AFSA Charter School Family Update
6/27/2025
Well for all you superstitious people out there, Week 51 of Words With Wakefield falls on Friday the 13th! I have been dealing with some not so fun items lately, whether it is challenges at work or balancing issues that I am experiencing personally. Do not worry, this is not a vent session for me to talk about all my problems. We all have them and are navigating through all of what life has to throw at us. I was sitting on the couch doing what I keep telling my students to stop doing and that was scrolling on social media. I am not proud, but sometimes good does come out of it. Do not share that with the students!
I came across a video that resonated with me. It said that the most powerful choice we can make is our attitude and that it is one of the true things we can control in our life. When we have a good attitude it leads to positive thinking and positive thinking is the foundation to positive results. We have to accept that we will have things happen to us that make us feel bad or uncomfortable and we do not have control over that. What we can control is our attitude and how we respond. Whether it is a student losing a big game, a teacher managing a difficult classroom, or as simple as someone cutting you off on the way to work. We all have the ability to choose how our attitude is and if we choose a positive one, that will help produce positive results.
This was a good reminder for me that no matter what happens, good or bad, that the most important decision I can make in a day is my attitude. Dealing with a personal family matter, I had to take my work with me and be away from my school community at times this past week. My joy in what I do is being in the school and interacting with my staff and students. I do not have control of what I am dealing with, but I do have control of my attitude and understanding that all my school community is here to support. Having a positive attitude as a school leader will have the greatest impact on my students and staff.
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:
Register your child to receive a free tree to plant at home
Purchase trees to plant this spring if you don’t have a child participating (Buy One, Fund One!)
Donate to fund trees in our community — $5 helps place a tree in the hands of a child
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
AFSA Charter School is partnering with the City of Vadnais Heights to offer community education classes. Class registration is open NOW through June 14th. 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!
Congratulations to the following AFSA's high school students who competed at the 2026 Roland Peterson Agriscience Fair this week at the U of M!
Greta A., Kye A., Jori A., James A., Hannah B., Kassidy B., Levi B., Christian B., Sydney B., Cooper C., Louise C., Alana E., Ben E., Myko G., Isabelle H., Alex H., David J., Nikolai J., Amarii K., Stella K., Kaitlyn K., Josiah K.,Lorenzo L., Nathan M., CJ M., Ginger M., Joseph M., Trex L., Bracen P., Ryder S., Joza T., Jordan T., Gunner T., Siri W., Birghin W.
Thank you also to our science fair mentors, Rose D., Sara E., Mason S., and Lily S., for helping throughout the day!
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
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.
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.
Baby Picture
Senior Picture
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.
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.
Learning through Baking
Shoreview Community Park
Greenhouse Planting has Begun
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 April 13th, 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!
Ramsey County Lifeguard Positions Open
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
2026 Nature Walk Summer Volunteer Program at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
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 Boys and Girls Youth Football Camp
Bethel University is hosting a Youth Football Camp on July 22nd and 23rd. 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.
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. 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
