AHS earth systems class places at event
Alexander Hostiuck, teacher of advanced physics and earth systems at Animas High School, announces his earth systems class participated in the Siemens Corp. “We Can Change the World Challenge” where the class was a national finalist and won third place.
The class conducted original scientific research involving mine-waste remediation. The team earned a $10,000 scholarship, a $1,000 grant for the school and additional prizes. Students in the class include Elizabeth Marie Ellis, Jess Kroes and Allison Kuhns.
The purpose of the experiment was to integrate physical, chemical and biological parameters to test the effectiveness of combine biochar (carbonized biomass) with the use of an all-natural aspen wood erosion-control product to promote slope stability and the revegetation of coal mine waste. The class was able to successfully revegetate coal mine waste under simulated slope conditions using biochar as a soil amendment and erosion control matting.
Animas High School announces events
Animas High School announces these events:
Registration for the 2014-15 school year continues. Students interested in attending AHS can email Maureen Truax at maureen.truax@animashighschool.com or call 247-2474, ext. 2307.
Prospective students can shadow AHS students by making a reservation. To make a reservation or schedule a tour, call 247-2474 or email mainoffice@animashighschool.com.
The ninth- and 10th-grade final exhibition will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday in the school’s commons.
The Senior Art Show will be held from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Thursday at the Pine River Valley Bank. Seniors will exhibit their art work from this year’s independent art study class.
The 11th- and 12th-grade final exhibition will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. May 14 in the commons.
Educational Fair to be held today
The Durango Educational Fair will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the La Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Ave.
Participants will learn about programs, features and distinguishing characteristics from more than 20 schools in the area, including: Animas High School, Animas Valley Elementary, Big Picture High School, Children’s House of Durango, Columbine Christian School, Durango Adult Education Center, Durango High School, Durango Montessori, Escalante Middle School, Florida Mesa Elementary, Fort Lewis College, Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary School, The Liberty School, Miller Middle School, Mountain Middle School, Needham Elementary, Park Elementary, Riverview Elementary, Southwest Colorado Community College, Southwest Colorado eSchool, St. Columba School, Shared School and Sunnyside Elementary.
Italian language class to be offered
A “Beginning Italian Language” series will be held at 5:30 p.m. May 6, 13, 20 and 27 at Guido’s Favorite Foods, 1201 Main Ave.
The class includes four lessons of two hours each. A new series will take place June 3, 10, 17 and 24. The cost is $125 per person and includes wine and snacks.
For more information, call 799-0733.
9-R district finances to be discussed today
The Durango Education Foundation invites the community to a “Coffee & Conversation” about Community Action for Education (CAFÉ) at 9 a.m. today at the Common Grounds Café at Durango Public Library, 1900 East Third Ave.
The topic of discussion will be the current funding 9-R needs and how budget considerations affect education offerings, with long-term repercussions for local businesses and the community.
Coffee, tea and pastries will be served by 9-R students who operate the café.
For more information, visit www.DurangoEducationFoundation.org, email 9RFoundation@gmail.com or call 385-1491.
Learning center announces classes
The Pine River Community Learning Center will offer these classes:
“Introduction to the Techniques of Fly Fishing” will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. May 7 at the center in Bayfield, 54 Mill St. Participants also will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. May 8 in Eagle Park in Bayfield to learn how to cast and fish. The cost is $25. Registration is needed by 3 p.m. Tuesday.
“Grilling Foods 101” will be held from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. May 9 at the center in Ignacio, 535 Candelaria Heights. The price is $25. Registration is need by 3 p.m. May 8.
“Raised Bed Gardening” will be discussed from 1:30 to 3 p.m. May 14 at the center in Ignacio, 535 Candelaria Heights. The cost is $25. Registration is needed by 3 p.m. May 13.
“Introduction to Basic Internet Safety” will take place from 3:30 to 5 p.m. May 20 at the center in Ignacio, 535 Candelaria Heights. The price is $25. Registration is needed by 3 p.m. May 19.
“Smoking Foods 101” will be held from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. May 23 at the center in Ignacio, 535 Candelaria Heights. The cost is $25. Registration is needed by 3 p.m. May 22.
“Realistic Horse Care” will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. May 28 at the center in Ignacio, 535 Candelaria Heights. Participants will learn about shoeing a horse, vitamins and food, pasture and stall costs, exercising needs and more. The price is $25. Registration is needed by 3 p.m. May 27.
For more information or to register, call 563-0861.
Christian school announces events
Columbine Christian School, 1775 Florida Road, announces these events:
The school would like to thank everyone who supported the 12th annual River Cleanup. It was a great success because of the efforts of many. Thank you to our students, faculty, parents and corporate sponsors.
The school will participate in the Durango Educational Fair from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the La Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Ave.
“The Night of the Notables” will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. today at the school.
For more information, call 259-1189 or visit www.columbinechristian.com.
Early Childhood Council to host training seminar
The Early Childhood Council of La Plata County will host a Touchpoints Individual Level Training three-day seminar from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 13, 20 and 27.
The seminar is for professionals who work with young children and families. Touchpoints is a practical approach for enhancing the competence of parents and building strong family-child relationships from before birth through the earliest years to lay the foundation for children’s healthy development.
The cost is $55 per participant. The registration deadline is May 22.
