Activities

The purpose of this group is to create a safe space for African students here at Armstrong as well as students from different backgrounds and cultures to express their emotions and feelings through dance.

Advisor(s): Jessica Stewart-Robinson
Where to go for more info: Room 299/ J_Stewart-Robinson@Rdale.org / 763-504-8755
Season: All school year (September-June)
When activity takes place: Tuesday and Thursdays 3:30-5:00 in the Culture and Climate office
Eligibility requirements: Open to all interested students
Average number of members: Approximately 10
Cost: None
Lettering Opportunities: No

Armstrong Productions All year (September – June) some meetings over summer

In this yearlong club, students have the opportunity to be a part of Armstrong TV or Armstrong Speaks (the Podcast).  In participating, students will explore storytelling, videography, sound and film editing, and content creation.
When activity takes place: Thursdays before school at 7:45 in room 270
Cost: n/a
Lettering Opportunities: Participation contributes to a letter through the Art Department.
Requirements: Interest, commitment, & participation
Adviser: Heidi Miller (270) heidi_miller@rdale.org
Social Media:
          Instagram & TikTok: @ArmstrongProductions_
          YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@armstrongmediaservices8704
          Podcast: https://rss.com/podcasts/armstrongspeaks/

Art Club (NAHS) All year (September – June)

In this yearlong club, students will have the opportunity to build an art community here at Armstrong.  Students should expect to participate in collaborative art projects, plan and host school-wide events such as Project Greenway or the Carnival, create fundraising events such as an art sale, and, participate in art shares and community feedback events. If a student is interested in becoming a part of the National organization NAHS (National Art Honor Society), they should talk to Miller. 
When activity takes place: Tuesdays afters chool in 166
Cost: $10 only if joining NAHS (National Art Honor Society)
Lettering Opportunities: Participation contributes to a letter through the Art Department.
Requirements: Interest in and a love for art!
Adviser: Heidi Miller (270) heidi_miller@rdale.org
Social Media: Instagram: @ArmstrongArtNerds

Best Buddies provides an opportunity for dedicated high school students to be matched in a one-to-one friendship with a student with an intellectual and/or physical disability. This is an important friendship in the lives of those students that could be lasting.

Advisor(s): Grant Brakob, Kelsey Henry
Where to go for more info: Grant_Brakob@Rdale.org, 763-504-8887 | Kelsey_Henry@Rdale.org
Season: September to May
When activity takes place: Group activities once a month. Contact with your buddy once a week.    
Eligibility requirements: Complete a Best Buddies online application
Average number of members: 25-50
Cost or needed equipment: Minimal activity costs
Activity fee: NA
Lettering Opportunities: No                                   
    

Armstrong Cycle Club is a Co-Ed competitive mountain bike club whose purpose is to provide healthy, active cycling experiences for 7th – 12th grade students in our community. All athletes participate and have the opportunity to score points for the team. While mountain biking is inherently fun, our 5 challenging races will test your resolve to finish. 

armstrong cycle club website

Advisor(s): Brian Skarsten
Where to go for more info: Coach@armstrongcycleclub.com or www.armstrongcycleclub.com
Season: Fall (July 1 – October 31) 
When activity takes place: Practices are after school 2 times per week – Mon & Wed, and Saturdays
Competitions/performances: There are five Sunday races in September and October
Eligibility requirements: All students are welcome to participate
Cost or needed equipment: $400 total for Club Dues, registration fees and race fees (approx.). Mountain bike and helmet required.
Average number of members:  17
Lettering Opportunities: Yes
  

A fun non-competition dance club where dancers will practice and perform routines that will incorporate techniques and skills primarily from the styles of pom, hip-hop, and high kick.

