In the Middle

Somewhere between childhood and adulthood, between needing a hand to hold and learning to stand on our own, we find ourselves in the middle. And it’s here—right in this in-between space—that we often begin to understand just how much our mothers (and mother figures) have done for us.

Mother’s Day isn’t just about flowers, cards, or a single Sunday in May. It’s about recognizing the quiet, everyday moments that often go unnoticed. It’s the early mornings and late nights, the steady encouragement, the patience during our struggles, and the pride in our smallest victories. It’s the way they seem to know when something’s wrong, even when we say nothing at all.

As students, we’re constantly growing, changing, and figuring out who we are. In the middle of all that uncertainty, mothers are often our constant. They remind us where we came from, even as we try to figure out where we’re going. They teach us resilience, kindness, and strength—not always through words, but through actions we carry with us long after we leave home.

Not everyone’s story looks the same, and “mother” can mean many things. It can be a grandmother, an aunt, a guardian, a mentor—anyone who steps in with care, guidance, and love. This day is for all of them.

So this Mother’s Day, take a moment. Say thank you. Write the text. Make the call. Or simply reflect on the impact someone has had on your life. Because even as we’re caught in the middle of becoming who we are, their influence is already a part of who we’ve become.

And that’s something worth celebrating.

Have you ever read a question on a test and thought, I know the topic… but what does this word mean? You’re not alone. A strong vocabulary doesn’t just help in English class—it helps in every subject, from science labs to social studies essays to everyday conversations.

That’s why our school newspaper is launching a new feature called “Words That Matter.” In each issue, we’ll introduce five important academic words that students in grades 6–8 see all the time in class, on assignments, and on tests.

These aren’t random “big words.” They’re words teachers use when giving directions, authors use in texts, and students are expected to understand when reading, writing, and thinking critically. Words like analyze, evidence, infer, and perspective show up everywhere—and knowing them can make school feel a lot less confusing.

Each issue will include:

• Five new vocabulary words

• Student-friendly definitions

• Examples you might actually see in class

• Tips for how to use the words in your own writing and discussions

By the end of the year, you’ll have learned dozens of high-utility words that can help you:

• Understand reading assignments faster

• Write clearer essays

• Answer test questions with more confidence

• Sound more precise when sharing your ideas

Vocabulary isn’t about memorizing long lists—it’s about having the right tools to explain what you think. Learning just five words at a time makes it manageable, useful, and (dare we say?) kind of satisfying.

So keep an eye out for “Words That Matter” in every issue. Your future essays—and your future self—will thank you.

1. Nurturing – Caring for and encouraging someone’s growth and well-being.
2. Maternal – Relating to a mother; motherly.
3. Devotion – Deep love, loyalty, and care for someone.
4. Sacrifice – Giving up something for the benefit of others.
5. Compassion – Feeling sympathy and a desire to help someone who is suffering.

What is Teacher Appreciation Week? It’s a time to recognize the lasting impact educators have on students, communities and the future. The knowledge and skills educators impart to their students are what drive their future success and our future society. From the first day of kindergarten to graduation, education remains one of the most powerful forces shaping opportunity, but it’s often easy to overlook.

This is why we honor educators. Long before Nobel Prize winners, inventors or civil rights leaders changed the world, they sat in classrooms where someone taught them to read, challenged them to think and encouraged them to keep going.

Of course, educators offer far more than instruction. In a single day, they may act as counselors, encouragers, problem-solvers and steady sources of support. Teacher Appreciation Week offers an opportunity to recognize that full scope of impact, whether through a simple thank-you or a more intentional gesture.

No Such Thing as Perfect: A Lesson We All Need

Have you ever felt like you had to be perfect? Like every mistake mattered more than it should? Before you answer, think about this: what if perfection isn’t actually possible—and never was?

No Such Thing as Perfect by Misako Rocks is a juvenile fiction story that explores exactly that idea. The book follows characters who struggle with pressure, expectations, and the fear of making mistakes, but eventually learn an important truth: nobody is perfect, and that’s okay.

