Celebrating Eid al-Mubarak: A Time of Joy, Gratitude, and Community

Eid al-Mubarak is one of the most important and joyful celebrations for Muslims around the world. The phrase “Eid al-Mubarak” means “blessed festival,” and it marks a special time filled with happiness, reflection, and togetherness.

There are two major Eids celebrated each year: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Eid al-Fitr comes at the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, while Eid al-Adha honors the values of sacrifice and faith. Both occasions are celebrated with similar spirit—bringing families, friends, and communities together.

The day of Eid typically begins with a special prayer at a mosque or in a large community space. After prayers, people greet each other by saying “Eid Mubarak,” wishing one another peace and blessings. It’s a time to reconnect, forgive, and spread kindness.

One of the highlights of Eid is the food. Families prepare and share delicious meals, sweets, and traditional dishes, often inviting guests to join in the celebration. Another important part of Eid is giving—many people donate to charity to help those in need, reinforcing the values of generosity and compassion.

Eid is also a time for celebration and fun, especially for younger people. New clothes, gifts, and gatherings make the holiday feel festive and exciting. Whether it’s visiting relatives, spending time with friends, or simply enjoying the day, Eid creates lasting memories.

In our school community, recognizing holidays like Eid al-Mubarak helps us appreciate the diversity that makes our environment special. It’s an opportunity to learn about different cultures and traditions while celebrating the shared values of kindness, gratitude, and community.

Eid Mubarak to all who celebrate!

Ma'amoul are traditional Middle Eastern shortbread cookies filled with dates, pistachios, or walnuts, often shaped with ornate wooden molds and dusted with powdered sugar. They are a staple during religious holidays like Eid, Easter, and Purim, symbolizing hospitality and tradition, and are made from a dough of semolina or flour, flavored with ingredients like rose water or orange blossom water.

Our reporter Ayyoub shares his mother's favorite recipe for these delicious cookies below:

Make the Dough

Preheat oven to 350°F. Melt ghee or butter. Stir in oil (if using) and sugar. In a large bowl, combine the ghee mixture with flour. Mix with your fingers until incorporated.
Add rose water, then milk (one tablespoon at a time), kneading until smooth and pliable. If dough feels sticky, continue kneading-it will absorb the milk. Let rest for 30 minutes.

Divide into 32 equal portions and roll into smooth balls.

Prepare the Date Filling

Process chopped Medjool dates into a smooth paste using a food processor. Tip: If using firmer dates, see tips section below.

Divide into 32 balls. Use gloves or oil your hands to prevent sticking.

Shape the Cookies

By Hand: Flatten a dough ball in your palm, cup it slightly. Place a date ball in the center and wrap the dough around it. Seal and roll gently into a ball, then flatten slightly into a disc. Use a fork or nut pick to create patterns on top.

Bake

Place cookies on a baking sheet, spaced 1-2 inches apart. Smooth side up for hand-shaped. Patterned side up for molded
Bake 15-20 minutes. Do not over-bake-cookies should be pale golden, not brown. Cool on a wire rack, then dust with powdered sugar.
Store in an airtight container.

Our yearly tradition continues

Ever wondered what it’s like to lead a classroom, attend meetings, or manage a full day as a teacher? Our GMS Teacher for a Day is our annual chance chance to find out.

On Tuesday, March 31st, the NJHS and Student Council hosted the exciting annual event, Teacher for the Day. This unique opportunity allows students to step outside their usual routine and experience school from a whole new perspective—by shadowing a staff member for an entire day.

GMS Staff members who were interested in participating were given the chance to sign up. Once the list of participating faculty was finalized, it was shared with students. From there, students chose one staff member they’d like to shadow and submitted a short explanation as to why they are the best candidate for the experience.

After submissions were reviewed, each participating staff member selected one student to join them for the day. On March 31st, those selected students followed their chosen teacher’s schedule, gaining insight into the responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of being an educator.

To celebrate the day, all participants were invited to a special luncheon featuring pizza, chips, drinks, and dessert.

Teacher for the Day is more than just a fun event—it’s a chance to build stronger connections between students and staff while gaining a deeper appreciation for the work teachers do every day!

