Cultivating Character

Cultivating Character- Read it in the NY Times here: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/13/opinion/cultivating-character.html?_r=1&ref=opinion

To the Editor:

Re “The Rediscovery of Character” (column, March 6):

David Brooks’s focus on the late social scientist James Q. Wilson’s character research reminds us that not everything good in life can be incentivized. As a society, if we want to cultivate virtuous citizens who treat one another with respect and who do the right thing even when no one is watching, then bad behavior needs to have consequences, too.

In school, at home and online, we must all hold one another accountable for our actions and provide swift consequences, positive or negative. Aristotle had it right: The only way human beings can develop true character is through constant practice, until the ethical virtue itself becomes habit.

Today, the speed of our information age can blur the steps of young people’s ethical decision-making and yield devastating results before reason even arrives at the party. As a result, their development of an instinct for character has never been more important.

MARK HYATT
President and Chief Executive
Character Education Partnership
Washington, March 6, 2012

AHS Weekly Update- Week of March 19th, 2012

Have you been following our 11th graders during their LINK Internship experiences? Check out their progress on the Juniors’ Digital Portfolios:
http://faculty.animashighschool.com/~rmcknight/purpleseries/purpleseries/digitalportfolios10th.html

Please take a moment to review the following updates:

Upcoming Events
PAC Update
Youth Leadership Opportunities with the City of Durango
AHS Enrollment
Upcoming Student Event at FLC


Upcoming Events

Spanish Exhibition: Wednesday, March 21st from 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at AHS. The public is welcome.

LINK Exhibition: An opportunity to learn about our 11th graders' internship experiences: Friday, March 30 from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at the Durango Discovery Museum. The public is welcome.

Junior College Night: Thursday, April 5 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at AHS. 11th graders and their families are strongly encouraged to attend!

PAC Update

Animas High’s Second Annual Sports Sale-Saturday, April 21st from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club. Donations of sporting equipment are currently being accepted at the school’s Main Office during school hours.


Youth Leadership Opportunities with the City of Durango

The City of Durango’s Youth Engagement Program offers many opportunities for youth to get involved with their city government and their community. Teens who are enrolled in a Durango high school (9th - 12th grade for the 2012-2013 school year) or are a Durango resident and home-schooled are eligible to apply. Applications are currently being accepted for teens to serve on the following City boards:

Mayor’s Youth Advisory Commission – this board is made up of all teens - seven commissioners plus two alternates and makes recommendations to City Council on City matters that affect teens. Also put together the Youth Expo in 2012. Meets twice a month.

Airport Commission - The Durango – La Plata County Airport Commission makes recommendations about airport operations and budgeting. Upcoming projects include an expansion and remodeling of the airportterminal building. Meets the 3rd Thursday at 3:00 p.m. at the Airport.

Business Improvement District - The Business Improvement District makes improvements to the Central Business District (generally, historic downtown and north Main Avenue) and works on special events. Meets the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 3:00 p.m. at the Bank of Colorado, Room 210.

Natural Lands Preservation Advisory Board
The Natural Lands Preservation Advisory Board oversees the acquisition, protection, stewardship and us of the City’s open spaces and natural lands. Meets the 2nd Monday of every month at 6:00 p.m. upstairs at the Library.

Library Advisory Board
The Library Advisory Board makes recommendations on the operation of the Durango Public Library. Meets the 2nd Monday of every other month at 4:30 p.m. at the Library.

Public Art Commission
The Public Art Commission oversees the City’s public art collection and is responsible for planning and installing new art projects in the city. Meets the last Tuesday of every month at 8:00 a.m. at City Hall.

Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
The Parks & Recreation Advisory Board oversees the maintenance, expansion, use and protection of the City’s parks and recreational facilities. Meets the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 5:00 p.m. at the Recreation Center.

Multi-modal Advisory Board
The Multi-modal Advisory Board makes recommendations on the operation of Durango Transit, and other modes of transportation, including bicycles and pedestrians. Meets the last Wed. of every other month at 4:00 p.m. at the Transit Center

Water Commission
The Water Commission discusses issues as they pertain to water supply and storage, purification, conservation, and distribution in the city of Durango. Meets as needed, but generally once a month.

Applications are available on the City’s website at www.durangogov.org/Uth and are due back to the City no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 27, 2012.


