Aspen School District

Strategic Plan.pdf

_CPP Application in English 2022 - 2023.docx

Colorado Preschool Program Application.docx

Welcome new BOE members!

Grateful for our Fantastic Lunch Team and Turkey!

AHS recognizes Veterans Day with guest Veteran speakers and patriotic music.

SPAMALOT Cast, Take a Bow

AHS Front Office Gets Spooky

AES school pup Dune greets children

AHS new cafeteria

AES Wit & Wisdom

AES Halloween Parade

Skier TV crew

IB Art

Picture Day

Oh, the books we will read. Aspen Elementary School is in the midst of its 16th annual Scholastic Book Fair.

Students browse hundreds of new Scholastic books - from graphic novels to who-done-its and make a "wish list" -- which is sent to their parents. Or they can buy their favorite books on the spot.

The Scholastic Book Fair is a fundraiser and has raised from $25,000 to $35,000 each year. The proceeds have supported classroom libraries and the AES and Aspen Middle School libraries. Some proceeds go to the school PTO, which has purchased chromebooks and water stations for students and schools.

The Book Fair includes a Family Night with food and great conversations about books.

"We have tremendous volunteers every year for this event," said Eli Genshaft, who organizes the event. "**Clark's Market** donates chili and Chef Tenille (Folk) prepares it. We have dinner and families come and really enjoy the night."

Teachers also have a "Wish List" wall with books they would love for their classroom libraries.

**Book Fair Hours:**

Monday, Dec. 4 - 8:30 a.m. -2 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 5 - 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. **Family Night at 5 p.m.**

Wednesday, Dec. 6 - 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 7 - 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 8 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Can't make it to the fair: [order online here. ](https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/AES23)

AES host its 16th Annual Scholastic Book Fair

Aspen Film is bringing two experts from aiEDU to Aspen High school to talk about Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Dec. 7. 

aiEDU is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that aims to bring AI literacy to students across the country by providing teachers with free, ready-to-use curricular resources and a variety of professional development opportunities.

The presentation at AHS is an extension  of Aspen Film's [**Science on Screen®** ](https://scienceonscreen.org/) which includes a 3-part film series that allows audiences to experience the intersection of film and science on the big screen. 

As part of each screening event, expert guest speakers present on timely scientific topics such as **Artificial Intelligence, Bionic Exoskeleton Technology, **and **Women in Science**. Science on Screen is a nationwide initiative of the **Coolidge Corner Theatre** with major support from the **Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. **

Aspen Film is bringing a short film, *"The Sun Like a Big Dark Animal,"* to AHS which explores AI and its potential impacts on society.

Following the film, the experts will lead an interactive presentation with the students, focusing on: 

**Demystifying AI** - how does it work? 

**AI in the Real World -** practical applications

**Perspectives on AI** -  investigate the responsible development of this transformational technology.

In the coming years, AI will continue to mold the world in which students live, work, and grow.

Aspen Films series partners include[ aiEDU](https://www.aiedu.org/),[ Aspen Center for Physics](https://www.aspenphys.org/),[ Aspen Science Center](https://aspensciencecenter.org/), [Bridging Bionics](https://bridgingbionics.org/),[ The Isaacson School at Colorado Mountain College](https://coloradomtn.edu/programs/isaacson-school/), and[ Mountain Chalet Aspen](https://www.mountainchaletaspen.com/).

Aspen Film brings AI film and conversation to Aspen students

ASD’s Food Services and Facilities teams are expanding the composting program.

Food Services has been composting organic waste for more than 15 years. Now, composting bins are in the high school cafeteria. 

The expanded composting program is part of the District’s Strategic Plan and mission of being good stewards of resources.

The goal this school year is to divert 25% of ASD's recycled items and 100% of organic waste in the cafeteria and kitchen.

The latest efforts are student-driven and student-supported. When students leave the cafeteria they will have three options: trash, recycle, and compost.

“We have to be careful that it (organic waste) is not contaminated – that will be the challenge,” Folk said.

The expanded composting program is part of the District’s Strategic Plan and mission of being good stewards of resources.

