Activities

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.

Adviser(s):    Melissa Schreifels 
Where to go for more info:    Room 336
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:       75-100
Cost or needed equipment:    Minimal activity costs
Activity fee:    NA
Lettering Opportunities:    Yes                                    
    

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

Adviser(s):    Jeff Schreifels
Where to go for more info:   website, room 336 
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 jazz and high kick.

Adviser(s):    Katie Stoltman 
Where to go for more info:    Email Kathryn_stoltman@rdale.org 
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 or as two-person teams 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

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

The E-Sports Club is a chance for students to come together and compete with one another in video game competition. Tournaments are created so everyone has a chance to play each game at least one time. The club members will determine which video games will be used for each tournament. Students must enter into the tournament and will be told which date their games will be on.

Adviser(s):    Nathan Hakes
Where to go for more info:     nathan_hakes@rdale.org
Season:    Weekly – November - May
When activity takes place:    After school on Mondays, 2:10-3:45 p.m.
Eligibility requirements:    9-12 grade All students are welcome to watch tournament games but only students who have a scheduled game will                                                               compete. You cannot enter a competition if you have any NCs.
Average number of members:    The size of each tournament will be determined by the students who are eligible to enter. 
Lettering Opportunities:    Yes

This is a national organization that is student lead. Student athletes discuss and grow together in their faith with a common platform of the sports arena. A typical huddle includes prayer, game time, sport updates, lesson, and small group discussions.

Adviser(s):    Bill McCloskey
Where to go for more info:    twitter: @armstrong_fca
Season:    August - May
When activity takes place:    Every other Monday, 7:00 pm at New Hope Ext. Campus
Eligibility requirements:    None
Average number of members:    40
Cost or needed equipment:    None  
Lettering Opportunities:    Yes

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics is an international competition to build a robot within a six week period to accomplish a certain task that changes every year. Many aspects are involved as in building and maintaining web pages, creating animated safety demonstrations, engineering design, designing and building a robot, and electrical design to name a few. And of course, a lot of fun and hard work.

first inspires website

Adviser(s):    Chadd Perkins, Jay Dornfeld
Where to go for more info:    chadd_perkins@rdale.org, jay_dornfeld@rdale.org
Season:    All year but the main season is from early January to the middle of February with the  regional competition in April.
When activity takes place:    After school
Competitions/performances:    Regional Competition in April
Eligibility requirements:    Everyone is encouraged to join.
Average number of members:    15-20 but can be more, Co-ed
Cost or needed equipment    :    $25 but will be discounted with fundraising efforts
Lettering Opportunities:    Yes 
 

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.

Adviser(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. General interest in diversity and human rights is helpful. All are welcome.
Average number of members:        20-25   
Cost or needed equipment:          None
Lettering Opportunities:        Yes

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

Adviser(s):       Jamie Dukowitz         
Where to go for more information: jamie_dukowitz@rdale.org
Season:      All year
When activity takes place:       Two times a month
Eligibility requirements:       International exchange student
Cost or needed equipment:    None
Lettering Opportunities:       Yes

Intramural Basketball 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.

Adviser(s):    Travis Kern
Where to go for more info:    Athletic/Activities office or travis_kern@rdale.org
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
Lettering Opportunities:    Yes
    

Math Team students compete in statewide math contests developed by college professors. The purpose is to develop mathematics skills, critical thinking and to have fun.

Adviser(s):    Michael Mohr
Where to go for more info:    Math Resource -  Room 339
Season:    Fall - Winter (October - February)
When activity takes place:    Monday after school for about one hour and/or one morning before school
Competitions/performances:        There are 5 meets, held on Mondays, 2:30-6:00 p.m., about once a month.
Eligibility requirements:    None
Average number of members:    15-20
Cost or needed equipment:    $110 participation fee
Lettering Opportunities:    Yes
 

Military Club meets weekly 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

Adviser(s):    Nathan Hakes
Where to go for more info:   website
Season:    Monthly from November - May
When activity takes place:    The first Tuesday of each month. 
Competitions/performances:        None
Eligibility requirements:    All students are welcome.
Average number of members:    6-8
Cost or needed equipment:    None
Lettering Opportunities:    Yes
 

Olympic weightlifting consists of tw types of lifts: the snatch, and the clean and jerk. Both are overhead lifts and involve a full body range of motion. The goal is to lift maximum weight at a rapid speed using a barbell. Olympic weightlifting will improve core strength, flexibility, balance, quickness, and overall athleticism. You won’t get big and bulky. Olympic lifters have bodies closer to that of a gymnast than a bodybuilder.

