Secaucus Middle School

Dear Middle School Families,

May is here, and the finish line is in sight! This month brings state testing, spring events, and celebrations—especially for our 8th graders as they prepare for high school. May is a busy month with key events ahead:

• April 29-May 1: One Session Day for SMS Students ~ 11:40 a.m. Dismissal

• April 29 - May 5: NJSLA Testing – Ensure students get rest and arrive on time.

• May 1: One Session Day for SMS Students ~ 11:40 a.m. Dismissal

• May 1: NJSLA Grades 6-8 Testing

• May 2 - May 5: NJSLA Grade 8 Testing

• May 6: 8th Grade Dinner Dance

• May 13: SMS Spring Concert (Arthur F. Couch Performing Arts Center)

• May 23 - 27: School Closed

We’re also recognizing our amazing staff during Teacher Appreciation Week. Please join us in thanking them for their hard work and dedication. Let’s finish the year strong together!

The New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA) is a computer-based state assessment of Mathematics and English Language Arts/Literacy Skills. All students at Secaucus Middle School will be taking the NJSLA ELA and Math from April 29th - May 1st. These days will be one session days for all Secaucus Middle School students.

New Jersey requires all 8th-grade students to be tested in the area of Science using the NJ Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA) Science to comply with current state and federal regulations. Students in Grade 8 will take the NJSLA Science on May 2nd and 5th; these will be regular, full school days.

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

6th Grade: Joaquin Rhodes

7th grade: Juliet Rhodes

8th grade: Gavin Lamatina

We are thrilled to announce that our Technology Student Association (TSA) team had an outstanding showing at the NJ TSA State Conference at TCNJ today!

Out of more than 20 participating middle schools and hundreds of students across New Jersey, our amazing group of 23 SMS students (grades 6–8) brought home an incredible 8 trophies — the highest total of any middle school at the event! Their outstanding performance earned them bids to the National TSA Conference this June!

We are beyond proud of their hard work, leadership, and the professionalism they showed every step of the way. They represented Secaucus Middle School with excellence and sportsmanship.

Stay tuned for more photos and highlights — and thank you to our staff, families, and school community for your support. Let’s celebrate our future innovators and leaders!

A handful of Environmental Club members and their parents came together at Mill Creek Marsh to place the birdhouses they built and painted with care 🐦💚 Such a fun and meaningful way to give back to nature!

Through books and conversation, these middle schoolers truly embraced their mission of building community and spreading kindness.

Mrs. Maloney’s 6th grade class recently wrapped up their March Math Madness challenge, and we’re so proud of their hard work! 💪🧠 Each day, students tackled math problems focused on boosting their multiplication fact fluency. Their determination paid off—everyone showed amazing growth in their times tables recall! 🙌🧮

To celebrate, each student received a certificate of completion and enjoyed a well-deserved refreshment. Way to go, mathematicians! 🏅🥤💙

A Day of Thrills, Laughter, and Lasting Memories for Our 8th Graders

On Monday, March 31st, our 8th grade Class of 2025 took a well-deserved break from the classroom and headed to American Dream for a day packed with fun and friendship!

The morning kicked off at the DreamWorks Water Park, where students raced down thrilling slides, floated along the lazy river, and splashed around in the wave pool. After drying off, they refueled at Around the Clock Diner—with the Nutella Waffles being the clear fan favorite!

The excitement continued at Nickelodeon Universe Amusement Park, where roller coasters and gravity-defying rides brought out big smiles and even bigger screams.

As they head into their final marking period of middle school, this trip was the perfect way to bond, make lasting memories, and just enjoy being kids.

On June 2nd, our middle school students will have the incredible opportunity to attend a motivational assembly featuring Jordan Toma alongside students from Huber Street and Clarendon! Jordan Toma is known for inspiring young minds with his powerful message about perseverance, confidence, and overcoming obstacles. Let’s get ready to be inspired! 💙

Join us on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 1–4 PM at Buchmuller Park for a fun-filled day of youth innovation, supported by the Town of Secaucus!

Kids ages 5–15 will run their own mini-businesses, showcasing everything from crafts and baked goods to tech projects and jewelry — all in a supportive, community-driven space.

✨ Last year, over 50 young vendors wowed hundreds of visitors and walked away with real-world skills and a big boost in confidence!

🔗 Register here: https://tinyurl.com/YEEXPO25

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!

Get ready for a fun-filled afternoon! 🎉 The SMS PTO Spring Tricky Tray is just around the corner, and tickets are now available for purchase. Don’t miss your chance to win amazing prizes while supporting our school!

🔗 Get your tickets here: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/sms-pto-spring-tricky-tray

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!

As per the SMS Student Code of Conduct, all students are permitted to wear knee-length shorts in a docker style in navy, tan, or khaki from Sept through Oct 31 and from May 1 to the close of the school year. Athletic or stretch shorts are not acceptable.

Please note that the 2024-2025 school calendar was updated at the March 18, 2025, Secaucus Board of Education monthly meeting. The following changes have been made:

• May 23, 2025: School will be closed

• May 27, 2025: School will be closed

• Primary Election Day (June 3, 2025) – School will be in session

• Juneteenth Observance – The scheduled day off has been moved to June 20, 2025.

• Secaucus Middle School Graduation – Rescheduled to Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the Arthur F. Couch Performing Arts Center.

• Last Day of School – The school year will now end on June 25, 2025.

• IMPORTANT NOTE - If any inclement weather days are needed, May 23, 2025, will revert back to a one-session day.

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