Secaucus Middle School

Dear Middle School Families,

Spring is here, bringing excitement and new opportunities for our students! April is a busy month with key events ahead:

• April 4: SMS Drama Club Performance "Descendants" @ 7:00 p.m.

• April 5: SMS Drama Club Performance "Descendants" @ 2:00 p.m.

• April 10: SMS Game Night 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

• April 14-17: Spring Spirit Week ~ Fun theme days ahead!

• April 17: One Session Day ~ 11:40 a.m. Dismissal

• April 18-26: Spring Break ~ School Closed

• April 29-May 1: One Session Day for SMS Students ~ 11:40 a.m. Dismissal

• April 29 - May 5: NJSLA Testing – Ensure students get rest and arrive on time.

As we approach the final months of the school year, we appreciate your continued support in helping students stay engaged and follow school expectations. Let’s work together to make the rest of the year a great experience for everyone!

The New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA) is a computer-based state assessment of Mathematics and English Language Arts/Literacy Skills. All students at Secaucus Middle School will be taking the NJSLA ELA and Math from April 29th - May 1st. These days will be one session days for all Secaucus Middle School students.

New Jersey requires all 8th-grade students to be tested in the area of Science using the NJ Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA) Science to comply with current state and federal regulations. Students in Grade 8 will take the NJSLA Science on May 2nd and 5th; these will be regular, full school days.

🌟 Congratulations to our Patriot's of the Month! Keep up the great work! 🎉👏

6th grade - Shane Punnacherry

7th grade - Marialis Grullon

8th grade - Amely Zade

On March 3rd, students from grades 5 through 12 across Hudson County gathered at Liberty Science Center to showcase their scientific discoveries and engineering designs at the annual Hudson County STEM Showcase! This event not only provides students with the opportunity to compete for awards and scholarships but also inspires a passion for STEM-related fields.

This year, over 40 students from our district submitted projects, and 9 talented students from Secaucus Middle School proudly represented their school:

Grade 6
🔹 Siya Sahu
🔹 Harshika Gupta

Grade 7
🔹 Ranbir Bhatla
🔹 Anay & Atkish Saxena
🔹 Tvisha Dhir & Aanya Mehta

Grade 8
🔹 Shreya Arjun & Khanak Choski

🎉 A special congratulations to Ranbir Bhatla, who won an award for the second year in a row! Ranbir will received his award at a separate ceremony on March 17th at Liberty Science Center.

We are incredibly proud of all our young scientists and engineers! We can’t wait to see what amazing projects our students create for the SMS STEM Fair this May!

In science, the little things are often the most important—and Mrs. Taylor’s students are diving into the building blocks of life: cells!

Our young microbiologists honed their observation skills by using microscopes to examine the elusive "letter e," bacteria, plant and animal cells, and even watched a fascinating video of aquatic protists in action!

Hands-on learning is the best way to spark curiosity and a love for science!

Celebrate Secaucus Middle School’s Class of 2025 with a lawn sign! $35 each, order by April 30th.

SMS Drama Club is bringing the magic of Disney’s Descendants: The Musical to the stage, and what better way to celebrate than with Descendants Spirit Week! Join us during the week of March 31st in dressing up each day to show your school spirit and get excited for the show!

🗓 Spirit Week Themes:
🔮 Monday – Evils Day: Dress as or wear the colors of your favorite Disney villain!
👑 Tuesday – Royals Day: Show off your Disney hero style!
😴 Wednesday – Sleeping Beauties: Get comfy in pajamas (open-bottom PJ pants only)!
🎭 Thursday – Stage Crew Appreciation Day: Go all black like our amazing tech & stage crew!
💜 Friday – Descendants Day: Wear a Descendants shirt or black, green, and purple!

Get ready to bring the Isle of the Lost to life as we count down to showtime! Let’s make this spirit week wickedly awesome! 🔥🎶

Get ready for a magical performance!

Don’t miss Secaucus Middle School’s Musical — Disney's Descendants

Show Dates: April 4th and 5th

Location: Arthur F. Couch Performing Arts Center

Secure your tickets today and be part of the fun! See the attached flyer for more details. https://cur8.com/25491/project/131062

On June 2nd, our middle school students will have the incredible opportunity to attend a motivational assembly featuring Jordan Toma alongside students from Huber Street and Clarendon! Jordan Toma is known for inspiring young minds with his powerful message about perseverance, confidence, and overcoming obstacles. Let’s get ready to be inspired! 💙

During the February 13th Board of Education meeting, the district calendar was revised, resulting in a change to the last day of school. Consequently, Secaucus Middle School's Graduation will now take place on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Arthur F. Couch Performing Arts Center.

Please mark your calendars, and stay tuned for more details as we get closer to this special day!

Get ready for a fun-filled afternoon! 🎉 The SMS PTO Spring Tricky Tray is just around the corner, and tickets are now available for purchase. Don’t miss your chance to win amazing prizes while supporting our school!

🔗 Get your tickets here: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/sms-pto-spring-tricky-tray

All students are reminded to be in proper dress code each and every day which includes wearing the proper bottoms (khaki pants or sweatpants with the appropriate logo). Please see below for a point of reference.

The middle school main office is also collecting gently used uniform items. All donations are greatly appreciated!

Please note that the 2024-2025 school calendar was updated at the March 18, 2025, Secaucus Board of Education monthly meeting. The following changes have been made:

• May 23, 2025: School will be closed

• May 27, 2025: School will be closed

• Primary Election Day (June 3, 2025) – School will be in session

• Juneteenth Observance – The scheduled day off has been moved to June 20, 2025.

• Secaucus Middle School Graduation – Rescheduled to Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the Arthur F. Couch Performing Arts Center.

• Last Day of School – The school year will now end on June 25, 2025.

• IMPORTANT NOTE - If any inclement weather days are needed, May 23, 2025, will revert back to a one-session day.

Please mark your calendars accordingly! Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.

Best regards,

Dr. Danielle Garzon

Secaucus Middle School Principal

Mr. Christopher Innis

Secaucus Middle School Assistant Principal