Ipswich Middle School

Sean Fitzgerald, Assistant Principal

Our mission is to create a nurturing community where students are encouraged to develop confidence as lifelong learners with the awareness and flexibility necessary to adapt to a changing world. We strive to bring out the best in every student and adult in our learning community.

Email: pginolfi@ipsk12.net
Website: www.ipsk12.net

Instagram: ipswichmstigers
Location: 130 High Street, Ipswich, MA
Phone: (978)356-3535

We are proud to announce that 8th Grader Loretta Blagg is this year's Project 351 Ambassador representing Ipswich. Project 351 is a statewide youth leadership organization dedicated to identifying, celebrating, and supporting eighth-grade students who demonstrate leadership, service, and a commitment to making a positive difference in their communities. Each year, one student is selected from every city and town in Massachusetts, creating a powerful, diverse network of young leaders connected by a shared mission of service and civic engagement.

The mission of Project 351 is to develop civic leaders who act with compassion, courage, and humility. Through leadership training, service initiatives, and mentoring, students learn the importance of giving back and working collaboratively to address community needs. Participants engage in service projects throughout the year and are encouraged to lead by example in their schools and communities. Project 351 empowers students to recognize their ability to create change and inspires them to become thoughtful, engaged citizens now and in the future. Later in the school year Loretta will be leading a public service project in the schools and we will be sure to get the details out to everyone at that time.

8th grader Loretta Blagg with Project 351 Advisor Megan Scarbrough and Principal Peter Ginolfi

This just in - The Student Leadership Senate released the 2026 School Dance Dates yesterday and those dates are:

• Grade 6 - January 16th
• Grades 7 and 8 - March 20th

This is just a save the date notice, the SLS will share more information after the winter vacation.

This past Monday the capacity crowd at the Dolan Performing Arts Center was treated to an outstanding instrumental performance by the members of our Bands and Orchestras. We would like to thank the students and their teachers Mr. Coelho, Ms. Pagano, Ms. Scarano, and Mr. Fremont-Smith for all of their hard work that led to this wonderful show.

Our Physical Education teachers, Ms. McNichols and Mr. Patterson, always have fun and creative games that provide a great workout that is so fun that the students don't really know that they are working out. You may have heard your student mention Pirates of the Caribbean or Star Wars games; here is another creative game they had for the students this week:

Clark Griswold’s Light Fiasco: A Holiday Team Challenge

Get ready to channel your inner Clark Griswold in this high-energy, chaotic, and festive gym relay! Your mission is to gather your "decorations" and create a display so bright it can be seen from space—just try not to blow a fuse (or a lung) in the process.

Phase 1: The Scramble for Strands (The Relay)

Before you can decorate, you have to get the gear from the attic. In this phase, teams compete to retrieve "lights" (colored cones) scattered across the gym.

Phase 2: The Grand Illumination (The Creative Build)

Once the inventory is complete, the physical work is done, but the artistic pressure begins. The team has 3 minutes to use their collected cones to create a "Light Display" on their designated patch of the gym floor.

This year the Student Leadership Senate brought back a classic from years ago - the door decorating contest. Students volunteered to decorate their classroom doors in different holiday themes. This year's judges were main office staffers Ms. Henderson and Ms. Laroche. First place was awarded to Ms. Colby's class for their fireplace themed door; second place was Ms. Scarbrough's Out of this World door; third place to Ms. McLeod's Peanuts themed door. Honorable Mention was awarded to Ms. Davidson's class who created a multicultural door and made potato latkes in celebration of Hanukkah. Thank you to all who participated and to the SLS advisors Ms. Ryan and Mr. Jewell.

Please read this important announcement from our Yearbook Editor and Librarian, Ms. Chang:

Dear Parents and Guardians of 8th Graders,

We are collecting ONE baby photo of each 8th-grade student to feature in the yearbook and in the end-of-year slideshow. Please submit your photo digitally using the form linked below.

To meet our publishing deadlines, Mrs. Chang, our yearbook editor, must receive your one baby picture by Friday, January 30th. Because the yearbook production schedule is fixed, late submissions cannot be accepted.

Please note that the photo you submit for the yearbook will also be used in the end-of-year slideshow, so only one photo is being collected in the form.

These baby photos are always a beloved part of the yearbook and slideshow, and students truly look forward to seeing themselves and their classmates included. Students whose photos are not submitted often feel disappointed, and we hope to avoid that by receiving all photos on time.

Thank you for your cooperation and timely attention. Your help ensures that every 8th grader is represented in this special tradition.

Click here for the link to submit your 8th graders' baby picture.

December 20 - January 4th - Winter Break - no school

Monday, January 5th - Change is Simple, back to work with Grade 6

Tuesday, January 13th - School Council Meeting- 5:30 in the 6th grade pod - Wellness Committee presentation

Friday, January 16th - Grade 6 Dance, 7-9 PM in the cafeteria

Monday, January 19th - No School - MLK Day

Tuesday, January 20th - IMS Winter Art Show, 6-8pm in the PAC Lobby