Iselin Middle School

Here are today’s announcements for: Wednesday 1/15/25 Today is an A Day. Today we celebrate National Bagel Day. Today’s influential figure in Indic Heritage History is Rabindranath Tagore, a famous poet, philosopher, and artist from India. He is best known for writing the national anthem of India, Jana Gana Mana, and for being the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. Tagore’s poems, songs, and stories explore themes of human connection, nature, and spirituality. His work is celebrated worldwide for its deep beauty and emotional power. The Geography Club meeting scheduled for today is canceled due to a faculty meeting after school. The next Panther Press Journalism Club Meeting will be Thursday, January 16 after school in Room 418. 7th & 8th Grade Dance Company members will meet tomorrow after school on stage. Please see Google Classroom for more information. Guitar club will meet tomorrow in room 112 Attention Community Council members: Please see Google Classroom for information about this week’s upcoming meeting. We are thrilled to congratulate these 7th-grade teams - Emerald City, for winning the award for Most Creative Use of Materials at the Future city Competition! This team includes Rania Chaudhry, Tanveer Sekhon, and Bhumika Gowda. And Floatopia City for winning the Most Resilient City - members are Anika Neralla, Diveesh Gangala, Harsith Saravanaraju. Today’s quote comes from Judy Garland: “I can live without money but I cannot live without love.”

Here are today’s announcements for: Tuesday 1/14/25 Today is a B Day. Today we celebrate National Dress Up Your Pet Day. It’s trivia time! Which instrument was invented on January 14, 1690 in Germany? The correct answer is the clarinet! Test your skills at the Trivia Challenge Club meeting after school today in Room 417. Astronomy club will meet today after school in room 506. 6th Grade Dance Company members will meet today after school on stage. Please see Google Classroom for more information. The Geography Club meeting scheduled for Wednesday is cancelled due to a faculty meeting after school. Attention Community Council members: Please see Google Classroom for information about this week’s upcoming meeting. The next Panther Press Journalism Club Meeting will be Thursday, January 16 after school in Room 418. Drama Club will be meeting today after school in room 604. Actors in pages 7-19 are needed for review. Art club members will be meeting after school today in the art room. Please make sure to ask your homeroom teacher for a late bus pass if you need it! Guitar club will meet on Thursday in room 112 Attention Chess Club Members, Chess Club will be moved to Thursday this week. Today’s influential figure in Indic Heritage History is Ahmed Zaki, a prominent leader from the Maldives. He served as the country’s president from 1978 to 2008, helping guide the nation through significant changes. Under his leadership, the Maldives saw major improvements in areas like tourism, education, and infrastructure. He was known for modernizing the country and raising its profile on the global stage. Today’s quote comes from Swami Sivananda: “Put your heart, mind, and soul into even your smallest acts. This is the secret of success.”

Here are today’s announcements for: Monday 1/13/25 Today is an A Day. Today we celebrate Korean American Day. Attention Chess Club Members: The sign-up form for Wednesday’s meeting will be posted today after school on the Google Classroom. It’s trivia time! In January 1959, which state became the 49th state of the USA? The correct answer is Alaska! Join us at the next Trivia Challenge Club meeting tomorrow 1/14 after school in Room 417. JFK is hosting its 4th annual Indic Heritage Cultural Showcase TONIGHT from 5-7pm! There will be food, dancing, a fashion show, and more! Tickets are $3 at the door. See Ms. Rodriguez for more information. Select Choir will rehearse after school today in room 604. This rehearsal is only for those who were in Select Choir for the Winter Concert. Attention Community Council members: Please see Google Classroom for information about this week’s upcoming meeting. Regular Choir rehearsal will take place tomorrow at 7:30 am in the Art room as usual. 6th Grade Dance Company members will meet tomorrow after school on stage. Please see Google Classroom for more information. The astronomy club will meet after school tomorrow in Room 506. The Geography Club will meet after school on Wednesday in room 511. Congratulations to the 19 students who participated in the Future City competition on Saturday competing against over 50 teams across NJ! Every team from IMS earned an award for their efforts. Today, special recognition goes to Team Flotianix, comprised of 8th graders Emaan Shazad, Noor Ul Huda Madassar, and Prisha Pandya, who won the Best Project Plan award. Stay tuned - another team’s award will be announced tomorrow. The next Panther Press Journalism Club Meeting will be Thursday, January 16 after school in Room 418. Today’s influential figure in Indic Heritage History is Tenzing Norgay from Nepal who, along with Sir Edmund Hillary, became the first people to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1953. Norgay’s incredible courage, skill, and determination helped make this historic achievement possible. As a skilled climber, he played a key role in guiding and supporting the team through one of the toughest challenges on Earth. Tenzing Norgay’s success continues to inspire explorers and adventurers around the world, showing the power of teamwork and perseverance. Today’s quote comes from Socrates: “Not life, but good life, is to be chiefly valued.”

