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News and events
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February 2, 2024
A Message From The Principal
February is "I Love to Read '' month. Here at Nothdale, we have a whole month full of activities to celebrate reading and to continue to foster the love of it within our students. At home, this month provides a great opportunity to talk about books your students are reading, share your favorite books with your students, and set some reading goals at home. As you know, developing a love for reading, and continuing to build student reading skills is an important part of their success in school. Thank you for partnering with us in your student's education.
Important Dates to Remember
February
2/5 - 2/9 -Book Fair
2/19 - No School, Presidents Day
2/20 - No School, Staff Development
2/22 - Battle of the Books - in the cafeteria at 8:30
2/29 - Competition of Battle of the Books - ESC
2/29 - 7th Grade After School Valentine Party - 3:05 - 5:00 (activity bus available at 5:10)
March
3/5 - No School, Primary Election
3/8 - Last Day Trimester 2
3/11 - 3/15 - No School, Spring Break
3/18 - No School, Staff Planning
3/19 - Trimester 3 begins
3/21 - 3/23 - Spring Musical
3/27 - Spring Pictures (only students purchasing a packet)
3/29 - No School, Staff Development
Cell Phone Policy
Anoka-Hennepin Schools is committed to providing students and staff with a safe, secure, and positive learning and working environment. In an effort to improve student focus on learning and reduce distractions during the school year, a modification of the current cell phone guidelines has been made.
At all six middle schools in the district, electronic devices must be concealed and shall not be powered on or used in any way during regular operations of the school day, during other school-sponsored and supervised group activities during the school day (e.g., during student assemblies, field trips, events, or other ceremonies, etc.), or when their use is otherwise prohibited by school personnel.
Valentine Ducks and Bears
- Valentine Ducks will be on sale February 8-14th. Ducks are $1.00 each.
- The Student Council will also be selling Valentine Bears. Students can buy the bears for $3.00 each and write a little valentine note to a special friend. The bears will be delivered to their friends on Valentine’s Day. If parents want to purchase bears for students, please send $3.00 in a labeled envelope to the front office.
Battle of the Books
The Northdale Battle of the Books competition will be held in the cafeteria on Thursday, February 22nd, starting at 8:30. The district Battle of the Books competition will be held at the ESC on Thursday, February 29.
Volunteer Opportunities at NMS
Thank you to the 180 amazing volunteers at Northdale that have already given 837 hours of service so far this school year. It is never too late to become a volunteer. Volunteers need to complete a NMS volunteer application and criminal history release each school year.
Our current volunteer opportunities for the month of February are:
Every Meal - Ongoing - January & February
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
Book Fair Sales - February 5-9
Our second Scholastic Book Fair of the school year is scheduled for February 5-9 in the library. Volunteers are needed to help sell books during the school day. Sign up to volunteer.
Sell Valentine Bears & Ducks - February 8, 12 & 13
Student Council is looking for volunteers to assist with Valentine duck and bear sales during lunch periods on February 8, 12 & 13. Sign up to volunteer.
Activity Night Wristband Sales -February 27-29
The student council is hosting an activity night on February 22 for 7th graders after school. Volunteers are needed to sell wristbands for the event during lunch periods on February 27, 28 & 29. Sign up to volunteer.
7th Grade Activity Night - February 29
NMS student council will be hosting an activity night after school on February 29 for 7th graders only. Volunteers are needed to sell concessions and help at activity stations. Sign Up to volunteer.
Donations
Would you like to help at NMS, but may not have the time to volunteer? Donations are a great way to support our staff and students at NMS.
NMS Robotics Club Snack Donations
We are seeking donations for snack items to support our after school Robotics Club that runs February through mid April. Sign Up.
Candy Donation for 2/29 Activity Night
Student council is looking for candy donations for their 7th grade Activity Night on 2/29. Sign Up to donate.
7th Graders are invited to our 7th Grade Valentines Party on Thursday, February 29th. We will have food, games, prizes, music, contests, and lots more. Tickets will be on sale that week. Students can take the activity bus home at 5:10.
AVID
Volunteers needed: Speakers for AVID. Do you have a career that could enlighten students and motivate them to do their best as they work through middle school and prepare for high school, college and careers? We would love for you or someone you know to participate as a speaker for AVID! The students absolutely LOVE hearing about various careers. Students love stories of your experiences tied in with anything hands-on, interactive, or visual. You will find that your time flies by as you share your story relating to the path your life has taken to bring you to the point it is today. We would like to schedule speakers for this school year. Please contact Nicole Hedman, AVID coordinator, by email nicole.hedman@ahschools.us.
We’re excited to announce our upcoming Scholastic Book Fair. This fair is an opportunity for students to build their home libraries and stock up on books for independent reading. As always, all purchases benefit Northdale. Dates: February 5-8 from 8:00 am to 2:15 pm, Friday from 8:00 am until noon. Where: Media Center If you are unable to attend the book fair, online shopping is available starting February 5th at: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/northdalemiddleschool
FROM THE HEALTH OFFICE
Tips on cold weather hazards
What is frostbite?
Frostbite is localized damage to the skin and deeper tissues from exposure to the cold. Affected areas most often include: fingers, toes, ears, nose, cheeks and chin.
What are the signs of frostbite?
Skin that is:
· red, swollen, or blistered
· tingly, numb, or painful
· cold and white
How to prevent frostbite
· Dress in layers and wear a hat, gloves/mittens, scarf/neckwarmer and boots in cold weather
· Watch for signs of frostbite and come indoors immediately if you experience signs to reduce further exposure and possible complications
What to do if experience signs of frostbite?
Remove any wet clothing, being careful not to rub against the frostbitten areas. Put the frostbitten area in warm water (never hot) until skin color and temperature returns to normal. This can take 20-30 minutes.
Keep the rest of the body warm with blankets.
Do not use dry heat (i.e. heating pad, hair dryer, campfire, radiator) to warm the area.
Do not rub snow on the area.
Do not rub or massage the area.
When should I call my doctor?
· If removing wet clothing and warm water does not help
· Call right away if:
· Body temperature is less than 95 degrees F
· Severe or prolonged exposure to cold
· Blisters are on the frostbitten areas
· Frostbitten area is very large
· Your child acts confused or very sick
Community Education has a variety of Athletics and Activities at Northdale in February and the beginning of March. Register online today!
After School Athletics and Activities
LEGO® Robotics Challenge: Superpowered - Starts February 6. Meets once weekly, Tuesdays or Thursdays. District competition on April 20.
Dance Team - Starts February 26. Meets Mondays through Thursdays.
Boys Basketball Gr 6 - Starts February 26. Meets Mondays through Thursdays.
Girls Basketball Gr 6 - Starts February 26. Meets Mondays through Thursdays.
Ping Pong - Starts February 26. Meets Mondays and Wednesdays.
Viking Strength and Conditioning - Starts February 27. Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Evening and Weekend Activities
Sewing Lab - Starts Saturday February 3. Grades 4-8.
Babysitter Training - Sunday, February 11. Ages 11-15.
Young Engineers ROBOTICS & STEM - Aerodynamic Machines - Starts Tuesday, February 13. Grades 6-7.
A-H Community Education Open Chess Tournament - Saturday March 2. Grades K-12.
This e-newsletter is published by Northdale Middle School. Questions, comments or concerns about the school e-newsletter? Contact us.