In the Middle

After years of inspiring young minds, Mr. Demmie, a cornerstone of the Science department at Garfield Middle School, is set to retire at the end of this week. Known for his enthusiasm for teaching, his engaging teaching style, and his passion for running, Mr. Demmie has left an indelible mark on our school and our students.

According to 7th grade student Brandon H, "He helped me so much over the past two years. If I needed to prepare for a test, he went out of his way to help me. He is my favorite teacher and I will really miss him".

Student Niko M said, "Mr. Demmie would always go out of his way to praise us in class when we were doing well. It really made us feel good about how hard we were working and we would really try harder because of it.

Students Alis G. and Alanie S. told us that they "will miss his positive energy in class. He was such a positive force in our classroom. We will miss seeing him in class"

Greg W. said, "I will miss hearing him sing in the hallway. He was actually pretty good! The halls won't be the same without him there anymore".

Outside the classroom, Mr. Demmie is an avid runner. He has participated in numerous marathons over the years and has encouraged students and staff alike to embrace the benefits of an active lifestyle.

Garfield Middle School will surely feel his absence, but his legacy will remain in the countless students he has inspired. We wish Mr. Demmie all the best in this new chapter of his life.

Thank you, Mr. Demmie, for your years of dedication, passion, and inspiration!

Our school is more than just a place of learning—it’s a community made up of dedicated teachers and staff who work tirelessly to support students. To foster an even greater sense of connection and appreciation, we are excited to introduce a new feature in our school newspaper: a monthly spotlight on faculty and staff birthdays!

Recognizing birthdays is a simple yet meaningful way to show appreciation for our hardworking teachers and staff. These individuals contribute so much to our daily school experience, and taking a moment to acknowledge their special day helps build a stronger, more connected school environment.

Each issue, our newsletter will feature a list of faculty birthdays, which will be a great way for students and staff to celebrate the educators and staff who make a difference in our lives every day.

While celebrating birthdays may seem like a small act, it’s these little moments of kindness and recognition that strengthen our school community. By acknowledging the incredible people who educate and guide us, we create an atmosphere of mutual respect and gratitude.

Stay tuned for our first faculty birthday feature in our next issue, and let’s make this a tradition that brings joy to everyone in our school!

Ms. Rosenthal March 6th

Ms. Jankuloski March 11th

Mr. Russo March 12th

Mr. Connolly & Ms. Dickson March 13th (pictured above)

Mr. D'Angelo March 15th

Mr. Barquet March 16th

Mr. Palmerson March 17th

Ms. Davis March 18th

Mr. DeGeorge March 18th

Ms. Kaur March 20th

Have you ever wondered what kind of music your teachers listen to? Well, GMS Publishing students got a surprise when they decided to ask Ms. Francica to share her personal playlist with them! Of course, Ms. Francica is a fan of many different types of music, from classic rock to modern hits.

It all started when a student asked, “What kind of music do you listen to?” Instead of just answering, Ms. Francica offered her favorite album to us. Ms. Francica feels that “Music is a great way to connect with people".

Her playlist includes songs from one legendary artist. Some students were surprised to hear songs they recognized, while others discovered new favorites. To make things even more exciting, Ms. Francica told us that her FAVORITE song is one this album! She did not tell us which song it is. Can you guess? Find out by dropping by C104 and offereing your choice!

GMS Publishing students now look forward to asking more teachers for their playlist. “It’s a fun way to get to know our teachers better,” said reporter Alban G.

By sharing these playlists our hope is that it will inspire students to explore different types of music and appreciate how songs can tell stories, just like history. Stay "tuned"!!

Music in Our Schools Month (MIOSM), celebrated annually in March, is a national initiative by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) to raise awareness about the importance of music education for all children and to showcase the benefits of school music programs.

Music in our schools month aims to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children. They also try to remind us that schools should provide access to music for all students. This helps us remember that music in schools brings music to students of all ages.

