"Finding a physical location was the last major hurdle for the charter school."

Animas High School finds its home
Charter's board says location will be on north Main Avenue
by Chuck Slothower
Herald Staff Writer Article Last Updated; Wednesday, April 15, 2009

After months of searching, Animas High School has found a home.
Animas High School announced Tuesday it has selected a location at 3206 Main Ave. for the future high school. The school is expected to open in August with about 100 ninth-grade students.




The new charter school expects to open in August at 3206 Main Ave., near north City Market, the school's board announced Tuesday.

Finding a physical location was the last major hurdle for the charter school. Gisele Pansze, president of the AHS board, said the north Main Avenue location was the board's first choice.

"It's a great location for us," Pansze said.

The building features windows along the entire front and back to allow natural light, the two-story interior can be easily modified and seminar rooms will allow for smaller discussion classes, Pansze said.

A spacious commons area will host daily all-school gatherings.

AHS organizers also considered starting in the Grandview area. But, Pansze said, "One of the things we heard from our constituents is they think Grandview is too far."

The north Main Avenue location is near the Animas River Trail, Durango High School, Durango Community Recreation Center and a trolley stop, said Nancy Heleno, Animas High School's facilities chairwoman, in a news release.

"We are pleased that this site places our students within a mile of Durango High School, where they can participate in athletics and other after-school activities," Heleno said.

Under state law, charter school students are allowed to participate in school district programs, including sports.

AHS takes more than two condominiums in the location, totaling about 9,800 square feet. The school likely will punch a hole in the wall to connect the two units, Pansze said. Each unit is two stories.

The building will be equipped with wireless Internet and a broadband connection featuring security encryption and filtering for inappropriate content. This system will eliminate the need for extensive and costly wiring, school officials said.

Animas High School's board signed a lease Tuesday. Dan Hopper of Durango owns the property. He said in the news release he was "pleased to enter into this agreement with board."

The school will be at the location for at least two years, Pansze said.

"It has some potential for growth," she said.

Animas High School's charter was approved by a state agency in October 2007. In January, the school's board named Michael Ackerman, formerly of Prescott, Ariz., head of school.

In addition to Ackerman, AHS has hired two teachers. It still is looking to hire teachers for Spanish, French and digital media. A national search is under way to fill two math-science teaching positions. That search so far has attracted 90 applicants, Pansze said. AHS also has openings for a finance specialist and an information technology staff member.

School officials plan to open Animas High School in August with about 100 ninth-grade students. They will add a grade each year until AHS becomes a 400-student, four-year high school during the 2012-13 academic year. It is a public school and does not charge tuition.

AHS is overseen by the Colorado Charter School Institute, the state agency through which the school is chartered and funded. Unlike previous local charter schools, Animas High is not affiliated with Durango School District 9-R.

The state institute requires AHS to meet enrollment benchmarks before it may open. The school must enroll 75 students by May 15 and 85 students by June 15. It met its benchmark of 50 students by April 1.

Eighty students currently are enrolled, Pansze said. The school now is focusing on the June 15 benchmark.

AHS is based on High Tech High, a charter school model born in San Diego. The model emphasizes technology and project-based learning.

chuck@durangoherald.com

Animas High School Weekly Update

Well with visits from John Fisher and the Easter Bunny now behind us, I’d like to take a quick second to acknowledge those individuals that helped make last week possible.

First, many thanks to all the volunteers, board members, families and students who helped make last week so amazing. Specifically, I want to thank Bandon and Zuberfizz Soda Company, Corey and his staff at Homeslice Pizza, T-shirt masters Lavenia and Gina at the Speedy Needle, Hydi and Sergio Verduzco at East by Southwest for hosting our mixer, Jared and the Durango Arts Center for their support of last Monday night’s presentation, the Durango Rec Center and their terrific staff and facilities, the Lawton family, the Panze family, the Jobson family, Jim Judge, Bliss Bruen, Phil Settles, and finally all our hard working event volunteers including Kristina McKenna, Cindy Buccowich, Rosalie Dvirnak, Shaina Forbush, Jake Lauer, Rachel Ackerman and to all the folks working quietly behind the scenes that I’ve failed to mention here. Without your generous donations of time, talent and resources, last week would not have been as great as it was. Your efforts are definitely appreciated!

