POLs and Rec Center Fun Continue. ANIMAS HIGH SCHOOL IS NOT INVOLVED WITH THE CURRENT 9-R/FLC BOMB THREAT INCIDENT- ALL AHS STUDENTS AND STAFF ARE SAFE AND SOUND AND WE CONTINUE WITH OUR NORMALLY SCHEUDLED WED. EXPERIENCES.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
POLs- Everything you ever wanted to know!
POLs Begin Today, Wed. December 16th and will run through Friday, December 18th!
POLs are a formal end of semester presentation, where students are asked to reflect on their learning from the first semester, and create some goals for the second semester. The skills we focus on for this are formal presentation skills, deep and authentic reflection, and using evidence to support their claims.
The dress standards are the same as Exhibition.
Boys: Dress pants (no jeans!), dress shoes (no sneakers!), button up shirt with collar and tie. Suit jackets are strongly encouraged if they have them.
Girls: Slacks with a button up shirt or nice sweater, appropriate skirt or dress, dress shoes. For girls, open toed shoes are okay if they're willing to brave the cold.
With POLs, we work on a mastery based system. Students will repeat the POL until they pass. The vast majority of students pass on either their first or second round. If a student requires more support to pass, teachers will set up a schedule with them to meet next semester and work intensively on their presentation skills before having them redo a third time.
Scoring Guide for 9th Grade Presentation of Learning
1. Timing: 10 minutes for formal presentation, 5 minute panel follow-up questions, 5 minute
1. Timing: 10 minutes for formal presentation, 5 minute panel follow-up questions, 5 minute
deliberation and scoring
2. Sequence:
· Formal Presentation-
i. Student introduces themselves to the panel, and uses an
2. Sequence:
· Formal Presentation-
i. Student introduces themselves to the panel, and uses an
anecdote or hook to get the panel’s attention.
ii. Student must present on two strengths and two goals. The
ii. Student must present on two strengths and two goals. The
strengths and goals will be chosen from our Habits of Mind,
and the list of 21st Century Survival Skills (see lists below).
iii. Student then answers two reflective questions (see questions
iii. Student then answers two reflective questions (see questions
below).
iv. For each section, students must show evidence, either in hand or
iv. For each section, students must show evidence, either in hand or
on their DP.
v. At some point in the presentation, students must talk about
v. At some point in the presentation, students must talk about
each of their four classes.
· Panel Follow-Up Questions- Panelists ask questions of the presenter.
· Deliberation and Scoring- Student leaves the room, and panelists deliberate.
____________________________________________________________
Habits of Mind and Survival Skills
The Seven Survival Skills for the 21st Century
1. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
2. Collaboration
3. Adaptability
4. Initiative
5. Effective Communication
6. Independent Research and Learning
7. Curiosity and Imagination
AHS Habits of Mind
1. Perspective
2. Advocacy
3. Perseverance
4. Evidence
5. Refinement
Reflective Questions
1. How is the work that you are doing here relevant to you personally or to your larger goals?
How have your experiences at AHS this year changed the way you see the world?
POL Scoring Rubric
PRE-POL CHECKLIST
Be dressed in professional attire from head to toe
Y
N
Have note cards of outline
Y
N
Have a working and updated digital portfolio
Y
N
SCORING GUIDELINES-
Must score 24 to pass. If you receive a 1 in any category, you will automatically have to redo your POL.
4
3
2
1
Exceeds Standard
Meets Standard
Approaches Standard
Below Standard
PRESENTATION SKILLS CHECKLIST
Professionalism: Student uses professional verbal language and professional body language during the POL.
Eye Contact: The student makes eye contact with all panelists, and uses note cards appropriately.
Vocal Delivery: The student’s delivery is strong, energetic, and easily understood.
PRESENTATION RUBRIC
Scoring Category Performance Criteria Score (1-4)
· Panel Follow-Up Questions- Panelists ask questions of the presenter.
· Deliberation and Scoring- Student leaves the room, and panelists deliberate.
____________________________________________________________
Habits of Mind and Survival Skills
The Seven Survival Skills for the 21st Century
1. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
2. Collaboration
3. Adaptability
4. Initiative
5. Effective Communication
6. Independent Research and Learning
7. Curiosity and Imagination
AHS Habits of Mind
1. Perspective
2. Advocacy
3. Perseverance
4. Evidence
5. Refinement
Reflective Questions
1. How is the work that you are doing here relevant to you personally or to your larger goals?
How have your experiences at AHS this year changed the way you see the world?
