The Pitkin County Public Safety Council, in partnership with the Aspen School District, is launching an internet safety campaign targeted at young people and their families. 

The campaign focuses on the problems of online fraud and financial sextortion – two crimes affecting young people nationwide, including in the Roaring Fork Valley. 

According to the [Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program](https://www.icactaskforce.org/), there has been a significant increase in cases of financial sextortion since the Spring of 2022. Financial sextortion is where the offender obtains explicit content from a victim and then demands money or gift cards to prevent the offender from sharing this content with the victim’s family, friends, and peers. Sextortion can happen to anyone who chooses to share explicit content – it’s not always a stranger you’ve never met; it can also be someone close to you. 

“These crimes aren’t happening elsewhere, they’re here in our community,” said Pitkin County Sheriff Michael Buglione “We need to protect our youth by teaching them online responsibility and safety –  as parents we insist that our children wear helmets when they bike or ski; we should have the same insistence when it comes to internet and social media safety.”

The Pitkin County Public Safety Council allocated $5,000 for an outreach program and campaign that provides [internet and social media safety information and tips](https://pitkincounty.com/DocumentCenter/View/32164/Raising-Digitally-Responsible-Youth) for parents and youth. The campaign includes awareness messages for parents and young people.

“The effects of technology and social media on our children’s developing brains will be studied for years to come. It’s important that everyone in positions of leadership – parents, teachers, and others who work with our kids –  are up to date on all the available research and tools to help support them,” **said Alyse Vollmer, Aspen School District School Resource Officer.** “I hope we all take internet and social media safety seriously and learn ways to protect youth from invasive, predatory social media algorithms and those bad actors who exploit children.”

The key for parents and guardians is to learn more about the various social media platforms, Vollmer said. Parents and children can find a balance when it comes to using technology. 

“It starts with keeping an ongoing conversation with our children about internet safety and social media use,” Vollmer said.

Resource: [Raising Digitally Responsible Youth - A Parent’s Guide](https://pitkincounty.com/DocumentCenter/View/32164/Raising-Digitally-Responsible-Youth), Safer Schools Together & International Center for Digital Threat Assessment

Aspen School District

ASD & Pitkin County partner on Internet Safety campaign

Bring in your old winter coats & gear. The coat drive will **last until Friday, December 15th** and all items collected will be donated to those in need. We will be accepting gently used coats, hats, gloves and sweaters in the boxes labeled by grade in the entrance of the school. The drive is a factor in the 2024 Class Cup.

Aspen High School

Winter Coat/Clothing Drive!

**Congratulations to the AHS Choir for their performance at the Annual Sardy House Tree Lighting on December 3rd, and a special congratulations to Folbe Butler who conducted the entire performance!**

Annual Sardy House Tree Lighting

Order your 2023-2024 Aspen High School Yearbook!

To purchase [CLICK HERE!](https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/1008379/Aspen-High-School/2024-Yearbook/2023111404161083085/CATALOG_SHOP/)

Yearbook!

Aspen Family Connection's Executive Director Katherine Sand is the recipient of the 2023 Helen Klanderud Award. 

"As the Executive Director, she has worked tirelessly to build partnerships, programs, and systems that address the biggest challenges facing the families and children in our community. 

"From building up the Interagency Operating Group into a collaborative forum that measures it’s impact, to coordinating food banks for those who found themselves out of work overnight during COVID, to bringing community partners together to implement better prevention of youth substance use, Katherine understands the needs of the community and works in partnership to find creative solutions that improve the lives of children and families in our community. We are so fortunate to have such a leader like this in our community- thoughtful, modest, and knows how to make meaningful impact," her nomination letter read.

In 2016, Pitkin County, Aspen School District and a number of local organizations and community members teamed up to create Aspen Family Connections, a one-stop family resource center. 

Aspen Family Connections is **entirely** funded by donations from individuals, private foundations and by local government and State of Colorado grant programs.

AFC links families to a wide range of resources: academic and emotional support, financial assistance, extracurricular activities, summer camps and more. In addition, we offer a number of popular workshops throughout the year on parenting and current topics impacting kids that parents need to know about, like vaping, cyber-technology and screen-time.

The AFC provides resource videos, presentations and  links to valuable information to help inform parents.

[Learn more about AFC, its resources and free services here.](https://aspenk12.net/en-US/aspen-family-connections-e0301edc)

AFC's Katherine Sand recognized for work with local families

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 hosts 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

Mark your calendars and get everyone on your gift list Skier Swag!

