AFSA PreK-12 Family Update
6/27/2025
September 5, 2025
Good afternoon AFSA Families,
What a great first week of school! Please make sure to read through the Family Update for important information about paperwork, picture day, upcoming events and more!
Have a wonderful weekend!
IMPORTANT NOTE
To see the complete newsletter 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.
Weekly Words with Wakefield
We are sliding into week 26 of Words With Wakefield. We have wrapped up the first week of school and I can honestly say this has been one of the best starts of a school year in my time as an administrator. As I walk through our school buildings I can feel the positive energy. Our staff are energized and excited to be here. The students are smiling (yes smiling) and showing a positive attitude. Our school has passionately worked to build a positive and inclusive environment for all students to succeed. I believe our hard work and new initiatives have already made a positive impact on our school community.
We would love to be able to reach more students and give them an opportunity to be a part of the AFSA community. If you know of any students that would benefit from learning more about AFSA, please pass them on! I truly believe that AFSA is making huge positive impacts on our student community and would love to spread that impact further.
I enjoy coming to work each day and not everyone has the opportunity to admit that. The staff and students I get to work with every day makes my job fulfilling. AFSA’s community goes unmatched and the future is bright! I am excited for the school year 2025-2026 and beyond.
Busing Information
Please make sure your student is at the bus stop 5 minutes before their pick up time and stays 10 minutes after their scheduled time as bus drivers may run late as everyone gets adjusted to the routes. Any students that do not ride the bus in the first 2 weeks and do not notify the school of their intention to ride the bus will be dropped from busing. After the first two weeks route times may be adjusted to allow for any changes.
2025-2026 School Year Paperwork
AFSA Pre-K-12th grade families need to fill out the following paperwork each school year.
- Emergency Contact and Permissions form - This form gives us emergency contact information and permission for all field trips, media use and technology use needed during the year. THIS MUST BE SIGNED FOR STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY FIELD TRIPS!
- Application for Educational Benefits - Provides families additional benefits and helps AFSA qualify for grants and funds from the department of education.
Additional forms that may be needed:
- Medication Authorization form - This form is needed for all medications your student will need during the school day. Doctors signature may be required please see form for details. Medication and form can be dropped off at the Back to School Picnic.
- Parking Permit - For student drivers who will have a car at school.
All forms listed above are attached to this newsletter, can be found on the website and paper copies are available at both the high school and elementary school front offices.
Completed forms may be dropped off at the buildings during school hours or Elementary (PreK-6) forms can be emailed to jhamilton@afsak12.com and high school (grades 7-12) forms can be emailed to kbarbour@afsak12.com
AFSA Eagles Club - After School Care (PreK-6)
We are excited to announce AFSA Eagle's Club is open for registrations for the 2025-2026 school year. Eagle's Club is open to all AFSA students grades PreK-6. This program is a great option for 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 (see our exciting schedule of activities for September below), 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).
High School Student Handbook Signature Page
AFSA High School students have been going over the student handbook in their FOCUS groups this week. Attached to this update is a PDF of the handbook summary slides for you to look over. To access the full high school student handbook click here or go to www.afsak12.com.
The high school handbook contains a signature page that must be signed by parents/guardians and students. Your student is bringing home a paper copy of the signature page this week. Please sign and return this page to the front office at the high school no later than September 30th. Only signed paper copies are accepted. Please call the school at 651-209-3910 if you have any questions or require a paper copy of the handbook.
AFSA Activity Fee
The Annual Activity Fee is $25 per student. This covers student email accounts, student ID cards, locker use, PowerSchool access and FFA dues. Students will not receive their school ID unless this fee is paid. Fee can be paid online (see below) or in the school office at either the elementary or high school. If this fee presents a financial hardship for your family please contact our Executive Director, Sam Wakefield.
Power School Information
PowerSchool has been updated for the upcoming year; you can check grades, attendance, balances, and schedules there throughout the year! For more information please contact your students building.
- For Elementary Students please contact Janelle at 612-260-2662 if you have questions or need directions to get signed up for your student.
- For High School Students please contact Kristina at 6651-209-3910 if you have questions or need directions to get signed up for your student.
