Weekly Update - Week Ending December 19, 2025
Good afternoon, Westbrook Middle School students, parents, and guardians. Please read the following updates from Westbrook Middle School.
Yearbooks
WMS Yearbooks are now on sale for $25 and can be purchased anytime between now and May 1, 2026 at https://tinyurl.com/wmsyearbook2026. Families are also invited to submit photos and 8th-grade baby photos using the following link: https://photos.jostens.com/LU7WPH.
Cookie Swap
We want to extend our sincere gratitude to the PTO and all families who contributed to today's cookie swap. Whether you donated money, baked treats, or purchased cookies, your generosity made this event delightful for our entire faculty. These thoughtful gestures remind us of the incredible community support that makes our school such a special place.
School-Wide Read
We are wrapping up our reading of The Boys in the Boat and have an exciting day planned for next Tuesday. Students will watch The Boys of '36, a PBS documentary that brings to life much of what we have explored in the book. This has been an enriching experience for both students and staff, providing ample opportunity for students to develop literacy skills while grappling with our Portrait of a Graduate attributes through this excellent literature.
Internet Safety
Next Tuesday, Scott Driscoll from Internet Safety Concepts will visit WMS to teach students about internet and social media safety. Scott founded his organization in 2007 and has extensive law enforcement experience, having served as a youth officer and computer investigator. His presentations help students understand how to use technology safely while navigating potential online dangers.
A Little Fun
The middle school is not all work and no play. We are gearing up for our annual dodgeball tournament, and students who wish to compete have placed their names into a lottery. By the time you read this memo, students will know if they have been selected at random to represent their grade. The middle school gym will be pure excitement next week as students compete for dodgeball grade supremacy.
WMS Upcoming Dates to Remember
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December 23 |
Early Dismissal |
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December 24 - Jan. 2 |
Winter Recess |
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January 5 |
Back to School |
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January 13 |
Board of Education Meeting - 6PM WHS Library |
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January 23 |
End of Quarter 2 (Semester 1) |
ATHLETICS
Middle School Basketball tipped off this week, and our teams are officially in game mode! It’s an exciting start to the season as student-athletes take the court and represent Westbrook with energy and teamwork. We are happy to welcome as many fans as possible to support our teams. Please remember that children attending games should stay in the gym and enjoy the action safely. Please note there will be no Westbrook Middle School basketball or Unified Sports practices or games on December 23rd or during the holiday break. All activities will resume on January 5th. Below you will find updated practice schedules, game information, and meeting dates. Volleyball registration is now open, with the season beginning on Monday, February 16th.
Volunteers Needed to Run the Concession Stand During High School Basketball Games
The Westbrook Athletic Boosters are seeking student and parent volunteers to work the concession stand during home boys and girls basketball games this season. Each shift is about 1 hour and 15 minutes and students can earn community service hours. All funds raised support our student-athletes and senior scholarships. Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zu_T8RNdOZ-pTyShDCmQn-iY8bXzaYlx9AqyMqvoQyM/edit?usp=sharing
Unified Sports- Partners Still Needed
In addition, our Middle School Unified Sports winter season is underway, and we’re looking for more partners to join the team! This is a wonderful opportunity for students to make friends, build confidence, and be part of an inclusive, supportive community.
Why Unified Sports?
Unified Sports brings students of all abilities together through basketball, flag football, and eSports. It promotes friendship, leadership, teamwork, and a true sense of belonging. No prior experience is needed, and participation is flexible. Students can attend whenever they’re able.
Unified Sports Meets Weekly
Tuesdays, 3:00–3:45 PM (late bus available)
If your student is interested or you have questions, please reach out to:
- Dan Jennings – djennings@westbrookctschools.org
- Nicole Archambault – narchambault@westbrookctschools.org
We hope your child will join us and experience the joy and connection that make Unified Sports such a meaningful program for our students.
Winter Registration Links:
- Intramural Volleyball: https://students.arbitersports.com/westbrook-athletics/ms-westbrook-winter-athletics-2025-2026
- Unified Sports (Winter and/or Spring Session): https://students.arbitersports.com/westbrook-athletics/ms-westbrook-unified-sports-winter-and-or-spring-sessions
Boys Basketball
Head Coach: Doug Spingola | Assistant Coach: Russell Hovick
Schedule: Practices meet Monday–Friday, alternating weekly between 2:30–4:00 PM or 4:15–5:30 PM. On late-practice days, students attend study hall from 2:30–4:00 PM.
Boys Basketball Weekly Practice Pattern: Week of 12/22: Early, 12/29: OFF, 1/5: Early, 1/12: Late, 1/19: Early, 1/26: Late, 2/2: Early, 2/9: Late, 2/16: Late, 2/23: Early (if extended due to weather)
Girls Basketball
Head Coach: Cameron Marshall | Assistant Coach: TBD
Schedule: Practices meet Monday–Friday, alternating weekly between 2:30–4:00 PM or 4:15–5:30 PM. On late-practice days, students attend study hall from 2:30–4:00 PM.
Girls Basketball Weekly Practice Pattern: Week of 12/22: Late, 12/29: OFF, 1/5: Late, 1/12: Early, 1/19: Late, 1/26: Early, 2/2: Late, 2/9: Early, 2/16: Early, 2/23: Late (if extended due to weather)
Intramural Volleyball
Starts: Monday, February 16
Head Coach: Bill Gombos | Assistant Coach: Heidi Joslyn
Schedule: February 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27 and March 2, 6, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20
Unified Sports
Continues through the Winter and Spring Sessions — a great opportunity for inclusive teamwork and fun!
WMS Winter Sports Game Schedules (subject to change—please check regularly)
Important Links
- Today's WMS Athletic Games
- Westbrook Middle School Athletics Website
- CAS-CIAC Website
- Alternate Transportation Form
- Following a Team on ArbiterLive
Contact Information
Caitlin Eichler
PK–12 Director of Athletics, Physical Education, and Health
ceichler@westbrookctschools.orgOpens in a new browser tab
860-399-7099
Emily Gorki
Athletic Trainer
egorki@westbrookctschools.orgOpens in a new browser tab
860-399-6214
Thank you for your continued support of Westbrook Public Schools as we aim to deliver an exceptional education that empowers every student to explore their passion and purpose.
Sincerely,
Matt Talmadge
WHS/WMS Principal
