AFSA K-12 Family Update
May 19, 2023
AFSA K-12 Families,
Voting has begun for the AFSA K-12 School Boar Election. The last day to vote is June 1st. Please see below for more information. Next week we have our Farm and Community Service Day for all 7-12 grade students. See below for details.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Thanks
Exciting News!
AFSA K-12 School Board Elections
Get Out and AFSA! - Summer Parade Help Needed
AFSA High School Open House/Presentation Night/Degree Ceremony
2023-2024 Welcome to AFSA High School Night
Girls on the Run and Heart and Sole at AFSA K-12
AFSA's Annual Plant Sale Thank You
Free Meals for Kids
K-8 Awards Night Volunteers Needed
AFSA K-4 J-term Information
AFSA K-12 Update for 2023-2024 School Year
Farm and Community Service Day May 26
Annual Glow Up Conference
AFSA Class of 2023 Graduation Update
Vadnais Heights Community Groups Scholarship Opportunity
Spring Sports Update
AFSA Eagles Gear
Summer Job Opportunities for Students
Community Offered Summer Camps and Family Fun
Community Volunteer Opportunity
Be a Part of the AFSA StAFSA Community - Now Hiring
AFSA K-12 Family Directory 2022-2023
Lunch menu - May
- Calendar of Events
- School Calendar Attached (2022-2023 and 2023-2024)
Exciting News!
AFSA was recognized as this year's Minnesota Middle/High School Outstanding Agriculture Program by the Minnesota Association of Agriculture Educators. This is a state level award given through the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE). As a state winner we can now compete within our respective NAAE region for the regional award.
AFSA K-12 School Board Elections
AFSA K-12 will be holding School Board Elections through electronic voting starting May 15, 2023. Emails have been sent with instructions. We will provide an alternative method for those who do not wish to vote electronically or who cannot vote electronically. Voting ends June 1, 2023.
The AFSA School Board is made up of three parent voting members, three teacher voting members and three community voting members. The Executive Director and Business Manager are non-voting members of the board as well.
Please find the list of candidates for School Board for this year’s elections attached to this Family Update or on our website. Positions are for three year terms.
Get Out and AFSA! - Summer Parade Help Needed
Be a part of the fun and join AFSA K-12 at a variety of events from Martketfest in Downtown White Bear Lake to the Maplewood Area Historical Society's Big Red Barn Farmers Market to many parades. For a complete list of AFSA's summer events click here.
Parade Volunteers Needed:
We are looking for students and families to represent AFSA K-12 and walk in our summer parades! We will be participating in the following parades:
- Manitou Days Parade (White Bear Lake - June 16)
- Slice of Shoreview Parade (Shoreview - July 22)
- Canadian Days Parade (Little Canada - August 6)
- Heritage Days Parade (Vadnais Heights - August 20)
Parade t-shirts are available for participants who walk in the parades. We have a limited number of t-shirts and t-shirt sizes (only available in small, medium, large and x-large) for parade participants. Shirts are limited to the first 75 people that request them. T-shirts will be given out at the parades. Only one t-shirt per participant. If students will be walking in more than one parade they will need to remember to wear their school parade shirt.
If your family would like to participate in any of the parades please scan the QR code or click here to sign up no later than June 9th. Any questions?
Please contact stephanieforliti@afsak12.com
Thank you for supporting AFSA K-12!
AFSA High School Open House/Presentation Night/Degree Ceremony
Current and prospective families are invited to join us for our AFSA High School Open House and Presentation Night Thursday, May 25 4-7 p.m. Staff will be available at the high school to answer questions and give tours. Students will be presenting a variety of projects that they have been working on to parents, staff, and visitors. We also are having our Spring FFA Degree Ceremony. We have 39 students who have earned their Greenhand Degree and 9 students who have earned their Chapter Degree.
The Greenhand FFA Degree is awarded to ninth grade or older members who learn about the FFA history, mission, creed and emblem and make plans for an SAE. The Chapter FFA Degree is awarded to members in 10th grade or higher who are involved in chapter activities and community service and complete the minimum hours of instruction and SAE project growth.
