Joyce Middle School

11/3 - Election Day - No school for students

11/6 - Picture Retake Day

11/11 - No School (Veterans Day )

11/18 - Half Day for Students (dismissal at 12)

11/18 - Afternoon Parent Conferences 12:30 - 2:15

11/19 - Evening Parent Conferences 6-8 pm

11/25 - Early Release for Thanksgiving Break - 11:30 Dismissal

11/26 - 11/27 - Schools Closed for Thanksgiving Break

We are excited to introduce a new program at Joyce Middle School called Joyce MVPs!

Every day, we see students doing kind things—often when they don’t even realize anyone is watching. Maybe you help a classmate who is struggling, include someone who is feeling left out, lend a hand without being asked, or simply do something that makes Joyce a better place.

School is about more than academics. It’s also about being a good community member, treating others with kindness and respect, and doing your part to make our school a positive place for everyone.

Congratulations to ALL of our students who received a Joyce Kindness Coupon. Our winners of the Joyce MVP Raffle for the last two weeks were:

6th grade: Jordyn Beals, Noah Matos, Jordyn Beals (again), and Lyon Smith

7th grade: Dariana Reyes, Peyton Young, Gracen Blake, and Lara Souza

8th grade: Mark Mwesigwa, Joanne Verdier, Lisbet Ruiz Rodriguez, and Morgan Darren

Great work - let's keep making the Joyce a kinder community!

Character Court

Each month, the Joyce Middle School Character Court recognizes and celebrates students who exhibit a particular character trait. For September, we are highlighting the trait of RESPECT, defined as: Showing high regard for authority, other people, and self. Treating others as you would want to be treated. Students that are respectful use good manners, use appropriate language, and follow rules. The following students have been recognized for exemplifying this important trait:

Rayssa Silva, Michael Smith - 6 BLUE

Emilia DeStefano, Lukas Do Nascimento - 6 GREEN

Aubree Ferracane, Marcos Paulino - 7 BLUE

Sanjay Parthasarathy, Lily Walbourne, Peyton Young - 7 GREEN

Issam Elawad, Raelyn Abrams - 8 BLUE

Alivia McCormack, Alejandro Serrano-Ventura - 8 GREEN

CONGRATULATIONS!

All 8th grade students and families are invited!

Please see the attached flyer for the Northeast Metro Tech High School Open House. Please be advised that registrations are required this year via the QR code.

Applications will be available on the Northeast Metro Tech website from November 1, 2026 - February 1, 2027. Applications received after February 1st will not be considered for admission.

We are excited to start the 20th season of the learn to Ski and Snowboard program here at Joyce Middle School!

The program will run 6 Mondays starting January 4th, 2027 and ending February 22th, 2027. We will leave from the Joyce at 1:40 and travel to Wachusett Mountain Ski Area on a luxury bus. The Bus will return to the Joyce at approximately 7:15. Parents are responsible for student pick up at Joyce. The overall cost of the program ranges from $365 - $590 depending on what you need for rentals/lessons.

Please click HERE for more information and to sign up!

The Joyce is excited to announce changes to our National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) protocols to make the program more transparent, rigorous, and meaningful for all students. Under the updated guidelines, students in grades 6–8 will have the opportunity to earn NJHS recognition each year by meeting specific academic, conduct, effort, behavior, and community service expectations. Students in grades 6 and 7 who meet these requirements will receive certificates recognizing their achievements. However, formal induction into NJHS will be reserved for 8th grade students who have earned NJHS recognition during their 8th grade year AND at least one previous year (6th or 7th grade). These students will be celebrated at our annual NJHS Induction Ceremony in June. Our goal is to recognize students who consistently demonstrate academic excellence, strong character, and a commitment to serving others.

As part of our PRISM III grant to select a new 6th–8th grade English language arts curriculum, we are forming a Curriculum Council. This team will review and choose high-quality learning materials to support our students’ reading and writing growth.

As a member of the Curriculum Council, you will:

• Attend orientation and learning sessions to understand our literacy goals and high-quality instructional standards.

• Help set up regular meeting routines, agendas, and clear updates to keep our school community informed and involved.

There will be 4 meetings (tentatively 10/15, 10/29, 11/12, 12/3) from 3:00-4:30. Dates to be solidified once we have confirmed all members.

Parent and caregiver voices are essential to this process. If you would like to serve as a caregiver representative on the Curriculum Council, please fill out the interest form HERE.

Survey:

As part of our ongoing commitment to academic excellence and educational equity, our district is reviewing our Grades 6–8 English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum. We want to ensure our instructional materials challenge, support, and inspire every student.

Your perspective as a caregiver is invaluable. Please take 3 to 5 minutes to share your experience with your child’s reading and writing this year. Your responses are anonymous and will directly guide our Curriculum Council’s work.

Link: Survey

Students have been doing a great job selling chocolate for our school fundraiser! We still have a few more boxes to go, so let's finish strong over the next week! Please get $$$ in ASAP.

Homework club is offered every Tuesday and Thursday for all students at no cost beginning on Tuesday, September 29th . Two teachers are available in the classroom to provide students with homework help. Students may use it as a structured atmosphere to study and complete work on their own. In order to avoid disruptions, students should come prepared with academic work to last for the duration of Homework Club.

The late bus operates every Tuesday and Thursday and leaves the Joyce at approximately 3:20 and will begin operations on Tuesday, September 29th . Late bus stops:

1. Russell St & Stevin Dr

2. Samoset Rd & Lexington St

3. 238 Lexington St (Near Reeves)

4. 272 Cambridge Rd (Country Club Road)

5. Lake Ave & Arlington Rd

6. 124 Main St (South End Fire Station)

7. Eastern Ave (Back of Shamrock)

8. 4 Federal St (Near Woburn Public Library)

9. Winn St & Cummings Ave (Breakers)

10. Boys & Girls Club

Please click here to view a copy of our Middle School Handbook for 2026-2027.

The Joyce School Council is comprised of school administrators, parents, and staff members. We meet about 4-5 times a year from 2:45 - 3:30ish, generally on the 2nd Monday of every month. The first meeting will be Monday, October 19th from 2:45 - 3:30 (*this meeting is one week late due to the holiday on Monday, October 12th)

We are currently in need of two more Parent Representatives.

Please email me at kmills@woburnps.com if you would like to be considered.

Breakfast and Lunch will be Free for all students again this year.

Click here for more information regarding our breakfast and lunch program.

Click here for Bus Information and Schedules

Click here to view

the 2026-2027 School Calendar

The Joyce Xchange is a donation closet to help JMS students & Families in need of assistance. We have non-perishable food items, a variety of clothing, and personal hygiene products. Please reach out to a JMS Administrator, Guidance Counselor, or Teacher if your child or family needs assistance. Donations are always welcome!

The Joyce MS has an informal PTO that seeks volunteers as needed for various events throughout the school year. Please email Val Cogan at vcogan@woburnps.com to be put on the volunteer list.