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

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

Here is a brief look into some of our classes to jump start those conversations about what happened at school. This week there are pictures of 6th graders in Humanities classes having their first community circle; 7th graders in Ms. Stager's and Ms. Schroeder's Science class learning about observation and gathering data by searching for clues while looking at a scene; and 8th graders in Ms. Smith's ELA class choosing paint samples by color and then using the names of the colors to create poems.

Ipswich Middle School is excited to welcome families to our annual Curriculum Night on Thursday, September 18th at 6:00 p.m. This important evening gives parents and guardians the opportunity to learn more about the programs, curriculum, and teaching practices that shape their child’s school experience.

The evening will begin in the Dolan Performing Arts Center, where school administrators will provide an overview of the year ahead and highlight key information about Ipswich Middle School. Following this, the Related Arts teachers will present details about their courses and how they enrich student learning.

After the presentations in the PAC, families will transition to the grade-level pods, where teaching teams will share insights into the curriculum, expectations, and ways parents can support student success at home. This event offers a valuable chance to meet teachers, better understand classroom learning, and strengthen the home–school partnership.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Attention 8th Grade Families - on Thursday, October 2nd there will be an informational meeting at 6:00 pm in the 8th grade pod regarding the trip to Washington D.C. in June. Representatives from Grand Classroom, our travel company, will be on hand to give an overview of the trip including the itinerary, pricing, security, and more. We hope that you can join us.

Ipswich Middle School is looking for parent volunteers to serve on our School Council for the 2025–2026 school year. School Councils, as outlined by DESE, help develop the School Improvement Plan, review policies, strengthen communication between school and families, and assist in organizing school events such as our annual Walk for Hunger.

The IMS School Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:00 p.m., beginning October 14th. If you’re interested in joining, please let me know via email at pginolfi@ipsk12.net. Your voice and partnership make a difference!

Orchestra

Chamber orchestra auditions are due by Friday, September 19th. See here for more details, string players of all grades are encouraged to audition!

IMS Chamber Orchestra Auditions!

Chorus

Select Chorus auditions will take place on Wednesday, September 17 in the chorus room from 2:30-4. If your singer was not able to attend the meeting on Wednesday, September 10 to learn the audition piece, they can see Ms. Haltmeier in the music classroom for help on Monday after school until 3:30.

Band

We’re looking for more flute players in 6th Grade band! If you didn’t pick up an instrument in elementary school or don’t play in an band or orchestra now and would like to give it a try, let Ms. Pagano or Mr. Fremont-Smith know and we can get you started! Join us!

Jazz Band auditions will be on Tuesday, September 16 in the band room from 2:30-3:30. Do you play bass or electric bass? We are looking for a bassist. Come join us.

Calling all students interested in LEGO Club! LEGO Club will start on Monday, September 29th, from 2:30-3:15 in room B221 near the library. Students do not need to sign up for this club; they can come and check it out any time. We look forward to seeing all interested LEGO builders and creators at the end of this month where kids can build and create while also learning about area, perimeter, and other geometric and math concepts essential to design and architecture.

Beginning Wednesday, September 7th, IMS will be providing after school transportation to the Ipswich YMCA. The bus will be leaving school at approximately 2:25 and 1:20 on Thursdays. The bus holds 14 passengers and will be driven by a school staff member or administrator. Students are expected to adhere to Ipswich Middle School and YMCA rules and families are responsible for coordinating pick up or transportation home. If students board the bus, they are expected to enter the Y upon arrival. The bus will make up to two trips to each location each day, transporting a maximum of 28 students. There will be a sign up sheet in the office and students can sign themselves up on a first come, first serve basis. This is a daily after school offering for your child, they are not required to attend every school day. Once this permission slip is completed, your child can ride the bus for the remainder of the school year. The Y will allow all middle school students to attend and will have them sign in upon arrival. If students do not have a membership, the Y will reach out to discuss membership possibilities.

The Teen Drop-in Center will open on Monday, 9/8, and our bus will make a stop there as well.

Summer can be very busy and if your student did not complete their summer reading activity, they still have time to read their books. The Tiger Tales Celebration will be on Friday, October 3rd. Here is all of the information regading Tiger Tales that they will need.

Thursday, September 18th - Curriculum Night, 6:00 in the DPAC

Monday, September 29th - Lego Club, 2:30 in room B221

Mon. & Tue. 9/29 & 30 - Change is Simple is here to work with our grade 6 Science classes.

Thursday, October 2nd - 8th Grade Parent informational meeting about the Washington D.C. trip, 6:00 pm in the 8th grade pod.

Nurse Reed

Jen was nominated by Laura Ananian who wrote, "Jen has been such a solid support handling a sensitive student situation with kindness, clear communication, and care. She has gone above and beyond to help navigate some unique physical and emotional circumstances facing one of our students. She is keeping us all healthy and supported. Tx Jen!!"

Ms. Whynott

Amy has been working closely with many students who learn in non-traditional ways, showing great flexibility and meeting each learner at their current level to support growth from there. She has taken on many of the reading services previously provided by Amy Smith and also dedicated time over the summer to expand services, ensuring that more students received the support they needed. Thank you Amy!