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

“Compelling evidence demonstrates that peer influence is a pervasive force during adolescence … peer influence almost always increases resemblances between friends and affiliates.”
— National Institutes of Health, PubMed Central (PMC8630732)

Middle school is a time when students are especially influenced by their peers and often strive to fit in or blend with a particular group. At Ipswich Middle School, we recognize this developmental tendency and intentionally look for opportunities to celebrate individuality and self-expression.

One of our traditions that helps break this “pack mentality” is our annual Halloween celebration. Many students and staff dressed up in creative, fun, and appropriate costumes that reflect their own unique interests and personalities, with the exception of 6-7. It’s a joyful reminder that standing out and being yourself is something to be proud of—especially during the middle school years, when the pull to conform can be so strong.

Once again this year our 7th graders designed carnival style probability games and hosted their classmates for a carnival. During Math class the students planned their game, brought in the supplies, and created the finished projects but not before using various methods to calculate the odds of winning. This year's carnival featured a number of new games never seen at IMS - showcasing some tremendous creativity, including the ones seen below.

As many families may have heard, beginning Saturday, November 1, 2025, SNAP benefits (formerly known as Food Stamps) will be temporarily paused due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. We know this interruption may create challenges for some families, and we want to reassure our community that Ipswich Public Schools will continue to provide free, nutritious breakfast and lunch for all students every school day. No student should ever go hungry, and we remain committed to ensuring that every child has access to healthy meals while they are in school.

To further support families during this time, The Open Door will host an extra food distribution event this Saturday, November 1, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at their Gloucester location (28 Emerson Avenue, Gloucester, MA). This event will provide free milk, eggs, fresh produce, proteins, and grocery staples for anyone in their service area—including Ipswich residents—impacted by the SNAP delay. In addition, the Ipswich Community Food Pantry (00 Southern Heights, Ipswich) will be offering “Quick Trips”—basic grocery supply distributions—Wednesday and Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Quick Trips are also available at The Open Door’s Gloucester site Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for anyone in need of emergency grocery supplies.

Families new to The Open Door can also register for an online grocery ordering account that allows weekly custom grocery orders by visiting FOODPANTRY.org/newshopper. We encourage any family experiencing food insecurity to take advantage of these local resources. Our school community stands ready to support one another—no one should have to navigate these challenges alone. If you are having difficulty connecting to resources or could use more support please reach out to me or your child's counselor.

The Ipswich Middle School field hockey team wrapped up an exciting and competitive season with a record of 4–4–3. This team consisted of strong and eager athletes, many of whom picked up a stick for the very first time. Throughout the season, the tigers grew in skill and confidence, demonstrating grit, strong communication, and a commitment to never giving up.

A highlight came in the final week with a dominant 4–0 win over Newburyport — impressive as the team played the entire game with no subs.They also delivered two of their best performances against a well-matched Gloucester team, winning the first game and tying the second. After starting the season against tough Manchester-Essex teams, Ipswich proved their progress by tying them in their final game of the season at home.

This team was dedicated, coachable, and full of positive energy — and most importantly, they had fun. A special thank you goes to the Ipswich High School Varsity team and Head Coach Nikki Pignone for welcoming our players and the youth to their fall clinics. The encouragement and support they provided helped the players grow in their skills, connect with the high school program and boosted their excitement for the future of Ipswich field hockey!

Please note that the 2025–2026 school calendar has been updated to reflect the addition of a district-wide professional development day on March 9 (No school for students).

The updated calendar is available on the district website: https://www.ipsk12.net/domain/413.

Last weekend, members of the 7th and 8th grade chorus headed to Marini Farms to perform some music they’ve been working on and to enjoy the fall activities. Congratulations to the winners of the corn maze race, and thank you for a successful 2nd annual Fall Fun Chorus Day at Marini Farms!

As we head into November the weather has definitely made a turn towards winter. Many students are headed to lunch and recess in shorts and t-shirts. Please encourage your children to bring warm clothes with them to school and to wear out to recess. We will continue to head outside each day unless it is extremely cold (below 20 degrees) or raining.

Next week on Wednesday, the Teen Center will host a ceramic painting activity — students can choose from a variety of fun designs like animals and flowers to paint and take home.

While you’re thinking about joining us, don’t forget that the Teen Center offers so much more every day! Students can enjoy our gym, craft room, game room, lounge, and movie room, all designed to give teens a safe and engaging place to spend time after school. We also continue to have food available to take home for anyone who needs it.

The Teen Center is open daily after school, and we hope to see plenty of students taking advantage of everything they have to offer! The Teen center is located in Boone Hall at Ascension Church - 31 County Road and students can take the after school van.

Monday, November 3rd - Grade 6 & 7 RA rotation

Monday, November 3rd - Kindness Club Meeting - 2:30 - 3:15, Grade 6 pod

Tuesday, November 4th - Grade 8 to tour Whittier Voc. Tech.

Thursday, November 6th - Grade 8 presentation by Essex Tech

Friday, November 7th - Grade 6 field trip to Boda Borg

Monday, November 8th - Restorative Circle Day #3

Tuesday, November 11th - No school, Veterans' Day

The newest recipients of the Appreciation Tapestry are the 7th Grade Math teachers - Mr. Lorenz, Ms. Schroeder, and Ms. Somers. They have had the students working hard the past week designing their games for the probability carnival and calculating the odds of winning each game. The students were so proud of their accomplishments - Great job team!