AFSA Charter School Family Update
6/27/2025
One with nature in Week 55 of Words With Wakefield. One of the practices in our science program is weekly nature journaling. Over the years, I’ve often watched our students head outside to observe the natural world while I sat at my desk glancing out the window, a little envious, wishing I could join them. This week, I finally did. The emails could wait.
I found a quiet spot in the woods, sat on a log, and simply observed. What struck me most was how different the experience felt compared to the structured reflection we often do in education. Typically, when we observe or reflect, it’s tied to a process, a rubric, or a specific goal. There’s something we’re supposed to notice, measure, or improve.
But out there, there were no expectations. Nothing I had to find. Nothing I had to prove. I just let the moment come to me.
There’s a different kind of reflection that happens when we remove the pressure to evaluate or improve. It becomes less about comparison and more about awareness. In the busyness of our daily lives, we rarely give ourselves permission to pause without purpose. This week reminded me how valuable that can be. Sometimes, the best thing we can do is step away, reset, and simply be present.
I encourage you to find a few moments this week whether it’s outside in nature or just in a quiet space to sit without expectations. Let your mind rest. You might be surprised by what you notice.
AFSA Elementary will be celebrating Earth Week in style! Make sure your student joins in the fun for our dress up days:
- Monday: Pollinator Day! - Dress like flowers, bees, butterflies, bugs, bats, squirrels, rabbit etc.
- Tuesday: Career Day - dress up as a farmer, vet, engineer, scientist, gardener etc.
- Wednesday: Planet Earth Day - Dress in green and blue
Monday through Wednesday we will also have a variety of Earth week related activities!
AFSA High School students will be doing a variety of Earth Week activities during FOCUS!
Watch our social media for photos from the week!
If you ordered a free tree from Neighborhood Forest you should have received an email with arrival instructions. Thank you for registering your child for a free tree through our Earth Week celebration with Neighborhood Forest!
Congratulations to the Eagles Boys Volleyball team for placing 4th at their first official tournament last weekend! Cheer the team on at their next game, Wednesday, April 22 at 4:30 p.m. at Hope Academy. Go Eagles!
AFSA PreK-12 Trimester 3 Conferences are coming up April 23 (High School and Elementary) and April 24 (Elementary)! There is no school for AFSA PreK-12 students on April 23 and 24. Below you will find sign up information for both AFSA Elementary and AFSA High School conferences.
AFSA Elementary:
Conferences for grades PreK-6 will be available on Thursday, April 23 and Friday, April 24 (no school for students.) Conferences will be 15 minutes long.
Please sign up with your child's homeroom teacher. Students are welcome at conferences and are included in the planning to have items to present to their parents/guardians. Any additional specialists or teachers can also be scheduled, but the homeroom teacher should be the first one you visit with as they will have comprehensive information about your child.
Appointment times are separated into "In-person" or "Virtual" times. Please select a time based on the method in which you'd like to attend. If you select an in-person time, virtual will not be available (and vice-versa.) If you select a Virtual appointment, the link will be sent to you prior to your appointment time by your selected teacher.
To sign up for AFSA PreK-6 conferences please select the teachers you want to see in the PTCFast system - access by clicking here.
You may check who your child’s teachers are in PowerSchool. For help scheduling grades PreK-6 call 612-260-2662.
AFSA High School:
AFSA High School (grades 7-12) Trimester 3 conferences are coming up Thursday, April 24! Students do not have school April 23 and 24.
Conferences for grades 7-12 are available on April 23 from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm. Conference times are 15 minutes long and are available either in person or virtual.
When you sign up for conferences you may select as many classroom teachers as you want to see. Students are welcome to attend with parents. Appointment times are separated into "Virtual" or "In-person" times. Please select a time based on the method in which you'd like to attend. If you select an in-person time, virtual will not be available (and vice-versa.) If you select a virtual appointment, the Zoom link will be sent to you prior to your appointment time by your selected teacher.
To sign up for AFSA High School (grades 7-12) conferences please select the teachers you want to see in the PTCFast system - access by clicking here.
You may check who your child’s teachers are in PowerSchool. For help scheduling grades 7-12 please call 651-209-3910.
AFSA's PreK-12 tri 3 conferences and staff work day are coming up April 23 and 24! We are looking for families who would like to donate beverages, snacks, and dessert for the staff on conference day and for the staff work day!
We are looking for store bought individually wrapped items. If you are able to donate please check out the items below. Items may be dropped off at the High School or Elementary building during school hours. Please make sure you indicate that your donation is for conferences.
