AFA is for Dreamers

AFA Connects | January 24, 2025

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Dates to Remember

Jan. 27 - 30 - Scripps Spelling Bee

Jan. 27 - 31 - AFA Cookie Drive

Jan. 27 - Field Trip (Kindergarten)

Jan. 27 - Deadline to order Spiritwear (order)

Jan. 29 - Fall Picture Retake (volunteer)

Jan. 30 - PTO Restaurant Night (CHA Street Food)

Jan. 31 - Embry Rucker Meal Packing (Grade 2)

Feb. 3-9 - AFA Book Fair

Feb. 5 - AFA Day! (Theme: Book Character Day)

Feb. 5 - Field Trip (Pre-K)

Feb. 6 - Donuts with Dads

Feb. 9 - Book Fair Community Day Shopping

Feb. 9 - Ramadan Date Sales Close (order)

AY 24/25 Calendar

PTO Corner

Join the PTO Whatsapp Group here!

Watch this space for volunteer opportunities and PTO-sponsored events:

View Volunteer Opportunities here

Log Volunteer Hours here

MLK Day with AFA

AFA celebrated and recognized the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in so many ways this past week.

Middle School students performed Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech to a sold out audience at the Reston Community Center's MLK Celebration event. They chose parts of the speech that resonated with them and also added their own dreams for the world - from access to clean water, climate justice, eradication of hunger, women's equality, to freedom from occupation. Some students were interviewed for a film about Dr. King.

AFA students have participated in this event every year and are always thanked profusely by audience members for their passionate contribution. Some attended Dr. King's original speech at the Lincoln Memorial and say that he would have been moved by our students' dedication, Ma sha ‘Allāh!

We also shared dreams last week as Dr. King's words and life were studied by elementary students. Our connected theme for January is Justice and Fairness.

What dreams do you have to work on making realities?

Bismillah!

Musalla Moments

Muezzin for the Week:

Thank you to Rayyan (6th) for giving a beautiful adhan this week.

Monday - No School

Tuesday - No School

Wednesday Wonders

Middle School students presented selected passages from Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech for everyone. They chose portions that they connected to and also included their own dreams. They performed this at last Saturday’s Reston Community Center’s annual MLK Celebration that AFA has been participating in for many years.

Thursday Throwback

Ms Roua shared about the month of Rajab. She reminded us of the importance of preparing for Ramadan during this month. She noted that just as soccer players prepare for a match in order to win, we must prepare for Ramadan starting Rajab to make the most of it. Thank you for this reminder Ms. Roua!

Friday - Jumu'ah Khutba

Br. Zaki Barzinji shared the importance of practicing justice through the powers and gifts Allah (s) has given us to help those who might not be able to help themselves. He reminded us that like the heroes in the Justice League, we are given the responsibility to stand for fairness and goodness through our own leagues that we can create with one another. Br. Zaki asked us to think deeply about what our gifts or powers are, to thank Allah for them and then find ways to use these powers to be of service to others.

Click here to see the AFA Musalla Manners reminders!

Highlights from this week in school!

Students continue to explore new concepts this year. Make sure to ask your AFAer what they learned today!

Take a peek at what we did this week...

Business Skills in Pre-Algebra

Pre-Algebra students put their math skills into action by creating their own stores and restaurants, complete with products and prices. They then had the chance to “shop” at each other’s businesses while staying within a budget. Along the way, they practiced real-world math by calculating percent discounts, mark-ups, tax, and tips. It was a fun and hands-on way to learn practical skills they’ll use in everyday life!

Preschool Penmanship

Big milestone alert! Some of our preschoolers have progressed from tracing to independently writing their names by sight. Preschoolers continue to develop their fine-motor skills. We're so proud of their hard work and growth—what an exciting step in their learning & literacy journey!

Reading Buddies, Market Day, & Palestine, Oh My!

Despite it being a short week, AFA was full of activities! Students engaged in their monthly Reading Buddies meet-up, where our Kindergarten and 1st-grade students pair off with their middle school reading buddy to work on literacy skills. Our first day back this week was AFA Day and Market Day. Students and staff dressed up in the chosen theme of "Palestine Day", and supported the SGA-hosted Market Day to raise $699 for student government sponsored activities for the school year. Al-Hamdulillāh!

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The Finest Story

Our 8th graders delved into Surat Yusuf, exploring it as both divine revelation and a masterpiece of literature. Guided by Ms. Fatima, the students engaged in thoughtful analysis and reflection, deepening their understanding of its themes and lessons. This inspiring effort culminated in the creation of an AFA publication, showcasing their insights and creativity.

General Reminders

Update to Family Portal - Multifactor Authentication (MFA)

Starting January 27th, the Family Portal login screen has been updated in preparation for the upcoming release of Multifactor Authentication (MFA), which is rolling out gradually. FACTS will provide more information and details soon.

Here’s what’s changing:

The login process is divided into two steps. First, you’ll enter our District Code (ALF-VA), then on the next screen you’ll provide your Username and Password.
There is no impact on the ability to log in, and existing credentials will remain the same.