In the Middle

Members of the Garfield Middle School Student Council had the wonderful opportunity to visit the Pre-K Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) to share their love of reading with some of our district’s youngest learners.

During the visit, student council members spent time reading a variety of children’s books to the pre-k classes, including favorites by Dr. Seuss as well as other fun and colorful stories. The younger students were excited to listen as the middle schoolers brought the stories to life with expressive voices, laughter, and plenty of enthusiasm.

The visit was a special experience for both groups of students. The pre-k children enjoyed meeting the older students and hearing their favorite stories read aloud, while the middle school student council members had the chance to serve as role models and help encourage a love of reading at an early age.

Activities like this highlight the importance of community within our schools. By connecting students from different grade levels, everyone benefits—older students develop leadership and service skills, and younger students gain confidence and excitement about learning.

The Garfield Middle School Student Council looks forward to more opportunities to work with the ECLC in the future and continue spreading the joy of reading throughout our school community.

The official theme, designated by the National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA), is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future”.

National Women's History Alliance +1

• Focus: The theme expands the definition of sustainability beyond environmentalism to include financial sustainability, community resilience, and intergenerational equity.
• Recognition: It honors women who are rebuilding systems to ensure long-term progress across economic, educational, and social movements.

I never thought I would become a vice principal. The middle school has always felt like home to me. This is where I began my career, working in the counseling department. At the time, I thought my career would always stay focused on counseling students, but over time my role grew and eventually led me into administration.

One of the best parts of my job is working with students every day. I enjoy talking with them, helping them solve problems, and supporting them when they are having a tough time. Sometimes, though, my job isn’t as fun. There are moments when I have to suspend students or deal with serious discipline situations. In those moments, my goal is to make sure students understand the difference between right and wrong and learn from their mistakes.

I always want students to know that my door is open. I try to reassure them that they have support at this school. Sometimes I even share personal stories so they know that the challenges they are going through are not unique. Difficult moments happen to everyone, and the hard times they are facing now will eventually pass.

For example, when I was younger, there was a girl who used to make fun of me. It made me feel uncomfortable and hurt at the time. But that experience also helped shape who I am today because I knew I never wanted someone else to feel that way. It’s one reason I care so much about how students treat each other.

My academic background is in history and social studies, and I have a history degree. When I first started working at the middle school, our school was one of the first to introduce school uniforms. I actually love them. While I believe self-expression is important, school should be a place where students can focus on learning rather than what someone else is wearing.

Working with students is also something that helps keep me young—or at least I like to think so. Being around middle schoolers every day brings a lot of energy to the building.

One thing I always remind students is that the time they spend here goes by quickly. When you look back, middle school is only a small part of your life. That’s why it’s important to focus on doing well in school rather than getting into trouble.

When disciplinary situations happen, the administration takes them seriously and handles them carefully. The first step is usually reviewing video footage to understand exactly what happened. After that, we call the students involved to the office and ask them to explain their actions. Our school uses progressive discipline, which means we look at whether this is a student’s first incident or a repeated behavior. For a first incident, we may consider a lighter consequence, but we always take into account the seriousness of the situation.

At the end of the day, the goal of everyone in the main office is the same: to support students, keep the school running smoothly, and make sure every student has the chance to succeed. Even though no two days are ever the same, that’s what makes the job meaningful.

Garfield Middle School is proud to share that artwork created by our talented middle school students will be on display at the Garfield Public Library this month. The exhibition highlights the creativity, imagination, and hard work of our student artists and gives the community a chance to see the incredible work being created in our art classes.

To celebrate the exhibition, a special opening Night and Reception was on March 9, 2026, from 6:30–7:30 PM at the public library. Students, families, staff, and community members were invited to attend and help celebrate the amazing artists of Garfield Middle School. The evening provided an opportunity for students to share their artwork and for guests to explore the many different styles and projects on display.

The exhibition will remain on display at the public library throughout March and April, giving community members plenty of time to stop by and view the collection.

We encourage everyone to visit the library, support our student artists, and take pride in the creativity and talent within the Garfield Middle School community.

At our school and in the wider community, many people work behind the scenes to make a difference. Mr. Braitsch, our local volunteer organizer is doing exactly that by hosting fundraisers and organizing events to help students and families in need. In an interview, he shared what motivates him and how others can get involved.

One of his main reasons for helping is simple: he has the time and the ability to make a difference. Mr. Braitsch explained that helping others feels even more rewarding because of the amazing people who join them in volunteering and supporting the cause.

When asked about the challenges of starting a fundraiser, Mr. Braitsch said the process is not as difficult as it might seem. According to him, once you have a meaningful cause, fundraising becomes much easier because people are naturally willing to support something that helps others.