Here are today’s announcements for: Friday 1/10/25 Today is a B Day Today we celebrate National Save the Eagles Day. Today is the last day to turn in a permission slip for Dance Company. Please check google classroom this weekend for important information! It’s trivia time! How many sides does a snowflake have? The correct answer is 6 sides! Test your skills at the next Trivia Challenge Club meeting on Tuesday 1/14 after school in Room 417. Attention Community Council members. See Google Classroom for information about an upcoming meeting next week. The next Panther Press Journalism Club Meeting will be Thursday, January 16 after school in Room 418. On Monday, January 13th, from 5PM-7PM, JFK is hosting its 4th annual Indic Heritage Cultural Showcase! There will be food, dancing, a fashion show, and more! Tickets are $3 at the door. See Ms. Rodriguez for more information. Today’s influential figure in Indic Heritage History is Dr. Sanduk Ruit, a doctor from Nepal who has helped restore the sight of thousands of people. Dr. Ruit is known for performing life-changing cataract surgeries, often in remote and underserved areas, where people didn’t have access to proper healthcare. His work has made a huge impact on public health, giving people the ability to see again and live better lives. Today’s quote comes from George Harrison: “With our love, we could save the world.”

Here are today’s announcements for Thursday 1/9/25: *Today is an A Day. *Today we celebrate National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. *It’s trivia time! The month of January is named after which Roman god who had 2 heads? The correct answer is Janus! Test your skills at the next Trivia Challenge Club meeting on Tuesday 1/14 after school in Room 417. *The next Panther Press Journalism Club Meeting will be Thursday, January 16 after school in Room 418. *Esports practice has been cancelled, in order to play Tuesday’s rescheduled Chess match today, after school. All Chess team members should be ready to join in before 3:30 PM. *Dance Company permission slips due Friday. See Ms. Popino for information On Monday, January 13th, from 5PM-7PM, JFK is hosting its 4th annual Indic Heritage Cultural Showcase! There will be food, dancing, a fashion show, and more! Tickets are $3 at the door. See Ms. Rodriguez for more information. *Today’s influential figure in Indic Heritage History is C.V. Raman, who was the first Indian scientist to win a Nobel Prize in Physics. He is best known for discovering the Raman Effect, which explains how light changes when it passes through different materials. This discovery helped scientists understand more about light and its properties. *Today’s quote comes from Henry Moore: “I think in terms of the day’s resolutions, not the years’.”

Here are today’s announcements for: Wednesday 1/8/25 Today is a B Day Today we celebrate National Bubble Bath Day. Drama Club will be meeting tomorrow after school in room 604. Actors in pages 15-19 are needed. Dance Company permission slips due Friday. See Ms. Popino for information Attention Community Council Members - Please check Google Classroom for more information about an upcoming meeting next week. Attention Chess Club members, The chess club will be canceled today. The sign-up sheet for next week will be posted on Monday. Today’s influential figure in Indic Heritage History is Malala Yousafzai, a brave young woman from Pakistan who stood up for education. Malala believed that every girl should have the right to go to school, no matter where they live. After surviving an attack by those who wanted to stop her, Malala became an even stronger voice for education and girls' rights. She’s the youngest person to ever win the Nobel Peace Prize. Malala’s story reminds us that we can make a big difference, even at a young age, if we stand up for what’s right. Today’s quote comes from Ronald Reagan: “A people free to choose, will always choose peace.”

