2026 marks my third year of coaching co-ed middle school soccer, assisted by Mr. Hermanson. Overall, I could not be prouder of this year's team. We had a diverse group of players this year, ending the season with 9 eighth graders, 3 seventh graders, 4 sixth graders, and 3 fifth graders! Every player showed up to practice each afternoon ready to sharpen their skills and share a love of the game. We were blessed to have a strong team this year, with most of our players returning from last season. What made this year special was our more experienced athletes' willingness to help coach younger players to fill positions in next year’s lineup.
I would like to shout out a handful of players: Wyatt Biehn and AJ Martinez (strikers/ forwards), Angel Hernandez (midfield), and Luke Hoskins (defense). These eighth-grade boys led plays during games and also took time to share tips and tricks with the younger players. We also had a strong defensive line of 8th-grade girls who protected our goal throughout the season. Also, Davian Hardy was our primary goalie this season and played a crucial role in securing wins.
I would also like to affirm the motivation and eagerness of our fifth through seventh graders to step up in games and support their team on the field. I am so excited to watch these players grow and step into leadership positions on the team in upcoming seasons.
We went into our final tournament with an 8-1 record! This shows the level of dedication and teamwork that is shared among our athletes. In our final tournament, we ended up taking second place overall after a neck-and-neck game versus Grand Canyon, ending with a final score of 2-1, with a penalty kick scored by Luke Hoskins.
I would like to extend a thank you to all the families who showed up each weekend to support our Spartans. It meant a lot to me and our players to have you there cheering from the sidelines, supporting us with each goal, run, and block.
Looking forward to next season, please have physicals and FinalForms completed before the first week of school if your students would like to play soccer in the 2027 season. Physicals completed after March 1st 2027 are valid for the 2027-2028 school year. We gladly welcome all those who have a love for the game and would like to represent the Spartans on the field.

📣 Ash Fork Families: Reunification Drill—Thursday, October 8
Ash Fork Schools will conduct a reunification drill as part of our school safety preparedness. All students must be picked up at 1:30 PM. There will be NO bus transportation after school.
Please plan ahead and:
• Bring a photo ID.
• Remain in your vehicle and follow staff directions along the designated pickup route.
• Make sure your child’s emergency contacts are current.
• Ensure anyone picking up your child is listed as an authorized contact with the school.
Please review these resources before Thursday:
🎥 Reunification video: https://youtu.be/-kM6yuiPgDc
🗺️ Pickup map: https://aptg.co/Mx0-6C
Thank you for helping us practice a safe and organized reunification process for our students and families! 💙💛

📣 IMPORTANT REMINDER: REUNIFICATION DRILL — THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8
Ash Fork Schools will be conducting a Reunification Drill this Thursday as part of our ongoing school safety preparedness.
⏰ Student pickup will begin at 1:30 PM.
🚌 There will be NO bus transportation. All students must be picked up from school.
Parents/guardians, please remember to:
✔️ Bring a photo ID
✔️ Follow staff directions and the designated pickup route
✔️ Remain in your vehicle during the pickup process
✔️ Make sure your child’s emergency contacts are current
✔️ Remember that students may only be released to a parent/guardian or authorized emergency contact
⚠️ If someone other than you will be picking up your child, please make sure they are listed as an authorized contact with the school BEFORE Thursday.
This drill gives our students, staff, and families the opportunity to practice the reunification process so that we are prepared should we ever need to use it in a real emergency.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work together to keep our students safe! 💙💛
Ash Fork Schools

A big shout-out to our parents and guardians who call the office to let us know when their child will be absent and the reason for the absence. We truly appreciate you taking the time to keep us informed!
Your notification helps our teachers prepare any missed work for your child, saving everyone time and helping students stay on track in each class.
📞 To report an absence, please call 928-637-2561 and select Option 1 for Attendance.

