Weekly Update for WMS - 5/8/2026
Greetings, Westbrook Middle School Community,
Please see the following updates for WMS.
Important Information about 8th Grade Promotion
The Grade 8 Promotion Ceremony on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. The ceremony will begin at 9:00 A.M. in the Westbrook High School auditorium. Please review the following important information for the day:
- Students are expected to arrive at school for a regular 7:45 A.M. start and report to their homeroom classrooms.
- Students should dress in attire appropriate for this formal occasion. Clothing suitable for a nice restaurant or similar event is recommended.
- Guests should enter through the front entrance of the high school. Doors will open for seating at 8:45 A.M.
- Additional parking will be available in the lot adjacent to the track.
- A brief reception will be held in the high school cafeteria following the ceremony. Students may leave with their families once the event concludes.
- If you or a member of your party requires special seating accommodations, please contact the WMS office in advance so arrangements can be made.
We are looking forward to celebrating this important milestone with 8th graders and their families.
Dress Code Reminder
As the weather gets warmer, this is a friendly reminder about our district dress code expectations. The Westbrook Board of Education believes that appropriate school attire reflects respect for education and helps maintain a positive learning environment for all students.
As a father of four kids between the ages of 12 and 18, I fully understand that this can become a daily “discussion” at home this time of year. Somehow, in my house at least, as temperatures rise, fabric seems to shrink! Regardless, the school appreciates your partnership in helping students make clothing choices that are appropriate for school and aligned with the stated Board of Education expectations: “The Board expects all members of the school community to dress modestly and respectfully when on school grounds, participating in school-sponsored activities, and when representing the school district.”
Thank you for your support as we head toward the final stretch of the school year and transition into summer.
Fine Arts at WMS
Westbrook Middle School proudly showcased the strength of its fine arts programs over the past two weeks through the band and choir concerts, the Unified Art Show, and Wednesday’s WMS Art Show. Each event highlighted our students’ tremendous growth, creativity, dedication, and developing artistic talent.
Our middle school art gallery is truly exceptional and reflects the skill, knowledge, and remarkable artistic output of our students. These accomplishments demonstrate our commitment to a well-rounded education that values both rigorous academics and high-quality fine arts instruction. Through these experiences, students develop creativity, communication, perseverance, and other essential skills aligned with our Portrait of a Graduate.
SBA & NGSS Assessments
Starting a week from Monday, all students will participate in mandatory state testing in reading, writing, and mathematics. Eighth graders will also take the science assessment. These assessments provide valuable insights into student strengths and areas needing improvement, helping both families and teachers support your child's academic growth. Here is how you can help.
To ensure your child performs their best:
- Ensure they get adequate sleep starting on Sunday night
- Provide a balanced breakfast to help them maintain focus
- Send them with a healthy snack and water
- Make sure they arrive at school on time each day
- Avoid scheduling early dismissals during testing week
Technology requirements:
- Students must bring fully charged Chromebooks daily
- They need wired headphones (the school has extra sets if needed)
- Optional: they may bring a wired mouse if preferred over trackpad
- Students should bring a book for quiet reading if they finish early
Per testing regulations, all smartphones, smartwatches, and other unauthorized electronic devices must be left at home or secured in lockers during testing. While these tests don't affect grades, they provide essential data and offer valuable test-taking practice for your child's future. Here is the schedule:
Monday, May 18 - (SBA) ELA or Math CAT
Tuesday, May 19 - (SBA) ELA or Math CAT
Wednesday, May 20 - (NGSS) Grade 8 only; (SBA) Math PT for Grade 7 only; Field Trip - Grade 6
Thursday, May 21 - (SBA) Math PT for Grades 6 & 8; Alternate Lesson - Grade 7
Teacher Appreciation Week
Our faculty and staff would like to express their profound gratitude to the PTO for an extraordinary Teacher Appreciation Week. The creative 90’s themed spoiling they gave the staff daily was a resounding success! Each thoughtfully planned day was special. From “This is how we BREW it” to “Baby Got SNACK,” wonderful moments of joy and rejuvenation were provided throughout the week. These gestures of appreciation meant the world to our dedicated educators.
The time, effort, and creativity invested in planning and executing this celebration did not go unnoticed. Our teachers felt truly valued and recognized for their commitment to Westbrook's students. Many of you contributed to this special week for our teachers. Please know that your continuous support empowers our teachers to give their best every day. The Westbrook community is fortunate to have such a caring and generous PTO.
The Weeks Ahead (Note: Subject to change)
|
Date |
Event |
|
May 18 |
AI In Our Schools - Community Forum |
|
May 18 - 21 |
SBA and NGSS State Testing |
|
May 20 |
Grade 6 Field Trip |
|
May 21 |
Early Dismissal |
|
May 22 |
No School for Students |
|
May 25 |
Memorial Day - No School |
|
May 26 |
Field Day |
|
May 28 |
5 to 6 Orientation 9:30 AM (Students) & 6 PM (Parents) |
|
June 3 |
Music Booster Meeting 6:30 PM - WHS |
|
June 5 |
Grade 7 Field Trip |
|
June 5 |
Grade 8 Dance |
|
June 12 |
Tree Trails Field Trip Grade 8 |
|
June 12 |
Westbrook High School Graduation |
|
June 16 |
Grade 8 Breakfast |
|
June 17 |
Grade 8 Promotion at 9 AM - Early Dismissal |
|
June 18 |
Last Day of School - Early Dismissal |
Athletics
Westbrook Middle School Athletics is heading into the final three weeks of the spring season and it’s hard to believe how quickly it has gone by. Our teams continue to compete, improve, and enjoy the experience each day as they close out the season.
