January 19, 2023

Hello Seniors and Families,


Can you believe we are in the final stretch of high school, which at AHS means it's time for our capstone project? For Senior Project, each student picks a research topic they are passionate about and develops a 10-20 page thesis synthesizing their conclusions. They follow this with an Action Project, applying their knowledge in a real-world way and finish with a TED Talk style presentation.


The depth of research it takes to develop a college-level paper of this size requires a lot of perseverance, organization and support and can yield truly outstanding, unique results. With this in mind, the senior team would like to include families in the process as much as possible so we can all support these young adults to achieve their greatest work to date!


Support from Animas High School

  1. During the research section and thesis writing process, the students will meet 1-2 times a month individually with their Humanities teacher, Lori.
  2. Each student will be assigned a Senior Project Advisor (SPA) from the amazing AHS staff to support them in the field of their thesis. They will meet with their SPA 3 times during the research and writing process. 
  3. Each student has been coached and is expected to find a community mentor, locally or further afield, to provide guidance in their specific content needs.


Support from Families

  1. Students will need a Durango Public Library card to access their free database.
  2. Families can help by checking in to see how research is going and helping to trouble-shoot any challenges. 


Resources and Deadlines

The majority of resources for the senior project can be found on Lori Fisher's Digital Portfolio. Please review Senior Project Deadlines and Expectations. Major deadlines include:


  • Deep Reading Assignment: January 24
  • Annotated Bibliography: February 9
  • Thesis Draft 1: March 10
  • Final Thesis: April 4
  • Action Projects: May 8
  • TED Talks: May 11-18
  • Senior Project Exhibition: TBA


Special Scheduling

To allow for a large chunk of supported work time, and to acclimatize students to working off campus, we will meet every Wednesday morning from 9:30 to noon from now through March 10 at the Durango Public Library to work. If students need transportation to and from the library, Lori will meet them at the AHS campus and drive them there and back. We will take attendance, and seniors are required to be there! This will allow them access to print materials, breakout working spaces and conference opportunities with Kyle and Lori to support the development of their thesis and research.


Once we complete the Senior Thesis, we will reach out and let you know more about the structure of Action Project cohorts and any schedule changes that may need to occur to support collaborative cohort work time.  



Thank you so much for your continued support! If you have any questions or would like to know more please feel free to reach out to Lori at lori.fisher@animashighschool.com. To a strong finish and the ultimate end, graduation!! 


Best,

Lori and Kyle

Upcoming Events


Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: Fri. 1/20, 5:30pm


Online Information Session for Prospective Families: Wed. 1/25, 5:30pm via meet.google.com/shp-devc-fxc; RSVP here


Campus Tour and Information Session for Prospective Families: Thurs. 1/26, 8:45am; RSVP here


TWIGS Happy Hour with discussion of Stolen Focus by Johann Hari: Thurs. 1/26, 5:30pm at Zia Cantina


AHS Board Meeting: Thurs. 1/26, 5:30pm


9th Grade Career Exploration Fair: Wed. 3/1, 8:30am-12pm


Snowdown Spellebration Fundraiser for Durango Adult Education Center (come cheer for the AHS team!): Wed. 3/1, 5:30pm at Gaslight Theater


Sophomore Physics Exhibition: Space Travel: Thurs. 2/2 4-6pm


What is Harm Reduction? Tues. 2/7, 4:30pm

AHS Events Calendar
AHS 2022/23 School Calendar
TWIGS Website
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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

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