Aspen High School

Student and Family Weekly Update

January 15th

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Dear Students & Families,

Congratulations to all of our students; they are working hard on their finals and finishing the semester strong. Since we are on the cusp of Martin Luther King day, it is worth noting some of his words on education: "Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education." Finals week is a great reminder of the work ethic, drive, and integrity our students demonstrate on a daily basis, in addition to the academic skills upon which they are assessed. We are proud of our students, both for their academics and their character! To that end, our students have been bringing in donations for families in LA and we are all holding those impacted by the fires in our hearts.

No School Monday, January 20th! Click here to view next week's class schedule.

IB Spotlight

In the IB Analysis and Approaches Higher Level course, students are currently immersed in their Internal Assessments, producing exceptional work that deeply explores how mathematics intersects with their personal interests. Their projects range from analyzing the math behind various sports (including hockey, tennis, volleyball, basketball, and skiing) to exploring fractals in art, using mathematics to strategize in poker and chess, and even proposing mathematical solutions to environmental issues.

Morgan Phillips and Lindsay Waldeck are showcasing how mathematics can not only deepen understanding of their favorite activities but also offer valuable insights into real-world phenomena.

Morgan Phillips is channeling her passion for ski racing into a mathematical exploration of how the rankings of male slalom World Cup athletes evolve over the course of the season, particularly in comparison to the rankings of male Giant Slalom (GS) athletes.

Lindsay Waldeck is applying her love of volleyball to investigate the physics behind her volleyball serve, focusing on the mathematical concepts of average velocity and acceleration.

IB MYP 10th Grade Personal Project

Now that students have returned from break, they will reflect on their products and their process as they write Criterion C of their report. They are required to submit their report no later than January 16th. END OF DAY TOMORROW!!
Please click on the link to see a quick video reminding you how to submit your final personal project report. How To Submit Your Final Report
The 10th-graders' hard work will be celebrated on February 12th when students present their projects and products at a Community Showcase in the Skier Dome.

Skier Spotlight

Congratulations! Eleanor Carroll on a superb performance this past weekend with the Colorado All-State Choir at the Buell Theatre in Denver. She was selected by a rigorous audition process in October. Students participated in a 3-day rehearsal process, culminating with a formal concert with a guest conductor. All-State Choir is the highest honor for a student vocalist in the state of Colorado. Brava, Eleanor!

Collecting Donations for the Victims of the CA Fires

As we all know Los Angeles is going through a devastating time right now. Families and businesses have lost their whole lives due to the rapidly growing wildfires. As they are in our hearts more than ever right now, Pathfinder's goal is to provide relief in this terrible time. We will be setting up a donation box right by the front office. Please consider donating gently used clothes or games. We will be sending these items to different shelters and relief centers all around California. On behalf of Pathfinders, thank you for all of your help. We will be taking donations through Tuesday.

Parent Community Event!

Parent Community Event!

Are you new to the AHS community? Are you looking for a way to meet other parents? Are you a long time AHS parent who wants to meet new families? Please join Cori Berger (11th grade parent) and Susan Espinoza (9th grade parent) Monday, Jan 27 for a High School community hike up Smuggler just after drop off at 8:15 am.

From Post-Secondary Counseling

SENIORS:

Local Scholarship applications are now open. Students and parents should refer to the Local Scholarship webpage for more information including the timeline, scholarship descriptions, and application links as well as to schedule a “Local Scholarship Help Session” with Susanne.

2025/26 FAFSA application is open. Seniors hoping to receive need-based financial aid should submit as soon as possible. Click here for FAFSA and Financial Aid Tips.

Haven’t applied yet? It’s not too late! There are many colleges and universities that are still accepting applications. Schedule a meeting with Karen Hawkes (A-K) or Brennan Dignan (L-M) so that we can support you.

Trade and Technical Schools, Apprenticeships, and Certificate Programs. Of course, not every student will be pursuing a traditional four-year degree. If this is the case for you, please schedule an Individual Meeting with Karen Hawkes (A-K) or Brennan Dignan (L-M) so that we can start putting together a plan based on your interests.

JUNIORS:

All juniors are encouraged to schedule an Individual Meeting with their Post-Secondary Counselor. Students with last names beginning A-K will work with Karen Hawkes, L-Z with Brennan Dignan. Parents are welcome (but not required) to join the meeting either in person or virtually. Please note, meetings may not be scheduled during class time, but rather during SET, lunch or a free period. Before the 1st Individual Meeting, both students and parents are asked to complete short intake surveys. Intake for Students|Intake for Parents.

SOPHOMORES:

All sophomores will complete the Indigo Career Interest Survey during SET on January 30th. This survey helps students identify potential pathways for life after high school and can serve as a starting point for conversations with Post-Secondary Counseling.

College Outreach Summer Opportunities Virtual Seminar, Wed, January 22, 7:00 p.m

Host Families Needed!

Sister Cities is in need of two more host families for students visiting from Chamonix. If you are willing to host a Chamonix student, Feb 9-18, please reach out to Jane Larsen jlarsen@aspenk12.net

Semester 2 Schedules

Students will be able to view their S2 on PowerSchool
Students may meet with Josh & Kearstin next week during finals to make changes
All students must attend their assigned classes January 21st & 22nd.
Students may meet with counselors January 23rd-28th to make any schedule changes.
Last day to DROP/ADD is Tuesday, January 28th

Virtual Parent Coffee

Join us January 24th for the next Virtual Parent Coffee with Sarah Strassburger.

The meeting will be recorded, and posted to our website, for those who cannot join.

https://meet.google.com/bed-vnim-jqo?hs=122&authuser=0

Project Graduation, Class of 2025!

Project Graduation Fundraising Links

The tradition of Project Graduation began in 1989 to provide a safe and fun experience on the evening of graduation. This event is only possible with your help.

Project Graduation is largely funded by the senior class parents. As always, our objective is to keep this a free event for our seniors. To do this, we need to raise $44,000. Our goal is for 100% participation and support from our senior class parents. No donation of money or time is too small or too big. We thank you in advance for your donations and know our students will also be extremely appreciative, when they arrive at the ARC on May 31st.

You can donate online: https://www.successfund.com/AHS2025projectgraduation

You may also donate by logging into your AHS E-funds account or bring a check, payable to Aspen High School Project Graduation, to the High School front office. Checks can also be mailed to: Aspen High School Project Graduation, 0235 High School Road, Aspen, CO 81611.

If you would like more information about specific underwriting opportunities or would like to join one of our planning committees, please email aspenprojectgraduation@aspenk12.net.

Safe2Tell Update

Please use Safe2Tell to anonymously report any concerns! These reports go directly to law enforcement and school administration. Please be sure to say on the report so that the intake operator can ask more questions; there is no way for any of this information to be traced back to you!

Please Click Here to Learn More About AEF!!

Community Youth Party, January 18th!

Sarah Strassburger

Principal, Aspen High School

School Phone #: (970) 315-3516

Email: sstrassburger@aspenk12.net
Website: https://ahs.aspenk12.net/en-US
Location: 235 High School Road, Aspen, CO, USA
Aspen School District Main Phone #: (970) 925-3760
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AspenHighSchool