Join us for the ceremony at 5:00 p.m. in the gym. Students receiving their Greenhand will get to put their handprint on the wall after the ceremony.
Also on this very special night we are hosting a 2023-2024 Welcome Night for incoming and prospective 7th-12th graders. See below for more information.
2023-2024 Welcome Night at AFSA High School
Join us to learn more about academics, clubs, AFSA Eagles athletics and school culture at the high school. There will be hot dogs and other light refreshments, yard games, team building games, and info sessions.
Thursday, May 25 is also our presentation night for current AFSA high school students. Feel free to stop by any of the presentations and our Greenhand Ceremony.
Please contact Erik Bruner-Wiltse ebrunerwiltse@afsak12.com with any questions.
Girls on the Run and Heart and Sole at AFSA K-12
Girls on the Run is a group for girls in grades 3-5 to be physically active while developing and strengthening important life skills. Heart & Sole is aa group for girls in 6th -8th grade to be active, build confidence and understand the importance of physical and emotional health.
Thank you to coaches Ms. Hannah Heider, Ms. Veldhuizen, Ms. Colligan, Ms. Katie Heider, Ms. Muellner for making this such a great experience for our 3-8 grade students!
AFSA's Annual Plant Sale Thank You
If you have any photos throughout the summer that you would like to share, of the plants you purchased at the sale, please email them to afsamedia@afsak12.com.
Elementary Ag Class: Animals and Their Special Teeth
Free Meals for Kids
To download the free app via the app store on your smartphone, simply search "Free Meals for Kids”:
For more information: www.hungerimpactpartners.org.
K-8 Awards Night Volunteers Needed
Volunteers Needed!! Help us end the year strong supporting AFSA K-8!
Volunteers are needed for:
- Awards Night June 1st (serving ice cream and providing playground supervision after school before awards begin)
- Field Day June 9th (set up, clean up, helping with games)
Click here to sign up to help.
Your time is greatly appreciated!!
AFSA K-4 J-term Information
Students in grades K-4 received their J-term information this week Students are participating in themed activities and projects throughout the week of J-term with their classes. These experiences prepare them for full participation in term options beginning in 5th grade. J-term is a required week of school, and an exciting way to end the year!
If parents/guardians are interested in helping or chaperoning, background checks must be on file with AFSA. Please submit a background check form in the front office at least 2 weeks prior to any anticipated volunteer activities. Please contact the school office.
To pay for your K-4 student's j-term online click here or you can pay in the front office at the elementary building.
Thanks
AFSA K-12 Update for 2023-2024 School Year
AFSA is excited to announce some changes as we grow again next year! Our Elementary campus will house grades K-6 and the High School campus will house grades 7-12. This is a permanent change and reflects the demand of our Elementary program. With that change, we will be adding 2 classrooms and accepting students from the waitlist! Current placements available in Kindergarten, 6th grade, and 7th grade for 2023-24. Please spread the word if you know of students in those grades looking for a school!
Enrollment contacts:
Grades K-6: Liz Burkwald lburkwald@afsak12.com
Grades 7-12: Erik Bruner-Wiltse ebrunerwiltse@afsak12.com
Farm and Community Service Day May 26th
Next Friday, May 26th, students in grades 7-12 are heading out to volunteer in the surrounding communities for our annual Farm and Community Service Day (FCSD).
We help at a variety of agricultural-related businesses including city parks, blueberry fields, urban farms, and more. Students complete tasks such as weeding, planting, and spring clean up. This day not only benefits businesses but the students and staff as well.
Why is FCSD so important?
- Give Back to Community
- Team building
- Teach Citizenship
- Hands on Learning
- Exposure to Agriculture
- Gain Knowledge in a Variety of Ag Related topics
Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve - FFA Motto
If you have a 7th-12th grader please help remind them to dress for the weather (ex. close toed shoes, long sleeve shirts and pants, sunscreen, bug spray, hat, clothes they can get dirty in), bring work gloves and a water bottle. Students will have lunch at their FCSD sites. Students can get a bag lunch from school (do not need to preorder - students will purchase just like school lunch) or bring their own.