Looking for ways to save on your electric bill? Meet one-on-one with an APS representative to learn about bill assistance programs, rate plan options, energy-saving tips, and rebates.
📅 Tuesday, October 13, 2026
🕑 2:00–6:00 p.m.
📍 Ash Fork Public Library
450 W. Lewis Ave., Ash Fork, AZ 86320
No appointment is needed! Customers will be helped on a first-come, first-served basis.
To explore eligibility for income-based assistance, please bring income documents for each adult in your household, such as one month of pay stubs, W-2s, or last year’s tax returns.
Can’t attend? Call APS at (602) 371-7171 or (800) 253-9405, or visit [aps.com/assistance](https://www.aps.com/assistance).

We’re excited to partner with Complete Vision Care to bring full-service eye exams and glasses fittings right to our students at school on Monday, October 19, 2026! Students can receive care with or without insurance.
📱 Parents/Guardians: Scan the QR code on the flyer to sign your student up for an eye exam.
📅 Monday, October 19, 2026
📍 Ash Fork Schools
Please complete the sign-up ahead of time if you would like your child to participate. 👓💙
https://complete-vision-care.com/intake/ashfork-yavapai-county
Co-pays may apply with private insurance. UnitedHealthcare (UHC) AHCCCS cannot be accepted.

Wednesday, October 7, 2026, will now be a FULL school day. It was originally scheduled as an early release day.
Thursday, October 8, will still be an EARLY RELEASE day.
Please also be aware that October 8 will include a school reunification drill. As part of this drill, buses will NOT run, and all students will need to be picked up by a parent/guardian or an authorized emergency contact.
Please make sure your child’s emergency contact information is up to date and that anyone who may need to pick up your child is listed as an authorized contact.
Wednesday, October 7: Full school day — regular dismissal
Thursday, October 8: Early release + Reunification Drill — NO BUSES; students must be picked up
More information regarding the reunification drill and pickup procedures will be shared with families.
Thank you for helping us prepare for a safe and successful drill!

Ash Fork pickup dates at St. Anne’s Hall on 7th Street:
• Wednesday, September 23 from 1–4 PM
• Friday, September 25 from 3–6 PM
Additional locations are available in Seligman and Williams. For more information, call the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry and Help Line at 928-642-0807.


We recently learned that our school no longer qualifies for student snack funding. Snacks for K–2 are paused this week and will resume on Tuesday, September 8, with the district covering the cost.
School-provided snacks will not resume for students in grades 3–8. Families are welcome to send a snack with their student if they would like.
Thank you for your understanding!

This image is a poster for Ash Fork Spartans – I‑40 Middle School Soccer, 2026 Season.
The background uses blue and yellow colors.
At the top of the poster, there is a large Spartan helmet logo. Beneath it are the words: Grit, Pride, Tradition.
The schedule is organized by tournament dates and locations. All text is printed in white.
Text on the Poster
Title: Ash Fork Spartans – I‑40 Middle School Soccer, 2026 Season.
Tagline: Grit • Pride • Tradition.
August 22 – Tournament at Grand Canyon
8:00 AM — Grand Canyon vs. Williams
9:00 AM — Ash Fork vs. Parks
10:00 AM — Williams vs. SFDA
11:00 AM — Parks vs. Seligman
12:00 PM — SFDA vs. Ash Fork
1:00 PM — Grand Canyon vs. Seligman
August 29 – Tournament at Williams
9:00 AM — Williams vs. Parks
10:00 AM — Seligman vs. SFDA
11:00 AM — Parks vs. Grand Canyon
12:00 PM — Ash Fork vs. Seligman
1:00 PM — Grand Canyon vs. SFDA
2:00 PM — Williams vs. Ash Fork
September 12 – Tournament at Williams
9:00 AM — Williams vs. SFDA
9:00 AM — Ash Fork vs. Seligman
10:00 AM — Parks vs. SFDA
12:00 PM — Ash Fork vs. Grand Canyon
1:00 PM — Seligman vs. Parks
September 16 – Tournament at Ash Fork
8:00 AM — Seligman vs. Parks
9:00 AM — Ash Fork vs. Grand Canyon
10:00 AM — Parks vs. Williams
11:00 AM — Ash Fork vs. SFDA
12:00 PM — Grand Canyon vs. Williams
Final Tournament – at Ash Fork
October 3 — Starting in the PM

