
Cyclone Chronicles

February 1, 2024
Anoka Middle School for the Arts has been named a National Merit School of Excellence by Magnet Schools of America, the national association for magnet and theme-based schools.
To receive a national merit award, members of Magnet Schools of America must submit a detailed application that is scored by a panel of educators. These schools are judged and scored on their demonstrated ability to raise student academic achievement, promote racial and socioeconomic diversity, provide integrated curricula and instruction, and create strong family and community partnerships that enhance the school’s magnet theme.
Merit School of Excellence Awards are only given to a select group of magnet schools. Schools of Excellence are eligible to receive monetary awards and are eligible to be named the nation’s top Elementary, Secondary, or New & Emerging Magnet School. One of the Schools of Excellence will also be selected to win $5,000 and the Dr. Ronald P. Simpson Distinguished Merit Award, which is considered the most prestigious magnet school award in the nation.
AMSA Dance
Anoka Middle Dance Students attended a performance by Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and then were able to take a contemporary dance class with U of M dance majors.
Check out our Libraries!
Access eBooks and digital audiobooks in our AMSA MackinVia digital library (available in the app store of any device and in student’s RapidIdentity) Click here for step by step instructions on how to access your MackinVia account.
AMSA Destiny Library
Destiny "How-to" link:
Book Recommendation
The Door of No Return by Kwame Alexander
In his village in Upper Kwanta, Kofi loves his family, playing oware with his grandfather and swimming in the river Offin.
One fateful night, the unthinkable happens and in a flash, Kofi’s world turns upside down. Kofi soon ends up in a fight for his life and what happens next will send him on a harrowing journey across land and sea, and away from everything he loves.
This spellbinding novel by the author of The Crossover and Booked will take you on an unforgettable adventure that will open your eyes and break your heart. (from the publisher)
The Storm
AMSA’s literary and art journal has been selected to receive the rank of Superior in the 2023 NCTE Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines (REALM) program. This year, schools in 46 states and five countries nominated 375 student magazines. Magazines from middle school, high school, and higher education were welcomed for the 2023 contest.
The mission of NCTE’s REALM program is to publicly recognize excellent literary magazines produced by students with the support of their teachers.
Congratulations to our students and teachers on this exceptional publication. We commend you for inspiring a love of writing that your students will remember for the rest of their lives.
Interested in signing up for the Washington D.C. trip for next year?
* The dates are Thursday, May 2 - Sunday, May 5, 2024.
* For more information, please contact Ms. Michalski (robin.michalski@ashschools.us) or Ms. O'Gorman (barbara.ogorman@ahschools.us) at the Washington Campus.
Sign up today for the trip of a lifetime!
Anoka Middle School for the Arts Volunteer Program
Want to be the first to know about school events & opportunities?
Both Campuses
Filling out your forms does not commit you to volunteering, it only puts you on the
list to receive event information.
Fred Moore Campus
February 5th 6-7 PM
Anoka Middle Schools for the Arts has formed a Parent Advisory Team.
Sign up to participate in the next meeting.
Both Campuses
Come when it’s convenient for you before February 29th
Volunteers are needed to hang student art in the hallways.
This is a great opportunity for PSEO students seeking volunteer hours!
Art Department Donation Request
Both Campuses
The Art Department is seeking ice cream buckets with lids for their classroom. These buckets will be used to keep clay projects from drying out.
Washington Campus
Trimester 2 - ends March 8th
Do you have extra school supplies laying around your house? The SPED Department is requesting school supply donations.
Washington Campus
MN Studies are hoping to collect 600 brown paper grocery bags for an upcoming project.
Fred Moore Campus - Cafeteria
Wednesdays starting November 1st and runs until May 29th from 3:05-5:00 PM
Take attendance, hand out snacks, oversee light cleanup.
Volunteers are welcome to run games if interested.
This is a great opportunity for high school students seeking
volunteer hours after school.
Anoka High School
Saturday, February 10th
The Fair consists of students in grades K-12 presenting the findings of their research and experimentation to the public. With well over 2,000 students involved, this Fair is the largest of its kind in the entire State.
In order for this Fair to work, we need community members to be volunteers and/or
judges at the Fair. Prospective judges do not need science or math backgrounds. We provide training for all of the judges. We are looking for responsible adults who are willing to give something back to the community. Your job as a judge is to talk with students about their projects and give them feedback.
Parent Engage 360 forum events are offered both in-person and in virtual formats and are free and open to the public.
FREE training being offered this year for PTO, Booster club and Nonprofit leadership
Educational Service Center, 2727 N. Ferry Street Anoka, MN 55303 - Erling D
Register for this free training below
In-person Math Plus or Challenge Reading Training Registration
Interested in Volunteering or Donating?
Fill out your paperwork now so you will be ready if you decide to volunteer. Go directly to the volunteer forms by following this link to the volunteer forms or contact Volunteer Services for further assistance. When you sign up you will be sent weekly event opportunities.
Interpreter Services available upon request for volunteers.
For this service, please contact Volunteer Services three days prior to volunteering.
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FREE training being offered this year for PTO, Booster club and Nonprofit leadership
Educational Service Center, 2727 N. Ferry Street Anoka, MN 55303 - Erling D
Register for this free training below
In-person Math Plus or Challenge Reading Training Registration
“No one in this world is more cherished than someone who lightens the burden of another.”
- Joseph Addison
Arrin LaFreniere
Anoka Middle School for the Arts
Volunteer Services Coordinator
(763)506-5153
February Athletics
Ski trip non-school day trips- Wild Mountain- Monday, February 19th
Dance Team- starts February 26th
6th grade Girls Basketball- starts February 26th
6th grade Boys Basketball- starts February 26th
Ping Pong- starts February 26th
February Enrichment
Lego Robotics-Try It February 26th
March Enrichment
This e-newsletter is published by Anoka Middle School for the Arts, supported by the Anoka-Hennepin communication and public relations department. Questions, comment or concerns about the school e-newsletter? Contact us.