POL Scoring Rubric
PRE-POL CHECKLIST
Be dressed in professional attire from head to toe
Y
N
Have note cards of outline
Y
N
Have a working and updated digital portfolio
Y
N
SCORING GUIDELINES-
Must score 24 to pass. If you receive a 1 in any category, you will automatically have to redo your POL.
4
3
2
1
Exceeds Standard
Meets Standard
Approaches Standard
Below Standard
PRESENTATION SKILLS CHECKLIST
Professionalism: Student uses professional verbal language and professional body language during the POL.
Eye Contact: The student makes eye contact with all panelists, and uses note cards appropriately.
Vocal Delivery: The student’s delivery is strong, energetic, and easily understood.
PRESENTATION RUBRIC
Scoring Category Performance Criteria Score (1-4)
Introduction
Student provides professional introduction, and draws audience in with an engaging hook/anecdote that sets the tone and themes for the presentation.
Strength
Student has an in-depth explanation of their strength that is supported by evidence. Students must show their evidence to the panel, either in hand or on their DP, and explain the significance of that evidence. Student demonstrates self-awareness, honesty, and deep reflection.
Goal
Student has an in-depth explanation of an area where they need to improve that is supported by evidence, either in hand or on their DP. Student presents a solid and specific action plan to improve in this area next semester. Student demonstrates self-awareness, honesty, and deep reflection.
Question 1
Student responds to all aspects of the question, and provides a well-thought out answer. Student uses strong evidence to support their answer. Student demonstrates self-awareness, honesty, and deep reflection.
Question 2
Student responds to all aspects of the question, and provides a well-thought out answer. Student uses strong evidence to support their answer. Student demonstrates self-awareness, honesty, and deep reflection.
Final Check
All four classes have been discussed in the presentation.
YES NO
Got Sidewalks?
Animas High School freshmen Hannah Williams, Cori Gianniny and Alicia Whiteman sprint down north Main Avenue on Monday afternoon during a lull in traffic to circumvent a stretch of snow-covered sidewalk just north of 22nd Street. Hannah is the daughter of Bruce and Judi Williams; Cori is the daughter of Gary Gianniny and Cynthia Dott; and Alicia is the daughter of Steve Whiteman and Sandra Butler.
Monday, December 14, 2009
AHS Weekly Update- Week of December 14th
Good Morning,
I hope this email finds you all well and fresh from an enjoyable weekend with your family. In this update please review:
POL Schedule
Parent Work Crew
Snowdown 2010 Announcement
POL Schedule
The schedule below is intended to help you plan for this week’s POLs. Please Note, STUDENTS WHO RECEIVING A “PASS” ON THEIR POLs ARE NOT REQUIRED TO ATTEND SCHOOL ON FRIDAY. POLs are being presented to teacher and student panels on Wed. and Thurs. WE ARE NOT INVITING PARENTS OR PUBLIC TO SEMESTER ONES’S POLs. STUDENTS MAY WEAR APPROPRIATE ATHLETIC WEAR FOR THEIR DAY OFF SITE AT THE REC CENTER. Questions? Call AHS-AHS4
POLs Wednesday Dec. 16, 2009
I hope this email finds you all well and fresh from an enjoyable weekend with your family. In this update please review:
POL Schedule
Parent Work Crew
Snowdown 2010 Announcement
POL Schedule
The schedule below is intended to help you plan for this week’s POLs. Please Note, STUDENTS WHO RECEIVING A “PASS” ON THEIR POLs ARE NOT REQUIRED TO ATTEND SCHOOL ON FRIDAY. POLs are being presented to teacher and student panels on Wed. and Thurs. WE ARE NOT INVITING PARENTS OR PUBLIC TO SEMESTER ONES’S POLs. STUDENTS MAY WEAR APPROPRIATE ATHLETIC WEAR FOR THEIR DAY OFF SITE AT THE REC CENTER. Questions? Call AHS-AHS4
POLs Wednesday Dec. 16, 2009
· All students report to school at 8:15 PM
· Half of the student body will be presenting and paneling.
· Half the student body will be heading off site for scholastic pursuits, important program
work and team building experiences.
· All students will be dismissed at 3:15 PM
· All students will be dismissed at 3:15 PM
POLs Thursday Dec. 17, 2009
· All students report to school at 8:15 PM
· Half of the student body will be presenting and paneling.
· Half the student body will be heading off site for scholastic pursuits, important program
work and team building experiences.