This image is a poster for the Ash Fork Lady Spartans Volleyball – 2026 Season Schedule.
The background uses blue and gold colors.
On the left side, there is a large illustrated Spartan warrior mascot holding a spear and shield. The mascot is drawn in a bold, graphic style.
The schedule text is centered on the poster in white lettering. It is divided into tournaments, home games, and away games for both junior varsity and varsity teams.
Text on the Poster
Title: Ash Fork Lady Spartans Volleyball – 2026 Season Schedule.
Spartan Classic Tournament:
September 11–12, 2026 at Ash Fork High School.
Epic Tournament:
September 25–26, 2026 at ASU Sports Complex in Tempe, Arizona.
Home Games
August 20 — Scrimmage at 5:00 PM.
September 4 — JV at 5:00 PM, Varsity at 6:00 PM vs. Seligman.
September 10 — JV at 4:00 PM, Varsity at 5:00 PM vs. Rough Rock.
September 21 — JV at 5:00 PM, Varsity at 6:00 PM vs. Williams.
September 23 — JV at 5:00 PM, Varsity at 6:00 PM vs. Grand Canyon.
September 29 — JV at 5:00 PM, Varsity at 6:00 PM vs. Joseph City.
October 22 — JV at 5:00 PM, Varsity at 6:00 PM vs. Mogollon.
October 26 — JV at 5:00 PM, Varsity at 6:00 PM vs. BASIS Flagstaff.
Away Games
August 27 — JV at 5:00 PM, Varsity at 6:00 PM at Grand Canyon.
September 2 — JV at 4:00 PM, Varsity at 5:00 PM at Bagdad.
September 14 — JV at 4:00 PM, Varsity at 5:00 PM at North Phoenix Prep.
September 15 — JV at 4:00 PM, Varsity at 5:00 PM at Desert Star.
October 1 — JV at 5:00 PM, Varsity at 6:00 PM at Williams.
October 6 — JV at 4:00 PM, Varsity at 5:00 PM at Mayer.
October 20 — JV at 4:00 PM, Varsity at 5:00 PM at Seligman.
October 28 — JV at 5:00 PM, Varsity at 6:00 PM at Music Mountain.

This image is a poster displaying the Ash Fork Spartans 2026 Boys Soccer Schedule.
The background uses blue and gold colors.
On the left side, there is a large illustrated Spartan warrior mascot. The Spartan is wearing armor and a helmet with a plume and is holding a long spear upright.
On the right side, there is a graphic silhouette of a soccer player kicking a soccer ball.
Centered between these graphics is the full soccer schedule, organized by month and tournament. All text is printed in white.
Text on the Poster
Title: Ash Fork Spartans – 2026 Boys Soccer Schedule.
August – Payson Longhorn Tournament:
August 21, 8:00 AM, vs. Payson at Granite Dells Park.
August 21, 12:00 PM, vs. Show Low at Granite Dells Park.
August 22, 10:40 AM, vs. Blue Ridge at Rumsey Park.
August 22, 4:00 PM, vs. Snowflake at Rumsey Park.
August – Regular Season:
August 25, 4:00 PM, vs. Williams at Williams Elementary–Middle.
August 27, 4:00 PM, vs. Grand Canyon at Grand Canyon.
September – Regular Season:
September 1, 6:00 PM, vs. Blue Ridge at Ash Fork JUSD #31.
September 9, 4:00 PM, vs. Page at Page Sports Complex.
September 15, 4:00 PM, vs. Benson at Ash Fork JUSD #31.
September 22, 6:00 PM, vs. Round Valley at Ash Fork JUSD #31.
September 24, 6:00 PM, vs. Camp Verde at Ash Fork JUSD #31.
September 29, 4:00 PM, vs. Chino Valley at Chino Valley High School.
Chino Cup Tournament:
September 11, 10:00 AM, vs. Chino Valley at Chino Valley High School.
September 11, 2:00 PM, vs. Grand Canyon at Chino Valley High School.
September 12, 10:45 AM, vs. Williams at Chino Valley High School.
October – Regular Season:
October 2, 4:00 PM, vs. North Valley Christian.
October 19, 6:00 PM, vs. Winslow at Ash Fork JUSD #31.
October 20, 3:30 PM, vs. Payson at Payson High School.
October 22, 6:00 PM, vs. Williams at Ash Fork JUSD #31.

