Weekly Updates
Important Reminder
Winter Break will be December 22nd - January 2nd. School will resume as usual on Monday, January 5th.
Spirit Week December 15th-19th!
Each year our PAC (Principal Advisory Committee) organizes a Spirit Week for AVE students for the week before Winter Break! They decided on the following themes for each day:
- Monday 12/15 - Ugly Sweater Day
- Tuesday 12/16 - Wacky Socks
- Wednesday 12/17 - Winter Hat/Holiday Headwear
- Thursday 12/18 - Grinch vs. Santa (what team are you?)
- Friday 12/19 - PJ's and Stuffies
Student ID's
Students that ride the bus are required to have their student ID (bus badge). Please help ensure your child has their ID when they are riding the bus. If they have lost their ID you can contact the front office, and we will get another one ordered for them.
Notice for AT&T Cell Phone Users
If you have an AT&T cell phone, please add 970-375-3910 to your list of known contacts.
The caller ID for calls coming from our school (Animas Valley Elementary & Shared School) will temporarily display either Animas Valley Elementary or the temporary phone number 970-375-3910.
Please answer calls from this number as it is a school number trying to reach you. We are working to fix the permanent number issue, but this will allow us to reach you in the meantime.
AVE Hoodies and Beanies
We have you covered as the weather begins to change! Reach out to our PTO to purchase AVE Hoodies and beanies. Use the email
[email protected].
A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words
Follow our Facebook page to see posts of all things AVE! We can no longer share images through our Husky Howler, so check out our social media channel to "see" what is happening within our school family.
Communication with Students
The office receives a report listing all students registered to attend The Club at AVE and Game Time each day. These students receive a note from the office reminding them of their after-school plan. Please call the office before 1:00 pm on Mondays and 2:00 pm all other days if there are any changes to student after-school plans.
After-School Care
After school registration for January is now open for The Club @ AVE! Your child must be registered for specific dates on Active in order to attend After School Club.
Here is the link for Active.
AVE Husky Family
Our Family and Friends Board, in our main hallway, creates a link between home family and school family. Please send in or email a picture of your family to add to our board. Contact Ms. Teresa at this email:
[email protected]
Health Office Updates
Cold and Flu Season
Cold and flu season is among us. Please be sure to remind students to be washing their hands regularly and review this Colorado Department of Public Health
informational link about how sick is too sick and when to stay home. If you test positive for Covid, please follow the information under the influenza section. Wearing a mask through day 10 is great, but it's not required.
Manna Food Bags
Thanks to our district's Manna Food Bags Program, food bags can go home with students every Friday. If you would like more information about this program or need food support for your family, please contact Donald Archuleta at (970)247-0124 or email him at
[email protected]. If you are currently receiving Manna Food Bags, please encourage your student(s) to take home their bag on Friday, and remember to return empty bags to your child's teacher or the school office so bags can be restocked.
Counseling Corner
Hello Husky Families,
I love the holidays for the lights, the food, the songs, and the time off. ;) ... but I also dread the holidays for the stress, the financial burden, and some of the family dynamics. As I was saying to my group of 4th graders this morning who have divided families due to divorce or other family changes, there are two sides to every coin. If your family is one where there is separation, estrangement, bereavement, or conflict, the holidays can be a pretty stressful time, and you are not alone. Seek comfort in those who love and support you, and don't hesitate to reach out for professional help to get through tough times.
Children can receive six free counseling sessions through iMatter, a Colorado service that was created during covid and is available to any child, anytime. Here is the
link for the iMatter website. Adults can also call 988 for urgent mental health needs, or some employers (such as the school district) offer free EAP benefits. It is just so common and normal to feel two seemingly opposing things at the holidays that no one should feel alone in this. We are all in this together.
Warmly,
Anna Donovan, MA, LPC
phone number: (970)247-0124 ext. 3421
Student Opportunities
3rd-6th Grade Girls Basketball Holiday Clinic
Durango High School varsity basketball coaches and players are putting on a basketball clinic Saturday, January 3rd from 9:00am - 12:30pm. Girls in grades 3rd-6th are invited to participate. Proceeds will benefit DHS girls basketball. The clinic participation fee of $40 will include a t-shirt and snack/gatorade. Pay with cash or check (made out to Durango High School Girls Basketball) the morning of the clinic. Enter at the front doors of DHS. We can't wait to work with your kids! We will limit participation to forty players to ensure the best experience for all, so register soon to reserve your spot! This is a great opportunity to work on skills and get in the swing of basketball before rec season begins. Here is the
link to register or email
[email protected] with questions.
Powerhouse Programs at AVE!!
Join Powerhouse education staff for a FREE After-School science enrichment program sponsored and funded by the Durango School District. The program is open to 1st* - 5th grades, and students must register online to attend. *Kindergartners are welcome to attend with an older sibling.
Where: Animas Valley Elementary Library
Time: Wednesdays, 2:30-4:00 PM
Dates:
- Session 2 Jurassic World 1/7, 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4
Animas Booster Club Updates
Happy holidays to our entire Husky Family! We'll see you in 2026!
Upcoming Meeting
Please join the Animas Booster Club at our next meeting on Monday, January 12th at 8:00am (after the Monday Morning Meeting) in Room 1.
City Market Community Rewards
