9-R denying access to Animas High
Article Last Updated; Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Durango School District 9-R is trying to prevent parents and students from learning about a terrific new education option, Animas High School. The district has used all means at its disposal - letters, e-mail blasts, required assemblies during school hours - as well as considerable district financial resources such as staff salaries, out-of-state travel and marketing expenses, to tout its reaction to Animas High - its "Durango Big Picture High School." Meanwhile, the district has consistently denied Animas High's requests to hold information sessions at the middle schools.
While on the surface Durango Big Picture may seem similar to AHS, it's not at all like Animas High. Big Picture is for kids who don't fit in, who are at risk of not graduating from high school. And Big Picture's staff members are the same teachers of the failed Excel school.
So far, Animas has hired two exceptional teachers with direct experience in the model they are implementing, and they are receiving applications from great teachers around the country every week. Animas High School is college prep for the 21st century - just look at the list of college acceptances.
The school district should be ashamed of itself in its willful neglect to give equal opportunity for Animas High School to present itself to the students and parents of Durango.
Parents and students owe it to themselves to learn about what Animas High School will bring to Durango. This is an incredible opportunity for our students. Please visit www.AnimasHighSchool.org. You'll be excited about what you see.
Kathy Setka, Durango
