See our newsletters for additional information and for other classes around town. Check here and the online School Calendar for updates. Policies for teaching a class and room usage PDFs are at the bottom of the page.
You'll notice that we've changed the schedule and grouping of our class offerings. Each year we look at all of our offerings as a whole, taking into consideration how many students are in each grade, and how to fit all of the classes in the classrooms in a way that best supports our community. We know that this sometimes is disappointing for a specific student, but we hope you will understand that our intention is always to create the best learning and connecting opportunity possible for your child(ren).
The 6–8 grade students will be divided into two groups with each group having the opportunity to participate in both offerings, one class in the fall and the other in the spring.
Because of the large number of students in this age group, we will be offering two courses simultaneously from 10:00am–1:00pm on Tuesdays. Students from both classes will share lunch and games/PE time together from 11:45 am–1:00pm. Parents are asked to co-op and help with lunch supervision and the games/PE time. Students will take one of the classes in the fall semester and the other class in the spring semester. We will structure more academic rigor in the fall geography and the spring physics sessions while fall physics and spring geography will emphasize experiential and more easily accessed course content.
If you have an area of expertise, a hobby, or interest that you would like to share, please contact Joanne at .
For grades K–2, Mondays & Thursdays 10:00am–12:30pm. We are continuing our exploration of the Southwest Pueblo Peoples through stories and art projects. Some of our activities have included making clay fetishes, storyteller dolls, miniature pueblos, and tasting traditional Pueblo food dishes. We have also explored watercolor using Southwest designs. Please contact Joanne for more information.429-3898 x237.
For 3rd–5th graders on Wednesdays starting at 10:00am at AFE. The first 3 Wednesdays of each month, class will meet from 10:00–12:30. The last Wednesday of each month, we will maximize hands on learning and fun by going on field trips to see, hear, touch and even smell our fine furry, finny, and feathery friends. Field trips always start at 10:00am at AFE and normally last to 2:00–3:00pm. All will cost less than $10. We will visit animals in the wild, at nature centers, and at the zoo! As with all great plans there has got to be a glitch or two. In February, class will start one week later than most, February 16, but will offer two field trips instead of one.
In a nutshell:
- February 16 — 1st class 10:00–12:30pm
- February 23 — 10:00am–12:00 noon — Mini-Field trip
- to Trop-Aquarium in Santa Cruz to meet and handle (if you like) lizards and snakes. Jeffrey the big lizard is my fave. Cost $3.
- February 29 — 10:00am–3:00pm — Major Field Trip to Ano Nuevo to see the elephant seals and their pups
Hope to see you there! Mark 566 0631.
Students in grades 6‐8. We are now traveling through Europe on our whirlwind tour around our planet. This month we will appreciate learning about two Scandinavian countries, Norway and Sweden, from AFE parents Helle Eriksen and Lars Johannesson. Students have been doing research, giving oral presentations of their country reports, keeping a travel journal, and taking map challenges. We meet Tuesdays, 10:00–11:45am in AFE Classroom 2, followed by lunch, and PE until 1:00pm. Questions? Contact Jasmin at 429-3898 x332 or
Students in grades 6–8 will explore physics phenomena and concepts through hands-on projects, research, presentations, reports, guest presentations, games and activities. Meets Tuesdays, 10:00–11:45am in the Palazzo studio, followed by lunch from 11:45am–12:15pm and then games/PE from 12:15–1:00pm. Peter will teach both fall and spring sessions. Questions? Contact Peter at 429-3898 x330 or
In this high school Dramatic Literature class we will be studying Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth; along with the Greek tragedy Medea; a Chinese tale, White Snake; and a slapstick comedy, Animal Crackers. These plays are part of this year's Ashland Oregon Shakespeare Festival repertoire and we are studying them in preparation for a trip to the festival in May. While high school students are encouraged to join on the trip, they can also attend the class without going on the trip. Class meets Thursday mornings, 10:00am–12:00noon, from February 9–May 10. For questions, contact Jasmin Gerer at or leave a message at 429-3898 x332.
For high school students will meet Thursdays from 1:00–3:00pm in AFE Classroom 2 during the Spring Semester. Did you ever wonder how to deal with tough decisions? How to manage stress? And, how does that amazing body of yours function anyways? This will be a survey course on basic mental, social, and physical wellness. In the class, we will cover topics such as healthy decision-making, physical fitness, nutrition, drugs and alcohol, development, diseases, and reproductive health. Activities, discussion, guest-speaker, and field trips will help round out our studies. Come join us! Please contact Ayala at 831-429-3898 x333, for additional information.
