Ipswich Middle School

Peter Ginolfi, Principal

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

This week, eleven of our 7th and 8th grade students participated in a Tier I Restorative Justice training through Suffolk University’s Center for Restorative Justice. Tier I Restorative Justice focuses on community building, strengthening relationships, and fostering a sense of belonging before conflicts arise. Through practices such as community circles, students learn how to listen actively, express themselves respectfully, and understand others’ perspectives. These proactive strategies help create a supportive school culture where students feel connected, valued, and responsible to one another.

During the training, our students worked alongside Suffolk facilitators to design and lead their own community-building circles. They explored a variety of prompts, themes, and discussion structures that they felt would help students across the school feel more included and more connected. This year, we will be incorporating several of the student-designed circles in one of our upcoming circle times so that all students can benefit from their thoughtful work. Their creativity, maturity, and willingness to lead were impressive.

Perhaps most exciting, the student group has expressed interest in leading a restorative circle for IMS staff at an upcoming faculty meeting. They hope to give teachers the same opportunity to reflect, connect, and build community that they experienced during their training. We are proud of these student leaders and look forward to seeing their restorative practices enrich our school community throughout the year.

As you know the first Trimester ended just before Thanksgiving and now our teachers are putting the finishing touches on those grades. We hope to have them printed by Wednesday or Thursday for the students to bring home. If you need another copy or your student seems to have lost theirs, please email Katie Henderson at khenderson@ipski2.net for another copy.

Grade 6 Science Teacher, Ms. Colby wanted to share a few photos of her students learning Chemistry. Her students are just begining to learn how electrons, neutrons, and protons come together to form molecules. Enjoy the pictures!

Tuesday, December 9th - IMS Choral Concert, 7 PM in the PAC

Monday, December 15th - IMS Instrumental Concert, 7PM in the PAC

Tuesday, December 16th - Grade 6 Field Trip to the Northshore Music Theater

December 20 - January 4th - Winter Break - no school

Our most recent recipient of the Appreciation Tapestry is Grade 7 Humanities Teacher, Katie Miller. The 7th graders went on a team building field trip to Project Adventure earlier in the trimester and the lead program facilitator sent us an email praising our students for the energy and hard work and singled out the efforts of Ms. Miller writing, " We want to highlight Ms. Miller who did a great job at using positive reinforcement for students and modeling ideal participant behavior." Great job, Ms. Miller!