AFNORTH MHS Week Ahead
Important Dates
JANUARY🎇
30: MS Dance 18:00-20:15
30-31: Basketball Home*
FEBRUARY💗
4: HS Pep Rally
4: SAC Meeting
5: Family STEAM Night 17:00-19:00*
5-7: Wrestling Champs*
6-7: Basketball Home*
11-14: Basketball Champs
16-20: CARNIVAL BREAK🃏
23: First day of Spring sports practice
MARCH🍀
2: NO SCHOOL
19: Cabaret Showcase and Dessert Auction @ 18:30*
24: All AIS 14:00 Release
26: End of 3rd Quarter
27: NO SCHOOL
⭐Save the date: Prom - 23 May
*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.
Dear Parent,
We are excited to announce that the nomination period for the District Teacher of the Year (TOY) award, a prestigious award that honors our district's most dedicated and inspiring teachers, will start on January 5, 2026, and end on February 6, 2026. The DoDEA TOY Program recognizes teachers who have made a positive difference in their students' lives, schools, and communities.
As a parent, you can nominate a teacher who has inspired your child and deserves recognition. Whether it is a teacher who helped your child overcome a challenge, sparked curiosity, or supported achieving goals, we want to hear from you! Please visit the DoDEA TOY Website at http://www.dodea.edu/TOY to nominate that teacher and complete the online nomination form. Do not miss this opportunity to show gratitude and appreciation to a teacher who has made a difference in your child's education!
Thank you for your participation and support of this important program. We look forward to receiving your nomination!
Heather Rhine
AFNORTH DoWEA School
OPC 460 Box 6
APO, AE 09752
United States
Radley Ramirez
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
Alanna Baker ASACS Counselor
+31 455 278 346
alanna.baker@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.
📘 Yearbook sales have officially ended!
If there are any extra copies at the end of the year, they’ll be available for purchase then.
Middle School Winter Ball
January 30 6:00 to 8:15 PM
5 euro per person | AIS cafeteria
Canteen open! Bring change.
Parents must pick up before 8:30 PM
Pizza will be pre-ordered at lunch Jan 27, 28 & 29
See text below!
AFNORTH International School | ADOLESCENT SUPPORT & COUNSELING SERVICES
ASACS Counselor Contact - Alanna Baker MSSW, LCSW, M-RAS | AFNORTH International MS/HS
Alanna.Baker@DODEA.EDU
+31.455.278.346
What is ASACS?
ASACS stands for Adolescent Support and Counseling Services. The ASACS mission is to support and empower adolescent students to make healthy and safe choices, at a time that is uniquely critical to their development. We achieve our mission by providing direct education and therapeutic counseking to students and their families.
Counseling Services
• Comprehensive Multi-Dimensional Assessment
• Individual, family, and group counseling
• Counseling services that address alcohol and other drug use
• Counseling services that address other mental health concerns
Other ASACS Services
• Classroom education on a variety of topics that can improve overall teen functioning.
• Parent workshops an topics that increase parent-child cohesion.
• Group counseling both educational and clinical to address specific populations and needs within the school setting.
• Coordination with youth-focused agencies in collaborating support for teens.
Reasons why someone would see ASACS:
Anxiety, Grades, Stress Management, Body Image, Depression, Substance Use, Life Transitions, Relationships, Grief and Loss, Bullying, Family Concerns, Identity Development
Referral for Services
Anyone can identify and refer a student to the ASACS Program. In order to receive program services, students must be USA military Command Sponsored and in grades 6 to 12. It is encouraged that families also be willing to participate in services.
First Visit
All teens under the age of 15 will need parental consent for services. During the first visit releases of information and informed consent will be signed. The counselor will conduct a multi-dimensional assessment to identify what level of care is necessary. Clinicians encourage family participation in ASACS counseling.
Confidentiality
Anyone receiving ASACS services is protected by Federal Regulations governing confidentiality. Exceptions to confidentiality being broken are:
• With client written permission
• In suspected cases of child abuse
• In medical emergency
• In threat of harm to self or others.
Tips to support your teen
• Be available to your teen to talk. Brain development is rapidly changing during adolescence, that often means when a teen is thinking about it, they want to talk about it and it may not always be on your schedule. Try to be flexible when they ore open to talking.
• Teens need parents who listen. When teens need help making tough decisions, they WILL turn to parents who listen and do not judge. If you want your teen to come to you for help, model the behavior you want to see.
• Talk with your teen about choices and weigh the pros and cons for each choice. Help your teen see that there may be more than one way to solve the problem. Encourage your teen to think of several possible solutions.
• Help your teen plan. Help your teen plan what to say if a friend offers a substance to use or engage in an activity that makes them uncomfortable. Make sure your child knows how to reach you if they need a quick exit plan when spending time without you.
• Set firm boundaries and predetermined consequences for violations. Be consistent!
• You know your teen best! If you notice a change in their behaviors, mood, or personality; initiate a conversation in a non-judgmental tone. Let them lead the conversation on how they need to be supported. It is always okay to ask for help.
