In the Middle

We’re excited to kick off another fantastic year at Garfield Middle School!

As the hallways fill with the energy of new beginnings, we’re reminded of the incredible potential that each school year brings. Whether you’re returning or just joining our school community, we’re so glad you’re here.

This year promises to be full of learning, growth, creativity, and fun. In this issue, you’ll find important updates, upcoming events, student highlights, and helpful tips to start the year strong.

Let’s make this year the best one yet—together!

This newsletter is your go-to source for staying informed and engaged with all the exciting things happening in our school community.

Inside each issue, you'll find:

• Key Updates: Important announcements and school news.
• Student Spotlights: Celebrating the achievements and creativity of our middle schoolers.
• Upcoming Events: Mark your calendars for sports, clubs, and special activities.
• Classroom Highlights: A peek into innovative projects and lessons.
• Parent Resources: Tips and tools to support student success.

Our goal is to foster communication, celebrate our vibrant school spirit, and keep everyone connected. We encourage you to share your thoughts, ideas, and any content you’d love to see in future editions.

Let’s continue to make this 2025-2026 newsletter a reflection of the amazing energy and talent within our middle school community!

Sincerely,

GMS Publishing Community

Something small but exciting is sticking around Garfield Middle School—new locker magnets!

Starting this week, students may have noticed colorful, fun-shaped magnets popping up around the hallways. That’s because thanks to Mr. Rigoglioso all students were given a cool magnet to help students personalize their name on their lockers and bring a little extra school spirit to the halls.

The magnets come in a variety of colors to match our school shirts. Each student received one magnet during homeroom during the first week of school.

“I wanted to do something that would brighten student’s day,” said Mr. Rigoglioso. “Lockers are part of our everyday life, so why not make them more fun and expressive?”

The magnets aren’t just cute—they’re also locker-safe, meaning they won’t scratch or damage the metal.

So far, the response from students has been super positive.

“I love mine!” said seventh-grader Victoria. “I loved decorating mine with my name.”

So, whether you're showing off your favorite color, spreading a little positivity, or just marking your space, these new locker magnets are sticking around for good—and making Garfield Middle just a little more magnetic.

LABUBU RAFFLE ALERT!
Calling all collectors, fans, and lucky charmers!

Your chance to win the cutest, quirkiest, and most sought-after Labubu is finally here! The Labubu Macaron Box!

WHAT’S UP FOR GRABS?
The Labubu Macaron Box that everyone’s been talking about! Perfect for your desk, shelf, or to show off to your friends.

WHEN: Starting today!
WHERE: Ms. Ryden's room 202
TICKETS: $1.00 per ticket OR 3 tickets for $2 OR 10 tickets for $5

Don’t miss out — enter the raffle, and let Labubu come home with YOU!

French fries are a classic favorite—crispy, salty, and perfect for dipping in ketchup (or ranch, if you're feeling fancy). But when it comes to picking the best fries, our school has strong opinions.

Last week, we ran a lunchtime poll asking students one simple question:
“Who makes the best French fries?”

We gave six popular options to choose from. After tallying up over 600 votes, here are the fry-tastic results:

• McDonald's 388

• Chick-fil-A 182

• Wendy's 52

• Burger King 37

• Popeye's 22

• Taco Bell 22

• Homemade/Other 39

Whether you're into waffle fries, thick-cut fries, or fast food classics, there's no wrong way to enjoy this tasty treat.

What do you think—did your favorite fries make the cut? Let us know, and stay tuned for next week’s poll:
“Do you make your bed every morning?”

Garfield Drama Club Debuts this school year with Matilda – Auditions Coming Soon! Dates are listed below
Exciting news for all aspiring actors, singers, and stage lovers—Garfield Middle School is officially BACK with its very own Drama Club, and this year's production will be none other than the beloved musical Matilda!