Here are today’s announcements for: Tuesday 1/7/25 Today is a B Day Today we celebrate National Tempura Day. Reminder - late bus passes are needed if you are staying for an activity and take the bus home. Dance Company permission slips due Friday. See Ms. Popino for information There will be a Mock Trial club meeting today after school in room 122. There will be a Space Club meeting today after school in Room 506. There is no Future City meeting after school today. Today’s influential figure in Indic Heritage History is Sirimavo Bandaranaike, the first woman in the world to become a prime minister. She was the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and played a key role in improving her country. Sirimavo Bandaranaike worked hard to promote equality, education, and independence for Sri Lanka. She also focused on strengthening the country’s relationships with other nations. Her leadership inspired women around the world to get involved in politics and make a difference. Today’s quote comes from Anthony J. D’Angelo: “Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.”

Here are today’s announcements for: Monday 1/6/25 Today is a B Day Today we celebrate National Cuddle Up Day. There will be no Select Choir Rehearsal after school today. There will be a regular choir rehearsal tomorrow morning at 7:30 am in the Art room. If you are someone who wants to try choir and possibly join, please come tomorrow morning! Attention Mrs. Mandell’s students: There is no G&T today. Mrs. Mandell will see you next week. Astronomy club will meet tomorrow after school in Room 506. There will be a Mock Trial club meeting tomorrow Tuesday Jan. 7th after school in room 122. The Chess Club will meet on Wednesday. The signup form will be posted on the Google Classroom at 3:00 today. Sign-ups are first come first serve, and you must have your permission turned in by the start of the meeting. See Mr. McGann for any questions. Drama Club will meet tomorrow after school in room 604. Actors in pages 7-15 will be needed. The first Debate Club meeting will be after school tomorrow. You must register for the debate on Google Classroom in order to attend. Dance Company interest meeting will be held tomorrow at 7:45AM ON STAGE not art room sorry!! Today’s influential figure in Indic Heritage History is King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the former King of Bhutan. He is famous for making his country modern while keeping its traditions and culture. One of his most important ideas was Gross National Happiness, which means focusing on the happiness of people, not just how much money a country makes. He believed that health, education, and the environment were just as important as money. Today’s quote comes from Thomas Merton: Happiness is not a matter of intensity, but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony.

Here are today’s announcements for: Friday 1/3/25 Today is an A Day. Today we celebrate National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day. Choir is accepting new members. If you are interested in joining, please come to rehearsal on Tuesday, January 7, at 7:30 am in the art room. Astronomy Club will meet Tuesday after school in Room 506. The next Mock Trial Club meeting will take place on Tuesday Jan. 7th afterschool in room 122. Today’s influential figure in Indic Heritage is Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Also known as the ‘Father of the Nation’ in Bangladesh, he led the country’s fight for independence from Pakistan in 1971, advocating for the rights of the Bengali people. As the leader of the Awami League, he pushed for self-determination and equality, and his leadership inspired the liberation movement that resulted in the creation of Bangladesh. Today’s quote comes from Melody Beattie: “The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals.”

Here are today’s announcements for: Thursday 1/2/25 Today is a B Day. Today we celebrate National Science Fiction Day. Tech Free January - reminder that January is tech free January - students do not need to bring in chromebooks There will be no choir rehearsal tomorrow morning and no Select Choir on Monday. Our first rehearsal of 2025 will be Tuesday, January 7, at 7:30 am in the Art room. Any new students who are interested in joining choir should attend this rehearsal. There will be no Esports practice after school today. Our next match will take place after school on Tuesday, January 7. The next Mock Trial Club meeting will take place on Tuesday Jan. 7th afterschool in room 122. Today marks the first day of Indic Heritage Month! For the month of January, we will recognize influential figures who come from the various cultural identities of the Indian Subcontinent which includes India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. Our first historical figure is Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma Gandhi was a lawyer from India and was influential in leading the successful campaign for India’s independence from British rule through nonviolent resistance. He inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world through his message: "Be the change you wish to see in the world." Today’s quote comes from Rainer Maria Rilke: “And now we welcome the new year. Full of things that have never been.”

All schools and offices in the Woodbridge Township School District will be closed starting Monday, December 23, 2024 through and including Wednesday, January 1, 2025 for Winter Break. Offices will reopen and classes will resume on Thursday, January 2, 2025.

