In the Middle

Congratulations to our students of the month for February 2025. These students are recognized for their character, effort, and positive impact they bring to our school community.

Pictured below:

Sofia Rosas 6th grade

Nadiia Kolinets 7th grade

Samantha Montero 8th grade

Who says you can't go home? The halls of GMS were filled with both excitement and nostalgia as former student Jaiden Griffin, a proud alumna of the class of 2022, returned to visit her old school and reconnect with her former teachers.

Now a Junior at Paramus Catholic and touring colleges, Jaiden wanted to come back to see us. During her visit, she reflected on her years at GMS and the lasting impact her teachers had on her journey.

“It feels surreal to be back,” Griffin said. “So much has changed, but at the same time, it feels like home. Seeing my old teachers and even walking down the same hallways brought back so many memories.”

Among the teachers she visited was Ms. Ryden (pictured above) who taught ELA and remembers Jaiden fondly. “She was always curious, hardworking, and full of creativity," Ms. Ryden said. “It’s so rewarding to see our former students thrive and come back to share their experiences.”

Throughout the day, Griffin spoke with current students, offering advice and sharing stories about life after graduation. She emphasized the importance of staying true to yourself, getting involved in school activities, and appreciating the teachers who truly care.

Her visit served as a reminder that the bonds formed at GMS don’t end at graduation — they continue to grow, even after students have moved on to new adventures. Whether they go off to college, travel the world, or start their careers, they will always have a place to return to at GMS.

As she headed back out into the world, her words lingered in the air, leaving both students and teachers inspired. “This school shaped who I am today,” she said. “And I’ll always be proud to say I came from Garfield Middle School.”

See your homeroom teacher for the form on Teams

It’s hard to believe we have already reached the middle of the third marking period of the school year! Time is flying, and I am incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication our students have shown so far. As we step into this next phase of the year, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate our progress and share a few important reminders and goals for the months ahead. The third marking period is the perfect time to take your studies seriously and set personal goals, ensuring a fun 4th marking period. Focusing on your grades and behavior now will help you relax and enjoy the end-of-year fun.

The first half of the year has been filled with exciting learning experiences, creative projects, and meaningful growth for our students. From hands-on science experiments to outstanding essays and engaging class discussions, our students continue to impress us with their curiosity and effort. I’d also like to recognize the incredible teamwork and leadership shown by our student clubs, sports teams, and community service groups. Your school spirit and commitment to making a difference is inspiring!

With the new marking period comes a fresh opportunity for students to set goals, reflect on their strengths, and identify areas where they want to improve. Whether it’s boosting their grades, staying more organized, or participating more in class, I encourage each student to create a personal goal for MP4. Our teachers and staff are always here to support you along the way!

I’m looking forward to the warm weather because it’s great for students to go outside and get fresh air during lunch. We can also utilize the outdoor classrooms better in the spring. I love how, in the spring, the atmosphere in the school changes and becomes a little better because the students know that the end of the year is coming. It just makes everything more exciting around here.

In the fourth marking period, I’m looking forward to the warm days and the overall improvement in the atmosphere around the school. With the end of the year approaching, we’re also organizing many fun activities and trips.

I want to remind every student that growth is a journey. Every challenge is an opportunity to get stronger. Let’s approach Marking Period 4 with confidence, positivity, and a commitment to being our best selves — both in and out of the classroom.

Thank you, families, for your continued support. Together, we are building a school community where everyone can thrive. Let’s make this marking period our best one yet!

This past weekend, the stage at Garfield High School transformed into a magical winter wonderland as the theater department presented Frozen Jr.. While the show was filled with dazzling performances, what made it even more special was the incredible talent showcased by middle school students who joined the high school cast.

Our Middle schoolers stepped into their roles, proving that age is just a number when it comes to theatrical talent. From playing young Anna and Elsa to being part of the lively ensemble, these students held their own alongside their high school counterparts, impressing both audiences and directors alike.

"It was such an amazing experience to be part of a high school production," said 6th grader Ma'Tai. "I learned so much from the older students, and they were really welcoming and supportive."

The experience wasn’t just a learning opportunity for the middle schoolers—it was also an inspiring one. Many of them expressed excitement about continuing their theater journey into high school, now having had a taste of the stage at a higher level.

"Being in Frozen Jr. has made me want to audition for more shows in the future!" said Ma'Tai.

The audience, made up of proud family members, teachers, and friends, cheered enthusiastically throughout the performances. The combination of stunning vocals, colorful costumes, and heartfelt acting brought the beloved Disney story to life in a way that left everyone spellbound.

With such a successful collaboration between middle and high school students, the future of theater in our school district looks brighter than ever. Bravo to all the performers, and we can’t wait to see what’s next on the stage!

Cast pictured above

Get ready for a night of style, creativity, and fun — all for a great cause! Watch your fellow students hit the runway in fabulous fashion trends.

Come for the fashion — stay for the fun! See you there!