Based on the classic book by Roald Dahl, Matilda the Musical tells the story of a brilliant young girl with a love for books, a strong sense of justice, and a little bit of magic. The show features fun musical numbers, memorable characters, and plenty of opportunities for students to shine—on stage and behind the scenes.

Auditions will be held soon, right after school. Everyone is welcome to try out, whether you’ve been performing for years or this is your very first time. There are roles for all kinds of talents, including speaking parts, ensemble singing, and even dancing!

Here’s what you need to know:

IMPORTANT DATES:

Wednesday September 17 - Dance Workshop 3:10 - 4:30 we will learn the dance audition combination!!

Thursday September 18 - Vocal Workshop/Acting Workshop 3:10 - 4:30 - we will review the 4 audition songs.

Thursday September 25 - Dance Auditions 3:10 - 4:30

Monday September 29t - Vocal Auditions time slots are 3:15 - 5:45

Tuesday September 30 - Non Singing Roles time slots are 3:15 - 5:45

October 2 - For ALL Roles and possibly Ensemble 3:10 - 6:00

Rehearsals will Run March 9 - May 28 after-school from 3:10 - 5:00/5:30

Performance dates are May 29 and May 30

Location: Garfield Middle School Cafeteria - Center Stage

Not interested in acting? The Drama Club also needs help with costumes, set design, lighting, sound, props, and more. If you’re artistic, organized, or just love theater, there’s a place for you behind the curtain too.

So whether you dream of being Matilda, Miss Trunchbull, or part of the backstage magic—this is your moment! Let your creativity take center stage and join the drama club for an unforgettable first production.

Break a leg, Garfield Stars!

Cereal, Science & Service come to Garfield Middle School

At Garfield Middle School, we will be transforming our hallways into a cascade of kindness — literally — with the Cereal Box Domino Challenge. With cereal boxes carefully spaced and stacked, the students and teachers will set off a chain reaction of tumbling boxes.

But this challenge isn't just about cool domino tricks. It will be a project rooted in math, physics, teamwork, and — most importantly — empathy. Every cereal box collected will be donated to a local food pantry that supports families in need.

What we will learn:

• Math & Physics: Measuring distances, designing the course, testing momentum — all hands-on STEM skills.

• Teamwork: Students will manage the collection and help design the course

• Empathy in Action: Understanding how small acts (like donating a box of cereal) can make a big difference.

It’s not just a school competition — it’s a powerful lesson in compassion and community engagement. And the fact that it’s fun makes it all the more memorable to all of us. Start collecting your boxes of cereal and bring them in to your homeroom teacher today!!

If you’ve ever felt nervous, had a stomachache before a big test, or worried about what others think, then Guts by Raina Telgemeier is a book you’ll want to read. This graphic novel dives deep into what it’s like to deal with anxiety, and it does it in a way that’s honest, funny, and easy to relate to.

Based on the author’s real-life experiences, Guts tells the story of a girl named Raina who starts having bad stomachaches. She’s not sure why she feels so sick all the time, but as the story goes on, we learn that her worries about school, friends, and getting sick are all connected. With help from doctors and a therapist, Raina begins to understand her feelings and learns that it’s okay to ask for help.

One of the best parts of Guts is how real it feels. The characters are easy to connect with—Raina, her supportive (but sometimes confused) family, and a mix of classmates who are kind, silly, or even a little mean. Through it all, Raina finds ways to be brave, even when she’s scared.

The theme of the book is powerful: everyone has something they’re dealing with, and that’s okay. It reminds readers that understanding our emotions is important and that talking about them can help us feel better.

Personally, I really enjoyed reading Guts. The pictures made the story come alive, and I could see myself in Raina. It made me feel like I’m not alone when I get nervous or scared. Plus, the book had some funny parts too, which made it fun to read.

Whether you’ve read other books by Raina Telgemeier or this is your first, Guts is a graphic novel worth checking out. It’s a heartwarming and honest look at growing up, facing fears, and learning to take care of yourself—inside and out

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