We are excited for our spring FCSD coming up Friday, May 26!
Annual Glow Up Conference
Sunday, May 21, from 11am to 5pm at Wilder Foundation in St. Paul!
Hosted by Love First Community Engagement, the Annual Glow Up conference builds Black girls’ identities through self-esteem workshops centered on creativity, wellness, and healing. Through activities like dance, sound bowls, affirmations and more, attendees will leave feeling whole, affirmed, and connected to people and opportunities so they shine bright throughout their communities! Register below for this FREE event for Black girls aged 14 to 20 years old!
The Glow Up is a program of Love First Community Engagement. Learn more about us at lovefirsttc.org.
AFSA Class of 2023 Graduation Information Update
Please make sure to get your tickets for graduation! See below for more information about graduation.
Senior Picnic and Parade Information:
The senior picnic is next Thursday, May 25th. This event is for ALL seniors who have completed graduation requirements (i.e., presentation(s) and science fair(s)) and are in good standing academically and behaviorally. In addition, the senior class will participate in a graduation parade at both the K8 and High School campuses to allow for AFSA students and staff to celebrate all their accomplishments. Seniors will also receive their gown, cap, and tassel on this day.
Graduation Day:
Friday, June 2nd is a regular school day for students. Seniors will be allowed to leave school after lunch to get ready for the graduation ceremony, as long as they have all assigned work turned-in in their classes and a ride home. If seniors do not have a ride home after lunch, they will ride school provided transportation at the end of the regular school day as normal.
Graduation Ceremony Information:
Graduation will be held on Friday, June 2nd, at Bethel University in Arden Hills. Commencement is set to begin at 6:30pm. Seniors will be expected to arrive by 4:30pm for orientation and preparation. Parents/Guardians and other guests may begin arriving at 5:45pm. The ceremony should last roughly 1 hour with time to socialize afterwards.
Graduation Tickets:
AFSA is providing 4 free tickets to each graduate and any additional guests will need to purchase a ticket for $10. Children 5 and under are not required to purchase a ticket. You can purchase tickets online via the AFSA High School website using a credit card from April 5th until May 31st. To order graduation tickets click here. Tickets can also be purchased with cash or check from April 5th through Thursday, June 1st, in the AFSA High School front office. Families are also able to purchase tickets the evening of the ceremony at the door using cash or check only. No credit cards purchases will be made at the door.
Any questions please contact:
Jessica Ferraro - jferraro@afsak12.com
Mandy Olson - molson@afsak12.com
Stephanie Forliti - stephanieforliti@afsak12.com
Vadnais Heights Community Groups Scholarship Opportunity for Seniors
LAST CHANCE TO APPLY! APPLICATION CLOSED MAY 25TH.
This $1000 scholarship is provided jointly by Vadnais Heights Area Community Foundation (VHACF) and the Vadnais Heights Lions Club to recognize a senior who has demonstrated a strong academic record (3.0 GPA or higher), involvement in community service and/or have overcome a significant life challenge.
Please write a 1 page essay that includes the following:
Tell us about your interests, hobbies, school activities, etc.
Information about your educational and personal goals along with information about the financial resources available to you to pay for your education
How your community has contributed to the person you have become today and how you plan on giving back to your community in the future
Include any additional information that you want the Scholarship Committee to consider in evaluating your personal qualifications and financial needs
Please turn in your completed essay to Mr. P by Thursday, May 25th 2023 to be considered for this scholarship.
Spring Sports Update
The AFSA Eagles Baseball and Softball teams games are played subject to field condition. Game schedule is subject to last minute changes.
Join the AFSA Eagles Baseball team:
- May 24th AFSA VS. St. Paul Harding AWAY 1540 6th St E, St. Paul, MN 55106 4:30 p.m.
- May 30th AFSA VS. Mpls North HS HOME 4:30 p.m.
Join the AFSA Eagles Softball team:
- May 23rd AFSA VS. Washington Tech HOME 4:30 p.m.
