AHS Weekly Update- Week of Feb 22, 2010

Who’s ready for spring? I hope this update finds everyone safely shoveled out and ready for the big week ahead! Please review the following updates below:

Cancelations/Rescheduled AHS Events
Spirit Week
Model United Nations
Exhibition
Spring Sports

Cancelations/Rescheduled AHS Events

I wanted to thank everyone for their flexibility and support in dealing with recent cancelations at AHS. Please note that the school will always defer to the safest and most conservative course of action when making decisions related to the weather. Although it was disappointing to have to cancel Friday evening’s dance, knowing no one would be heading home on icy roads in a blizzard late at night was the most responsible track to take. Parents and students also chose not to drive from Durango to Salt Lake City over the weekend to participate in the SCUBA SIGs field certification experience; again a smart and safe decision.
We have re-scheduled our dance for Friday April 2nd at the Durango Rec Center. SCUBA’s Open Water Certification field experience will be re-scheduled and make-up dates announced as soon as details are finalized with Splash Down. If you or your student ever has questions or concerns regarding cancelations/ closures due to inclement weather, I encourage you to contact me directly. I can be reached at 970-AHS-AHS4 or via email, michael@animashighschool.com

Spirit Week

This week is Spirit Week here at AHS. Students and staff will be participating in the following:

Monday- Pajama Day
Tuesday- Athletic Jersey/Hat Day
Wednesday- 80’s Day/Crazy Hair Day
Thursday- Twin Day (or triplet, quad, etc…)
Friday- Superhero Day

Model United Nations

An all day MUN simulation will take place at AHS on Monday, March 1st, 2010. Our students have spent a large portion of second semester in Humanities classes getting ready for this experience. We are expecting amazing performances from all our students and they continue to impress us with their global perspectives.
Want to see the action for yourself? Guests are welcome to join us for any or all parts of Monday’s simulation. Observers/guests should plan on attending Monday morning’s session from 8:45 to 10:15 AM, with the afternoon’s session running from 12:45 to 2:45 PM. Students will be on hand to help guests/observers find their way to seating galleries and answer any questions they may have. This event is open to all. Hope to see you Monday!

Exhibition

Didn’t get to see enough student action on Monday? Join us for Animas High School’s second exhibition event of the 2009-2010 school year. Students will be exhibiting their work from our Math and Digitial Media programs. Exhibition starts promptly at 5 p.m. with students exhibiting through 6:30 p.m. The building will close at 7:30 p.m. sharp. Don’t miss the event that everyone’s sure to be talking about! AHS will also be hosting a third exhibition later on in semester two on May 6th. Parents, please note that students must be in PROFESSIONAL DRESS at Exhibition.

Spring Sports

Attention Spring Athletes:

On Monday, March 1st there will be a mandatory meeting for all Durango High School spring athletes, parents, and coaches in the main gym. The general session will begin at 7:00 p.m. and the specific sports sessions will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the following locations:
· Baseball- Gym
· Track - Gym 2
· Girls Golf - Room 2010
· Boys Lacrosse - Room 2014
· Girls Lacrosse - Room 2016
· Girls Soccer – Library
· Boys Swimming - Room 2020
· Girls Tennis - Room 2022.

If you attended the Fall or Winter Sports Meeting, you DO NOT have to attend the General Session, but MUST attend the specific sport session beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the above locations.

Durango Herald Article on Bayfield School District's "Growing pains"

Board in Bayfield eyes school future
Rapid growth and overcrowding a problem nowby Patrick YoungHerald Staff Writer
Article Last Updated; Monday, February 22, 2010 12:00AM


Growing pains at the primary school are forcing the Bayfield School District to consider building a new school or moving students back into the old middle school building.
No matter what option is chosen, the price tag will be high. Renovating the old middle school would cost about $600,000. A state assessment recommended spending $6 million to rebuild the entire campus.

Superintendent Dean Hill said a renovation might not be sufficient.
“If growth continues as is, (renovation) would not be adequate in five years," he said.
Bayfield has a primary school, elementary school, middle and high school. Total enrollment at the schools reached 1,384 during the 2009-10 school year - a 29 percent increase since 2000, said Amy Lyons, the district's director of finance.

At a discussion on Presidents Day regarding the district's Master Facilities Plan and future enrollment projections, board members debated ways to gauge future enrollment, including an idea to gather hospital data on the number of Bayfield babies born.
“I guess it comes down to how much we're going to accept the premise that we're going to continue to grow the way we've grown," said board member Don Mooney.
Though overcrowding threatens to become a districtwide issue, the board spent much of the meeting discussing its options to ease overcrowding at the primary school, which houses the district's kindergarten and first-grade students.
Already past its capacity, the campus has scrambled by adding two modular buildings, giving the school four additional classrooms.

