Jr/Sr Quick Links

Welcome to AFC Jr/Sr High School- Principal Message

As we near the start of the 2024-2025 school year, I wanted to share updates to our building this summer, student expectations, and important upcoming events. 

Our dedicated staff has been tirelessly preparing the building and enhancing curricula for the upcoming year. New doors, lights, and fresh paint have rejuvenated the halls and classrooms. To bolster security and showcase our Raider pride, one-way view decals have been installed on exterior windows. The Jr/Sr High now boasts new lockers, each equipped with a built-in 3-number combination lock that all students will be required to use. Students will have ample time to practice their combinations during the first week of school. 

Staff continues to attend Professional Development throughout the summer to continue our focus on curriculum development for both Mathematics and English Language Arts. AFC Jr/Sr High School is ahead of the ISBE implementation schedule for both PaCE framework and Pathway endorsements, in great part due to the hard work of staff over the summer months. This coming school year, 7th and 8th grade students will continue to attend WIN (What I Need) during third period Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. This time is set aside to focus on intervention, enrichment, and college and career readiness. 

Students in 9th grade through 12th grade will attend CCR Seminar third period on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Students will work toward a portfolio completion to prepare them for success in and outside of the classroom, promote skills to solve real-world problems and motivate students to take a proactive approach to their educational goals. Students will complete tasks from the AFC CCR Framework and compile their work into a portfolio that will follow them through their time at AFC all the way to graduation. Students attending WACC or Co-Op during CCR Seminar will receive additional support to complete these tasks during alternative times. Students will be issued a 1” binder to organize their portfolio; students who misplace/damage their portfolio will be responsible for replacement. 

As we focus on increased rigor and post-secondary planning in the classroom, we will also increase our diligence toward decreasing interruptions and distractions to the educational experience. To that end, the AFC Board of Education and administration approved a full cell phone/personal device ban. All students will be required to secure their cell phones/personal devices in their secure lockers or at home during the instructional day, from 8:15 am to 3:00 pm. Students found to be in possession of such devices will have the device confiscated and stored in

the office, where a guardian will be required to pick it up. Smartwatches used within its primary purposes of time-telling are permitted. Smartwatches utilized as cell phones/personal devices will be confiscated. Guardians that are in need of sharing important notifications with their students, may contact the Jr/Sr High School office. We will ensure the message reaches your student during a time that does not interfere with the educational environment. 

We appreciate guardians' partnership in articulating the high value we aim to place on each student’s educational path. Establishing a communication plan with your student and sharing the importance of adhering to these expectations is imperative. 

If you have not already registered your student for the 2024-2025 school year, you may do so on the school website. The registration cost will increase after August 1st. Ensure your student is registered and ready for the first day of school, and help our transportation director assemble route lists. 

School supply lists are available on the school website. Go to the Menu > Families > School Supply Lists. We hope to see you all at the Jr/Sr High Back to School Night, August 20th, 6:00—7:00 p.m. Your students will be able to meet their new teachers, walk their schedule, and start to familiarize themselves with their locker combinations. We look forward to the new school year beginning August 21st (2:15 pm dismissal). 

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me mhurt@afcschools.net 815-453-7461. 

Best Regards, 

Malinda Hurt, Principal 

Ashton-Franklin Center Jr/Sr High School


General Welcome

Welcome to our newly renovated website. Our mission at Ashton-Franklin Center Jr/Sr High School is for staff to create a stable and secure environment where students realize their potential by taking ownership of their learning goals and become well-rounded members of society. We desire to create a learning environment where students Learn, Grow, and Thrive.

We strive to build collaborative relationships with our community. When the school community and parents partner, we can see a positive impact on student’s academic, social, and emotional growth here at AFC. Your involvement is essential, and I encourage you to reach out to your student’s teachers, the counseling department, the student services department, or my office so we may best foster your student’s educational success. One way to stay connected is by reading the weekly memo “In Case Your Student Didn’t Tell You…” emailed to all guardians. As well, check out the AFC app/website for important announcements and celebrations. 

Because we strive to see our students become well-rounded citizens, AFC students are encouraged to earn community service hours (Silver Cord Hours). Seniors students are recognized for their service at graduation with a Silver Cord. Silver Cord Hours should be completed on their own time and serve a local community organization. There are many opportunities right here at AFC, such as assisting PTC or volunteering at athletic events, to name a few. AFC students are also encouraged to earn community service hours to earn tuition waivers at Sauk Valley Community College through their IMPACT program. 

Here at AFC, we offer a variety of courses. Dual Credit and Advanced Placement (AP) course opportunities continue to be added to our course offerings each year. College and Career Readiness is critical to AFC student academics and career exploration. We continue to strengthen our framework to better prepare students for post-secondary success. 

My goal as the Principal here at AFC Jr/Sr High is to ensure each student has access to opportunities that prepare them for success when they leave high school. I look forward to partnering with each of you.

Sincerely,

Malinda Hurt, Principal 

AFCHS Principal Malinda Hurt

Malinda Hurt, Principal
AFC Jr/Sr High School

Email: mhurt@afcschools.net
Phone: (815) 453-7461