To register, email Kimberly Brinton at kimberlyb@ecclaplata.org, call 247-0760, ext. 0, or visit www.ecclaplata.org
Riverhouse to host fundraiser May 10
Riverhouse Children’s Center will hold its fifth annual Cheers for Children Fundraiser to raise money for early childhood education from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 10 at the Glacier Club, north of Durango.
All proceeds will directly benefit Riverhouse Children’s Center. Tickets are $45 per person or $80 per couple. The evening will include tastings of wines, appetizers, live music and a silent auction.
Items in the silent auction will include an autographed Bruce Springsteen guitar, Zipline Durango passes, art by Mariah Kaminsky, a summer dessert and wine party for eight at Eolus and more.
Tickets for the event may be purchased online, in person at Riverhouse Children’s Center, 742 Florida Road or by calling 247-0204.
Donations may be made online or mailed to Riverhouse Children’s Center, 742 Florida, Durango, CO 81301. A monetary contribution made to Riverhouse may be eligible for a 50 percent child care tax credit.
For more information, visit www.cheersforchildrendurango.com.
The Liberty School announces events
The Liberty School, 215 E. 12th St., will host these events:
A shark dissection will take place at 2 p.m. Monday. Elementary school-age students and parents are welcome.
A visitors day will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. May 15.
For more information, call 385-4834, email thelibertyschool@live.com or visit www.thelibertyschool.org.
Field trip to show how to care for dairy goats
The Fort Lewis College Continuing Education Program will offer a “Goat Kids, Cheese & Milk” field trip hosted by Jim Graham and Margaret Stone of J & M Dairy from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 17.
Participants will learn the basics of proper feeding, sheltering and care of dairy goats and kids; the importance of sanitary conditions required for milking; and more. Participants will receive samples of the milk, butter and yogurt. The cost is $34 per person. Advance registration is required.
To register, call 247-7385 or visit www.fortlewis.edu/ContinuingEd.
Track and field day scheduled at Escalante
The eighth annual Bowker Special Track and Field Day will take place at 10 a.m. today at Escalante Middle School.
Students from around the region come for a day of track and field events accessible for all students.
Billy Bowker is a retired Durango School District 9-R physical education teacher.
Durango school board to meet May 20
The Durango School District 9-R School Board will meet at 5:30 p.m. May 20 in the board room at the administration building, 201 E. 12th St.
Sunnyside Elementary School will be the school highlight.
9-R food department accepting beef bids
Krista Garand, supervisor of student nutrition for Durango School District 9-R, is accepting beef bids for the 2014-15 Farm to School Program.
To access the application, visit http://durangoschools.org.
Eighth-grade boys to meet May 8
Durango School District 9-R will introduce the inaugural “Keys to High School Success ... And Beyond!” conference for eighth-grade boys who are about to transition to high school from 9 a.m to 2:30 p.m. May 8 at Durango High School.
The boys will explore topics around healthy relationships, positive self-image and advocacy.
Through workshops, the students will gain skills in these areas. Volunteers are needed to help with the conference.
For more information, email info@durango.k12.co.us.
Miller Middle School to host poetry slam
Miller Middle School will present its annual Poetry Slam from 5 to 6 p.m. May 7 in the school cafeteria.
The theme will be “Let It Go.” The public is invited.
For more information, call 247-1418.
Park Elementary to host Cinco de Mayo Carnival
Park Elementary School Parent and Teacher Organization will host a Cinco de Mayo Carnival from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the school.
There will be carnival games, a bounce house, silent auction, food from Zia Taqueria, a homemade salsa contest and more.
Riverview Elementary to plant trees today
Riverview Elementary School will plant trees today.
Participants will move soil and mulch, and volunteers are asked to bring work gloves, rakes, shovels, wagons and wheelbarrows.
People also can help support the planting by purchasing a “Plant a Rainbow” bracelet from Riverview Elementary’s nurse Paula Schaub for $1.
Florida Mesa to introduce new principal
Florida Mesa Elementary School will host a meet-and-greet with its new principal, Vanessa Fisher, from 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday at the school.
Fisher will take over as principal at Florida Mesa for the 2014-15 school year.
Escalante to host open house for fifth-graders
Escalante Middle School invites fifth-grade students and families to attend its open house from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday.
The event will provide the opportunity for incoming sixth-grade students and families to learn about Escalante – Durango’s expeditionary learning middle school.
Participants will meet the principal, counselors and teachers, and they will learn about the characteristics that make Escalante a unique school.
For more information, email Sharee Erickson at serickson@durango.k12.co.us.
FLC commencement to be held Saturday
John Chisholm, a member of the Fort Lewis College Athletic Hall of Fame, will deliver the commencement address at FLC’s commencement ceremonies Saturday.
Two ceremonies will be held: the first beginning at 8:30 a.m. and the second at 11:30 a.m. in Whalen Gym.
Chisholm played quarterback for the FLC Football team from 1972-75. During his senior year, he earned National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Academic All-America honors and was a NAIA All-America honorable mention. That same year, he was named a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Honor Scholar-Athlete and earned a spot on the Academic All-RMAC squad.
He is currently the chairman of the board, chief executive officer and president of Flotek Industries, a company that produces equipment for the energy industry.
For more information, visit www.fortlewis.edu/graduation.
Herald Staff