Please drop off your donations by Wednesday, April 22. Thank you for supporting AFSA StAFSA!
To sign up to make a donation please click here.
If you have any questions please contact Stephanie Forliti at stephanieforliti@afsak12.com.
Thank you!
We are looking for donations for this year's AFSA Class of 2026 gift bags! Graduates will receive the bags at graduation. We are looking for items to add to the bags. We have 45 graduates. If you know of a company or individual that would like to donate items please contact Ms. Forliti.
We have a limited supply of AFSA yard signs available. Free (donations accepted) to good homes! Please contact Janelle at: jhamilton@afsak12.com if you would like one. First come first serve. Thank you for supporting AFSA!
Why not kick off this year's "summer daze" with a hat and a hotdog at Charter School Day at the Saints, taking place Sunday, June 7 at CHS Field in downtown St. Paul. With discounted tickets for Minnesota's statewide chartered public school community, this afternoon game is perfect for kids, families, and groups who're looking to take in a great matchup featuring your hometown St. Paul Saints.
Included in each discounted ticket price is a free St. Paul Saints hat, which you can pick up at the Minnesota Association of Charter Schools (MACS) table in front of the stadium gates. Stop by, say "hey" to MACS staff and try your hand at winning some free MACS swag.
Purchase your tickets here: https://www.gofevo.com/event/minnesotacharter26.
- PreK-4th J-term will be sent home before conferences.
- High School J-term information will be given out next week.
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 have begin 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!
To celebrate the students receiving degrees we are hosting a special AFSA FFA Degree Ceremony Night on April 23 from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. at AFSA High School. There is no cost to attend the ceremony. Family and friends are invited. Treats will be served.
This is the same night as conferences! Make sure to schedule your conferences (see above) and attend the ceremony!
Save the Date! AFSA High School is pleased to invite AFSA's families and friends to join us Thursday, May 21 at the high school for our Annual FFA Banquet. Cheer on and celebrate this year's students and their achievements. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
Students receiving awards will be notified on May 4 by email. Students receiving awards do not need to purchase a ticket. Tickets are $5 each and can be purchased in the front office at the high school or online just click here.
2026-2027 FFA Officer Applications are open NOW! All 8th-11th graders are invited to join the FFA Officer Team. The officer team runs events and activities for the school throughout the year. They also help promote a variety of FFA opportunities to students. If your student is interested please have them fill out the Google form application here. Applications are due May 8th and interviews will be after school on May 13 & 14 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Contact Ms. Warner or Ms. R. Nelson with any questions.
Hollywood Red Carpet! Prom is April 25! Prom is open to students in 9th-12th graders. Tickets are on sale now! Single tickets are $35 each and doubles are $30 each. Purchase tickets online here or by scanning the QR code or you can buy them with cash or check in the front office.
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
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!
Graduation will be here before we know it! Below you will find graduation ceremony information including ticket details.
Graduation Ceremony Information: Graduation will be held on Friday, June 5th, at Bethel University Benson Hall (3900 Bethel Drive St. Paul, MN 55112-6999). Commencement begins at 6:30 p.m. Seniors MUST arrive by 4:30 p.m. for orientation and preparation. Parents/Guardians and other guests may begin arriving at 5:45 p.m. The ceremony lasts approximately 1 hour with time to socialize afterwards.
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 3rd. 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).
Cords, Medallions and FFA Sashes: Students who have earned cords, medallions and FFA sashes over their high school career can wear them during the graduation ceremony. These items will be provided to qualifying students at no cost and students will be allowed to keep them. Examples of eligible organizations and clubs include: FFA, National Honor Society, and Youth in Government/Model United Nations. Only school approved items may be worn over the graduation gown.
Senior Picnic and Parade Information: The senior picnic will be on Friday, May 29th. The senior class will participate in a graduation parade at both the Elementary and High School campuses to allow for AFSA students and staff to celebrate all their accomplishments. Seniors will receive their cap, tassel, gown and 4 free graduation tickets on this day.
Graduation Day: Friday, June 5th is an early release day for students. Students will be released at 12:30 p.m. Please make sure seniors and their cap and gown are at Bethel no later than 4:30 p.m.
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!
Girl Scouts
Grow together. Girl Scouts gives adult–girl pairs built-in ways to try new things, spark meaningful conversations, and create lasting memories. Join Girl Scouts and register for Adult + Me camp by April 30 to receive a FREE camp care package — everything you need to begin your adventure.
Learn more at: gsrv.gs/join or gsrv.gs/camp
Kids’ Market – August 15
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.
Children's Performing Arts Summer Camps
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. 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