Food Services and Facilities teams increase composting

Aspen School District and Aspen Ski Co. are partnering to support and employ young adults with disabilities. They hope they will inspire other companies to diversify their employee rosters.Three young adults in ASD’s PeAk Futures program, a new program in ASD’s Student Services that serves students with disabilities, will begin working in Ski Co.’s Food & Beverage program in two resorts this season.PeAk Futures launched last school year at ASD for young adults with disabilities who have completed core high school requirements through an individualized approach. The goal of the extended school program is to prepare and help young adults maximize their independence in their adult lives, including employment.“One of the main challenges for young adults with disabilities is the hiring process; many companies have online applications,” said Tara Valentino, ASD PeAk Futures coordinator and teacher. “Our goal is to understand the hiring process, support students and ask companies to consider enhancing their opportunities of employment.”Ski Co. embraced the opportunity.  The company has hired young adults from the Challenge Aspen organization and has an on-mountain partnership with other organizations like Ascendigo. Their team interviewed the young adults from PeAk Futures, as they would any other job candidate, to determine the best fit, said Mikala Ford, Ski Co Director of Talent Acquisition. “Our goal is to inspire these very capable young adults through an on-mountain job opportunity so that they are equipped with the skill sets and work experience to find a career post-graduation,” Ford said. “All \[three] students were offered a Food & Beverage Attendant position in one of our many on mountain dining restaurants. The Food & Beverage Attendant role is a guest-facing position that gives the students a chance to experience a wide variety of job duties.”Empowering and employing young adults with disabilities provides valuable work experience and will both have a positive impact on their lives and contribute to a more inclusive and diverse workforce, said Kaleb Cook, executive director of Cook Inclusive, which partners with PeAk Futures.“Ski Co is becoming an industry leader in hiring people with disabilities,” Cook said. “We hope other companies model what they are doing. My dream is having every single \[business] door a person with disabilities walks through to be an affirming employer.”Jason Dobbins, 19, will begin working in Buttermilk Mountain Lodge at Buttermilk Ski Resort in December.“It’s going to be a good opportunity for me,” he said.  “Ski Co. is a recognized company. Having them on my resume will impress other companies and schools.”The young adults will have a job coach from the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) for additional support. They will work two days a week in Ski Co restaurants  and attend lessons at PeAk Futures two days a week.Jakaline Keller, 19, who will work at the Cliffhouse Restaurant at Buttermilk Ski Resort, said she’s happy to have the additional support. “The goal of the support is for me to be independent and the job coaches will be there when I need it,” she said. Her twin sister Janette Keller is taking a position at Elk Camp Restaurant at Snowmass Village Resort.“One of my goals is to prove how good of a worker I am,” Janette Keller said.The PeAk Futures students will be expected to adhere to the same expectations as their fellow employees, with added support, Valentino said.“It is known that when students grow up and are part of their community they are happier, healthier, and  safer,” Valentino said. “Having competitive employment increases the young adults’ ability to feel connected and empowered as an active member of the Aspen Community.”

Aspen School District and Aspen Skiing Company team up to champion employment for young adults with disabilities

As they stood on the stage to be inducted to the National Honor Society, they knew membership is not a right, but a privilege.These 59 students inducted in November at a ceremony in the District Theater were evaluated on key characteristics that define NHS membership: These newest members have a 3.5 GPA or better. They are leaders, resourceful, good problem solvers, promoters of school activities, idea-contributors, dependable and persons who exemplify positive attitudes about life.The 2023 AHS NHS Officers are: President, **Brooke O’Sullivan**; Parliamentarian, **Clare Irvine**; Vice President, **Collin Luu**; Secretary, **Stella Iverson**; Community Service Coordinator, **Caleb Seward**; Historian, **Colby Vanderaa**; Treasurer, **Audrey Woodrow**; Public Relations Chair, **Luka Jaramaz**; and Activities Chair, Sherif Khan.

Well done.

Fifty Nine AHS Students inducted into National Honor Society

### [Click here to watch the NBC News story.](https://www.nbcnews.com/now/video/colorado-students-build-tiny-homes-for-teachers-198549573645)

AHS Tiny House and CTE program make national news

"Oh, we have too much candy. What should we do?"

"Let's give it to our First Responders!"

And that is what they did. AMS students collected all the extra Halloween candy from their classmates, bagged it up, and delivered it to firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and Sheriff deputies.

Classmates Sam Erck and Addie Dorr, both 8th graders, accompanied School Resource Officer Alyse Vollmer on the deliveries.