Fall Dance Team Website

Advisor(s): Kate Nilsen
Where to go for more info: coach.katenilsen@gmail.com
Season: Fall 
When activity takes place: Practices are after school four to five times a week
Performances: Home football and soccer games, pep fests with local school performances and parades.
Eligibility requirements: Tryouts
Average number of members: 25
Cost or needed equipment: $110 plus performance uniform, team jacket and other team apparel  
Lettering Opportunities:    Yes
                       

Debate is a MSHSL (Minnesota State High School League) activity in which students compete individually to prove your words are better than your opponents. Debate is a fast paced activity where students are required to argue a range of topics. Students participate in weekly tournaments all leading up to the MSHSL's oldest and most storied State Tournament held on the campus of the University of Minnesota.

Robbinsdale debate website

Advisor(s): Richard Brynteson
Where to go for more info:  Athletic/Activities office, website, rbrynteson@brynteson.info
Season: September - January
When activity takes place: Practice twice a week after school in room 222
Competitions/performances: Weekly from September – January
Eligibility requirements: None
Average number of members: 40
Cost or needed equipment: $110 participation fee  
Lettering Opportunities: Yes

Business and marketing club where students learn skills to help them for life after high school. Students will have an opportunity to compete against other high schools in different business events like Mock Interviews, Entrepreneurship Ideas and Business Plans.

Advisor(s): Brianna Hershey
Where to go for more info: Athletic/Activities Office |  brianna_hershey@rdale.org
Season: October-April
When activity takes place: We meet on Tuesdays during the lunch hour and/or after school at Cooper high school. Students are free to join on google meet if unable to drive over during the school day.
Requirements: Come to meetings and compete at Districts     
Cost: None
Lettering Opportunities: Yes – based off competition and years in club
Average number of members: 30/Co-cop with Cooper High School

Advisor(s):   Jenny Lovitt
Where to go for more info: Jenny_Lovitt@Rdale.org / 763-504-8882
Season: Late November to early March
When activity takes place: Meetings and activities  will be after school Monday-Friday
Eligibility requirements: Any interested student is eligible, try-outs are mandatory
Average number of members: 30 plus
Cost or needed equipment: None  

Musical Audition and Info Packet 2023-24

Script for Henry V

Advisor(s):   Kathy Kneeland
Where to go for more info: Kathy_Kneeland@Rdale.org / 763-504-8926
Season: All year (September – June)
When activity takes place: Meetings and activities  will be Tuesday or Thursday mornings as scheduled by officers (1-2 times a month) AND weekly recycling pickup Fridays after school for students who sign up to do so.
Eligibility requirements: Any interested student is eligible
Average number of members: 30 plus
Cost or needed equipment: None  

This is a national organization that is student-led. Student athletes discuss and grow together in their faith with a common platform of the sports arena. There is a once a month fellowship which includes a meal , sport updates, lesson, and small group discussions. Weekly off-site leader-led studies are also available.

Advisor(s): Bill McCloskey
Where to go for more info: William_McCloskey@Rdale.org / 763-504-8934 / twitter: @Armstrong_FCA, Instagram: Armstrong FCA
Season: August - May
When activity takes place: Usually the first school Monday of the Month, 6:00-7:30 pm in the Armstrong Cafeteria.
Eligibility requirements: None
Average number of members: 40+
Cost or needed equipment: None  
Lettering Opportunities: Yes

FFA All Year (September – June)
Adviser(s): Luke Becker
Where to go for more info: Luke_Becker@Rdale.org / 763-504-8758
Season: All year (September - June)
When activity takes place: Various - schedule will be discussed at beginning of year
Eligibility requirements: None
Lettering Opportunities?: Yes

Description: FFA is an organization that is student-led that provides students with the opportunity to grow as leaders, build personal growth and career success through agricultural education and experiences. FFA has opportunities for all to have fun and learn through work or class room experiences. You have the choice of what you get to do in FFA, it is all up to you.

The Armstrong Gender & Sexuality Alliance (GSA), Safe Students or Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender (LGBT) Group serves to promote respect and acceptance for all students and their families regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. It also provides education, awareness and support for LGBT students, and organizes activities aimed at creating a positive school climate for all students.

Armstrong also offers a LGBT Support Group which provides students a safe place to talk to peers in smaller group settings about personal issues specific to students who identify as LGBT.

