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

A capacity crowd was on hand at the Dolan Performing Arts Center for the 30th annual Stringfest this Wednesday evening. The event featured all of the different orchestra groups from 4th through 12th grade. Our musicians did an outstanding job under the direction of Mr. Coelho and Ms. Scarano. Great job by all and enjoy the pictures.

Recently, we have noticed an increase in students accessing their phones during the school day, including going to their lockers to retrieve devices for use in restrooms or sending messages from their lockers. We would like to take this opportunity to remind families that Ipswich Middle School, along with all Ipswich Public Schools, does not permit personal phone use during the school day.

In many cases, students are attempting to communicate with family members. If a student needs to contact home, we ask that they use the main office phone during WIN time prior to dismissal. In the case of an emergency, students should notify a staff member, who will ensure they are able to contact the main office and receive appropriate support. If a student is not feeling well, please encourage them to see the school nurse rather than reaching out to you first.

Across Massachusetts public schools, educators continue to examine the impact of cell phone use on student learning and well-being. Research shows that frequent phone use during the school day can reduce focus, disrupt instruction, and negatively affect students’ social interactions and mental health. By limiting phone use, we aim to create a more focused and supportive learning environment that promotes both academic success and positive peer relationships.

As outlined in our school handbook, the following consequences will be enforced if students access their phones without permission during the school day:

• First Offense:
  Device is confiscated by the teacher and held in the Main Office. The student may retrieve it at the end of the school day.
  

• Second Offense:
  Parent/guardian notification. The student is required to turn in their phone to the Main Office each day for five school days.
  

• Third Offense:
  Parent/guardian notification. The student loses phone privileges for the remainder of the school year and must turn in their phone to the Main Office each morning.
  

We appreciate your partnership in reinforcing these expectations and helping us maintain a focused learning environment for all students.

Following up on a related story from two weeks ago about social media use, there was a huge settlement in court this week against Meta and YouTube for endangering students, which is similar to the tobacco and opiod settlements. I wonder if new laws will come from this that protect students, similar to Australia who legally banned all social media use until age 16. Click here to read that story.

For the second straight year Grace Warren (7th grade) has won the IMS Yearbook Cover Contest. Her handrawn entry beat out a number of other great submissions in this year's contest. Students and staff were invited to vote for their top three covers and in the end it was Grace's that received the most votes. While her art will appear on the front cover and she will receive a free yearbook, Riley Brennan's piece will be featured on the back cover and the other top three vote getters will appear inside the yearbook. Thank you to all who participated in this year's contest.

Trimester Two report cards were sent home today with students. You can also see them on Aspen. If you do not remember your login, just ask your student. They all know how to login and do so quite often. However, if you need help you can email our Aspen administrator, Jim DePue at jdepue@ipsk12.net to reset your login.

There is a brief informational meeting after school on Monday in the 7th grade pod. The fee is $75 per Interscholastic sport not to exceed $150 per year/per student. Sign up through the link below.

https://students.arbitersports.com/ipswich-middle-school/2026-spring-intramural-sports-2

Starting Tuesday, April 7, Spring Intramural sports are available to students.

Registration is now open until Monday April 6th.

Please note, three sports are offered for one fee. Dodgeball is for 7th and 8th graders only.

Floorball and Badminton are for all 3 grades. Click here to register.

The fee for intramural sports is $50 for one sport and $75 for unlimited intramural sports. If you are unsure of your fee, please reach out to Mrs. Henderson at khenderson@ipsk12.net before you make your payment.

The latest recipient of the Appreciation Tapestry is Ms. Molton, who was nominated by Ms. Armitstead. She writes, " I would like to nominate Ms. Molton for the Appreciation Tapestry. This year, she has taken on the challenge of mastering the curriculum for two subjects in a brand-new grade level. Ms. Molton has dedicated herself not only to understanding the material but to delivering engaging, thoughtful lessons for her students. She leads her classroom with a gentle command, a quick wit, and a constant smile. Working alongside her has been a pleasure, and I have learned so much from her approach to transitioning into a new grade." Well said Mrs. A and great job Ms. Molton.

Monday, March 30th - Spring Track informational meeting 2:30 in the 7th grade pod. All interested students should attend

Tuesday, March 31st - Wednesday, April 1st - Grade 7 ELA MCAS

Wednesday, April 1st - Last day of Robotics Club

Monday, April 6th - 6th & 7th Grade RA rotation

Tuesday, April 7th - Wednesday, April 8th - Grades 6 & 8 ELA MCAS

Wednesday, April 8th Grade 7 Field trip to Fenway Park

Friday, April 17th - IMS Walk for Hunger

Saturday, April 18th - Sunday, April 26th - No school for April Vacation

Tuesday, April 28th - Friday, May 1st - Grade 6 Ecology School and day trips

My name is Katie Mosco and I am a part of the Interact club here at Ipswich High School which is known for helping the community and putting service above self. On May 30th we are having a town wide event called Relay for Life to raise money that will go to cancer research. Alana Novello and Emma Eliot ran this event last year, and with the help of the club this year we hope to make this event a huge success. Come to Relay for Life on May 30th from 5pm-9pm at the Ipswich Highschool track! The Interact Club at IHS is running a town wide event to raise money towards cancer research. Use this link to sign up to make a team and/or donate to the cause!