AFSA K-12 Family Update
May 5, 2023
AFSA K-12 Families,
The AFSA High School Annual FFA Awards Banquet is tomorrow, May 6th. Students receiving awards and their families have been notified by email. Whether your student is receiving an award or you would like to attend and cheer award recipients on please see below for ticket information.
Students in grades K-8 had glow stick dance parties this week! See photos below!
AFSA K-4 j-term information went out this week. Please see below for more information.
AFSA grades 9-12 j-term payments are past due. If you still need to pay for your student's j-term please click here.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Thanks
- AFSA High School FFA Awards Banquet
- AFSA K-4 J-term Information
- AFSA K-12 School Board Elections
- Get Out and AFSA! - Summertime Fun
- AFSA K-12 Update for 2023-2024 School Year
- 15th Annual AFSA High School Plant Sale
- AFSA Class of 2023 Graduation Information Update
- AFSA Class of 2023 Graduation Ticket Information
- LAST AFSA's Culver's Fundraising Night of the School Year!
- 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
- K-8 Glowstick Party
- Lunch menu - May
- Calendar of Events
AFSA High School FFA Awards Banquet
Ticket Information:
Students receiving an award attend free of charge. All other attendees (family and friends) must purchase a ticket for $5.00. Tickets can be purchased online by credit card here until 3:30 p.m. today. Or you can purchase tickets before the event at the high school when the doors open at 2:45 p.m. Cash or check only.
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 School Board Elections
AFSA K-12 will be holding School Board Elections through electronic voting starting May 15, 2023. Emails will be sent with instructions. We will provide an alternative method for those who do not wish to vote electronically or who cannot vote electronically. Voting will end 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! - Summertime Fun
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.
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 this summer:
- 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)
Students and families are asked to meet at the parade location. Students who are under 12 must be accompanied by an adult family member. Parade line up information will be emailed to participants the week of each parade.
Parade t-shirts are available for all participants who walk in the parades. We will be ordering 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 1 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 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 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
15th Annual AFSA High School Plant Sale
The sale hours are:
- May 11 3:30 - 6:00 p.m.
- May 12 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- May 13 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Thank you for your support!
AFSA Class of 2023 Graduation Information Update
Dear Parents and AFSA Seniors,
As we near the end of the school year it is time to start thinking about graduation!!! The graduation committee is excited to be planning this memorable event for the 2023 AFSA Senior Class. Please read this carefully and make note of times, dates and requests.
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.
Each graduate is encouraged to invite family members and friends to celebrate this momentous accomplishment! AFSA is providing 4 free tickets to each graduate and any additional guests will be charged $10 per ticket. Children 5 and under are not required to purchase a ticket. Tickets sales begin, Wednesday, April 5th. Click here to purchase tickets online via the AFSA High School website using a credit card from April 5th until May 31st. 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 card purchases will be made at the door.
Cords, Medallions and FFA Sashes that students have earned over their high school career can be worn during the graduation ceremony. These items will be provided to qualifying students at no cost and students will be allowed to keep them. Examples of eligible organizations and clubs include: FFA, National Honor Society, Infinite Reach, and Youth in Government/Model United Nations.
Senior Picnic and Parade Information:
The senior picnic will be on 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.
Sincerely,
Jessica Ferraro, Mandy Olson, and Stephanie Forliti
651-209-3910
jferraro@afsak12.com, molson@afsak12.com, stephanieforliti@afsak12.com
AFSA Class of 2023 Graduation Ticket Information
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. Tickets sales begin, Wednesday, April 5th. You can purchase tickets online via the AFSA High School website using a credit card from April 5th until May 31st. 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.
LAST AFSA's Culver's Fundraising Night of the School Year
Join us at the Culver's in Little Canada (2880 Rice Street) May 16 for our last Culver's Fundraising Night! Go out to eat and support AFSA K-12 at the same time!
AFSA receives 10% of the food sales from 5-7 p.m. for each of the nights. This money goes to support AFSA clubs, sports and more!
Thank you for your support throughout the school year!!
Scoops of Thanks
Spring Sports Update
The AFSA Eagles Baseball and Softball teams are now practicing outside however, games are played subject to field condition. Game schedule is subject to last minute changes.
Join the AFSA Eagles Baseball team the week of May 8th - 12:
- May 9 4:30 p.m. AFSA Eagles VS. PACT HOME GAME
- May 11 4:30 p.m. AFSA Eagles VS. Harding HOME GAME
Join the AFSA Eagles Softball team the week of May 8th-12:
- May 8 4:30 AFSA Eagles VS. Johnson HOME GAME
- May 11 - 4:30 p.m. AFSA Eagles VS. North Lakes Academy HOME GAME
- May 12 - 4:30 p.m. AFSA Eagles VS. Johnson Away (1349 Arcade St. St. Paul)
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 May update will be emailed out next week. The final update will be emailed out in June.
Questions? Please contact stephanieforliti@afsak12.com
Glow in the Dark Dance - K-8
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 6 - High School Awards Banquet
May 11-13 - AFSA's 15th Annual Plant Sale (see above for times)
May 16 - Last Culver's Night of the school year
May 23 - School Board Meeting
May 25 - AFSA HS Presentation Night/Open House
May 26 - Farm and Community Service Day
May 29 - No School Memorial Day
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