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October 20, 2025 - Issue 5

October

20 - 1st Day of After School Program

22 - PTA Meeting 5:30pm

22 - Pink Wednesday - Breast Cancer Awareness

27-31 School Spirit Week sponsored by Student Council

November - Indigenous Peoples’ Month

3 Last Day of Quarter 1

4 No School - Record Keeping Day

4 Election Day

5 First Day of Quarter 2

6 Lifetouch Picture Retake Day (morning)

14 Panther Pride Celebration (fall)

26-28 No school – Holiday

Anthony PTA meetings take place the 3rd Wednesday of each month - here are the dates for the 25-26 school year.

5:30pm on the following:

10/22

11/19

12/17

1/21

Stay in the know. Check our Anthony Events Calendar often.

⚽ Soccer Game Schedule

After School Schedule:

3:20-3:25 Lockers (students put their belongings in their lockers and report to the cafeteria for snacks)
3:25-3:40 Snacks & Recess (remember to bring jacket for outdoor recess)

Some classes will have extended recess until 4:05pm

3:45-5:40 Class (remain in classes the entire duration; no roaming the building; must have a pass to locker and bathroom)
5:40 Buses & Parent Pick-Up (All students must be picked up by 5:55pm - thank you!)

Questions, see Coach Marvin Bryant at marvin.bryant@mpls.k12.mn.us

If you would like to join virtually, email anthonypta23@gmail.com for the link.

Choice Reading in Language and Literature Class

Our Language and Literature classes begin each class period with 10 minutes of independent reading from a book students have personally chosen. Research shows that this daily routine strengthens vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, and writing skills while nurturing a lifelong love of reading. Students explore a wide range of characters, experiences, and genres, and visit the media center monthly to discover new titles. This practice aligns with Minnesota and Minneapolis Public Schools Language Arts standards that emphasize critical reading and lifelong literacy.

Research also shows that when students choose what they read, their vocabulary, comprehension, and overall literacy improve. Independent reading exposes them to new words and ideas in context, helping them understand complex texts and read for longer periods with focus and enjoyment. Sustained silent reading is linked to greater fluency, stronger writing, and higher achievement across subjects. Choosing their own books also builds motivation, critical thinking, and a positive attitude toward reading—benefits that last well beyond middle school.

Statement on Independent Reading - National Council of Teachers of English

The Power of Reading Choice

The Importance of Independent Reading for Students

Our 7th graders have jumped into an exciting start to the year! Students have been exploring the fundamental question: What makes something alive? We began by reviewing what & how scientists actually do in their work, then dove into identifying the characteristics that all living things share.

A major focus has been developing laboratory skills, particularly proper microscope techniques. Students are becoming comfortable with this essential scientific tool as we transition into our unit on cells—the building blocks of all living organisms. Students have also made great progress on observational sketches (check out the detail in these flower sketches)!

A creative highlight: some students researched STEM careers and designed action figures representing different STEM professionals. Mr. Iverson will have a display of these projects at conferences—be sure to check them out!

In the next few weeks we're diving deeper into cells, exploring the building blocks of all living things. It's been an exciting start to the year!

Anthony Panther Pledge Drive

GOAL: $55,000

We Need You! There is nothing to sell and no fun runs. Just give what you can! If all of our families give—even a small amount—we can make a huge difference. Share with family and friends!

This year our pledge drive matters more than ever. Our incredible teachers and staff are requesting more support for classroom needs, and your donation makes it possible.

Funds go directly to essentials and enrichment like classroom supplies, paper, 3D printers, cooking & design class, field trips, yearbooks, Project Success, band, choir, art, and more.

Let’s beat last year’s record! Please contribute whatever feels comfortable. Every donation counts!

Thanks so much!

Anthony PTA

Donate with Venmo:

https://venmo.com/code?user_id=3877313418626541465

Donate with credit card:

https://anthony-middle-school-pta.square.site/ams-pledge-drive

Donate by check written to "Anthony PTA" (drop off in the main office)

Volunteer Opportunities at Anthony that fit every schedule!

Lost & Found Curator

Take charge of the left behind items - sort/organize/throw away to make this area useful. 2-3 times a year donate unclaimed items.

Time commitment: 1-2 hrs every other week or once a month with 2 curators, very flexible.

Parent Social Event Planners - Per grade level

Plan 1 event for your child's grade level parents to meet, greet, and build community. PTA will provide funding - idea to be presented to PTA before finalizing.

Family Day Planning Committee

Help plan and coordinate volunteers for Anthony's End of Year Family Day event that takes place on May 21, 2026.

General Volunteer

Can't commit now? Get on the list to be notified when one-time events need volunteer shifts need to be filled or items to be donated. (i.e. Voting Day, Family Day, Model UN, etc.)

Sign up link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054EADA82CAAF5C07-56840617-20252026#/

Questions - email Madelyn at anthonyPTAvolunteers@gmail.com

Join the Nordic Ski Team. All students in grades 7-12 are invited to join the Southwest High

School Nordic Team—regardless of experience. This is a great way to make new friends and

learn a lifelong skill. Registration begins October 13th. Follow this link

https://www.swnordic.org/join-the-team to register and learn more.

Parents and Guardians, we encourage you to report an absence of any kind using the Anthony Attendance Form. This form helps us keep quick and accurate records of your student's absences as reported by a legal guardian. You may also continue to send written notes with your student if you prefer that method. We strive to have documentation for each absence whenever possible.

Once you have filled out the form or written a note, tell your student to come to the Main Office and we will issue a green pass. This process: builds independence, reduces classroom disruptions, and ensures your student is ready for pick up in a timely manner. A parent will not have to come into the school to sign the student out if they have a leave early pass.

For more on the full attendance policy, including excused✅ versus unexcused❌ absence categories, see our Anthony Handbook.

You may reach out to Julie.Robertson@mpls.k12.mn.us, Office Assistant, for more details 612-668-3240. Website Contact - Anthony Middle School.