News and events - March 26, 2025

Friday, April 18 - No school - Staff Development Day

2024-2025 Middle School Calendar

All JMS students will take the MCA Reading and Math tests to see how much they have learned this year. Our 8th grade students will also take the MCA Science test to show their progress in that subject. During testing, students will stay in their first hour classes throughout the morning to finish the test. Students will test until 11:22am. Please avoid scheduling appointments on these mornings so students can successfully complete the test. Thank you for your help!

MCA Test Dates:

April 23 - MCA Reading

April 30 - MCA Math

May 6 - MCA Science (8th grade ONLY)

Join us at the JMS Observatory to look at stars, the moon, constellations, and anything else we can find in space. Public viewings will be held , along with special event nights, as long as the sky is clear, when something of interest is happening in the sky above us. Weather is always an issue so if it is cloudy, raining, or snowing, the public viewing will be cancelled. Dress for the weather as the temperature of the dome is the same as that of the outdoors.

Please check the Observatory page on the JMS website at 6:00 p.m. on viewing dates to make sure viewing has not been cancelled.

Monday, March 31, 8:30 - 10:30 PM

Tuesday, April 1, 8:30 - 10:30 PM

Wednesday, April 2, 8:30 -10:30 PM

Tuesday, April 8, 8:30 - 10:30 PM

Thursday, April 10, 8:30 - 10:30 PM

Directions to the Observatory

March is National Reading Month, and what better way to unwind and manage stress than getting lost in a good book? Reading has been shown to have numerous benefits for mental health, including reducing anxiety and depression, improving sleep, and increasing feelings of relaxation and calm. Whether you prefer fiction, non-fiction, or a favorite magazine, take some time this month to indulge in some reading for relaxation. Set aside a few minutes each day to escape into a book and watch your stress levels melt away. Head to www.changetochill.org and read about all the amazing resources to improve Mental Well-being.

Additional information:

• Reading reduces stress by 68%: A study found that reading can reduce stress levels by up to 68% (Source: Reading for Stress Relief | Taking Charge of Your Wellbeing
• Reading improves mental health: 75% of readers report that reading improves their mental health and wellbeing (Source: UK's Reading Agency: Reading improves MH - HCUK Corporate)
• Reading decreases symptoms of depression: A study found that reading can decrease symptoms of depression by 21% and anxiety by 17% (Source: National Literacy Trust: ReadingDecreasesDepression.pdf)
• Reading before bed improves sleep: 61% of readers report that reading before bed helps them sleep better (Source: National Sleep Foundation: Reading Before Bed)
• Reading increases empathy: Reading literary fiction can increase empathy and understanding of others by 10-15% (Source: Science Magazine: Reading Literary Fiction Improves Theory of Mind | Science)

Yearbooks for the 2024-2025 school year are now on sale.

Books were in high demand last year and sold out quickly, so make sure you reserve yours now!

You can order your yearbook online here.

The Anoka-Hennepin School District will host an in-person hiring event for operational and student support positions Thursday, March 27 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at Anoka High School. The hiring event will take place in the atrium located near the main entrance of the school.

Anoka-Hennepin Schools is a great place to live and work. Our communities work together to provide residents with safe and friendly neighborhoods, high-quality schools, a wide range of business and economic opportunities, beautiful parks and abundant recreational activities.

Join us to learn about employment opportunities and have a same-day, on-site interview for various positions. Participants are strongly encouraged to begin filling out applications ahead of time at ahschools.us/jobs and come prepared to interview with hiring managers.

What we offer: Eligible employees may enroll in a comprehensive benefits package.

• Health, hospitalization, dental insurance.

• Life and supplemental life insurance benefits.

• Long-term disability plan.

• Opportunities to participate in flexible benefits plans such as health savings and dependent/child care savings accounts.

• Professional development opportunities.

Anoka-Hennepin has employment opportunities for any phase of your work life. Full-time, part-time and substitute positions are available, including flexible weekly schedules with hours ranging from early morning, mid-day, late afternoon or evening opportunities.

Everyone plays a role in student achievement; help your community succeed by applying today!

Visit ahschools.us/jobs or call 763-506-JOBS for more information.

Families may login to their A-H Connect account or download the ParentVUE mobile app to access student report cards. Report cards are only available online and will no longer be sent through postal mail or student’s backpacks. Families will be able to access report cards by logging into A-HConnect or viewing it on the ParentVUE mobile app.

The switch to online report cards means that information is available to review at the conclusion of each trimester. Schools will notify families when the report cards are available to view. Parents, guardians and any person with educational rights to a student will be able to access the student’s report card online.

For assistance with your login information, contact the Anoka-Hennepin Schools HELP Desk at 506help@ahschools.us or 763-506-HELP (4357).

View instructions for accessing A-HConnect or ParentVUE.