Allendale - Fairfax Middle School

AFMS Families,

We are asking for your partnership regarding a concerning social media trend known as the “Bloody Knuckle Challenge.” This activity involves students striking or injuring their knuckles and can result in cuts, bruising, bleeding, or other injuries.

The safety and well-being of our scholars remain our priority. AFMS will continue to monitor student activity at school, reinforce safe choices, and address behaviors that may jeopardize the safety of our scholars or disrupt the learning environment.

Parents and guardians, please speak with your child about the dangers of participating in social media challenges that encourage self-injury, physical harm, or unsafe behavior. Scholars should never participate in, encourage, record, or promote activities that could cause injury to themselves or others.

If you become aware of this challenge or another unsafe trend involving AFMS scholars, please contact the school so that we can respond promptly.

Thank you for partnering with us to keep AFMS safe and protect the integrity of our learning environment.

Allendale-Fairfax Middle School
Safety • Responsibility • Respect


Familias de AFMS:

Les pedimos su apoyo ante una preocupante tendencia en redes sociales conocida como el “Bloody Knuckle Challenge” (Reto de los Nudillos Ensangrentados). Esta actividad consiste en que los estudiantes se golpeen o lastimen intencionalmente los nudillos, lo cual puede provocar cortadas, moretones, sangrado, infecciones u otras lesiones.

La seguridad y el bienestar de nuestros estudiantes son una prioridad. AFMS continuará supervisando las actividades de los estudiantes dentro de la escuela, promoviendo decisiones seguras y atendiendo cualquier conducta que pueda poner en riesgo su seguridad o afectar el ambiente de aprendizaje.

Padres de familia y tutores, les pedimos que hablen con sus hijos sobre los peligros de participar en retos de redes sociales que fomenten las autolesiones, el daño físico o cualquier otra conducta peligrosa. Los estudiantes no deben participar, alentar, grabar, compartir ni promover actividades que puedan causarles daño a ellos mismos o a otras personas.

Si se enteran de este reto o de cualquier otra tendencia peligrosa que involucre a estudiantes de AFMS, por favor comuníquense con la escuela para que podamos atender la situación de manera oportuna y adecuada.

Gracias por su apoyo y colaboración continua. Juntos podemos mantener a AFMS segura y proteger la integridad de nuestro ambiente de aprendizaje.

Allendale-Fairfax Middle School
Seguridad • Responsabilidad • Respeto

¡Nuestros estudiantes de 8.º grado son los CAMPEONES DEL TORNEO DE VOLEIBOL! 🎉

Para celebrar su victoria, todos los estudiantes de 8.º grado se han ganado un DÍA GRATIS DE VESTIMENTA CASUAL (DRESS DOWN) el viernes 18 de septiembre. 🖤💛

Recordatorios sobre la vestimenta:

Los estudiantes NO pueden usar:
• Blusas cortas (crop tops) ni camisas que dejen el abdomen al descubierto
• Camisetas sin mangas, blusas tipo halter o prendas con tirantes finos
• Ropa con agujeros o rasgaduras que dejen demasiada piel al descubierto
• Pijamas, pantuflas o cobijas
• Ropa con palabras o imágenes inapropiadas u ofensivas, o relacionadas con drogas o alcohol
• Gorros para dormir (bonnets), durags u otros artículos para cubrir la cabeza que no estén autorizados
• Pantalones cortos, faldas o vestidos que no cumplan con las normas de vestimenta de la escuela

La vestimenta debe ser apropiada para el entorno escolar. La administración de la escuela se reserva el derecho de solicitar un cambio de ropa si la vestimenta de un estudiante no cumple con las normas escolares.

¡Felicitaciones nuevamente, 8.º grado! ¡Disfruten de su merecido DÍA GRATIS DE VESTIMENTA CASUAL este viernes! 🏐🏆

#AFMSTigers #CampeonesDe8Grado #TorneoDeVoleibol #OrgulloTigre

CONGRATULATIONS, 8TH GRADE!
Our 8th Grade Scholars are the VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS! 🎉
To celebrate their victory, all 8th grade scholars have earned a FREE DRESS DOWN DAY on Friday, September 18!
Dress Down Reminders: Students may NOT wear: • Crop tops or shirts exposing the midriff • Tank tops, halter tops, or spaghetti straps • Clothing with holes or rips that expose excessive skin • Pajamas, bedroom slippers, or blankets • Clothing with inappropriate, offensive, or drug/alcohol-related words or images • Bonnets, durags, or other non-approved head coverings • Shorts, skirts, or dresses that do not meet school dress expectations
Clothing must remain appropriate for the school environment. School administration reserves the right to require a change of clothing if an outfit does not meet school expectations.

