News and events
September 2023
A message from the principal
Welcome back to school. We have had a great start to the year and are excited for all of the wonderful things ahead. As we get settled into school, it is important that we start to establish routines, both at school and at home. Please encourage your student to spend time looking at work from school on a regular basis, read for 20-30 minutes each night and get a good night's rest. Keeping students on a schedule, providing structure and support and connecting with them regularly about what is happening at school is a great way to help this year go well. I hope you all have a chance to enjoy the wonderful fall weather and I look forward to connecting with you soon.
Upcoming events
Fall Picture DATE CHANGE
Lifetouch needed to reschedule our picture day due to a conflict. Please note our new picture day for fall pictures will be on Friday, September 29, 2023. Pre-order pictures at mylifetouch.com.
NMS Student Apparel - Last Chance to Order Apparel for the Year!
Show your Northdale pride by purchasing your Northdale student apparel today. Order online now through September 17th. Orders will arrive at Northdale on October 5th. Student apparel sales are one of our two fall fundraisers that support student incentives throughout the year. Questions regarding student apparel can be directed to sara.evans@ahschools.us.
Celebrating Blaine Homecoming Week
September 25 – 29 students from the Bengal Den from Blaine High School will be selling select
Blaine Bengal merchandise to Northdale students and staff. Cash and credit/debit will be
accepted. Follow the Bengal Den on Instagram to find out what products will be available at
Northdale Middle School during Homecoming Week!
If you have any questions reach out to Holly Boisjolie, school store advisor, by email at
holly.boisjolie@ahschools.us. Let’s go Bengals!!
Student Council will be asking students to participate in homecoming week by participating in the following dress-up days the week of September 25 - 29
Monday, September 25: Patriotic Day
Tuesday, September 26: Flannel Day
Wednesday, September 27: Class Color Wars (6th-purple, 7th-red, 8th-white, staff-black)
Thursday, September 28: Hippie Day
Friday, September 29: Blaine gear
Fall Conference Dates
October 12 3:30 - 8:00 (building/virtual)
October 17 3:30 - 8:00 (arena style in building only)
More information will be coming the first week in October to sign up for October 12.
Battle of the Books (BoB)
The 2023-2024 Battle of the Books season is here. Our informational meeting will be held during homeroom the week of September 18.
Every Meal Sign Up
Healthy eating is so important for children. At Northdale, we work hard to ensure students receive a healthy breakfast and lunch each day to support their developing brains and bodies. Research shows that children who eat regular, nutritious meals are more likely to attend school and be engaged in learning.
We are excited to partner with Every Meal to offer a free weekend meal program to all our students.
Every Meal is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to fight child hunger through community and school partnerships. They strive to make a difference in children’s lives by focusing on food gaps like weekends, school breaks, and summer when they can’t receive food in school.
● Free for all families
● No qualifications required
● Students enrolled in the program will receive a 4-5 pound bag of nutritious, nonperishable food each week
● Every Meal does not collect information from families; privacy is protected
● Families may choose to participate in the program anytime throughout the school year
● Families may choose from a variety of different weekend food bag options
● Please contact Breanna Smith to participate or for more information.
To enroll in the Every Meal Program, complete this form.
Technology News
Note from the NMS Technology Department:
- Chromebooks and chargers were distributed to students on Thursday, Sept 8th during their Viking Huddle class.
- 6th graders and new students were given a chromebook bag to carry their device in.
- 7th and 8th graders were given one last year, which they were to keep. If they lost theirs, here is a link of options to purchase. (Computer/laptop bag options for 7th and 8th graders to purchase).
- We encourage you to sign up for the Device Protection Plan. Here is the link with details: https://www.ahschools.us/techprotect
- Students were given a copy of the technology responsibility agreement. Please make sure you read this other and discuss it with your student. Here is a link to a copy as well: NMS Technology Responsibility Agreement/Expectations 23-24
- If your students have any issues with their device, they can go to the library and Joel Aarhus (our tech para) can help them anytime.
- If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know. Julie.vandenbrook@ahschools.us or 506-5536
Job Opportunities
Want to work at Northdale? Read more to see the positions available at Northdale Middle School.
Celebrating the 1st Week of School
Great moments are born from great opportunities, and that is what we have this school year.
As we wrap up the first week, see how school leaders from across the school district teamed up with Superintendent Cory McIntyre for this years’ back-to-school video. At Northdale Middle School and schools across the district, we believe that *miracles* happen each and every day, and when teams have a shared purpose - amazing things can happen.
Over the past week, staff members have focused on their purpose or their “why,” and how they make a difference in the lives of students. Check out the video and join us in supporting and cheering on our students and staff as they go for the gold this school year!
A-H Middle School Attendance Policy at Events
Our goal is to provide a fun, safe and engaging opportunity for middle school students and families to support our high school-athletes as they perform in football, band, dance and cheer. The following expectations are in place to ensure that all who attend experience a safe, welcoming, and positive environment.
All five Anoka-Hennepin traditional high schools (Andover, Anoka, Blaine, Champlin Park and Coon Rapids) have made the transition to online ticket sales for athletics and activities events. With the exception of boys and girls hockey, all ticket sales for events hosted by district schools will be online using VANCO Events, the official ticketing system.