Looking ahead, they already have plans for future projects. Their team is currently organizing fundraisers to help restock the Humanity Pantry at Garfield Middle School, which provides important supplies for students who need them. During the summer, they also plan to begin fundraising for their 7th Annual Back to School Supply Event, which helps students start the school year with the materials they need.

Mr. Braitsch also shared that anyone interested in helping can sign up to volunteer through their Linktree page. Volunteers play a big role in making these events successful.

Encouraging people to help is not complicated, he said. Usually, he would simply explain the purpose of the event and who it will benefit. For many people, knowing that their support will help someone in need is reason enough to get involved.

When asked what inspired him to start helping others, he said there wasn’t one specific moment that started it all. Instead, he explained that he was raised to be mindful of other people’s struggles and to help whenever possible. He credits his parents as his biggest inspiration for teaching him those values.

Like any project, fundraising comes with obstacles. One of the biggest challenges he mentioned is fatigue, especially when organizing many events. However, he believes that when things get tough, you just have to become tougher and keep going.

Mr. Braitsch also confirmed that other organizations have partnered with him along the way, helping expand their impact and reach more people in the community.

When asked how much he enjoys helping others, his answer was simple: a lot.

Mr. Braitsch's dedication shows how one person’s willingness to help can inspire others and make a real difference in the world.

Every year on March 2nd, readers across the country celebrate the birthday of the one and only Dr. Seuss — the brilliant author who turned silly sounds into unforgettable stories. But did you know that part of what makes his books so fun is his totally unique vocabulary?

Dr. Seuss (whose real name was Theodor Seuss Geisel) didn’t just tell stories — he invented words that made reading exciting, musical, and imaginative. In honor of his birthday, let’s explore some of his most famous and funny vocabulary!

From The Cat in the Hat

In The Cat in the Hat, we meet Thing One and Thing Two — mysterious troublemakers with wild blue hair.

• Thingamajigger – A playful word for something when you don’t know its real name.

• Bump – Seuss uses simple words like this to build rhythm and suspense.

Even when the words aren’t made up, the way he uses them makes them bounce off the page!

From One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish

One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish is full of zany creatures and silly surprises.

• Yink – A pink creature who drinks ink!

• Wump – A strange character with wild features.

• Zans – Made-up creatures that add to the fun.

These nonsense words spark imagination — readers get to decide what these creatures look and sound like.

Try This: Make Your Own Seuss Word!

To celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday, try inventing your own silly word. Maybe a flibberflap (a hat that claps) or a snoodleberry (a giggling fruit). Write a sentence or short poem using your new word and share it with a friend!

After all, as Dr. Seuss taught us, the more you read — and the more you play with words — the more places you’ll go!

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

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.

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.

One of the most powerful books students can read is Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper. This inspiring fiction story teaches readers about courage, determination, and the importance of being heard.

The book follows a girl named Melody Brooks who has cerebral palsy. Because of her condition, Melody cannot walk or speak, and many people around her assume that she is not as capable as other students. However, Melody is very intelligent and has a lot to say. For most of her life, she struggles to communicate with the people around her. Everything begins to change when she finally gets a way to express her thoughts and show others who she truly is.

Throughout the story, Melody shows incredible bravery as she works to prove that she is just as strong and capable as anyone else. With the help of her supportive parents and her neighbor, Mrs. V, Melody learns to believe in herself and not be afraid of what others think. Mrs. V encourages her to be brave and reminds her that her voice matters, even if it takes time for others to listen.

One of the most important themes in Out of My Mind is the power of communication. The story reminds readers that everyone deserves the chance to express themselves and be understood. It also shows that people should never judge someone’s abilities based on what they see on the outside.

A favorite part of the book is when Melody finally stands up for herself and people begin to cheer her on. It is an exciting and emotional moment that shows how brave she truly is. The story is inspiring because it proves that courage and determination can help someone overcome many challenges.

Overall, Out of My Mind is a meaningful and inspiring book that encourages readers to be kind, understanding, and open-minded. It reminds us that every person has something important to say.

Tests can sometimes feel stressful, but the right preparation and strategies can make a big difference. Here are some helpful test-taking tips that can help middle school students feel more confident and do their best on exams.

1. Study a Little at a Time
Instead of cramming the night before, try studying a little bit each day. Review notes, homework, and important vocabulary so the information stays fresh in your mind.

2. Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Sleep is very important before a test. Being well-rested helps you think clearly, remember information, and stay focused during the exam.

3. Eat a Healthy Breakfast
Starting the day with a good breakfast gives your brain the energy it needs. Foods like eggs, fruit, oatmeal, or toast can help you stay focused longer.