Congratulations again, 8th Grade! Enjoy your well-earned FREE Dress Down Friday!
#AFMSTigers #8thGradeChampions #VolleyballTournament #TigerPride

TIGER NATION, IT’S HOMECOMING TIME!
Join us as we officially kick off AFHS Homecoming 2026 with our Homecoming Parade through Downtown Allendale!
This year, we are proud to honor Mrs. Barbara Miller Sanders, AFHS Class of 1973 and former Homecoming Queen, as our 2026 Homecoming Parade Grand Marshal! Her legacy represents the history, tradition, excellence, and Tiger Pride that continue to unite generations of Allendale-Fairfax Tigers.
Sunday, September 20, 2026
5:00 PM
Downtown Allendale
We invite our students, families, alumni, staff, and the entire Allendale community to line the streets and help us celebrate! Wear your BLACK & GOLD, bring your Tiger spirit, and join us for an evening of community, tradition, and HOMECOMING excitement!
Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger!
#AFHSHomecoming2026 #AFHSHomecomingParade #TigerNation #TigerPride #OnceATigerAlwaysATiger #AllendaleFairfax #Homecoming2026

¡NACIÓN TIGRE, YA ES HORA DEL HOMECOMING!
¡Acompáñanos a dar inicio oficialmente al Homecoming 2026 de AFHS con nuestro tradicional Desfile de Homecoming por el centro de Allendale!
Este año, nos enorgullece rendir homenaje a la Sra. Barbara Miller Sanders, Clase de AFHS de 1973 y ex Reina de Homecoming, quien será nuestra Gran Mariscal del Desfile de Homecoming 2026. Su legado representa la historia, la tradición, la excelencia y el Orgullo Tigre que siguen uniendo a generaciones de Tigers de Allendale-Fairfax.
Domingo, 20 de septiembre de 2026
5:00 PM
Centro de Allendale
¡Invitamos a nuestros estudiantes, familias, exalumnos, personal escolar y a toda la comunidad de Allendale a llenar las calles y celebrar con nosotros! Vístanse de NEGRO Y DORADO, traigan todo su espíritu Tiger y acompáñennos para disfrutar de una tarde llena de comunidad, tradición y emoción por nuestro HOMECOMING.
¡Una vez Tiger, siempre Tiger!
#AFHSHomecoming2026 #AFHSHomecomingParade #TigerNation #TigerPride #OnceATigerAlwaysATiger #AllendaleFairfax #Homecoming2026

Attendance matters! Every day a student is in school is another opportunity to learn, grow, connect, and make progress toward their goals. We encourage our students and families to make regular, on-time attendance a priority. When you show up, you’re showing up for your future!

The newest Tiger Gazette is out now!
Inside you’ll find updates on our year-long clubs, upcoming activities, and all the ways our Tigers are showing their pride.

Take a few minutes to read and stay in the loop, your scholar’s next big opportunity might be inside!

Check it out here: https://app.smore.com/n/ceaph

Dear Parent and Guardians,
Join us today, Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 5:00–6:30 PM for our Annual Title I Parent Orientation and Meeting.

All parents, guardians, families, and community members are invited to learn more about our Title I program, school goals, available resources, and how families can partner with us to support scholar achievement.

Your Voice. Your School. Your Impact!
Together, we can make a difference!

We look forward to seeing you there!

AFHS HOMECOMING 2026 IS ALMOST HERE!
Get ready, Tiger Nation! We are kicking off Homecoming Week with our annual Homecoming Parade on Sunday, September 20 at 5:00 PM in Downtown Allendale! Parade line up will start at 4:00 at Gum St. and 301. We want our clubs, organizations, churches, businesses, classes, alumni, and community groups to participate and to help us fill the streets with Tiger Pride!
Homecoming Parade Application
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=TZKdltZeKk6tSiR-I-vTIuoWKn7hqzBAl3XhwuRjdntUQVNST0xKNVY3OVhZVzNNWThaMjRUMDU3MC4u

After a spirit-filled week across the district, we’ll continue the celebration on Friday, September 25!
Homecoming Tailgate: 5:00 PM at Tiger Field
Tailgate Spots: $75.00
Homecoming Game: 7:30 PM, AF Tigers vs. St. John’s Mighty Islanders
Halftime: Presentation of the Homecoming Court and crowning of our 2026 Homecoming King & Queen
Homecoming Tailgate Application
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=TZKdltZeKk6tSiR-I-vTIuoWKn7hqzBAl3XhwuRjdntUQ1lVS1pSVzFaQVA4WjJHQTc0MURUUzQwTy4u