Here are today’s announcements for: Friday 12/20 Today is an A Day. Today we celebrate National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day. Dance 7 Period 2 report to Room 308 and Dance 8 Period 1 report to room 604 Attention Girls Basketball Team, please return your uniforms to Room 123 by Friday 12/20 JFK high school is hosting their 4th annual Indic Heritage Cultural Showcase on January 13th. See your grade level Google classroom for more information! For the chess tournament students will be called down at the end of period 4 Today’s quote comes from Norman Vincent Peale: “Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.”

All schools in Woodbridge Township School District will operate on the scheduled early dismissal plan on Friday, December 20, 2024. Morning Pre-K classes will be dismissed at 11:30 a.m,; Afternoon Pre-K will begin at 10:30 a.m. and will be dismissed at 1:10 p.m.; Full day Pre-K and Grades K through 5 will be dismissed at 1:10 p.m.; Grades 6 through 8 will be dismissed at 12:45 p.m.; and Grades 9 through 12 will be dismissed at 12:10 p.m. Aftercare will be available to eligible students.

Here are today’s announcements for: Thursday 12/19 Today is a B Day. Today we celebrate National Regifting Day. JFK high school is hosting their 4th annual Indic Heritage Cultural Showcase on January 13th. See your grade level Google classroom for more information! Attention Girls Basketball Team, please return your uniforms to Room 123 by Friday 12/20 Pizza Party Money last call now - make sure in bin by door The 12 days of Christmas continues with tomorrow’s theme of Santa Con Today’s quote comes from Laura Ingalls Wilder: “Home is the nicest word there is.”

Here are today’s announcements for: Wednesday 12/18 Today is an A Day. Today we celebrate National Twin Day. JFK high school is hosting their 4th annual Indic Heritage Cultural Showcase on January 13th. If you are interested in attending or you would like to participate in the showcase, see your grade level Google classroom for more information! Congratulations IMS Choir and Band students on a wonderful job at your Winter Concert last night! All of your hard work paid off and you were shining stars! There will be no choir rehearsal on Friday morning. Have a great break and we’ll see you in January! Attention all Chess Club members: There is no meeting today due to no late busses this week. Also for Chess Club members: Tomorrow is the last day to turn in your money to the main office for Friday’s tournament. All skill levels are encouraged to sign up. See Google Classroom for more information. Attention Girls Basketball Team, please return your uniforms to Room 123 by Friday 12/20 The 12 days of Christmas continues with tomorrow’s theme of Ugly Christmas Sweater. Today’s quote comes from Oliver Cromwell: “Nature can do more than physicians.”

Here are today’s announcements for: Tuesday 12/17 Today is a B Day. Today we celebrate National Wright Brothers Day. Time is running out to grab your spot for this Friday’s pizza party! The last day to bring $7 and your permission slip is tomorrow. JFK high school is hosting their 4th annual Indic Heritage Cultural Showcase on January 13th. There will be food, dancing, a fashion show, and more! If you are interested in attending or you would like to participate in the showcase, see your grade level Google classroom for more information! The IMS Winter Band and Choir concert will take place tonight at JFK High School The time is 6:30pm. Doors will open at 6:15 and admission is free and open to the public. Attention Chess Club Members: The 1st Annual Winter Blitz Tournament will take place this Friday. If you want to get out of class to play in the tournament please return the form you received on Friday with your $5 to the Main Office by Thursday morning. See the Google Classroom for more information. Let’s extend a big Congratulations to 8th grade student Emaan Shazad for winning the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen Essay contest. Emaan will present her essay in January and move forward in the National Contest. The 12 days of Christmas continues with tomorrow’s theme of Christmas Movie - dress like your favorite Christmas movie character or represent your favorite Christmas movie. Select Choir students, please come to 604 at 2:45 today for a 15 minute rehearsal. Teachers, thank you for your consideration. There will be a list of select choir names coming to your email shortly. Today’s quote comes from Maya Angelou: “There is a world of difference between truth and facts. Facts can obscure the truth.”

