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

Dear Seniors and Families,

We are 31 days away from Graduation! Here are this week's reminders and updates:

By NEXT Monday, April 28:

• Seniors interested in delivering a speech at graduation must submit a draft to Libby. A faculty committee will select the graduation speakers and all seniors are welcome to submit speeches, which should be approximately 5-7 minutes long.

• Seniors complete the Individual Graduation Song Form to request the song that will play while they walk across the stage to get a diploma

• Seniors vote using Faculty Speakers and Class Song Ballot

By Monday, May 5:

• Complete one Graduation Ticket Survey per graduate's family to let us know how many reserved seats your family will need. Each graduate is guaranteed at least 8 tickets, there will be some open seating for general admission and we will livestream the event. We will share news about how many assigned seats we're able to accommodate for your family by Friday, May 9.

Update on Graduation Photos:

• Wes Sullivan, from the AHS Inclusion Department will serve as the photographer for graduation. Our photography teacher Drew Semel, owner of Illuminarts, usually serves in this role, but he will be at his son Gabe's graduation. Wes is a talented photographer and he will capture class photos at Graduation Rehearsal plus individual graduate shots at the Graduation Ceremony. Prints will be avialble for purchase.

Caps and Gowns:

• All cap and gown orders placed through Jostens will be delivered to AHS
• We will hand out Jostens orders and items being borrowed from AHS at Senior Supper, Thursday, May 22, 6-8pm
• Students can decorate caps as long as it remains two-dimensional so it doesn't block anyone's view

Let me know if I can answer any Graduation quesitons!

Libby Cowles

Senior Project Action Project: Cohort Groups, Spring Schedule and Expectations

The end of the year is rapidly approaching, and the senior team wanted to communicate with you some important upcoming events and information. The senior schedule is going to undergo some changes next week, as seniors gear up for embarking on their capstone Senior Action Projects!  Here is the outline for the rest of the year:

April 24-May 15: Senior Project “Take Action” Project Work Time

Beginning on Thursday, April 24, seniors will be assigned one of three cohort groups with a corresponding senior teacher directing the group.  We are dividing seniors based on their topic and senior teacher expertise.  

Goals of Cohort

1. Regular individual check-ins with cohort leader
2. Group/cohort critiques of senior projects in process
3. Provide structure and support during the project process
4. Accountability!
5. Problem-solving groups
6. Time for documentation of project process/reflection space
7. Exhibition planning crews

Weekly Schedule for Cohorts

MONDAY, TUESDAY, THURSDAY, AND FRIDAY, 10:18-12:02

Students will meet with their cohort advisor, Kyle, Jessica or Lori. During this time students will work in cohorts to project tune, solve dilemmas and critique each other's work. They will also set weekly goals that they review with their cohort teacher. Students are expected to work on campus these four days unless they are working one-on-one with a mentor at their off campus location. If this is the case the mentor must email the cohort advisory letting them know they will supervise this two-hour time each day.  During 5th and 6th periods, students are encouraged to meet one-on-one with their cohort leaders, and continue work on the senior projects. If students fall behind in their project progress, they may be required to attend during 5th and 6th. We will communicate with students and families if this is the case. 

WEDNESDAY 8:20-12:09, Remote Work Time

So much of the action project magic happens off campus. Wednesday will be a day students can go off campus to secure permits, get film footage, build a prototype at the makerspace, set up interviews for podcasts, etc. Students are welcome to work on campus, and if they need one on one support or fall behind this time will be used for this function. 

WHAT ABOUT ELECTIVES?

Students are required to attend their electives for as long as that elective is running- in other words, through the end of the semester.

Thursday, May 15: Senior Project Exhibition

• Seniors will be exhibiting their projects during the All School Exhibition on May 16th. While some may exhibit at other times or locations, the vast majority will be required to exhibit at this exhibition.  Stay tuned for times!

May 19-22: Senior TPOLs

• During the final week of their semester, students will be preparing for and completing their final TPOLs. This TPOL will take the form of a reflective Socratic Seminar that asks students to reflect on their experiences and growth as a learner throughout their high school career. Stay tuned for more details here. 

Thank you all for supporting us and your students through this busy and inspiring last year of high school—they are doing some amazing work, and we can’t wait to see what they produce for their Senior Project. 

As always, please let us know if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Lori Fisher, Kyle Edmondson and Jessica McCallum

Educational programs, activities, and employment opportunities at AHS are offered without regard to disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, family composition, marital status, national origin, religion, ancestry or need for special education services.