Mrs. Whitney

Mr. Hays, Ms. Janiec, Mr. Bekefi, Ms. Pandorf, Mrs. Koodray

Ms. Kovacs

Welcome Mrs. Makofske

This year, GMS is excited to welcome a new chorus teacher whose background in music and theater runs deep. Coming from a family dedicated to the performing arts, she brings not only experience, but a lifelong passion for creativity, collaboration, and storytelling.

Her family is closely connected to The Gilbert Players, a theater company founded in 2003 by her parents, Linda and John Tomasi. What began as a small but ambitious project—transforming an old school building in Gilbertville, Massachusetts into a performance space—quickly grew into a thriving artistic community. Their very first production, an original cabaret-style love story performed over Valentine’s weekend, exceeded expectations and sold out every show.

Over the years, The Gilbert Players have become known for their high-quality productions and strong sense of community. After gaining recognition for their work, they were invited to become the Resident Theater Company at Eagle Hill School’s Archipley Cultural Center. Since 2008, they have staged numerous well-known musicals, including The Little Mermaid, Shrek, Annie, Into the Woods, and The Wizard of Oz. Their performances have earned praise from several regional publications, highlighting their attention to detail and dedication to excellence.

Growing up surrounded by this environment, Mrs. Makofske was immersed in music, theater, and performance from an early age. Family involvement in productions, rehearsals, and community events helped shape her appreciation for the arts and the importance of teamwork. The Gilbert Players are also known for their charitable efforts, donating time and talent to support local organizations—something that has clearly influenced her values as an educator.

Now in her role at our school, she is eager to share that same passion with students. She hopes to create a chorus program that not only builds musical skills but also fosters confidence, creativity, and a sense of belonging. Students can expect an engaging classroom atmosphere where everyone is encouraged to participate and grow.

With such a strong artistic background and a commitment to community, Mrs. Makofske is a wonderful addition to our school. We look forward to seeing how her experience and enthusiasm will inspire students both on and off the stage.

A Day of History and Team Spirit: Blue Stars Visit Paterson

Recently, students from Blue Star students from GMS and GHS had the opportunity to take an unforgettable trip to Paterson, New Jersey. The day was packed with history, culture, and team bonding as we explored several iconic locations, including Hinchliffe Stadium, the Paterson Great Falls, and the Paterson Museum.

Their first stop was Hinchliffe Stadium, one of the few remaining Negro League stadiums in the country. Walking through the stadium museum was like stepping back in time. They learned about its significance in baseball history and the role it played in providing opportunities for talented athletes during a time of segregation. Touring the baseball museum they saw photographs, artifacts, and stories that highlighted the teams who once played there. It was both educational and inspiring to see how sports helped break barriers and bring communities together.

Next, they visited the Paterson Great Falls, one of the largest waterfalls on the East Coast. The view was breathtaking, and the sound of rushing water made it an unforgettable experience. Beyond its natural beauty, they also learned about the falls’ importance in the development of Paterson as America’s first planned industrial city. It was fascinating to see how nature and industry came together to shape the area’s history.

The final stop was the Paterson Museum, where they explored exhibits showcasing the city’s industrial past, including its role in silk production and manufacturing. The museum offered a closer look at how Paterson became known as “Silk City” and how innovation and hard work defined its growth. From historic machinery to cultural displays, there was something for everyone to learn and appreciate.

Overall, the trip was not only educational but also a great way for GMS and GHS Blue Stars members to bond outside of their usual routines. Spending the day together, learning new things, and experiencing history firsthand made it a meaningful and memorable experience for everyone involved.

This visit to Paterson reminded us that history is all around us—it just takes a day of exploration to truly appreciate it.

Touring the Falls

A rainbow appeared for our students

Paterson artifacts

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.

Words for this issue are:

5 vocabulary words related to spring

Blossom – a flower that blooms on a tree or plant.
Example: The cherry trees blossom in spring.
Bloom – when flowers open and grow.
Example: Tulips bloom in April.
Breeze – a light, gentle wind.
Example: A cool breeze blew through the garden.
Sprout – when a plant begins to grow from the ground.
Example: Green plants sprout after the winter.
Meadow – a field covered with grass and wildflowers.
Example: The meadow was full of colorful flowers in spring.

For one Garfield Middle School 6th grade student, Alexander C., gaming isn’t just a hobby—it’s been part of his life for as long as he can remember.

