Ipswich Middle School

Sean Fitzgerald, Assistant Principal

Our mission is to create a nurturing community where students are encouraged to develop confidence as lifelong learners with the awareness and flexibility necessary to adapt to a changing world. We strive to bring out the best in every student and adult in our learning community.

Email: pginolfi@ipsk12.net
Website: www.ipsk12.net

Location: 130 High Street, Ipswich, MA
Phone: (978)356-3535

Now that we are deep into September, routines are being established and our staff is using a number of different ways to teach our students. Every few weeks I will post some pictures of what students have been doing in classes. Hopefully you can ask your kids about these activities and it will jump-start some nice conversations about school. This week there are pictures of 6th graders in Phys. Ed. class playing a variation of dodge ball called "Star Wars", you can see the Jedi in the middle. Next, we have 7th graders in Ms. Stager's Science class working on their observation skills, something they will be using all year long in Science. Finally, we have our 8th graders in Ms. Molton's ELA class learning about news media as they will be writing op/ed pieces next week; ask them what topic they have chosen.

Last night we hosted plenty of parents and guardians for our annual Curriculum Night. Visitors heard presentations in the PAC from administration and our Related Arts Staff before transitioning to the pods to meet their academic teachers. I have attached the presentations for those who would like to refer back and for those who were not able to attend last night.

Administration slide show

Related Arts Presentation

Grade 6 Presentation

Grade 7 Presentation

Grade 8 Presentation

Congratulations to IMS boys and girls cross country teams for their victories over Hamilton-Wenham during Thursday's home meet at Bialek Park. 7th Grader Wilson Evans was the overall top finisher for the meet!

Special thank you to the student fans who showed up to cheer their friends on. Your supportive cheering spurred our runners to do their best under some hot and muggy conditions. Our next meet is home on September 29th. Please come join us!

For the past two years, our Appreciation Tapestry has honored staff members who go above and beyond. While I personally selected about 75% of past recipients, with thoughtful staff nominations filling in the rest, the Tapestry is entering a new era.

This year, the power passes directly to our staff. Every two weeks, the current recipient will pass the Tapestry along to a deserving colleague. As the saying goes: with great power comes great responsibility.

To launch this new tradition, I had the privilege of presenting the first Tapestry of the year to our Assistant Principal, Mr. Fitzgerald at our faculty meeting yesterday.

Mr. Fitzgerald works tirelessly behind the scenes all summer, perfecting student and staff schedules so our school runs seamlessly on Day 1. But what truly sets him apart is his daily work ethic - he is always grinding. Whether he is putting out fires, handling discipline with care, or stepping in to support a student in need, he tackles every challenge head-on with unwavering dedication.

We are incredibly lucky to have him at IMS. Thank you for everything you do, Mr. Fitz!

Orchestra

Auditions for the IMS Chamber Orchestra are due on Friday, September 18th. Students can find audition information and submit their audition video here.

All orchestra and band lessons begin this week in addition to WIN ensembles. You can see your student’s orchestra lesson schedule here.

Chorus

Auditions for the IMS Select Chorus will take place on Wednesday, September 23 from 2:30-4 for the audition. If students missed this week's rehearsal to learn the audition piece, they are welcome to see Ms. Haltmeier before or after school to get the music. All events take place in the chorus room. Email Ms. Haltmeier with questions. bhaltmeier@ipsk12.net

Band

Jazz Band starts Tuesday, September 22 from 2:30-3:30. All band students are welcome to attend. In addition we are looking for pianists and guitarists. See Ms. Pagano more for information.

We are so excited to partner with Conley's Drug Store and offer flu clinics to students, staff, and families. Remember you can sign up for any clinic which fits your families' schedule.

The first flu clinic date will be Tuesday, October 13, 2026 from 2-4pm at the Ipswich Middle/High School. Here is the link to register for that date:

https://form.jotform.com/262385444100147

On Wednesday, October 14, 2026 from 4-6 pm, flu clinics will be offered at the Doyon School. Here is the link to register for that date:

https://form.jotform.com/262385305209153

On Thursday, October 15, 2026 from 4-6pm, flu clinics will be offered at the Winthrop School. Here is the link to register for that date:

https://form.jotform.com/262385923678169

In addition to the flu vaccine, other vaccines are offered including the Covid vaccine. Online registration is encouraged, but forms can be printed at conleysdrugstore.com.

• Tuesday, September 29th & Wednesday, September 30th - Change Is Simple to work with the 6th grade students during Science.
• Friday, October 2nd - Tiger Tales summer reading book discussion groups
• Monday, October 10th - No School
• Tuesday, October 11th - No School, Staff Professional Development