Ipswich Middle School

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

Insights From Our Recent Professional Development Day

As you know, on March 9th there was no school for professional development. We had an excellent Keynote speaker, Katherine Martinko, who spoke to us about the dangers of cell phone use for students. There were some amazing facts, such as students scored, on average, 15% lower on assessments when their phone was on their desk, not even being used. Just resisting the urge to look at the phone decreased the students' output and achievement as their brain was preoccupied by it - imagine if a student has their phone while trying to study, do homework, or worse, has it in school.

Martinko, a prominent voice on digital minimalism and author of Childhood Unplugged, advocates for treating technology as a tool rather than a toy. Her presentation shed light on the profound ways constant connectivity is impacting adolescent development. Beyond academic distraction, the data surrounding early smartphone use for students under 16 is particularly concerning.

Here are some of the critical realities regarding middle schoolers and screen time:

Staggering screen hours: On average, children ages 8-12 are now logging 5.5 hours of entertainment screen time daily. For teenagers, that number jumps to nearly 9 hours—and this does not include tech use required for schoolwork.
Mental health impacts: Recent studies, including comprehensive research from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, have linked owning a smartphone by age 12 to a significantly increased risk of depression and anxiety. The younger a child is when they receive a smartphone, the more likely they are to internalize emotional struggles over time.
Communication gaps at home: Research suggests that when children get smartphones earlier, they are less likely to disclose emotional problems or daily struggles to their parents. Instead of leaning on family for support, they often turn to social media, which can widen the communication gap during crucial developmental years.
Sleep deprivation and physical health: Heavy phone use—especially keeping a phone in the bedroom at night—is closely tied to insufficient sleep. The blue light and dopamine loops disrupt natural circadian rhythms. Furthermore, the sedentary nature of prolonged screen time is linked to higher rates of childhood obesity.
The Cyberbullying Toll: Students who are constantly connected to social platforms face a higher risk of cyberbullying. Studies show that even minimal exposure to online harassment can lead to spikes in depressive symptoms, anger, and a heavy reliance on digital media as an unhealthy coping mechanism.

Martinko’s core message is ultimately one of empowerment: Parents and educators have the right to set limits. She encourages families to enrich their kids' "analog lives" by creating environments full of books, hobbies, and outdoor activities where a phone isn't needed.

Delaying smartphone ownership until age 16, keeping devices out of bedrooms overnight, and establishing tech-free zones (like the dinner table or during homework time) are incredibly effective ways to protect our students' well-being, mental health, and academic focus.

Katherine also shared a PSA with us that shows what is accessible with phones in an eye-catching way; click the picture below to watch the PSA on YouTube.

7th And 8th Grade Dance On March 20th

The Student Leadership Senate is hosting a school dance for 7th and 8th grade students next Friday from 7:00 to 9:00 in the cafeteria, a $5 donation is appreciated to help defray the cost of the DJ and custodians. Snacks will also be available for purchase. Mr. Fitzgerald met with the students this week to discuss the rules, which are also below as well as eligibility, which includes grades, attendance, and discipline.

Next Week Is Spirit Week

With the start of spring, the excitement of March Madness, and St. Patrick’s Day all arriving in the same week, it felt like the perfect opportunity to bring some extra fun and school spirit to our building. The Student Leadership Senate (SLS) has been hard at work planning a Spirit Week to help celebrate the season and bring our school community together.

Each day of the week will feature a different theme selected by the SLS, giving students and staff a chance to show their creativity and school pride. We encourage everyone to participate, whether that means wearing themed clothing, showing off school colors, or simply enjoying the positive energy around the building.

Spirit Week is a great way to build community, celebrate the changing season, and add a little fun to our school days. We look forward to seeing the enthusiasm and creativity our students always bring to the week.

The 6th Grade Cell Project Is Underway

Students are currently hard at work on their Cell Organelle Project. In teams, students are becoming the class experts on specific organelles and designing models that represent both the structure and function. The 6th grade science classrooms have turned into the ultimate maker-space as students knit membranes, cut cell wall structures, glue, tape, and carve materials to bring their ideas to life.

Together, they are transforming the classroom into a giant walk-through cell! Each team’s model will become part of the larger cell, helping us build an immersive space where students can literally walk through and explore how the parts of a cell work together.

Beginning next week, teams will present their research and models to classmates and teachers. Ask your sixth grader which organelle their team is studying and invite them to practice their presentation script with you at home.

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Mr. Daley Receives The Appreciation Tapestry

The Appreciation Tapestry was recently given to Mr. Daley who was nominated by Ms. Ananian.

She wrote, "I would like to nominate Mr. Daley for the incredible high-vibe, positive space he creates for students in his Health classes. He goes far beyond delivering curriculum—he intentionally fosters an environment where students feel seen, supported, and genuinely encouraged to grow. He values the learning process just as much as the outcome, empowering students to become the best versions of themselves. Through his guidance, they build confidence, self-awareness, and resilience—all while having fun and developing a strong foundation in both physical and emotional wellness. Mr. Daley’s impact reaches well beyond the classroom with the connection that he is able to make with his students." -Congratulations Mr. Daley!