4/11/25

Thank you to our amazing assistant principals—Stacy Olstadt, Cameron Opel, and Krista Range—for your unwavering hard work and dedication to both staff and students. Your leadership, support, and commitment make a lasting impact every day, and we are truly grateful to have you at Armstrong!

This week, we were proud to host representatives from BARR National, along with Dr. Irvin Scott from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Dr. Scott, who focuses on educational leadership and teaches in Harvard’s School Leadership and Doctor of Education Leadership programs, visited with the goal of learning more about our implementation of the BARR model. It was a meaningful opportunity to showcase the incredible work happening in our school and how strong relationships and intentional support are helping our students thrive.

A big shoutout to our students who represented Armstrong at this year’s Shell Eco-marathon Americas event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway! The supermilage team got fifth place in the E 98 class at 171.4 miles per gallon! The team had an amazing time connecting with other schools and showcasing their hard work.

Nineteen of our students recently traveled to Puerto Rico for an unforgettable educational field trip. During their time on the island, they explored its vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning natural landscapes. The trip provided hands-on learning experiences that brought their classroom studies to life and helped them build meaningful connections beyond the classroom.

Some of our NASA HUNCH students recently traveled to Houston to present their innovative projects as part of this year’s program. In addition to sharing their work with NASA engineers and staff, they had the incredible opportunity to meet and spend time with astronauts Frank Rubio and Jasmin Moghbeli. It was an unforgettable experience that highlighted the talent, creativity, and dedication of our students!

A group of our students recently attended Black Mental Health Youth Day at the Minnesota State Capitol, where they joined peers from across the state to advocate for mental health awareness and equity. The event offered powerful conversations, inspiring speakers, and opportunities to engage with lawmakers about the importance of accessible mental health resources for all students.

AHS Student artists currently have work on display at Robbin Gallery! Last night, artists, their families, and art educators gathered for the opening night reception. This exhibit will be on display through April 27th at 4915 N 42nd Ave, Robbinsdale, MN 55422

Gallery Hours: Friday, 1-5 pm, Saturday, 1-5 pm, Sunday 1-4 pm

AP Language and Comp students took a field trip to the MIA today!

We want to make you aware of upcoming construction that will impact traffic patterns around Armstrong High School beginning Monday, April 21. In order to maintain a safe and orderly environment during student arrival and dismissal, please carefully review and follow the updated procedures shown in the attached graphic.

🚧 Construction Details:

• Starting April 21, 36th Avenue N will be closed to through traffic between Zachary Lane and the easterly high school entrance (between Union Terrace Ln and Trenton Ln).
  

• The easterly entrance to the high school (near Trenton Ln) will remain open during Phase 1 of construction.
  

• The west entrance to the school (west of Union Terrace Ln) will be closed to all traffic starting April 21.
  

• Signage indicating closures will begin going up the week of April 14.
  

🚗 Traffic Plan Overview:

Please refer to the attached graphic and follow these traffic flow guidelines:

🔶 Yellow Line – Parent Drop-Off/Pick-Up Route:

• Parents should enter from the easterly entrance (Trenton Ln side).
  

• Follow the yellow arrows into the upper parking lot.
  

• Use the designated Parent Drop-Off Area.
  

• Exit the same way you entered, back onto 36th Ave via the Trenton Ln entrance.
  
  

🔷 Blue Line – Student Access:

• Students only are permitted to enter the lower student lot.
  

• This access is limited to the following times:
  

• Morning: 8:00 AM – 8:40 AM
  

• Afternoon: 3:00 PM – 3:40 PM
  

• AHS staff will be present and monitoring these areas to ensure student safety.

🛑 Why This Matters

Research shows that the safest student arrival and dismissal procedures keep buses, student drivers, and parent drop-off/pick-up traffic separate. That intentionality is reflected in this plan. By clearly separating these areas and controlling access, we reduce congestion and increase safety for everyone.

We appreciate your flexibility and cooperation as we adjust for this necessary construction. Our primary goal is to maintain student safety and smooth operations during these changes.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the main office.

The Supreme Court Historical Society and the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota are excited to bring two Supreme Court and My Hometown programs to Minnesota–one in the Twin Cities, July 21-25, and one in Duluth, July 28-August 1. This immersive federal court experience is FREE for high school students.

During the program students will learn from federal judges, attorneys, and local historians as they explore the local landmark First Amendment case Near v. Minnesota. Students will also participate in field trips and create a museum exhibit that will be displayed in the federal court house.

Please remind all current 9-11* grade students are eligible to apply. Applications and letters of recommendation are due by April 25, 2025. *If a student will be a recent graduate and is also interested in applying, we will consider their application.

NAMI Basics OnDemand: Online Education Program for Parents, Caregivers, and Other Family Members

NAMI Basics OnDemand | NAMI

This free, online program – available 24/7 – is designed to empower parents and caregivers of young people (ages 22 and younger) with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to navigate the challenges of youth mental health.

11th graders: Apply to attend Camp College at St. Olaf this summer. At this free overnight event, students will learn about the admissions process at all colleges, financial aid, the senior year application timeline, college resources and more! Get mentoring from admission counselors!

Who:

Current Juniors (Class of 2026)

When:

June 15-17, 2025

Where:

St. Olaf College

Apply Here by April 18: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScchA1YXBz8Xb-1I085Z78zcPWICrN9c14GQ4I0x4bnrag6CQ/viewform

This year our Prom will be on Saturday, May 10th at the Medina Entertainment Center (500 Hwy 55, Medina, MN 55340).

*Students must have their student ID to enter and have purchased their ticket in advance.

*No party Buses

*School administration reserves the right to prohibit entry of any student.

*Students need to meet academic, behavior and attendance requirements.

Make sure you are prepared for AP exams starting in May!

Wallin 2-Year Scholarships can be used at: Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Anoka Technical College, Century College, Dakota County Technical College, Dunwoody College of Technology, Hennepin Technical College, Inver Hills Community College, Minneapolis College, Normandale Community College, North Hennepin Community College, Red Lake Nation College (Downtown), and St. Paul College.

Apply HERE today! Talk to your counselor if you have any questions.

If you’re a parent/guardian with a high school senior heading to college this fall, come watch a virtual session from the Minnesota Office of Higher Ed on Tuesday, April 22nd from 7-8pm to learn more about how to best prepare your child for their next educational journey. This session will cover some of the key conversations to have with your child before they start college. From understanding finances, to navigating a college campus, to making sure your child knows how to do their laundry, we will help you feel prepared to send your child to college!

Register online now!

Share what your plans are for after high school! Add information you would like shared on Instagram about your plans for after graduation and we will create a post along with your senior picture. Photos may also be used for a graduation video.

We will start posting after spring break, the form will be open until May 15th.

The FALL dance season is finally approaching and we are so ready to kick off the season with our 2025-2026 Fall Dance Team Tryouts. All incoming 9-12 graders are welcome, no dance experience is needed!

This month celebrates the contributions and heritage of Arab Americans.

Robbinsdale Area Schools Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge Robbinsdale Area Schools is located on the homelands of the Dakota and Ojibwe people. We recognize the painful history of genocide and forced assimilation of the Indigenous inhabitants of this land. We honor and respect the many Indigenous peoples who live on and hold sacred these lands, and we stand with members of these Nations to fight injustice in all of its forms. We uphold the preservation of Dakota and Ojibwe languages, land based education, and tribal sovereignty.

April 18th & 21st No School

May 2nd No School

May 10th Prom

May 26th No School

June 2nd Graduation (9th, 10th & 11th Grade Asynchronous e-learning day)

June 4th Last day of school