Westbrook Middle School Earns Spotlight School Designation by the New England League of Middle Schools (NELMS)
Westbrook Public Schools is proud to announce that Westbrook Middle School has been named a Spotlight School by the New England League of Middle Schools (NELMS). This prestigious designation recognizes the school’s ongoing commitment to excellence in middle school education and its effective, innovative strategies in meeting the needs of young adolescents in Westbrook.
“We are thrilled to receive the Spotlight School designation from NELMS,” said Matt Talmadge, Principal of Westbrook Middle School. “This recognition is a direct reflection of the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of our talented staff, students, and the entire Westbrook community. It affirms our ongoing efforts to create a dynamic, supportive learning environment where all students can thrive.”
The Spotlight School designation is awarded to schools that demonstrate significant progress in providing an effective, innovative, and inclusive middle school education. Westbrook Middle School earned the recognition through evidence gathered during a recent site visit by the NELMS evaluation team, who observed a school culture dedicated to creative learning experiences, effective collaboration, and a deep understanding of the developmental needs of young adolescents.
WMS students (above) and WMS staff (below)- excited and proud to share their recognition as a NELMS Spotlight School with the Westbrook community!
Key highlights from the NELMS review include:
Creative and Innovative Learning Experiences: Westbrook Middle School offers engaging programs such as the Logic Block, where students participate in purposeful social, emotional, and team-building activities. The WIN Block provides both intervention and enrichment opportunities, ensuring every student is supported in their learning journey. The school also hosts an annual Discovery Project, with this year’s topic focusing on "Agents of Change."
Student Voice and Engagement: A student panel during the site visit demonstrated that students at Westbrook feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings about their school, underscoring the school’s commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment.
Restorative Practices in Discipline: Westbrook Middle School's approach to discipline is rooted in restorative practices, helping to foster positive student relationships and personal growth.
Outstanding Attendance: The school boasts an impressive attendance rate of over 95%. Westbrook’s administration, teachers and support team work together to ensure students are present and engaged and that families stay informed about both their child’s attendance and the importance of regular, daily attendance.
Formative Assessment and Continuous Improvement: Westbrook utilizes STAR testing three times a year, providing valuable formative assessment data to guide instructional and curricular decisions.
Portrait of a Graduate: The skills and attributes of the district’s Portrait of a Graduate are prominently displayed throughout the school, ensuring that students are aware of and can articulate the competencies and values that guide their educational journey.
Dr. Kristina Martineau, Superintendent of Westbrook Public Schools, says of the middle school’s recognition as one of a select number of top middle schools in New England to receive this NELMS Spotlight School distinction: “There is a strong culture of and pervasive, tireless commitment to high quality instruction each and every day in all classrooms for all students that is more than just educational rhetoric, data, and annual public reports. Our educators are actively engaged in ongoing, collaborative development of exceptional educational experiences to improve individual, grade level, and content area learning opportunities for all students- meeting regularly in teams to make sure every one of the students in our care are provided with the best support and enrichment to maximize potential and success. There is a clear and undeniable culture of ‘we take care of every single child and one another’ to grow together and to succeed together as a school community at high levels. There is not only a shared and collective sense of student and educator success, but one of deep care, joy, and inspiration to be our best selves and to lift up others to achieve the same. This has a direct and positive impact on climate and supports a strong sense of belonging and community for all. The Westbrook school community and the Westbrook Board of Education are so proud of the excellent work happening at Westbrook Middle School in service to the children of Westbrook.”
