In the Middle

We are thrilled to introduce our brand-new Middle School Newsletter! This newsletter is your go-to source for staying informed and engaged with all the exciting things happening in our school community.

Inside each issue, you'll find:

• Key Updates: Important announcements and school news.
• Student Spotlights: Celebrating the achievements and creativity of our middle schoolers.
• Upcoming Events: Mark your calendars for sports, clubs, and special activities.
• Classroom Highlights: A peek into innovative projects and lessons.
• Parent Resources: Tips and tools to support student success.

Our goal is to foster communication, celebrate our vibrant school spirit, and keep everyone connected. We encourage you to share your thoughts, ideas, and any content you’d love to see in future editions.

Let’s make this newsletter a reflection of the amazing energy and talent within our middle school community!

Sincerely,

GMS Publishing Community

Hey Boilermakers! Want to be a part of a GIANT group art show? All Garfield Middle School students are invited! To participate please use a Post-It Note as your canvas. You can draw or paint anything you want, in any style you like, with any creative material that you find! We want this art show to reflect the unique diversity of our school! Remember that creativity is not limited to fancy art materials. Even then the most mundane office tool (Post-It Notes) can be turned into a masterpiece!

RULES:

• Your Post-It-Note must be appropriate for school (duh).
• Words, quotes, or text are OK as long as they promote positivity.
• The administration has the right to choose not to display any inappropriate artwork.
• Work with little or no effort will not be displayed.
• Due March 31 by 3:15 pm in room B2-21

Pets play an important role in many families, providing companionship, entertainment, and even emotional support. At GMS, staff and students have a wide variety of pets at home, ranging from the classic dog or cat to more unique and exotic animals. Let's take a look at some of the most popular pets our GMS community has:

1. Dogs Dogs are often considered the most beloved pets, and many middle school students have them at home. They come in different breeds, sizes, and personalities, making them a great choice for families. Dogs offer loyalty, playfulness, and endless fun. Many students enjoy walking, training, and playing fetch with their furry friends.

2. Cats Cats are another common pet among middle schoolers. Known for their independence, cats require less maintenance than dogs but still offer plenty of affection and entertainment. Many students appreciate their cats' playful antics, cozy cuddles, and sometimes mischievous behavior.

3. Fish For students who may not have space for a larger pet, fish are a popular choice. They come in various colors and species, adding a peaceful and beautiful presence to a home. Fish tanks can be fun to decorate, and watching fish swim can be very calming.

4. Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, and Rabbits Small mammals like hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits are great pets for middle school students. They are relatively easy to care for and can be kept in cages that don’t take up much space. These pets are often fun to watch and can be handled gently, making them a favorite among kids who want a cuddly but manageable companion.

5. Reptiles Some middle school students have a passion for reptiles such as turtles, snakes, or lizards. Bearded dragons, leopard geckos, and ball pythons are especially popular. These pets require special care, such as specific heating and feeding needs, but many students enjoy learning about and taking care of them.

6. Birds Parakeets, cockatiels, and canaries are some of the birds students may have at home. Birds can be colorful, smart, and even capable of mimicking sounds or words. They require proper socialization and a clean environment, but they can be fantastic companions.

7. Unusual Pets Some middle school students enjoy more unique pets such as hermit crabs, ferrets, or even tarantulas. These animals may require special care, but they offer a fun and interesting experience for their owners.

Having a pet can be a rewarding experience, teaching responsibility, patience, and kindness. Whether it's a playful puppy, a cuddly kitten, or a fascinating reptile, pets bring joy to many of our lives. What kind of pet do you have at home? See poll results below!

Do you have any unwanted items gathering dust at home? Donate them for a worthy cause. This garage sale, held in our GMS gym will be benefiting all students by offsetting the cost of the end of the year events. Email Mr. Braitsch (cbraitsch@gboe.org) for more information

Alan Gratz’s Code of Honor is a gripping young adult thriller that explores themes of loyalty, prejudice, and resilience. The novel follows Kamran Smith, a high school senior with a bright future ahead—he’s a star football player, has a supportive girlfriend, and is on track to attend West Point. But everything changes when his older brother, Darius, a U.S. Army Ranger, is accused of being a terrorist.

As the media and even his own friends turn against him, Kamran is forced to confront the painful reality of racial profiling and suspicion simply because of his Iranian heritage. Determined to prove his brother’s innocence, Kamran embarks on a dangerous journey, unraveling a conspiracy far bigger than he could have imagined.

Gratz masterfully weaves intense action with deep emotional stakes, keeping readers on edge with unexpected twists and high-stakes situations. Kamran’s internal struggles—his battle with self-doubt, his need for belonging, and his unwavering love for his brother—make him relatable and compelling.

The fast-paced narrative and engaging writing style make Code of Honor a powerful and thought-provoking read.

The theme of this book is to always believe in yourself no matter what. I really liked this book, and it is my favorite book of all time, its very sad in some parts and overall, I loved this book.

In the heart of a bustling middle school, there is a 6th grader named Alex whose world is filled with the magic of words. While some kids his age are lost in video games or social media, Alex has found his creative outlet in the form of poetry. His love for writing isn’t just a hobby—it’s a passion that allows him to explore his emotions, express his thoughts, and share stories through the rhythm of language.

Alex's fascination with poetry began when he was in elementary school. At first, it was something simple—a way to rhyme words for fun. But as he grew older, the complexity of poetry fascinated him. He started reading the works of famous poets and experimenting with different styles, from haikus to free verse, from acrostic poems to limericks. The more he read, the more he understood how poetry could capture the tiniest moments in life and turn them into something extraordinary.

In the heart of the woods, were shadows play

The trees whisper secrets with their softest sway

The ancient oak, with arms outstretched wide

Cradles the sun and the moon by it's side

The branches hum songs from long ago,

Their voices a river, soft and soothingly slow

The wind, a playful child making dance the leaves,

A solemn laughter that never deceives

The flowers speak in colors vibrantly right

Each bloom a poem, what a sight in the night

The moss beneath wears a velvet gown

Hiding stories of the Earth's deep crown

A stream that winds like a snake, with silken grace

Becomes a mirror to the skies blue embrace

Murmuring softly of all the distant biomes and lands

Carrying dreams in its cool, gentle hands

The stars above, so shy yet so clear

Are the forest's eyes, always near

They blink in rhythm with the trees

A glorious prance in the midnight breeze

In this place, the forest is alive,

Breathing in time with each whisper and sigh

Every root, every leaf, and every stone

Has a voice which calls to the heart alone

Come and wander very close

This forest's secret will never, ever be exposed

Email: abugge@gboe.org
Location: GMS, 175 Lanza Ave, Garfield NJ 07026
Phone: 973-272-7020