AFSA Charter School Family Update

Good afternoon AFSA Families,

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Literacy Night at the elementary school! Attendees enjoyed games, crafts, treats and Ruby Sunday (special guest - see photo)!

We are looking for donations of new bags of soil for the greenhouse. The bags must be unopened and new. If you or someone you know is able to donate please contact rnelson@afsahighschool.com.

Thank you to everyone who reserved a free tree through Neighborhood Forest! We are expecting our trees to arrive around April 20th or so. We will reach out as we get updates.

Have an amazing spring break!

Important Dates:

• March 23-27 is Spring Break
• School Resumes March 30

If you or you know of someone in need of help with food support please see information below or reach out to Mr. Wakefield.

To see the complete newsletter from your email make sure to click on the "View in browser" link at the top of the newsletter. This will also allow you to access the downloadable files attached to the newsletter.

It’s Spring Break time in Words With Wakefield, Week 52. We will keep it short this week and take some time to rest and relax. Whether you are traveling to a fancy beach, catching up on your favorite shows, or just enjoying doing nothing, it is important to take a break.

Education is a full time job, whether you are the teacher or the student. We need to allow ourselves to step away and recharge our batteries. Some of our best work comes from when we are able to take a moment away from what we are working towards. It allows us to reflect and clear our minds, which provides more space for positive thinking. I will be doing that as well and taking the week to get out of this office. So go out have some fun and be ready for a strong finish of the year!

AFSA's school board election will be held in mid-May. Each year there is one opening for a parent, one opening for a teacher and one opening for a community member.

• All parents/guardians of AFSA students are eligible to run for the parent position.
• All licensed teachers working as teachers at AFSA are eligible to run for the teacher position.
• Anyone in the community who does not have a student and is not employed at AFSA is eligible for the community position.

If you are interested in more information, or in running for a position on the school board, please send an email indicating your interest to jcox@afsahighschool.com. Please submit an interest by Thursday, March 26, 2026.

All candidates will be asked to write a short biography due April 3, 2026 that will be shared with the AFSA community prior to the elections. Your bio should be no more than 120 words. The elections are planned to be via electronic balloting.

The AFSA school board meets at least once per month in person. Information packets are provided via Google Docs. Special meetings or committee meetings are called as needed during the year.

AFSA School Board responsibilities include the following:

• Actively advocate and promote the values, mission, and vision of AFSA K-12.

• Contribute to the board's effectiveness through active participation at monthly working sessions and board meetings, serving on board committees as needed, and attending milestone events at the school to support students, teachers, and staff.

• Focus on matters of district and school governance.

• Ensure the provision of adequate resources and manage resources effectively.

• Monitor and ensure compliance with regulatory statutes.

• Cultivate meaningful relationships with organization and community groups.

• Support the Executive Director in the management of the district and AFSA.

Thank you,

AFSA Board Governance Committee

Congratulations to the following students who have placed in the top 3 at the state level agriscience fair. Students will find out their placement at the state convention in April 20-21. Stay tuned!

• Jori A.
• Stella K.
• Cristian B.
• CJ M.
• Kye A.
• Loreno L.
• Copper C. & Christopher C.
• Levi B. & David J.
• Kassidy B.
• Greta A.
• Louise C.
• Joza T.
• Joseph M.
• Siri W.
• Hannah B. & Alanna E.
• Nathan M. & Amarii K.
• Nikolai J.
• Jordan T.
• Birghin W.
• Clayton B.
• Trexler L.

• J-term for 5th/6th grade was sent home today, but cannot be turned in until March 31.
• PreK-4th J-term will be by class. (no choices) and sent home after spring break.
• High School J-term information will be given to students during FOCUS on April 13.

Mark your calendars and join us for Numeracy Night Thursday, April 9 from 4-7 p.m. at AFSA Elementary! A night filled with games, fun and perhaps some special guests! Stay tuned for more information.

Getting excited for spring planting? Save the dates for the 18th Annual AFSA High School Plant Sale! All plants are grown and cared for by AFSA students. The sale is held in the AFSA High School greenhouse on the following days:

• May 7 - 3:30 pm- 6:30 pm
• May 8 - 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
• May 9 - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Girls on the Run inspires girls of all abilities to discover, build, and grow their self-confidence. Together, they experience a sense of belonging and connection as a team. Volunteer coaches facilitate lessons that blend physical activity with life skill development, including managing emotions, fostering friendships, and expressing empathy. At the end of the season, the team completes a Community Impact Project and a 5K together, which provides a tangible sense of accomplishment and sets a confident mindset into motion.

