In the Middle

In recent years, esports have exploded in popularity. Millions of people watch competitive gaming tournaments, professional players train for hours a day, and prize pools can rival those of traditional sports. Because of this growth, some have suggested that esports should be included in the Olympic Games—possibly even the Winter Olympics. While esports deserve recognition and respect, including them in the Winter Olympics would be a mistake.

The Winter Olympics are built around a clear idea: athletic competition on snow and ice. Sports like skiing, hockey, figure skating, and snowboarding all depend on physical movement, environmental conditions, and years of athletic conditioning. Esports, by contrast, take place indoors, on computers or consoles, and are not affected by winter environments at all. Adding esports would stretch the definition of “Winter Olympics” so far that the event would lose its identity. If a competition has no connection to winter, ice, or snow, it simply doesn’t belong in a winter sporting event.

Esports already have platforms that serve them better than the Olympics ever could. Massive tournaments, professional leagues, and global livestreams are designed specifically for gaming audiences. Esports do not need the Olympics to be taken seriously, and forcing them into an Olympic format could actually limit their creativity and growth.

Esports are impressive, exciting, and here to stay. But not everything competitive needs to be Olympic, and not everything popular needs to be included in the Winter Games.

The United States Semiquincentennial, also called the Bisesquicentennial, the Sestercentennial, America250 or the Quarter Millennium, will be the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. Festivities will mark various events leading up to the Declaration's anniversary on the 250th Independence Day, July 4, 2026.

Official planning for the celebrations began in 2016 with the congressional, non-partisan United States Semiquincentennial Commission. In 2025, a committee was formed to also promote and plan the events.

Drop by the library at GMS to see how we will honor American on her 250th.

Have you ever read a question on a test and thought, I know the topic… but what does this word mean? You’re not alone. A strong vocabulary doesn’t just help in English class—it helps in every subject, from science labs to social studies essays to everyday conversations.

That’s why our school newspaper is launching a new feature called “Words That Matter.” In each issue, we’ll introduce five important academic words that students in grades 6–8 see all the time in class, on assignments, and on tests.

These aren’t random “big words.” They’re words teachers use when giving directions, authors use in texts, and students are expected to understand when reading, writing, and thinking critically. Words like analyze, evidence, infer, and perspective show up everywhere—and knowing them can make school feel a lot less confusing.

Each issue will include:

• Five new vocabulary words

• Student-friendly definitions

• Examples you might actually see in class

• Tips for how to use the words in your own writing and discussions

By the end of the year, you’ll have learned dozens of high-utility words that can help you:

• Understand reading assignments faster

• Write clearer essays

• Answer test questions with more confidence

• Sound more precise when sharing your ideas

Vocabulary isn’t about memorizing long lists—it’s about having the right tools to explain what you think. Learning just five words at a time makes it manageable, useful, and (dare we say?) kind of satisfying.

So keep an eye out for “Words That Matter” in every issue. Your future essays—and your future self—will thank you.

1. Analyze – To examine something closely to understand how it works or what it means.
2. Argument – A set of reasons used to prove a point.
3. Evidence – Facts or details that support a claim.
4. Claim – A statement that says something is true.
5. Infer – To make a smart guess using clues from the text.

Calling all thinkers, trivia lovers, and quick problem-solvers! Our school is forming a brand-new Brain Busters competition team, and students in grades 6, 7, and 8 are invited to get involved.

Brain Busters is an academic competition that challenges students with fast-paced questions covering topics like math, science, language arts, history, and current events. It’s all about teamwork, critical thinking, and having fun while learning.

While students in grades 6, 7, and 8 are welcome to join the team and attend practices, only 7th and 8th graders will compete in official matches this year. Sixth graders will still play an important role by practicing with the team, learning the format, and getting prepared to compete in future years.

Joining Brain Busters is a great way to sharpen your brain, build confidence, and work with friends who enjoy learning and friendly competition. No prior experience is required—just curiosity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to try.

If you enjoy challenging questions and want to be part of something new and exciting, consider joining the Brain Busters team. More information about meetings and sign-ups on the flyer below. Get ready to buzz in and show what you know!

Lob by Linda Newbery is a quiet but powerful story about friendship, loss, and understanding people who seem different from everyone else. The book follows Lucy, a girl who has just moved to a seaside town with her parents. There, she meets an unusual old man named Lob, who lives alone, wears old-fashioned clothes, and seems very mysterious. At first, many people in the town think Lob is strange or even dangerous, but Lucy slowly begins to see who he really is.

One of the strongest parts of the book is how it shows the importance of kindness and not judging others too quickly. Lucy’s friendship with Lob helps her grow braver and more thoughtful, especially when she has to decide whether to stand up for him. The story is emotional at times, and it deals with serious topics like loneliness and prejudice, but it is written in a way that is easy to understand and meaningful for younger readers.

Overall, Lob is a touching and thoughtful novel that makes you think about how your actions affect others. It’s a great choice for readers who enjoy realistic stories with deep characters and important messages. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes stories about friendship and learning to see the world from a new perspective.

After a long break, the Art Club is officially returning to our middle school, and many students are excited to get creative again. The club will give students a chance to explore different forms of art, learn new skills, and express themselves in a fun and welcoming environment.

Art Club is open to students of all skill levels, whether you love drawing and painting or just want to try something new. Members will have the opportunity to work with different materials, collaborate on group projects, and share their artwork with others. It’s a great way to relax after a long school day and meet students who share similar interests.

The return of Art Club also brings more opportunities for creativity at our school. Art helps students build confidence, improve focus, and think in new ways. Having a space where students can freely create and express themselves makes our school community even stronger.

Overall, the return of Art Club is exciting news for our middle school. If you enjoy being creative or are looking for a new club to join, Art Club might be the perfect place for you. Be sure to listen for announcements or check with Mrs. Gaboury for meeting times and details.

Poetry is back in the spotlight! After some time away, Poetry Corner has returned as a regular feature in our school newspaper, giving students a place to share their voices, ideas, and creativity. From funny rhymes to thoughtful verses, this space is all about celebrating student writers. Get ready to read, enjoy, and maybe even submit a poem of your own.

Valentine’s Day is here at last

A day for fun, a day to laugh

Hearts of red and pink delight,

Filling classrooms, oh so bright

Cards with messages, sweet and small,

Hanging on lockers down the hall.

Candy hearts with words like “LOVE”

Show our kindness has no end

Roses, chocolate, bows, and lace,

Smiles light up every face.

It’s not just a crush or two,

It’s for everyone and me and you.

We pass notes with careful hands

Sharing jokes and friendship bands.

Even shy kids find a way

To brighten someone’s Valentine’s Day

So let’s all laugh, let’s all play,

And spread some love on this special day.

Because its nice to show we care,

With little hearts we get to share.

-Nayeli Lopez

Do you have an opinion? A story to tell? Come and join the school newspaper with us. Have fun with your friends and report on happenings throughout the school.

Email: abugge@gboe.org
Location: GMS, 175 Lanza Ave, Garfield NJ 07026
Phone: 973-272-7020