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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
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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!