Read Across America Week is celebrated from March 2 to 6 — it begins on the birthday of the beloved author, Dr. Seuss. The entire month of March, in fact, is dedicated to reading. The aim is to encourage reading and educate people about its benefits, especially among children and young adults. Events are organized across the nation by schools and organizations to promote the same.

Reading allows students to improve their vocabulary, develop critical thinking skills, and learn how to empathize with others. While schools can promote the importance of reading year-round, March presents the perfect opportunity to acknowledge just how powerful a role reading plays in our community and beyond.

Read Across America is an annual celebration of reading that schools all across the country participate in. It’s a chance to inspire more students to become avid readers and host activities that bring our whole community closer together.

Playing Kemps is a lot of fun because it combines strategy, teamwork, and quick thinking. The game requires players to form pairs and communicate silently, trying to signal their partner when they have a "Kemp" (four of the same card) without the other team noticing. This adds a sneaky and exciting element to the game. It's also fun because there's a lot of bluffing involved whether you're pretending to have a good hand or trying to catch your opponent making a mistake. The excitement of successfully signaling your partner and calling out "Kemps!" at the right moment creates a sense of accomplishment, while the tension of trying to outsmart your opponent’s keeps everyone engaged. Plus, since it’s easy to learn and can be played in groups, it’s a perfect game for social gatherings, making it a great way to bond with friends!

So how do you play Kemps? Well here is how I learned:

Step by step directions:

1. Deal cards: Each player is dealt four cards, and four cards are placed face down in the middle of the table.

1. Play: Players can take cards from the middle and discard cards from their hand.

1. Signal: When a player has four of a kind, they signal their partner using a secret signal.

1. Call "Kemps": The partner then says "Kemps" and the team scores a point.

1. Reveal cards: If the partner says "Kemps" and the player doesn't have four of a kind, the team loses a point.

1. Call "Stop Kemps": A player can stop the round by calling "Stop Kemps" if they think an opponent has four of a kind.

1. Repeat: The process is repeated until the stock is used up or someone calls "Kemps" or "Stop Kemps".

1. Win: The first team to spell "KEMP" wins the game.

Do you have any unwanted items gathering dust at home? Donate them for a worthy cause. This garage sale, held in our GMS gym will be benefiting all students by offsetting the cost of the end of the year events. Email Mr. Braitsch (cbraitsch@gboe.org) for more information

Lifeboat 12 by Susan Hood is about a boy named Ken Sparks that lives in England with his family. Nazis are starting to attack his hometown, and his parents decide to send him on a ship to Canada. The trip went well until everything went downhill. The Nazi's launched a torpedo attack on the ship and they had to evacuate in the middle of the ocean.

What makes Lifeboat 12 stand out is its format—the author tells the story in free verse, which makes the book incredibly fast-paced and accessible. The style captures both the terrifying action and the quieter moments of fear, hope, and bravery. The sections are easy to follow, yet powerful.

The book’s historical accuracy is another strength. Susan Hood incorporates actual events, survivor accounts, and historical documents, all of which give the story an added layer of realism. Readers get a sense of what it was like to be a child in wartime London, from air raids and food shortages to the constant uncertainty of what might happen next.

Ken is a relatable and courageous character, full of humor, doubt, and resilience. As a reader, you can’t help but root for him and his fellow passengers as they struggle to stay alive, facing hunger, thirst, exposure, and the terrifying vastness of the sea.

Overall, Lifeboat 12 is a compelling mix of adventure, history, and survival. It’s a story of courage and hope, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit, especially in the darkest of times. Perfect for anyone who enjoys historical fiction or survival stories, Lifeboat 12 is both heart-wrenching and inspiring—a true testament to the power of hope in times of crisis.

Andrew has been featured in our last edition and has submitted another entry to our GMS Poet's Corner.

If you did not already know his background, Andrew's fascination with poetry began when he was in elementary school. At first, it was something simple—a way to rhyme words for fun. But as he grew older, the complexity of poetry fascinated him. He started reading the works of famous poets and experimenting with different styles, from haikus to free verse, from acrostic poems to limericks. The more he read, the more he understood how poetry could capture the tiniest moments in life and turn them into something extraordinary. Please enjoy his latest work below.

Riding the waves of Synth, reaching new heights

Strumming the strings of the guitar by my side

Exploring deep into a note's expanse

Feeling brand new as I start to dance

As I perform for an audience of me

I feel like a fruit clinging on to its tree

Scaring to fall and answer my call

I'm a lost, helpless cat caught in the squall

Trapped in this endless void

An audience? A crowd? What and why to avoid?

"I can't! I'm way to scared!"

"To unnatural, young, and unprepared"

As the days on the calendar come and go

My flowers inside start to bloom, and my light starts to show

The end is in sight, I tried and I soared into the night

In front of my fans I would be tonight

With parents and friends, you are never truly lost

Reach for the world, no matter the cost

Don't isolate your ship from the rest of the bay,

Make a vow to yourself: "I'll step into the light TODAY!"

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

Student reporter: Venessa Szewczyk