In the Middle

We are thrilled to introduce our brand-new Middle School Newsletter! This newsletter is your go-to source for staying informed and engaged with all the exciting things happening in our school community.

Inside each issue, you'll find:

• Key Updates: Important announcements and school news.
• Student Spotlights: Celebrating the achievements and creativity of our middle schoolers.
• Upcoming Events: Mark your calendars for sports, clubs, and special activities.
• Classroom Highlights: A peek into innovative projects and lessons.
• Parent Resources: Tips and tools to support student success.

Our goal is to foster communication, celebrate our vibrant school spirit, and keep everyone connected. We encourage you to share your thoughts, ideas, and any content you’d love to see in future editions.

Let’s make this newsletter a reflection of the amazing energy and talent within our middle school community!

Sincerely,

GMS Publishing Community

Garfield Middle Schoolers Experience the Magic of Hamilton

On November 13th, our middle school students embarked on an unforgettable journey—not just to the theater, but through history itself—when they attended a live performance of the acclaimed musical Hamilton.

The trip was an incredible opportunity for students to see history come to life through Lin-Manuel Miranda's groundbreaking retelling of the story of Alexander Hamilton. Set to a blend of hip-hop, R&B, and traditional show tunes, the musical captivated the audience, offering a fresh perspective on the founding of America and the individuals who shaped it.

For many students, this was their first time experiencing live theater on such a grand scale. “It was amazing to see how they used music and acting to teach history,” said sixth grader Vincent C. “I didn’t realize history could feel so exciting!”

Before the trip, students prepared by exploring key themes and historical events featured in the show during their social studies and language arts classes. From the American Revolution to the Federalist Papers, classroom discussions enriched their understanding and appreciation of the performance.

Teachers and chaperones noted how the production sparked curiosity and inspired deeper conversations. “Hamilton reminds students that history isn’t just about names and dates; it’s about people, their struggles, and their triumphs,” said Mrs. Dunker, the language arts teacher.

Beyond the lessons, the field trip offered students a chance to connect with each other and create lasting memories. The energy and excitement in the theater were contagious as students clapped, cheered, and even hummed along to familiar songs like "My Shot" and "The Room Where It Happens."

We are grateful to the parents, staff, and community members who helped make this trip possible. It’s moments like these that bring learning to life and remind us of the power of art to educate and inspire.

As we return to the classroom, the spirit of Hamilton lives on, encouraging our students to think critically, dream big, and embrace their own role in shaping the future.

What’s the best way to start your day? For our middle school students, the answer might just be in the cereal aisle! Last week, we conducted a fun lunchtime poll to settle a surprisingly heated debate: which breakfast cereal reigns supreme?

The poll featured a lineup of classic contenders, from sugary fan favorites to hearty staples. Over 700 students participated, casting their votes for the cereal they believe deserves the top spot. The results? Let’s just say they had us reaching for our spoons.

Results: Coco Puffs (157) Cinnamon Toast Crunch (113), Fruity Pebbles (100), Lucky Charms (95), Fruit

Loops (90), Frosted Flakes (66), Captain Crunch (64), Honey Nut Cheerios (49) & Rice Krispies (23)

Garfield Middle School Launches Food Pantry to Support Community Needs

In a heartwarming display of compassion and community spirit, Garfield Middle School and Strangers Helping Strangers, have launched a new food pantry to help students and families facing food insecurity. The initiative, called the Humanity Pantry, officially opened its doors this year and is already making a meaningful impact.

A Response to Community Needs

The idea for the pantry came after school staff members noticed a growing need among families for reliable access to nutritious food. “We want to ensure that every student comes to school ready to learn, and that starts with meeting basic needs,” said Strangers Helping Strangers founder Mr. Braitsch. “The food pantry is a way for us to support not just our students, but their families as well.”

How It Works

The pantry operates out of a dedicated space in the school and is stocked with non-perishable food items, snacks, and even toiletries. Families can visit discreetly during designated hours or request items through a confidential form. The goal is to ensure that everyone feels comfortable accessing the resources they need.