· All students will be dismissed at 3:15 PM
· All students will be dismissed at 3:15 PM
POLs Friday Dec. 18, 2009
· Any student who does receiving passing marks for their Wed./Thurs. POLs are required to
attend Friday POL make-up. ***WE ARE ANTICIPATING STUDENTS WILL NEED TO
PARTICIPATE IN MAKE-UPS ****
· Make-ups will run until all students have a chance to repeat their POL
· Staff will be working a complete day
· If your student does not need to make up their POL, then they are excused from Friday’s
· Make-ups will run until all students have a chance to repeat their POL
· Staff will be working a complete day
· If your student does not need to make up their POL, then they are excused from Friday’s
programming
· The building will be open our usual Friday hours- 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM
· The building will be open our usual Friday hours- 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Parent Work Crew
So our Sunday efforts had to be called on account of snow (blowing sideways I must add…). Thanks to everyone who committed to helping out this past weekend! We are going to try and rally again at 9AM this upcoming Sunday morning. We meet at AHS and any pick-ups, tow trailers or vehicles that can transport materials are appreciated and will help us remove AHS resources out of our storage units on Florida Rd. As always, bring the family, your strong back and positive mental attitudes! One more big push will set us up for success over the holidays. Interested participants should contact the school to sign up for this Sunday’s experience.
Snowdown 2010
“Life’s a Beach” is the theme of this year’s Snowdown Celebration and AHS is planning on entering the parade for the second year in a row. Students are involved with devising float ideas related to the celebration’s theme and we’ll be picking a design immediately following the holiday recess. We are looking for any parents who may have access to a large flat-bed truck or similar type vehicle that we can transform into AHS’s float. Please let HOS Michael Ackerman know if you have any resources that could be extended to AHS for this year’s Snowdown experience! See you on the beach!
So our Sunday efforts had to be called on account of snow (blowing sideways I must add…). Thanks to everyone who committed to helping out this past weekend! We are going to try and rally again at 9AM this upcoming Sunday morning. We meet at AHS and any pick-ups, tow trailers or vehicles that can transport materials are appreciated and will help us remove AHS resources out of our storage units on Florida Rd. As always, bring the family, your strong back and positive mental attitudes! One more big push will set us up for success over the holidays. Interested participants should contact the school to sign up for this Sunday’s experience.
Snowdown 2010
“Life’s a Beach” is the theme of this year’s Snowdown Celebration and AHS is planning on entering the parade for the second year in a row. Students are involved with devising float ideas related to the celebration’s theme and we’ll be picking a design immediately following the holiday recess. We are looking for any parents who may have access to a large flat-bed truck or similar type vehicle that we can transform into AHS’s float. Please let HOS Michael Ackerman know if you have any resources that could be extended to AHS for this year’s Snowdown experience! See you on the beach!
FROM THE CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL REFORM- Colorado 7th friendliest for charter schools
Colorado 7th friendliest for charter schools
By EMILY ANDERSON/The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Colorado charter school laws are the seventh best in the nation, according to The Center for Education Reform, a Washington, D.C.-based charter school proponent.
The center ranked the District of Columbia and the 39 states that have charter school laws based on how easy it is to found, operate and receive funding for a charter in each state.
Colorado passed its charter law in 1993.
The law sets no limit on how many charter schools can operate in Colorado, and it allows charter schools to operate separately or in coordination with a local school district. Charters don’t have to adhere to school district rules as long as the charters are held accountable for standards and test scores.
School boards or the Colorado Charter School Institute can approve the creation of a charter school and denials can be appealed to the State Board of Education.
The Charter School Facilities Financing Act requires the state to give a portion of state funding to charter schools for capital construction, and the average per student funding at a Colorado charter school is $6,836 — $177.88 more than the per student funding allocated to School District 51 this year.
Caprock Academy, a charter school at 640 24 1/2 Road that opened in 2007, receives as much funding per student as District 51 but has autonomy from the district. Caprock Headmaster Kristin Trezise said the extra paperwork involved in remaining accountable to the state is worth the payoff of running a school with a specific value set. The only major issue with funding that Trezise has encountered is charters have to apply for private bonds when they want to construct a school, whereas traditional public schools can issue public bonds with voter approval.
Trezise said Caprock leaders have attended national conferences for charter schools and learned opening a charter school is often easier in Colorado than in other states.“We are definitely on the upside,” she said.
Colorado was one of 10 states to receive a “B” grade for its charter school law from the Center for Education Reform. The District of Columbia, Minnesota and California received “A” grades and were ranked first, second, and third, respectively. Utah was fourth, Arizona fifth and Michigan sixth.