- May 25th Gryphon Meet #3 AWAY 1500 Rice St, St Paul, MN 55117
Please contact our Athletic Director, Ryan Moeller rmoeller@afsak12.com with any questions.
AFSA Eagles Gear
Eagles Gear:
Check out our athletics apparel store with BSN sports! Check out the store here! Please contact Mr. Moeller if you have any questions or concerns with the team store.
Thanks for your support!
Summer Job Opportunities for Students
Land O'Lakes Giving Garden:
AFSA FFA is looking to hire 3 to 4 students to manage the Land O'Lakes and AFSA Giving Garden over the summer. This is a paid position and makes a great SAE!
Job Requirements:
Able to get a ride to the Land O'Lakes and AFSA Giving Garden once a week throughout the entire summer
Able to spend at least 4 hours a week in the gardens and keep a log of time
Able to communicate with fellow workers and FFA Advisors
Have a basic understanding of plant care including distinguishing weeds from vegetable seedlings and vegetable harvesting.
Work independently and without supervision
IMPORTANT: To apply click here. You can also find the application on the AFSA High School website under FFA and Applications. Applications are due to Ms. Leiding by May 5 at 3:15 pm. Applicants will be notified if they received a position on the Giving Garden Maintenance Team by May 17th.
Student job posting with the Maplewood Area Historical Society
Position: MAHS Event Staff
Location: Maplewood Area Historical Society, 2170 County Road D East, Maplewood, MN 55109
Salary: $17.60 per hour
Hours: Varies. This is an on-call position with weekend and evening hours
Reports to: Director of Events and Development, Amy Puschinsky
Requirements: 16 years and older. Reliable transportation. Ability to lift 20 lbs
The Maplewood Area Historical Society is proud to post an equity-pay position for event staff with students of AFSA. Events are essential to MAHS, and we are excited to round out or dedicated team with the addition of events staff at the museum. Events staff will assist with the set up and break down of both public and private events, as well as providing parking assistance during large events at the Bruentrup Heritage Farm.
To be considered for this position, please send a letter of interest to MAHS Director of Events and Development, Amy Puschinsky via email amy@maplewoodmuseum.org
A brief interview will be followed by a group training session with selected candidates.
We look forward to working with you at MAHS!
Volunteer Opportunity with the CHS Miracle of Birth Center (MOBC) at the Minnesota State Fair! FFA Members, help tell the story of agriculture at the most popular free exhibit at the State Fair! MOBC volunteers, often called “barnies”, enjoy five days advocating for agriculture at the fair by having one-on-one conversations with fairgoers about how their food is grown and how passionate farmers are about animal care.
Requirements:
- Must be 16 years old at the time of volunteer work at the fair.
- Must be a current FFA member.
- Animal experience helps but is not required.
- All is training provided!
Perks:
- 5 free days at the fair!
- All meals paid for by MOBC
- Free ticket for parents to drop off and pick up students
- Opportunities for radio and TV interviews
- Experience counts toward your state degree!
Ask your advisor or visit the CHS Miracle of Birth Center webpage to learn more!
The City of Vadnais Heights is looking for some seasonal help! The City is hiring for the following positions:
- Public Service Worker (seasonal)
- Playground Leader (seasonal)
- Summer Recreation Assistant (seasonal)
To learn more and to apply for these posit more about these positions go to: cityvadnaisheights.com/jobs.
Little Canada Culver's is looking for new crew members! Apply today online at www.culvers.com/careers
Please contact Josh at 612-868-0870 with any questions regarding employment or application status.
Community Offered Summer Camps and Family Fun
Planning for the summer? Consider attending the Ag Academy: Passion to Career! This unique opportunity for youth in grades 7-11, is a three-day, two-night camp, June 22-24, at Ridgewater College in Willmar, Minn.
At this camp, youth will have the chance to explore different careers in agriculture, food and natural resources (AFNR) while experiencing a college campus. In addition, college professors and industry leaders will provide hands-on learning experiences on topics like animals, communications and more.
For more information and to register, visit z.umn.edu/2023AgAcademy. Cost is $100/student. Registration is open until May 26th
Note-This is a partnership activity with Minnesota 4-H. For insurance purposes, FFA members will need to register as 4-H members (free!). Please connect with Katie Johnson if you have any questions about this - kwending@umn.edu.