A Community Effort

The pantry is made possible through generous donations from local businesses, parent volunteers, and community organizations. Students have also been involved, organizing food drives and spreading the word.

Local grocery stores and nonprofits have also stepped in, donating canned goods, pasta, rice, and other staples. Some have even provided fresh produce, ensuring families have access to a variety of healthy options.

Impact Beyond the School

While the pantry was created to address the needs of school families, it has also become a beacon of support for the larger community. “The more we connect with local partners, the more we realize how many people want to help,” said Mr. Braitsch, the school pantry’s coordinator.

How You Can Help

The food pantry is always accepting donations. Items in high demand include canned vegetables, peanut butter, rice, pasta, and toiletries like shampoo and toothpaste. Monetary donations are also welcome and will go toward purchasing fresh items or restocking shelves.

If you’d like to contribute, contact the school office or drop off donations during school hours. Together, we can ensure that no family in our community has to worry about where their next meal will come from.

A Lesson in Kindness

The food pantry isn’t just about providing food; it’s about teaching students the value of kindness and the importance of helping others. “It’s great to see students learning that they can make a difference, no matter their age,” said Principal Rigoglioso.

With its doors now open, the pantry stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when a community comes together to support one another.

Magical Night at Garfield Middle School: A Spectacular Performance of The Polar Express

On a chilly evening in December, the stage of Garfield Middle School was transformed into a magical winter wonderland as students brought to life the beloved holiday story, The Polar Express. The performance, directed by Mrs. Statile, captivated the audience with its heartwarming scenes, intricate sets, and enthusiastic cast, leaving everyone filled with holiday cheer.

A Journey to the North Pole

The show began with the familiar sound of a train whistle as the cast, dressed in pajama sets, took their places on stage. The story follows a young boy who, on Christmas Eve, embarks on a fantastical journey aboard the Polar Express to the North Pole, meeting a host of intriguing characters along the way. The middle school students did a fantastic job of capturing the wonder and excitement of the story, infusing it with their own energy and creativity.

Stunning Set Design and Costumes

The set was a visual delight, with a giant replica of the Polar Express train taking center stage. The train, crafted with attention to detail, seemed to come to life as it ‘traveled’ across the stage, complete with flashing lights and billowing smoke. The North Pole, with its towering, glittering ice structures and snowy landscape, was just as enchanting. The production team worked tirelessly to create an atmosphere that transported the audience to a magical world.

The costumes were equally impressive. The young performers, dressed as elves, passengers, and the iconic conductor, looked as though they stepped right out of a holiday storybook. The bright colors and cozy pajamas added a playful touch to the performance, making the entire production feel warm and inviting.

The ensemble, made up of students from various grades, worked together seamlessly. Their chorus numbers, which included classic holiday songs such as “Jingle Bells” and “Believe,” had the audience humming along, their voices blending harmoniously in a joyful celebration of the season.

Cherished Memories

This production will surely be remembered as a cherished tradition at Garfield Middle School, a performance that brought together the community, young and old, in the spirit of joy and wonder. Students and families alike left the auditorium with smiles on their faces, knowing that the holiday season had truly begun, thanks to the magic of The Polar Express.

When students think of GMS Math class, they often picture equations, problem-solving, and graphs. But for Mr. VanWinkle, our beloved math teacher, numbers are just one side of the equation. Outside the classroom, he is an amateur photographer who has become a familiar figure at school events, capturing moments that tell the story of our school community.

Mr. VanWinkle’s passion for photography began as a hobby when he listened to his grandfather tell stories of how he took photographs during WWII. Over the years, what started as an interest blossomed into a creative outlet.

Students and staff have come to expect the sight of Mr. VanWinkle, camera in hand, at basketball games, school dances, school concerts and dance productions, and other events. He volunteers his time to document these occasions, ensuring the memories are preserved for the yearbook, social media, and even the school website.

Our own school news publications consider his contributions invaluable. Mr. Van Winkle has such an eye for detail. His photos aren’t just snapshots, they tell stories. He makes sure every student feel seen.

His dedication to GMS is second to none.

