Exploring new and novel offerings at the school store.
All Middlesex students know about, and often take for granted, the wonderful Bookstore in the first floor of Ware Hall, run by Ms. Gleason. Whether it is to buy a notebook for English, or purchase a new Middlesex hoodie, or even just to say hi and take a piece of candy, students are constantly filing in and out of the store.
There are many new additions to clothing, including hoodies in a new shade of gray, athletic quarter zips, and warm gloves to prepare for the incoming cold weather. The Bookstore also now sells dog bandanas with symbols of the Anvil decorated throughout it, an adorable accessory for man’s best friend. However, arguably the most impressive addition are the needlepoint Middlesex items from Smathers & Branson. With needlepoint luggage tags, card wallets, dog collars, and coasters, these small items would be a thoughtful and creative gift to a loved one. A needlepoint belt, also from Smathers & Branson, is also in the works.
Katie Le ‘27 states that she loves going to the school store to grab a piece of candy, a simple action which usually results in a friendly conversation with Ms. Gleason. Katie recalls Ms. Gleason’s constant hospitality, describing her as “the kindest person with the warmest smile.” Cynthia Ngugi ‘27 appreciates how the store is an easily accessible place to get toiletries or items that she may need, being a boarder away from home. Cynthia also suggests a good idea for the store to sell snacks, including chips, popcorn, and juice boxes, as many boarders like to stock up on snacks in their rooms. Furthermore, Sophia Nguyen ‘27 mentions that the store’s hours of operation (10am to 2pm) are sometimes inconvenient, as she would prefer to go after the school day ends instead of during her lunch block.
Not only does the school store affect the Middlesex community, it can also help the larger community of Concord and Massachusetts. Recently, the Bookstore also helped a popular organization called Kicks for Cancer raise over $3000 in total for ovarian cancer research under the planning of Avery Green ‘26 and Tyler Martinez ‘26. The school store was able to sell almost 400 of the neon pink shirts, while also helping Avery and Tyler market their cause, spread awareness, and manage the donations. Avery gives special thanks to both Ms. Gleason and Terry Cunningham for their contributions in this great cause.
The school store is an amazing resource for the entire Middlesex community. Next time you walk in, make sure to express your gratitude toward all of Ms. Gleason’s hard work to organize and run the entire place.
Michelle Cai
Indresh Chandel