AHS Enrollment

Animas High School continues to accept enrollment for the 2012-13 school year. The school is currently enrolling students for a limited number of spots in next year’s 10th and 11th grades (Class of 2014 & 2015). Students seeking admission into next year’s 9th grade class (Class of 2016) are welcome to sign up for the school’s Waiting List. Student Shadow Experiences are available for prospective students on Fridays throughout the month. Shadow space is limited- SIGN UP NOW! Please contact the AHS Main Office at 247-2474 to schedule or with questions.

Upcoming Student Event at FLC

AHS Students are encouraged to attend this upcoming presentation at FLC:

AHS Weekly Update- Week of March 12th, 2012

Please take a moment to review the following updates:

Upcoming AHS Events
PAC Update
AHS Enrollment Continues
2012 Colorado Charter Schools Essay Contest
The Youth Partnership for Health (YPH) Youth Advisory Council


Upcoming AHS Events

Spanish Exhibition

Sophomore and Junior Spanish "Art and Language" Project Exhibition / La Exposición del Trabajo de "Arte y Lengua"

Who? / ¿Quién? - We would love to have friends, family, and interested community members join us for the evening!

What? / ¿Qué? - Animas High School Spanish students (sophomores and juniors) will be exhibiting their art pieces inspired by their Spanish/Latin American mentorartists' styles. In addition to their artwork, students will have their Spanish-language artists' statements and will be prepared to speak EN ESPAÑOL (in Spanish) about the project and their pieces.

Where? / ¿Dónde? - Animas High School (3206 N. Main).

When? / ¿Cuándo? - Wednesday, March 21st, 5:30-7:00pm

Why? / ¿Por qué? - These students have been hard at work creating some amazing art pieces and refining their Spanish skills. Please join us for an excellent evening!

Finalmente: ¿Ud. va a asistir y habla español? -- Por favor, póngase en contacto con Becca (beccakatz.teacher@gmail.com) para aprender de su papel distinto como espectador.


2013 Spring College Night

Parents and students in the Class of 2013 are invited to join the AHS College Counseling Dept. for our spring college night on Thurs. April 5th, 2012 from 5 to 7 at AHS. We look forward to seeing all of our Juniors and their families at this evening event.


PAC Update

There will be a Parent Advisory Committee Meeting on Thursday, March 15th at 6:00 p.m. at AHS. Parents of current and prospective students are welcome to attend.

There will be an All School Cleaning Day on Friday, March 16 from 3:30p.m.-6:00 p.m. Volunteers would be greatly appreciated. Please RSVP to pac@animashighschool.com

Animas High’s Second Annual Sports Sale-Saturday, April 21st from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club
Donations of sporting equipment are currently being accepted at the school’s Main Office during school hours.

Desert Sun Fundraiser

Due to student interest, the school has decided to do a coffee fundraiser this year in partnership with Desert Sun, a local, organic, fair trade coffee roasting company. This campaign will replace our annual Flower Power fundraiser. Information can be found below. Your student will bring home fundraising packets in the next few weeks, and we appreciate your support!

AHS Coffee Fundraiser Logistics


We will sell: French Roast, SW Blend, Decaf

Buyers have the option of getting it ground or whole bean.

Price: $12 per bag

FRESHMEN: March 16-March 23: Freshmen sell; turn in orders on March 23; Deliver Coffee to advisory on March 28

SOPHOMORES: March 23-March 30: Sophomores sell: Turn in orders on March 30 Deliver Coffee to advisory on April 4

JUNIORS: March 30-April 6th: Juniors sell: Turn in orders April 6 Deliver Coffee to advisory on April 18

ALL STUDENTS: April 20-27-All students sell; Turn in orders on April 27; We are hosting a sports sale on Saturday, April 21st, and can sell coffee there as well. Deliver Coffee on May 2nd

Procedure:

1. Students take orders, get name, address, phone, check payable to AHS

2. Students turn in orders on respective date with payment.

3. PAC volunteer reconciles the order and check; AHS makes a check to Desert Sun.

4. PAC volunteer picks up coffee, and distributes it to students the following week during Advisory. For Juniors, it will be distributed the Wednesday after Spring Break.

5. Students deliver coffee to buyers.

PRIZES:

Grade with the most sales gets.............Ice Cream Social

Top Seller in each grade gets…..coffee mug, t shirt, tour of Desert Sun while roasting.

The goal is for each student to sell a minimum of 6 bags of coffee during the 2 weeks they have.