For those wanting to support this weekends girls and boys basketball games and cheer, please follow the links below!
Friday night game starts at 16:00: https://youtube.com/live/okZ2b1mRJ94?feature=share
Saturday game starts at 11:00: https://youtube.com/live/ZWxkWAyrraw?feature=share
GO LIONS!!!
First day of Spring Sports Practice - Monday, 23 February!👟
All High School athletes: Spring sports practices begins Monday, 23 February!
You must have a current sports physical and sports packet on file with the school nurse before the first day of practice in order to participate.
Middle School students: Interested in Spring Sports? Please check out CYS/YC for information about after-school sports offered through CYS/MWR.
⚽Women's soccer tryouts for grades 9-12 start on February 23rd on the AFNorth field.
You need running shoes, cleats, shin guards, a physical turned in to the nurse, and a current passport photo turned in to Mrs. Wise if you want to be considered. You should have some experience running and basic fitness.
Please stop by B1.17 to sign up.
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!
ASGK - Allied Spouses of Geilenkirchen
Scholarship Applications Now Open
Requirements and Eligibility:
ASGK Application Form, Current Unofficial or Official High School/College Transcripts, Written Essay, Community Involvement/Extracurricular Activities Form, Dependent of a NATO Military Member (Active or Retired) or dependent of a NATO Civilian Employee stationed in the Triborder Area, Additional consideration given to ASGK members/dependents, Plan to attend a fully accredited college, university, junior college or an accredited technical/vocational institute between August 2026 and May 2027
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS APRIL 15, 2026
Apply via the QR code or online at www.asgk.org/scholarship-requests. Contact asgk.contact@gmail.com with questions.
#ASGKGivesBack|Find us @ASofGK
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS APRIL 15, 2026Apply via the QR code or online at www.asgk.org/scholarship-requests. Contact asgk.contact@gmail.com with questions.#ASGKGivesBack|Find us @ASofGK
REMINDER!
Complete the 26-27 FAFSA online at StudentAid.gov
Application Opens: October 1
Priority Deadline: April 1
PTA
NEW DROP
NEW DROP
NEW DROP
AFNORTH MIDDLE HIGH SCHOOL | 2026 SPIRIT WEAR
Sweatshirt - €35 | Longsleeve shirt - €25 | Pajama pants - €35 | Sweatpants - €35 | T-shirt - €20
Orders will be accepted Jan. 15-March 27, 2026. They will be delivered to & distributed from AFNorth in May. A limited stock may be purchased at PTA events. Online ordering incurs a credit card processing fee.
Online Ordering Available: https://my.cheddarup.com/c/af-north-spirit-wear-mhs/items
Please see attached food service questionnaire from the PTA:
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Catering Survey Questionnaire.docx (32.53 KB) | 32.53 KB |
Member Meetings |
|
|
12 February |
23 April |
Students and staff really appreciate the fresh fruit available in the office! Please considering signing up for a week!
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
Child and Youth Services - Coffee Talk with Parents
Tuesday, February 24th | Brunssum Teen Center | 10AM-11AM
Join us for a relaxing morning of coffee and donuts! This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other parents, chat with our friendly staff, and build a stronger community.
Earn 2 points for the Parent Participation Points program. We can't wait to see you there!
For any information or RSVP, contact Parent Central:
DSN 314-597-4266/4267
CIV: +31-45-534-0266/0267
Brunssum CDC & SAC | Parent's Night Out
Friday February 27 | 6:30-10:30 p.m.
$32 per child | Register by Feb 4*
The parents are out and it's a super fun night full of games, crafts, and friends!
*A minimum of 10 participants must be registered per program for event to occur. Open to U.S. & NATO ID cardholders. Children must be registered with CYS. To register your child9ren) contact:
DSN 314-597-4266/4267
CIV: +31-45-534-0266/0267
Click image above for PDF!
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
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.
February is American 💗Heart 💗Month
Prepare Heart Healthy Foods for Your Family
Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the US. Many of the risk factors associated with Heart Disease are things we have control over, such as diet and lifestyle choices. Making small changes to diet and incorporating physical activity into your daily routine can help keep your families hearts healthy and strong!
Fiber: Foods high in fiber, such as whole grains, vegetables and fruit, are great for heart health because it can bind with bad cholesterol and remove it from the body. Try to increase your fiber intake by including more plant-based sources of protein, such as beans and peas, and making half your plate fruits and vegetables at each meal.
Unsaturated fats: Low to moderate amounts of unsaturated fat can also boost heart health by increasing your good cholesterol levels. Good sources of unsaturated fats are nuts, olives, avocados and fatty fish. However, limiting foods high in saturated fat, such as highfat cuts of meat, butter and high fat dairy, and fried foods, can be beneficial.
Heart Healthy Food Choices:
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Beans, peas and lentils
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Soybeans and tofu
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Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen or canned without salt or added sugars)
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Salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel
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Whole-grain breads, cereals and pasta, brown rice, barley
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Nuts such as almonds, walnuts, pecans and hazelnuts
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