Eleven states received a “C,” 13 states got a “D,” and three states — Kansas, Virginia and Iowa — failed the center’s test. Eleven states don’t have charter school laws.
By EMILY ANDERSON/The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Colorado charter school laws are the seventh best in the nation, according to The Center for Education Reform, a Washington, D.C.-based charter school proponent.
The center ranked the District of Columbia and the 39 states that have charter school laws based on how easy it is to found, operate and receive funding for a charter in each state.
Colorado passed its charter law in 1993.
The law sets no limit on how many charter schools can operate in Colorado, and it allows charter schools to operate separately or in coordination with a local school district. Charters don’t have to adhere to school district rules as long as the charters are held accountable for standards and test scores.
School boards or the Colorado Charter School Institute can approve the creation of a charter school and denials can be appealed to the State Board of Education.
The Charter School Facilities Financing Act requires the state to give a portion of state funding to charter schools for capital construction, and the average per student funding at a Colorado charter school is $6,836 — $177.88 more than the per student funding allocated to School District 51 this year.
Caprock Academy, a charter school at 640 24 1/2 Road that opened in 2007, receives as much funding per student as District 51 but has autonomy from the district. Caprock Headmaster Kristin Trezise said the extra paperwork involved in remaining accountable to the state is worth the payoff of running a school with a specific value set. The only major issue with funding that Trezise has encountered is charters have to apply for private bonds when they want to construct a school, whereas traditional public schools can issue public bonds with voter approval.
Trezise said Caprock leaders have attended national conferences for charter schools and learned opening a charter school is often easier in Colorado than in other states.“We are definitely on the upside,” she said.
Colorado was one of 10 states to receive a “B” grade for its charter school law from the Center for Education Reform. The District of Columbia, Minnesota and California received “A” grades and were ranked first, second, and third, respectively. Utah was fourth, Arizona fifth and Michigan sixth.
Eleven states received a “C,” 13 states got a “D,” and three states — Kansas, Virginia and Iowa — failed the center’s test. Eleven states don’t have charter school laws.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Charter School 'Witch Hunt' Defeated
Charter School 'Witch Hunt' Defeated
"It looks like a 'witch hunt' against charter schools,"
-Sen. Lois Tochtrop (D-Adams County)
"It looks like a 'witch hunt' against charter schools,"
-Sen. Lois Tochtrop (D-Adams County)
Senator Tochtrop's comment above was in response to yesterday's attempt by Representative Michael Merrifield (joined by Senators Bacon and Hudak, as well as Rep. Solano) to force a hostile, costly, and unnecessary "performance audit" of all Colorado charter schools through the Legislative Audit Committee. Fortunately, the Colorado League of Charter Schools and a bi-partisan coalition of supporters made sure the audit request was rejected on a 5-2 vote. We applaud the members of the Legislative Audit Committee who voted against this audit request - Sen. Lois Tochtrop, Sen. Kevin Lundberg, Sen. Josh Penry, Rep. Cheri Gerou, and Rep. Frank McNulty.
The League is not opposed to legitimate review of the policies and practices in place across Colorado's charter sector, but this attempt was not the right way to do it. Notably, we have been trying to meet with Rep. Merrifield about this since October.
If you have any questions about this audit request, please contact Sean Bradley at the League at 303-989-5356, ext. 105 or sbradley@coloradoleague.org.
Sincerely,
Jim Griffin, PresidentColorado League of Charter Schools
The League is not opposed to legitimate review of the policies and practices in place across Colorado's charter sector, but this attempt was not the right way to do it. Notably, we have been trying to meet with Rep. Merrifield about this since October.
If you have any questions about this audit request, please contact Sean Bradley at the League at 303-989-5356, ext. 105 or sbradley@coloradoleague.org.
Sincerely,
Jim Griffin, PresidentColorado League of Charter Schools
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Animas High School Weekly Update #2- Week of Dec. 7th
Can you believe we successfully made it through our first snow day? I wanted to update our community on a few more items this week. In this email, please review:
Snow Closure/Delay Procedure and Recap
POL Schedule
Enrollment Update
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Snow Closure/Delay Procedure and Recap
We did very well dealing with our first snow day of the 2009-10 school year. We want to thank everyone for their patience and compliance during yesterday’s closure. To clarify, if 9-R/Bayfield has CANCELLED school because of the weather, then you can safely assume AHS is shut as well. Our students’ safety and the commuting conditions are the primary condtions upon which closure decisions are made.