We’re raising funds for our K–8 students through The Hundred Mile Club! When you donate, you can choose to:
💚 Support a specific class and help them reach their fundraising goal to win an ice cream party!
💙 Donate directly to The Hundred Mile Club to benefit all K–8 students
Your support helps make fun, healthy experiences like our Walk-a-Thon and Glow-a-Thon possible. Every donation—big or small—makes a difference for our students!
Thank you for supporting Ash Fork students and helping us create experiences they’ll remember! 💙💛

Join us for our Glow-A-Thon on Thursday, August 6, from 6:30–8:30 PM!
Come walk, glow, and help support our students while having a blast! We’ll have:
🚲 A raffle for TWO BIKES
🎟️ More amazing raffle prizes
🍿 Senior concessions
✨ Plenty of glowing fun!
Every concession purchase earns you an additional raffle ticket, so grab a snack and increase your chances of winning!
Bring your family, wear your brightest neon or glow gear, and come support our students! 💙💛



As we approach the beginning of the school year, we want to take a moment to share some important information regarding your child’s transition from 5th grade to 6th grade. This is an exciting time, and we are here to support you and your student through this change.
We invite you to join us in Ms. Acosta’s classroom #115 before the open house on July 30, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Here, you will discover essential details that will help your child adapt to middle school life.
You will have the chance to meet our dedicated middle school teachers, who are eager to connect with you and your student. We will provide important login information for educational platforms such as IXL and Google Classroom, ensuring your child is prepared for their studies.
Additionally, we will assist you with installing the Team Reach app, which facilitates effective communication between parents and teachers. Lastly, we will share information about the exciting team-building activities that our middle school students participate in, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
We look forward to working together to ensure a smooth and successful transition for your child into 6th grade. Thank you for your ongoing support!
Best regards,
Ash Fork Middle School

📣 BACK TO SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE! 💙💛
We’re kicking off a new school year at Ash Fork Schools, and everyone is invited!
Join us Thursday, July 30 from 5–7 PM for our Back to School Open House! Meet our K–12 teachers, connect with local clubs and community resources, grab some FREE food, and get ready for another great year as Spartans!
✂️ Free haircuts
🍔 Free food
🎟️ Raffle prizes
📚 Meet your teachers
🤝 Local clubs & community resources
🔐 High school schedules & lockers
💻 PowerSchool sign-up for parents
📍 Ash Fork School Multi-Purpose Room
📅 July 30 | 5–7 PM
Whether you’re a returning Spartan family or brand new to Ash Fork Schools, come spend the evening with us. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back! 💙💛
WE EMPOWER — students, families, and our community, together.
➡️ Please share and help us spread the word!

There's still time to register your child and join the fun! Our Kindergarten Jumpstart program is already underway, but new students are still welcome to enroll and get a head start on a successful school year.
✨ Kindergarten Jumpstart helps students:
📚 Meet their teacher
🏫 Explore their classroom
🤝 Make new friends
💙 Build confidence before the first day of school
🗓️ Jumpstart continues Monday–Thursday
⏰ 9:30–11:30 AM
The first official day of school is Monday, August 3.
Stop by the Ash Fork Schools front office or contact us today to get your future Little Spartan enrolled. We can't wait to welcome your family! 💙💛 #SpartanPride #LittleSpartans #KindergartenReady

The first day of school is almost here, and we've put everything you need in one place!
Be sure to visit our Back-to-School page for important information, including:
✅ School calendar
✅ Enrollment information
✅ FinalForms
✅ Transportation information
✅ NEW & UPDATED bus routes 🚌
✅ Parent resources and more!
If your child rides the bus, please review the updated bus routes and stop times, as they have been adjusted to accommodate our new school start time.
Visit our Back-to-School page here:
🔗 https://www.afjusd.org/page/back-to-school
We can't wait to welcome our Spartans back for an amazing 2026–2027 school year! 💙💛
#AshForkSpartans #BackToSchool #SpartanStrong

