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

Today we continued a longstanding tradition called Tiger Tales, which is our summer reading book discussion groups. This is one of the few times where our students meet in mixed age groups to discuss an academic topic led by our 8th graders. The students discussed the books that they read following our circles protocol and then created a group project about the book while enjoying a fresh apple donated by Tougas Family Farm . Here are some pictures from this morning.

We are happy once again this year to partner with Change Is Simple. Instilling Lifelong Social and Environmental Responsibility through experiential climate change education that inspires action for healthy people, planet, & community. Change is Simple is dedicated to instilling social and environmental responsibility through hands-on climate change education that motivates meaningful action. Since its inception in 2011 within a single school, the organization has broadened its influence, annually engaging 8,000 students across 36 schools spanning 19 communities in Eastern Massachusetts. This week they brought their mobile lab to work with our 6th grade students in their Science classes studying climate change and erosion.

Calling all 6th, 7th, and 8th graders! Registration is officially open for Intramural Basketball. Whether you're a seasoned player or looking to try something new, come out, join a team, and show your school spirit!

Here is everything you need to know to get signed up and ready to play:

Key Details & Schedule

• Who Can Play: Open to all students in Grades 6–8.

• Season Dates: Wednesday, October 28 – Tuesday, November 24.

• Game Days & Times: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays after school from 2:30 to 3:45 PM.

• Format: Games run for 30 minutes. Players will be assigned to either the First Slot (2:30–3:00 PM) or the Second Slot (3:05–3:35 PM) on a set team schedule.

• Detailed Schedules: Team rosters and game schedules will be released on or before October 28. Guidelines and rules will be handed out on the first day.

Registration & Important Deadlines

Basketball is one of our most popular intramural programs, so don't delay!

1. Registration Deadline: All interested players MUST register by 2:30 PM on Wednesday, October 21 to guarantee a spot on a team.

2. Physical Exam Required: An updated physical (completed within the last 13 months) must be on file before playing. Please email your form to Nurse Reed at jreed@ipsk12.net or turn in a hard copy to the main office.

⚠️ Late Registration Policy:

Team rosters and game schedules are built strictly off registrations received by the October 21 deadline. Any registrations received after 2:30 PM on October 21 will be placed on a waitlist in the order received. Waitlisted students will only be added to a team if space opens up or another player drops out—placement is not guaranteed.

To request to be added to the waitlist, please email Katie Henderson at khenderson@ipsk12.net.

Sign up early, submit your physicals, and get ready for a great season on the court!

A reminder that fall sports payments are passed due. If you have not made your payment yet, contact Katie Henderson at khenderson@ipsk12.net. If you have a financial difficulty please reach out to me at pginolfi@ipsk12.net. Students withoutstanding payments will not be able to register for intramural basketball.

We are in need of a few parent volunteers to join our school council. While every meeting is open to the public, we are looking for a few more folks to join as a regular member, which would help with month to month consistency. Our first task is to help construct our School Improvement Plan. We will also update the handbook, discuss issues that arise, and coordinate parent volunteers for school wide activities such as The Walk for Hunger and Teacher Appreciation Week. The meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month from 5:30 until 6:30 in the 6th grade pod. The next meeting is on Tuesday, October 13th. If you are interested or have any questions, please email me at pginolfi@ipsk12.net.

The Health Room will begin conducting annual health screenings for students in the coming weeks. Please review the schedule below to see which screenings apply to your child:

• Grades 6–8: Postural screenings

• Grade 7: Hearing, vision, height, and weight screenings

These routine check-ups help us monitor student growth and identify any potential vision, hearing, or physical development needs early in the school year.

Opt-Out Information If you prefer to opt your child out of any or all of these screenings, please email Nurse Reed directly at jreed@ipsk12.net with your child's name and the specific screenings you wish to decline.

• Monday, October 12th - No School
• Tuesday, October 13th - No School, Staff Professional Development
• Tuesday, October 13th - School Council Meeting, 5:30 PM - 6th grade pod
• Thursday, October 15th - Essex Tech presentation to 8th graders
• Thursday, October 22nd - 8th Grade Washington D.C. parent meeting