AFSA K-12 Family Update
September 6, 2024
September 6, 2024
AFSA K-12 Families,
What a great first week of school! Please make sure if you have not yet turned in your yearly paperwork you do so asap. Included in the yearly paperwork is the Student Handbook Signature Page. This must be signed and returned to the school by September 30th. Please see below for more information.
We are excited to announce that our PreK program is now waitlisted! If you know of anyone who is interested in applying for this year we do have openings in most other grades. Interested families can apply on our website or contact our enrollment coordinators. Elementary (PreK-6) Liz Burkwald or for high school (7th-12th) contact Sam Wakefield. See below for information for our next open house event that is also the same night as our Safety Night and Numeracy Night!
There is some additional construction on Rice Street (North of 694) starting on Monday, September 9th. Please make sure to read the updated construction section below.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Thank you!
Important Date Reminders:
9/18/2024 - Picture Day (Pre-K-12th Grade)
9/27/2024 - Farm and Community Service Day
9/27/2024 - K-6 Students ONLY - No School
Special Note - To access the downloadable files attached to the newsletter click the top of the Family Update email that says "View in browser."
AFSA K-12 Movie Night
The AFSA FFA Officer team invites all AFSA K-12 families to Friday Movie Night! Join us next Friday, September 13th at the high school to watch Luca (Set in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera, Disney and Pixar’s original feature film “Luca” is a coming-of-age story about one young boy experiencing an unforgettable summer filled with gelato, pasta and endless scooter rides)! There is no charge to get in the movie however, we will have concession for sale (cash only). Movie starts at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome!
AFSA K-12 Open House/Safety/Numeracy Night
October 3rd is a busy night at AFSA K-12! Don't miss out on the fun! Bring your family and friends to Safety Night at the high school and Numeracy Night at the elementary school! We will have a shuttle running between the two buildings starting at 4:30 p.m. and run until 7:00 p.m.
If you know anyone that is interested in learning more about AFSA K-12 we are still taking applications for this year and applications for 2025-2026 are now open! October 3rd from 4-7 p.m. is also an open house at both the elementary and high school locations. AFSA's Enrollment lottery deadline is February 1, 2025. After that date, the lottery will be held and placement notices will be sent out.
Numeracy Night:
Join us at AFSA Elementary for Numeracy Night! There will be a ton of math related activities for current or interested elementary school students and their families. This event is free and open to the public.
AFSA K-12 Picture Day
Picture Day is coming up September 18th at both the elementary and high school! Photo ordering envelopes will be sent home with all students on Wednesday, September 11th. 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 FM455437
To use the online service click on the following link:
High School PhotosCODE FM455434
AFSA K-12 Back to School Forms/Fee
If you are having a problem downloading files in this newsletter please make sure you click the top of the Family Update email that says "View in browser."
AFSA Pre-K-12th grade families need to fill out the following paperwork each school year.
- Emergency Contact and Permissions form - Gives us emergency contacts and covers all field trip and media permissions needed during the year.
- 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.
- Parking Permit - For student driver's who will have a car at school.
All forms listed above are attached to this Family Update, can be found on the website or paper copies may be picked up in the front offices at both buildings.
Completed forms may be turned in the front office or can be emailed to:
Elementary Forms: jhamilton@afsak12.com
High School Forms: kbarbour@afsak12.com
AFSA K-12 Annual 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 Interim Executive Director, Becky Meyer.
Student Handbook Signature Pages
Student handbooks are attached to this newsletter and can also be found on our website here. Please take a moment to read over the handbook with your student. The last page of the handbook is the Student/Parent/Guardian signature page. This page must be signed by both student and guardian and returned to the school office at the elementary or high school no later than September 30th.
Interested in Car Pooling?
Is your family interested in carpooling to school? We want to connect you with other families that also would like to carpool!
Specific Carpool Need in the following area:
North St. Paul/Maplewood area
If you live in North St. Paul/Maplewood or in another area and are interested in carpooling please contact Ms. Angie (651-209-3910) she will help get you connected with other interested families.
AFSA's 11th Annual Potato Hug
Join us for our 11th Annual Potato Hug on Saturday, October 5th 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at AFSA High School!
