Weekly Update for WMS - 5/22/2026
Greetings, Westbrook Middle School Community,
Please see the following updates for WMS.
School Climate Surveys
Last Friday, families received links to our district’s school climate surveys. Students in grades 3–12, staff, and families are asked to participate in the Comprehensive School Climate Inventory (CSCI), developed by the National School Climate Center (NSCC). The survey measures perceptions of school climate, safety, relationships, environment, and communication across 14 dimensions and takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.
Your feedback is important to us and will help to inform school improvement work more effectively as we develop plans for the future. All responses are anonymous- there are no names or personal information associated with completed surveys. Survey links are shared below. Note: If you have children in multiple schools, please complete one survey per school.
Daisy Ingraham Elementary School
Once the school survey link has been selected, you will have the option of choosing one of the following languages: English, Spanish, or Portuguese. The survey links are now open and will remain open until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026. Thank you in advance for your time and input.
Cafeteria Balance Reminder
As we approach the end of the school year, we kindly ask all families to take a moment to review and settle any outstanding cafeteria balances prior to our last day of school on June 18th. Our Director of Food Services, Mrs. Anne Trotta, has been diligently reaching out to families with remaining balances, and we are grateful to those who have already responded. If you have received a communication from Mrs. Trotta regarding an unpaid balance, we ask that you please make arrangements to resolve it as soon as possible. You may contact Mrs. Trotta directly at atrotta@westbrookctschools.org with any questions or to make payment arrangements. Thank you, as always, for your partnership and support.
Important Information about 8th Grade Promotion
The Grade 8 Promotion Ceremony on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. The ceremony will begin at 9:00 AM 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 AM 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 AM.
- 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.
SBA & NGSS Assessments
With the exception of a few make-up assessments, students have completed state testing for the year. Their teachers and I were very impressed with their levels of focus and perseverance. They held themselves to a very high standard of behavior and level of effort this week. They really seemed to give the tests their best shot; that will deliver the best information for them, for you and for the school. I am extremely proud of them.
Summer Learning Academy
I am pleased to announce that we plan to once again run our Summer Learning Academy. Designed for students identified through standardized test results and teacher recommendations as needing some additional academic intervention and/or English language acquisition, this targeted three-week program runs July 6-24, Monday through Thursday from 8:30-11:30 AM. The Academy offers personalized instruction to strengthen core academic skills in literacy, numeracy or English language acquisition, helping students maintain momentum and prepare confidently for next year. The district anticipates providing breakfast, lunch and transportation services for all participants. If your child is recommended, you will receive specific enrollment information in the coming days, as the letters are going in the mail as we speak. This opportunity represents our commitment to supporting each student's academic growth journey, particularly for those who would benefit from additional instruction. We encourage recommended families to take advantage of this valuable summer learning experience.
The Weeks Ahead (Note: Subject to change)
|
Date |
Event |
|
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
The spring season is quickly coming to a close, and it has been a fantastic few months for Westbrook Middle School athletics. Our student-athletes have represented WMS with pride through their hard work, positive attitudes, teamwork, and commitment all season long. From practices to games and events, it has been great to see so much enthusiasm and growth across all of our programs.
We are especially looking forward to celebrating our 8th grade baseball and softball student-athletes during Tuesday’s final home games of the season. We thank our eighth graders for their leadership, dedication, and commitment to WMS athletics over the years.
A reminder that the WMS Spring Sports Pizza Party will take place on Thursday, June 4, from 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM for baseball, softball, Unified Sports, and intramural outdoor track and field participants. We are excited to come together to celebrate the accomplishments, growth, and hard work of all of our student-athletes and coaches.
Please also note that both Fishing Club and Unified Sports will continue through June 4.
Go Knights!
Spring Sports Photos Now Available
Spring sports photos are now ready for viewing and ordering! Families who signed up using the QR code provided on picture day should have already received an email with the access link.
If you have not signed up yet, please use the QR code or website provided on your athlete’s form. Signing up is required in order to access the photos.
If you need your athlete’s access code, please contact Caitlin Eichler at ceichler@westbrookctschools.org.
We hope you enjoy the fantastic photos of our spring sports teams!
5/26- 8th Grade Spring Sports Recognition Games
Please know that announcements for our 8th Grade Spring Sports Recognition Games will begin promptly at 3:55 PM on Tuesday, May 26th. Families are encouraged to arrive early so they do not miss the recognition ceremony.
We are excited to celebrate our 8th grade student-athletes during their final home games of the season.
Baseball
Tuesday, May 26 vs. Old Saybrook
Game Time: 4:00 PM
Recognition Announcements Begin: 3:55 PM
Softball
Tuesday, May 26 vs. Old Saybrook
Game Time: 4:00 PM
Recognition Announcements Begin: 3:55 PM
Prior to the baseball and softball games, the athletic department will place cups in the outfield fence displaying 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 this season.
Upcoming Meetings for Rising WHS 9th Grade Basketball Players
Student-athletes interested in playing high school basketball next year should attend the following informational meetings regarding summer opportunities, expectations, and preparation for the upcoming season:
Boys Basketball
Monday, June 1
2:30 PM–2:45 PM
WHS Room 209
Girls Basketball
Tuesday, June 2
12:05 PM–12:35 PM
WHS Room 212 (Mrs. Fredrickson’s Classroom)
It is important that all interested rising 9th grade student-athletes attend. Go Knights!1
MSW Football Player & Parent/Guardian Meeting
Students interested in playing football next season are invited to attend an informational meeting with the Morgan/Saybrook/Westbrook (MSW) Football program. This is a great opportunity to meet the coaching staff and learn more about summer expectations and the upcoming 2026 season.
Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026
Time: 6:00–6:30 PM
Location: Morgan School Cafeteria
All prospective players and their families are encouraged to attend.
Incoming 9th Graders Welcome: CIAC College Showcase Opportunities for Student-Athletes
Please see the information below regarding two exciting upcoming CIAC showcase opportunities for student-athletes interested in pursuing athletics at the collegiate level.
Field Hockey Showcase
The inaugural CIAC Field Hockey Showcase will take place on June 25 at Wethersfield High School and is open to all high school field hockey student-athletes interested in playing at the college level, regardless of age or grade.
More than 20 college programs have already committed to attend, with additional programs expected.
More information and registration:
Baseball Showcase
The inaugural CAS-CIAC Baseball Showcase will be held on July 1 at New Britain Stadium and is open to all high school baseball student-athletes interested in continuing their careers at the collegiate level.
Fifteen college programs have already committed to attend, including UConn, Sacred Heart, Assumption, and more.
More information and registration:
These are outstanding opportunities for student-athletes to showcase their skills, connect with college coaches, and gain valuable exposure at the next level.
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.
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 Closing in One Week
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