Greetings, Westbrook Middle School Community,
We have had a busy week and are looking forward to a little R&R. Hopefully, you can step away and take a little time as well. Here is a look at the week behind and the weeks ahead.
Knight Talks
We are tremendously proud of our student presenters at our annual Knight Talks competition today. The students celebrated America’s 250th anniversary by telling stories about impactful Americans, and they did a beautiful job. Congratulations to (in speaking order): Maddie M., Tyler F., Kaya P., Hudson B., Olivia G., Tatiana D., Scarlet L., James K., Isla O., and Oliver M.
A special “job well done” to Tyler F. - 1st place; Scarlet L. - 2nd place; Oliver M. - 3rd place. Honestly, all of the students’ stories were so impressive.
Testing
State assessment season is approaching quickly! Students in grades 6-8 will participate in the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA), while students in grade 8 will take an assessment designed to measure Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) knowledge and skills. These online assessments measure student knowledge and skills based on grade-level standards through various interactive question formats. Results help identify knowledge gaps, inform curriculum decisions, and provide valuable assessment data.
Testing Schedule for WMS (2026)
May 11, 2026 - English Language Arts or Mathematics - Computer Adaptive Assessments (SBA)
May 12, 2026 - English Language Arts or Mathematics - Computer Adaptive Assessments (SBA)
May 13, 2026 - Mathematics - Performance Task (SBA)
May 14, 2026 - Next Generation Science Assessment for grade 8 (NGSS)
May 15, 2026 - Make-up Testing
All students are expected to participate in these assessments. While standardized measures have limitations, this information is crucial as we prepare for next fall. These assessments complement other evaluation methods to build a comprehensive picture of student progress. We encourage students to take these tests seriously and apply their best efforts. I will offer more information about this as we approach testing week.
For more information about Connecticut's assessment system, please visit the Connecticut State Department of Education website.Concert Season
Concert season is upon us. If you have a student involved in the music program, please communicate with Mrs. Floyd and/or Ms. Bartholet if there are questions about expectations, attire or anything else. Performances are celebratory events that showcase learning; let’s make sure students are prepared, on time and any issues are communicated and addressed long before the concerts. See below for concert dates and times.
Art Show
Join us for WMS's Art Show on May 6, coinciding with the band concerts. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., 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!
The Weeks Ahead (Note: Subject to change)
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Date
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Event
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April 13 - 17
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Spring Break
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April 29
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Middle School Choirs in Concert 6:00 PM
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May 6
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Middle School Bands in Concert 6:00 PM
Annual Art Show
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May 11 - 15
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SBA and NGSS State Testing
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May 21
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Early Dismissal
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May 22
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No School for Students
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May 25
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Memorial Day - No School
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May 26
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Field Day
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May 28
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5 to 6 Orientation 9:30 AM (Students) & 6 PM (Parents)
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June 5
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Grade 8 Dance
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June 12
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Tree Trails Field Trip Grade 8
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June 12
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Westbrook High School Graduation
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June 16
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Grade 8 Breakfast
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June 17
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Grade 8 Promotion - Early Dismissal
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June 18
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Last Day of School - Early Dismissal
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Athletics
As we wrap up the second week of spring sports practices, it has been great to see our Westbrook Middle School student-athletes continuing to build skills, strengthen teamwork, and demonstrate positive effort across all programs. Athletes have been working hard to improve individual fundamentals while also beginning to focus on achieving team goals for the season ahead.
With April break approaching, student-athletes will have next week off from practices. We look forward to welcoming everyone back after the break as teams transition into game competition and the excitement of the season continues to grow. Fishing will also begin when we return from break, with the first session scheduled for Tuesday, April 21.
Thank you to our coaches, student-athletes, and families for your continued support. We are excited to see our teams return from break refreshed, motivated, and ready to compete.
Go Knights!
Spring Athletic Photos:
Middle School Spring Sports Photo Day will take place on Wednesday, April 22. Photos will be held in the hallway between the Middle School and High School gyms.
Photo schedule is as follows:
2:35–2:45 PM — Unified Sports (Uniform- Unified Sports Jersey)
2:50–3:05 PM — Baseball (Uniform- Dark Jersey, Grey Pants, Purple Socks)
3:10–3:25 PM — Softball (Uniform- Dark Jersey, Grey Pants, Black Socks)
Student-athletes should report promptly at their scheduled time and come prepared with their uniforms or team apparel.
Spring Registration Links:
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.
Important Reminder: A physical dated within the last 13 months must be on file with the school nurse in order to participate.
If your athlete needs assistance obtaining equipment, please contact Caitlin Eichler directly at ceichler@westbrookctschools.org.
For registration support, please contact ArbiterSports at support@arbitersports.com or 1-800-311-4060.
Spring Sports Offerings:
- Baseball (Games begin April 21)
- Practice Times- 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
- Spring Sports Pizza Party- Tuesday, June 2 (2:30 PM - 3:30 PM)
- Softball (Games begin April 21)
- Practice Times- 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
- Spring Sports Pizza Party- Tuesday, June 2 (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- Tuesday, June 2 (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- Tuesday, June 2 (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.
WMS Spring Sports Game Schedules (subject to change—please check regularly)
Important Links
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
860-399-6214
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
