AFNORTH MHS Week Ahead
Important Dates
29 Sep - NO SCHOOL
30 Sep - Bake Sale
2 Oct - 6th Grade CogAT Screener (Testing)
4 Oct - Volleyball, Tennis, Football Home Games
4 Oct - Homecoming Dance
13-17 Oct - FALL BREAK
18 Oct - Cross Country Home Meet
22 Oct - PSAT
23 Oct - End of 1st Quarter
24 Oct - NO SCHOOL - Teacher Workday
24 Oct - Football Home
25 Oct - Orcas Swim Home
5-6 Nov - 12:30 Early Release - Parent Conference
Attendance Procedures
Appointments: Email afno.attendance@dodea.edu BEFORE the start of school, if your child will be late due to an appointment.
Picking Up Students: Call the MHS office +31 45 527 8 263/262 when you ARRIVE at school. You MUST be on campus (parking lot or kiss & ride) before we can send your child out to you.
Late Arrivals and Absences: Email afno.attendance@dodea.edu if your child will be late/absent before the start of school. In the ‘Subject’ line, please include your students FULL name and grade. For absences of 3+ days, a completed Planned Absence form is required.
Welcome to our Virtual Newsletter!
We're excited to bring you the latest updates on school events, activities, news, and more—right here each week. This newsletter will continue to serve as your go-to source for a look at the week ahead.
Want to catch up on what’s already happened around the school? Head over to our Facebook page to see photos and highlights from this week’s events!
Have ideas or suggestions for what you'd like to see in future newsletters? We'd love to hear from you! Please reach out to our school secretary.
Heather Rhine
AFNORTH DoWEA School
OPC 460 Box 6
APO, AE 09752
United States
Contacts
Deborah Kehoe MHS Counselor
deborah.kehoe@dodea.edu
Sonia Woodmansee MHS Secretary
+31 455 278 262
sonia.woodmansee@dodea.edu
Alex Rogers Spexarth MHS Registrar
+31 455 278 263
alex.spexarth@dodea.edu
John Burgers Bus Coordinator
+31 455 278 228
Cell: +31 6 224 334 08
buscoordinator@afnorth-is.com
LUNCH
Click menu above to view PDF!
Our lunch program is run by Sodexo, whose contract is managed by the AFNORTH International School Directorate and Business Offices. Don’t forget to add money to your child's Sodexo Lunch account. Sodexo does not accept cash payment for lunches, only the Sodexo Lunch Card. Visit Qpay to add money to your child's lunch card and to view transaction history. If you are in need of a new lunch card for your child, please complete the google form and the business office will contact you with instructions to add the SXO number to your account.
TRANSPORTATION
Our transportation service is provided through Jacobs and Munckhof Regie Transportation and managed by the AFNORTH International School Directorate and Business Offices. In order to ride the after school activity bus, MHS students are required to sign up before 14:00 o’clock on the day they need transportation. Only students who are participating in an on campus activity or sport are permitted to ride the activity bus.
REGISTRATION & FAMILY PORTAL
Course grades and contact information can be viewed using the ASPEN Family Portal. Please ensure your students monitor their grades. If you see anything that needs to be updated, please let us know.
ENS (Emergency Notification System)
The Emergency Notification System is used by AFNORTH International School and operated by the Directorate. It will be used to send messages with high importance. You must sign up annually to receive notifications. It is not mandatory to sign up, but it is highly recommended!
The German Booster Club is selling Pretzel's on Oct 9 in the Well! 1 Euro each!
Follow this LINK to order yours now!
Creative Connections is a six-day advanced symposium for 160+ high school students to showcase their talents. The objective of the activity is to provide students with advanced instruction in fine arts. Offerings vary from year to year. The week of intense coursework culminates with an art exhibition and stage show.
The 2026 event will include workshops in:
PERFORMING ARTS
- Creative Writing
- Dance
- Modern Band
- String Ensemble
VISUAL ARTS
- AP Art + Design 2D/Drawing
- Architectural Design
- Graphic Design
- Mixed Media
- Photography
- Watercolor
- Wearable Fashion
MEDIA ARTS
- Live Video Production
- Short Film Production
Some changes from last year:
- The packet is more concise; all materials and information are housed in the Google Classroom (which you and your students will need to add yourselves to with the class code: 6qtcoqha).
- Festival is in January: January 25-30, 2026 (a change from our typical November timeline).
Please note: students may submit their application (with up to two workshop choices) only once, so please remind them to double-check before submitting. The deadline for submissions is Thursday, October 30th. The application portal will soon open for submissions
🥋 Kicks, Confidence, and Certificates! 🥋
Hey AFNORTH Middle and High School Students (Ages 11-18)!
Are you ready to move faster, kick harder, and stand taller? Join the AFNORTH Self-Defense Club and empower yourself with the skills to feel confident and secure!
Our primary focus is the dynamic martial art of Taekwondo, led by the truly amazing Sabom David. But that's not all! We'll sprinkle in techniques from Kung Fu, Karate, and other martial arts, and even invite awesome guest instructors to share their expertise. Come and learn how to move, kick, stretch, and break wood!