We want as many participants as possible for BOTH events! Come celebrate our students, our schools, our community, and the tradition of AF Tiger Pride!
ONE SCHOOL. ONE FAMILY. ONE LEGACY.
THE COMEBACK IS REAL!
#AFHSHomecoming2026 #AFTigers #TigerPride #AllendaleCountySchools #TheComebackIsReal

¡EL HOMECOMING 2026 DE AFHS YA CASI ESTÁ AQUÍ!
¡Prepárense, Tiger Nation! Comenzaremos la Semana de Homecoming con nuestro tradicional Desfile de Homecoming el domingo 20 de septiembre a las 5:00 PM en el centro de Allendale. La formación para el desfile comenzará a las 4:00 PM en Gum St. y Hwy. 301. Queremos que nuestros clubes, organizaciones, iglesias, negocios, clases, exalumnos y grupos comunitarios participen y nos ayuden a llenar las calles con Tiger Pride.
Solicitud para el Desfile de Homecoming
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=TZKdltZeKk6tSiR-I-vTIuoWKn7hqzBAl3XhwuRjdntUQVNST0xKNVY3OVhZVzNNWThaMjRUMDU3MC4u

Después de una semana llena de espíritu escolar en todo el distrito, continuaremos la celebración el viernes 25 de septiembre.
Tailgate de Homecoming:
5:00 PM en Tiger Field
Espacios para el Tailgate: $75.00
Partido de Homecoming: 7:30 PM, AF Tigers vs. St. John’s Mighty Islanders
Medio tiempo: Presentación de la Corte de Homecoming y coronación de nuestro Rey y Reina de Homecoming 2026
Solicitud para el Tailgate de Homecoming
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=TZKdltZeKk6tSiR-I-vTIuoWKn7hqzBAl3XhwuRjdntUQ1lVS1pSVzFaQVA4WjJHQTc0MURUUzQwTy4u
¡Queremos la mayor cantidad posible de participantes en AMBOS eventos! Vengan a celebrar a nuestros estudiantes, nuestras escuelas, nuestra comunidad y la tradición de Tiger Pride de AF!

UNA ESCUELA. UNA FAMILIA. UN LEGADO.
¡THE COMEBACK IS REAL!
#AFHSHomecoming2026 #AFTigers #TigerPride #AllendaleCountySchools #TheComebackIsReal

The Nutrition Group surprised our students with a special hibachi-style lunch showcase! Students had the option to enjoy stir-fried noodles, rice, and chicken, while pizza was available for those who preferred a more familiar option. The long lines and clean plates made it clear that the hibachi lunch was a hit! We’re grateful to our food service partners for creating opportunities for students to explore new foods, expand their palates, and enjoy exciting experiences right in their school cafeterias.

El Grupo de Nutrición sorprendió a nuestros estudiantes con un almuerzo especial al estilo hibachi. 🥢 Los estudiantes pudieron elegir entre fideos salteados, arroz y pollo, mientras que también hubo pizza disponible para quienes prefirieron una opción más conocida. ¡Las largas filas y los platos vacíos dejaron claro que el almuerzo fue todo un éxito! Estamos agradecidos con nuestros proveedores de servicios de alimentación por crear oportunidades para que nuestros estudiantes prueben nuevos alimentos, amplíen sus paladares y disfruten de experiencias emocionantes directamente en las cafeterías de nuestras escuelas.

September is Attendance Awareness Month and we are excited to announce our district initiatives to encourage our students to be present and engaged, everyday! We are hosting a video contest that begins Monday, September 7th and 1st place take home a $50 cash prize. There will also be a Comeback Cup Walk at our schools to boost student attendance and morale. Lastly, the school with the most improved attendance will be awarded the Comeback Cup! Join us in our efforts to reduce student truancy and increase classroom participation!

Septiembre es el Mes de la Concientización sobre la Asistencia, y nos complace anunciar las iniciativas de nuestro distrito para animar a los estudiantes a asistir a clases y participar activamente ¡todos los días! Organizaremos un concurso de videos que comenzará el lunes 7 de septiembre; el ganador del primer lugar recibirá un premio en efectivo de 50 dólares. También llevaremos a cabo la caminata "Comeback Cup" en nuestras escuelas para fomentar la asistencia y elevar la moral de los estudiantes. Por último, ¡la escuela que logre la mayor mejora en la asistencia recibirá el trofeo "Comeback Cup"! ¡Únase a nuestros esfuerzos para reducir el ausentismo escolar y aumentar la participación en el aula!

The newest Tiger Gazette is out now!
Inside you’ll find updates on our year-long clubs, upcoming activities, and all the ways our Tigers are showing their pride.

