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December 20, 2024 - Issue 9
Happy Holidays!
Dear Anthony Community,
As we reflect on a wonderful 2024, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your support and involvement throughout the year. We look forward to welcoming you back in the new year on January 6, 2025.
Wishing you all a joyous holiday season!
Warm regards,
Anthony Admin, Teachers, & Staff
7th and 8th Grade Rotation Class
Winter After School Class Registration
Register for classes today! Winter classes start on January 13th after the winter break.
Media Literacy
Our 8th graders in Language and Literature are starting a unit on Media Literacy. This unit aims to help students understand the significant impact media has on our lives. Some of the topics we will look at include identifying media bias and the influence of social media on brain development and mental health. We are educating students about artificial intelligence to help them grasp how AI shapes the information they encounter daily, enabling them to think critically and make informed decisions in a digital age.
Key Topics:
- Media Bias: Identifying and understanding bias in various media sources.
- Social Media Influence: Examining how social media affects brain development and behavior.
- Algorithms and Echo Chambers: Understanding how algorithms shape our social media experiences.
- Artificial Intelligence: Exploring AI's role in media and information dissemination.
Cell Phones and Mental Health: We will also discuss the impact of cell phones in schools and their
connection to mental health. Students will learn about the benefits and drawbacks of cell phone use and how it can affect their well-being and academic performance. Open discussions will help students make informed decisions about their technology use and develop healthy habits.
Standards:
- Media Literacy in Reading: Access and evaluate information from diverse sources, considering bias, credibility, and relevance.
- Media Literacy in Writing: Support writing with evidence from various sources, correctly citing them and understanding intellectual property rights.
- Media Literacy in Exchanging Ideas: Safely and thoughtfully create and share content, emphasizing clear communication and ethical practices.
Resources:
- Common Sense Media: Guides on media literacy, internet safety, and screen time management.
- American Psychological Association (APA): Tips on keeping teens safe on social media.
- National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA): Best practices for online health and safety.
- CyberWise: Resources on internet safety, social media use, and digital citizenship.
- Wayfinder: Guides on healthy smartphone habits and digital discernment.
- National PTA: Programs focused on digital safety and wellness, including the Smart Talk tool for family technology agreements.
Through interactive activities, discussions and research our goal is to equip students with the skills to navigate the digital world in productive, ethical, and responsible ways.
News from Intermediate Algebra
In Intermediate Algebra we have switched gears from looking at features of functions to looking now at solving equations and inequalities. Looking ahead we will be venturing into systems of equations. Reminder that all math classes will be taking their second iReady diagnostic test for the school year in the window: January 6th-January 16th. Note that the exact day(s) may vary by teacher.
Your Feedback is Crucial
Hello Anthony Community,
Your Feedback is Crucial!
We are committed to improving our Climate and Culture as part of our School Improvement Plan, and your input is key to this process!
Please take 5-10 minutes to complete the survey linked below. Every response matters.
- Link to Survey (SURVEY CLOSES FRIDAY DEC. 20)
Your participation is essential for us to create a better experience for all. Thank you for your invaluable support!
Location: Auditorium/Cafeteria (enter through door #3)
The Buzz - student newspaper
Anthony Basketball
Practice and Games
The week of Jan. 6 when we return from winter break, we will have boys practice Monday and Wednesday, and girls practice Tuesday and Thursday.
Our remaining game schedule:
- Jan. 13 – At Justice Page
- Jan. 15 – Home vs. Northeast
- Jan. 22 – Home vs. Olson
- Jan. 27 – At Sanford
- Jan. 29 – At Sullivan
- Feb. 8 – City Semifinals
- Feb. 15 – City Championship
Please note that our playoff games will be either 9 or 10 a.m. Sat., Feb. 8, at the Midtown YWCA. Should we advance, the championship games are currently slated for 10 a.m. Feb. 15 at Roosevelt High School.