AFSA Head Coach is Cami Veldhuizen cveldhuizen@afsak12.com. Practices will begin Monday, April 6 and run Mondays and Thursdays through the end of the year. Participants will need a ride home at 4:45 each day. Flyer attached.

Sign up link: https://www.pinwheel.us/register/index/spring26programreg?sid=be031f0aa8754eb680ba5d114b826936

AFSA Charter School is partnering with the City of Vadnais Heights to offer community education classes. Class registration is open NOW through June 14. To register click here or click on the link by the class description.

We are excited to be offering the following classes:

From Seeds to Books!:

Taught by our very own Ms. Schulte! Students, ages 5-9, will explore nature and creativity through stories, science and art!

Class dates: June 23, 24, 25 Class Time: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Class Cost: $35 Register Here!

Cooking Through History:

Taught by our very own Ms. Sirek! Students, ages 10-14, will travel back in time—one bite at a time! In this fun, hands-on class, young chefs will make and taste recipes from 1596 through the 1960s.

Class dates: June 22, 23, 24, 25 Class Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Class Cost: $75 Register Here!

Mixed-Up Martial Arts Sampler:

Taught by our very own Mr. Bode! Students, ages 12+, learn three distinctive styles of martial arts over three days: Taekwondo, Southern Dragon Kung Fu, and traditional weapons.

Class dates: June 23, 24, 25 Class Time: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Class Cost: $65 Register Here!

Inside Out: Visual Journaling for Self Care:

Taught by our very own Ms. Vorwald! Students, ages 11-16, will enjoy this 3-day creative workshop introducing preteens and teens to visual journaling as a tool for self-expression, stress relief, and personal growth.

Class dates: June 23, 24, 25 Class Time: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Class Cost: $55 Register Here!

Family Free Play:

Taught by our very own Mr. Wakefield! Bring the whole family out for an exciting Open Gym Night! This is the perfect opportunity to explore a variety of sports, games, and recreational activities together.

Class dates: June 23, 24, 25 Class Time: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Class Cost: $3/Family Member with a maximum charge of $12.00. Register Here!

AFSA Auto is up and running! This school based enterprise business is now taking reservations for car detailing. Come and get your car detailed by amazing students and support the AFSA Agriculture Department and FFA.

To reserve a time please scan the QR code below or click here.

AFSA Auto Detailing Package Description and Prices:

• Basic $20: Simple interior wash with interior spray and wipes, normal full interior vacuum, pet hair removal
• Basic + $35: Simple interior was with interior spray and wipes, scrub down seats with interior brushes, normal full interior vacuum, pet hair removal
• Premium $45: Deep interior wash using interior soap with brushes, scrub down with interior brushes, full interior wet vacuum and normal vacuum
• Deep $60: Interior steam with deep scrub with rough and soft interior brushes, deep steam seats with shop vacuum, Full interior wet vacuum and scrub with brushes, pet hair removal, seat restorer and dash restore

Payment link for packages click here.

AFSA Eaglets Athletic Program is open to 4th-6th grade AFSA students. Eaglets is held after school until 5:00 p.m. at AFSA High School. Join us for a fun 4-day youth volleyball program led by our AFSA volleyball Varsity players. Students will learn the basics - rules, technique, and teamwork. Whether you are new or sharpening your skills, it's your chance to spread your wings and "Fly" with the eagles on the court!

Eaglets will meet on April 8, 15, 22, and 29 after school until 5:00 p.m. The cost is $40. To sign up follow the QR code on the attached flyer. Payment can be made in person with cash or check in the front office or pay online by scanning the QR code on the attached flyer.

Join the AFSA Eagles at Target Field for a day of baseball! Start the day with the Minnesota Twins taking on the Detroit Tigers at 12:40 p.m. Following the game there will be two high school games. AFSA is game 2 and they will be playing against the Harding Knights starting at 7:00 p.m.

We have limited FREE tickets available for the April 9 day of baseball fun! We will have a fan bus from AFSA High School to Target Field. More information to come!

