AHS Weekly Update- Week of December 3rd, 2012

Please take a moment to review the following updates:

Get Down and Grinchy!

Testing & Assessment Update

AHS Student Ambassadors

Shred for AHS

POWER LUNCHES CONTINUE

Upcoming Events

Get Down and Grinchy!

AHS STAC wants you to know that it’s too hot to be chill!

The first Animas High School dance of this school year is happening in two weeks! The event theme is WINTER so wear whatever connects you to/reminds you of winter!

Tickets are $10.00 and AHS students and Guests will purchase tickets at the door! AHS students are allowed to bring one guest per person, the guests have to be High Schoolers and have a current school ID!

Drinks and food will be provided. Event will take place from 7 pm to 10 pm.

GET DOWN & GRINCHY EVENT PAGEHTTP://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/EVENTS/112588935572994/

CONTACT US ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STAC2012 OR ON OUR WEBSITE UNDERWWW.AHSSTAC.WEEBLY.COM

Testing & Assessment Update

Results of Fall NWEA MAP testing:  For a breakdown of how AHS students scored compared to US Norms, go to:  http://testinganimashigh.blogspot.com/ 

Also, if you would like to see your student's NWEA MAP scores, please email your request to kristi.good@animashighschool.com and an individual student score report can be emailed to you.

AHS Student Ambassadors

Who’s Going to Be the Face of AHS this Year?

Student Ambassadors are the face of our school during second semester at Animas High. In addition to their responsibilities at SLCs, POLs and Exhibitions, AHS Student Ambassadors are selected to represent our school at all outreach, service and public information events. Ambassadors are chosen by the AHS faculty and include students who embody Animas High’s commitment to academic, cultural and community excellence.

In 2013 AHS Student Ambassadors will participate in campus centered outreach efforts as well as community based presentations, serviceopportunities and youth events. Serving as an Animas High Student Ambassador is an honor bestowed to a limited number of students. Students must re-apply each year and faculty select appointment to the program based upon a student’s application and prior performance in semester one of the 2012-13 school year.

Applications for this year’s Student Ambassador program are available now in the AHS Main Office or online at: https://docs.google.com/open?id=0Bx3AAN9dCF3DOGNCRW1RRm5nWHM

Shred for AHS

Durango Mountain Resort received 32 applications for this year’s 4 Local Ski Benefit Days and we’re excited to announce that Animas High School has been selected as one of this year’s winners! This is an amazing opportunity for our community to hit the slopes in support of AHS! Save thedate and look for more details to come in future weekly updates.

Locals Day- Benefits Animas High School

Date:  February 10, 2013 (Sunday)

Tickets:  $40 Adults, $32 Students/Seniors, $25 Child

* Must present a Locals Day coupon to get discounted tickets

Coupons available:  AHS website, AHS Quill, coupon with Constant Contact, Durango Telegraph, Durango Herald

DMR has also decided to include both Animas High School and Mountain Middle School in their Ski For Schools Day. What’s better than one day on the slopes for your school? TWO!

2013 SKI FOR SCHOOLS DAY- Benefits DRO Schools

Date:  January 21st, 2012

Tickets: available through 1/18 at 5 p.m. $35, available at City Market, Albertsons, and Nature’s Oasis; not available at Durango Mountain Resort!

POWER LUNCHES CONTINUE

DR. BILL PLESTED:

“WHAT IN THE WORLD SHALL I DO?”

Who: Dr. Bill Plested spent 3 years as a surgery section chief at the Wadsworth VA Hospital in LA before he entered the private practice of cardiovascular surgery in Santa Monica, CA.Elected to the presidency of the Los Angeles Medical Association, the California Medical Association, and the American Medical Association, he has been a staunch advocate for both patients and physicians. Throughout his career, he has argued that medical decisions should be made by patients andtheir physicians without interference from government policy.

When: Wednesday, December 5th

Where: 12:35- 1:10 in Matt’s Humanities Room

What: Dr. Bill Plested will discuss how to approach making thechoice of a career in our changing world including personal consideration, marketplace considerations, costs, and commitment to preparation.  Join us for food and conversation!

Questions: Contact Rachael Sands at 259-3013.

Upcoming Events

The next Parent Advisory Committee meeting will be on Monday, December 10 at noon at Durango Doughworks, 2653 Main Avenue.

Corridos: Historia por Música: Within just one musical form, the "corrido", one can hear tales of heroes and bandits, natural disasters, love, war, drug smuggling, betrayal, horse chases, oppression, workers rights, immigration and much more. Junior Spanish students will be reading their own original corridos (*En Español) and displaying their research on an important event/person in Mexican-American relations. Please join us on Monday, December 10th from 6:30-8pm in the Durango Recreation Center for this evening of history, music, and Spanish!