4. Read the Directions Carefully
Before answering questions, take time to read all instructions. Sometimes students lose points simply because they miss an important direction.

5. Start with the Questions You Know
Answer the easiest questions first. This helps you build confidence and saves more time for the harder questions later.

6. Take Your Time and Check Your Work
If you finish early, go back and review your answers. Make sure you didn’t skip any questions or make simple mistakes.

7. Stay Calm and Positive
If you feel nervous, take a deep breath and relax. Remind yourself that you prepared and that doing your best is what matters most.

8. Ask Questions if You’re Confused
If you don’t understand the directions, raise your hand and ask the teacher to explain. It’s always better to ask than to guess what the instructions mean.

Tests are a normal part of the school year, but with preparation and a positive attitude, they don’t have to be scary. Following these tips can help you feel ready and confident when test day arrives.

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.

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.

You'll look up and down streets. Look 'em over with care.
About some you will say, "I don't choose to go there."
With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet,
you're too smart to go down any not-so-good street.

And you may not find any
you'll want to go down.
In that case, of course,
you'll head straight out of town.

It's opener there
in the wide open air.

Out there things can happen
and frequently do
to people as brainy
and footsy as you.

And then things start to happen,
don't worry. Don't stew.
Just go right along.
You'll start happening too.

OH!
THE PLACES YOU'LL GO!

You'll be on y our way up!
You'll be seeing great sights!
You'll join the high fliers
who soar to high heights.

You won't lag behind, because you'll have the speed.
You'll pass the whole gang and you'll soon take the lead.
Wherever you fly, you'll be best of the best.
Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.

Except when you don't.
Because, sometimes, you won't.

I'm sorry to say so
but, sadly, it's true
that Bang-ups
and Hang-ups
can happen to you.

You can get all hung up
in a prickle-ly perch.
And your gang will fly on.
You'll be left in a Lurch.

You'll come down from the Lurch
with an unpleasant bump.
And the chances are, then,
that you'll be in a Slump.

And when you're in a Slump,
you're not in for much fun.
Un-slumping yourself
is not easily done.

You will come to a place where the streets are not marked.
Some windows are lighted. But mostly they're darked.
A place you could sprain both your elbow and chin!
Do you dare to stay out? Do you dare to go in?
How much can you lose? How much can you win?

And IF you go in, should you turn left or right...
or right-and-three-quarters? Or, maybe, not quite?
Or go around back and sneak in from behind?
Simple it's not, I'm afraid you will find,
for a mind-maker-upper to make up his mind.

You can get so confused
that you'll start in to race
down long wiggled roads at a break-necking pace
and grind on for miles cross weirdish wild space,
headed, I fear, toward a most useless place.
The Waiting Place...

...for people just waiting.
Waiting for a train to go
or a bus to come, or a plane to go
or the mail to come, or the rain to go
or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow
or the waiting around for a Yes or No
or waiting for their hair to grow.
Everyone is just waiting.

Waiting for the fish to bite
or waiting for the wind to fly a kite
or waiting around for Friday night
or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake
or a pot to boil, or a Better Break
or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants
or a wig with curls, or Another Chance.
Everyone is just waiting.

NO!
That's not for you!

Somehow you'll escape
all that waiting and staying
You'll find the bright places
where Boom Bands are playing.

With banner flip-flapping,
once more you'll ride high!
Ready for anything under the sky.
Ready because you're that kind of a guy!

Oh, the places you'll go! There is fun to be done!
There are points to be scored. There are games to be won.
And the magical things you can do with that ball
will make you the winning-est winner of all.
Fame! You'll be as famous as famous can be,
with the whole wide world watching you win on TV.

Except when they don't
Because, sometimes they won't.

I'm afraid that some times
you'll play lonely games too.
Games you can't win
'cause you'll play against you.

All Alone!
Whether you like it or not,
Alone will be something
you'll be quite a lot.

And when you're alone, there's a very good chance
you'll meet things that scare you right out of your pants.
There are some, down the road between hither and yon,
that can scare you so much you won't want to go on.

But on you will go
though the weather be foul.
On you will go
though your enemies prowl.
On you will go
though the Hakken-Kraks howl.
Onward up many
a frightening creek,
though your arms may get sore
and your sneakers may leak.

On and on you will hike,
And I know you'll hike far
and face up to your problems
whatever they are.

You'll get mixed up, of course,
as you already know.
You'll get mixed up
with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life's
a Great Balancing Act.
Just never foget to be dexterous and deft.
And never mix up your right foot with your left.

And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)

KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!

So...
be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray
or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O'Shea,
You're off the Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So...get on your way!

By Dr. Suess

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