WEEKLY UPDATES
Important Reminders
- Don't forget to check Lost and Found in the front hallway for your missing items! Any remaining items will be donated starting at the beginning of April.
- Popcorn and Spirit Day! - April 3rd
CMAS Testing Window
Our CMAS (Colorado Measures of Academic Success) state assessments are approaching. Testing will occur for 3rd-5th graders starting the week of April 6th and will run through April 25th. Due to limited testing time, it is very important for your student to be at school during the testing window. More information to come regarding state testing.
Lost and Found Fashion Show
Our lost and found is overflowing, and we need your help! On Monday, March 30, during our Monday Morning Meeting, we will be hosting a fun and helpful Lost and Found Fashion Show! This will give everyone a chance to get a good look at items that may belong to them.
We encourage you to:
- Attend the Morning Meeting if you're able.
- Talk with your child about any items they may be missing (jackets, water bottles, lunch boxes, etc.).
Please note: All unclaimed items will be donated to Goodwill immediately after the fashion show.
Thank you for your help in keeping our school organized!
AVE 2025/2026 Yearbook On Sale!
AVE 25/26 Yearbooks are now on sale! Time is running out; the purchasing window closes May 1st! Purchase today for $17 to see your student's yearbook at the end of May. Visit
https://www.mjthomasphoto.com/yearbook-orders/ and enter the code
animasyb26 to make your purchases.
Are you interested in anonymously sponsoring another student(s)? Order online, but write "sponsor" in the form.
Spring Green Team is Here!
Join us for a hands-on season of garden renovation! Students will build a sustainable garden by installing new beds, setting up irrigation, and planting crops using our new grant materials. It's a great way to learn problem-solving and gardening skills.
- When: Fridays (April 10 - May 8)
- Time: 2:30-3:30 pm
2026 DSD Outstanding Teacher and Support Staff Awards
The Durango Education Foundation invites you to nominate exceptional Durango School District employees for recognition at the annual DEF Employee Appreciation Celebration on Wednesday April 22nd at 4:30PM at Morehart Murphy Subaru in Three Springs. DEF will acknowledge all nominees and honor as "Outstanding" a teacher from high school, middle school, and elementary school along with a Support Staff member.
Please take a moment to nominate a person who has directly or indirectly helped DSD students strive to achieve their highest potential. You may nominate more than one person; use a separate form for each. YOur kind words are powerful and will be shared with the person you nominate, anonymously.
Spring Resource Fair
It's time for the annual Spring Resource Fair! Join us April 1st, 4:00-6:30 pm at the La Plata County Fairgrounds for this valuable free event to learn about and register for summer activities for your student and sign up for next year's school year. In addition to the awesome connections to over 50 youth service providers, the fair will feature free dinner, balloon animals with Ruby Balloons, face painting, and TWO sources of financial aid for summer camps and activities: Team Up La Plata's scholarship fund and the new Holland Opportunity Fund!
Registration for the 2026-2027 School Year is Now Open!
All returning families need to complete online registration for the 2026-27 school year. This process will allow you to:
- Complete the required health form
- Update your emergency contact information and address
- Upload updated immunization records if not already submitted. (Note that immunization exemption documents must be dated after July 1st, 2026 for the 26-27 school year.)
- Review and sign release agreements.
If you have never used Infinite Campus before, please contact the AVE office to receive your username and password. If you've forgotten your login credentials, we're happy to help you reset them.
To complete registration:
- Go to this link for Existing 9-R Families Registration
- Log in to Campus Parent using your Infinite Campus username and password
- Select "More" from the menu on the left
- Click "Online Registration"
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process
Thank you for helping us get ready for another great year!
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. There will be a $10 fee to replace a student ID. Please contact the office for more information about replacements or assistance with fees.
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 April 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
Keeping our School Community Well
As we navigate this particularly active season of colds, flu, and stomach viruses, our priority remains the health and comfort of every student in our care. If your student begins to feel unwell during the school day, our health office will contact you immediately. To help your child recover comfortably and to protect the health of their peers and teachers, we ask for your cooperation with the following:
- Timely Pickup: If you receive a call to pick up your child, please make arrangements to arrive as quickly as possible.
- Fever Policy: For the safety of the student body, any student with a fever of 101°F or higher must be picked up within 30 minutes of notification.
- Return to School Policy: Students should be without fever or vomiting for 24 hours without the use of medication before returning to school.
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.
Nurse's Clothes Closet
If your student borrowed a spare change of clothes from our health office, please be sure to wash and return them to the office as soon as possible.
COUNSELING CORNER
Hello Husky Families,
During social emotional lessons, students in all classes are continuing to learn about solving interpersonal problems with friends, siblings, and other peers. Here are a few key points that can help us build empathy and be better communicators:
- All problems start with a feeling. All feelings are okay, they are just like little messengers bringing us information. For instance, anger is telling us something is unfair, unjust, or is bumping up against our personal boundaries. Fear is telling us we may not be safe.
- State the problem factually, like viewing it through a camera, without blame. This prevents defensiveness and keeps the nervous system calm enough to think clearly.
- Consider what each person wants or needs. Underneath every strong feeling is an unmet need or desire, such as wanting to matter, wanting to feel connected, or needing autonomy or choice.
When we think about the other person's point of view and consider what they are needing as well as what we want, it is much easier to come up with win-win solutions. Everyone feels calm as soon as they feel heard and validated, so starting from a place of listening and understanding keeps it cool.
I hope these tips bring more connected and effective communication into your home!
Warmly,
Anna Donovan, MA, LPC
phone number: (970)247-0124 ext. 3421
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
LEGO League - Coaches Needed!
Calling For Coaches and Participants! We are excited to announce the 2026 LEGO League Explore Festival will be held at the Powerhouse on May 15th. LEGO League Explore is open to 1st-3rd grade students ready to explore hands-on STEM skills. Coaches are desperately needed to lead a team of 2-6 students once a week. Your child is guaranteed a spot on the team if you decide to coach.
If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information, please email [email protected].
Here is the link to Sign-up to Coach!
Here is the link to Sign-up to Participate!
ANIMAS BOOSTER CLUB UPDATES
Penny Wars
Penny Wars starts Monday, April 6th! Students can bring in spare change to add to their own class jar (pennies and bills increase class's points!) or sabotage another class's points by adding any silver coins (nickels, dimes, quarters, etc.)! The class with the most points at the end winds a classroom party!
Here is a link to the flyer with more information!
Is your business or family interested in helping sponsor our 2026-2027 student and staff spirit wear? Please contact Katie at
[email protected] for more information.
Upcoming Dates
- April 3: First Friday (spirit wear and popcorn)
- April 6-16: Penny Wars
- April 24: Spring Fling
- May 1: Husky Hustle Fun Run
- May 8: First Friday (spirit wear and popcorn)
- May 14: Bike Rodeo
- May 19: Field Day
City Market Community Rewards