Also, I’d like to express a huge THANK YOU to John Fisher who gave up his spring break vacation time to come share his vision and excitement for Animas High with our community. John and I spent many hours together during his visit and I’m happy to report that we’ve definitely got the right man for the job. Whether it was John’s ideas on projects or watching him speak directly to students and parents, I always came away from these experiences thoroughly impressed. I’m sure if you got the chance to interact with him while he was in town you probably left feeling the same way. Part of what makes Animas High School such an innovative and outstanding school are the professionals who have decided to teach here. Well it’s clear we’ve got one of the best and I want to publically acknowledge and appreciate John for all he has done and continues to do! Hurry back quick Mr. Fisher so we can continue to benefit from your energy, enthusiasm and commitment to Animas High!

Many of you have contacted me regarding meeting times and opportunities to continue our conversations from last week. Likewise, I am excited to follow up and encourage everyone to reach out to me so we can set something up. This week is shaping up to be filled with many wonderful coffee chats, home visits and parent potlucks. I want to remind all that I am willing and available to meet with anyone and everyone but the schedule fills up VERY QUICKLY. It is my want to connect with as many families, students, community members and interested parties that express a desire to do so. To make good on this promise, please call or email me with suggested times/dates that work for you. I will look at the master schedule and can dial in the details as we move forward. Even if we don’t decide on an exact meet up time, I can note your request and work it into the mix as we move forward in scheduling subsequent weeks. Remember I’m always available online at Michael@animashighschool.com or via telephone at 970-403-4827.

Finally, I’d like to encourage you all to continue following the AHS journey at:

www.animashighschool.blogspot.com

There, you’ll find reflections on all our work to date as well as pictures and reflections on last week’s events. Additional information is always available via our website, www.animashighschool.org

Easter Reflections...

Well as the dust finally settles on a very busy week, I'd like to take a few moments to reflect upon our recent experiences. Thanks again to John Fisher for his time, energy and commitment to Animas High.

** Clicking on photo mosaics will enlarge them for easier viewing **

Monday Night- The Durango Arts Center
A presentation on Project Based Learning with AHS Humanities Teacher, John Fisher



Well there's nothing like getting off an airplane an airplane and dashing into the spotlight on stage. But that's exactly what John did this past Monday night. John began his presentation with a video that left the audience spellbound. Entitled "Did You Know" the fast paced, five minute clip set the tone for the evening with facts and figures related to education, technology and ideas about current statistics and rates of societal change at work in the world today. I must say that some of the suggestions the video makes are alarming. Especially when it talks about preparing students for undiscovered jobs that address problems we don't even know exist yet...Kind of makes one stop and think about what we really should be learning and studying in high school. Intrigued? See the video it in its entirety here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIDLIwlzkgY"


John went on to explain how he uses the ideas of personalization and differentiation in instruction to design his projects. By clearing stating expectations and reviewing objectives with his classes, John's students create projects that reinforce key concepts and ideas while providing a creative, individualized outlet for demonstrations of their knowledge and understanding.

John shared three different Projects that he has recently facilitated. Of particular interest to the students in attendance was Fisher's recent employment of shadow puppetry to demonstrate an understanding of enlightenment. We watched a short video documentary about this project called "Casting Shadows" which currently can be found anchoring High Tech High's homepage.

http://www.hightechhigh.org/dc/index.php

Overall, John's passion and experience with Project Based Learning was evident throughout his presentation and this led to a wonderful Q & A and discussion opportunity with the assembled audience. We look forward to hearing more from John and all the staff at AHS as we move forward in designing year one's projects.

Tuesday Evening- East by Southwest
Animas High School Mixer



So I guess there's nothing like terrific food and the promise of good conversation to bring folks out on a Tuesday evening in Durango! The Animas High mixer at East by Southwest was heavily attended and by all accounts a smashing success! Families, parents and students mixed with board members, AHS teachers, business and community leaders all while enjoying delicious sushi and steak appetizers. It was an awesome opportunity for folks to meet John Fisher, connect with our design team or finally get a chance to get some face time with Michael. The turnout out was better than expected and we really felt the warmth and support of the community. Thanks again to Hydi and Sergio Verduzco for their fantastic hospitality and to all of you who made it out. Based upon the feedback I've received, this definitely is not the last AHS mixer we'll be sponsoring. Although I just hope I stay as popular as the spicy tuna!

