AFSA Charter School Family Update

Good afternoon AFSA Families,

It was great to see so many families at the Gearing Up for Summer Community Night! We hope you found lots of fun things to do over summer!

Coming up March 19th is our Literacy Night at the Elementary school. Don't miss your chance to meet Ruby Sunday! :) See details below!

Important Dates:

• March 20th is an early release day. Students will be released at 12:30 p.m. Buses will run their usual route at that time.
• March 23-27 is Spring Break

Have a wonderful weekend!

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.

Nobody likes me, everybody hates me, I think I'll go eat worms. Of course this is not true in Week 50 Words With Wakefield! Can you believe it, we have had 50 different messages helping promote our school and take time to discuss what is going on in today’s education. I can tell you who didn’t care, the empty room where I hosted a live Words With Wakefield during our community night. I offered a chance for families and community members to come meet me and talk about whatever was on their minds. Yes, this was risky, but I want to be able to hear the feedback from our school community.

When no one showed up, I was like no one cares! So I stood around, made Stephanie come take this picture as a joke showing how unpopular I am and went on with my night. The more I thought about it, I started looking at it from a different viewpoint. Maybe the families of our students trust the school leadership and do not feel the need to express their concerns. They are confident in the decisions we make and would much rather use their time participating in the other events taking place that night.

We need to make sure we look at opportunities or outcomes from different perspectives. It allows us to not just assume the worst. Just because no one showed up does not mean I am boring, well it might, but for this message it doesn’t. I just maybe need to find different opportunities for people to share their voice!

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 3rd, 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

Literacy Night is coming up March 19, 2026 4-7 p.m. at AFSA Elementary! Join us for a night of literacy related activities, games and the chance to meet a Scottish Highland heifer!

That's right! Don't miss your chance to meet a very special guest from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.! Ruby Sunday will be joining us! She is a 2 month old ACHA Scottish Highland heifer. She is very curious about the world around her and can't wait to meet you!

Do you have any friends or family interested in learning more about AFSA? This special night is also an open house night. Staff will be available to answer questions and give tours.

This spring, we are thrilled to announce our participation in Neighborhood Forest's 17th Annual Free Tree Program as part of our Earth Week celebrations this April! Please pass this on to friends and family. Trees will be available for pick up at AFSA High School around Earth Day.

Neighborhood Forest is a nonprofit organization that has helped more than 310,000 children across North America plant their very own trees since 2010 — inspiring environmental stewardship through the joy of planting and growing trees.

How to Participate:

There are three ways to get involved this spring:

1. Register your child to receive a free tree to plant at home

2. Purchase trees to plant this spring if you don’t have a child participating (Buy One, Fund One!)

3. Donate to fund trees in our community — $5 helps place a tree in the hands of a child

Click here to register

• Registration is open now through March 15

• Trees (6–12 inches tall) will arrive around Earth Day (April 22)

• The tree species will be announced in early April. Neighborhood Forest aims to provide native and/or fruit-bearing, depending on our region.

• Other products that are purchased by you will be fulfilled by Neighborhood Forest.

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 7th - 3:30 pm- 6:30 pm

May 8th - 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

May 9th - 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/ 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

J-term may be a few months away but the high school teachers are already busy planning for this year's fun! Terms at AFSA are a great way for students to get the chance to do something they have never done before. If you work at a company or organization that would be a fun spot for a student J-term destination please contact Ms. Laura Nelson.

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 $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.

AFSA Varsity Girls Softball is seeking a Head Coach for this spring season (March 16–mid/late May). Responsibilities include leading daily after-school practices, completing the MSHSL head coach course, coaching games, and supporting student-athletes through skill development, encouragement, and positive leadership that reflects the AFSA community. This is a paid coaching position.

If you’re passionate about working with students, love the game, and want to be part of a supportive school community, we’d love to hear from you!

Questions or interested? Please contact our Activities Director, Ms. Vorwald, avorwald@afsak12.com.

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!

Senior Submissions: The last day to submit the baby photo, senior photo and family message is Sunday, March 15, 2026. If we do not have your seniors submissions by then they will not be included in the yearbook.

Seniors who have not yet submitted the following please do so by March 15th.

1. Baby Picture

2. Senior Picture

3. Family message of congratulations or encouragement

To submit the above information, please click here. If you have any problems uploading the items you can email them to stephanieforliti@afsahighschool.com.

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 30th 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!

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.

• March 17, 2026
• 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 4:30pm at AFSA High School. Meetings are open to all AFSA PreK-12 parents/families and staff.

Next Meeting:

Next Meeting March 9, 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 afterschool 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.

A place to belong. Friends to grow with. Confidence that lasts. Join Girl Scouts with $20 off membership during Girl Scout Week, March 8-14. See attached flyer for details.

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 am
• 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.

It’s time for the annual Canadian Days Student Button Design Contest. The Canadian Days mascot, L.C., is inviting students who live in Little Canada or are enrolled in a school located in Little Canada, from Kindergarten through 8th grade to submit a button design. The winning design will be printed on this year’s button. The button contest entry form is available for download on our website at Button Design contest (canadiandays.org). It is also attached to this newsletter.

The contest is open now through March 5, 2026. Entry forms may be turned in at the elementary school office or Little Canada City Center, 515 E Little Canada Rd. The Canadian Days Committee will judge the entries and winners will be notified at their school, by phone, or by email.

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.

Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth (MITY) is now accepting applications for its summer sessions. The high school program, Expand Your Mind, offers academic enrichment, the opportunity to experience life on a college campus, and a way to connect with peers from across the Twin Cities and beyond who share common interests. Students select from over 20 STEM, humanities, and fine arts courses and can stay in the dorms at Macalester College or attend as a day student. Need-based financial aid is available. This is a great opportunity for bright and motivated young people to explore their passions and meet their people.

Little Canada Coffee with a Cop: Meet and engage with Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office Deputies! We have two upcoming Little Canada Coffee with a Cop events: February 26 at Qamaria Coffee (4 PM).

The Metropolitan Council Environmental Services hosts the “Oh Poop!” exhibit in the Eco Experience building at the State Fair. This fun and interactive exhibit helps fairgoers learn how wastewater is treated in our region and why it matters for public health and the environment.

This opportunity, previously reserved for staff, is now open to students who have an interest in environmental science or STEM and who are comfortable communicating and engaging with the public.

Volunteers will:

1. Engage with fairgoers in a fun, interactive setting
2. Build communication, teamwork, and public engagement skills
3. Earn volunteer hours that may count toward graduation requirements or strengthen resumes and college applications

Training and on-site support are provided to ensure students feel prepared and successful in their roles. Although the volunteering takes place during the summer, students are encouraged to complete the interest form now. See attached flyer for more information.

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 9, 2026

First Day of Trimester 3

March 12, 2026

State Science Fair

March 17, 2026

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

Little Canada Culver's

March 19, 2026

AFSA Elementary Literacy Night 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

AFSA Elementary

March 20, 2026

Early Release Day - 12:30 p.m.

March 23-27, 2026

AFSA Spring Break - NO SCHOOL

March 30, 2026

School Resumes

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