By 6AM yesterday morning, we had received over 100 hits on the website and blog and over 35 calls to the school’s main number which tells us that our community is accessing those outlets. We also passed along our closure information to local media outlets. However, there was some confusion regarding this morning’s plan.
If 9-R/Bayfield have announced a delay, it’s most likely because of those district’s school buses’ ability to navigate our wintery streets. Since AHS does not provide a bus system for students, we WILL NOT ANNOUNCE A DELAYED START even if other districts have made the decision to do so. As always, we completely understand that the commute to school on morning’s like today can present challenges for families. Although we were not delayed, we are excusing students for arriving late. Your student’s safety is paramount and if you ever have any questions or concerns, please call HOS Michael Ackerman at 970-403-4827 or Director of Student Services Jake Lauer at 970-903-5358.
Please remember, our school’s website- http://www.animashighschool.com/ and our blog- http://www.animashighschool.blogspot.com/ are updated frequently and are always the best source for closure/delay information. Thanks to everyone for their patience and understanding. We did an excellent job working through these difficult conditions together!
POL Schedule
The schedule below is intended to help you plan for next week’s POLs. We want to thank everyone for their patience as we have facilitated our first round of SLCs, Exhibition and POLs ever! With this in mind, please note that we will repeat the same schedule for these events in Semester 2.
POLs Wednesday Dec. 16, 2009
Snow Closure/Delay Procedure and Recap
POL Schedule
Enrollment Update
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Snow Closure/Delay Procedure and Recap
We did very well dealing with our first snow day of the 2009-10 school year. We want to thank everyone for their patience and compliance during yesterday’s closure. To clarify, if 9-R/Bayfield has CANCELLED school because of the weather, then you can safely assume AHS is shut as well. Our students’ safety and the commuting conditions are the primary condtions upon which closure decisions are made.
By 6AM yesterday morning, we had received over 100 hits on the website and blog and over 35 calls to the school’s main number which tells us that our community is accessing those outlets. We also passed along our closure information to local media outlets. However, there was some confusion regarding this morning’s plan.
If 9-R/Bayfield have announced a delay, it’s most likely because of those district’s school buses’ ability to navigate our wintery streets. Since AHS does not provide a bus system for students, we WILL NOT ANNOUNCE A DELAYED START even if other districts have made the decision to do so. As always, we completely understand that the commute to school on morning’s like today can present challenges for families. Although we were not delayed, we are excusing students for arriving late. Your student’s safety is paramount and if you ever have any questions or concerns, please call HOS Michael Ackerman at 970-403-4827 or Director of Student Services Jake Lauer at 970-903-5358.
Please remember, our school’s website- http://www.animashighschool.com/ and our blog- http://www.animashighschool.blogspot.com/ are updated frequently and are always the best source for closure/delay information. Thanks to everyone for their patience and understanding. We did an excellent job working through these difficult conditions together!
POL Schedule
The schedule below is intended to help you plan for next week’s POLs. We want to thank everyone for their patience as we have facilitated our first round of SLCs, Exhibition and POLs ever! With this in mind, please note that we will repeat the same schedule for these events in Semester 2.
POLs Wednesday Dec. 16, 2009
· All students report to school at 8:15 PM
· Half of the student body will be presenting and paneling.
· Half the student body will be heading off site for scholastic pursuits, important program work and team building experiences.
· All students will be dismissed at 3:15 PM
· Half of the student body will be presenting and paneling.
· Half the student body will be heading off site for scholastic pursuits, important program work and team building experiences.
· All students will be dismissed at 3:15 PM
POLs Thursday Dec. 17, 2009
· All students report to school at 8:15 PM
· Half of the student body will be presenting and paneling.
· Half the student body will be heading off site for scholastic pursuits, important program work and team building experiences.
· All students will be dismissed at 3:15 PM
· All students report to school at 8:15 PM
· Half of the student body will be presenting and paneling.
· Half the student body will be heading off site for scholastic pursuits, important program work and team building experiences.
