AFSA Charter School Family Update
6/27/2025
Let's come together as a community in Week Forty-Five, yes if you are old enough, you read that in the way we heard the commercial for 45 news. I was presented a question that really stood out and hit home for me as an educational leader, especially leading into this week as we build up our own community with staff appreciation week. The question was, “How do you build a community that lasts?” I have never attempted to answer this question because typically I am too focused on what it takes to create a community.
So how do we not only build a community, but build one that will last. This is a loaded question and there is no one right answer. One philosophy or way that allows communities to thrive is living by, “You impress people by your strengths, but you connect with people through your weaknesses.” When a community is formed, they do not withstand time because of their accomplishments or strengths. They withstand time because they come together over limitations or shortcomings. A long lasting community uses its weaknesses to grow and creates vulnerability that fosters trust. It brings the community closer together.
My job here as a leader is to create a school community that values connection, growth, and care for one another. To ensure our community lasts, we need to understand we all have weaknesses and that is ok. Our community is built on trust, gratitude and showing up for one another, even in imperfect moments. Together, we continue to build something meaningful that will last beyond this week, month, or school year.
Help spread the word about AFSA! Now Enrolling for 2026-27! AFSA's Enrollment lottery deadline for 2026-27 applicants is February 1st. Siblings and family members of current staff or students have priority in the enrollment lottery to fill placements available for next year. After February 1st, applications will be processed on a first come, space available basis. Students entering kindergarten from AFSA's PreK class need to re-apply for the school-age program (they are not automatically enrolled.) Students in grades K-11 are automatically enrolled for the upcoming year.
AFSA Friends and Family are invited to the AFSA Elementary Winter Carnival Saturday, January 31st from 9:00 am-12:00 pm. Join us for games, concessions, silent auction and more!
- Family friendly games in every classroom!
- Tickets are $1 each (1 ticket per game!)
- 5th & 6th grade group SAE projects for sale
- “Adopt a stuffy”
- Silent Auction open Jan. 26 - 31
- Scholastic Book Fair
Tickets for games are $1.00 each and each game costs 1 ticket. Tickets can also be used for concessions and more. Tickets can be pre-ordered in any whole dollar amount. Preorder your event tickets - click here. To redeem your tickets stop by the front desk during the event.
The Silent Auction is open Jan. 26 - 31 until noon. Winners will be notified by email. Winners may pick up their purchase at the end of the Winter Carnival or the next week at the elementary front desk during school hours. See attached flyer regarding silent auction.
The Winter Carnival is geared towards elementary aged students but all are welcome. Thank you to the AFSA Parent Group for hosting the concessions, silent auction, and “adopt a stuffy”! Thank you for your support of AFSA!
The annual Silent Auction fundraiser hosted by the AFSA Parent and Family Group is starting Monday, January 26th and ending January 31st at noon. All proceeds benefit AFSA students and staff at BOTH schools.
There are some amazing items listed this year, with many fun experiences to keep your family busy in this cold MN winter!
PLEASE share this link with your family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, etc. The more people who participate, the more we can raise for our school! Many items can be mailed, or picked up at the schools following the auction. Come to the Winter Carnival at the elementary school for fun and games and to see all the auction items in person!
Thank you to everyone who stopped by to purchase books and other goodies at our book fairs this week. We appreciate your support!
The in person fair at the high school has come to a close but the elementary fair will be open tomorrow, Saturday, January 31 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
You can still order books online now through February 8th day at The Scholastic Store. Discover an expanded selection of exclusive books, new releases, value packs, and more. All orders ship direct to home. Book-only orders over $35 ship FREE.* Click on the links below.
Students have been busy working on their science fair projects! Science fair for 7th-9th graders is coming up February 5th and science fair for 10th-12th graders is February 12th. All high school students must register their science fair project. Please scan the QR code to register. If you have any questions please contact Ms. Warner.
Students will have projects on display from 4-7 p.m. Family and friends are invited to peruse projects.
Get ready for summer at the AFSA Charter School Gearing up for Summer Community Night! Join us Thursday, March 5th from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at AFSA High School (100 Vadnais Blvd Vadnais Heights) for a free night of family fun!
Stop by for food, games, face painting by Libby Lu, crafts and activities. Learn about fun summer opportunities in our area for students and families. We are excited to have the Egg Roll Queen food truck joining us!
This is also an open house/presentation night. Staff will be available to answer questions and give tours of the high school. Students will be presenting a variety of projects they have been working on.
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 more!
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 CHA Scottish Highland heifer. She is very curious about the world around her and can't wait to meet you!
This special night is also an open house night. Staff will be available to answer questions and give tours.
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
Support AFSA Athletics with your PIZZA purchase! Starting January 12th through February 13th. AFSA Athletes are holding a Heggies Pizza fundraiser to raise money for all AFSA Athletic teams! Pizzas are large (12") and range in price from $12 - $15.
Choose from the following:
- Double Cheese
- Sausage
- Pepperoni
- Sausage & Pepperoni
- Sausage & Mushroom
- Inferno
- Deluxe Combo
- Six Pack
- BCB (Bacon Cheeseburger)
- Chicken Alfredo
- Breakfast Pizza
- El Jefe
- Italian Beef
- Cauliflower Crust Sausage & Pepperoni
- Cauliflower Crust Margherita
- Cauliflower Crust Chicken Alfredo
- Cauliflower Crust Uncured Pepperoni
To purchase pizzas find an AFSA athlete or you can scan the QR code. Any questions please contact our Activities Director, Ms. Vorwald, avorwald@afsak12.com. Thank you for your support!
AFSA Athletes can pick up their fundraising packets from Ms. Vorwald or see attached sales form.
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? Contact Amanda Vorwald avorwald@afsak12.com
We are opening up the Ecuador trip to any students who will be 13 by May 1, 2027! We've had a meeting with students and families. We are planning a fundraising meeting for after break.
We're still registering all students for Ecuador. In order to secure your child's spot at Camp Ecuador, you will need to fill out the application here and use booking code 13635 , as well as, pay the $557 deposit spots are still open, but not guaranteed. Don't let this incredible opportunity slip them by; invest in a life defining expedition for your student!
For Camps International related questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to kjerstin@campsinternational.org . For AFSA specific questions, you may contact Laura Nelson or Amber Forbort at AFSA.
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!
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.
Martial Arts Club continues to push forward as we enter 2026! From bo staffs to broken boards, our students have kicked off the new year with a bang. The Martial Arts Club will be holding our annual testing on March 5th during the ASFA Community Night, specific time coming soon (in past years, we have started between 5:30 and 6pm). Students who are ready to test for their next belt level will be invited in the coming weeks, and everyone is welcome to watch and cheer for the testers, as well as enjoy the other events AFSA is holding throughout the building.
The 5th & 6th grade dance will be held at the high school from 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm on Friday, February 6th. There will be music, concessions, and staff chaperones. The dance is free, but concessions will cost. There will likely be popcorn, punch, and some candy available for purchase. The students chose a Valentine's theme.
We are looking for input on menu items that students would like to see. All AFSA students can submit suggestions. Just click here or scan the QR code on the attached flyer. You may just get a special menu shout out and even be the first in line on your special lunch day!
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 $45 until March 1, 2026 when they go up to $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:
Seniors who have not yet submitted the following please do so ASAP.
Baby Picture
Senior Picture
Family message of congratulations or encouragement
Diploma Name, shirt and gown sizes
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.
- February 17, 2026
- 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.
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.
Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth
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.
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
