Collaborative Network Newsletter: Volume 1

NEWSLETTER

AAFCS

COLLABORATIVE NETWORK VOLUME 1 | 2025 https://www.aafcs.org/about/partnerwith-aafcs/collaborative-network

ABOUT THE NETWORK "AAFCS recognizes that strong partnerships are key to advancing the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Through our collaborative network, Family and Consumer Sciences professionals remain current, competent, and compassionate—ready to meet evolving needs. Our newsletter and website are excellent ways to stay informed and inspired by the incredible work and resources shared by our partners.

KARIN ATHANAS AAFCS Executive Director

Interested in becoming a partner? Let us know—we’d love to connect and explore how we can work together to strengthen the FCS community!”

TROUTWOOD, INC. LEARNING PERSONAL FINANCE SKILLS WITH TROUTWOOD Troutwood gives educators and professionals the tools to teach real-world financial skills—budgeting, investing, goal setting, and more. Our platform is intuitive, engaging, and built to be used right away with teacher guides, students guides and videos.

With the help of Finn, Troutwood’s interactive guide, gain the confidence to make smart money decisions that last a lifetime.

From the classroom to life beyond school, Troutwood bridges the gap between education and financial independence. Whether you’re introducing key concepts or reinforcing essential habits, our tools help you build lessons that matter.

Join educators across the country bringing financial literacy to life.

AAFCS, 1410 King Street, Floor 2, Alexandria, VA 22314, www.aafcs.org

RUBIN VIRGINIA 9TH GRADER TAKES FIRST PLACE IN AMERICA’S NEXT GREAT INTERN CONTEST FROM RUBIN Congrats to Rakshana Damodaran from Fairfax County Public Schools for winning the 3rd annual national contest from Rubin in which students showcase employability skills necessary in an office setting. Damodaran, a freshman at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, demonstrated the ability to write a professional email, conduct research before an interview and answer an ethical dilemma. Learn more about the contest and Rubin here.

AFSA EDUCATION FOUNDATION Deliver high-quality, personal finance education today with MoneySKILL®.

Designed by experts and endorsed by teachers, MoneySKILL is a FREE web-based personal finance course for educators to use with students in middle school, high school, and into adulthood.

Courses are customizable, available in English and Spanish, and student activity and progress can be monitored through built-in quizzes and tests.

Instructors can choose content from 37 different topics areas including budgeting, savings, vehicle financing, and so much more.

Register here for your free MoneySKILL instructor account today and start customizing your class!

AAFCS, 1410 King Street, Floor 2, Alexandria, VA 22314, www.aafcs.org

FOUNDATION FOR ECONOMIC EDUCATION

The Learning Center by the Foundation Using these great resources: for Economic Education (FEE) offers free, Access free lessons and credentials here. classroom-ready lessons, activities, and Contact LearningCenter@FEE.org for multimedia tools focused on economics, implementation support. personal finance, and decision-making.

FEE and AAFCS can collaborate on webinars Educators can also earn the free Financial or workshops to expand financial literacy Intelligence Teacher (FIT) Credential and education. assess student learning with the no-cost The Learning Center is expanding with new Financial Intelligence Test (FIT). lessons and tools based on educator feedback.

FOUNDATION FOR ECONOMIC EDUCATION AND AAFCS The Foundation for Economic Education (FEE) provides free resources to help educators teach personal finance effectively, integrating AI tools and the C3 Inquiry Learning Process to enhance engagement and critical thinking. The curriculum emphasizes proactive money management, including financial responsibility, emergency savings, and overcoming a scarcity mindset. Students learn to set SMART financial goals, prioritize spending using the 80/20 budgeting rule (50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings), and automate savings for longterm security. FEE also promotes ethical wealth-building through generosity, negotiation skills, and responsible financial decision-making. Additionally, students gain essential financial literacy skills to avoid debt traps, recognize scams, and learn from mentors and role models. By combining technology with practical financial principles, educators can equip students with the tools to achieve financial stability, build long-term wealth, and make informed money decisions for a secure future.

Watch Now in the THINK FCS Library

AAFCS, 1410 King Street, Floor 2, Alexandria, VA 22314, www.aafcs.org

MONEY HABITUDES® We deeply appreciate everything that teachers do to inspire, educate, and empower their students every single day. In honor of all your hard work and dedication, Money Habitudes is excited to offer a special discount just for you!

Enjoy $50 off our Activity Plus Workshop – available in both English and Spanish versions – as our way of saying thank you.

Simply use the coupon code TEACH25 at checkout to claim your savings.

Let us support you as you continue to make a positive impact. Happy Teacher Appreciation!

NASCO EDUCATION SAVE 20% DURING OUR CUSTOMER APPRECIATION EVENT! Use discount code 60075 until 5/31/25. Some exclusions apply.

SHOP HERE

THE #1 WAY TO KEEP YOUR FCS KITCHENS ORGANIZED Give each student group a color-coded set of cookware and utensils.

