Ipswich Middle School

December 6, 2024

Ipswich Middle School

Peter Ginolfi, Principal

Sean Fitzgerald, Assistant Principal

Our mission is to create a nurturing community where students are encouraged to develop confidence as lifelong learners with the awareness and flexibility necessary to adapt to a changing world. We strive to bring out the best in every student and adult in our learning community.

Email: pginolfi@ipsk12.net
Website: www.ipsk12.net
Location: 130 High Street, Ipswich, MA
Phone: (978)356-3535

Author Visit Was A Big Hit

On November 26th Author Jarrett Krosoczka met with all three grades, with our 6th grade students he discussed his story of perseverance in the book industry and explained his writing and drawing process to the students. When Jarrett met with the 7th and 8th grade students he shared his very moving story of how he navigated his early life in a family facing addiction issues and how writing and drawing became a very positive outlet for him. At the end of each session he had a ten minute question and answer session. During this time the students had many wonderful questions and we actually ran out of time in all three sessions. That is a clear indication of how well he connected with our students and how captivated they were by his message. A big thanks goes out to our school librarian, Ms. Heather Chang, who arranged for Mr. Krosoczka to come to Ipswich Middle School.

Student Success Stories

We are pleased to announce that 8th Grader Cora Joss has been selected as Ipswich's Project 351 Representative. Project 351 seeks to develop the next generation of community-first service leaders through customized service learning, hands-on community-building, and values-based leadership training. Annually, Ambassadors from each of the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts are selected by hometown educators for their exemplary ethic of service and the values of kindness, compassion, humility, and gratitude. Cora is pictured below with our Project 351 Faculty Advisor, Ms. Scarbrough, who is an 8th grade Science teacher - congratulations!

Another 8th Grader making some news is Jacob Carubia who is quite adept at solving the Rubik's Cube. Jacob won his first gold medal last weekend for clock puzzle. He’s ranked 507 in the world, 149 in the US and 6th the state! Jacob will be competing at the Rubik's Cube World Cube Association World Championship in July 2025 - go Jacob!

Exciting New Afterschool Offerings at Ipswich Middle School!

We’re thrilled to announce a variety of new afterschool programs to keep students engaged, creative, and connected! Some of these activities have already started, and others will launch after the new year. Here’s what new things are happening:

Library Extended Hours:
The library now offers extended hours for students to read, find books, or work on homework. Here’s the schedule:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: 2:30 – 3:30 PM
Thursday: 1:30 – 2:30 PM

Crochet Club:
Starting in January, students can join the new Crochet Club, which will meet on Wednesdays.

Ipswich Middle School Teen Drop-in Program:
We’re excited to announce a new program launching Monday, January 6th, with a special Ice Cream Party in Boone Hall at Ascension Church (31 County Street). A variety of different sports will be available as well as board games, or just a warm safe place to hang out with friends. A more involved and structured activity will be offered on Thursdays when more time is available.The program will run daily from 2:30 – 4:30 PM, with extended hours on Thursdays (1:30 – 4:30 PM).

Limited transportation is available for up to as many as 24 students each day. Students will need to sign up in the main office (similar to the Y bus sign-up).
The program is currently free, thanks to generous donations, and will remain no-cost as long as funds last.

To support this program, we’ll be pitching for an Awesome Ipswich $1,000 grant.

How You Can Help:
Join us at True North on Wednesday, December 11th, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM to hear the pitch and show your support for this valuable community initiative.

Program Partners:
Ipswich Schools EDP, Ipswich Public Library, Ipswich YMCA, and Ascension Memorial Church.

For more information, please contact Alicia Merry at amerry@ipsk12.net.

Baby Pictures Needed

Each year there is a section of the yearbook with the 8th graders baby pictures in it to show how much the kids have grown over the years. These same pictures are also used for a slideshow which is shown at the graduation ceremony in June. This is the new link for the baby pictures to be submitted for the yearbook and the slide show.

Dear Ipswich Families:

If you are in need of support for the holiday season, please consider reaching out to Ipswich Caring (see links below for information and applications).

For any families interested in supporting other IMS students, we are collecting donations of local gift cards (any amount), art supplies, winter gear, board games, sports equipment, comfy clothing, fidgets, and any other item that you think a middle schooler would enjoy. Donations can be dropped off to the Main Office of the middle school by Monday, December 16th.

Ipswich Caring Info

Ipswich Caring Application

Translated copies:

Ipswich Caring - SPANISH

Ipswich Caring - PORTUGUESE

Essex Tech Information

For 8th Grade Students & Families - December 9-11, 2024

We are once again hosting our Virtual Admissions Information Sessions for prospective students and families next week, December 9-11. Sessions are available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.For more information. click here: December 2024 Essex Tech Admissions Info Sessions .