In the Middle

The version of Mother's Day celebrated in the U.S. and widely adopted around the world has more recent roots.

Ann Reeves Jarvis

• In the 1850s, she organized "Mother's Day Work Clubs" to help improve health and sanitation.

• During the Civil War, she also worked to unify families on both sides.

Julia Ward Howe

• In 1870, she called for a “Mother’s Peace Day”, encouraging women to promote peace following the Civil War.

• It didn't quite catch on, but it laid the groundwork.

Anna Jarvis (Ann’s daughter)

• She is credited with founding Mother's Day as we know it.

• After her mother's death in 1905, she campaigned for a national holiday to honor mothers.

• The first official Mother’s Day was celebrated in 1908 in Grafton, West Virginia.

• By 1914, President Woodrow Wilson declared the second Sunday in May as a national holiday: Mother’s Day.

There was more than just grammar and essays on the minds of students in Room 102 at Garfield Middle School this week. Mrs. Dunker, our 6th grade English teacher, proudly announced the arrival of her first grandchild when we returned from Spring Break—bringing smiles, cheers, and even a few happy tears across the school.

The news broke when we returned from break and Mrs. Dunker walked in beaming and holding a photo of baby Callan Brian, born last week to her son and his wife. Students gathered around, offering hugs and congratulations as Mrs. Dunker shared stories and photos.

“It’s the happiest feeling in the world,” she said, her voice full of emotion. “Becoming a grandmother is a blessing I’ll cherish forever. My family has grown in the most beautiful way.”

Mrs. Dunker, who has taught English in Garfield for many years, is known for her passionate storytelling, thoughtful writing prompts, and signature “minute countdown” hallway cries. She will be retiring at the end of the school year and we are just so happy for her and her family.

In a heartfelt announcement on April 16th, Ms. Whitney, an ESL teacher at Garfield Middle School, was named Teacher of the Year and Mrs. Bowen was named Para of the year.

Known for their infectious enthusiasm, unwavering dedication, and ability to connect with students beyond the classroom, they have both become a pillar of excellence in education.

Whether it’s staying after school to tutor a struggling student, organizing community events, or turning every lesson into a memorable experience, they go above and beyond every single day.

Congratulations on a well deserved award.

6th Math Refia (Baeza) Yokus

6th Science Stefanny Roman

6th Social Studies Merlina Estrada

6th Phys Ed/Health Nicole Chamot

6th Specials Fabrizio Hernandez Murga

6th Character Dejan Todor

7th ELA Queenie Zheng,

7th Math Scarlett Santana

7th Science Oscar Hendzel

7th Social Studies Julian Boaheng

7th Phys Ed/Health Leilani Becerelli

7th Specials Venessa Szewczyk

7th Character Jarielysmar Marty Jorge

8th ELA Mayson Martinez

8th Math Abigail Abrokwah

8th Science Juliana Alfonso

8th Social Studies Andy Nova

8th Phys Ed/Health Ali Manzoor

8th Specials Savier Tirado

8th Character Emanuel Rodriguez

Classrooms at Garfield Middle School had a fresh twist on April 16th as students swapped roles with teachers during the school’s annual "Teacher for the Day" event. Organized to foster leadership, communication, and empathy, the initiative allowed students to step into the shoes of their instructors and experience the responsibilities of running a class.

The program invited interested students to apply for the opportunity to teach lessons, lead activities, and manage classroom routines under the guidance of faculty mentors. This year, many students across all grades participated, preparing lesson plans and interactive learning experiences for their peers.

Seventh grader Chance Cooper, who led a class in GMS Publishing, described the experience as both exciting and eye-opening. "I didn’t realize how much planning and patience it takes to keep everyone on track," he said. "But it was also really fun to share what I know and see my classmates so engaged."

Teachers observed from the sidelines, offering support while giving students space to lead. "It’s a valuable experience for students to see what teaching is really like," said Mr. VanWinkle, a 7th-grade math teacher. "They gain respect for the profession and build confidence in their ability to present and communicate clearly."

Principal Rigoglioso praised the event as a highlight of the school year. "Teacher for the Day helps build stronger relationships between students and staff. It encourages accountability, empathy, and creativity—all key parts of our school’s mission." Principal Rigoglioso even had a “Student Principal for the Day.”

The Evolution of Snack Foods in the U.S.

In the land of on-the-go lifestyles and instant gratification, snack foods have become more than just a way to satisfy mid-day cravings—they're a cultural staple. From childhood lunchboxes to late-night cravings, Americans have built an enduring relationship with snacks. And that relationship keeps evolving.

The U.S. snack market is massive. In 2024 alone, Americans spent over $100 billion on snacks, according to market research. What's fueling this? Convenience, variety, and a constant drive toward personalization. With increasingly busy schedules, people are leaning into snack foods not just between meals—but often instead of meals.