**Thank you to all the First Responders who keep the community and our schools safe.**

*Have a wonderful holiday season!*

AMS 'Candy Delivery' to First Responders

Five Aspen Middle School Robotics Teams, led by Coach George Helfenstine, competed at three FIRST Lego League Challenge Qualifier Tournaments throughout Colorado Nov. 11. 

Four teams qualified for the State Tournament, scheduled for Dec. 9, in Denver. 

This program is funded by Aspen Education Foundation as part of its broader mission to enrich and support students in the Aspen School District. This success would not be possible without the countless hours of coaching and logistics support by a dedicated team of parents and community volunteers.

In Grand Junction, Team Lightning Strikes! was composed of 6th Graders Sam Gilmore, Ember LaPenna, Tamir Finesilver, and Hailey Ward. They took 1st Place in Robot Design and were runner-up for the Champions Award, which is based on their overall score in each of the four elements of the competition, out of 48 total teams.

At the Central Denver Competition, the Robot Rookies team competed with 7th Graders Bennett Zilberman, Wyatt Weihs, Hayden Bailey, and Max Carney. They also took 1st Place in Robot Design and were runner-up for the tournament’s Champions Award, out of 24 total teams.

In Southern Colorado, Team Robotix Octopada was composed of Sloane Alexander, Alex Brands, Parker Loeb, and Grady Smith while Team Bolt Bears was composed of Spencer Ward, Liam Daniels, Dora Milinovic, and Sam Striegler. 

Robotix Octopada were runners up for the tournament’s Champions Award, while the Bolt Bears received a 2nd Place trophy in the Core Values category. Both teams qualified for the State Tournament. Team 5thys, represented by two fifth graders Finn Zubrod and Tui Waqanibaravi, competed valiantly for their first competition and represented Aspen well. These teams competed against 34 total teams.

In FIRST Lego League Challenge, teams of students engage in research, problem-solving, coding, and engineering - building and programming a LEGO robot that navigates the missions of a robot game. Students are evaluated on their Robot Game, Robot Design, an Innovation Project that impacts their community, and their demonstration of Core Values --innovation, teamwork, discovery, fun, impact, and inclusion.

Aspen Middle School Robotics Teams Advance to State Tournament

Don't miss this FABULOUS production of Theatre Aspen's "Monty Python's SPAMALOT" School Edition.[](https://theatreaspen.org/spamalot/)



[Tickets Here](https://theatreaspen.org/spamalot/)

*   7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10



*   7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11



*   2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12

[](https://theatreaspen.org/spamalot/)

[](https://theatreaspen.org/spamalot/)

Welcome to Fabulous Camelot!

Join Us

### **Electric school buses are part of the District's Strategic Plan and Core Goals: Be good stewards of resources.**

###

### In March of 2023, ASD received its first two Blue Bird Electric School Buses (ESBs). The remaining two ESBs were added to the district fleet in October, rounding out its initial round of deployments.

[READ THE ARTICLE HERE.](https://www.driveelectricusa.org/fleet-stories/aspen-school-district/)

ASD's Electric Buses and Transportation Department featured in national publication

Wednesday, Nov. 8 is NATIONAL FIRST GENERATION DAY.

**What does it mean to be First Gen?** It means that your parents did not complete a 4-year college or university degree - regardless of other family members’ level of education.

**Why is it important to be First Gen?** You and your family can be very proud! And, First Gen college students can access financial and other great post-secondary resources and opportunities.

**Who’s a First Gen?** Look around and see which teachers and staff members are wearing “I’m First” stickers today. All kinds of amazing people are First Gen: J**ohn Legend, Albert Einstein, Oprah Winfrey, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, Actor Samuel L. Jackson, Richard Branson** (founder of Virgin), **Howard Schultz** (CEO of Starbucks) and our very own Aspen School District Assistant Superintendent **Tharyn Mulberry**! 

When you see someone wearing an “I’m First” sticker around school today, ask them about their experience and what it means to them to be First Gen! 

Aspen High School's Post-Secondary Counseling Office has so many resources to support first generation students in realizing their dreams for the future. Please come to the Mezzanine (above the AHS Commons) to schedule an individual meeting and be sure to let us know you’re First Gen!

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