The Hug is a showcase of student projects, school offerings, and community involvement. This event provides students with a venue to display their FFA Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects. Students design an entrepreneurial experience, research project, exploratory project, internship, or service type activity. Students are able to be vendors at the Potato Hug to sell their products created for their 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, 30th.
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!
****UPDATED ****IMPORTANT - Road Construction Information
Please be aware of a road construction project that will impact how our AFSA High School Team Members, students, and families reach the high school.
Starting on August 12th, the intersection at Edgerton St and Centerville Rd (by Bigwood Brewery) will be closed for approximately 90 days with no through traffic for utility installation. Click here for more information from Ramsey County.
Starting September 9th Rice Street, from Demar Ave. to Rustic Pl., will be closed. This does NOT impact the 694 Rice Street Exit. Click here for more information from Ramsey County.
Please use Rice Street (from 694) and proceed to Vadnais Blvd W to access AFSA High School until further notice.
Save Receipts for School Supplies!
Save Receipts for School Supplies! Minnesota Revenue offers two valuable tax benefits for parents who purchase school supplies for their K-12 students, the K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction. These benefits can reduce parents’ taxes to increase their refund, but is only available for those who keep their receipts. Purchases for most school supplies, field trips, and musical instruments for school band are eligible. Most Minnesota parents qualify for the K-12 subtraction, which reduces their taxable income. Parents under certain income limits may also qualify for the K-12 credit, which can refund up to 75% of their costs – even for parents who don’t owe any taxes. Visit the Minnesota Revenue website for details.
AFSA K-12 Cell Phone Policy 2024-2025
AFSA’s Proposed New Student Cell Phone and “Related Technology Device”
Rules & Guidelines for 2024-2025 School Year
Cell phones have become a way of life, a technological convenience that has impacted all of us in many ways. However, in the school environment, cell phones can be a distraction, an interruption, and occasionally, a tool to exchange inappropriate information. Beginning on
the first day of the school year, cell phones or ether electronic devices including smart watches and earbuds/air pods (see proposed policy for full list) will not be allowed during instructional time within our classrooms.
This new guideline will help us create a more positive environment where uninterrupted learning can take place. We believe this new guideline will allow our students to be more engaged in classroom activities, and, conversely, less likely to be distracted by non-school activities. It will allow teachers to focus on lessons, instead of cell phone distractions in the classrooms.
As more research around the impacts of cell phone use of adolescents is being published, we understand that it can lead to increased mental health issues in adolescents. As protecting and supporting the mental health of our students is a priority, we believe that limiting cell phone use during school will assist us in these endeavors.
We recognize that cell phones are a safety and security tool for parents and students to stay
connected. After reviewing the parent/guardian and teacher surveys from this past spring, AFSA will allow cell phones and “related technology devices” on both campuses. However, we do have procedures on when and if students can use them during the day, how it will be implemented, and the possible consequences when students are misusing them or not following the procedures.
Please see the attached Proposed Policy that explains and outlines our cell phone and “related technology devices” policy in more depth. It is a proposed policy until the board approves it at the August board meeting.
Please review this proposed policy with your student prior to the start of school.
We greatly appreciate your partnership with the AFSA Administration and Teachers to maximize your student’s learning experience and potential while at AFSA.
If you have any questions about this proposed policy, please contact Interim Executive Director, Becky Meyer.
Sincerely,
AFSA Administration
AFSA Eagle's Club - Pre-K through 6th Grade
We are excited to announce AFSA Eagle's Club is open for registrations for any AFSA student Pre-K through 6th grade. This program is a great option for families looking for after school care or after school clubs. Through Eagle's Club AFSA staff will provide care and activities from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 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 hand book for more information), so families can register for specific days of the week or on a full-week schedule.
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.
AFSA K-12 School Supply Lists 2024-2025
Supply Lists for the 2024-2025 School Year are attached!
If you are having a problem downloading files please make sure you click the top of the Family Update email that says "View in browser."
AFSA High School Play Auditions
Students in grades 7-12 are invited to audition for this year's high school play! We are excited to announce that we will be performing A Mid Summer Night's Dream! Auditions will be held after school on September 19th & 20th in the study hall at the high school. To sign up for auditions scan the QR code on the attached flyer or click here.
Mark your calendars - show dates are December 12,13,14! Watch for ticket sales information coming soon!
