On Monday, May 4 Animas High School hosted a second all-student gathering at the Durango Powerhouse. It was great to be the first school group to actually use the space inside the old power plant. I especially want to thank Claire and Lexi from the Discovery Museum for letting Animas High School utilize such an amazing venue. We started our evening hearing from Lexi Wallace, Education specialist with the museum who gave us an overview of the building’s history. She then went on to explain her vision for collaboration between the museum and Animas High. We have amazing opportunities to help the museum produce exhibits, assist with educational programs for the local elementary schools as well as the chance to team up with their scientist to conduct ongoing research related to our local natural resources.
Right Pic: Students hear from Lexi Wallace, Education Specialist with the Durango Discovery Powerhouse Museum.Lexi’s address was the perfectly aligned with our theme for the evening, Identity. Who are we? What does our Animas high school community look like? What do we value? How do we create a culture of excellence? These were just a few of the questions that were thrown out to the group of assembled students.
Left Pic: Head of School Michael Ackerman employs Eric and Boone as visual examples during the Rose and Thorn activity debrief.Reflecting upon our combined visions for Animas seemed like a natural starting point. If you were at the first all-student gathering, you probably remember the Rose and Thorn activity. We asked students to brainstorm a list of roses; what smelled sweet for them and what were they excited for in regards to Animas High school? We also asked students to speak to their thorns, what are they feeling a little prickly or anxious about. I had crunched the results of that activity and opened up the conversation to include a focus on how are hopes, goals, fears and anxieties are a key part of forging our identity as a fledging community. Below are the results from the Rose and Thorn Activity and the number of students who commented on each area:
Thorn # 1- Our New Building
Our new building and its location.
Will it be as nice as other high schools?
Will it be too small?
Are we there forever?
Feedback from at least 10 students
Thorn # 2- We Are So New
AHS is a new school and signing up for Animas is a bit scary.
I don’t want to feel like a guinea pig.
I’m afraid that I can’t leave if I don’t like it.
Feedback from at least 20 students
Thorn # 3- We Are So Small
I’m afraid that school will be to small.
I’m afraid that I’m the youngest student and I’ll stand out in the smaller
environment.
I’m afraid I’m the oldest student and that I will not fit in if we’re so
small.
Feedback from at least 13 students
Thorn # 4- Friends
I’m worried that I’ll be split up from my friends.
I’m worried that I will not know anyone and that it will be difficult to
make friends at AHS
I’m worried that there will not be enough of a “social scene”
I’m worried there are no upperclassman
I have reservations about some of the people going to AHS
I’m worried there’s not enough ladies
Feedback from at least 18 students
Thorn #5- The AHS Program
I’m worried I’ll work to slow for others
I’m concerned I’ll work too fast and be bored
I’m worried about Homework
I’m nervous that AHS will not be FUN
I’m concerned we will have no free time
There are not many extracurricular opportunities (clubs, dances, etc.)
No sports at AHS
No open campus/lunch
Feedback from at least 20 students
Rose # 1- Our New Building
I’m so excited to have a new building
I’m excited for new technology- computers, video and music equipment, etc.
I’m psyched our school will have our work on display- (excited to hang a
submarine from the rafters)
I’m excited to be so close to the river
Feedback from at least 7 students
Rose # 2- We Are So New
I’m excited to actually have a say in how my high school is run!
I’m excited to help create all this good stuff in a new school
How great it is to start high school in a new high school
By joining a new school, I’ve shown I’m not afraid to take a risk
Feedback from at least 10 students
Rose # 3- We Are So Small
I’ll know everyone at my school
Because we are so small, students will act more mature and intelligent
Teachers will know me
I’m so excited for smaller classes
I’m excited that teachers can challenge me “where I’m at”
Feedback from at least 16 students
Rose #4- Friends
Animas kids appear more cool than other students
I’m so excited to make new friends
It’s cool to be in classes with new people
It’s good to start somewhere with no cliques
I’ll still be able to see everyone everyday
Feedback from at least 11 students
Rose # 5- The AHS Program
School will be more FUN and engaging
The way we learn at AHS will be much more suited to how I learn
The way teachers teach at AHS is easier for me to understand
Our teachers are rad
Challenging Curriculum, Interactive Projects, writing and creativity are a
big part!
The school is very visual
Crazy technology
I can get into better colleges by going to AHS
Teachers consider us all gifted and talented
Feedback from at least 30 students
Overall, the energy and excitement at our second gathering was POWERful! I look forward to working more on solidifying our community’s identity. Our students have offered us some amazing feedback so far and it’s terrific to be able to incorporate these comments into the culture and climate of Animas High. Stay tuned for more information on future student events this summer! Together, we are accomplishing amazing things!