Take a few minutes to read and stay in the loop, your scholar’s next big opportunity might be inside!

Check it out here: https://app.smore.com/n/aqvbn

The newest Tiger Gazette is out now!
Inside you’ll find updates on our year-long clubs, upcoming activities, and all the ways our Tigers are showing their pride.

Take a few minutes to read and stay in the loop, your scholar’s next big opportunity might be inside!

Check it out here: https://app.smore.com/n/mr2ad

AFMS TOWN HALL | SETTING THE EXPECTATIONS FOR SUCCESS

Today, Allendale-Fairfax Middle School scholars participated in a schoolwide Town Hall focused on helping every student start strong, stay focused, and make choices that support a positive school experience.

As we continue through the 2026–2027 school year, we want to make sure our scholars have a clear understanding of school expectations and the support they need to be successful each day. Our Town Hall provided an opportunity to revisit important routines, answer questions, and reinforce the shared responsibility we all have in creating a safe, respectful, and productive learning environment.

Dress Code Expectations

Students reviewed the DOs and DON’Ts of our school dress code, including expectations for pants, shorts, and skirts.

We appreciate the support of our families in helping students arrive at school each day appropriately dressed, prepared, and ready to learn.

Morning Arrival & Checkpoint Expectations

We also reviewed the importance of arriving at school on time and being ready to begin the instructional day.

Students were reminded of our morning checkpoint procedures and how cooperation with staff helps us maintain a safe, orderly, and welcoming environment for everyone.

We also discussed items that should and should not be brought to school. Families can support us by periodically checking student bookbags and talking with students about bringing only the materials and personal items needed for the school day.

Classroom & Hallway Expectations

Students were reminded of the everyday behaviors that help protect learning time and create a positive school environment:

Show respect to teachers, staff, and fellow students. Allow teachers to teach and classmates to learn. Use respectful words and make positive choices when disagreements occur. Transition safely and efficiently through the hallways. Arrive to class on time and prepared to participate.

Our goal is to help students understand not only what the expectations are, but also why they matter to their own success and the success of others.

Creating a Safe and Respectful School Community

We also talked with students about the importance of treating one another with respect in person and online.

Threats, intimidation, harassment, and cyberbullying can negatively impact a student’s sense of safety and belonging. We want every AFMS scholar to know that they deserve to feel safe, respected, valued, and supported at school.

Students were encouraged to seek help from a trusted adult when they experience or become aware of a concern.

Families, Thank You for Your Partnership

Parents and guardians are an essential part of our school community. We encourage families to review the Student Code of Conduct with their students and continue conversations at home about responsible decision-making, respectful behavior, and being prepared for school.

The Code of Conduct is available in our weekly newsletter and provides helpful information about school expectations, policies, and procedures.

Our goal is to be proactive rather than reactive. By making expectations clear, reinforcing them consistently, and working together, we can reduce disruptions and protect the valuable instructional time our students need to learn and grow.

When students, families, teachers, and staff work together, we create the conditions for every scholar to succeed.

EVERY STUDENT. EVERY CLASSROOM. EVERY DAY.

Thank you, AFMS families, for continuing to partner with us as we set high expectations, protect instructional time, support positive choices, and create a school community where every scholar can thrive.

#THECOMEBACKISREAL

The newest Tiger Gazette is out now!
Inside you’ll find updates on our year-long clubs, upcoming activities, and all the ways our Tigers are showing their pride.

Take a few minutes to read and stay in the loop, your scholar’s next big opportunity might be inside!
Check it out here: https://app.smore.com/n/8f3q7

The newest Tiger Gazette is out now!
Inside you’ll find updates on our year-long clubs, upcoming activities, and all the ways our Tigers are showing their pride.

Take a few minutes to read and stay in the loop, your scholar’s next big opportunity might be inside!
Check it out here: https://app.smore.com/n/hkc56

Allendale County Schools has multiple Special Education teaching positions available for the upcoming school year. These roles are important as we are committed to the growth of every student. If you're passionate about making a difference and want to join a supportive team dedicated to student success, please apply here: https://www.applitrack.com/acs/onlineapp/

El Distrito Escolar del Condado de Allendale tiene varias vacantes para maestros de Educación Especial disponibles para el próximo año escolar. Estas posiciones son fundamentales, ya que estamos comprometidos con el crecimiento y el éxito de cada estudiante. Si le apasiona marcar una diferencia en la vida de los estudiantes y desea formar parte de un equipo que apoya el éxito estudiantil, presente su solicitud aquí: https://www.applitrack.com/acs/onlineapp/