Advisor(s): Tim Shaikoski
Where to go for more info: Tim_Shaikoski@rdale.org, 763-504-8827 
Season: All year (September-June)
When activity takes place: Meets twice a month or TBD
Eligibility requirements: None. All are welcome. General interest in diversity and human rights is helpful.
Average number of members: 20-25   
Cost or needed equipment: None

The International Cultural Exchange Group provides support, community building, education and leadership opportunities for international exchange students.

Advisor(s): Jamie Dukowitz         
Where to go for more information: Guidance Office / Jamie_Dukowitz@Rdale.org / 763-504-8824
Season: All year
When activity takes place: Two times a month
Eligibility requirements: International exchange student
Cost or needed equipment: None
Lettering Opportunities: Yes

Intramurals is an opportunity for students to compete against other students in a less competitive league. It is not associated with the Minnesota State High School League. Students must abide by school rules and guidelines. The competition levels vary, and teams will play a round robin type schedule, with a double elimination tournament to conclude the season.

Advisor(s): Travis Kern
Where to go for more info: Athletic/Activities office / Travis_Kern@rdale.org / 763-504-8739
Season: Basketball - Winter (Dec.- March)
When activity takes place: Monday evenings
Eligibility requirements: Current Armstrong student
Cost or needed equipment: $25 participation fee per player

Link Crew is a high school transition program that trains members of the junior and senior class to welcome freshmen in order to make new students feel comfortable throughout the first year of their high school experience. As positive role models, Link Leaders are motivators, leaders and teachers who guide the freshmen to discover what it takes to be successful during the transition to high school.

Advisor(s):     Stacy Olstadt
Where to go for more info:     Activities/Athletics Office
Season:    All year 
When activity takes place:    Throughout the year but most activities are during advisory.
Eligibility requirements:    Juniors and seniors who are academically eligible and an application process.
Average number of members:    150
Cost or needed equipment:    Students pay for t-shirts – approx. $10
Lettering Opportunities:    No

Military Club meets monthly to discuss different aspects of military life. Club meetings will discuss military training, fitness, the ASVAB and other military history and customs. Mr. Hakes served five years on active duty in the United States Marine Corps and six years in the Army Reserve. The topics discussed will be based on the needs of the students; military recruiters can be invited to talk with the club.

ahs military club

Advisor(s): Nathan Hakes
Where to go for more info: Room 329 / Nathan_Hakes@Rdale.org / 763-504-8929
Season: Monthly from November - May
When activity takes place: The first Wednesday of each month. 
Competitions/performances: None
Eligibility requirements: All students are welcome
Average number of members: 6-8
Cost or needed equipment: free
Lettering Opportunities: No

Mural Club All year (September – June)

In this yearlong club, students will have the opportunity to leave their artistic legacy here at Armstrong High School.  Students will plan and create their own murals using whatever supplies that they feel will successfully express their vision.
When activity takes place: Wednesdays after school in 272
Cost: n/a
Requirements: Painting experience
Adviser:  Leah Dussault leah_dussault@rdale.org and Mel Mahonen  mel_mahonen@rdale.org
Social Media: Instagram: @Art_At_Armstrong

The student organization will collaborate and get to know each other, providing learning opportunities and support for each other. In addition, participants will explore cultural awareness and social emotional aspects while practicing listening to the dialogues/conversations, sharing experiences/perspectives, and supporting an understanding of ourselves and the world.

Advisor(s): Charles Vickers
Where to go for more info: Room 299/ Charles_Vickers@Rdale.org / 763-504-8722
Season: All year (September - June)
When activity takes place: After school / during school 3:30-4:30
Average number of members: 3 - 8
Eligibility requirements: Interest in learning, exploring, and supporting Muslim culture and beliefs.
Cost: None
Lettering Opportunities: Yes

Participation in service projects is required. Students who are selected participate in individual and group service projects for the betterment of the school and community.