Wednesday Evening-Durango Rec. Center
Animas High School All-Student Gathering



Finally, the night we all were waiting for, our first all-student gathering at the Durango Rec. Center. And what a night it was! Over 70 students attended the evening which was themed as a "Celebration" We began the night with 30 minutes of icebreakers and activities designed to introduce us to each other. Once the blood was flowing and the laughter began, students caught a glimpse of just how fun high school can be. Through participating in activities that called for students to get to know each other, new friendships were forged and we took our first steps down the road of common, shared experience. Then the pizza arrived....

Who would have thought that the AHS gang could eat so many pies? Fifteen Homeslice pizzas and five cases of Zuberfizz later, we were back at it again. This time, students tackled a more involved task that called for teamwork, communication and creativity. Working together, teams were charged with brainstorming and creating a human machine. John Fisher showed the groups some example videos but the resultant student presentations blew us all away! Everyone enjoyed lots of laughs and displayed big smiles as each group took turns modeling their machine. Again, I continue to be amazed by the creativity and energy displayed by our incoming 9th graders. My favorite moment definitely had to be the demonstration of the human vending machine!
We closed our evening with a raffle and students had the chance to win everything from candy and snacks to Starbucks and I-tune gift cards. There did not appear to be an unhappy soul in the room and as we adjourned, students received AHS t-shirts. For me, this is when it all really started to sink in. For three months now, Animas High has been a dream that I've worked hard on everyday to help manifest. As this excited bunch flooded out the door of the rec. center last Wednesday night, many students took the time to put on their "Animas High School- Class of 2013" t-shirts. For me, watching these young men and women buy into this dream and take ownership of this high school made it all seem so real. So thank you AHS ninth graders, you continue to inspire and motivate us all to make Animas High School an amazing place! I do however wonder if we will always eat so much pizza?

Again, I want to thank everyone who helped make last week so successful. Stay tuned for more news this week from Animas High!

Weekly Update....

Education is a Journey, Not a Destination! I’ve lost count as to how many times over the past three months this phrase has encapsulated the efforts related to Animas High School’s opening. And what an amazing journey it has already been! Since starting on this project in Durango, the AHS journey has allowed me to meet so many fabulous people; amazing students, unique families, successful professionals and inspirational community members. It has been a grand trip so far and I want to personally thank each and every one of you who have contributed to this amazing experience. I am incredibly excited and motivated by Animas High School's continued traction, emerging reputation for excellence and the impact our school is already having on our young adults. This steady progress and growth would not have been possible without the support and commitment shown by all of you in the community. Thank you! I appreciate all that you do and continue to do on behalf of our new school.

In an attempt to keep all the great energy and excitement flowing, I‘d like to encourage and remind you all to attend the many fantastic events happening this week! I am also especially grateful to John Fisher for giving up part of his spring break vacation to come to Durango for these Animas High School experiences. Again, thanks for supporting educational choice in Southwestern Colorado and we look forward to seeing you this week!


THIS WEEK AT ANIMAS HIGH SCHOOL:

Public Presentation by Animas High School Language Arts Teacher John Fisher:
21st Century Learning - Incorporating Hands and Minds at Animas High School

Durango Arts Center Theatre
Monday, April 6, 2009
6:00 - 7:30

Informal Mixer with Animas High School Language Arts Teacher John Fisher:
Come meet the AHS 9th grade Language Arts Teacher John Fisher

Appetizers and soft drinks will be provided free of charge
East by Southwest 160 East College Dr. Durango, Colorado
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
6:00 - 8:30 PM

Coffee with Animas High School Language Arts Teacher John Fisher:
Come meet the AHS 9th grade Language Arts Teacher John Fisher

Jobson Residence, 1215 East 3rd Avenue (corner of 3rd and 12th)
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
8:30 - 9:30 AM

AHS Student Gathering

Durango Rec Center- The Peaks Rooms
Wednesday, April 8th, 2009
6:00 to 8:30 PM
Students already enrolled in the 9th grade class at AHS will have their first opportunity to gather as a community during this Wednesday night event. Join Michael Ackerman, AHS Head of School, and John Fisher, AHS Language Arts teacher, for an evening of fun activities, new friendships and food!! (Parents need not attend.) The event will include a chance to meet fellow classmates, hear more about all the great things planned for next school year and just some time to hang. You can count on big laughs, major fun and some exciting surprises at this event! Enrolled students are encouraged to bring along a friend or two. Please let us know if you’ll be attending (michael@animashighschool.com or 970-403-4827) so we can make sure to have plenty for all!