Adviser(s):    Jim Irwin
Where to go for more info:    C339 or weight room
Season:    Our High School Season is winter, but some athletes may qualify for and wish to participate in meets all year long at the local, National and                     occasionally international level.
When activity takes place:    Daily after school
Competitions:    3 – 4 meets and 1 state championship meet. Meets will be on weekends.
Eligibility requirements:    All athletes must become a member of USA Weightlifting prior to the first competition. The USA Weightlifting membership                        is good for the rest of the season, including all local, national and international competitions for 1 year.
Cost:    TBD
Lettering Opportunities:    Yes
Needed Equipment:    Workout clothes, tennis shoes, and a singlet are all that are necessary. A weightlifting belt, wrist wraps and knee sleeves are                                                   nice to have for added safety and enhance performance. Some years the athletes want to order team sweatshirts, t-shirts, etc.
    

The Opera Club attends weekend performances of the Minnesota Opera at the Ordway Theatre in St. Paul about once a month (five or six performances a season). It also 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.

Adviser(s):    Mark Mertens
Where to go for more info:    Room 234
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:    Yes
 

Students who are interested in adding art, color, and student expression to the halls of Armstrong will enjoy this club. Students will collaborate their talents and ideas to create murals and other artwork all around the school. Students must be willing to bring their creative ideas and to work after school.

Adviser(s):    Pat Fair
Where to go for more info:    Facebook – Armstrong Mural Club
Season:    All year (September-June)
When activity takes place:    Weekly after school; 2:15-3:30 p.m. in room 272 on Wednesdays
Competitions/performances:    None
Eligibility requirements:    Students interested in creative ideas and making art.
Cost or needed equipment:        None 
Lettering Opportunities:    Yes

Quiz bowl is a game in which two teams compete head-to-head to answer questions from all areas of knowledge including history, literature, science, fine arts, current events, sports, and popular culture.

Adviser(s):    TBD
Where to go for more info: Activities/Athletics Office    
Season:    All year (September-March) Nationals April & May
When activity takes place:    TBD
Competitions/performances:    Four Thursday nights and 3 - 5 Saturday mornings 
Cost or needed equipment:        $110 participation fee
Average number of members:    20
Lettering Opportunities:    Yes

Relay For Life is a student-led activity linked with the Minnesota Cancer Relay Regional office. Throughout the school year, students plan activities for the final event, which takes place in May. Students do several team and committee fundraising activities to collect money to donate to the MN Cancer Fund. Each year the students contact students, teachers, individuals, businesses and community members to attend, support and donate time and money to the success of this annual event.

Adviser(s):    Katherine Opel & Leah Weisjahn
Where to go for more info:    room 278 or Katherine_Opel@rdale.org, Leah_Weisjahn@rdale.org
Season:    All school year 
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. Any age welcome
Average number of members:    200-300
Cost or needed equipment:    None but time for fundraising is a MUST
Lettering Opportunities:    YesWhat day(s) and time does it take place: 1st semester meetings every other week and 2nd semester meetings are weekly, after school for meetings, fundraising some weekends

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.

Adviser(s):    Richard Brynteson
Where to go for more info:    Activities/Athletic Office
Season:    Winter (December-March, later if you qualify for state)
When activity takes place:    After school twice a week (sign up for practice times that work for you)
Competitions/performances:    Weekly from November – April
Eligibility requirements:    Meet MSHSL eligibility requirements
Cost or needed equipment:    $110 participation fee
Average number of members:    25
Lettering Opportunities:    Yes

Adviser(s):    Cedric Smith
Where to go for more info:    cedric.smith@outlook.com or Athletic/Activities Office
Season:    
When activity takes place:    
Eligibility requirements:    
Cost or needed equipment:        
Lettering Opportunities:    

Step Team performs at the Sno-Daze pep fest, basketball games and community events.