Advisor(s): Katherine Opel
Where to go for more info: Room 339/ Katherine_Opel@Rdale.org / 763-504-8935
Season: All year (September - June)
When activity takes place: Monthly mandatory meetings before school. Activities also take place throughout the year. Induction ceremony in the fall, activities as planned.
Average number of members: Varies - Not all students academically eligible are selected
Eligibility requirements: Selection packets available in late August and due in mid-September. A list of eligible students will be posted in the office when packets are available. Students must be in grades 11 or 12, or in a post-secondary program, in attendance at RAHS for at least one semester; have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.6; return selection information materials by due date. Students are selected based on their service, leadership, scholarship, and character. Transfer students may be eligible but should talk to their counselor in early September. Must be in compliance with District activity policies and the organization’s constitution and by-laws.
Cost: $20 annual dues
Lettering Opportunities: Yes

The Opera Club attends weekend performances of the Minnesota Opera at the Ordway Theatre in St. Paul every other month (about five performances a season). It sometimes organizes restaurant dinner get-togethers before or after the performances and occasionally organizes meetings/workshops with opera artists. Members provide their own transportation or car pool.

Advisor(s): Mark Mertens
Where to go for more info: Room 234/ Mark_Mertens@Rdale.org / 763-504-8860
Season: November - May
When activity takes place: Weekends
Eligibility requirements: 10th-12th grade, interest in music or theatre
Average number of members: 50
Cost or needed equipment: About $20 per performance
Lettering Opportunities: No

Relay For Life is a team fundraising cancer walk event where team members take turns walking around a track. The event is 12 hours in length to signify that cancer never sleeps. There are many fun events that happen all night during the relay. The Relay For Life committee plans all year for the event in May. The event is held at Cooper High School in early May and runs from 6pm to 6am.

When activity takes place: 1st semester meetings every other week and 2nd semester meetings are weekly, after school for meetings, fundraising and some weekends. Event is held the 3rd weekend in May.
Advisor(s): Leah Weisjahn
Where to go for more info:  Leah_Weisjahn@Rdale.org / 753-504-8740
Season: All school year (with event held in May)
When activity takes place: 1st semester meetings every other week and 2nd semester meetings are weekly, after school for meetings, fundraising and some weekends
Competitions/performances: Event is held the 3rd weekend in May
Eligibility requirements: Interest and commitment
Average number of members: 6 - 12 members are on the planning committee
Cost or needed equipment: None but time for fundraising is a MUST
Lettering Opportunities: No

Robbinsdale has built a successful program and looking for other high school students to help continue growing the sport of high school bowling in our area.

Accomplishments:

• 15 wins and 1 loss last regular season
• 3 regular season titles in the last 4 years 
• 2 conference tournament titles in the last 4 years
• 2^nd place in the Minnesota High School State Tournament2022
• Several members of the team have made 1st team All-Conference & 2nd Team All-Conference

This group is open for students grades 8 through 12^th. 7^th graders are allowed to practice with the team but are not eligible to compete per league rules. We highly encourage 7^th graders be involved in the program, because they are our bowling future.

The program consist of a JV team and a Varsity team if we get enough student. All bowling abilities are welcome to join the team. Our program goal is to teach the game in a fun environment, and we guarantee the high student will be a better bowler by the end of the season. Plus, there are bowling college scholarships opportunities available.

Our bowling staff consist of

If you have any questions and want more information, please contact us. We are looking forward to hearing from you. GO Robbinsdale area bowling!!!!

Students on the Speech and Drama Team act and perform in one of 13 different categories as either a single person or two-person group. Categories range from scripted plays, performing portions of a book, poetry, original written scripts and much more. Students prepare a 10-minute script and perform it for a small group of students and a judge ranks student on their performance. Speech and Drama is a MSHSL (Minnesota State High School League) sponsored activity in which students compete at local tournaments and Section Tournaments to qualify for the State or National Tournament. With 13 categories, both serious and humorous, there is a script for every student.