He started playing video games at just five years old, with some of his earliest memories involving Roblox on his desktop computer. Not long after, he got an Xbox, but Roblox remained his go-to game. Even now, years later, it’s still one of his favorites.

While he enjoys a variety of games, he’s especially drawn to combat-style games that keep him engaged and challenged. Unlike many gamers his age, he says he never really got into Minecraft, choosing instead to stick with the games he finds most exciting.

For Alexander, gaming is all about having fun and passing the time. During the school week, he usually plays for a few hours after finishing his work. On weekends, he plays more—but not all day—balancing gaming with other parts of his life.

He also takes pride in his gaming setup. He uses a prebuilt gaming computer but is constantly upgrading it to improve performance. His favorite keyboard is the Redragon S134, along with the matching mouse that comes with it.

Looking ahead, he has big goals. He can see himself joining an e-sports team someday and even hopes Garfield Middle School might create a team in the future. His current favorite game on Roblox is Jujutsu Shenanigans, which fits perfectly with his love for action-packed gameplay.

Beyond gaming, he’s interested in pursuing a career in the tech field, especially working with large mainframe systems. When it comes to game companies, he admires Team Cherry for their work, though he’s not a fan of EA Sports, which he feels focuses too much on making money.

From a young Roblox player to a future tech enthusiast, his journey shows how a simple hobby can turn into something much bigger.

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New “Happy Hour” Club Brings Fun and Creativity to Fridays

Looking for a fun way to end your week? A brand-new after-school club called Happy Hour is giving students the perfect opportunity to relax, socialize, and get creative every Friday afternoon.

Held from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m., Happy Hour is designed as a welcoming space where students can unwind after a busy week of classes. Whether you want to hang out with friends, meet new people, or just take a break, the club offers something for everyone.

Each week, students can take part in a variety of activities, including arts and crafts, board games, and other group games. From making creative DIY projects to friendly competitions, the atmosphere is all about having fun and enjoying time together.

The club encourages students to express themselves, try new things, and build connections in a relaxed, low-pressure environment. It’s a great way to step away from school stress and start the weekend on a positive note.

Happy Hour is open to all students, and no prior experience or special skills are needed—just bring yourself and a willingness to have a good time.

If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to make your Fridays more exciting, Happy Hour might be the perfect place to be.

7th grader Gabriella Urdanivia recommends: "The Lovely Bones" by Alice Sebold

For readers who enjoy emotional and thought-provoking stories, The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold is a powerful book that stays with you long after you finish reading. The novel tells the story of Susie Salmon, a young girl who watches the world from the afterlife after her life is suddenly taken. As the story unfolds, readers slowly discover what happened to Susie while also seeing how the people she loved cope with her loss.

The Lovely Bones centers on fourteen-year-old Susie Salmon, who narrates the story from heaven after her death. From this unique perspective, she watches her family, friends, and community struggle to understand what happened and learn how to live without her. The novel explores how each character deals with grief and how the tragedy affects their relationships and choices. While the story begins with a heartbreaking event, it ultimately focuses on healing, memory, and the lasting power of love.

Through the main characters, the story shows how one tragic event can affect many different lives in unexpected ways.

One of the main themes in The Lovely Bones is the idea that people can find strength and healing even after experiencing deep loss. The novel shows that grief affects everyone differently, but over time people can begin to move forward and rebuild their lives. It also highlights the importance of love, hope, and forgiveness during difficult moments.

In my opinion, The Lovely Bones is a powerful and emotional book because it shows how deeply one event can affect many people. The author does an excellent job of making the characters feel real, especially the Salmon family. Their struggles and emotions help readers understand grief from multiple perspectives. Overall, the story is both heartbreaking and meaningful, making it a memorable read for anyone who enjoys emotional and character-driven novels.

Achoo Spring

ACHOO, SPRING!

Spring sneezes drift through blooming air,

With pollen floating everywhere.

The flower rise, the tress all cheer

But itchy noses ruin the mood

Eyes grow watery, red, and sore,

Achoo! Achoo! Then once more.

The breeze that once felt soft and light

Now starts an unexpected fight starts.

Yet through the sniffles, coughs, and pleas,

There’s still sweet beauty in the breeze

For even allergies remind us too,

That life is waking, fresh and new.

-Nayeli Lopez