AHS Enrollment Continues

AHS 2012-13 Admissions Lottery Results: http://www.animashighschool.blogspot.com/2012/03/2012-2013-ahs-admissions-lottery.html

Animas High School continues to accept enrollment for the 2012-13 school year. The school is currently enrolling students for a limited number of spots in next year’s 10th and 11th grades (Class of 2014 & 2015). Students seeking admission into next year’s 9th grade class (Class of 2016) are welcome to sign up for the school’s Waiting List.

Thursday Info Night Sessions continue on March 15th from 5 to6:30 at campus.

Student Shadow Experiences are available for prospective students on Fridays throughout the month. Shadow space is limited- SIGN UP NOW! Please contact the AHS Main Office at 247-2474 to schedule or with questions.

2012 Colorado Charter Schools Essay Contest

Win a Scholarship from S&S Worldwide

Deadline: March 30, 2012
Colorado charter school students, it's time to sharpen your pencils (or charge up your laptops) and enter this year's Charter Schools Week Essay Contest. Four lucky winners will receive a scholarship from S&S Worldwide. Deadline for essay submissions is Friday, March 30.

Click here for more information and to download an entry form.

Winners will be honored during the Colorado Charter Schools Rally at the State Capitol on April 19, 2012.



The Youth Partnership for Health (YPH) Youth Advisory Council

The Youth Partnership for Health (YPH) youth advisory council is excited to announce openings for 2012-2013!

We are seeking young people ages 13-19, with diverse life and/or geographic experiences, to participate as consultants on a statewide advisory council. This council is open for ANYONE and EVERYONE to apply. If you answer yes to any of these then this council is for you!

· Are you interested in standing up for the health and well-being of ALL young people in Colorado? APPLY
· Do you want to learn how to effectively get your voice heard? APPLY
· Are you a teen parent? APPLY
· Do you live far away from Denver? APPLY
· Have you had experiences with substance use, diversion or detention? APPLY
· Have you lived in group homes or foster care? APPLY
· Do you have any special health concerns? APPLY
· Do you identify as LGBTQ? APPLY
· Have you and/or your peers ever experienced oppression or marginalization? APPLY

This council was started in 2000 and continues to be supported by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Youth consultants on this council, provide feedback and recommendations to state, and community partners who are working to positively impacting the lives of Colorado's youth. (i.e. YOU!)
Participation in this council will provide opportunities for you to develop leadership skills, increase your knowledge of various health topics and engage in meaningful ways to have your unique voices heard.

Membership Facts:
· YOU GET TO BE THE EXPERT!
· A place where your opinions and ideas are listened to
· Consultants are paid $10/hour + reimbursement for transportation to meetings
· The council meets one Saturday per month for 5 hours (most likely in Denver)
· Provides opportunities to meet other youth from around the state
· Offers creative ways to learn about youth health and the factors that can effect it

If interested, or if you know other young people whose voices need to be heard, please fill out the attached application (There is only ONE question and you get to answer it in any CREATIVE way you see fit!) and send it to Audra Bishop (contact info below…fax, scan/email, or go “old school” and send through the mail). Please contact me with any questions at 303-691-4936.The applications can also be found at healthyyouthcolorado.org

Audra Bishop, M.A., CACIII
Youth Health and Development Specialist
Prevention Services Division 
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver CO 80246-1530
303-691-4936 | audra.bishop@state.co.us

YOUTH EXPO TONIGHT!

AHS Weekly Update- Week of March 5th, 2012

AHS 9th and 10th graders are participating in TCAP state testing all week. The 11th graders complete their final full week of classes before leaving for their LINK internships http://www.wix.com/ahslink/ahslink#

With so much happening at campus, please take a moment to review the following updates:

Durango Youth Expo
PAC Update
Spanish Exhibition
AHS Enrollment Continues
2012 CLCS Essay Contest



Durango Youth Expo

The City of Durango’s Mayor’s Youth Advisory Commission, in partnership with the Durango Discovery Museum, are proud to offer the first-ever Youth Expo on March 6th from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Discovery Museum. The Youth Expo is an all-in-one forum that allows teenagers to learn about all of the local options for high school, activities, clubs, volunteer opportunities, jobs, internships, and resources available to local teens. For more information about the event, or to find out how to be an exhibitor, please visit the website at www.durangogov.org, or contact us at 375-5005 or by email at Uth@durangogov.org.