Health services
Seventh-Grade Immunization Requirements
Minnesota state law requires seventh-grade students to receive updated Tdap and Meningococcal vaccines to enter seventh grade. Your student could need one or more vaccinations or a legal exemption to meet these requirements. You may check your student’s Immunization records in AH Connect. Please check with your private medical provider if you are unsure which immunizations your child is lacking. Letters have been mailed to your home if immunizations are required for seventh grade. Please contact your private medical provider for an appointment to obtain additional immunizations. Send or fax documentation of immunization shots your child has received to the Health Office at Northdale Middle School. Our fax number is: 763-506-5403. For other ideas on where to obtain vaccinations, please see MN Department of Health vaccination finder.
Minnesota state law requires the following immunizations for all students:
Hepatitis B – children must have received 3 doses of vaccine following the recommended schedule.
Varicella – children must have received 2 doses of vaccine following the recommended schedule. If a child had varicella disease prior to 2010, a parent or guardian may provide the month/year of disease. If a child had varicella disease after 2010, a provider’s signature is required.
Polio – children must have received 4 doses of vaccine following the recommended schedule.
DTaP – children must have received 5 doses of vaccine following the recommended schedule.
MMR – children must have received 2 doses of vaccine following the recommended schedule.
Tdap and Meningococcal – vaccine updates are required for all students entering 7th grade.
The covid vaccine is NOT a required immunization.
If your child has not received any of these shots for medical reasons or because of your conscientiously held beliefs, written proof of exemption is required. This exemption must be signed in front of a notary. The completed for should be brought to health services. For questions about this information please call the Northdale Health Office at 763-506-5404, check with your medical provider, or you can find information at the MN Department of Health.
Victors Pantry
Viktor's Pantry is a closet we have within our school where we store items that students and families may need. We have a wide variety of items such as clothing, school supplies, personal care items, food and much more. We know that if a student's basic needs aren't fulfilled, it is really challenging to focus while at school. We are happy to be able to supply some items to families to hopefully help ease some of the stress experienced in today's world.
What we need:
● Men and women's deodorant (solid, not spray)
● Shampoo, conditioner, body wash
● Toothpaste
● Any gently used youth (middle school) sized shoes
● Gently used size 8, 10/12 or 14 youth boys pants (joggers, sweats)
● Gently used Youth size (small through XL) shirts--boys
● Size L/XL pull ups (60-125 lbs)
Please bring donations to the school office
Community Education
Northdale Community Education has a number of after school and evening activities this fall. You can register online or pick up a registration form from the Community Ed Office.
Robotics - Starts September 19
Design, build, program and test your robot's ability to accomplish challenge missions on the playing field. Learn and demonstrate your skills and knowledge about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) principles as you design, construct and program a robot that navigates itself within a playing field filled with obstacles.
FIRST® LEGO® League is an international LEGO® program in which children work in teams to design, build and program a robot to complete missions. FLL challenges kids to think like scientists and engineers.
Young Engineers ROBOTICS & STEM Program Military Machine - Starts September 26
e2 Young Engineers offers an internationally acclaimed Robotics and STEAM education program taught in 50+ countries. This program is recognized by Harvard School of Education, New York School of Education, European Union and others as leaders in robotics and science education in the world. This is a problem and project-based learning program where students learn about new Robotics and STEAM concepts in every class and apply those concepts by building unique and different operational robots and machines in every class.
In this session, your child will learn about synchronous and asynchronous movement, friction and sensor techniques. During the class, they will build, independently or in pairs, working robotic models of a Military Tank, Landmine Sweeper, Commando Soldier, Military Radar System and others.
Intro to Acting - Starts October 3
Learn Theatre basics onstage through Theatre games, improv, and scene work! Improve your understanding of the dramatic arts through various activities, including ensemble building, stage presence, and scenework. Each student will also choose a monologue or scene which they will refine and perform on the last class of the session for friends and family.
Chess - Starts October 4
Challenge yourself! Play chess! Exercise your brain! This is an excellent opportunity to develop better chess skills. Impress your opponents and increase your IQ while having fun playing chess. All chess levels are welcome.
Drum Lessons - Starts October 5
Gain a solid foundation in drum set performance and musicianship. We will focus on proper hand/foot technique, musical styles and reading basic rhythms. Amaze your friends with the ability to confidently play various drum beats and fills in multiple styles with a clear understanding of a path forward to intermediate playing. Practice pad and sticks provided. Note to Parents: Drum sticks and practice pads will be provided with an option to purchase to take home.
Viking Gaming Club - Starts October 16
Calling all “gamers”! Join the NMS Gaming Club. Here is a list of some of the games we may be playing in this club: Trading Card Games (TGG) Living Card Games (LCG) such as Magic: The Gathering, Yu-gi-Oh, Pokemon, Chess, Settlers of Catan, Apples to Apples, Flux, Ninjaburger, Pictionary, Trivial Pursuit.
Viking Service Club/Youth for Change - Starts October 16
Do you want to join a club to feel more involved in the community and school, make new friends, design service projects for your fellow students and work with High School students? Then join the Viking Service Club. We will be working with high school service club members for a Round Table discussion and brainstorming session.
Girls Volleyball 6th Gr - starts October 23
This is a modified league that introduces girls to the game of volleyball. Players will learn the basics of volleyball with an emphasis on skill development. Teams are formed based on each player’s skill level. Teams practice after school and compete against other Anoka-Hennepin middle schools. Activity bus available M-Th.
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