**December 19th 3:30-6:30pm in the lobby of the Aspen Elementary School.**

[**Buy a Booster Club Family Membership!**](https://sfnd.io/5532)

[](https://sfnd.io/5532)**or be a** [**Corporate Sponsor!**](https://sfnd.io/xxrz)

[](https://sfnd.io/xxrz)Gain free access to home games and events AND publicly link your business with Skier Country! We can also use your help at one of our home games- come work the Red Wagon or volunteer at the Booster table. Go Skiers!

Booster Club Skier Gear Sale

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

[Check out the story](https://www.nbcnews.com/now/video/colorado-students-build-tiny-homes-for-teachers-198549573645) featuring our AHS Career and Technical Education Teachers and Students!

Aspen High School featured on NBC NEWS

Aspen High School’s Shining Stars Club is hosting a toy drive to benefit brave children and families facing pediatric cancer. Please bring new, unwrapped toys to the collection box just outside the AHS front office.  The toy drive will continue through December 21st (high school closed 12/22).

Shining Stars Toy Drive

### [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

**Saturday, December 9th at the St. Regis Aspen, 5:30pm**

[**Tickets**](https://aspenaef.org/flamingo-2023/) are now on sale!

The theme is Sparkles and Spurs. Grab your sequins, your sparkles, your cowboy boots, and spurs. This is a night for our public schools that you DON’T want to miss! Hosted by the Aspen Education Foundation

The Flamingo

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

Seniors, Get Ready for Graduation with [Jostens! ](https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1008379/Aspen-High-School/)Personalized invites, caps & gowns, class rings and more!

For instructions on ordering, check out their [Zoom recording](https://zoom.us/rec/share/8BrijnFZtJ2XEmI581Ds4WLWwb7O1rfpSaA0u--tj0eWmNbrPejebda48E\_7LVhi.23MCznrGpX\_2u5IV) , password: !nC5ypLy

Seniors can also pick up a Jostens Graduation Packet in our front office.

Package options can also be viewed on the Jostens website: [My School Store](https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/packageBrowse/1008379/Aspen-High-School/Graduation/1999177446/CATALOG_REPOSITORY/PACKAGES)

Graduation, Class of 2024!

The next Virtual Parent Coffee is

Friday, December 15th, 9:00 – 10:00am

Google Meet joining info

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/men-szre-vqc

[Past Recordings](https://ahs.aspenk12.net/en-US/parent-coffee-1137a00e)

[](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KEAo9MiUYkCIX9g7fGGG4b-1FokDG-hD/view?ts=6532e5b7\&exids=71471469,71471463)

Virtual Parent Coffee with AHS Principal Sarah Strassburger

Aspen High School News

Aspen High School Calendar

Yearbook, Senior Photos & Quotes due

Band & Choir @ the Sardy House

Join with Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/uqc-uxxp-hxa 
Or dial: (US) +1 747-242-3822 PIN: 669277406# 
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/uqc-uxxp-hxa?pin=5026997656240&hs=7 
 
Learn more about Meet at: https://support.google.com/a/users/answer/9282720

ASD Board of Education Work Session

We meet every other Thursday in the Board Room. Our next meeting is Thursday, December 7th. Please do not plan anything else during SET on our Thursday meetings.

HOPE SQUAD (Every other Thursday During SET)

The Flamingo, St Regis Aspen

Choir @ the Little Nell

1:15 for Aspen Elementary School 
2:00 for Aspen Middle School & High School

Early Release

Student Integrity Club-1165

Accuplacer Exam in the Skierdome. We will need 50 chairs/tables

Accuplacer Exam (Skierdome)

Join with Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/men-szre-vqc 
 
Learn more about Meet at: https://support.google.com/a/users/answer/9282720

Parent Coffee

Winter Choir Concert

Board meeting agendas can be found on <a href="https://go.boarddocs.com/co/aspen/Board.nsf/">BoardDocs</a>! ASD Board of Education is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: ASD Board of Education Meeting Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime Join Zoom Meeting <a href="https://aspenk12-net.zoom.us/j/87140540099">https://aspenk12-net.zoom.us/j/87140540099</a> Meeting ID: 871 4054 0099 --- One tap mobile +17193594580,,87140540099# US +12532158782,,87140540099# US (Tacoma) --- Dial by your location • +1 719 359 4580 US • +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) • +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) • +1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose) • +1 669 444 9171 US • +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) • +1 253 205 0468 US • +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) • +1 360 209 5623 US • +1 386 347 5053 US • +1 507 473 4847 US • +1 564 217 2000 US • +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) • +1 646 931 3860 US • +1 689 278 1000 US • +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) • +1 305 224 1968 US • +1 309 205 3325 US Meeting ID: 871 4054 0099 Find your local number: <a href="https://aspenk12-net.zoom.us/u/kbEfUEms0Q">https://aspenk12-net.zoom.us/u/kbEfUEms0Q</a>

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