PAC Update

There will be a Parent Advisory Committee Meeting on Thursday, March 15th at 6:00 p.m. at AHS. Parents of current and prospective students are welcome to attend.

There will be an All School Cleaning Day on Friday, March 16 from 3:30p.m.-6:00 p.m. Volunteers would be greatly appreciated. Please RSVP to pac@animashighschool.com

Animas High’s Second Annual Sports Sale-Saturday, April 21st from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club
Donations of sporting equipment are currently being accepted at the school’s Main Office during school hours.

Spanish Exhibition

Sophomore and Junior Spanish "Art and Language" Project Exhibition / La Exposición del Trabajo de "Arte y Lengua"

Who? / ¿Quién? - We would love to have friends, family, and interested community members join us for the evening!

What? / ¿Qué? - Animas High School Spanish students (sophomores and juniors) will be exhibiting their art pieces inspired by their Spanish/Latin American mentor artists' styles. In addition to their artwork, students will have their Spanish-language artists' statements and will be prepared to speak EN ESPAÑOL (in Spanish) about the project and their pieces.

Where? / ¿Dónde? - Animas High School (3206 N. Main).

When? / ¿Cuándo? - Wednesday, March 21st, 5:30-7:00pm

Why? / ¿Por qué? - These students have been hard at work creating some amazing art pieces and refining their Spanish skills. Please join us for an excellent evening!

Finalmente: ¿Ud. va a asistir y habla español? -- Por favor, póngase en contacto con Becca (beccakatz.teacher@gmail.com) para aprender de su papel distinto como espectador.


AHS Enrollment Continues

AHS 2012-13 Admissions Lottery Results: http://www.animashighschool.blogspot.com/2012/03/2012-2013-ahs-admissions-lottery.html

Animas High School continues to accept enrollment for the 2012-13 school year. The school is currently enrolling students for a limited number of spots in next year’s 10th and 11th grades (Class of 2014 & 2015). Students seeking admission into next year’s 9th grade class (Class of 2016) are welcome to sign up for the school’s Waiting List.

Thursday Info Night Sessions continue on March 15th from 5 to6:30 at campus.

Student Shadow Experiences are available for prospective students on Fridays throughout the month. Shadow space is limited- SIGN UP NOW! Please contact the AHS Main Office at 247-2474 to schedule or with questions.


2012 Colorado Charter Schools Essay Contest

Win a Scholarship from S&S Worldwide

Deadline: March 30, 2012
Colorado charter school students, it's time to sharpen your pencils (or charge up your laptops) and enter this year's Charter Schools Week Essay Contest. Four lucky winners will receive a scholarship from S&S Worldwide. Deadline for essay submissions is Friday, March 30.

Click https://www.coloradoleague.org/charterweek/essaycontest.php more information and to download an entry form.

Winners will be honored during the Colorado Charter Schools Rally at the State Capitol on April 19, 2012.

2012-2013 AHS Admissions Lottery

Today, Animas High School conducted an admissions lottery to seat the Class of 2016.

Numbers were assigned and distributed via email to all lottery entrants. Results from the lottery are posted below:

Lottery Number Order

1 L201601
2 L201606
3 L201607
4 L201616
5 L201617
6 L201620
7 L201622
8 L201625
9 L201631

10 L201632
11 L201634
12 L201637
13 L201640
14 L201642
15 L201646
16 L201647
17 L201650
18 L201653
19 L201656

20 L201657
21 L201658
22 L201664
23 L201665
24 L201666
25 L201668
26 L201669
27 L201672
28 L201675
29 L201677

30 L201678
31 L201682
32 L201686
33 L201688
34 L201689
35 L201697
36 201609
37 201611
38 201614
39 201604

40 201661
41 201696
42 201667
43 201629
44 201655
45 201670
46 201633
47 201699
48 201615
49 201624

50 201605
51 201683
52 201695
53 201621
54 201649
55 201641
56 201636
57 201673
58 201691
59 201648

60 201674
61 201612
62 201659
63 201627
64 201692
65 201638
66 201690
67 201687
68 201684
69 201602

70 201613
71 201623
72 201610
73 201652
74 201643
75 201694
76 201645
77 201608
78 201644
79 201619

80 201654
81 201626

Waiting List

1 201618
2 201680
3 201693
4 201681
5 201639
6 201679
7 201660
8 201698
9 201630

10 201663
11 201671
12 201635
13 201651
14 201628
15 201685
16 201603
17 201676