Adviser(s):    MaRaye Mickey-Brocks
Where to go for more info:    maraye_mickey-brocks@rdale.org or  763-504-8725
Season:    November - April
When activity takes place:    Practices are after school
Eligibility requirements:    None
Average number of members:    15 - 25
Cost or needed equipment: $110 participation fee
Lettering Opportunities:    Yes

Students produce podcasts, blog posts, Armstrong TV, short films and TED talks. Students and advisers meet weekly to brainstorm ideas and work on production.

Adviser(s):    Mark Daniel
Where to go for more info:    Media Center or Mark_Daniel@rdale.org
Season:    All school year
When activity takes place:    Weekly in the Media Center
Eligibility requirements:    Interest and commitment
Average number of members:    Unlimited
Cost or needed equipment:    None
Lettering Opportunities:    Yes

Table Top Club activities are determined by the club members. Dungeons and Dragons has been the most popular, but other board games, card games or strategy games are welcome.

Adviser(s):    Nathan Hakes
Where to go for more info:    Room 182
Season:    Weekly November - May
When activity takes place:    Wednesdays - 2:10 – 3:45
Eligibility requirements:    None
Average number of members:    12- 20
Lettering Opportunities:    Yes

The tech crew builds and paints original sets and props for the productions in the theatre department. Students have the chance to learn carpentry, drafting, many different kinds of painting techniques, prop creation, theatrical lighting and sound, front of house production and stage management. No experience is required.

Tech crew runs all year, but full year participation is not required. If a student has a sport or another activity during the year it is still possible to do both. After weeks of building and preparation, the tech crew is the group of students who run the show. This includes everything from running lights and sound, to being backstage doing scene changes and handling props, to managing the front of the house functions. This is a very fun, laid back activity which is perfect for anyone with any interest in construction, art or technology.

It is common for students who are heavily involved to go on to study technical theatre in their college careers. Regardless of whether you continue in tech theatre, you will learn skills on tech crew that you will use for the rest of your life!

Adviser(s):    Molly Kern
Where to go for more info:    Molly Kern (molly_kern@rdale.org) or Jenny Lovitt ( jenny_lovitt@rdale.org)                 
Season:  All year. There is a fall show, a winter one act, a winter musical and a spring show. Full year participation is possible and common, but NOT required. You can do this activity on the off season from a sport etc, or in combination with other activities based on your schedule.
When activity takes place:   As scheduled, but typically Tuesday and Thursday from 2:10 – 6:00 p.m., and Saturday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. You can come as often or as little as you like-everyday participation in NOT required. However, the students who put in more time get first choice of show responsibilities like running sound and lights, and stage management.
Competitions/performances:  There are a total of 4 shows per year. The “mainstage” shows are in the fall, winter and spring and do not compete. The one act which happens in late January is a competition show, and it involves travel to other schools and the  possibility of extra performances if the show moves on in the competition.
Eligibility requirements:  District 281 and AHS academic and conduct eligibility code apply. Participation and seniority dictate roles in performances.
Cost or Needed Equipment:    $110 participation fee
Average number of members:    30-40
Lettering Opportunities:    Yes

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.

Adviser(s):    Jim Irwin
Where to go for more info:    Athletic/Activities Office
Season:    All year (September-June)
When activity takes place:    Monday - Thursday, 2:30-4:00 p.m.
Eligibility requirements:    None
Cost or needed equipment:        Athletic attire
Lettering Opportunities:    Yes

Adviser(s):    Austin Lien
Where to go for more info:    austin.j.lien@gmail.com or Athletic/Activities Office
Season:    
When activity takes place:    
Eligibility requirements:    
Cost or needed equipment:       
Lettering Opportunities:   

Adviser(s):    Jason Curtis
Where to go for more info:    capncurtis@gmail.com or Athletic/Activities Office
Season:    
When activity takes place:   
Eligibility requirements:    
Cost or needed equipment:        
Lettering Opportunities:    

Adviser(s):    Elizabeth Andersion
Where to go for more info:   Athletic/Activities Office
Season:    
When activity takes place:   
Eligibility requirements:    
Cost or needed equipment:        
Lettering Opportunities: