Secaucus Middle School

Dear SMS Community,

Spring is right around the corner, with renewed energy and excitement! As we move further into the school year, March is a time for growth.

This month, we look forward to March Madness activities, classroom challenges, and opportunities for students to showcase their learning creatively. As we progress throughout the year, I encourage students to stay focused, set goals, and take advantage of the support available. Parents and guardians, your partnership is invaluable, and we appreciate your continued involvement in our school community.

Marking Period 3 Progress Reports are available for viewing on March 13th in the Realtime Parent Portal. Please reach out to our school counseling department with any questions or to schedule a meeting. https://www.fridayparentportal.com/portal/security/login.cfm

During the February 13th Board of Education meeting, the district calendar was revised, resulting in a change to the last day of school. Consequently, Secaucus Middle School's Graduation will now take place on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Arthur F. Couch Performing Arts Center.

Please mark your calendars, and stay tuned for more details as we get closer to this special day!

This is an important reminder that the deadline to pay for your child's cap and gown is Friday, March 7, 2025.

Payment options:

• Cash: $23 [exact change only, please]
• Online: [see attached form and link below]

https://herffjoneskevinhicswa.formstack.com/forms/generic_hj_item_payment_form

Thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Middle School main office.

🌟 Congratulations to our Patriot's of the Month! Keep up the great work! 🎉👏

6th grade- Esmeralda Meicke

7th grade- Julian Nieves

8th grade- Jayden Alfonso

The SMS Environmental Club built birdhouses for tree swallows! 🐦 These birdhouses will help control mosquitoes naturally in the Meadowlands Marsh. A big thanks to our students and the Secaucus Environmental Department for supporting this eco-friendly project! 🌿 #SecaucusPride #EcoWarriors

On February 12th, the SMS Rock Band launched their 2025 season with an electrifying concert in our very own Performing Arts Center, treating Secaucus Middle School students, faculty, and staff to an unforgettable show! The talented 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade musicians rocked the stage with a dynamic setlist featuring hits like Kiss Me by Sixpence None the Richer and Shake It Off by Taylor Swift.

Later that week, the band was honored to perform at Huber St. School for Secaucus' annual Valentine’s Day Senior Citizen Breakfast, thanks to an invitation from Mayor Ganelli and the Town Council. Their high-energy performance brought joy and music to the celebration, making Valentine’s Day even more special for everyone in attendance!

Way to go, SMS Rock Band! 🎤🎸👏 #SMSRockBand #MusicInSecaucus #RockOn

In a special session of Mr. Mroz’s Science class, our sixth graders became paleontologists, sifting through sediment from North Carolina in search of fossilized shark teeth and other ancient relics. 🦷🔍

Their meticulous work uncovered tiny windows into Earth’s distant past, sparking curiosity and excitement. This hands-on activity brought the fossilization process to life and ignited discussions about Earth’s history and the science of paleontology.

We are incredibly proud of our students’ patience and investigative spirit! Stay tuned for more discoveries from Secaucus Middle School’s young scientists. 🌍🦖 #FutureScientists #HandsOnLearning #SecaucusMiddleSchool

On February 13th and 14th, SMS students participated in Free2B, a cutting-edge 3D bullying prevention program. This innovative 90-minute assembly, designed for 6th-8th graders, transformed our auditorium into an immersive, interactive experience.

Through a powerful 3D narrative, real-life video testimonials, and audience participation using hand-held voting devices, students engaged in meaningful discussions on bullying prevention and conflict resolution.

A huge thank you to the dedicated team at Life Changing Experiences (LCE) and the Center for Violence Prevention at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for bringing this impactful program to our school!

In recognition of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, we’re sharing resources from the Child Mind Institute to help identify potential eating disorders in children and teens.

Eating disorders can be hard to spot. While anorexia nervosa is often linked to extreme thinness, other disorders like atypical anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and ARFID may not show obvious signs. These conditions can affect both boys and girls, and early recognition is key.

Let’s raise awareness this week and learn how to spot the signs. Early intervention is crucial, and treatments work for all young people.

— Michelle Shih

https://youtu.be/N7PTi5RTVkE?si=6ZNan5QdBF63yevl

The SMS National Junior Honor Society is offering Open Tutoring Sessions! https://edl.io/n1994535

Celebrate Secaucus Middle School’s Class of 2025 with a lawn sign! $35 each, order by April 30

https://edl.io/n2028504

Get ready for an unforgettable under-the-sea adventure! Secaucus High School proudly presents The SpongeBob Musical, a spectacular show filled with music, laughter, and all your favorite characters from Bikini Bottom!

Show Dates & Times:

• March 21 & 22 – 7:00 PM
• March 23 – 2:00 PM

Location: Secaucus High School

Join SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, and the rest of the gang as they embark on a thrilling journey to save their beloved home! With incredible performances, dazzling costumes, and catchy tunes, this is a show you won’t want to miss.

Tickets available now! Gather your friends and family for an evening of musical fun.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of The SpongeBob Musical! Come support our talented students and enjoy a night of entertainment straight from Bikini Bottom!

#SpongeBobMusical #SHSTheater #BikiniBottomOnStage #secaucushighschool

https://edl.io/n2037174

Join Secaucus Public Schools in celebrating Autism Acceptance Month by wearing Autism Acceptance shirts every Friday in April!

Get your new Autism Acceptance shirt today and show your support!

The SMS PTO would like to ask for your help for their spring fundraiser Tricky Tray! You can help by donating cash, gifts, gift cards, or by purchasing items from their Amazon gift wish list! The Tricky Tray will be held on May 4th at SMS. Thank you in advance for your support!

https://edl.io/n2020659

All students are reminded to be in proper dress code each and every day which includes wearing the proper bottoms (khaki pants or sweatpants with the appropriate logo). Please see below for a point of reference.

The middle school main office is also collecting gently used uniform items. All donations are greatly appreciated!

Please note that the 2024-2025 school calendar was updated at the February 13, 2025, Secaucus Board of Education monthly meeting. The following changes have been made:

• Primary Election Day (June 3, 2025) – School will be in session
• Juneteenth Observance – The scheduled day off has been moved to June 20, 2025.
• Last Day of School – The school year will now end on June 26, 2025.
• Secaucus Middle School Graduation – Rescheduled to Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the Arthur F. Couch Performing Arts Center.

Please mark your calendars accordingly! Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.

Best regards,

Dr. Danielle Garzon

Secaucus Middle School Principal

Mr. Christopher Innis

Secaucus Middle School Assistant Principal