Vantage Point

Studio 118 is a new addition to AFSA High School this year. We wanted a space that could be proactive when meeting students' needs. Studio 118 is focused on regulation, reflection, and problem-solving. It offers a quiet place to reset, get support, and return to class ready to learn. We’ve got a chalk wall for students to sign and draw on, individual work stations, and a friendly, fluffy, bunny named Tribble. Everything an AFSA student would need!

Across AFSA, we continue to notice how much routines, expectations, and consistency impact student success. When expectations are clear and reinforced across classrooms, hallways, and shared spaces, students are more likely to stay engaged, make good choices, and ask for help before challenges grow. This is especially important as students navigate independence, peer dynamics, and increasing access to technology.

The Visibility item this month relates to the ever-present role of social media in our students’ lives. While technology can be a powerful tool for connection, we are seeing an increase in students posting or sharing content that is unkind, untrue, or unhelpful. Because online spaces are public and far-reaching, these moments often carry over into the school day and can quickly escalate situations.

We’re also noticing more frequent video recording during the school day and a growing reliance on screens. At times, screens can create distance, making it easier for negative comments or choices to happen without fully considering their impact on others. It’s heartbreaking as an administrator, parent, and educator to see the genuine hurt in the kids when they talk about these experiences.

Our Student & Family Handbook outlines expectations around recording at school, including that students may not record staff or peers without permission. These expectations apply to all students at AFSA and exist to support a safe, respectful learning environment.

Families play an important role in supporting this work at home. Encouraging students to pause before posting, consider their digital footprint, and come to a trusted adult when something feels off can go a long way in building responsible digital citizenship and strong decision-making skills. We are all on the same team, supporting and helping students to keep growing up to be responsible and respectful members of our community!

This month, we’re leaning into empathy—thinking beyond ourselves and considering how our choices impact others. That includes respecting personal boundaries, avoiding recording or sharing others without permission, and recognizing that what may feel “funny” or harmless to one person can feel uncomfortable or unsafe to another. We encourage students to practice the mindset of “just because I can, doesn’t mean I should.”

Consider asking your student what empathy looks like in their day-to-day life—both in person and online. Questions like “What helps you decide whether something should be shared or kept private?”, or “Have you ever had to stop and rethink a choice because of how it might affect someone else?” can open meaningful conversations and reinforce these skills at home.

Empathy is a life skill that extends far beyond school—into friendships, workplaces, and digital spaces—and it’s something we practice every day, not just when challenges arise

I am so incredibly proud of the victory our Animal Vet CDE team accomplished! They placed 3rd at the Regional competition. FFA Career Development Events (CDEs) give students the opportunity to practice and showcase real-world skills through academic and career-focused competitions. WAY TO GO TEAM!!!

We also want to celebrate our 7th and 8th graders who have been working hard to successfully use their lockers this year. Learning new routines can be frustrating at first, but we’ve seen many students persist, problem-solve, and stick with it—and that effort is paying off in a smoother, more organized school day (and fewer backpacks being hauled around!).

A big shoutout to the AFSA Auto group for completing their first off-campus client detailing service. From idea to execution, this student-built program is already making a positive impact and showcasing the power of student leadership.