path to building our future campus at Fort Lewis College. We're thrilled to announce that, by unanimous decision, Denver-based firm AndersonMasonDale (AMD) Architects has been awarded the contract to design our new school! Their award-winning designs for campuses across the West are beautiful, functional and forward-thinking, and their clear understanding of our values will undoubtedly help to create a campus for us that will match our vision. The next several months will include important community dialogue about what our future campus will look like, with a target of breaking ground summer 2021. We are actively seeking students, parents, staff and community members who would like to join the Design Advisory Group. To learn more or express interest in becoming part of the DAG, please reach out to sean.woytek@animashighschool.com.
Theater Elective Radio Play
We're lucky enough to contract with local theater teacher Joy Kilpatrick to offer electives in the performing arts. This fall, her students (Nizhoni Benally, Za Barrett and Madalynn Tharp) have written a Radio Drama Mystery Play, Ogden Hall. They are working on recording it with hopes to broadcast on local radio station KDUR. Stay tuned for more details!

Senior Justice Project
The Justice Project in Humanities continues to present opportunities for the Class of 2021 to make positive change that aligns with their personal philosophies of justice. If you share a concern about how the COVID pandemic is impacting those in our community living without housing, please consider contributing to and sharing this GoFundMe campaign launched by AHS seniors to provide food, water, blankets and tents to our neighbors in need.
Be Local Coupon Book
Purchase your coupon book(s) using the Be Local Coupon Book Order Form (click here); we'll bill your Infinite Campus account and contact you to coordinate a time for pickup. You may also pay by cash or check.

Help support our school while supporting our local economy this holiday season! The coupon book makes great gift for your friends and family, too!

As we move towards the new year and continue in a climate where education funding cuts are likely on the horizon due to COVID, our Fundraising Committee has a goal of increasing our grant-writing capacity. If you have grant writing experience, a bit of extra time and a desire to help our school continue to thrive, please reach out to libby.cowles@animashighschool.com.

Supporting Ospreys
A word from Erin Skyles, our school counselor:

Beautiful Osprey Community, I know that the recent news of school closure is really hard for many of you--it is for me and most of our staff members as well. I want to let you know that it is okay to not be okay, no matter what your situation is. Your feelings are valid and normal. Please try to refrain from judging yourself and your ability to cope with our current situation. Show yourself some grace and try to focus on the foundations of self-care: sleep, hydration, connection, nutrition and exercise.

Tip/Challenge for the week: Teenagers are biologically wired to connect to peers and to place more emphasis on relationships with friends. COVID restrictions can complicate this need. Make an effort to connect with your friends/peers every week off of social media (phone call, Zoom meeting, socially distanced park visit when public health guidelines allow, etc.). As we've moved to fully home-based learning for now, we are building in more ways for students to connect outside of online class meetings.

  • Monthly Advisory check-ins
  • All school NEST Meeting on Wednesday 12/2 at 12;35 via meet.google.com/zue-stbp-pyg
  • Daily Osprey Check-ins, a drop-in, informal online chat open to all; look for Google Meet invites from Erin

Food Assistance
The Durango 9R School District's remote Meal Service program is open to all young people aged 0 through 18 in our community, regardless of what school they attend. Breakfast and lunch are available for pick up at all 9R schools Monday through Friday, 11:30 to 1:00, as well as at sites along all bus routes at various times. Please click here for the details and to complete the order form.

AHS Academic Support Team
The vision for the AHS Academic Support Team is to have a group of parents, alumni, students and community members who can help students with their academic work via teleconference. Interested? Tell us more about what you'd like to offer for completing this form.

Wellness and XBlock Credit
All students must have three full years of XBlock credit to graduate from AHS. As a reminder, Ospreys can receive XBlock credit this semester for independently engaging in exercise and other wellness activities. Please follow these simple steps by Friday, 12/18 to receive XBlock credit for this semester:


Not only will this get students the credit they need towards graduation, it helps us know that Ospreys are taking care of their wellbeing!
We wish all our community good health and restful family-time this Thanksgiving Break. Please stay safe and thanks for all you do to help the Ospreys soar!
Upcoming AHS Events

Professional Development Day (no classes): Mon. 11/30

AHS Online Information Session for Prospective Families: Tues. 12/8, 5:30pm via meet.google.com/hvd-opvy-cua

NESTMeeting: Wed. 12/2, 12:35pm via meet.google.com/zue-stbp-pyg

Final Day of Elective Classes: Wed. 12/9

December Online Advisory Meetings: Wed.12/9, 12:35

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
Supremely talented local filmmaker David Dibble has taken many an Osprey under his wing and we're really proud that several AHS students and alum had a hand in creating Chevel Shepherd's gorgeous new music video. Beautiful work, Taylor Gretz, Kyle Colley, Elliot Smith and Garrett Middleton...and don't miss Haley Hurst and her sister, with a cameo as conjoined twins!
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