Contact Information Updates
Communication is important to us! Please make sure you watch for the AFSA Family Update every Friday throughout the school year! Family Updates include important information about school events, paperwork, school related and community opportunities and so much more. If at any point your contact information changes please contact the school offices ASAP so you do not miss out on any information.
AFSA Elementary - 612-260-2662
AFSA High School - 651-209-3910
Picture Day
Picture Day is coming up September 17th at both the elementary and high school! Photo ordering envelopes will be sent home with all students on Wednesday, September 10th. You can send in your order and payment ON PHOTO DAY ONLY (NOT BEFORE). Checks should be made out to Strawbridge Studios. If sending cash, you must send the exact amount. Photographers do not have change.
There is also an online ordering option. For this option you sign up to order online and they will contact you when online photo ordering is open.
To use the online service click on the following link:
CODE FM475116
To use the online service click on the following link:
High School PhotosCODE FM475114
Order Your AFSA Flannel Today!
AFSA Charter School Flannel shirts are on sale now! Shirts are $42! Ordering is open now through September 12th! To place an order please fill out the attached order form and return the form along with payment to the front office at either the elementary or high school building. Payment can be cash, check or you can pay online here. Shirts should be delivered to the school by mid-October. Any questions please contact Stephanie Forliti. Thank you!
Elementary O-term Information
AFSA Elementary O-term forms have been sent home with all PreK-6th grade students. Elementary O-term happens the week of October 13-15.
Please make sure to return your students o-term form and payment to the school no later than September 18th! Payments can be made with cash or check at the front desk at the elementary building or can be paid online here:
If you need an additional copy of the form please contact Ms. Janelle.
AFSA Elementary Safety Night
Save the date for the AFSA Elementary Safety Night! Join us at AFSA Elementary on Thursday, October 2nd from 4:00-7:00 p.m. for a night full of safety fun! Watch for more information coming soon!
Potato Hug - Invitation, Student Vendor and Art Showcase Information
We invite you to join us for our Annual AFSA Potato Hug on Saturday, October 4th 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at AFSA High School! The event is open to the public so invite friends and family!
The Hug is a showcase of student projects, school offerings, and community involvement. This event provides students the opportunity to be vendors and sell their products created for their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE). Each project is an opportunity for students to demonstrate professionalism, develop entrepreneurial skills, and showcase their hard work.
Not only do we have students selling their creations but we also have a baked potato bar, a student art show and more!
Students in grades 7-12 interested in participating in this year's Potato Hug as a vendor need to fill out a registration form and pay the $5 student vendor fee. Sign up form is attached or click here to access the forms online and get more information. Forms (with all signatures) and fee are due no later than September, 26th.
Students who would like to submit a piece of artwork for the art show should contact Ms. Forliti for more information.
See you at the Hug!
YIG INFORMATION
The first student meeting for this year's YIG program is coming up September 9th. To learn more about YIG contact Ms. Nelson!
READ Toolkit with MDE
Minnesota Department of Education has a new resource to help kids learn to read. The READ Toolkit gives families ideas and tools to help their kids learn to read. For more information click here.
USDA Sun Bucks Program
For more information about the Sun Bucks program click here.
AFSA Fall Sports 7th-12th Grade
For all AFSA sports teams each student athlete must fill out the following Google form. Included in the Google form are links to all required sports forms. These forms can also be found on our website.
- Volleyball - All 7-12th grade girls interested in playing volleyball with AFSA meet in the AFSA HS gym after school Tuesday, September 2 from 3:10-5pm. Plan to practice with workout clothes, water bottle, knee pads and tennis shoes.
- Soccer - Calling all 9th-12th grade boys interested in joining the AFSA Soccer team! This year’s soccer team will be a co-op team with Liberty Classical Academy. Players should have tennis shoes/cleats, workout clothes, water bottle, and shin guards.
If your student is interested in joining either team please contact Amanda Vorwald.
