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 Phys. Ed. class playing soccer and Star Wars. 7th Graders in Ms. Schroeder's Math class designing their probability projects. 8th Graders in Ms. Scarbrough's Science class testing out Newton's three laws with balloon propelled cars which they made.

October is Cyber Safety Awareness Month, a perfect time for families to reflect on how students use social media and the role adults can play in helping them navigate the online world responsibly. Social media can be a great way for teens to connect, share ideas, and express themselves, but it also presents challenges—ranging from oversharing personal information to exposure to inappropriate content or online conflicts. Establishing open communication early on helps teens feel comfortable coming to parents or trusted adults if something online makes them uncomfortable.

Parents can help by setting clear expectations about screen time and social media use, encouraging balance between online and offline activities. It’s also important to talk about the permanence of what gets posted online and how digital content is never truly deleted. Encourage your teen to pause and think before posting, and to be mindful of what they “like” or share. Reviewing privacy settings together on apps like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat can also help keep accounts more secure and limit unwanted interactions.

Finally, model the kind of healthy digital behavior you hope to see in your child. Show interest in their favorite platforms, follow reputable online safety resources, and remind them that technology should be a tool for learning, connecting, and creating—not a source of stress or comparison. By working together, families can help students become thoughtful, responsible digital citizens who know how to protect themselves and others in an increasingly connected world.

On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, Dr. Blake will be hosting a viewing of a webinar called Keeping Kids Safe and Secure Online: A Project Safe Childhood Presentation for Parents at the Paul F. Doyon Memorial School. It starts at 6:30 and he will have handouts for everyone in attendance.

Retake day is for new students and staff members, transfer students, or for anyone who may have missed the initial picture day. Additionally, we welcome anyone who was unhappy with their original picture and would like to give it another try. Retake photos automatically replace original photos in school services and yearbook. If a student chooses to retake their photo, please have them return the original picture package to the photographer on picture day. We will replace it at no additional cost.

If this is the first time being photographed, just have the student/staff go to the camera and we’ll create a proof for them that will be sent to the school (and/or to their family email if we have that information). These proofs will be delivered approx. 4 weeks after picture day. An order code will be on the proof along with ordering instructions.

If you have a new home address, phone number, or email address please contact our school secretary, Katie Henderson, at khenderson@ipsk12.net so that she can update your information in our system. Also, athletic fees are due. If you have any questions on how much you might owe or if you have any questions on how to make a payment please get in touch with Katie Henderson at the email above or by phone at (978)-356-3535. Thank you.

GAMES STARTING WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29TH! Intramural Basketball is open to all students in grades 6-8. Registration is now open and all interested players MUST be registered by WEDNESDAY October 22, 2025 (2:30pm) to ensure that they have a spot on a team.

Games will be held most days after school from 2:30 - 3:45, with the last day of games on Tuesday, November 25. Games are 30 minutes- players will have the first or second time slot (2:30-3:00 or 3:05-3:35). Students will play in teams on a set schedule, detailed schedules will be available on or before the FIRST day of games. Basketball dates Oct 29, Nov 3, 4, 5, Nov 12, 14, 17, 18, 19, 24 and 25.

Please note - Basketball is a popular sport! We will create the team rosters and game schedules based on the number of students registered by 2:30 on October 22, 2025. Late registrations will be placed on a "waitlist" in the order they are received and only considered if space is available or someone drops out. To be added to the waitlist, email Katie Henderson at khenderson@ipsk12.net. There is no guarantee that waitlisted students will be assigned a team. Thank you for understanding. - Ms. McNichols

The fee to play intramurals is $50 for one intramural and $75 for unlimited intramurals. If you already paid for Tennis then basketball would cost an additional $25 and all subsequent intramurals will be free. Please register your child and contact Katie Henderson to make arrangements (khenderson@ipsk12.net).

Grade 6 has a long standing tradition of taking students on an overnight trip to The Ecology School in Maine (formerly called Ferry Beach). This year, the trip is tentatively planned for April 28 - May 1, 2026.

The Ecology School can accommodate 120 students, usually 60 in the Female dorm and 60 in the Male dorm. Even though our class enrollment numbers are below that, each year 20 - 25 students decide that the local day trips are a better fit for them. In order to plan our estimated numbers for each trip, we ask that you complete the 2026 Grade 6 Spring Trip Interest Survey by October 8.

Below we have provided some details that may help you decide which trip is best for your student.

The cost of the trip to The Ecology School is $400.

The cost of the local trip is about $60.

There are partial and full scholarships funds available for families who need financial assistance to pay for the trips - no student is excluded due to financial constraints.

In order to attend either trip students need to have a good academic, attendance and discipline record.

You can find more details about each of the trips in the 24- 25 Ecology School Parent Presentation

For those interested in the overnight trip to Saco, Maine we will be hosting a parent information night on Wednesday, October 22 at 5:30 PM to answer any additional questions you may have.

To find out more about The Ecology School, you can visit their website at:

The Ecology School at River Bend

The Ecology School Residential Overnight Programs

The Teen Center has some exciting activities planned for next week!

Wednesday the 22nd- We will be making halloween slime. We will have already prepared slime, and some spooky additives.

Friday the 24th- We will be decorating cookies. Plain cookies will be provided and we will have some frosting choices and decorations.

In addition to these special events, the Teen Center is open daily from 2:30–4:30 p.m. (except Thursdays for now). Students can enjoy a variety of spaces and activities, including the art room, movie room, game room, and lounge, along with snacks and drinks.

Wednesday, October 22nd - Grade 6 Ecology School Parent meeting, 5:30 in the 6th grade pod.

Friday, October 24th - Whittier Voc. Tech. presentation to the 7th grade

Th. & Fri. October 27th & 28th - Grade 7 Field Trip, Project Adventure

Thursday, October 30th - Picture retake day

Madame Hobbs

Ms. Hobbs is the most recent recipient of the Appreciation Tapestry. After experiencing a serious medical situation at the end of the summer, she made her return to school on September 21st and has been steadily building back her stamina. Over the past week, it’s been wonderful to see her signature enthusiasm and vibrant energy fully back in the classroom. Ms. Hobbs continues to create fun, engaging, and dynamic lessons that her French students truly enjoy. We’re so grateful to have her back, bringing her positivity, creativity, and passion for teaching to Ipswich Middle School each day.