The modulars cost $200,000 each and have eased overcrowding, but they have done nothing to address the need for more cafeteria and gym space, board members said.
The district has the option to move students into the old middle school building, currently occupied by a nondistrict preschool, although the building would require renovation to fix, among other things, a leaking roof.

The other option weighed by the board was construction of a new school, which would cost millions. The deciding factor, other than cost, seems to be how much the district expects enrollment to increase during the coming years.
If enrollment were to slow or decline, a renovation of the existing middle school building might be a sustainable option.

If enrollment numbers were to grow substantially or even continue at the current rate, any renovations done could be rendered obsolete within a matter of years.

Whatever course of action the district decides to take, state funds could be available to offset some of the cost.The Building Excellent Schools Today program, or BEST, was created by the Colorado General Assembly and provides school districts financial assistance for school renovation or new school construction. In a year when the state is cutting its funding for education, alternative sources of capital are especially important for the district.Timing is a factor for the district to apply for BEST funding, as funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis “If we're going to apply for BEST, we need to know as much as we can yesterday," said School Board President Barbara Wickman.

Older schools with health or safety issues are given priority under the BEST program.
Though the board was not aware of any current health or safety issues associated with the old middle school building, the leaking roof was cause for concern.
Multiple board members speculated that mold could become a problem at the school if the leak is not fixed but acknowledged there is no evidence this actually has taken place.
pyoung@durangoherald.com Patrick Young is an intern at The Durango Herald.

AHS Weekly Update- Week of February 15th

Good Morning,

I hope everyone enjoyed the President’s Day Holiday. As we get closer to this semester’s first Exhibition event on March 3rd, things are really picking up at AHS. Below, please find updates related to:

School Dance
Enrollment Events
Spring Break- Schedule Clarification
CO Charter Schools- Parent Day

School Dance

This is a reminder that we will have the Winter School Dance on Friday, February 19th from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at the Durango Rec Center. There will be teachers present to chaperone, but we would welcome additional parent chaperones. Please respond to PAC@animashighschool.com if you are able to help chaperone.

We would also welcome parents to help decorate by coming early at 5:00 p.m.

Finally, we will be serving dinner for our students (a taco bar). We would like parents to donate dessert items by sending them with their student to school on Friday, February 19th.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact PAC at PAC@animashighschool.com.

Enrollment Events

Enrollment at AHS continues to gain momentum! We had to schedule a whole new set of Shadow Days and Info Nights to meet overwhelming interest and demand. This week, Animas High School will be hosting an Information Night on Thursday, February 18th from 6 to 8 pm at the AHS campus. Eighth grade students continue to sign up for our personalized shadow experiences. The next Shadow Day at AHS will be this Friday, February 19th from 8 AM to 12:30 PM. Please call AHS-AHS4 with any and all questions related to enrollment. Thanks for helping spread the word about AHS!

Spring Break- Schedule Clarification

To clarify, Animas High School’s Spring Break is from March 8th through March 12th, 2010. (The same week as 9-R’s) Following that week, AHS students also have from March 15th through March 19th off. In future years, students will participate in a mandatory project week following spring break. I mislabeled the first version of the school calendar and I am still receiving questions regarding which week “students have off.” The answer- Students have both weeks off this year! A new, properly labeled calendar will be uploaded to our website ASAP! Thanks for your understanding and please email me with any scheduling questions or concerns.

CO Charter Schools- Parent Day

Free Parent Day at the Colorado Charter Schools Conference - February 25
The Colorado League of Charter Schools is excited to offer parents a FREE, full-day admission to the 16th annual Colorado Charter Schools Conference! (cost of lunch and parking not included)
Thursday, February 25 8:00am-5:30pm Sheraton Denver Hotel, Downtown Denver
Parents can Join Us for the Full Day -- or for a portion of the day. Whatever is most convenient for them.

This is a great opportunity for parents from across the state to network with their peers, learn how to advocate for their school, improve public opinion about charters, and understand how getting more involved in their school can help their children succeed.

Please contact Stacy Rivera at the League at 303-989-5356, ext. 112. With your questions.

Demand in charter schools forces lotteries, long waiting lists - The Denver Post

An excellent article from the Denver Post this past weekend:

Demand in charter schools forces lotteries, long waiting lists - The Denver Post

Parent Opportunity- Please Join Us!