Heggies AFSA Athletics Fundraiser
Support AFSA Athletics with your PIZZA purchase! Starting August 18 through September 10 AFSA Athletes are holding a special Heggies Pizza fundraiser to raise money for all AFSA Athletic teams! Pizza's are large (12") and range in price from $11 - $14. Choose from the following:
- Double Cheese
- Sausage
- Pepperoni
- Sausage & Pepperoni
- Sausage and Mushroom
- Inferno
- Deluxe Combo
- Six Pack
- BCB (Bacon Cheeseburger)
- Chicken Alfredo
- Breakfast Pizza
- Cauliflower Crust Sausage & Pepperoni
- Cauliflower Crust Marcherita
- El Jefe (Mexican style with Chorizo, jalapenos and more)
To purchase pizzas find an AFSA athlete or contact our Activities Director, Ms. Vorwald, avorwadl@afsak12.com. Thank you for your support!
AFSA Eaglets - It's Baseball Time!
Step up to the plate for our 4-day Youth Baseball Eaglets Program! Led by AFSA’s baseball coach and players, you’ll learn the fundamentals—rules, skills, and teamwork—while building confidence on and off the field. Whether you’re brand new to the game or looking to sharpen your swing, it’s your chance to spread your wings and swing for the fences! Tuesdays, 9/16, 9/23, 9/30, 10/7 after school until 5pm at LILY POND PARK. Students will take a bus to the field where staff will meet them. They should be picked up from the park at 5pm.
High School D&D Club
Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) Club is a fun group activity where students can utilize teamwork, problem solving, and improv skills in fun fantasy scenarios! The AFSA D&D Club will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3pm-5pm. Teams will alternate weeks when they play. Students must provide their own transportation.
The cost for the club this year is $45, which includes club t-shirts, custom 3D printed miniatures, and the second annual AFSA D20 Awards Show at the end of the year! Please contact Mr. Jon with any questions!
AFSA Charter School Culver's Fundraising Nights 2025-2026
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 receives 10% of all food purchases from 5-7 p.m.
- September 16, 2025
- October 21, 2025
- November 18, 2025
- December 16, 2025
- January 20, 2026
- February 17, 2026
- March 17, 2026
- April 21, 2026
- May 19, 2026
Special thank you to the Little Canada Culver's for their continued support of AFSA!
AFSA Parent and Family Group (PreK-12)
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 6:30pm at AFSA High School. We are working on making a virtual option available as well.
Meetings are open to all AFSA preK-12 parents/families and staff
Next Meeting:
Monday, September 8th, 6:30pm, AFSA High School
The full schedule of meeting dates is attached below.
Communications
Please join us on Slack and/or Facebook for news, volunteer/supply needs, and connection!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/298898269087601/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT
https://join.slack.com/t/afsafamilies/shared_invite/zt-3cllzmn7a-UkEBOoJl0RHp_cyBpZ8Tpg
Box Tops for Education - September
Did you know AFSA participates in Box Tops for Education? Join other families in supporting AFSA through Box Tops for Education! You can find Box Tops on hundreds of products throughout the store. Download and use the app to snap a photo of your receipt within 14 days of purchase. Make sure to choose AFSA High School when scanning in your Boxtops. Your Box Tops earnings are identified and automatically updated online. To check out all of the products and learn more about the Box Tops for Education app please go to BTFE.com. Attached is the September bonus offers.
You can also find this information on our website just click here.
Community News
Girl Scouts:
Watch confidence bloom with every new experience and challenge! Girl Scouts nurtures kindness, courage, and leadership. Grades K-12 are invited to join now for $45! See attached flyer for more information.
AFSA Charter School Family Directory 2025-2026
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 directory will be emailed out to all participating families. If you have been in past directories you will still need to sign up this year to be included. Questions? Please contact Ms. Forliti
September Lunch Menu
The 2025-2026 School Calendar
AFSA Upcoming Events 2025-2026
September 16
Culver's Fundraising Night - Little Canada Culver's 5-7 p.m.
September 17
AFSA Charter School Picture Day
September 26
AFSA High School Farm and Community Service Day
AFSA Elementary - NO SCHOOL ELEMENTARY ONLY
October 2
AFSA Elementary Open House and Safety Night 4-7 p.m.
October 4
AFSA Potato Hug - AFSA High School 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Click Here to go to the School Calendar for event details
AFSA Contact Information
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