This month began as a single statewide advocacy day in New York in 1973 and grew to become a month-long celebration in 1985. Music teachers and students participate in various activities to celebrate, including: special performances, lessons and sing-alongs, and advocacy efforts to promote music education. It provides an opportunity for music educators to showcase their programs and the positive impact of school music on students' lives.

GMS Students performed the song "Remember Me" from the movie "Coco".

This year the theme for Music In Our Schools Month 2025 is "United Through Music".

The GMS garage sale featured a wide variety of gently used clothes, toys, books, household items, and much more. Whether someone was searching for a unique find or just wanted to browse, there truly was something for everyone. All proceeds from the sale will go toward funding school programs, extracurricular activities, and end of the year trips.

Ring Pops were invented in 1977 by Frank Richards, an engineer at the Topps Company. Richards created the candy to help his daughter break her thumb-sucking habit.

Ring Pop history timeline

1977: Ring Pops launch in strawberry and grape flavors

1981: A Ring Pop commercial airs on TV with the line "It's a lollipop, without a stick!"

2000: Ring Pop Twisted launches

2013: Ring Pop Gummy Rings and Ring Pop Gummy Chains launch

2015: Ring Pop Sours launch

2018: Ring Pop Freeze launches

2020: Ring Pop Tropical launch

2022: Ring Pops celebrate their 45th anniversary

Ring Pops have come in many flavors, including cherry, watermelon, strawberry, blue raspberry, twist, sour, and mystery.

Ring Pops are a pop culture icon that have been popular with many generations. They are wearable candies that fit nearly any finger !

At GMS the winner is clear - Blue Raspberry wins with Watermelon close behind:

Blue - 195

Watermelon - 163

Strawberry - 119

Cherry - 90

Sour - 58

Mystery - 42

Twist - 36

The "Anne Frank The Exhibition," a full-scale recreation of the annex where Anne Frank and her family hid, is currently open at the Center for Jewish History in New York City and has been extended through October 31, 2025.

The exhibit is located at the Center for Jewish History in New York City, specifically at 15 West 16th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues in the Union Square neighborhood.

The Anne Frank exhibit offers a full-scale recreation of the annex where Anne Frank and her family, along with four other Jewish people, hid from the Nazis between 1942 and 1944.

This amazing exhibit features more than 100 original collection items from the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, including some never-before-exhibited artifacts.
The exhibit has been extended through October 31, 2025, in response to overwhelming demand and support.

If you plan to go, all tickets must be purchased in advance and you must plan to spend approximately one hour in the exhibition.

This exhibit opened on January 27, 2025, the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

Hours are Sunday through Thursday: 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday: Closed.

See Mr. Palmerson or your ELA teacher for more details

In a small classroom filled with the hum of excited voices and the scent of fresh paint and glue, a group of students is hard at work crafting their own stick ponies. These handmade horses are more than just a fun art project—they are a gateway to the past, helping students step into the boots of pioneers, cowboys, and Native Americans who once traversed the great expanse of the American West.

Bringing History to Life

Westward expansion was a defining period in American history, marked by exploration, settlement, and conflict. Teaching this era to students can be a challenge, as the vast landscapes, long journeys, and diverse cultures involved can feel distant and abstract. However, by engaging in a hands-on project like making stick ponies, students gain a tangible connection to the past, making the learning experience both memorable and meaningful.

As they created horse heads from oven mitts, gluing eyes on their vibrant colors, and attach yarn manes, students discuss the importance of horses in westward expansion. They learn how horses were essential for transportation, farming, and communication, playing a crucial role in the lives of settlers, Native Americans, and cowboys alike. By crafting their own steeds, students develop an appreciation for the challenges and adventures faced by those who journeyed west.

Through this interactive experience, students not only grasp historical facts but also develop empathy and critical thinking skills. They consider the perspectives of different groups affected by westward expansion and reflect on the consequences of this period in history.