Please contact Ms. Hall or Ms. Forliti with any questions.
AFSA High School Sports Interest Survey
AFSA Athletics' goal is to engage students in extracurricular activities so they can experience positive interactions, develop sportsmanship, dedication, fortitude, and a positive work ethic while participating in the physical activity and skill development of a competitive sport. If you are interested in getting involved with any of our sports (Cross Country, Volleyball, Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, Softball) in the 2024-2025 school year, please follow the QR code or click here and fill out the AFSA Sports Interest Form.
AFSA K-12 Culver's Fundraising Nights
Join us at Culver's in Little Canada (2880 Rice Street Little Canada) for our Culver's fundraising nights throughout the 2024-2025 school year! See dates below! Take your family out to dinner and support AFSA K-12 at the same time! AFSA receives 10% of all food purchases from 5-7 p.m.
- September 17, 2024
- October 15, 2024
- November 19, 2024
- December 17, 2024
- January 21, 2025
- February 18, 2025
- March 18, 2025
- April 15, 2025
- May 20, 2025
Special thank you to the Little Canada Culver's for their continued support of AFSA K-12!
Community News/Opportunities
Radon Poster Contest:
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is hosting another Radon Poster Contest for fall 2024! The contest is open to children in Minnesota, ages 9-14 with cash prizes for the top three posters in both age groups: ages 9-11 and ages 12-14. Cash prizes for the top three state posters in both age groups: ages 9-11 and ages 12-14. State winner goes to the national contest for a chance at a $1,000 prize. The submission deadline is November 15, 2024. Questions and to submit posters, please contact Marc Katz, in MDH’s Indoor Air Unit at marc.katz@state.mn.us. Instructions and additional information can be found at the MDH Radon Poster Contest website.
Girl Scouts of River Valleys: If your K-12 student is interested in being a part of the Girls Scouts please see attached flyer.
Help Spread the Word About AFSA K-12
Attention AFSA K-12 Families! We need your help getting the word out about AFSA K-12! We would love to have you write a review on Google, share a post on social media, submit a quote or story about what you like best about AFSA K-12 or distribute flyers!
- Flyers: If you are interested in getting some flyers to help advertise the school please contact Ms. Forliti.
- Google Reviews: To write a Google review for AFSA Elementary click here and for AFSA High School click here.
- Social Media: To follow us on Facebook click here. To follow us on Instagram click here.
- Submit a Quote: If you are interested in submitting a quote or story, please fill out the AFSA Cheer Google Form or email Ms. Forliti.
Thank you for helping spread the word about AFSA K-12!
AFSA K-12 Family Directory
The school directory is a great way for AFSA K-12 families to stay in touch! Click here if you are a current or incoming AFSA K-12 family and would like to be added to the 2024-2025 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
Become a Part of the AFSA StAFSA Community - Now Hiring!
Become a part of the AFSA StAFSA community! We are looking for a few additional staff members. Please pass these opportunities on to friends and family!
- We are looking for substitute teachers for grades K-12, all subjects. Must hold or be eligible for an MN teaching license. On call as needed.
- We are also hiring Educational Assistants
AFSA K-12 2024-2025 School Year Calendar
The 2024-2025 AFSA K-12 School Calendar is attached to this newsletter!
If you are having a problem downloading this file please make sure you click the top of the Family Update email that says "View in browser."
AFSA K-12 Upcoming Events 2023-2024
September 17, 2024
AFSA K-12 - Culver's Night
Little Canada Culver's 5-7 p.m.
September 18, 2024
AFSA K-12 - Picture Day
September 21, 2024
AFSA K-12 - White Bear Animal Hospital Open House
White Bear Lake 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
September 23-26
AFSA High School Activation Week
September 27, 2024
AFSA K-12 - Farm and Community Service Day
Grades K-6 No School
October 3, 2024
AFSA K-12 - Open House
Both Campuses 4-7 p.m.
AFSA High School Safety Night 4-7 p.m.
AFSA Elementary Numeracy Night 4-7 p.m.
Click Here to go to the School Calendar for more details
AFSA K-12 Contact Information
Please call the attendance line or email the following if your student is absent.
Elementary Attendance Line:
612-260-2664 or email k6attendance@afsak12.com
High School Attendance Line:
651-209-3910 or email hsattendance@afsak12.com