Secaucus Middle School

Dear SMS Community,

Happy New Year! As we begin 2025, I want to express my gratitude for your steadfast support and dedication to our school. Together, we create a positive and nurturing environment that empowers our students to succeed and reach their full potential.

The start of a new year is a wonderful time to reflect and set goals for continued growth. As we approach the midpoint of the school year, I encourage all families to stay engaged by using the Realtime Parent Portal to review their child’s academic progress. This is a great opportunity to celebrate accomplishments and identify areas for improvement as we prepare for the months ahead.

Here are a few key dates and events to look forward to this January:

• January 2, 2025: SMS Spelling Bee
• January 8, 2025: 8th Grade Graduation Picture Day
• January 20, 2025: School Closed
• January 21, 2025: One Session Day for Students (11:40 a.m. Dismissal)
• January 29, 2025: End of Quarter 2
• January 30, 2025: Beginning of Quarter 3

Our dedicated staff is always here to support your child’s academic and personal growth. Should you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child's school counselor. Together, let’s make 2025 a year filled with growth, learning, and success!

Wishing you a happy and healthy new year!

Secaucus Middle School is proud of present the award of the SMS Governor's Educator of the Year to Mrs. Felicia Maloney!

The Secaucus Middle School Student Government Organization, under the direction of Toni-Ann Palmisano, planned and carried out a Holiday Movie Night event held on Tuesday, December 17th. Students in grades 6, 7, and 8 arrived dressed in festive pajamas and with their favorite pillow to watch "The Grinch." Students enjoyed pizza, popcorn, and hot chocolate throughout the night. A special thank you to the Secaucus Recreation Department for assisting with streaming the film, our dedicated SGO members who helped prep the goodie bags, as well as the teachers who offered their time to help chaperone.

What an incredible performance by our talented musicians at the Winter Band Assembly and Concert! 🎺🥁✨ The stage came alive with beautiful melodies, festive tunes, and the hard work of our dedicated students and the band director, Mr. Sonnett.

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported our amazing band program. Check out these snapshots from the event! 📸🎵 Let’s give a big round of applause to our performers for making this winter season even more magical! 👏❄️

#WinterConcert #BandPerformance #SchoolSpirit #MusicMatters

We had an AMAZING time celebrating Grinchmas Day at SMS! From festive outfits to Who-ville level holiday cheer, our school community truly made the day unforgettable.

Check out these snapshots of our students and staff rocking their Grinch-inspired looks and spreading holiday joy! 📸✨

#GrinchmasDay #HolidaySpirit #FestiveFun #WhoVilleVibes #MemoriesMade

Secaucus Middle School Students and Staff squared off in their annual school-wide volleyball game on Thanksgiving Eve. The students had a great time playing against their teachers and middle school staff members. The SMS Faculty still remain the reigning champions!

Thank you to everyone who helped out during the school-wide event especially our physical education teachers that helped set up the volleyball nets and bleachers.

Middle and high school students kicked off their mentoring program on November 26th, sharing breakfast and building new friendships. “Life is better with friends.” https://edl.io/n2003005

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

Over the past few weeks, our 8th graders attended an impactful assembly presented by Partners in Prevention, focusing on the harms of vaping and strategies to resist peer pressure related to drug use. This valuable session aimed to equip our students with the knowledge and skills to make informed, healthy choices.

Looking ahead, we are excited to announce that after the Holiday Break, Secaucus Middle School will be hosting a Cultural Event for our students on January 14th and 15th! This event will celebrate the diversity within our school community and feature opportunities to share and learn about different cultures.

We are inviting families to contribute by donating food items that represent their country or culture. Donations can include pre-made, packaged food or items from a restaurant. If you’re interested in participating, please email Mrs. Sciscilo at ssciscilo@sboe.org to let us know what you’ll be bringing.

In addition to the delicious food, students will have the chance to join interactive cultural dance lessons, making this event a fun and enriching experience for all.

We look forward to celebrating our diverse community together!

Please support the class of 2025! Check out our upcoming 8th Grade Popcorn Sale. The fundraiser begins on January 13th and ends of January 27th.

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