AHS in the News

Out of the box: Animas High School eyes opening day

The animal that is Animas High School is taking shape.
“I think of it as an octopus with each one of those tentacles moving at a million miles an hour,” said Animas High Head of School Michael Ackerman.
Ackerman moved to Durango with his wife from Prescott, Ariz., last spring to take the position. He noted that the new charter school is pulling out the stops to have the school ready for opening day. “We’ve been working 28 hours a day, nine days a week.”
Animas High expects to welcome at least 80 freshman students when it opens its doors Aug. 24. The school will be located north of 32nd Street, in a 9,800-square-foot space that fronts north Main Avenue. The former restaurant/office space is being renovated into several classrooms as well as a central, core area. Each classroom will connect to the common area via a wall of windows, and windows will also replace the garage bay doors on the lower level.
“The windows will give a sense of transparency and flood the classrooms with light and also offer great river views and access,” said Animas High Facilities Coordinator Nancy Heleno.
Based on the successful San Diego-based High Tech High, Animas High’s opening marks the culmination of more than three years of planning. The school’s curriculum centers on project-based, small-group learning environments incorporating the outdoors and real-life situations. A new grade will be added each year for a capacity of 400 students in all. Current staff includes two math-science teachers, two humanities
teachers, a Spanish teacher, a digital arts teacher and a special education teacher.
Ackerman, said there is still space for 20 more students in this year’s class and his major focus is on getting the word out. “I’m just working on getting the message out,” he said. “I’m always surprised to find there are still people who haven’t heard of us yet. We’ve had to find out-of-the-box approaches to letting people know.”
– Missy Votel

Head of School Update- July 15, 2009

Head of School Update- July 8, 2009

Help Support Animas High School

From: Michael Ackerman, Head of School

To Our Community:

Thanks to the many who have inquired about how to help with the opening of Animas High School ! I write you today to share my thoughts and suggestions.

One way to support AHS right now is through a financial contribution to help us maximize the effectiveness of our funding dollars. In addition to our annual State funding, we have secured a large three year start-up grant. This funding will enhance our curriculum and technological capabilities that will rival progressive businesses in Southern Colorado. However, these funds are not permitted to be used for facilities.

Your contribution can offset the cost of facility renovation. Every cent we can save on our facility translates directly into funds we can spend on our students. Grant funds will be applied to desirable programs such as a digital editing and sound studio, advanced software, adventure education equipment, a local foods school lunch program and a sustainable transportation option for our students.

Below, please find the Sponsorship Opportunities established to respond to the community’s call for donation opportunities.
I want to thank the many families, individuals and businesses who have already donated labor and materials for our school’s remodel. This type of contribution continues to be accepted with gratitude. Also, I’d like to publicly acknowledge our landlord, Dan Hopper, for generously installing a new sprinkler and HVAC system for our school. Animas High appreciates the generosity so prevalent in our community, and I thank you in advance for your continued support.

We appreciate whatever confidential donation might be practical for your family. Donations to Animas High School are an allowable tax deduction. Cooperatively we will continue to invest in our kids, school and educational choice in the Four Corners region. Together we will accomplish amazing things!

Checks may be mailed to Animas High School at the address below. If you would like to further discuss our Sponsorship Opportunities program, please call Michael Ackerman 403-4827.


Michael Ackerman
Animas High School
P.O. Box 4414
Durango, CO 81302
970-403-4827
www.animashighschool.com

Student Advisory Council Update

Jake Lauer, Director of Student Services/Registrar
Date: July 1, 2009

Hey Students,

We need your help!! Come volunteer on Friday night at the Durango Discovery Museum Movie Night and help AHS earn money for student dances and activities! We need students to help run the concession stand before and during the movie. The crew will meet Michael at the museum at 6 p.m. and will be free to leave by the middle of movie. This week the movie is Independence Day. And, by the way, by doing this volunteer work, you will help AHS earn money for dances and other cool activities.

This is only one of the things our Student Advisory Council is working on. Please open the minutes below to learn about the other great things our students are doing right now ...