For many students, seeing a teacher express passion beyond the classroom has been inspiring. Whether it’s a candid photo of friends laughing in the hallways or a dramatic shot of the winning basket, Mr. VanWinkle’s work reminds us of the beauty in everyday moments. He proves that being a teacher is about more than lessons and grades—it’s about enriching the school community in unexpected ways.

So, the next time you spot Mr. VanWinkle at an event, be sure to give him a smile or wave. After all, there’s a good chance he’s capturing another unforgettable moment.

Music, and cheers filled the homerooms of GMS as students and staff gathered for the school’s much-anticipated Karaoke Singing Competition. The event, organized by Mr. Stevenson, drew a crowd of enthusiastic attendees and showcased the impressive musical talents!

The competition was aimed to foster creativity, boost confidence, and encourage camaraderie among students. Our first ever contest challenged participants to perform songs for the students to see. . From energetic pop anthems to soulful ballads, the students wowed the audience with their dedication, charisma, and vocal skills.

Contestants from all 3 grade levels participated. Performers sang to instrumental tracks of their chosen songs. The GMS students and staff were able to vote for their choice of performer while viewing a taped music session in homeroom.

“It’s amazing to see our students step out of their comfort zones and shine while singing. Today was a testament to the incredible talent and spirit we have here at Garfield Middle School", was said by Principal Rigoglioso when he announced the winners.

As the winners were finally announced and the singalong faded, homeroom studets smiled with a renewed appreciation for the power of music to bring people together.

For those who took the stage, and recorded their performances, the memories of the spotlight—and the cheers that followed—will undoubtedly stay with them for years to come.

Congratulations to all who participated!

The GMS administration introduced a fun ELA project for two weeks in December leading up until Christmas. Students were encouraged to read one NEW book between the beginning of December and December 16th.

Students were asked to read a book that was rigorous for their level. Then, on December 16th teachers had students complete a short 5 question assessment in class to ensure they read the whole book.

Students who participated got a dress down WEEK of their choice. Those who scored 75 or higher on a short assessment were entered in a raffle to win their choice of the following:

-S350 Camera Drone

-1080P Digital Camera

-Bengoo Pro Gaming Headset

-Redragon Gaming Keyboard/Mouse 2 in 1 set

From all the participants, we held a random drawing, and the winner of our grand prize was 6th grader Kelaida O.

Congratulations to Kelaida and a big thank-you to all the students who joined the challenge. Your efforts made this a great success. Keep up the amazing reading, GMS!

Our first annual faculty meatball contest took place on Senior Citizen day this year. The winners were Mrs. J in first place and Mr. Fasolo in second. Each won a prize. The award winning meatball recipe listed below:

Thank you Mrs. J for sharing your award winning meatball recipe. Congratulations again on your win!

Meatball Ingredients:

0.5 pound ground pork

0.5 pound ground veal

0.5 pound ground beef

1 onion, shredded

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 scallions, finely chopped

2 slices of sourdough bread, toasted and soaked in milk

1 egg

A handful of very finely grated hard cheese

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1/2 tsp paprika

1 tbsp olive oil (plus more for frying)

Tomato Sauce Ingredients:

1 onion, finely chopped

3–4 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (28 oz) whole peeled plum tomatoes, crushed by hand

1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

2–3 cans (use the paste can) water

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions to prepare the Meatballs:

Prepare Bread: Soak the toasted sourdough bread in milk until soft. Squeeze out excess milk and crumble into small pieces.

Mix Ingredients: Combine the pork, veal, beef, shredded onion, garlic, scallions, bread, egg, cheese, olive oil, and seasonings. Mix gently until evenly combined.

Chill: Cover and refrigerate the mixture for 15–30 minutes

Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter.

Lightly Fry: Heat a small amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs until lightly browned on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked). Remove and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce:

Cook Aromatics: In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onion with a pinch of salt until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

Build the Sauce: Add the crushed plum tomatoes, tomato paste, and water (2–3 paste cans’ worth) to the pan. Stir well to combine. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes.

Simmer: Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.

Finish Cooking:

Combine: Carefully add the browned meatballs to the sauce. Cover and let them simmer gently for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Serve: Once the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened, serve and enjoy!

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