If you are interested in tickets, please reach out to Ms. Vorwald at avorwald@afsak12.com.

Cheer on our Eagles Boys Volleyball team as they play their first official tournament match at Prairie Seeds Academy on Saturday, April 11. Tournament starts at 8am. If you can't make it Saturday, they play at Hmong College Prep Academy on Monday, April 13 at 4:30 p.m. GO Eagles!!!

Calling all 7th-12th graders! It's not too late to join the Eagles Baseball or Eagles Softball teams! If you are still interested please contact Ms. Vorwald for more information and fill out the attached forms.

The AFSA Elementary yearbook for 2025-2026 is on sale now! Elementary yearbooks are $15.00! Order yours today! On sale now through April 24, 2026. To place an order for the AFSA Elementary yearbook 2025-2026 click here.

AFSA High School yearbooks for 2025-2026 are on sale now! Yearbooks are $55. Last day to purchase a yearbook is May 24, 2026.

Click here to place an order for the AFSA High School 2025-2026 yearbook!

Ticket Information:

Each graduate is encouraged to invite family members and friends to celebrate this momentous accomplishment! AFSA provides 4 free tickets to each graduate. Any additional guests will need to purchase a ticket for $10. Children 5 and under are not required to purchase a ticket. Tickets are on sale now through June 3, 2026. Tickets can be purchased in the high school office (cash or check only) or click here to purchase tickets online. Tickets will also be available to purchase at the door the evening of the ceremony (cash or check only). Purchased tickets may be picked up at Bethel at the door starting at 5:45 p.m. the day of graduation. (Each graduates 4 free tickets will be given to them at the Senior picnic.)

Graduation is Friday, June 5, 2026 at Bethel University - Benson Hall (3900 Bethel Drive St. Paul, MN 55112-6999). Doors open to guests at 5:45 p.m. the ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m. Upon arriving at Benson Hall check in at the AFSA ticket table. Tickets are not refundable.

The AFSA Parent and Family Group is putting on a Cane's Fundraiser! Join us March 30 at the Shoreview Cane's (3780 Lexington Ave.) from 4-9 p.m. to help raise money for the school. Please make sure to mention the fundraiser at the checkout or use code RCFUND96 for online orders. Thanks for your support!

Only two Culver's Fundraising Nights left for the 2025-2026 school year! Join us at Culver's in Little Canada (2880 Rice Street Little Canada) for our 2025-2026 Culver's fundraising Nights! Take your family out to dinner and support AFSA at the same time! AFSA FFA Alumni receives 10% of all food purchases from 5-7 p.m.

• April 21, 2026
• May 19, 2026

Thank you for supporting AFSA FFA! Special thank you to the Little Canada Culver's for their continued support of AFSA! Money raised goes towards FFA activities for all students.

The AFSA Parent and Family Group meets monthly to organize and implement fundraising and community building events, collaborate with school staff and leadership on school improvements, and provide an opportunity for AFSA parent/family connections and relationship building.

How to Get Involved

AFSA Parent and Family Group meetings are generally held the 2nd Monday of each month at 4:30 p.m. at AFSA High School. Meetings are open to all AFSA PreK-12 parents/families and staff.

Next Meeting:

Next Meeting April 13, 4:30 p.m.

If you can't make it in person to the next meeting feel free to join by Zoom:

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/77062606964?pwd=HZhhE1AYPucAdwbgaC2Lp9CPbMvBqD.1

Meeting ID: 770 6260 6964

Passcode: 4YLSgY

If you can't make it to meetings but still want to be involved, please reach out to: afsaparentgroup@afsak12.com or watch for volunteer opportunities!

Communications

Please join us on Slack and/or Facebook for news, volunteer/supply needs, and connection!

Looking for an after school activity to keep your kids busy this winter? Eagle's Club is open to all AFSA students grades PreK-6. This program is a great option for Elementary families looking for after school care or after school clubs. Eagle's Club AFSA staff will provide care and activities from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on regular school days. While students are in our care, we provide a high-quality curriculum with engaging activities for all ages. Eagle's Club will offer themed days of the week, so families can register for specific days of the week or on a full-week schedule. Please review the handbook for more information. The cost to attend Eagle's Club is $20 per child per day. Additional program details are outlined in the handbook linked below. If you have any questions please contact Kate Bald (651-209-3924).

