Animas Valley Elementary

🔔The Tradition Lives On! 🔔

Today was an incredibly special day at AVE as our amazing 5th graders took part in one of our favorite long-standing traditions: Ringing the Bell! 🎓✨

Every year, our departing 5th graders ring the bell at the front of the school to officially celebrate completing their time at AVE and to mark the end of their elementary school journey.

We are so incredibly proud of the hard work, leadership, and kindness this group has shown during their years with us. While we are sad to see them go, we know they are ready for the next big adventure!

Miller Middle School you are getting an absolutely amazing cohort of incoming 6th graders! 💙🐾

Cap, gown, and a whole lot of personality! 🎓🐾

We had the absolute best day celebrating these little grads. From the adorable songs to hearing all those big dreams for what they want to be when they grow up, it was pure magic. ✨

Class of 2038, we are so, so proud of you! Watch out first grade, here they come! 📚💙🐾

🔥 It's Trailblazing Tuesday! 🔥 At Animas Valley Elementary School, students are turning ideas into solutions – one 3D layer at a time.

During the May 5 Principals’ Meeting, learners across grade levels showcased how STEM can connect creativity, critical thinking, and purpose. Guided by STEM teacher and librarian Emily Stone, students used a 3D printer to bring their thinking to life through hands-on, student-driven projects.

🛠️ So what’s “tinkering” in education? It’s the art of experimenting – trying, failing, adjusting, and trying again. It’s where curiosity leads the way, and mistakes are part of the process, not the end of it.

Here’s what that looked like in action:
🌧️ Students studied natural disasters, then designed and tested ways to reduce the impact of mudslides.
🪴They noticed that plant labels in the school's greenhouse often faded over time, so they made colorful and durable tags.
🐕 Others explored nonprofits and created 3D logos to support causes like animal welfare and kindness in the community.

“This is our third year of building STEM at AVE,” said Principal Michol Brammer. “We are slowly building up to something really exciting, with cross-curricular opportunities in library, social studies, and STEM. We have seen a huge increase in problem-solving skills because students have the confidence to be creative.” 🌎

⏰ Tonight: The DSD Board of Education will meet for a Special Meeting/Work Session tonight, May 12, at 5:30 p.m. at Animas Valley Elementary School (373 Hermosa Meadows Road). The public is welcome. The Board does not allow public comment at Work Sessions, and the meetings are not livestreamed.

On the agenda for this evening:
✅ Animas Valley Elementary's PoG showcase
✅ 2024 Investing in Our Schools Bond update
✅ Student Board Member project presentation
✅ Sunnyside school consolidation decision

View the full agenda and presentations here: https://ow.ly/9BGc50YYm83