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

Location: 130 High Street, Ipswich, MA
Phone: (978)356-3535

Earlier this week, Mrs. Chalifour and Ms. Couto were provided the opportunity to attend a small house gathering in Brookline to meet Salva Dut, one of the main characters in the novel, A Long Walk to Water, by Linda Sue Park. He was one of the Lost Boys of Sudan, who fled from war, and led a group of over one thousand boys from refugee camp to refugee camp in search of safety. Eventually, he was one of 3,000 boys selected to enter the United States. He went on to attend school and founded a nonprofit organization called Water for South Sudan, which builds wells in his home country where access to water is so scarce, nevermind access to clean water. The sixth grade has been reading this book for approximately six years, with a culminating fundraising project to solicit donations for Water for South Sudan.

Not only was it inspirational to meet Salva in real life and be able to hear him speak about his efforts and ask him questions, but it was also a powerful experience to connect with other educators who teach the book as well as members of the board who support the organization. Also in attendance was another Lost Boy who has created his own nonprofit to help refugees from Sudan within the US, and a female orphan from South Sudan who recently graduated from BU and is working in public health in order to bring back medical assistance to her country. Her story mirrors the fictional character, Nya, whose job it was to walk hours each day to locate and carry back water.

It was most definitely a highlight of their educational careers and a reminder of how the work that we do truly matters!

Next week, we will hold two important parent meetings regarding our upcoming Spring overnight field trips for 6th and 8th graders. Both meetings are scheduled for Thursday, October 22nd:

• 6th Grade (Ecology School Trip): 5:30 PM in the 6th Grade Pod

• 8th Grade (Washington, D.C. Trip): 6:00 PM upstairs in the 8th Grade Pod

The meeting times are staggered so parents with students in both grades can easily attend both sessions. We look forward to seeing you there!

If you enjoy creating poetry or short stories and you would like to see your work in print, Literary Magazine Club is the place for you to tap into that creativity! This year's club kicks off on Tuesday, October 20th from 2:30-3:30 in Mrs. Chalifour’s room in the grade six pod. Thereafter, we will meet every other Tuesday. If you are unable to attend the initial meeting, but you would still like to join the club at a later date, please contact Mrs. Chalifour.

The Class of 2028 Officers invite all IMS students to a Halloween Movie Night fundraiser on Friday, October 30th, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM in the lower gym!

Whether you want to kick back with a festive film or burn off some energy, we have something for everyone:

• Movie in the Lower Gym: Bring your favorite cozy pillows and blankets to settle in for the feature presentation, starting promptly at 6:00 PM.

• Open Gym in the Upper Gym: Prefer to stay active? Head upstairs for a variety of open gym games throughout the evening.

• Snacks & Drinks: Candy and refreshing beverages will be available for purchase.

Event Details & Logistics

• Admission: $5 per student at the door.

• Drop-Off: 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM in front of the Performing Arts Center (PAC).

• Pick-Up: Event ends at 8:00 PM.

• Cell Phone Policy: To ensure a safe and engaging evening, students will check in their cell phones at the entrance upon arrival and retrieve them when they leave.

• Important Note: Once a student leaves the event, re-entry is not permitted.

Mark your calendars and gather your friends—we hope to see you all there for a spooktacular evening!

— Class of 2028 Officers

Calling all 6th, 7th, and 8th graders! Registration is officially open for Intramural Basketball. Whether you're a seasoned player or looking to try something new, come out, join a team, and show your school spirit!

Here is everything you need to know to get signed up and ready to play:

Key Details & Schedule

• Who Can Play: Open to all students in Grades 6–8.

• $75 One time yearly intramural fee. For example, if you already paid for Tennis this year, then Basketball is free! as is any other intramural sport the rest of the year.

• Season Dates: Wednesday, October 28 – Tuesday, November 24.

• Game Days & Times: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays after school from 2:30 to 3:45 PM.

• Format: Games run for 30 minutes. Players will be assigned to either the First Slot (2:30–3:00 PM) or the Second Slot (3:05–3:35 PM) on a set team schedule.

• Detailed Schedules: Team rosters and game schedules will be released on or before October 28. Guidelines and rules will be handed out on the first day.

Registration & Important Deadlines

Basketball is one of our most popular intramural programs, so don't delay!

1. Registration Deadline: All interested players MUST register by 2:30 PM on Wednesday, October 21 to guarantee a spot on a team.

2. Physical Exam Required: An updated physical (completed within the last 13 months) must be on file before playing. Please email your form to Nurse Reed at jreed@ipsk12.net or turn in a hard copy to the main office.

⚠️ Late Registration Policy:

Team rosters and game schedules are built strictly off registrations received by the October 21 deadline. Any registrations received after 2:30 PM on October 21 will be placed on a waitlist in the order received. Waitlisted students will only be added to a team if space opens up or another player drops out—placement is not guaranteed.

To request to be added to the waitlist, please email Katie Henderson at khenderson@ipsk12.net.

Sign up early, submit your physicals, and get ready for a great season on the court!

A reminder that fall sports payments are passed due. If you have not made your payment yet, contact Katie Henderson at khenderson@ipsk12.net. If you have a financial difficulty please reach out to me at pginolfi@ipsk12.net. Students with outstanding payments will not be able to register for intramural basketball.

We have noticed a number of students coming to school with open beverages, mainly from Dunkin'. Students are not allowed to bring drinks other than water to classes. As you can imagine, middle school students can have accidents and spills especially when travelling in packs. If water spills we can easily clean it up and the remnants evaporate, while other drinks leave behind a sticky residue. Please make sure that your students are not coming to school with open containers that they are trying to finish in class.

• Monday, October 19th - 8th graders begin new RA classes
• Thursday, October 22nd - 6th grade Ecology School parent meeting, 5:30 - 6th grade pod
• Thursday, October 22nd - 8th Grade Washington D.C. parent meeting, 6:00 - 8th grade pod
• Thursday, October 29th - Picture Re-take day
• Monday, November 2nd - Field Trip - 7th grade, Project Adventure

Exciting news for local families! Starting October 19, MAC By The Sea in Manchester is launching our brand-new Home Court program. Led by our trainer, Liam, Home Court gives kids ages 10–18 a safe, supervised space to head after school to spend time together, get moving, and connect with peers off their phones.

Designed to be flexible and welcoming, each session adapts to the interests of the kids who attend. Activities range from basketball, group games, and friendly competitions to creative projects. Our goal is to create a low-pressure environment where everyone can try something new, find an activity they enjoy, and simply have fun.

The program costs $10 per session for members and $20 per session for non-members. Give your kids a positive, active place to land after the school bell rings—we can’t wait to see them on the court! Call the MAC at (978) 526-8900 for more information.