Thank you for your ongoing support of Anthony Athletics!
Family and Youth Resources
Exciting activities, free meals and snacks during winter break
When school is not in session, children can eat free meals and snacks at many community sites including Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and Hennepin County Library locations. Children do not need to attend Minneapolis Public Schools to participate. Visit the MPS website for details about no-cost meals at community sites and contact each site for specific hours and meal types.
Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board recreation centers are offering a variety of fun and engaging activities during winter break! Recreation centers are open weekdays (except Dec. 25 and Jan. 1) and Saturdays with fun activities for all ages, like candle-making, empañada-baking, esports, open gym and movie nights. Visit minneapolisparks.org to see what's available and sign up. You can also search by location.
UNITED WAY 2-1-1 United Way receives information from organizations that provide support to families. Call 2-1-1, toll free at 800-543-7709 or 651-291-0211. You can also text your zip code to 898-211*. They will search for programs within your zip code
Resources-Hennepin Waypoint: Hennepin Waypoint | Hennepin County
Youth Services: Youth Services Network
Hunger Solutions: Find Help - Hunger Solutions
Food Resource Map: Free food resource map
Food Assistance: Food assistance | Hennepin County
Loaves and Fishes: Hennepin-County-Resources-1.12.22.pdf
Human Services Directory: Human services directory | Hennepin County
Housing Resources: Homelessness and housing resources | Hennepin County
Hennepin County Mental Health Resources: Mental health and substance use services | Hennepin County
National Alliance on Mental Illness: Information And Resources - NAMI Minnesota
Extreme Cold Resources: Extreme Cold Resources - Winter 2024-2025 - United Way 211
Distance Learning Information
🚩 READ FULL DOCUMENT LINKED HERE
In the event of inclement weather or other reasons, Anthony Middle School will not transition to Distance Learning unless there have been two (2) prior school closures due to weather conditions. Starting on the third severe weather closure, Anthony Middle School will implement a Distance Learning Day, and families will be notified accordingly. This is determined by district leaders at Minneapolis Public Schools, not at the individual schools.
For more information:
WHAT IS NEEDED
- Any device (phone, tablet, ipad, computer, laptop)
- If your child does not have access to any of the above devices, please complete a Chromebook Permission Form and turn it into Ms. Nevers in the media center who will then issue your child a Chromebook.
WHAT IS EXPECTED
On Distance Learning day, all Anthony students would log onto Google Classroom for Advisory + each of their classes. In each Google Classroom, do two things:
- Answer the attendance question for each class by 3:00pm.
- Complete the assigned learning activity posted (teachers would have reviewed this in class).
WHAT TO KNOW
- Teachers will post lessons/activities for students to complete prior to the start of the school day by 8:40am.
TEACHER/STAFF OFFICE HOURS
- Teachers/Staff will have open office hours available via Google Meets and will also respond to emails and messages from students.
- Office hours are from 8:40-9:30am and 1:00-1:45pm
- Go to meet.google.com and enter the meet nickname: AnthonyTeacherLastName (example: AnthonyDeering)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Throughout the school day, if you have questions you may contact your teacher through email or you can arrange to set up a separate Google Meet time if needed. Be sure to reach out so you get the help you need!
Anthony Staff Directory: https://anthony.mpschools.org/about/staff-directory
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Anthony Spirit Store
Lost & Found
Check often and take what is yours!
- Located at the bottom of the south stairwell.
- At the end of each week, items may be discarded or donated at the discretion of the school.
WANTED - Black & White Panther Drawings
Project Success Opportunities
SWHS Hot Notes 2025 Save the date
Volunteer Corner
Featured volunteer roles:
I promise we aren’t scary!! Please consider a PTA role so the excellence of Anthony continues when some of our parents graduate this spring. By shadowing us and learning the ropes now, it makes next year go smoothly. Consider if this could be a way you contribute to our great Anthony community as a co-president or co-treasurer.
