AFES News and Updates from Ms. Yunker

Hello AFES Families,

I hope you have all had a wonderful start to the new year and enjoyed time with family and friends. We are excited to welcome everyone back and look forward to finishing the first half of the school year strong. The second quarter ends on Friday, January 23, and report cards will be sent home on Friday, January 30.

Arrival Reminder

This is a reminder that instruction begins promptly at 9:15 a.m. To ensure a smooth start to the day, students should arrive at school by 9:10 a.m. This allows time to walk to classrooms, unpack backpacks, and prepare for learning. Students who are not in their classrooms by 9:15 will be marked tardy. We have done a great job starting on time this year. Thank you for your continued support with morning routines!

Specials Update

We would like to congratulate Ms. Kati Beach, who has transitioned to a position at Woods Creek Elementary School. Due to this change, Art on a Cart will conclude at the end of this quarter. Moving forward, specials will be held in the media center. Ms. Nowak and Ms. DeBrock will begin leading the new special starting Wednesday, January 28. In the meantime, Ms. DeBrock will continue Art on a Cart to complete the current rotation schedule.

Cell Phones and Smartwatches

Please note that all cell phones and smartwatches must be turned off and kept in backpacks during the school day. This aligns with state law (HB 959), which went into effect on January 1.

Illness Reminder

We are currently seeing an increase in illnesses, which is common during the winter months. While we encourage students to remain in class when possible, we also want to honor how they are feeling and help keep our students and staff healthy.

Please review the WCPSS illness guidelines below when deciding whether your child should attend school or if they need to be picked up during the day:

Students should remain home if they have:

• Fever of 100.4°F or higher (must be fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication)

• Diarrhea (remain home until symptom-free for 12 hours)

• Nausea or vomiting (remain home until symptom-free for 12 hours)

• Severe headache

• Red, watery eyes with yellow discharge

• Undiagnosed rash

• Inability to participate in learning activities

• A change in typical medical status

Single-Subject Acceleration (SSA)

The SSA testing window opened on January 5 at 8:00 a.m. and closes on January 23 at 11:59 p.m.
Please use the following link for additional information: SSA Spring 2026 Testing for Families

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We are grateful to work alongside such a supportive school community.

Thank you,

Tara Yunker, Principal