Advisor(s): Richard Brynteson
Where to go for more info: Athletic/Activities office / rbrynteson@brynteson.info
Season: Spring (March - May)
When activity takes place: After school twice a week (sign up for practice times that work for you)
Competitions/performances: Weekly 
Eligibility requirements: Meet MSHSL eligibility requirements
Cost or needed equipment: $110 participation fee
Average number of members: 25
Lettering Opportunities: Yes

The student council is a student run organization. They are the official communication between students, school staff, and administration. Student concerns are addressed, and new initiatives are implemented. Student activities and service projects are the focus of this group.

Advisor(s): Melody Suos
Where to go for more info: Melody_Suos@Rdale.org / 763-504-8712
Season: All school year
When activity takes place: All year, during Advisory in room 203 - must be pre registered
Eligibility requirements: Open to all interested students upon accepted applications
Average number of members: Approximately 20
Lettering Opportunities: Yes

When activity takes place: Weekly (November – May), Wednesdays -3:25-5:25
Average number of members: 12-20
Lettering Opportunities?: Yes
Cost: None
Requirements: None
Adviser: Kevin Martinson, Nathan Hakes
More Information: Kevin_Martinson@Rdale.org / 763-504-8876

Boys, Ultimate Frisbee Spring (March – June)

When activity takes place: Main season March - June, some winter throwing practices starting in February (depending on gym availability)

Monday - Tuesday and Friday from 4:30-6:30 with games on Thursdays at 6. Many weekends have a tournament throughout the season.

Average number of members: 25-35, no limit
Cost: $150 per player
Requirements: None
Advisor: Wilbert Winkelman
More Information: winkelmw@gmail.com

Girls, Ultimate Frisbee Spring (March – June)
When activity takes place: Monday - Thursday, two hours after school. Most weekends have a tournament.
More Information: armstronggirlsultimate@gmail.com

The use of Olympic weight training, bodybuilding, cross training, and sport specific programs for the development of muscular body weight, strength, and explosive power and agility in order to improve overall athleticism. Weightlifting is also #1 in injury prevention.

Advisor(s): Robert Ware Robert_Ware@Rdale.org and/or John Davis John_Davis@Rdale.org

Where to go for more info: Athletic/Activities Website or Activities Office
Three Seasons: 

Fall Season (September 11, 2023 - November 15, 2023)
Winter Season (November 20, 2023 - March 1, 2024)
Spring Season (March 4, 2024 - May 31, 2024)
When activity takes place: Monday - Thursday, 3:50-5:30 p.m.
Eligibility requirements: None
Cost: $25 per season
Requirements: Must be registered and paid for the season. 

Lifters must wear the correct athletic attire.

Yearbook All year (September – June)

The yearbook is a student-run publication. Students (our yearbook staffers!) work hard all year to create, design, photograph, write, and promote the yearbook. Each student is held to a high level of accountability and devotes many hours outside the classroom to complete assignments for this amazing publication.
When activity takes place: Tuesdays before and after school in 166.
Cost: n/a
Lettering Opportunities: Participation contributes in to a letter through the Art Department.
Requirements: Yearlong commitment. Attend in-school and afterschool events to interview and take photographs.
Adviser: Katie Bacon, katie_bacon@rdale.org

Youth in Politics is where Armstrong students gather to discuss current and past relevant political topics or issues. Students of all political identities, backgrounds, and ideologies are welcome so long as they are respectful of other students and their beliefs. We discuss ways students can get involved with their local government and fight for the issues they care about. Our meetings consist of discussions, respectful debates, and informative sessions. We encourage students to submit topics or issues they would like to learn about or discuss via a google form that can be found on our instagram page. We also organize events for the student body and Robbinsdale community, in the past few years we've held voter drives, movie fundraisers, and a women in government seminar in collaboration with Girls United.
When activity takes place:   every other Tuesday in room 258. 

Cost: None
Requirements:
Coach: Lynn Tews
More Information: Lynn_Tews@rdale.org
Our instagram page is @ahsyouthinpolitics