Some snacks have stood the test of time. Potato chips, pretzels, popcorn, cookies, and candy bars have been go-to options for decades. Brands like Lay’s, Oreo, and Hershey’s are nearly household icons. These classic snacks remain bestsellers, offering comfort, nostalgia, and familiarity.

And then there’s peanut butter—whether in crackers, granola bars, or good old Reese’s Cups, it’s a snack MVP....not to mention of course TAKIS!!

Over the past decade, there's been a major shift toward health-conscious snacking. Consumers are reading labels more closely, looking for options that are gluten-free, organic, high in protein, or low in sugar. Brands like KIND, RXBAR, and Nature's Bakery (Dr. Bugge's fave) have risen in popularity for offering nutrient-dense options without sacrificing flavor.

Even traditional snack companies are getting in on the action, reformulating recipes and launching new lines with buzzwords like "plant-based," "keto-friendly," or "made with whole grains."

But not everyone is going full health-nut. There’s also been a boom in what some call “healthy-ish” snacks—think dark chocolate-covered almonds, seaweed chips, or Greek yogurt-covered pretzels. It’s indulgence with a twist.

SO what are OUR favorite snacks here at GMS? See the results below:

Cookies win by a landslide !!! See dark green below!!

The LG Exploratorium was designed to give middle school students a chance to learn about science, technology, engineering and math in a hands-on, immersive environment.

The company built it in the hopes that the space will be a destination for class field trips and inspire a new generation to pursue careers in science and technology fields. Discovery Education partnered with LG to create a curriculum for schools to follow before and after their visits.

Laughter, picture books, and storytime magic filled the air as the student council at Garfield Middle School took a break from their usual leadership duties to read to preschoolers at the nearby Early Childhood Learning Center. The event was part of a special celebration for the Week of the Young Child, a national initiative that recognizes the importance of early childhood education and the role communities play in nurturing young learners.

On April 11th, members of the student council walked over to the pre-K classrooms, ready to read their favorite children’s books. With titles ranging from Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? to The Very Hungry Caterpillar, middle schoolers paired up with curious and energetic preschoolers for cozy, interactive reading sessions.

“We wanted to do something meaningful that connected us to younger kids in our community,” said Lily Ryden, student council advisor.

Teachers at both schools praised the event for fostering literacy and mentorship. “The younger children look up to the big kids,” said GMS Principal Rigoglioso.

The visit was also a learning opportunity for the middle schoolers, many of whom prepared ahead of time by practicing how to read with expression and engage younger audiences. Some even created simple crafts or brought puppets to help bring the stories to life.

Mr. Paul May 1st

Mr. Pagano May 2nd

Ms. Morrow May 3rd

Ms. Repasy May 7th

Ms. Surma May 9th

Ms. Kutarnia May 10th

Principal Rigoglioso May 13th

The Haunting Hour is a spooky collection of short stories written by R.L. Stine, the author best known for the Goosebumps series. In this book, Stine tells several creepy stories that are perfect for kids who enjoy being scared—but not too scared.

Each chapter is its own story, with different characters and scary situations. Some of the best stories include “The Bad Babysitter” and “Revenge of the Snowman,” which start out normal but quickly take strange and creepy turns. One of the best things about the book is that you never know how a story will end. Most of the endings are surprising and sometimes even a little funny.

The writing is easy to read, and the stories move quickly, which makes the book hard to put down. Even though some of the stories are a bit predictable, most are fun and exciting. The author does a great job building suspense and making the reader feel nervous—in a good way!

If you like scary stories with ghosts, monsters, or weird surprises, you will probably enjoy The Haunting Hour. It’s a good choice for middle school readers who like horror.

I loved the book. It wasn't too scary it was like my kind of book it was perfect not too scary not too babyish. It was the kind of book I wanted to read however, I personally love scary things.

In the heart of a bustling middle school, there is a 6th grader named Andrew whose world is filled with the magic of words. While some kids his age are lost in video games or social media, Andrew has found his creative outlet in the form of poetry. His love for writing isn’t just a hobby—it’s a passion that allows him to explore his emotions, express his thoughts, and share stories through the rhythm of language.

The complexity of poetry continues to fascinate him. Look for more work in our issues to come

With every step, and with every move, Daisy starts to feel the groove

She is only a duck, her talent of the walls

Infront of many, creativity calls

Every row of sear, packed to the brim

Margin of error, very slim

Since she was young, dance was in her blood

Dancing in the rain, sleet, snow and mud

Still danced despite the crud

On this grand stage, she makes a thud

Captivating all with her words, moves and shirt

Empowering vibes she will exhort

When she works, no time is lost,

Practice a lot, practice with cost

Diasy is strong, still goes quack

When you have a positive desire, stay on that track

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

Student reporter: Venessa Szewczzyk