Plan ahead - get these dates on your calendar!
Many volunteers will be needed for these two longstanding events and they are a great way to see your student’s classmates work or to scope out what next year has in store for them.
7th Grade History Day - February 13th
8th Grade Model UN - March 21st
Check here for other available opportunities: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0B49A8A62CA0F49-50803392-anthony
Any questions about volunteering can be directed to Kelsey Tritabaugh at ktritabaugh@gmail.com
Family Activity/Vacation Policy
Anthony Families,
As we approach the Holiday Season, we realize you might want to know more about the Family Activity/Vacation policy from the Minneapolis District. Minneapolis also acknowledges time off for religious observances that may fall on school days.
Click here for the full Attendance Policy Information. Below is the section regarding excused family vacation.
Some of MPS Excused Absences:
Approved family activity for up to five (5) days within one school year, when
- The parent or guardian requests permission for the absence ten (10) regularly scheduled school days in advance of the first absence; and
- The absences are approved in writing by the principal or site administrator in advance of the first absence, and
- Missed schoolwork is assigned by the student’s teacher or teachers, and the parent or guardian agrees that schoolwork will be completed; and
- The absences will not occur during state-wide testing dates; and
- Where the student has shown adequate progress and attendance prior to the request.
Religious observance, when the school is notified in advance.
PLEASE NOTE: After 5 excused days, all other dates for family activity will be marked as "unexcused" but noted in the comment section as "school notified of absence."
Helpful documents:
- Family Activity Form-- (only if student will be absent more than 3 days in a row during school year)
- Anthony Attendance Form--(use this for past, present and future absences)
Reporting an Absence
- Attendance phone line 612-668-3271
- Google form Anthony Attendance Form
- Both options are located on the website Contact - Anthony Middle School
Make sure your student comes to the office to get a GREEN leave-early pass if they are being picked up during the school day.
Lawful excuses include: sickness, doctor’s visit (must have verification from clinic), religious holidays, funerals, and extreme family emergencies.
Examples of non-excused absences: missing the bus, oversleeping, or attending non-MPS sponsored activities.
Upcoming Events
WINTER BREAK: December 23 - January 3
January
- 6 - School Resumes
- 20 - No School - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- 23 - Quarter 2 / Semester 1 Ends
- 24 - No School / Record-Keeping Day
- 27 - Quarter 3 / Semester 2 Begins
- 28 - Band and Choir Field Trip to Southwest HS 9:00
- 28 - 8th Grade Band at SWHS Bridging Concert 7pm
- 29 - Phillips Eye Institute, 7th grade vision screening
- 30 - 8th Grade Choir at SWHS Bridging Concert 7pm
Click to view full calendar of events
Note: This is not a complete list of events at Anthony. Subject to change.
Please make sure the following forms are filled out and turned into the main office. Forms can be downloaded or picked up in the main office.
Emergency Contact Form -- (required)
Media Release Form -- (required)
Student Behavior Acknowledgement Form -- (required)
Technology/Bus/Cell Phone Form -- (required)
Technology Use Pledge -- (required)
Health Form -- (required)
Medication Authorization Form -- (only applicable if student takes medication at school)
Family Activity Form -- (only if student will be absent more than 3 days in a row during school year)
🍎 Nutrition Section
Previous Panther Post Newsletters
Life gets busy. In case you missed an issue of the Panther Post Newsletter, click here to read them.
Contact Info
Attendance Line: (612) 668-3271
District Transportation: (612) 668-2300
Secretary: Annie Smith
Office Assistant: Julie RobertsonPrincipal: Mai Chang Vue
Associate Principal/Athletic Director: Dempsey Miller
Website: anthony.mpschools.org/
Address: 5757 Irving Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55419
Phone: (612) 668-3240
Facebook: facebook.com/AnthonyMiddleSchool/
Instagram: @mps.anthonymiddle