It’s a fast, visual way to keep stations tidy and students on task.

SHOP HERE

WE’RE BURSTING AT THE SEAMS WITH NEW PRODUCTS! Don’t miss this gorgeous Janome Artic Crystal Sewing Machine with 15 built-in stitches!

Explore everything new here!

AAFCS, 1410 King Street, Floor 2, Alexandria, VA 22314, www.aafcs.org

KING ARTHUR BAKING CO. FLOUR 101: ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR, BREAD FLOUR, WHOLE WHEAT? What is the difference between these flours, and why does it matter? The short answer is protein.

Of the many proteins in wheat flour, let's look at two: glutenin and gliadin. When these proteins get wet and are agitated (by mixing or kneading), they come together and form gluten. That sticky, stretchy substance captures the CO2 that lets your bread rise and gives your bagels that chewy texture. The more protein, the greater the potential for gluten. Cake flour is used to make tender baked goods and has a low percentage of protein content at 10%, whereas bread flour, used to make pizza crust or bagels, has 12.7% protein.

All-purpose flour sits in the middle at 11.7%, and as the name suggests, it is suitable for almost all baking. Visit King Arthur's flour guide to learn more about different flours and how they're used.

KING ARTHUR BAKING CO. AND AAFCS This spring, King Arthur Baking Company partnered with the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) to host two “No Fuss Focaccia” Teacher Workshops—one in March and another in April—designed to bring the joy and simplicity of baking into the classroom.

These interactive, hands-on workshops followed an “I do, you do” teaching model, where the instructor demonstrated each step of the recipe and participants followed along in real time. From mixing and kneading to prepping the dough to rise in the pan, attendees gained practical skills and the confidence to recreate the experience with their own students.

The workshops were tailored specifically for Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) educators, and feedback was overwhelmingly positive. One participant remarked, “This workshop was so much fun! I can’t wait to use the recipe and demo in my FCS classroom.”

AAFCS, 1410 King Street, Floor 2, Alexandria, VA 22314, www.aafcs.org

UL STANDARDS & ENGAGEMENT

UL STANDARDS & ENGAGEMENT (ULSE) AND AAFCS This webinar presented by UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE) and AAFCS promoted consumer safety and provided details on safety standards. The session explored how safety standards impact everyday products like smart devices, toys, and home appliances, helping to prevent risks such as electrical hazards, battery fires, and counterfeit product dangers.

Participants gained insight into real-world risks, compelling statistics, and scenarios that highlighted potential hazards in daily life. By connecting safety standards to personal experiences, the discussion emphasized the importance of consumer education and proactive safety initiatives.

The webinar concluded with actionable steps for participants to get involved in the standards development process, advocate for safer products, and engage their communities in safety awareness efforts.

Watch Now in the THINK FCS Library

REALITY WORKS NEW TOOLS. FREE LESSONS. FRESH INSPIRATION. Discover new hands-on tools and free soft skills lessons to engage your FCS students. Our 2025 FCS Program Catalog features resources for early childhood education, career readiness, culinary arts, and more - all designed to make learning interactive and real-world.

Get your catalog and free lessons today here!

AAFCS, 1410 King Street, Floor 2, Alexandria, VA 22314, www.aafcs.org

TONIES DISCOVER CHILDREN’S IMAGINATION THROUGH TONIES The Toniebox is a screen-free audio player designed especially for young children. The Toniebox helps nurture emergent literacy, sparks creativity, and significantly reduces screen time — all while keeping kids entertained and engaged.

Utilizing the Toniebox has many educational benefits. It is a powerful tool in early childhood environments.

Learn more about Tonies and how the Toniebox can enhance your early childhood education here.

TONIES AND AAFCS The webinar explored the Toniebox, a screen-free, tactile audio player designed to promote early literacy, creativity, and reduce screen time for young children. With a durable, squeezable design and seven-hour battery life, the Toniebox is ideal for schools, libraries, clinics, homes, and community programs. It plays preloaded or custom audio content through RFID-enabled figurines and works offline after the initial setup, making it accessible for families with limited internet access.

Research findings presented showed a 32% improvement in emergent literacy scores and a 25% reduction in screen time among users. Additional benefits include improved attention, engagement, comprehension, and vocabulary. The Toniebox catalog features partnerships with Disney, National Geographic, Dr. Seuss, and others, offering a wide range of educational and entertainment options.

The session also highlighted the Toniebox’s use for children on the autism spectrum and its growing role in educational, therapeutic, and community settings. Future developments include expanded research initiatives and new content focusing on early learning, mindfulness, and discovery.

Watch Now in the THINK FCS Library

AAFCS, 1410 King Street, Floor 2, Alexandria, VA 22314, www.aafcs.org

The AAFCS Collaborative Network aims to provide FCS professionals with the resources and support to advance their work in improving the lives of individuals, families, and communities.

VOLUME 1 | 2025

AAFCS, 1410 King Street, Floor 2, Alexandria, VA 22314, www.aafcs.org