Farm-To-Table Camp:
Learn where your food comes from! Explore the science behind butter, ice cream, cheese, and bread by making your own FROM SCRATCH and eating the results. Campers will also learn about 'old timey' life on the farm, make arts & crafts, and play some old favorites like Townball. For campers entering Grades 1-6. $220 per camper. Bring your own lunch!
Grades 1-3: July 10-13, July 17-20
Grades 4-6: July 24-27
Arts on the Farm:
Campers will explore the world of arts & culture on the Farm! Campers will get creative with fine arts, folks arts, and theater arts. Arts from Indigenous Dakota, Yankee-American, German Immigrant, and Hmong Refugee cultures will inspire campers' creative minds to produce unique art and their own one-act play. For campers entering Grades 4-6, $220 per camper. August 7-10. 9AM - 4PM. Bring your own lunch!
Grades 4-6: August 7-10
For scholarship information and camper enrollment for all of the above camps, please click here.
White Bear Lake Area Historical Society:
History Labs at the Town Hall - Join the White Bear lake Area Historical Society every third Saturday this summer for our “drop-in” History Labs to inspire and engage curious minds! Their hands-on interactive programs will incorporate discovery through historical themes that center on local history.
Located at the Historic White Bear Town Hall, the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society’s History Lab setting provides a fun and unique way for students entering grades 3-6 to experience the White Bear area as it was in the past. For more information click here.
Like to hike? The Minnesota DNR has a couple of fun clubs for exploring Minnesota State Parke and Trails. Click here for more information!
Community Volunteer Opportunities
The White Bear Lake Lions will have their All Abilities Park community build on Saturday, June 3rd, and Sunday, June 4th, from 8 AM - 5 PM at Lakewood Hills Park. For the size of this park, we will need 100 volunteers each day. There will be no hard or dangerous work. Pieces and parts for all the playground equipment must be carried to the assemblers. AM and PM shifts will be available. Please plan to help with this community event. Students looking for service hours are asked to help us. Please wear closed-toe shoes and gloves for safety. A light lunch will be provided.
If you or your student are interested in volunteering, click here to sign up.
Feed My Starving Children Coon Rapids:
Did you know?
- FMSC Coon Rapids is open Monday – Saturday with 5 sessions on most days
- Packing meals for kids is a great hands-on indoor activity for anyone age 5 and up
- Summer months are overall the lowest volunteer months; we need summer volunteers!
Be 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.
- We are looking for bus drivers and van drivers.
For more information click here. Please contact Becky Meyer bmeyer@afsak12.com if you are interested or have any questions.
AFSA K-12 Family Directory 2022-2023
The school directory is a great way for AFSA K-12 families to stay in touch! If you are a current AFSA K-12 family and would like to be added to the 2022-2023 school directory please fill out the AFSA Family Directory Opt-In Form 2022-2023. The final update will be emailed out in June.
Questions? Please contact stephanieforliti@afsak12.com
May Lunch Menu
Breakfast and lunch prices for the 2022-2023 school year.
Breakfast: $2.00 Lunch Students: $3.50 Extra Milk $.50
Calendar of Events
May 23 - School Board Meeting
May 25 - AFSA HS Presentation Night/Open House
May 26 - Farm and Community Service Day (grades 7-12)
May 29 - No School Memorial Day
June 1 - AFSA K-8 Awards Night
June 2 - AFSA Class of 2023 Graduation
June 5-8 - J-term
June 9 - Last Day of School - Early Release
Click Here to go to the School Calendar for more details. A PDF of the calendar is attached to this newsletter as well.
Contact Information
Elementary Attendance Line: 612-260-2664 or email llane@afsak12.com
High School Attendance Line: 651-209-3910 or email hsattendance@afsak12.com
Email: stephanieforliti@afsak12.com
Website: www.afsak12.com
Location: 100 Vadnais Boulevard, Vadnais Heights, MN, USA
Phone: 651-209-3910