The story centers around Emma, along with Nala and Lillico. At the beginning, Emma feels like she’s always second best compared to her sister Julia. Even though Emma plays basketball, her mom doesn’t come to her games and constantly compares her to Julia. This makes Emma feel like she has to try even harder to be “perfect,” even when it feels impossible.

Things begin to change when Emma meets a dog named Lexi, who turns out to be more than just a pet—Lexi is a guardian spirit who can talk and walk. As Emma spends time taking care of Lexi, she starts to realize how exhausting it is to chase perfection. Along the way, the characters make mistakes, feel frustrated, and begin to understand that nobody else is perfect either.

By the end of the book, Emma learns one of the most important lessons of all: it’s okay to not be perfect. She begins to accept herself, stops trying to live up to impossible expectations, and understands that mistakes are a normal part of growing up.

In my opinion, this is a great book for anyone who feels pressure to always get things right. The message really stands out because it reminds readers that making mistakes doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means you’re learning. I especially liked how the story shows that even when people try their hardest to be perfect, they eventually realize that it’s not realistic.

The main theme of No Such Thing as Perfect is simple but powerful: you don’t have to be perfect to be good enough. Mistakes help us grow, and accepting ourselves for who we are is more important than trying to meet impossible standards.

Overall, this book is a meaningful and relatable read, especially for students who may feel pressure from school, family, or even themselves. It’s a reminder that being imperfect isn’t a weakness—it’s part of being human.

As a reporter for In the Middle this marking period, I wanted to take a moment to honor the life of my best friend, Esmer Sherifi. As our school community already knows, Esmer left us far too soon, and we are all grieving this heartbreaking loss.

For those who didn’t have the chance to know him, Esmer loved playing basketball, riding his bike, and spending time outside with his friends. He was the kind of person who always had your back and stood up for the people he cared about. If Esmer knew you, he included you—you could always count on him as a true friend.

Esmer brought energy wherever he went. He had a great sense of humor, and people loved being around him because he made everyone laugh. His presence could brighten any day, and his positivity was something many of us will always remember.

Family meant everything to Esmer. He loved his brother and sister more than anything, and he deeply cared for his entire family. The bond he shared with them was clear to anyone who saw him.

He also had a love for the simple things in life. Esmer was a regular at McDonald’s—going almost every week, sometimes even five days in a row. His order was always the same: a Big Mac with no pickles. It’s a small detail, but one that many of us will never forget.

Esmer brought so much happiness into the lives of those around him. He made us laugh, supported us, and reminded us what it means to be a good friend. He will always be a part of our school community, and he will never be forgotten.

Poetry is back in the spotlight! After some time away, Poetry Corner has returned as a regular feature in our school newspaper, giving students a place to share their voices, ideas, and creativity. From funny rhymes to thoughtful verses, this space is all about celebrating student writers. Get ready to read, enjoy, and maybe even submit a poem of your own.

Chalk dust rises like quiet constellations
in the small universe of a classroom,
where time is measured not in minutes
but in questions.

A teacher stands at the front—
not as a keeper of answers,
but as a gardener of thought,
planting seeds in uncertain soil,
watering them with patience.

They see what isn’t obvious:
the hesitation behind a raised hand,
the brilliance hiding in a wrong answer,
the story written between the lines
of unfinished homework.

Their voice becomes a bridge—
over doubt, over fear, over silence—
carrying students from “I can’t”
to the fragile beginning of “maybe.”

And though the world rarely pauses
to notice the quiet revolutions they spark,
there are futures being rewritten daily
in the margins of notebooks.

Years later,
their lessons echo unexpectedly—
in decisions made,
in courage found,
in paths chosen.

A teacher never truly leaves the classroom;
they continue on
in every mind they helped unfold.

-Unknown

Do you have an opinion? A story to tell? Come and join the school newspaper with us. Have fun with your friends and report on happenings throughout the school.

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