News and events

October 28, 2022

I hope all of you had a nice break over MEA. The unexpected nice weather was a great surprise. There are only a few reminders to be aware of as we head into November. On October 31st, please remind your student that we do not wear costumes to school. If students have candy, we encourage them to keep it in their lockers and eat it at lunch. There will be no school on November 8th. Teachers will be participating in staff development on that day. Lastly, there will be no school from November 23rd through the 25th for the Thanksgiving holiday. School will resume on Monday, November 28th. I wish each of you a wonderful Thanksgiving and some quality time with those closest to you.

Jeff Leach

NMS will be conducting their annual Food Drive from November 1st-22nd.

Viking Huddle

In their Viking Huddle for the next few weeks, students are learning that successful people are proactive. Being proactive means to take responsibility for your choices and behaviors. Parents and caregivers can reinforce this idea by having discussions with their children about taking care of themselves, taking care of their things, reacting or not reacting to others' behavior, planning ahead, and thinking about what the right thing to do is.

If you missed our picture day or would like retakes, our retake day will be November 3rd in the morning. Remember to bring your original picture packet if you are getting retakes.

Parents/Guardians don't forget to complete your back-to-school forms online.

Parents/guardians are asked to complete the back-to-school annual information verification, if you haven't already done so. This is a required annual process for families to sign off on photo restriction, directory information, and updates to student's information. If you have more than one student, you will need to complete this for each student.

Start at the school district website https://www.ahschools.us/ and follow the attached instructions.

Northdale Community Education has a variety of Activities/Athletics starting in November and December. Register online or pick up a paper registration from the Community Education Office.

Viking Gaming Club - 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. Meets Mondays starting November 7.

Pre-Season Wrestling Clinic - Looking to get a leg up on the competition? Join us for this free Pre-Season Wrestling Clinic! This activity is very physical. A Sports Qualifying Physical is REQUIRED! Meets November 9, 10, 15 and 17.

Wrestling - In this competitive wrestling league, wrestlers will learn the skills and strategies of wrestling with an emphasis on participation, teamwork and safety. Wrestlers practice after school and compete against other Anoka-Hennepin middle schools. Activity bus available. Practice starts November 28.

Boys Basketball Gr 7 - 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. Practice starts November 28.

Boys Basketball Gr 8 - 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. Practice starts November 28.

Safety Awareness - This program is designed to enhance self-esteem, self-discipline, defense and safety awareness. It isn't sport karate, although you can progress to a yellow belt or higher. Parents are encouraged to observe class instruction and practice the skills with their children at home. Classes for new, returning and advanced students are available. Students registering for the "Returning Student" course must have completed the "New Student" course. Students registering for the "Advanced Student" must have completed the "Returning Student" course to progress to the "Advanced Student". Meets Wednesday nights starting on November 30.

Fall Dance Clinic - 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. Clinic starts December 6.

Ski/Snowboard Club - This club gives Northdale 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 and Trollhaugen 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 Northdale Community Education Office at 763-506-5412 if you have a season pass at Wild Mountain and/or Trollhaugen.

Volunteer Opportunities at NMS

We are looking for volunteers to help with upcoming events. You must be a registered volunteer to sign up for volunteer opportunities and it is never too late to sign up. Volunteers are required to complete aa volunteer application and a criminal history release, if 18 years or older.

We are looking for volunteers to assist with the following events:

Fall Play - November 17, 18 & 19 - Admissions and concession sales

MN Studies Fur Trade Event - December 1

Thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers that have given over 450 hours so far this school year.

Blaine Alpine Ski Team starts its season on Halloween! We are looking for any 7th and 8th graders who may be interested in joining the team. We will begin the season with dryland training, and classroom instruction until Trollhaugen opens for the season, usually the week of Thanksgiving. You can learn more about the team at our webpage: https://www.ahschools.us//site/Default.aspx?PageID=8160, or contact Brian.Gronski@ahschools.us

Hello NMS! It is that time again....Flu season. Influenza has officially reared its ugly head here at school. Here is some information about influenza and how you can protect yourself and others.

What is influenza (flu)?

Influenza (flu) is a respiratory disease caused by a virus that attacks the nose, throat, and lungs. The virus can result in mild to severe symptoms. It is not the same as the “stomach flu.”

What are the symptoms of influenza?H

Flu symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, headache, extreme tiredness, and body aches. These symptoms come on quickly and can be severe keeping you in bed for several days.

What can I do to protect myself and others

· Get vaccinated

· Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don't have a tissue available, cough into your sleeve instead of your hand.

· Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick. If you get the flu, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

· Wash your hands often with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

· Practice other good health habits; eat well-balanced meals, exercise, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and get plenty of rest.

With flu season upon us, please help us in preventing the spread of influenza. When calling your child into our absence line please say what their symptoms are - examples being sore throat, cough, fever, strep throat, etc.

Refer to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) for additional resources

http://www.health.state.mn.us

Jessica Patterson, MSN, RN, LSN, PHN

Licensed School Nurse

Northdale Middle School and Pathways Program

T: 763-506-5504

F: 763-506-5403

Jessica.Patterson@ahschools.us