Here are today’s announcements for Monday 12/16: *Today is an A Day. *Today we celebrate National Chocolate Covered Anything Day. *In honor of January being Indic Heritage Month, JFK high school is hosting their 4th annual Indic Heritage Cultural Showcase on January 13th. There will be food, dancing, a fashion show, and more! If you are interested in attending or you would like to participate in the showcase, see your grade level Google classroom for more information! *The 12 days of Christmas will continue with tomorrow’s theme of Shine Bright like Christmas Lights - wear something shiny or that lights up. *Attention all choir and dance students who are going on the trip to Woodbridge Mall today: please wait for an announcement to come down. When you are called, bring a coat and a water bottle with you and nothing else. *The Chess Club will meet on Wednesday. The signup form will be posted on the Google Classroom at 3:00 today. Sign-ups are first come first serve, and you must have your permission turned in by the start of the meeting. See Mr. McGann for any questions. *After school today all choir students will meet in the cafeteria. We will walk up to JFK together for our rehearsal. You must be picked up at JFK today at 4:15. *There will be no choir rehearsal before school tomorrow morning. *Today’s quote comes from Jean Racine: “There are no secrets that time does not reveal.”

Here are today’s announcements for: Friday 12/13 Today is a B Day. Today we celebrate National Violin Day. The 12 Days of Christmas continues with Monday’s theme of Christmas hat - wear your favorite Christmas type hat Community Council will be hosting a pizza party next Friday during period 6. Bring in your permission slip and $7 to your block 1 teacher by Wednesday 12/18 to attend. See the IMS website for more information and to print your permission slips. Today is the last day to purchase a candy cane message to send to a friend. You will still be able to buy a candy cane without a message during lunches next week, while supplies last. In honor of January being Indic Heritage Month, JFK high school is hosting their 4th annual Indic Heritage Cultural Showcase on January 13th. There will be food, dancing, a fashion show, and more! If you are interested in attending or you would like to participate in the showcase, see your grade level Google classroom for more information! Today’s quote comes from Og Mandino: “Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.”

Here are today’s announcements for: Thursday 12/12 Today is an A Day. Today we celebrate National Gingerbread House Day. The 12 Days of Christmas continues with tomorrow’s theme of Fleece navidad - wear fleece Guitar club will meet today in room 112. Congratulations to the Dance Company members who performed last night! Dance Company members there is a holiday party after school today to celebrate! Choir members please do not be late to tomorrow morning’s rehearsal. Our piano player for the concert will be present and we need to start on time. Strive to arrive by 7:20. Esports practice will be held in room 505 after school today. There will be a Mock Trial Club meeting after school today in room 122. There will be a Drama Club meeting after school today in room 604 Attention Sidekicks - the training for this afternoon has been postponed until January 23rd. We will not be meeting today, please make sure you go home after dismissal. Please check the google classroom for more information. Chemistry Club members, please visit the google classroom for the date of our next club event. Club will be cancelled for Tuesday, December 17th. In honor of January being Indic Heritage Month, JFK high school is hosting their 4th annual Indic Heritage Cultural Showcase on January 13th. There will be food, dancing, a fashion show, and more! If you are interested in attending or you would like to participate in the showcase, see your grade level Google classroom for more information! Today’s quote comes from Ralph Waldo Emerson: “The first wealth is health.”

Here are today’s announcements for: Wednesday 12/11 Today is a B Day. Today we celebrate National Stretching Day. The 12 Days of Christmas continues with tomorrow’s theme of Warm & Cozy - wear your favorite flannel or go crazy with plaid Chess club will meet today after school in room. 117. You must have submitted the Google form on classroom, and have your permission slip turned in, in order to come to today’s meeting The Geography Club is after school today in room 511. Guitar Club will meet tomorrow in room 112 The Dance Company Winter Showcase is today at 6:00 PM at IMS—come support your peers! There will be a Mock Trial Club meeting after school in room 122 tomorrow Thursday December 12th. Congratulations to Divye G., Aidan A., and Anuj S. for leading our chess team to a 7-2 victory against Kenneth Olsen Middle School. If you are still interested in joining the chess team for future competitions, please see Mr. McDonough’s staff page for more information on joining Esports. Attention Sidekicks - The training scheduled for today has been cancelled. Please make sure you go home at dismissal and check out the google classroom page for more information. Today’s quote comes from John C. Maxwell: “Leadership is influence.”