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May 8, 2026 - Issue 18

MAY

Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Jewish American Heritage Month

11 Panther Pride Student of the Quarter celebration

15 6th Grade Rocket Launch field trip

22 Rocket Launch (back up rain date)

21 Anthony Family Day 4-6pm

25 No school - Memorial Day

26 No school - Professional Development Day

27 No school - Eid al-Adha

28 ELL Celebration

TBD Spring FAST & CAPTI Assessments

JUNE - LGBTQ+ Pride Month

2 Site Council 4pm

5 8th Grade Dance 6-8pm

9 8th Grade End of Year Valley Fair Field Trip

10 Last day of school for students

10 6th & 7th Grade End of Year Field Trips

10 8th Grade Completion Ceremony

11 Teacher Record Keeping Day

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

Sixth graders have been doing an absolutely amazing job with our poetry unit over the last couple months! We have studied poetic elements such as simile, metaphor, personification, alliteration, and rhyme. We have been reading and writing a variety of different types of poems—some are confined to a specific structure, while others allow for more creative liberties.

Students just finished learning about spoken word poetry and how it can be a tool to speak out about causes that matter to us. We are now moving into our final assessment of the poetry unit. Each student was assigned a poem that they will be analyzing, doing a creative project about, and performing for the class. Some poets students are reading include Langston Hughes, Mary Oliver, Sylvia Plath, Pablo Neruda, Gwendolyn Brooks, and Dylan Thomas. Their abilities to think critically about poems and decipher their deeper meanings is exceptional!

This month in 7th grade Language & Literature, students are stepping into the roles of lawyers and judges as they participate in a mock trial based on “The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street.” Our central question: Who is responsible for starting the mob?

Students are closely rereading the text to gather evidence, analyze character motivations, and build arguments. They are practicing key skills such as citing textual evidence, speaking persuasively, and evaluating multiple perspectives. Throughout the process, we’re also discussing how fear and misinformation can influence group behavior—connections that feel especially relevant to today’s world.

The unit will culminate in a full-class trial, where students will present claims, question witnesses, and ultimately determine responsibility. It’s been exciting to see students engage deeply with the text while developing their critical thinking and collaboration skills.

As we wrap up our dystopian literature unit, 8th grade students are shifting from analyzing broken societies to imagining better ones. Their final project challenges them to design their own utopias—ideal societies built around values they believe would create a just and thriving community.

Students are drawing on themes from texts we’ve studied to consider questions like: What makes a society fair? How should power be distributed? What role do rules, technology, and individual freedoms play?

Each student will share their utopia, explaining its structure, values, and how it avoids the pitfalls common in dystopian worlds. This project encourages creativity while reinforcing critical analysis, as students must justify their choices and anticipate potential challenges within their ideal systems.

This class uses the Design Process with Food. Students plan, construct, and evaluate challenges that are assigned to them. Students learn to work as a team, measure ingredients, be safe using stoves and ovens, be careful when cutting and peeling, and even how to clean up after using a kitchen. Yes, all students wash dishes!

Students are having fun following recipes and creating their own designs. There has been some undercooked food, overcooked food, and some perfect items. Students have gone home and have made what they have done in class. They have also spent some time learning about packaging and the cost of food. The current price of vanilla extract always surprises them!

This May, for Mental Health Awareness Month, we are committed to supporting students, families, teachers, and our community in ensuring the mental well-being of all students. Our student support staff are dedicated to this mission everyday, but we want to highlight some of the resources available this month as we know that when students feel supported and empowered, they're better equipped to learn, grow, and thrive.

Starting the Conversation

There is no better time than now to check-in with your student and engage in sometimes uncomfortable yet worthwhile conversations about how they are REALLY doing. Inviting students to share by starting out with an open invitation, a game, a favorite meal, or small reminders can go a long way.

Anthony Supports

School Counselor: Ms. Kailey (kailey.corder@mpls.k12.mn.us). Ms. Kailey is available to every student to support them in their academic, social emotional well-being, and college and career readiness.

MPS District Supports

MPS offers a great resource guide for finding local mental health supports for families in need. Check out this website to find lots of options available to students and families: https://sites.google.com/mpls.k12.mn.us/mental-health-support-services/supports-for-students-families

Crisis Supports

Crisis resources such as the 988 hotline and the Hennepin County mobile crisis team Cope (612-596-1223) are two resources available to students and families anytime, 24/7. These supports can help bridge the gap between mental health emergencies and long-term care.

Order forms will be distributed in Advisory on Tuesday, May 12.

Order forms + $10 payment are due by May 28.

Here's a copy of the order form for those who would like to print their own: https://tinyurl.com/AMSYearbook25-26

Our 11th annual Anthony Family day is Thursday, May 21 from 4-6pm.

Come help us celebrate! Bring the family!

Family Day is FREE other than the Dunk Tank and Mini Golf.

It is $1/three balls for the Dunk Tank and $1 per play for Mini Golf Course in the courtyard.
Cash preferred!! PTA will have Square for credit card purchases. Donations accepted. All proceeds go back to supporting Anthony Middle School.
Who is getting dunked this year: Mr. Miller, Mr. Creager, Mr. Hamilton, Justin Jones, and Mr. Lemay

If possible, BRING A WATER BOTTLE to stay hydrated!

