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Planning, informational session Monday at Durango High School

Students can glean ideas about curricular, extracurricular activities
At the 2015 Durango High School Expo, students and parents learn about all the clubs and activities available at the school. The 2016 Expo will be held Monday.

High school can be daunting, with access to myriad activities, more freedom and higher academic expectations.

So whether a student is already in high school or an eighth-grader preparing to move up from middle school, Durango High School is offering an Expo on Monday to help students make the most of their high school experience.

The Expo will include information about both curricular and extracurricular activities.

Staff will be available to talk about courses offered, including Advanced Placement and honors courses, and parents and students can meet with counselors and tour the school to visit academic subject areas, career and technical education areas and the fine and performing arts wing. Clubs and activities will be presented, and people will be on hand to talk about Advancement Via Individual Determination and the School-Based Health Center. The Title VII Native American support coordinator will also be on hand.

Those are just some of the possibilities. So how do students make the choices that will enhance their time in school?

“It’s important for students to find something they connect with,” DHS Principal Leanne Garcia said, “a club or activity that’s helpful to connect to the school, helpful to connect to a peer group, to support and foster their passion. Choose one or two things and experience them deeply.”

Many students, in an effort to show a broad range of experiences for a college application can overextend themselves, she said. She’s concerned that it’s a community issue, with pressure on students to do what other students are doing.

“Most colleges want a student who has developed a passion and explored it in multiple ways,” Garcia said.

The additional freedom means that students are responsible for organizing their own time, a skill they will need for the rest of their lives. Garcia recommends that students use the Infinite Campus Portal to manage when assignments are due and set a schedule that includes time specifically designated for schoolwork and time built in for themselves.

“It’s important to keep up to date and not get too far behind, because then you find yourself doing a lot of catch up,” she said. “Develop relationships with teachers, and be proactive in communicating with them.”

There is so much available, even students already in high school would benefit from attending the Expo, she said.

abutler@durangoherald.com

If you go

The Durango High School Expo will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at the high school, 2390 Main Ave. In addition to displays by clubs and activities, information about curriculum and a chance to tour the building, the school will also offer several informational meetings about specific topics:

5 p.m. Exceptional Students Services for students who are supported by Individualized Education Programs.

5:30 p.m. Grade level counseling meetings.

6 p.m. Gifted & Talented programs and TRiO programs for low-income individuals, first-generation college students and students with disabilities.

6:30 p.m. Grade-level counseling meetings.



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