Weekly Update for Westbrook Middle School
March 14, 2026
Hello, Westbrook Middle School families! Let's catch up on the week and look ahead.
Conferences
Thank you to those who attended parent-teacher conferences. Your participation reflects a strong commitment to your child’s education. A strong school–home partnership supports student success by fostering consistency, strengthening communication, and allowing us to work together to support each child’s learning and growth.
Youth Awareness Day
Thank you to Mrs. Spagone and her many helpers for organizing another positive and engaging Youth Awareness Day last Thursday. This annual event helps students pause, reflect, and find balance amid the demands of school and daily life. Through various, enriching sessions ranging from art therapy to yoga, students explored healthy strategies for self-awareness and well-being.
Southern Region Music Ensembles
Congratulations to our outstanding musicians who represented WMS at the Southern Region Music Festival! Olivia J., Tyler F., Avery S., Isla O., Travis B., Tatiana D. and Emilly D. demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication, preparing challenging audition pieces and excelling through the rigorous selection process. Their acceptance into this prestigious ensemble highlights their remarkable musical abilities and commitment to excellence. Ms. Floyd and Ms. Bartholet could not be more proud of how they performed last weekend among the region's most gifted young musicians. Their accomplishment brings distinction to our entire school community and exemplifies the artistic excellence we foster at WMS. Please join me in applauding these remarkable students for their outstanding achievement!
SADD Fun Night
On March 19 from 6:00–7:00 PM, the Westbrook High School Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) club invites middle school students to an evening of pizza, conversation, and dodgeball. High school students will speak with our middle schoolers about the dangers of vaping, the importance of positive mental health, and standing up to bullying. Afterward, students can choose between cafeteria activities or a game of dodgeball. SADD hopes students will consider spending an hour of their Thursday evening at WMS.
13th Annual Daisy Dash 5K
The 13th Annual Daisy Dash 5K is Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Daisy Ingraham Elementary School. This community favorite event features a Run/Walk 5K and a Kids Fun Run. All proceeds benefit the Westbrook Public Schools PTO. Volunteers are always needed and can sign up here. Please see the important links below to learn more, register, or contact race organizers:
Website: www.daisydash5K.com
Email: Info@daisydash5k.com
Light on Westbrook
Light on Westbrook is a community photography exhibition and photo drawing presented by The Oxford Academy and Westbrook Schools in support of The Meal Project for Westbrook Youth. The event will take place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at The Oxford Academy’s Stone Family Student Center. Proceeds benefit youth food support initiatives in Westbrook, and community members are encouraged to attend and support this meaningful cause.
WMS Musical
Get ready for an unforgettable performance! Our talented middle school students will bring Nemo to life from March 26-28. Students and staff have dedicated countless hours to every scene, song, and dance number. This production provides valuable artistic experience for our young performers while delivering a high-quality show for our community. Here are the showtimes:
- March 26 & 27: 6:00 PM
- March 28: 2:00 PM
Don't miss this animating musical that showcases our students' remarkable talents!
Special Olympics CT & the Spirit of Inclusion Award
Westbrook Middle School will be honored with the Spirit of Inclusion Award at the Special Olympics Connecticut Annual Awards Dinner on March 31. Unified Sports is active across all three Westbrook schools, and this recognition reflects the collective efforts of our entire community. Students representing the past, present, and future of the program will attend, including Molly W. and Madison L. (WMS), Nicholas M. (WHS), and Grace F. (Daisy Ingraham). Coach Dan Jennings shared that he is proud of our students for modeling a culture of belonging and appreciates the community’s continued support of Unified programming.
High School Scheduling Process for 8th Graders
Recently, Westbrook High School representatives met with students in the WMS Library to review the Program of Study, academic expectations, graduation requirements, and available course pathways. Each student received a printed copy of the Program of Study.
Students should finalize their course selections by March 27 in preparation for entering their official requests on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, during their regularly scheduled Social Studies class. This structured process is designed to ensure students and families feel informed and confident as they plan for the transition to high school.
Students who are not currently planning to attend WHS will still participate in the full scheduling process. If they ultimately enroll at Westbrook High School or return during freshman year, a schedule will already be in place.
Please ask your eighth grader about the Program of Study. They were instructed to take it home. For questions regarding course selection, please contact Rachel Kurek (Counselor, Grades 9–12), Amy Spagone (Counselor, Grades 6–8). Contact Leslie Carson, College and Career Readiness Coordinator, to schedule a time to pay WHS a visit, tour the facility and talk in more detail about what WHS has to offer. Regardless, they are all here to support families as they make the transition from WMS to WHS.
