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News and events
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October 31, 2023
A message from the principal
It is hard to believe that we are starting our third month of school. We are deep into our studies here having a great time learning and growing, and teaching students skills that are important for success. One such skill that we are trying to work on with our middle school students is being on time. It is a life skill that is important for all of us; and we ask that our students be on time to their classes. We work hard to remind students how to budget their time wisely and how to maneuver throughout their day. Please remind your students the importance of being on time to their classes. And as always, please reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns. We look forward to working with you.
Upcoming Calendar Events
Basic Needs Drive - November 1-10
A Blaine High School student is working on a service project to host a basic needs drive to collect basic needs items for Northdale families. The project is hoping to collect basic needs products for 20 families here at Northdale. Items can be dropped off on the table outside the main office from November 1- 10th. Gift cards are also welcome. Thank you for supporting families here at NMS. Sign Up to donate.
Student Retakes - November 2
Lifetouch will be at NMS on Thursday, November 2 for photo retakes for students. Volunteers are needed to organize students in lines, keep them on-task and send students back to class to keep pictures running on time. Sign Up
November 22nd - November 24th – NO SCHOOL/DISTRICT CLOSED
Volunteer Opportunities
8th Grade Science Egg Donations - November 3
All 8th grade science has an engineering/design egg drop project to put a close to our force and motion unit. We are looking for some egg donations. If you're able to donate please sign up to donate. Eggs can be dropped off in the main office. Donations are needed no later than November 3rd.Sign up
Fall Play - November 16-18
Volunteers (adults only) are needed to assist with concession sales and admissions sales for Northdale's Theatre Department for our fall play on November 16-18. Show time is 7:00 pm, but volunteers will need to be at NMS by 6:00 pm. Sign Up
November 30th - Orchestra 7, Fiddle Group and Chamber Orchestra Concert @ 7:00
6th Grade Minnesota Studies Fur Trade Event - November 30th
Our sixth grade MN Studies classes will be concluding the trimester with a "Fur Trade" event. Students will be moving around 10 stations to make fur trades. Volunteers are needed to work each of the 10 stations. Volunteers will keep track of the fur trade items at their station and mark off students as they make a "fur trade". Sign up to volunteer.
Volunteer Opportunities at NMS
We have several opportunities to get involved at NMS. It is never too late to become an NMS volunteer. To become an NMS volunteer, complete your NMS application and criminal history release prior to registering for volunteer opportunities.
Every Meal - Ongoing (November dates available)
Every Meal is a nonprofit organization with a mission to fight child hunger through community and school partnerships. The program strives to make a difference in children's lives by specifically focusing on food gaps - the times when children aren't at school to access school meal programs. Volunteers are needed to unpack food and distribute bags of food in students' lockers each Thursday morning. Time commitment is less than 30 minutes. Sign Up
Attendance Reporting
Reporting an Absence
Parents/Guardians should call the attendance line (763-506-5406) or log into the ParentVue app to report any absence, late arrival
Picking up Students During the School Day
Please call as early as possible the day the student will be picked up. We request at least an hour prior. If we have prior notification the student will be able to stop at their locker prior to coming to the office where they can wait for pickup. We understand emergencies happen in which case we also ask you to be patient with us while we locate your student for pick up.
Remember Your Photo ID
When picking up a student, please remember to bring a photo ID. You will not be allowed in the building without a physical photo ID (a picture of it on your phone will NOT be accepted). Our security system requires a photo ID that can be inserted and scanned into the system. To ensure the safety of your student, we need to verify the person that is here to pick up your student is someone with permission.
Someone Other Than Parent/Guardian Picking Up Your Student
If someone other than the parent/guardian will be picking up the student from school, parent/guardian will need to notify the office in writing, phone, or through the ParentVue app prior to the release of the student. Remind them to bring their photo ID.
Family Vacations
If your student will be out for multiple days due to a vacation, please contact the attendance secretary prior to leaving. It is the responsibility of the student to connect with the teacher for any homework/tests that they will be missing during their absence. When planning vacations, please take note of testing days during the trimester. It is important for your child's learning and grades that students maintain good attendance.
Automated Phone Calls
If a student is out for any reason and we are not notified, there is an automated phone call that will be sent out notifying you of the student's absence. The student will be marked unverified until we hear from the parent/guardian explaining the absence.
This link has directions on how to log in to ParentVue:
Community Ed Opportunities
Northdale Community Ed has many after school and evening activities and athletics starting in November. Register online today!
Register online today!
Young Engineers ROBOTICS & STEM Program - Flying Machines - Evening class starting November 14
In the November session, your child will learn about transmissions, power and speed gears and elastic energy. During the class, they will build, independently or in pairs, working robotic models of a Rescue Helicopter, Airplane, Forklift, Unloading Truck and others.
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.
Elementary class available as well.
Chess - After school starting November 29
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.
Boys Basketball Gr 7/8 - After school starting November 27
In this competitive basketball league, players will learn the skills and strategies of basketball with an emphasis on participation, teamwork and safety. Based on registration numbers, A and B level teams will be formed based on each player’s skill level. Teams practice after school and compete against other Anoka-Hennepin middle schools. Activity bus available.
Fall Dance Clinic -After school starting December 5
Interested in joining the school's competition dance team? This dance clinic will work on various skills and choreography. Dancers will improve their flexibility, endurance and skills such as turns and leaps. This is a great opportunity to get more individual help with dance technique and other important aspects of dance like performance, timing and execution of moves. The students will be taught skills, not routines.
Ski/Snowboard Club - Fridays starting December 15
This club gives Anoka-Hennepin School District Middle School students the opportunity to ski and snowboard as a group and develops their skills in these exhilarating sports. Ski/Snowboard Club strives to provide a venue for wholesome outdoor activity for our young people during the winter months. The club will visit Wild Mountain, Trollhaugen and Powder Ridge on scheduled Fridays in the months of December, January and February. Membership is open to Middle School students regardless of their skill level. Lessons and equipment rentals are also available at the ski hills. Students will be transported by bus to and from the ski hills. Please contact the Community Education Office at your middle school if you have a season pass at Wild Mountain and/or Trollhaugen.
This e-newsletter is published by Northdale Middle School. Questions, comments or concerns about the school e-newsletter? Contact us.