Cyclone Chronicles

We are excited to announce that we have a therapy dog, Griffin the Great (Dane), who will be working at the Fred Moore Campus. We want to make sure all of our students and families are aware of this, and want to address any questions and/or concerns you may have.

What is a Registered Therapy Dog?

A Therapy Dog is trained along with his/her handler to interact with people in a volunteer capacity. As a team, both the dog and handler must pass a rigorous aptitude and skills test to become registered. In so doing, they must demonstrate a calm temperament (no fear or aggression), and control under unforeseen or stressful situations. The dog must also pass health requirements, including vaccinations and the recommendation of a veterinarian. Griffin and his handler, Kari, received their certification from Off Leash K9 training.

What will the Therapy Dog do during visits?

Griffin will be leashed and under the control of his handler, Kari Chura, at all times. Kari is a teacher and member of our support team here at AMSA. Griffin’s visits to AMSA will consist of Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA). Animal-Assisted Activities can best be described as casual visits between a therapy animal, handler and individuals. There are no specific treatment goals involved in these visits. Rather, the purpose is to enhance an individual’s quality of life by providing them with experiences that promote comfort, joy, and companionship. Griffin will visit AMSA once a week.

What breed of dog is Griffin?

Griffin is a 6 year old Great Dane. He weighs about 140 pounds! Griffin’s favorite things include: greeting friends, playing with his brother Midas (another Great Dane), going on walks, car rides, eating pup cups from Starbucks and DQ, and cuddling.

What if my child is allergic to dogs?

We understand that some parents/students may be concerned about allergies. Griffin will always be clean and well-groomed when he visits, to reduce any dander. Any students that work with Griffin will be advised to wash their hands, or use hand sanitizer, before and after working with him. A lint roller will also be available, as dogs do shed a bit, even with regular brushing.

What if my child is afraid of dogs?

We want to make sure that all students feel safe here at AMSA. If your student does not have a scheduled visit, they will most likely will only see Griffin from a distance, or possibly in the hallway. We are very excited to welcome Griffin to our school. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have additional questions or concerns.

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.

The AMSA Fall Book Fair will be held in the

Washington Campus Library October 11-17,

including during our parent/teacher conferences.

Tumble by Celia C. Pérez

Tumble is a unique story of family secrets, wrestling culture, and identity.

Before she decides whether to accept her stepfather's proposal of adoption, twelve-year-old Adela Ramírez reaches out to her estranged biological father--who is in the midst of a career comeback as a luchador--and the eccentric extended family of wrestlers she has never met, bringing Adela closer to understanding the expansive definition of family.

“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

Arrin.LaFreniere@ahschools.us

(763)506-5153

Interested in signing up for the Washington D.C. trip for next year?

* The dates are Thursday, May 2 - Sunday, May 5, 2024.

* Early registration will receive a discount.

* For more information, please contact Ms. Michalski or Ms. O'Gorman at the Washington Campus.

Sign up today for the trip of a lifetime!

Community Education is offering some great opportunities for students. Follow the links to sign up.

Anime

Yearbook club

Cooking Class

6th grade Volleyball

7/8th grade Boys Basketball- Starting November 27th - Sign up early as spots will fill up quickly!

Tips for healthy social media use for parents/guardians and students

It is important for both parents/guardians and students to regularly check in with their social media use and interactions.

In a blog post from icanhelp.net titled, “Back to School, But Let's Chat About Social Media First,” parents and students are provided with five tips on having a healthy relationship with social media.

For Parents: The Protector’s Playbook

• Timing is Everything

• Privacy 101

• Parental Tools

• Trust, Don’t Hover

• Friend or Foe?

For Students: Digital Citizenship Skills for Gen Z

• Block Wisely

• Curate Your Circle

• Digital Detox

• Respond to Harm

• Bridge the Generation Gap

Read the full blog post, which provides more detail on each of the five tips.