News and events

February 1, 2023

I hope all of you have had a great start to the new year. I want to invite you to a fun evening at Northdale this month. Our annual Multicultural Family Night will be held on February 9th from 5:00-7:00. Our students take on a large portion of planning the evening and work hard to make it a fun night for all of our families. There will be informational tables about various cultures, a talent show, as well as a fashion show. There is also dinner that we provide to those who attend. Please see the link below in the newsletter to RSVP.

Jeff Leach

Scholastic Book Fair - February 6-10

February is "I Love to Read Month"! We're excited to announce our upcoming Scholastic Book Fair from February 6-10. This event is an opportunity for students to build their home libraries and further their love of reading. Explore the digital book flyer to find your student's next favorite book. All purchases through the book fair support Northdale. If you are unable to attend the book fair, you can shop online starting February 6. If you are looking for a cashless way to visit the book fair, learn more about Scholastic's eWallet option. Happy reading!

Book Fair Volunteers Needed

We are in need of volunteers to help with book sales during the school day at our book fair on February 6-10. Support our students and share your love of books with our school by signing up for a shift in the book fair.

Jess Leighton

6th Grade ELA Teacher

ELA Department Leader

Northdale Middle School

AVID, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a college-readiness program designed to help students develop the skills they need to be successful in college. The program places special emphasis on growing writing, critical thinking, teamwork, organization, and reading skills. AVID lessons are also designed around teaching tenacity, grit, perseverance, persistence. Northdale Middle School offers one elective class in 7th and 8th grade that gives middle-of-the-road students extra support. AVID students are often those underrepresented on college campuses, such as low-income or first-generation students. All students are eligible to apply to AVID elective. However, we have found that those students who benefit the most are in the academic middle. Students in the class usually take it throughout their high school careers. Students generally begin the AVID class during middle school because it takes a couple of years for the methods taught in the class to be effective. All applicants go through an extensive application process, which includes a written application and an interview. The curriculum focuses on building skills and developing behaviors that lead to success. Applications will be available at Northdale in April. If you have additional questions, please email Ms. Hedman, the AVID coordinator at nicole.hedman@ahschools.us

Northdale Community Education has a number of activities for middle school students starting in February. You can register online or pick up a registration form outside the Community Education Office.

Young Engineers ROBOTICS & STEM Program - Astonishing Machines - Starts February 7, Grades 6/7

We are excited to bring internationally acclaimed Robotics and STEM learning program taught in 40+ countries by e2 Young Engineers, a Europe based company and accredited by Harvard and Carnegie Mellon school. In this session, your child will learn about STEM and Programming concepts and will be challenged to build up to four (4) different motorized Robotic and Engineering models using patented building and programming kits. Your child will learn about the science of vibration, pulleys and transmission mechanisms, and Newton’s laws of motions. During the class, your child will build working motorized models of a Ground Compactor, Robotic Soccer Ball Launcher, Robotic Candy Packaging Machine and others. Elementary students can register here.

Safety Awareness - Starts February 8, Grades 6-8

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". Presented by Champion Youth. Elementary students can register here.

Babysitting - February 12, Ages 11 - 15

Parents are looking for certified babysitters! Get a leg up on the competition with this American Red Cross class that prepares you for a wide variety of babysitting situations. Through hands-on activities, you’ll learn about the basic care of young children including safety and responsibility, age-appropriate activities and first aid. Boys and girls at least 11 years of age are welcome to participate. Class includes a comprehensive babysitting manual. Must complete the entire class to receive certification.

Girls Basketball Gr 6 - Starts February 27, Grade 6

In this competitive basketball league, players will learn the skills and strategies of basketball with an emphasis on participation, teamwork and safety. 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.

Boys Basketball Gr 6 - Starts February 27, Grade 6

In this competitive basketball league, players will learn the skills and strategies of basketball with an emphasis on participation, teamwork and safety. 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.

Dance Team - Starts February 27, Grades 6-8

In this competitive dance team league, dancers will learn the skills of dance with an emphasis on participation, teamwork and safety. Based on registration numbers, A and B level teams will be formed based on each dancer’s skill level. Dancers practice after school and compete against other Anoka-Hennepin middle schools. Activity bus available.

Ping Pong - Starts February 27, Grades 6-8

In this ping pong league, players will learn the skills and strategies of ping pong with an emphasis on participation, teamwork and safety. Players practice after school and compete against other Anoka-Hennepin middle schools. Activity bus available.

Looking ahead to warmer weather, Anoka Hennepin Community Education is excited to offer Girls NFL Flag Football for grades 6-8 starting in April.

Northdale Multicultural Family Night 2023

Join us on Thursday, February 9th 5:00 - 7:00 pm at Northdale.

• visit student information tables

• attend the student talent & fashion show

• eat dinner with our Northdale Community.

Please let us know if your family will be attending by completing this RSVP

Students who qualify for English language services will be taking the WiDA ACCESS reading, writing, listening, and speaking tests from February 6 - February 17. EL students will be practicing for these tests January 20 - February 3rd. Please make sure you encourage your child to eat a good breakfast, get plenty of sleep, take their time, and do their BEST.