Daily Themes:

Monday - Engineering and Technology

Tuesday- Arts and Crafts

Wednesday - Games

Thursday - Science and Ag

Friday - Fun Day

Eagle's Club Handbook

Registration Link

If you or someone you know is in need of help with food resources, please pass on the following information. You can also reach out to Mr. Wakefield.

• Findhelp: Website with local resources for food, housing and more
• Second Harvest Care Center -Call or text 866-844-3663 or visit 2harvest.org/find-food
• Little Canada Food Resources - see attached file
• City of Vadnais Heights Resources
• White Bear Area Food Shelf
• Washington County Food Helpers
• Ramsey County Food Resources
• Hunger Solutions
• NAMI - Facing Hunger During The Federal Shutdown: Where To Find Food Support In Minnesota.
• Every Meal reach out to start a Weekend Meal Program.

Vadnais Heights Commons - 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Kids ages 5-17 are invited to take the lead at our Kids' Market to sell their handmade creations, crafts and independent designs. This is your chance to run your very own booth, choose what to make and sell, interact with customers and handle sales. Staff will not be on site to assist children with sales; for our younger participants, we ask that parents stay on-site to support and guide as needed.

• $25 per space. Max 1 space per participant. Each participant gets a 6-foot table to set up their display (limited to table space only with room for sellers to sit or stand behind their table).
• Spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis - sign up early to get in!
• Youth vendors are responsible for being familiar with and following any state or federal rules and regulations applicable for selling their products.

Learn more and register at www.cityvadnaisheights.com/register.

Spend your summer poolside or beachside! Ramsey County is looking for lifeguards. Starting wage for lifeguards is $21.21 an hour and they can be stationed at our newly refurbished waterpark in Battle Creek Regional Park or our guarded beach at Long Lake Regional Park

Click here for more information and to apply.

Shoreview Park and Rec is looking for volunteers to help with the following spring event:

Bunny Hop Trail

• Saturday, March 28
• Volunteer Hours: 9:30 - 11:45 a.m.
• Location: Bucher Park
• Will be helping with handing out swag, registration, and the craft area.

Sign up to volunteer

An email will be sent out about the event a couple of days before the event.

Como Zoo Nature Walk Summer Volunteer Program is looking for summer help. This volunteer opportunity is for young people entering 8th-12th grade in Fall 2026. Their primary role will be to learn and share knowledge of plants and animals at Como through a conservation lens. This is a great opportunity for young people who love wildlife and are building their public speaking skills. Deadline to apply is April 6, 2026. For more information and to apply please click here or see attached flyer.

Bethel University is hosting a Youth Football Camp on July 22 and 23. The goal of the camp is to provide a high-energy, supportive environment where kids can develop their skills through fun drills and activities. Whether a student is a seasoned player or brand new to the sport, we are dedicated to fostering a lasting love for the game.

This camp is open to both boys and girls. To register for this camp please click here.

The Children's Performing Arts is offering classes for students of all ages! This summer find your perfect fit at CPA! See attached flyer for details or go to childrensperformingartsmn.org for more information and to register.

The school directory is a great way for AFSA PreK-12 families to stay in touch! Click here if you are a current AFSA PreK-12 family and would like to be added to the 2025-2026 school directory. The first 2025-2026 directory was emailed out yesterday to all participating families. Updates will be emailed out throughout the year as we have additional families participate. If you have been in past directories you will still need to sign up this year to be included. Questions? Please contact Ms. Forliti

You can find the updated 2025-2026 school calendar attached to this newsletter and on our website here.

March 23-27, 2026

AFSA Spring Break - NO SCHOOL

March 30, 2026

School Resumes

April 6, 2026

AFSA PreK-12 NO SCHOOL

April 9, 2026

AFSA Elementary Numeracy Night/Open House 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

AFSA Elementary

April 21, 2026

AFSA Culver's Fundraising Night 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Culver's Little Canada

April 23 & 24, 2026

AFSA PreK-12 NO SCHOOL

Conferences/Work Day

Click Here to go to the School Calendar for event details

Please call the attendance line or email the following if your student is absent.

Elementary Attendance Line (Grades PreK-6):

612-260-2664 or email k6attendance@afsak12.com

High School Attendance Line (Grades 7-12):

651-209-3910 or email hsattendance@afsak12.com

www.afsak12.com