Pizza and lemonade served until we run out. 1 slice per person.

Check out the PTA Tent for the following:

Purchase dunk tank and mini golf tickets
Johnny Pops - FREE!
Jelly Bean Guessing Game
General first aid support

Anthony Yard Signs

If you have an 8th grade leaving and would like to donate your sign back to the school, please bring it to Family Day.
If you have a new incoming 5th grader, take a sign! Show your Panther Pride!

Anthony Lost & Found (items will be discarded or donated at the discretion of the school and volunteers at the end of the night)

Entertainment Schedule (subject to change):

4:00-4:10 Admin Welcome & Anthony Cheer Team

4:10-4:20 6th Grade Choir

4:20-4:30 6B Day Bands

4:30-4:40 7/8th Grade Choir

4:40-4:50 6A Day Bands

4:50- 5:00 Honors Choir

5:00-5:10 7th Grade Band

5:10-5:20 Choir Small Groups

5:20-5:30 8th Grade Band

5:30-5:40 7/8th Jazz Band

5:40-5:50 6th Grade Jazz Combos 1 and 2

5:50-6:00 6th Grade Combos and Beg. Band

If it rains and we need to move inside due to the weather, entertainment will be held in the auditorium. Food and activities will be in the cafeteria and gym. We will make a call by noon or earlier that day.

🚩🚩🚩 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. SIGN UP HERE: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054EADA82CAAF5C07-63505991-2026

Thanks for attending our celebration and program on Thursday, May 7. The students did a wonderful job. Enjoy a few photos!

We are looking for 4 students to give a 3-minute speech during the 8th grade ceremony on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.

This is an opportunity for students to share and reflect on their growth, celebrate achievements, and inspire their 8th grade class as they prepare for new challenges ahead—high school!

There will be:

2 students speaking during the 9:30 AM ceremony
2 students speaking during the 11:15 AM ceremony

Applications are due on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Link to application: https://forms.gle/kB4t9pdmy51tfvap8

Questions, see Anthony Administration or your 8th grade teacher. Thanks!

What: The Anthony Middle School 8th Grade Dance.
When: Friday, June 5, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Where: Anthony Middle School (Entrance/Exit is through Door #8, Family Day parking lot).
Who: Only Anthony 8th-grade students can come—no outside guests!
Theme/Attire: Retro 80s/90s style!
Entry Fee: $5 donation (cash or check only). Checks payable to Anthony Middle School PTA.
The Golden Rule: You absolutely must have your signed permission slip turned in before the dance!

Deadline: Turn in $5 entry fee and permission slip to your Science teacher by Friday, May 29th.
Heads up: No slips will be accepted the night of the dance!

Timing:

Doors open at 5:45 PM. Doors close at 7:00 PM. The dance ends at 8:00 PM.
Students won't be allowed to leave early unless a parent/guardian picks them up. Once you leave, you can't come back in.

Transportation: Make sure you have a ride arranged to and from the dance! All students must be picked up at 8:10 PM.
What NOT to Bring: Leave your backpacks, water bottles, and other unnecessary stuff at home.

Behavior: School rules are still in effect, so be cool and have a safe, fun time!

Here is a copy of the 8th Grade Dance Permission Slip Form that students will received in their science class next week.

Please help parent volunteers, Tanya Orstad and Claire Bryan, give the 8th grade students a fun send off to high school! We need about 10 folks to help set up/decorate, serve food, and chaperone. Please email Tanya (tanya.orstad@gmail.com) or Claire (cbryan4501@gmail.com) if you’re able to help us make it a special night for the kids.

Skiing in Spring? Not quite, BUT would your student like to learn to downhill ski next winter? Did you know Anthony middle school students can ski for the Southwest High School Team as 7th and 8th graders? No experience necessary.

Learn more about the Minneapolis Alpine Ski Team (aka MAST) @ Anthony Family Day on May 22. Look for our MAST Table.

Talk with parents and students from MAST - games, giveaways, and more!

Varsity and JV ⬥ 7th - 12th grades ⬥ Boys and Girls www.mplsalpineski.org

For more information fill out the New Athlete Inquiry Form.

Do you play tennis, or want to give it a try?

Walk on over to the Kenny Courts after school on Thursday, May 28 for a fun Southwest High School captain-led practice/introduction to the sport.

It will run from 3:30-5:00pm. We will have rackets available, but feel free to bring your own if you have one. All levels of experience are encouraged to participate. A snack will be provided. We can’t wait to see you on the courts!

If you have questions contact: swgirlstennis@gmail.com

Family Day: May 21st 4-6pm

Please join us outside the school for food, live music by the choir and band, a dunk tank, games, and more! We need your help to make this fun event happen. Please sign up to volunteer at the event or consider sponsoring the event. Volunteer opportunities will include set up, helping with food, facilitating activities, and cleanup.

Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054EADA82CAAF5C07-63505991-2026