Broadway Bound
On Thursday, April 2, 2026, eighth-grade students will travel to the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre in New York City to see the Broadway musical adaptation of The Outsiders. Students studied the classic S.E. Hinton novel this fall, watched the 1983 film, and completed the unit with a breakout box activity while dressed as Greasers or Socs. According to Broadway Direct, the musical “carefully honors the source material while adapting the story for the stage in a uniquely theatrical way.” We are excited to offer students the opportunity to see this Tony Award–winning show on Broadway.
The Weeks Ahead
|
Date |
Event |
|
March 14 |
Cornhole Tournament |
|
March 19 |
SADD Fun Night @ 6 p.m. - WMS Cafeteria |
|
March 21 |
Daisy Dash |
|
March 26 - 28 |
Finding Nemo Jr. by the WMS Theater Department |
|
April 2 |
8th Graders to NYC - The Outsiders |
|
April 2 |
End of Quarter 3 |
|
April 3 |
No School for Students and Staff |
|
April 6 |
Start of Quarter 4 |
|
April 13 - 17 |
Spring Break |
Athletics
Spring sports are right around the corner at Westbrook Middle School, and we are excited to get our student-athletes outside and active this season! We are currently working to fill our spring teams and are especially looking to add 5–6 more athletes to both our softball and baseball teams. Our goal is to have full teams so that our athletes can enjoy a fun, competitive, and rewarding season together.
If your child has played before or would simply like to give the game a try, this is a great opportunity! Middle school athletics help students stay active, build friendships, develop confidence, and learn valuable teamwork skills. We are fortunate to have a fantastic group of coaches leading our programs this spring:
Softball
Head Coach: Michaela Super
Assistant Coach: Cameron Marshall
Baseball
Head Coach: Russ Hovick
Assistant Coach: Jason Matthewson
Our coaches focus on teaching fundamentals, developing skills, and helping athletes learn the game so they feel confident and prepared for the next level at Westbrook High School. If your student-athlete is interested in participating, please register today so we can finalize teams and get ready for a fun and successful spring season!
Registration Link:
https://students.arbitersports.com/westbrook-athletics/ms-westbrook-spring-athletics-2026
If you have any questions about registration, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re looking forward to a great spring season!
Intramural Volleyball
Head Coach: Bill Gombos | Assistant Coach: Heidi Joslyn
Upcoming Sessions: 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, and 25
Spring Sports Registration Open
Registration is open for our Spring Sports programs! We invite families to register by Monday, March 23rd to ensure a spot this season.
We are offering:
- Baseball (Practices begin March 30 | Games begin April 21)
- Softball (Practices begin March 30 | Games begin April 21)
- Unified Sports (Tuesdays, March 31 – June 2)
- Intramural Outdoor Track & Field (Tues/Thurs, March 31 – May 26)
- Intramural Fishing (Tues/Thurs, April 21 – June 4)
Most programs begin at 2:30 PM, and students participating in Unified Sports, Intramural Track, and Intramural Fishing may take the late bus home.
Important Reminder: A physical dated within the last 13 months must be on file with the school nurse in order to participate.
Registration Links (due March 23):
Baseball, Softball, Intramural Track & Field, Intramural Fishing:
https://students.arbitersports.com/westbrook-athletics/ms-westbrook-spring-athletics-2026
Unified Sports:
https://students.arbitersports.com/westbrook-athletics/2025-2026-ms-westbrook-unified-sports
If your athlete participated in the winter session of Unified Sports, you do not need to re-register.
For registration support, please contact ArbiterSports at support@arbitersports.com or 1-800-311-4060.
If your athlete needs assistance obtaining equipment, please contact me directly at ceichler@westbrookctschools.org.
Let’s make this spring season one to remember for our Knights! We can’t wait to see our athletes out on the field!
Second Annual Athletic Boosters Cornhole Tournament- Sign Up Today!
We hope you’ll join us this Saturday for another fun-filled day supporting Westbrook athletics.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, March 14th
Time: Tournament begins at 11:00 AM
Location: Westbrook High School Gymnasium
Whether you’re a seasoned cornhole competitor or just looking for a fun way to spend a winter Saturday, this event is for everyone.
Sign Up Your Team:
Register your team using the link below and be sure to submit pre-payment to secure your spot. Space is limited to 32 teams, so early registration is encouraged.
Sign Up Here:
https://forms.gle/sbwtTzJN2LUeYCff6
Entry Fee: $50 per team (2 players per team)
Prizes: Cash prizes awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams
More Than Just Cornhole:
Not playing? Come anyway! Enjoy concessions, raffles, music, and a great community atmosphere throughout the event.
WMS Spring 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
Sincerely,
Matt Talmadge
WHS/WMS Principal