In the end, these stick ponies become more than just a craft—they are symbols of an immersive learning experience. As students gallop across their imaginary plains, they carry with them a deeper understanding of America’s westward expansion and the people who shaped it. By stepping into history, even on a pretend horse, they gain a lasting connection to the past that textbooks alone might not provide.

We celebrate Women's History Month to recognize and honor the contributions of women to history, culture, and society in the United States, acknowledging their often-overlooked achievements and struggles for equality.

• A Time for Reflection and Celebration:

  Women's History Month, celebrated in March, is a time to reflect on the achievements of women throughout history and to celebrate their ongoing contributions to society.

• Highlighting Often-Overlooked Contributions:

  The month serves as a reminder of the many ways women have shaped history, often in ways that have been overlooked or minimized in traditional narratives.

• Honoring Struggles for Equality:

  Women's History Month also recognizes the struggles and activism of women who fought for equality and social justice, paving the way for future generations.

• Origins of the Celebration:

  The celebration originated in 1978 with a week-long event in Sonoma County, California, which later evolved into a national observance.

• National Recognition:

  In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8 as National Women's History Week, and in 1987, Congress designated the entire month of March as Women's History Month.

• Ongoing Efforts:

  The National Women's History Alliance and other organizations continue to promote Women's History Month through various activities, including museum exhibits, film screenings, and educational programs.

• International Women's Day:

  March 8th, which falls within Women's History Month, is also International Women's Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

This novel is about a 12-year-old girl named Carley Connors. After her mother is hospitalized from abuse, Carley is placed in foster care with the Murphys, a loving and almost too-good to be true family. First resistant to their kindness and struggling with her own trauma, Carley slowly learns to open up and trust the Murphys. The story shows the themes of family, trust, healing, and personal growth as Carley comes to understand the kind of love she was missing out on and that maybe it was okay to let the Murphys into her heart.

This story master explores themes of belonging and identity. Carley’s emotional journey feels authentic as she struggles to reconcile her past with her newfound sense of love and security. The Murphys’ warmth and unwavering support contrast with Carley’s difficult upbringing, highlighting the power of compassion and connection.

Readers will find themselves rooting for Carley as she navigates trust, forgiveness, and the courage to accept love. The book is both heartwarming and bittersweet, making it a memorable read for anyone who enjoys emotional, character-driven stories.

In the heart of a bustling middle school, there is a 6th grader named Andrew whose world is filled with the magic of words. While some kids his age are lost in video games or social media, Andrew has found his creative outlet in the form of poetry. His love for writing isn’t just a hobby—it’s a passion that allows him to explore his emotions, express his thoughts, and share stories through the rhythm of language.

The complexity of poetry continues to fascinate him. Look for more work in our issues to come

A measure of devotion, for sometimes it may be

Not done out of glory, or the world we might now see

Most sacrifice is silent, some forms might carry along unknown

It just takes reflection to see the love shown

it goes beyond just caring, or the giving of one self

It's the blocks that life is built on, all the knowledge and power on the shelf

It can't be requested, or forced to walk true

It is a reflection of your internal you

The feeling of fulfillment, we long to grasp too

Sacrifice for one's self that's suffocating in blue

Sacrifice is help that comes from deep in the heart

It has been with us forever, by our side from the start

Eid al-Fitr, often referred to as the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," is one of the most significant Islamic celebrations observed by Muslims around the world. It marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. This joyous occasion is a time for gratitude, charity, and community bonding. It is a celebration that follows a month of fasting from dawn to sunset during Ramadan.

The festival is a reward for the perseverance and devotion shown by Muslims throughout the holy month. It is also an opportunity for believers to express gratitude to Allah for providing strength and guidance.

Eid al-Fitr is more than just a celebration; it is a day of reflection, gratitude, and giving. It serves as a reminder of the values of empathy, discipline, and devotion cultivated during Ramadan. Whether through prayers, charity, or joyous gatherings, Eid al-Fitr brings Muslims together in a spirit of harmony and festivity, making it one of the most cherished occasions in the Islamic calendar.

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

Student reporter: Venessa Szewczzyk