All ages. We will meet on Tuesdays from 1:00–3:00pm this year. This is a popular drop-in-as-fits-your-schedule, but children 8 years and under must be accompanied by an adult. The class is mostly hand building, however we do have a few electric wheels that students can try and try and try again. There is a clay/glaze/firing fee of $20 per student per semester payable to Parent Club, this is due by the second class. Come check it out! Join us for some messy fun and creativity. Start date for the class TBA. For more info call Kathleen Peppard at 818-8660.
The Junior State of America (JSA) is a nationwide, student run, non-partisan political organization that allows motivated high school students to voice their opinions and learn more about current political issues facing the world. The NorCal State holds three overnight conventions every school year, the first of which is Fall State. Fall State "The Power Paradigm" will be held Saturday and Sunday, November 19 and 20 at the Santa Clara Marriott Hotel. Conventions are a great experience; a weekend of inspiring speeches, intense debates, and fun. If you're interested please attend weekly JSA meetings on Tuesdays from 12:00–1:00pm in AFE Classroom 2. If you have any questions please contact us, Oliver and Autumn at .
We are looking at another terrific year of theater for all ages. This year's plays will be directed by Terri Steinmann. Rehearsals and performances will be held at both AFE and the WEST Performing Arts theater buildings. There are fees associated with theater which helps offset production costs. Scholarships are always available through the Parent Club. Please contact Nancy Aylsworth 429- 3898 x334 regarding this.
"Jumping Mouse"
• 8 week drama class w/final performance at AFE
• Date: TBD — Spring 2012
• Materials Fee: $30
"Peter Pan"
• 8 week drama class with a final performances at WEST
• Date & Time: Rehearsals on Mondays 10:00am–12:00noon in AFE Classroom 2, beginning November 7 with performances January 14 & 15
• Materials Fee: $60 w/volunteer hours or $100 w/no volunteer hours
• Deadline to sign up in the RC for this production is September 30.
"The Flying Circus" OR (The Canterbury Tales Meet Monty Python)
• 8 week drama class with a final performances at WEST
• Date & Time: Rehearsals on Mondays 12:30–3:00pm in AFE Classroom 2, beginning November 14 with performances January 27 and 28
• Materials Fee: $60 w/volunteer hours or $100 w/no volunteer hours
• Deadline to sign up in the RC for this production is September 30.
Basketball Season Begins! Come join the AFE team if you are in the 6th–12th grade. Practices Mondays, 10:05am–12:00noon and Wednesdays 1:05– 3:00pm at the Pacific Collegiate School gym. Games are Friday mornings at PCS or in Watsonville, exact times TBA (probably 10:00am–12:00noon). The league runs from January–March. Please note that Monday holidays there is no practice. Also, the first day back to school is January 9, the PCS gym is busy, so practice will be at the blacktop playground next to AFE. Thanks, Mark 566-0631.
We had a great time this season and our players continued to do an excellent job of learning skills, having fun and supporting their teammates. Huge thanks are due to all for their contribution to our teams and the season. I would like to send a special thank you to Rico Dominguez for his extensive help with coaching at practices and games. In addition, Jay Johnson and Tyee Wallace were great assets and help. I look forward to playing at the beach with all of you soon! Thanks, Peter.
Is it time for Algebra? Join amazing teacher and tutor Malika Bell as she guides you through the mazes that are Algebra. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:40–9:40am. Cost $5–$10 per class depending on the number of students. Call Jade if you are interested. (See newsletter for contact info)
Spring semester only, date TBA (options: Mondays or Tuesdays 2:30–4), AFE Classroom 2. You can receive 5 credits given by your consultant teacher, with instructor Dorothee Ledbetter. We'll learn about economics through current events, games, and simulations (becoming an employee, investor, business owner).
My name is Shawn Lorette Hoover and I have volunteered to teach the sewing class. Last year the class was known as Fiber Arts. For the time being, I will keep this title, however, the class time for September and October will be specifically based on getting to know your sewing machine. Students will therefore be required to show up with a working sewing machine, a basic sewing kit, and fabric specific for our beginning projects. If you are planning on attending this class, please call or e-mail me so that I can contact you with more instructions. (See the AFE newsletter for contact info.)
Come over to Classroom 2 every Friday from 12:00–3:00pm (or whatever part of those 3 hours work for you) for good times with friends old and new, and AFE's very large collection of award-winning and classic games for all ages! Bring your own games to share as well! The youngest among us can often be found sitting in the middle of the room playing with Lego or blocks, or outside playing tag, in addition to the games, and parents can usually be found socializing, knitting, etc. while playing games, so truly something for everyone!
6th–12th graders, Wednesdays 12:15–1:15pm in AFE Classroom 2. Taught by AFE homeschooling mom Emily Marie Bording, B.A., C.P., a local teacher for over twelve years. Call with questions: 334-8500. Stretching, strengthening, relaxing and enjoying a balanced body.
Painting Workshop for artists 9–15 years old. Wednesdays, Palazzo Studio. 1–3 pm beginning Feb. 15th, 2012. 5 week session.