Spanish 1 Exhibition- Cuentos Infantiles:

Nacido NO en los Estados Unidos – Born NOT  in the USA

Have you ever wondered what your life would be like if you were born or raised somewhere else?  In another country?  If you had different parents?  If you grew up speaking a different language? Living in a different socio-economic class?  

The sophomore class will be presenting their cuentos infantiles-children’s stories in which they wrote from the perspective of a teenager growing up in a Spanish speaking country about what life would be like if they had been born in another country.  

The Spanish 1 sophomore class will be reading their stories to children at Needham Elementary from 4:00pm – 5:00pm on Tuesday, December 11^th and at Park Elementary from 4:00pm to 5:00pm on Wednesday, December 12^th.   This will be a split exhibition in which half the sophomores will present on Tuesday and the other half will present on Wednesday.   

 There will be a Mock Trial on Supreme Court Case Korematsu v. U.S. (1944) on Thursday, December 13th from 8:15-12:45 at the La Plata County Courthouse 1060 E. Second Avenue Exhibition Description: The juniors will be bringing to life a Supreme Court case that pertained to Japanese Internment camps during WWII. The essential question we have been studying throughout this project is "How should the U.S. government balance individual liberties with national security during wartime?"  For the trial, students will assume the roles of judges, lawyers and witnesses as they seek to determine whether or not Fred Korematsu is guilty of violating the Civilian Exclusion Order, which removed 120,000 Japanese Americans from the west coast and into internment camps.  Our student judges will also decide whether or not Executive Order 9066 was constitutional. 

12^th Grade Economics and Government Students will conduct a Mock Senate Simulation on December 13^th, 2012 from 5 pm to 8:30 pm. The simulation will take place downstairs in Noble Hall at Fort Lewis College. Please join 12^th grade students as they participate in an experience that requires them to have mastered the complex working of the US Senate. 

There will be a Staff and Teacher Appreciation Luncheon on Friday, December 21st from 11:30-1:00 at Animas High School.  Volunteers who are interested in bringing food or helping with the event should contact pac@animashighschool.com.

Animas High School

AHS main #- 970-AHS-AHS4

www.animashighschool.com

www.animashighschool.blogspot.com

www.facebook.com/AnimasHighSchool

 

Animas High School Values:

 

• Rigorous academics, where all students are prepared for college success
• Culture of excellence, where students are held to high expectations
• Strong faculty-student relationships, where students are well known  
• Engaging learning, where students see the relevance of their education

 

OSPREY WEEK 2013

OSPREY WEEK 2013

After taking 2012 to refine animas high school's annual project week, we're excited to share with our community AHS's 2013 Osprey Week Offerings (May 13th -17th, 2013) osprey week options have been designed with student interest and affordability in mind. there will be a limited number of osprey week stipends available to students through an application process that will open in January 2013. Here's what's in store for this year's projects:

Trail Bounce                                                                                                             Instructor: Jessica McCallum

Don't you just love our fine city's most excellent network of trails?  We will spend the week bouncing around on friendly city mountain trails, having picnics in the woods, catching haiku in our nets, and appreciating the beauty of Spring.  To express our gratitude for Durango's wonderful trail infrastructure, we will donate a day of worthy toil to the trail maintenance effort.  This experience will cost nothing but sack lunches, sunscreen, and some physical energy.  Walt Whitman is coming with us, too!

Cost: Free

Osprey Outreach                                                                                          Instructor: Rachael Sands

Students will have the opportunity to engage in volunteer work at various local non-profits in Durango including Trails 2000, La Plata Humane Society, and Manna Soup Kitchen.  This is a fantastic way to make a positive difference in the place we live as well as an opportunity to build your college resume.  We will document our adventures through photography and film.  Be Connected….Be the Change...Be of Service

Cost: Free

Jumbotron                                                                                                     Instructor: Dusty Grannis

Work with our tech specialist, Dusty to create a Jumbotron using recycled monitors. This portable multi-screen monster will be the front of AHS's displays both home and away. Learn skills in both hardware and software.

Cost: Free      

Hook & Bullet                                                                                              Instructor: Colleen Dunning

This 5-day experience will focus on hunting and fishing.  We will work with the Colorado Division of Wildlife and local outfitters to learn about introductory archery, fisheries, fly-fishing, hunter safety, and navigation & survival skills.  This experience will involve significant time outdoors and will require you to purchase a fishing license.

