AFNORTH MHS Week Ahead
Important Dates
🍂NOVEMBER 🍂
28: NO SCHOOL
❄️DECEMBER❄️
4 & 5: MHS Musical @18:00
8: NO SCHOOL
11: PTA Meeting
12: YC/CYS Closed
13: Basketball HOME vs SHAPE @13:00
18: AIS Christmas Luncheon (MUST have ticket!)
WINTER BREAK⛄
19 Dec - 2 Jan
🎆JANUARY🎇
12-15: Semester Exams
15: End of Semester 1
16: NO SCHOOL
20: All AIS 14:00 Release
26: NO SCHOOL
*Indicates more info below.
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.
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.
Nurses Note:
A recent clarification confirms that the Influenza Vaccine is mandatory for both initial enrollment and continued enrollment in all DoDEA schools.
- GK Clinic: Please contact the clinic directly for details or to schedule your appointment.
- Documentation Deadline:
Proof of flu vaccination must be submitted to the AFNORTH Health Office no later than December 1, 2025.
Heather Rhine
AFNORTH DoDEA 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 10:30am 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.
Students can register HERE between 8:15-10:30 only.
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!
🥋 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.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Art club.pdf (925.07 KB) | 925.07 KB |
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
Middle School Students, the FIRST LEGO League Challenge has been set. If you are interested in participating in this year's event--now is the time to join the middle school robotics team. They meet after school on Thursdays in room B 1.7. Interested? See Mr. Eddington in the third floor, blue pod for an application. there will be a lunch meeting on the fourth, and the team begins November the thirteenth. POC: Ian Eddington - ian.eddington@dodea.edu
⬇️NEW CLUB ALERT!⬇️
Crochet Club Permission Slip - Click HERE
Ms. Hamer will be hosting a Crochet Club at AFNorth. If
you are interested in joining, please complete this form
no later than Thursday, Dec 4th, 2025.
Who: AFNorth Middle/High School students
What: Crochet Club for anyone interested in learning to
crochet, teaching others to crochet, sharing crochet
ideas, and having fun while being creative with crochet.
(no experience necessary)
When: Thursdays after school (15:45-17:30) beginning
4 DEC 2025 (ending last week of March)
Where: Room D3.3
If you have any questions, you can email Ms. Hamer at
rachel.hamer@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!
ATTENTION 8th-11th grade parents!
The CTE courses we offer and graduation pathways are detailed on the following website:
https://sites.google.com/student.dodea.edu/afnorth-mhs-cte/afnorth-mhs-cte
Class of 2026
It’s time to get ready for graduation!
Order your cap, gown, tassel, stole, graduation announcements and much more at Jostens.com
DEADLINE: 01 DECEMBER, 2025
AFNORTH EASY ORDER LINKS!
Announcement Packages: Jostens.com/Enter AFNORTH In the school finder/GRADUATION
Cap/Gown/Tassel/Stole Set: Jostens.com/Enter AFNORTH In the school finder/GRADUATION/ Scroll to the bottom/SHOP ALL GRADUATION PRODUCTS/scroll to CAP & GOWN
Senior Rings: Jostens.com/Enter AFNORTH In the school finder/CLASS RINGS
Letter Jackets: Jostens.com/Enter AFNORTH In the school finder/LETTER JACKETS
Order Details:
Order online at Jostens.com and
- Class of 2026 apparel will ship to you in 2-3 weeks!
- Cap/Gown Sets, tassels and announcement orders will ship to the school in the spring.
- Rings will ship to your home address in 6-8 weeks.
- Jackets will ship to your home address in 8-10 weeks.
Questions? Karen.Burbach-Barker@jostens.com
REMINDER!
Complete the 26-27 FAFSA online at StudentAid.gov
Application Opens: October 1
Priority Deadline: April 1
PTA
Member Meetings |
|
|
11 December |
12 March |
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!
Questions for the PTA? Email: afnorth.pta@gmail.com
Brunssum Middle School & Teen Center
Cookies & Karaoke
High School Only Late Night
December 18 6-10pm
Free event!
Join MST for a night of jolly fun including cookies, karaoke, holiday movies and more!
For more information contact the Middle School Teen Center:
Contact Parent Central Services to Enroll
DSN (314)597-4280 or CIV (+31)45-534-0280
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
The Tri-Border Children's Holiday Party & Christmas Tree Lighting
Dec. 5th at 4pm/Tree Lighting at 5pm
At the Mass Briefing Facility & Base Chapel on GK
Celebrate the holiday season and join us for snacks, activities, photos, and much more!
All NATO nations are invited to share a tradition from their country! Use the QR code to sign up for a booth or to volunteer!
Tri-Border Children's Holiday Party
This event is open to anyone with base access!
On Saturday, December 20th, a magical Christmas celebration will take place with local associations, businesses, artists, and volunteers. Throughout the day, Brunssum will be transformed into a fairy-tale winter wonderland. Visitors can meet Santa Claus, enjoy a singing Christmas tree, receive chocolates from festive elves, watch live performances, and soak up an enchanting, Efteling-style holiday atmosphere.
Highlight: The First Light Parade – 5:00 PM
- Starting point: Bottom of Kerkstraat (near Sushi Yumi)
- Ending point: Lindeplein Brunssum (Winterstube and Christmas stalls)
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour
As twilight sets in, the city centre will light up with wonder. The parade will include:
🎄 Dance groups
🎅 Santa Claus, elves, and a giant polar bear
🛹 Glowing skateboard acts
✨ A festive float
🚂 A Christmas train
🎶 Musical performances throughout the route
This first edition of the Light Parade is a meaningful new tradition for our community, and we’d love for JFC to be part of it as proud residents of Brunssum.
The parade is one of the main highlights of the evening, but certainly not the end! Festivities will continue well into the night on the Lindeplein and throughout the city centre with local businesses.
Sunday, December 21st – "The Light Within Us"
On Sunday, the theme shifts to: How can we use our own inner light to help others?
We will connect real social challenges to simple, tangible actions – showing that even a small gesture (not just financial, but a kind action or moment of care) can make a big difference in someone’s life.
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.
Vitamin D: Why is it important?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in a few foods but the body also creates vitamin D from direct sunlight on the skin, triggering vitamin D synthesis. For most individuals, spending just 15-30 minutes outside (during most times of the year), with hands and face exposed will stimulate the skin to make vitamin D.
Vitamin D is important because it keeps bones, teeth and muscles healthy. Vitamin D also plays an important role in reducing inflammation, and supporting immune health and brain cell activity. Without vitamin D your bones can become soft, thin and brittle!
Food Sources of Vitamin D
Vitamin D isn’t naturally found in many foods but you can get it from some:
- Fatty fish such as tuna, mackerel, salmon, & trout
- Egg yolks
- Mushrooms (tip: you can increase the amount of vitamin D in mushrooms by
placing them in direct sunlight for 15-30 minutes!) - Fortified milk/milk alternatives, OJ, cereal
So if you can’t get outside, then try incorporating a few of these food sources into your diet!
Featured News
Upcoming Events
Activities
Resources
Follow us on Social Media
School Procedures
School Administrators
Contacts
We’re excited to share that DoDEA has won the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) Publications and Digital Media Excellence Award – Website Award of Merit for our School Newsletters Project! This NSPRA award honors outstanding school communication efforts that help connect schools with their communities. This wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of our amazing school webmasters. Thank you for keeping families connected with your hard work and heart!