A special shoutout to our baseball team for their exciting 8-7 win over Hale-Ray Middle School on Tuesday. What a game!
Across all programs, it has been great to see student-athletes continue to grow, support one another, and represent Westbrook with pride through their effort and sportsmanship.
We are down to just two remaining home games this season. Eighth graders will be recognized at the final home contest. Additional details are shared below regarding the celebration plans. If parents or guardians would like to contribute in any way such as food, posters, or other ideas, please reach out directly to the head coach.
Thank you to our coaches, athletes, and families for your continued support as we finish the season strong. Go Knights!
Field Hockey Clinic Opportunity (Grades 5–9)
Students interested in trying a new sport are encouraged to sign up for an upcoming beginner Field Hockey Clinic on Saturday, May 16 from 9:00–11:00 AM at the Lyme-Old Lyme Turf Field (69 Lyme Street, Old Lyme).
This clinic is designed to introduce players to the game in a fun and supportive environment and is being organized by Lyme-Old Lyme student-athletes Sybil Neary and Anne-Marie Hinckley as part of their senior project. Participants will learn basic skills, stick work, passing, and teamwork through a variety of drills and games.
Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfS9lm7GlWmwqDvmcEzxZFk7m_uCWPMWGnHzuMYsn9CBZ4FHQ/viewform
Questions: sybilneary@gmail.com or aahinkcley1@gmail.com
We encourage any students interested in learning more about field hockey to take advantage of this opportunity!
Upcoming Opportunity: Middle School Tennis Camp
Open to students in grades 5–8
Monday–Thursday, June 22–25
9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Location: WHS Tennis Courts (may move indoors if needed)
Racquets will be available for those who need them.
Instructor: Missy Belcourt, WHS Girls Tennis Coach
Registration is available through Westbrook Park & Recreation.
8th Grade Spring Sports Recognition Games
We are excited to celebrate our 8th grade student-athletes during their final home games:
Baseball
Tuesday, May 26th vs. Old Saybrook
4:00 PM
Softball
Tuesday, May 26th vs. Old Saybrook
4:00 PM
Unified Sports
Date: TBD
During both the baseball and softball games, the athletic department will place cups in the outfield fence to display each 8th grader’s number. We will also take individual photos of the athletes with their numbers and recognize all 8th graders and starting athletes prior to the start of each game.
If families are interested in organizing anything additional, please feel free to reach out to the head coach.
We look forward to celebrating our 8th graders and all they have contributed to Westbrook athletics!
Spring Sports Offerings:
- Baseball
- Practice Times- 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
- Spring Sports Pizza Party- Thursday, June 4 (2:30 PM - 3:30 PM)
- Softball
- Practice Times- 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
- Spring Sports Pizza Party- Thursday, June 4 (2:30 PM - 3:30 PM)
- Unified Sports (Tuesdays, March 31 – June 2)
- Practice Times- 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM
- Athletes can take the late bus home.
- Spring Sports Pizza Party- Thursday, June 4 (2:30 PM - 3:30 PM)
- Intramural Outdoor Track & Field (Tues/Thurs, March 31 – May 26)
- Practice Times- 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM
- Athletes can take the late bus home.
- Spring Sports Pizza Party- Thursday, June 4 (2:30 PM - 3:30 PM)
- Intramural Fishing (Tues/Thurs, April 21 – June 4)
- Session Times- 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM
- Participants can take the late bus home.
Westbrook Spring Athletic Stores Now Open
We are excited to share that our Spring Athletic Stores are now open and will remain available through May 29th.
The Westbrook Sideline Store offers a wide variety of general Westbrook apparel that is not sport-specific. Orders from the Sideline Store are processed quickly, with items typically shipping within a few days and delivered directly to your home.
Westbrook Sideline Store:
https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/connecticut/westbrook/westbrook-spirit-wear
In addition, sport-specific team stores are available for a limited time. These items will also be shipped directly to your home within days of placing your order. Please note that all team stores will close on May 29th, and ordering windows will not be extended.
Middle School Stores:
Softball: https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/WBMSSB26
Baseball: https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/WBMSBB26
Track & Field: https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/WBMSTRK26
Unified Sports: https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/WBUNIFIED
High School Stores:
Boys Tennis: https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/WBHSBTN26
Girls Tennis: https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/WBHSGT26
Track & Field: https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/WBHSTRK26
OSW Softball: https://bit.ly/47Yn5vZ
Unified Sports: https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/WBUNIFIED
These stores are a great opportunity to show your Westbrook pride and support our athletic programs!
WMS Spring Sports Game Schedules (subject to change—please check regularly)
- Baseball Schedule
- Softball Schedule
- Intramural Outdoor Track and Field (same schedule for girls and boys)
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.org
860-399-7099
Emily Gorki
Athletic Trainer
egorki@westbrookctschools.org
860-399-7099
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