· All students will be dismissed at 3:15 PM
POLs Friday Dec. 18, 2009
· Any student who does receiving passing marks for their Wed./Thurs. POLs are required to attend Friday POL make-up. ***WE ARE ANTICIPATING STUDENTS WILL NEED TO PARTICIPATE IN MAKE-UPS ****
· Make-ups will run until all students have a chance to repeat their POL
· Staff will be working a complete day
· If your student does not need to make up their POL, then they are excused from Friday’s programming
· The building will be open our usual Friday hours- 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM
***Please Note that students will receive their POL schedule this Friday- Please check in with them to see when they are presenting! ***
Enrollment Update
Animas High School would like to thank the many students and families involved with our enrollment efforts this fall. At this time, AHS has closed enrollment opportunities for the 2009-2010 school year. We appreciate all those who participated in the admissions process and we look forward to opening our enrollment for the class of 2014 in January. Questions or concerns can be directed to Head of School Michael Ackerman via email: michael@animashighschool.com
Animas High School Weekly Update #1- Week of Dec. 7th
Good Morning,
I hope this update finds you well and enjoying our first snowy day off! Included in this update:
FLC visit
Finals
Parent Work Crew
Snow Closure Info
FLC Visit
Students in the teacher education program from Ft. Lewis will be observing AHS students and teachers in action! Professor Richard Fulton and his class were scheduled to observe today, December 8th and will re-schedule time with us before the holiday recess. FLC students will be observing and rating the quality of instruction and assessing the 21st Century competencies fostered at AHS. We look forward to the outcomes of this experience and the resultant data that will be generated through their visit. Observations are scheduled for one hour in first period classes.
Finals
Student finals are this week and we proceed with our exam schedule on Wed. Dec. 9th, 2009. Tuesday’s finals will be administered on Wed. We need to stay on schedule with finals so that we are ready to go with POLs next week. Make sure to ask your student about their finals and stay tuned for more info regarding POLs in next week’s update.
Parent Work Crew
We know your student has told you all about the wonderful times spent on Thursday afternoon work crew and we don’t want our parents to be left out. We are looking for parents/guardians who are available to work Sat. mornings over the next two weekends. You’ll meet HOS Michael Ackerman and work from 9 AM to 12 PM attending to some very important projects. Looking for folks with a strong back, positive attitude and some time to give to AHS! Please contact PAC@animashighschool.com with your interest and availability. (we would love some assistance from those of you with pick-ups and trailers) Thanks!
Snow Closure Procedures- please make sure you are familiar with these procedures!
I hope this update finds you well and enjoying our first snowy day off! Included in this update:
FLC visit
Finals
Parent Work Crew
Snow Closure Info
FLC Visit
Students in the teacher education program from Ft. Lewis will be observing AHS students and teachers in action! Professor Richard Fulton and his class were scheduled to observe today, December 8th and will re-schedule time with us before the holiday recess. FLC students will be observing and rating the quality of instruction and assessing the 21st Century competencies fostered at AHS. We look forward to the outcomes of this experience and the resultant data that will be generated through their visit. Observations are scheduled for one hour in first period classes.
Finals
Student finals are this week and we proceed with our exam schedule on Wed. Dec. 9th, 2009. Tuesday’s finals will be administered on Wed. We need to stay on schedule with finals so that we are ready to go with POLs next week. Make sure to ask your student about their finals and stay tuned for more info regarding POLs in next week’s update.
Parent Work Crew
We know your student has told you all about the wonderful times spent on Thursday afternoon work crew and we don’t want our parents to be left out. We are looking for parents/guardians who are available to work Sat. mornings over the next two weekends. You’ll meet HOS Michael Ackerman and work from 9 AM to 12 PM attending to some very important projects. Looking for folks with a strong back, positive attitude and some time to give to AHS! Please contact PAC@animashighschool.com with your interest and availability. (we would love some assistance from those of you with pick-ups and trailers) Thanks!
Snow Closure Procedures- please make sure you are familiar with these procedures!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
DECEMBER 9th- REGULAR START
Animas High School will begin at our normal 8:15 AM start time on Dec. 9th, 2009. Please commute safely and we'll see you when you get here!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Animas High School raises spirits and makes friends
Animas High School raises spirits and makes friends
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Bob Yearout looks over essays and artwork by Animas High School students during a fundraiser for the school Wednesday evening at the Strater Hotel. “They’re incredible. It’s college level stuff,” Yearout said of the essays. At right is artwork accompanying an essay entitled “Socialization and Liberation: Blinded By the Light … Or Not,” by AHS student Cori Gianniny.
It's not often - in fact this is the first time in my experience - I receive an invitation quoting Maya Angelou.
That was consistent, however, with the unique approach Animas High School is taking toward education and life.
Every student has a unique learning style and topics that engage his or her enthusiasm. In a school system working with 1,500 students, teachers don't always have time to figure those needs out and meet them.
Enter AHS, the new charter school with a curriculum based on technology and projects. Every student and parent involved with the school is passionate about the new approach, which is a tremendous recommendation in and of itself.