Cost: $50

Change through Art                                                                                     Instructor: Sara Price

Do you enjoy being crafty and giving back to the world? Join me for a week of making trendy DIY craft art to sell. We will then donate all the proceeds to an organization that is working to create change in the world.  Some examples of what we will be making are: doily lamps, funky home products, bike part furniture, or anything you see on Pinterest that interests you! The week will start with a journey to the thrift store to purchase any inspirational materials. Then, as a group, we will research different organizations that are working to create change and choose one that we will donate to. During the week we will also set up a gallery at a local coffee shop so that we can sell our art. The cost of this Osprey Week adventure is $50, which will cover materials (So start collecting funky junk and saving your money).

Cost: $50

Build Your Own Computer                                                                         Instructor: Effi O'Neal

Students will learn how computers are built.  They will then build a computer.  In the middle of the week students will learn about local area networks (LANs).  We will set up a local area network and play some competitive video games.  On Friday we will have a video game competition using the LAN we create.  The winner of the LAN competition will win the computer we build.  Students will need to bring their own lunch to school daily.

Cost: $50

           

Gardening – Farming – Wild Foods                                                           Instructor: Lauren Lucky

4 full days spent working in one of the community gardens around Durango. One full day spent on a local farm, digging, planting, building… etc. One afternoon will be spent with Katrina Blair from Turtle Lake refuge on a wild food / plant hunt. Bring your own lunch for 4 days (we’ll take a lunch break at the gardens). One day we will eat with and visit Cocina Linda at her Local Food Café to learn about her mission of supporting the local food economy.

Cost: $50 

Mending Is Better Than Ending!                                                               Instructor: Lori Fisher

Have you ever wanted to create your own garments?  Now you can!  In this class we will be learning the basics of sewing.  By the end of the week, you will know the basics of reading and choosing a pattern, selecting fabric, cutting, and constructing clothing from a pattern.  You’ll learn how to use a sewing machine without sewing your fingers together, and will walk out of the class with a custom made piece of clothing.  This is a great basic class that will give you the foundation you need to begin crafting your own clothing. 

Cost: $50

Creative Arts and Constructive Hearts… and Hands on the Trails      Instructor: Cathy Eagen         

Creative Arts in the AM and Constructive Hearts & Hands on the Trail in the PM.   Mornings:  We will visit the Fused Glass shop downtown 3 mornings where shop owner and glass artist  will teach us three glass fusing techniques.  After learning the techniques, participants will be able to create beautiful fused glass creations using these techniques.  Back at school participants will also make stepping-stones creating smooth mosaic designs in a cement stone.  Afternoons:  We will work with Mary Monroe and her crew of Trails 2000 to get dirty in the dirt and do maintenance work at local Durango trails, giving back to the community a few hours of our time with our helping hands.     

Cost: $50-$75

The Science of Delicious                                                                            Instructor: Steve Smith

If you are interested in cooking, interested in science or you just like to eat this Osprey week is for you.  Each day we will learn to prepare several types of food and simultaneously learn some of the science behind food preparation.  We will also explore how odors, textures and attitudes can influence taste.  Possible activities include making bread, cheese, soda, ice cream and flavor infused gelatin balls.  We will also visit local restaurants and food producers to learn about how they do it. This course will be contingent based on the number of students who sign up.

Cost: $60

Peaks, Trails, and a Campfire                                                                    Instructor: Dave Heerschap

Let’s get out into the woods and enjoy the spectacular scenery that surrounds us in Durango!  This osprey week option will tour the local trails and peaks and will take place during the standard hours of the school day from Monday to Wednesday and will include camping out on Thursday night with a return on Friday.  Each day will have a goal and a theme.  We may work on orienteering skills, biological identification, bag some peaks, learn about local geology and archaeology or just go out in search of moose or raptors!  Be prepared to see terrain, flora, and fauna that you’ve never seen before!  Participants should be physically fit, have broken-in hiking shoes and a backpack, raingear, camping gear and be ready to earn our views!  We will overnight on Thursday at a location TBA. 

Cost: $70

Short/Documentary Film Creation                                                                       Instructor: Nick Manning

Come and be creative to your heart’s content! We will spend the week creating a 5-10 minute short film on the subject of your choice. Start with an idea, write a treatment/storyboard, master interviewing and cinematography techniques, and then put it all together through the editing process. As a final note, submit your film to festivals around the country with withoutabox.com. The sky’s the limit as you explore the versatile and powerful medium of film while interjecting your own passion and interests. We will be using the technology available at AHS and bringing in film experts while keeping the subjects as local as possible!

Cost: $75

4 Corners Skateparks                                                                                  Instructor: Matt Hughes

Join us for an exploration of the many quality skateparks in the 4 corners region.  Each day we will get to skate a different regional park, returning to Durango every evening.  All abilities encouraged to participate.  Skateboards and helmets required. 