Why Join?
Expert Instruction: Learn from the best with Sabom David.
Internationally Recognized Belts: We periodically hold official belt tests. If you pass, you'll receive a prestigious, internationally recognized certificate issued from one of the largest global Taekwondo federations!
Ultimate Self-Defense: Gain practical skills, mental focus, and incredible physical fitness.
Ready to start your martial arts journey?
When: Every Monday after school, starting October 6th.
Time: 15:45 (3:45 PM) to 17:15 (5:15 PM).
Where: The mini-gym by the elementary section.
See you in the dojang! 👊
Please contact Dr. Chris Swift if you have any questions.
⚔️🛡️✨ AFNORTH D&D Club: Adventure Awaits YOU! ✨🛡️⚔️
Are you ready to embark on epic quests, battle fearsome monsters, and forge legendary tales with your friends? Do you dream of casting mighty spells, swinging powerful swords, or outwitting goblins with your cunning? Then the AFNORTH D&D Club is calling your name!
What is Dungeons & Dragons? It's the ultimate tabletop role-playing game where your imagination is the only limit! You and your friends create characters – brave knights, wise wizards, sneaky rogues, or even mighty barbarians – and then dive into a fantastical world guided by a Dungeon Master (DM). Every decision you make, every dice roll, shapes the story!
Why Join the AFNORTH D&D Club?
- Unleash Your Creativity: Build unique characters, explore rich worlds, and solve puzzles in ways you never imagined!
- Forge Friendships: Connect with fellow adventurers, collaborate to overcome challenges, and share unforgettable experiences.
- Develop Awesome Skills: Boost your problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking, and storytelling abilities – all while having a blast!
- No Experience Needed! Whether you're a seasoned veteran or you've never rolled a 20-sided die before, we welcome everyone! We'll teach you everything you need to know.
Middle Schoolers & High Schoolers Welcome! Come find your party and create your legend!
Your adventure starts here!
Location: B3.1
Date(s): Every Tuesday (starting 30 September)
Time: After school until 1715
Contact Dr. Swift with any questions!
Ni Hao, AFNorth students, our Chinese club is once again up and running. Stop by Ms. Mitchell's classroom (B2.14) to pick up a permission slip and sign up. Our 1st meeting is this Friday, September 19, after school, from 3:40 to 5:30, and you must have a signed permission to participate, so don't wait!
Arts & Crafts Club
Mondays | Room A3.7, After school
October Dates:
Monday, Oct 6th: Fall Watercolor Paintings
Monday, Oct 20th: Spooky Garland & Ghosts
Monday, Oc 27th: Spooky Clay Sculpting
Questions? Email Ms. Alex at alex.spexarth@dodea.edu or come ask in the MHS Office! November Dates will be announced in Mid-October.
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AFNORTH Jazz club - Weekly Club Sessions: Tuesdays 1530-1730, Student should have at lease one year experience on their instrument or voice. Subject to approval by the US MHS Music Teacher. No instrument - ask Mrs. Brobst if you can borrow one from the US MHS Music Department.
Celebrate the First Tech Challenge 2025-2026 season kickoff and game reveal - Join the HS Robotics team Fridays in room B1.7 POC: Ian Eddington - ian.eddington@dodea.edu
Homework Club with Math Tutoring, Once a week on Tuesdays at 1545 in room D3.3.
ATTN: Coaches & Athletes - If an athlete plans to split their time between HW Club and Sports Practice, this must be communicated in writing to HW Club Sponsor and Coaches. Thanks!
HW Club Sponsor: rachel.hamer@dodea.edu
Hey Future Innovators! 👋 Ever wondered if you could actually make a difference with your brilliant ideas? Or maybe you've got a burning question about the world, and you want to be the one to find the answer?
Get ready to level up your brainpower with the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS)! ✨
What is JSHS? It's an amazing opportunity for high school students (that's YOU, freshmen to seniors!) to dive deep into a science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) research project of your very own. Think of it as your chance to be a real scientist, engineer, or mathematician and present your discoveries!
Why is it so cool?
- Be a Pioneer: You get to explore a topic you're passionate about and conduct original research – no boring textbook reports here!
- Showcase Your Smarts: Present your findings to judges and peers who are just as excited about STEM as you are.
- Meet Awesome People: Connect with other bright students and leading scientists from all over the globe!
The Perks? Oh, they're HUGE! JSHS isn't just about the experience (though that's epic!). It's also about some serious rewards:
- Scholarships & Cash Prizes: Win big money for college – we're talking thousands of dollars in scholarships!
- Major Prestige: Add a nationally recognized research competition to your resume that will make your college applications shine!
- Travel & Adventure: Top finalists can even get to travel to national and international symposia!
Ready to turn your curiosity into a groundbreaking project? Learn more and get started at: https://www.jshseurope.org/
Your next big discovery awaits! 🔬💻🚀
Contact Chris Swift if you have any questions.