Free Parent Day at the Colorado Charter Schools Conference

The Colorado League of Charter Schools is excited to offer parents a FREE, full-day admission to the 16th Annual Colorado Charter School Conference! Cost of Lunch Not Included.
Thursday, February 25, 2010 Sheraton Denver Hotel, Downtown Denver 1550 Court Place, Denver, CO 80202 More Info: www.coloradoleague.org/charterconference

Confirmed Speakers include: Senator Josh Penry John Carson, President, Douglas County School District Board of Education Mary Seawell, At-Large Member/Treasurer, Denver Public Schools Board of Education Karin Piper, Author of Charter Schools: The Ultimate Handbook for Parents
Join Us for the Full Day -- or for a portion of the day. Whatever is most convenient for you!

Agenda:
8:00-9:00AM - Registration and Breakfast (no cost)- featuring Senator Josh Penry

9:00-11:30AM - Visit to the State Capitol (no cost) Meet your school's elected officials and educate them about the importance of charter schools and school choice (we will set up the meeting and provide all the talking points).

12:00-1:45PM - Networking Luncheon (cost of lunch $35) Hear from education policy and movement leaders while networking with hundreds of charter school parents, leaders, and other supporters.

2:00-5:30PM - Breakout Sessions Designed for Parents (no cost) Confirmed Speakers: Karin Piper, Author of Charter Schools:The Ultimate Handbook for Parents, John Carson, President of the Douglas County School District Board of Education, and Mary Seawell, At-Large Member/Treasurer, Denver Public Schools Board of Education Hear from other charter school parents and elected officials about important topics such as: -Finding your unique path to getting more involved in your child's education. -How parental involvement can shape quality public school options. -Clearing up public misperceptions about charter schools. -Making your voice heard with elected officials about charter schools and school choice.

5:30-7:00PM - Special Legislative Reception (no cost / cash bar available) Network with hundreds of charter school supporters from across the state at a special legislative reception. Colorado Gubernatorial Candidates have been invited to speak. The event's honorary co-chairs are Senators Chris Romer and Nancy Spence, and Representatives Karen Middleton and Amy Stephens. The reception's hosts are Merlin Holmes and Van Schoales of the League's Board of Directors and Governmental Affairs Committee.

Visit http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102963471571&s=0&e=001NPfB8jgkzmJ2xB4FOZcZS0GeHG2pnadlqXqk3wPtG2HmzqZb12BXOmC68iAgum1UNVH1r79um_RqWPDpEfiwndcepKYOzgMUx5N1n8WLH2HLdV9B6WP6yXUvHjSKsxSrYeODi3z4b_k= for more information about the Colorado Charter Schools Conference or email conference@coloradoleague.org.

Durango Herald- Letter to the Editor 2-9-10

'Community' includes more than DHS
Article Last Updated; Tuesday, February 09, 2010 12:00AM

We want to make a slight correction to the letter by Lynn Brown (Herald, Feb. 3) regarding Durango High School as our “community school of choice." The term community includes everyone, and DHS is not the only high school in town.

Although we are happy for her that she is pleased with DHS, it is one of several choices for students in the Durango area, including home schooling, Big Picture High School and Animas High School. Just like religion and politics, there is no “one-size-fits-all" for education. Each of these options offers something different, allowing students to participate in an educational experience that maximizes their potential.

DHS is but one of those options, and calling it the “community school of choice" is inaccurate. It traditionally has been the community school by default, not by choice.

As parents, it is our responsibility to ensure our children have the best chance for success and receive a quality education, just as it is for Brown. We would encourage any parent with a student entering high school to become informed about all the available options. Classroom time is spent at the middle schools informing students about DHS and Big Picture. Unfortunately, Animas High School has not been allowed to participate in that process, so students and parents must educate themselves.

We attended an AHS information session recently and were thoroughly impressed with its curriculum and passion. It may not be for every child, but it is worth becoming an informed parent instead of letting the district decide what is best for your child.

We are very fortunate to be a “community of choices." Let's give our kids all the information to make the right choice based on their individuality - and support them as a community with the choice they make.

Randy and Kathy Black, Durango



A Copy of Mrs. Brown's LTE can be found below: (I've taken the liberty of highlighting language that we all now seem to be using...."a rising tide lifts all boats"

DHS our community school of choice
Article Last Updated; Wednesday, February 03, 2010 12:34AM

I am so proud to live in a community that provides our young people with such an outstanding high school. The Jan. 25 open house for incoming ninth-graders at Durango High School was informative and inspiring for a new parent with valid concerns.