Barbara has an extensive background in the visual arts. She has a BA in Fine Arts from the University of Southern California which she received fifty years ago. Barbara loves to paint and has learned many wonderful techniques over the years. She will help you learn to think about what you see and translate your view onto paper. You will play with shades of color and find the secret of using paint to create motion.
This class is free for AFE students and limited to 15 persons. Sign up in the RC. Call 831-421-0778 for more information.
Hikes are every first Sunday of the month starting at 12:30pm. More meeting places and destinations will be determined by participants of the previous month and will be posted on the AFE Online Bulletin Board. Interested hikers may also telephone Becky Steinbruner 685-2915 to get the scoop! The group welcomes anyone who enjoys hiking and doesn't whine!
This year-long group will meet weekly on Fridays from 10:00am–12:00noon. Each month, two classes will meet at the newly-constructed raised planter beds behind the Palazzo Studio for hands-on learning activities, one class will be spent caring for the AFE Campus gardens, and one class will be a field trip to a local point of horticultural interest. The class is open to students grades 4–12 and interested parents. Participants may sign up at the Resource Center Bulletin Board or by contacting Becky Steinbruner. (See the AFE newsletter for contact info)
Professional flutist Lars Johannesson is offering a Celtic Music ensemble class and a beginning Wind Instrument class. Please contact Lars for more information (See the AFE newsletter for contact info)
The 2nd Friday of the month (the start time of each event will be announced at the same time as the activity, and will not compete w/ Games Day).
We'd like to be clear that these are not "Drop Off" activities, nor are they AFE school events. Activities will be organized by parents and students for fun, outside of class time, gatherings for Middle Schoolers and their Parents to enjoy together and build community. (If you can not accompany your child to an event, your child can attend so long as you make arrangements ahead of time with another parent to be the specific responsible adult for your child and provide emergency contact info.)
To receive information and announcements about this event series, please email with your contact information.
Meets at AFE in the Textbook room, Thursday, 10:00am–1:00pm. Cost: January: $72 for 4 Thursdays (breaks down to $6 an hour). Bring a lunch! Grammar using Giggles in the Middle (see reviews on Amazon). You don't need to buy the book. It includes grammar, vocab, and short writing assignments (format of letters, short expository essay, how to instructions, etc.) Study Hall — this may turn into group projects. Part of class will be a bike ride at Wilder Ranch or Nisene Marks or other lifestyle sport. We will get group consensus. Call Sheryl at 831-471-2551. Starts December 1.
We continue to invite new students to read and write plays. For information and meeting time, call Nick (please see newsletter for contact info). Thank you!
For grades 9–12 and Middle School students looking for a high school level class.
- $75 for 13 students or more
- $92 for 10-12 students
- $115 for 8-9 students (minimum 8 students)
- Scholarships are available.
Class will be 1.5 hours for Spring Semester (17 weeks).
- Date: Weds, Feb 15 – Jun 6
- Time: 9:30–11:00 (class will end a little early so you can get to the Writing Club)
- Location: Room 27 (Trailer next to the large building)
Class will not meet: Mar 14 (CASHEE testing), Apr 4 (spring break) or May 9 (CASHEE testing).
Let me know if you will need a scholarship by Feb 8th. We will determine the cost of the class on Feb 15th. If everyone who signs up attends, it will be $75 each. Checks can be made out to: Rob Martin.
There will be an emphasis on famous experiments that have been done in the social psychology field and we will learn how to do our own experiments. Possible Possible 5 credits towards an elective. Credits will be given by your consultant teacher. There will not be a text book, but handouts will be given and internet research will be required.
For 8th grade to 12th graders, starting 1/11/2012, from 11:00–12:00 in AFE Classroom 2. Writing practice: expressing our life from inside out. Emily Bording has conducted Writing Groups and Poetry Recitals for over three years. N.o former experience needed.
An inclusive after-school art studio for disabled and able-bodied young people aged 12–18 in the Santa Cruz area who consider themselves to be artists. Starting in October, (date TBA), class will meet every Tuesday at Hope Services, 220 Lincoln Street and Wednesday in the BSSC Clay Studio from 3:30–5:30pm. Through shared artistic interest, these young artists have the opportunity to learn from one another's diverse self-expression. The class begins with a daily mini-lesson followed by studio time and includes guest artists, field trips, and opportunities to exhibit and sell your art. First Wednesday of the month we will meet at Top A Lot Yogurt, 738 Water Street, for plein air drawing and frozen yogurt! For more info or to enroll, please contact Foster Andersen at Shared Adventures at 459-7210.
This document outlines the policy and procedures for teaching an AFE class at a school facility.
Joanne is now the Community Coordinator. She will be coordinating room use and helping you set up parent-led classes, events, and clubs.