Click icons below for sports physical form and sports packet!
To participate in any after-school sport during the 2025–2026 school year, students are required to have a current sports physical and sports packet on file or they will not be allowed to practice. Please ensure your child’s completed physical form and packet is submitted to the school nurse/athletic director, Ms. Milligan, before the start of the season.
Thank you for helping us keep our student athletes healthy and ready to play!
Reminder: Athletes need 10 practices before they are eligible to compete!
The Fulbright/EducationUSA Office in Amsterdam annual US College & University Fair. College Night offers students and their parent(s) the opportunity to meet in person with admission officers of approximately 15 US Colleges and Schools.
This year's College Night will be held on Wednesday 1 October from 18:00 - 20:30 hours at the Jaarbeurs Utrecht. The event is completely free for all attendees.
Students and their parent(s) will have the opportunity to connect with admission representatives of the following colleges and universities.
Coastal Carolina University, Conway, South Carolina
Concordia University, Mequon, Wisconsin
Colleges of Contra Costa, California
Green River College, Auburn, Washington
Hillsborough Community College, Tampa, Florida
Minerva University, San Francisco, California
Rice University, Houston, Texas
Stanford University, California
Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, Michigan.
Snow College, Ephraim, Utah
Southern Utah University, Cedar City, Utah
Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota
Webster University, Leiden, Nederland
A complete and current list of attending universities can also be found on our event page: https://fulbright.nl/en/collegenight/
Attendance is completely free, but everyone should register for the fair in advance. The registration form can be found here: https://www.fulbright.nl/events
PTA
FUEL OUR AFNORTH LIONS!
Sign up to donate & deliver fresh fruit to the AFNORTH Middle High School offices to give our students & staff a healthy snack during the school day.
Volunteers will purchase easy, handheld fruits and deliver them on Monday mornings to the US, Canadian, and German middle high school offices.
We recommend buying:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Oranges
Sign up HERE!
Member Meetings |
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9 October |
12 March |
Questions for the PTA? Email: afnorth.pta@gmail.com
Around the World in 5 Days!
October 13-17
Brunssum MST Building H-602
Spend a week learning about different cultures through food, games, art, and challenges!
REgistration deadline: October 6
Open to CYS registered youth in grades 6-12.
Fees based on Total Family income.
Open to US & NATO ID cardholders.
For more information and to register, contact parent cetnral services.
DSN: (314)597-4266/4267 or CIV: +31(0)45-534-0266/0267
Family Fun Night
October 3 - 6:30 - 8pm, CYS Brunssum Building H-602
Free Event
Halloween Pajama Party!
A night packed with games and ativities for all children & families in grades Kindergarten to 5th. Light refreshments will be available.
Please RSVP by phone or email no later than September 26.
DS: (314)597-4266/4267
CIV: +31(0)45-534-0266/0267
The Youth Center offers a wide range of programs for youth in grades 6-12:
- Activity Room
- Homework Center
- Teen Lounge (13-18)
- Camps
- Boys and Girls Club Keystone Club
Enroll your children with Child & Youth Services (CYS) to register for:
- Childcare: Child Development Center (CDC) and School-Age Center (SAC)
- Youth Program (Middle School and Teens)
- SKIES Instructional Classes (ages 18 months-18 years)
- Parent Education
- Sports and Fitness, Team Sports and Classes
Mystery at Benelux CYS Manor - A Halloween Lock-In
Middle School & Teen ONLY
Sign up at Brunnsum, Brussels or Shape YC
(Permission Slip Required)
Unmask the culprit before time runs out!
October 24 | Bus Departs 4:30pm
Pick up: Brunssum MST 8am Sat Oct 25
Location: Brussels Youth Center
Must be Registered with CYS to participate
Questions? Call +31(0)45-534-0280
Brunssum Spooktacular Trunk or Treat
Oct 31 | Food & Beverage Sales Start 5pm, Trunk or Treat Trail Open at 6-8pm | 2 Euro/person *cash only
Trunk Registration - Want to host a trunk and be part of the trunk trail? Click HERE! Registration closes October 24.
Event is open to all US & NATO ID Cardholders & their escorted guests.
ASGK Presents
2025 Foggy Fields Winter Market
NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen Hangar 2
Friday, Nov. 14 12:00 - 19:00
Saturday, Nov. 15 10:00-18:00
Sunday, Nov. 16 10:00-15:00
Delightful holiday shopping open to all NATO ID cardholders.
Special this year:
Kids Corner - Bounce houses, coloring, and more for 5 euro!
Sign up to Volunteer HERE!
Sign up to Donate Food HERE!
Click flyer for link!
Visit the Morale & Welfare Brunssum page to learn more about what's happening in the community!
The International Club is open to all NATO ID holders and spouses. Visit the page to learn more!
The Allied Spouses of Geilenkirchen (ASGK) is a private, volunteer-driven organization founded in 1997 by a group of American spouses stationed at Geilenkirchen NATO Air Base in Germany.
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