Cost: $75-$100

                       

Paddle Boarding                                                                                           Instructor: Roxy McKnight

Spend five days exploring the art of paddle boarding.  Start out by spending two days on the lake learning all the tricks and techniques.  Then we will upgrade to our one and only Animas River by Wednesday.  We will paddle upstream to our desired location, eat lunch, and return by simply floating back.  Thursday and Friday will be spent by starting North of town, and ending up back at Animas High School by the end of the day.  Extra time in am and pm will be spent watching Paddle Board Races and Films related to Rafting, Kayaking, or Paddle boarding in rivers or the ocean.  Come see for yourself why this new sport is spreading like spilled milk :) This course will be contingent based on the number of students who sign up.

Cost: $100 - $200

Road Trip to Higher Learning                                                                    Instructor: Jennifer Snead

Are you considering applying to one of the top schools in Colorado? Are you curious what type of school is right for you? Do you want to attend a private, public, small, large, liberal arts school, or science/ technology school? Well this trip will answer all of your questions. During the week we will visit University of Denver, Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado State University and Colorado College. During each college visit, we will get a private college tour, get a taste of the college food, and enjoy the local activities. The cost of the trip includes travel, all meals and all lodging. The goal at each college is to get a true feel of the campus and the surrounding area. Due to a college grant procured by AHS this trip is a steal for any student interested in a college in Colorado! Priority for this trip will be given to Juniors and Sophomores.

Cost: $150

River Rats                                                                                                      Instructor: Dave Haffeman

Learn about the Animas River while learning an exciting new sport!   We will also be learning about the ecology, politics, and importance of the Animas River to our community.  We will partner with 4 Corners River Sports to train you in the fundamentals of kayaking. "Learn and become comfortable with fundamental kayak skills and maneuvers. This level of class starts with wet-exits in our pool, and then advances to the lake and finally the river. We begin on flat moving water and progress to class I/II whitewater, working on paddle strokes, edging, bracing, eddy-turns, peel-outs, and ferries." -description from 4 Corners website.                 

Cost: $225

Art in the City                                                                                              Instructor: Roxy McKnight

11 of you Durango art deprived students will take off on an adventure to Denver to look at and discuss works of art that will never be available to us down here in our mountain town.  We will go over logistics Monday and make sure everyone is on the same page.  We will leave first thing Tuesday Morning, hike for about an HOUR during our drive, and arrive in Denver to check into our hotel and all eat dinner together.  Wednesday we will visit the Denver Art museum and look at traditional art displays.  Thursday will be spent at the contemporary art museum looking at newer installations.  Friday will be spent driving back looking at and discussing everything we saw on our trip.  There will be a required hike on the way back as well.  This course will be contingent based on the number of students who sign up.

Cost: $250 - $350

White Rim Mountain Biking & Camping Adventure!                            Instructor: Becca Katz

We will spend 1 day preparing and then 4 days riding mountain bikes and camping out on the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park. The 103-mile trip is non-technical but will require decent fitness levels to complete a few challenging climbs and potentially long days. This trip will be supported by Rim Tours out of Moab, Utah. They will provide: a vehicle, driver and insurance for the experience. Every other component of the trip, including: menu planning, cooking, gear, camp set up, bike maintenance, and transport to and from the White Rim is up to us. This will be an awesome adventure to see a beautiful part of canyon country while enjoying the amazing fun of riding mountain bikes and camping out! Additional $160 to rent a full-suspension mountain bike for 4 days if you do not own a bike. Pre-requisite: basic mountain biking proficiency.

Cost: $250

Rock Climbing in Durango!                                                           Instructor: Cara Kropp & Steve Smith

Come climb outside at your local climbing crags. We will rage East Animas, X-Rock, Fume Wall and Cascade Canyon. This week will focus on rock climbing techniques, top-roping, belaying, repelling and rescue. Students will have 2 AMGA certified rock guides accompanying them all day long. Students will have a gentle progressive curriculum based on individual needs. If you really want to dig deep into an extreme sport come join us!

Cost: $295

Shreddin' the Gnar Backcountry Style                                                     Instructor: Ashley Carruth

"The purpose of this course is to provide students with a sound decision making framework and fundamental skill set for the planning and execution of travel to alpine ski objectives in winter environments.  Students should expect to plan for and actively engage in a wide variety of terrain objectives.  The course is intended for beginning background skiers with no previous experience in wilderness mountain skiing BUT a Level 1 Avalanche course is required as a prerequisite for this course.  Additionally, students should be able to ski/board any black diamond rated run at a ski resort and be in good physical shape.   Students will get to play a role in trip planning and route selection after gaining skills in terrain selection, snow stability and avalanche awareness, and backcountry navigation. We will be partnering with San Juan Mountain guides as we head up into the San Juan Mountains around Silverton and Molas Pass to ski/board.  We will culminate the week with an overnight hut or camping trip. Beacons, shovels and probes will be provided for all students."             

Cost: $450