Touring the foreign language department with teachers dressed in native clothing, discussing the wide range of math options with excited teachers, touring the video-production lab, multifitness gym, woodworking, welding, band and culinary arts kitchen, along with classrooms that offer a variety of rigorous study was reassuring for a parent with a child starting their high school career.

Academically challenging, hands-on, open-door, community involvement and diversity are just a few of the phrases that sum up Durango High School.

I have a son who will graduate this spring from DHS, and he is more than prepared to face the academic and social or emotional challenges he will face in college and the world of work. The diversity of students at DHS has allowed him to adapt to unique environments and work and live with others who have different goals and ambitions. The diversity of class offerings has helped him with college options and career choices.

Thanks to the superb teachers and administrators at DHS, many young people will have experienced project-based classes ranging from mathematics and physics to welding, woodworking, culinary arts, yoga and multi-fitness; the choices are endless.
Durango High School is our community school of choice, one that has so much to offer to so many.

To the faculty and staff of DHS, who always have poured their heart and soul into every young individual in our community, thank you! You have and will continue to make a lasting difference in the young people of Durango.

Lynn Brown, Durango

AHS Weekly Update- Week of February 8th, 2010

I hope this email finds everyone well and shoveled out from this weekend’s snow events. Please review the following AHS updates:

Enrollment Events/Info Nights Continue
New Staffing
School Dance
Hair Tinsel Fundraiser
President’s Day

Enrollment Events/Info Nights Continue

Animas high School will be hosting another evening info session from 6 to 7:30 this evening. Please share this opportunity with students and families you know that may be interested in AHS. Our presentations and student shadow days have proved remarkably successful and interest and enrollment for next year is strong! Thanks for helping us spread the word!

New Staffing

Animas High School is excited to welcome two new instructors to our team. Tony Corona has joined our team to teach our Digital Editing and Movie Making programs. Ruben Balaguer has replaced John Sheedy as our Spanish teacher. Their presence and contributions have been immediately felt and we are excited to add their talents and abilities to our already fantastic group of educators. Look for more on these gentlemen in an upcoming HOS Update newsletter.

School Dance

Animas High School is sponsoring a dance at the Durango Rec. Center on February 19th from 6 to 9 PM. The students are encouraged to bring guests that are in high school and under 18 years old. Students MUST sign their guests up with AHS administration prior to the 19th. Students that arrive with guests that have not been cleared by the Student Services Director will not be allowed entrance. Once students depart the venue, they will not be re-admitted to the dance hall! The dance will feature a professional DJ, taco and snack bar and some secret activities that are sure to leave us all smiling. Parents who may want to assist in planning, set-up and execution of this event are encouraged to contact PAC@animashighschool.com

Hair Tinsel Fundraiser

Hair Tinsel Fundraisers continue at the Durango Mall. We’ll be selling the last few water bottles and spreading the AHS message at this upcoming event. No one could have anticipated how popular an initiative hair tinseling would become. So after repeated requests for more sparkle, AHS, PAC and our students have decided to provide two more opportunities to have your head colorfully adorned.

Students will be tinseling at the high school’s dance on the 19th and follow up that experience with a table at the Durango Mall on February 20th. There will be a training for parents and students to learn how to do the tinseling on February 10 at 4:00 at AHS. We would love your help with any or all of these events. Please contact PAC@animashighschool.com

President’s Day

No School this upcoming Monday, Feb. 15th due to the President’s Day Holiday.

Fortl Lewis Alumni Profile- AHS Digital Arts Teacher Roxy McKnight

Art alumna Roxy McKnight (’08) loves the challenge of ‘building while we sail’ at new charter high school

By the time Roxy McKnight (’08) reached her senior year at Anthony Wayne High School in the small town of Whitehouse, Ohio, she was already set on where she’d attend college—and had visited nearly a dozen times. “My great aunt and uncle live in Durango, and I grew up visiting them every summer from the time I was 8 years old,” says Roxy, whose Uncle Al Mages was the director of Physical Plant Services at Fort Lewis. “I felt inspired out here, and fell in love with the features and the landscape. I knew I’d go to college at Fort Lewis.”

A longtime artist, Roxy quickly declared her major as Art and selected a minor in Psychology. “Being a teacher was always something I thought about,” says Roxy, who taught at the Campbell Child and Family Center on campus for three years. “I liked the idea of helping kids, of working closely with them. I really relate to young people.”