But I also believe that our society needs every student to reach his or her individual level of excellence to be competitive in the world, and for them to live rich and productive lives.
So when I attended the school's “friendraiser" Wednesday at the Strater Hotel, I was delighted to learn more about how the school works. The event was sponsored by Steve Setka and Hollie Dowd.
On display around the room were pieces from the school's first-ever Exhibition, an event that will be held each semester, where students share what they have learned. Projects about self-identity included powerful and beautiful masks accompanied by essays in which students took a thoughtful look at who they are to the world versus who they are inside. There were powerful philosophical statements on stereotypes, dreams and societal influences on how we think about ourselves.
The first assignment for the students - who began the project thinking they are who they are, all on their own - was to watch videos about feral children on YouTube and write an essay. Needless to say, it was an eye-opener.
Students whose masks were on display include Carly Pierson, Bryan Bauer, Dalton Norris, Cori Gianniny, Daniel Fallon-Cyr, Eli Dickinson, Alicia Whiteman, Hannah Quick, Kinjah Monroe and Jenna Brooks.
Graphic novels exploring ancient Greek motifs, such as Jason and the Golden Fleece and Medea, were also exhibited. In addition to some of the above students, Zachary Marqua's and Tucker Leavitt's work was included.
Ian Bowers and Lily Oswald were far more poised than I was as a freshman in high school. They addressed the room full of adults and shared what they like about AHS so far - which is pretty much everything. Bowers said something that is profoundly necessary for becoming a lifelong learner: He has learned to be proactive in his own education; he is learning to use his time valuably; and most powerfully, he thinks the experience is helping him become who he wants to be.
Oswald likes the smallness of the school - only about 75 students right now - and how the projects relate to real life.
Maureen Fallon-Cyr called herself a “very satisfied customer" because the school is teaching her son, Daniel, in the way he learns most naturally - using the Socratic method. He told her one day that because he was being held to a high standard, he was working on the fourth draft of a project, where in the past he would have turned in his first draft and received an 'A' on it. (He eventually did five drafts.) Fallon-Cyr was impressed by one young man at Exhibition who created an electro-magnetic pendulum that didn't work. (He said he could have done it if he had two more weeks - this one could only be on for 20 seconds or it would start a fire.) The idea of showing an attempt and what was learned instead of only focusing on success stories is an important lesson as well.
Dr. Jim Youssef perhaps expressed the way parents felt about the school before it started.
“We vacillated," he said about himself and his wife, former Durango School District 9-R School Board member Melissa Youssef, “because experiments are concerning, especially when it comes to your children."
The couple's son, Nathan, transferred to AHS after spending the first week of school at Durango High School. Youseff said his son told him, “Dad, the work that I'm doing there is relevant."
The budget for the first year of AHS was predicated on having 100 freshmen enrolled this year, and the school fell a little short of the goal, perhaps because of concerns such as the Youssefs had. In Colorado, the money follows the student, and that means there is a shortfall of about $50,000 for the school to finish the year.
Different committed parents have issued one $8,000 matching grant and two $10,000 challenge grants, so the school is more than half way there. (And if parents are willing to put their money into it, that is a terrific endorsement.) If you would like to support the work of the school, send your tax-deductible contributions to Animas High School, P.O. Box 4414, Durango, CO 81302.
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Bob Yearout looks over essays and artwork by Animas High School students during a fundraiser for the school Wednesday evening at the Strater Hotel. “They’re incredible. It’s college level stuff,” Yearout said of the essays. At right is artwork accompanying an essay entitled “Socialization and Liberation: Blinded By the Light … Or Not,” by AHS student Cori Gianniny.
It's not often - in fact this is the first time in my experience - I receive an invitation quoting Maya Angelou.
That was consistent, however, with the unique approach Animas High School is taking toward education and life.
Every student has a unique learning style and topics that engage his or her enthusiasm. In a school system working with 1,500 students, teachers don't always have time to figure those needs out and meet them.
Enter AHS, the new charter school with a curriculum based on technology and projects. Every student and parent involved with the school is passionate about the new approach, which is a tremendous recommendation in and of itself.
But I also believe that our society needs every student to reach his or her individual level of excellence to be competitive in the world, and for them to live rich and productive lives.
So when I attended the school's “friendraiser" Wednesday at the Strater Hotel, I was delighted to learn more about how the school works. The event was sponsored by Steve Setka and Hollie Dowd.
