sophomores Bella Austin and Eila Lance prepare to launch at the Physics/Math 10 Catapult Competition, part of the Rocketry Project

lunchtime teacher tailgate party with Madi, Sara, Lori, Jessica and Jenny

new juniors Bella Smith and Hayden Dubit prepping apples gleaned in partnership with Good Food Collective for canning in the Chemistry of Food Project

Greetings Ospreys,

Lots of engaged learning around the Nest this week, with freshies testing wildfire models, sophomores skillfully shooting marbles across the Commons to test out their handcrafted catapults, juniors canning the apples they picked last week and seniors critiquing drafts of college essays. Ever heard of hedonic adaptation, cognitive bias or counteract adaptation? Christine Imming's Consumer Math students have, and they presented their learning in a gallery walk this morning, including Stuffy Lanus' infographic and Charlie Bridgham and Tristan May-Ostendorp's TikTok style video, below. The class voted Stuffy's best in show!

First quarter XBlocks are underway so Wednesday afternoons are now filled with activities including swimming, hiking, biking, kickboxing and more. The AHS Mountain Biking Team is on its way up to Eagle this weekend for race number 2 of the season. Ride fast, Osprey!

Ospreys in Heels!

Illyria Brunner '25, Animas Quill

Join us downtown next Tuesday evening to cheer on Animas High School’s “Men in Heels'' team as they “walk a mile in her shoes” to benefit the Women’s Resource Center. The race will start at 5:30 in the alley behind East 2nd Ave between College and 7th St. 

Our talented team of high-heeled athletes is composed of Student Council co-president junior Zoell Lhomi, 11th grade Math teacher John Grotenhuis, class of ‘21 alumnus Finn Bridgham, and Osprey parent Todd Macon. These graceful speedsters will be racing in AHS tutus to raise funds for the Women’s Resource Center’s Gena Rych scholarship. Click here to sponsor our team and donate to this excellent cause. 

Additionally, we are looking for a few pairs of training heels for our athletes to practice in on Monday. If anyone has a pair of women’s 9 or women’s 13 high heels to temporarily loan our racers, please contact Libby Cowles at [email protected]. 

TWIGS: Together We Inspire Great Students!

Join us Monday morning at 8:30 on campus for the first TWIGS Coffee of the year, a chance for AHS parents and guardians to connect with each other and the school. We'll provide the coffee and some tasty treats; please bring your own reusable mug.

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 through events. We're excited to develop a full calendar of opportunities for parents and families to connect with each other and the school and we'd love your input. Please complete the TWIGS Family Engagement Survey to let us know what you'd like to see and how you'd like to get involved.

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 [email protected].

Thanks to Osprey Parents Cheryl Albrecht and Todd Macon for reaching out to all our new families with a welcome phone call this week!

Senior Family Postsecondary Night

Seniors and their families are encouraged to swing by campus Wednesday evening at 5:30 to meet with Director of Career and College Counseling Erin Cummins-Roper and learn more about the senior year timeline, the college application process, letters of recommendation, the financial aid process and FAFSA night, postsecondary paths other than college and other helpful resources. Seniors are meeting with Erin one-on-one (schedule your appointment here) and all started working on college applications today in Humanities class. The NACAC Virtual College Fair is this Sunday, Durango High School College Fair is Tuesday at 6pm (all welcome to attend), RMACAC College Fair is September 18 in Albuquerque and Western Slope College Fair is on October 1-2  in Aspen. Due to high level of interest among our students, we are looking for 2 parent volunteers to drive and chaperone for the Western Slope College Fair; contact Erin at [email protected] for more info.

Sorry for the delay as we ran into hurdles with the equipment while printing them all out, but Student IDs and key cards are finally ready to hand out Monday morning. We'll use these to enter both buildings and students will need to be in the habit of having them with them at all times. 

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

Upcoming Events

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

Professional Development Day (no classes): Mon. 9/26

PSAT/NMSQT (11th grade): Wed. 10/12, 8:30am-12:00pm at AHS