Having attended a Montessori elementary school, Roxy admits that although she knew she wanted to teach, she never pictured herself at a traditional school. After a class with Dr. Richard Fulton, Associate Professor of Teacher Education, Roxy was inspired to take the road less traveled. “Dr. Fulton started an alternative school in Cortez, and I remember thinking, ‘Wow. I want to do that.’”

So when an opportunity arose at the not-yet-opened Animas High School, a charter school with a unique project-based curriculum, it seemed that it was meant to be. Roxy had graduated from Fort Lewis in May 2008 and was substitute teaching in Durango while looking for a permanent position in the Four Corners area. She heard about Animas from a student, and learned that the school needed a digital arts teacher. Lucky for Roxy, AHS’s head of school had heard great things about her from community parents. She was hired within a month—over several applicants with PhDs.

Animas High opened in August 2009 with 76 freshman and seven teachers. Beginning in March, the school will accept students for the class of 2014, and possibly a small group of sophomores to add to the inaugural class.

As the digital art teacher, Roxy is thrilled with the school’s commitment to project-based learning.” Art is a really hands-on, project-based subject, so this is the perfect place for me,” Roxy says. “One of the things I really loved about Fort Lewis was the freedom to explore. I try to bring that same philosophy to my classroom now.”

Being on the ground floor of Animas High’s launch is both challenging and exciting, Roxy says. “Our director always says that we’re building while we sail! When I was looking for a position, I wanted a place where I’d feel safe to learn…somewhere I wouldn’t feel the pressure of a school that had been the same way forever,” she says, adding that the community’s overwhelmingly positive response has been wonderful. “I think everyone is surprised by what we’ve done so far. It feels like so many people want to be a part of it.”

Another job perk? Location. Admittedly, Roxy loves that she gets to stay in Durango, the place she’s loved for so many years. “I came here because I loved the idea of looking out my window at the mountains,” she says. “But I stayed because of the amazing Fort Lewis professors…and the town and the nice people. This job—it just fell into my lap, but it couldn’t be a more perfect fit.”

Enrollment Events Continue This February at AHS!

Thanks to everyone who lent a hand and participated in this year’s Snowdown Light Parade with Animas High School. Our 60 foot float and a collection of almost thirty students, faculty and AHS families had a grand time dancing to Beach Boy tunes, handing out candy to the crowd and participating in Friday evening’s festivities. A special thank you to Julie Harrison for heading up this year’s efforts….We couldn’t have pulled off such a fantastic experience without Julie’s leadership, bottomless positivity and her spacious home garage! This marked the second year in a row that AHS has participated in the light parade and we look forward to a monstrous good time next year!

In this week’s update, please find:

PAC Meeting
NWEA Testing Continues
AHS is College Prep!

PAC Meeting

Monday, February 1st at 12:00 PM at AHS is the next PAC meeting. Thanks to all the parents and families that continue to share feedback with the school and participate in monthly PAC meetings. PAC will distribute meeting minutes to all later this week. All questions and concerns can be forwarded to pac@animashighschool.com

NWEA Testing Continues

In response to student feedback, we have continued NWEA testing into this week. The students expressed a desire to spread our NWEA testing out over more days so that they are fresh and sharp for each day’s testing. Although faculty are focused on “getting the testing done” so as not to lose valuable time in our core classes, we also thought the students had a valuable point. We will continue with remaining testing in the afternoons this week. This will allow us to stay on track in the mornings and not overwhelm our students with entire days devoted to standardized testing. Great feedback students-Way to advocate for yourselves!

CSAPs are in March and this round of NWEA data should give AHS a clear idea as to how our students will perform on the state’s exam.

AHS is College Prep!

A new year, a new website, some new resources! I wanted to bring to your attention our new website and a very important link found there: http://www.animashighschool.com/OurParents/collegePrep.php

Here you’ll find a resource that outlines how an Animas High School education meets basic college prerequisites and also provides parents with some “Commonly Asked Questions” related to AHS’s College Prep Program. Please note that all of our students are immersed in a rigorous academic program that has been designed to prepare them for a wide array of post secondary options. Also, AHS has actively sought guidance and direction from college and university admissions departments in designing our curriculum and scholastic expectations.

We are confident that successful graduates from Animas High School will have every opportunity students attending a more traditional high school will have. We are excited to share this information with you and we welcome any questions or concerns you may have. Please familiarize yourself with this document and forward any thoughts you may have related to your student’s college readiness to our attention!