On display around the room were pieces from the school's first-ever Exhibition, an event that will be held each semester, where students share what they have learned. Projects about self-identity included powerful and beautiful masks accompanied by essays in which students took a thoughtful look at who they are to the world versus who they are inside. There were powerful philosophical statements on stereotypes, dreams and societal influences on how we think about ourselves.
The first assignment for the students - who began the project thinking they are who they are, all on their own - was to watch videos about feral children on YouTube and write an essay. Needless to say, it was an eye-opener.
Students whose masks were on display include Carly Pierson, Bryan Bauer, Dalton Norris, Cori Gianniny, Daniel Fallon-Cyr, Eli Dickinson, Alicia Whiteman, Hannah Quick, Kinjah Monroe and Jenna Brooks.
Graphic novels exploring ancient Greek motifs, such as Jason and the Golden Fleece and Medea, were also exhibited. In addition to some of the above students, Zachary Marqua's and Tucker Leavitt's work was included.
Ian Bowers and Lily Oswald were far more poised than I was as a freshman in high school. They addressed the room full of adults and shared what they like about AHS so far - which is pretty much everything. Bowers said something that is profoundly necessary for becoming a lifelong learner: He has learned to be proactive in his own education; he is learning to use his time valuably; and most powerfully, he thinks the experience is helping him become who he wants to be.
Oswald likes the smallness of the school - only about 75 students right now - and how the projects relate to real life.
Maureen Fallon-Cyr called herself a “very satisfied customer" because the school is teaching her son, Daniel, in the way he learns most naturally - using the Socratic method. He told her one day that because he was being held to a high standard, he was working on the fourth draft of a project, where in the past he would have turned in his first draft and received an 'A' on it. (He eventually did five drafts.) Fallon-Cyr was impressed by one young man at Exhibition who created an electro-magnetic pendulum that didn't work. (He said he could have done it if he had two more weeks - this one could only be on for 20 seconds or it would start a fire.) The idea of showing an attempt and what was learned instead of only focusing on success stories is an important lesson as well.
Dr. Jim Youssef perhaps expressed the way parents felt about the school before it started.
“We vacillated," he said about himself and his wife, former Durango School District 9-R School Board member Melissa Youssef, “because experiments are concerning, especially when it comes to your children."
The couple's son, Nathan, transferred to AHS after spending the first week of school at Durango High School. Youseff said his son told him, “Dad, the work that I'm doing there is relevant."
The budget for the first year of AHS was predicated on having 100 freshmen enrolled this year, and the school fell a little short of the goal, perhaps because of concerns such as the Youssefs had. In Colorado, the money follows the student, and that means there is a shortfall of about $50,000 for the school to finish the year.
Different committed parents have issued one $8,000 matching grant and two $10,000 challenge grants, so the school is more than half way there. (And if parents are willing to put their money into it, that is a terrific endorsement.) If you would like to support the work of the school, send your tax-deductible contributions to Animas High School, P.O. Box 4414, Durango, CO 81302.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
AHS Weekly Update- Week of Nov. 3oth
Please excuse the delay in distribution of this week’s email update. It’s been a crazy couple of days as we get ourselves back into school mode and shake off the Thanksgiving recess. Hopefully your holiday and time off was filled with all the joy and blessings of this holiday season.
Exhibition/Retrospect
A huge thank you to all who participated in Animas High School’s Fall Exhibition and Retrospect experiences! The feedback from these events has been stellar and the staff is incredibly pleased with our students’ performance. It’s interesting to note that our ninth graders will participate in seven more Exhibitions before they graduate and based upon this first experience, they have definitely set the bar high for themselves in the future. We excitedly look forward to seeing more beautiful work from the Class of 2013 in semester two.
POLs
POLS (End of the Semester Presentations of Learning) and in-class final exams are coming up the week of Dec. 14th. Stay tuned for more information regarding POLS in next week’s update and make sure
to check-in with your student regarding their finals schedule.
Animas River Clean-Up Day
AHS Sustainable Schools SIG and AHS students will be participating in this weekend’s Animas River Clean- Up Day. Participants will meet at AHS on Saturday, December 5th at noon to head out to the clean up. We are excited to give back to one of Durango’s most important natural resources. Students should wear comfortable clothing and sneakers that can get wet and bring along a water bottle and snack. Any questions concerning this experience can be forwarded to colleen.dunning@animashighschool.com
PAC Meeting
The next meeting of Animas High School’s Parent Advisory Council will be next Monday, Dec. 7th at noon at AHS. We look forward to your participation at this upcoming event. Questions or concerns can be forwarded to PAC@animashighschool.com
Have a fabulous week!
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