Weekly Update for WMS 5/1/2026
May 1, 2026
Greetings, Westbrook Middle School Community,
Please see the following updates for WMS.
SBA & NGSS Assessments
This spring, students in grades 3-8 will participate in Connecticut's standardized assessment program. During the week of May 18, your child will take the following assessments based on their grade level. It gets a little “alphabet soup”y, so I’ll do my best to explain:
- Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA) in English language arts/literacy (students take 1 assessment) and mathematics (students take 2 assessments)
- Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Assessment (Grade 8 only will take 1 assessment)
- CAT - Computer Adaptive Test - Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) uses Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) to adjust question difficulty in real-time based on student responses, providing a personalized assessment for grades 3–8 in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics. Correct answers lead to harder, higher-value questions, while incorrect answers lead to easier ones, enabling precise, efficient measurement of student proficiency aligned with Common Core State Standards.
- PT - Performance Task - The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium performance task (PT) is a crucial component of the end-of-year exams, focusing on real-world application of knowledge in mathematics. This computer-based task requires students to analyze a complex, multi-step scenario, demonstrating higher-order thinking and critical thinking skills beyond standard multiple-choice questions.
These online assessments measure your child's knowledge and skills against grade-level standards using a variety of interactive question formats. The results help us identify learning gaps, inform curriculum decisions, and provide valuable insights into student progress.
At Westbrook Public Schools, we recognize that while standardized tests have limitations, they provide important information about our student groups as we prepare for the upcoming school year. We appreciate your support as we build a more comprehensive understanding of our learners. Additionally, please note that these assessments represent just one of many tools we use to evaluate student knowledge, skills and progress. We consider multiple data points when creating each learner's profile. For more information about Connecticut's assessment system, please visit this website.
Now that you know your ABC’s, here’s what the actual testing week will look like for the kids:
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
What can you do to help your child prepare for test week? Two things:
- Get them to bed early Sunday through Wednesday
- Make sure they have a nutritious breakfast before they leave the house
Our teachers have done the rest.
Spring Music Concerts
Congratulations to our choirs! They had their concert this week, and they did a phenomenal job. In most school subjects, we get to see their growth through common and project-based assessments, but it is something special to hear their growth. Well done, choirs. You sounded beautiful.
Spring Band Concert
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
Westbrook High School Auditorium
Students should report to the middle school band room to unpack their instruments before reporting to the high school auditorium.
7th/8th graders should report at 4:45 PM
6th graders should report at 5:15 PM
Concert Dress: Black on the bottom with Black Music/Band T-Shirts on top
Students have been working hard on their music for the concerts and look forward to sharing their learning with you.
Art Show
Join us for WMS's Art Show on May 6, coinciding with the band concerts. Doors open at 4:30 PM, allowing visitors to enjoy student artwork displayed throughout the middle school hallways before the musical performances. Band students can briefly guide their parents through the exhibition before warm-up time. Refreshments will be provided. We especially encourage choir students and their families to attend both events. Make it a complete evening of artistic celebration. Come for the visual arts and stay for the musical performances!
Greater WHS Community Announcements
The Town of Westbrook is planning a series of America 250 events in 2026 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Please see the town’s America 250 webpage for more information.
The Weeks Ahead (Note: Subject to change)
|
Date |
Event |
|
May 6 |
Middle School Bands in Concert 6:00 PM Annual Art Show |
|
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 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 spring athletics are continuing to build momentum as teams settle into the rhythm of the season. Student-athletes are gaining valuable game experience, learning from each contest, and continuing to develop both their individual skills and overall team play.
It has been great to see the positive energy, effort, and sportsmanship displayed across all programs. Athletes are supporting one another, embracing their roles, and representing Westbrook with pride both on and off the field.
Our fishing program is also off to a great start, providing another opportunity for students to stay active and engaged this spring.
Thank you to our coaches, student-athletes, and families for your continued support. We look forward to another strong week ahead.
Go Knights!
Important Athletic Department Updates
- The Thursday, April 30, softball and baseball games versus North Branford Intermediate have been rescheduled to Monday, May 4, at 4:00 PM.
- Please note that the Spring Sports Pizza Party has been rescheduled to Thursday, June 4, from 2:30 PM–3:30 PM.
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