Weekly Update for WMS - 4/24/2026
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:
- Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA) in English language arts/literacy (1 assessment) and mathematics (2 assessments)
- Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Assessment (Grade 8 only will take 1 assessment)
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. If you have any questions about the testing process, please contact me directly. Thank you for your partnership in your child's education as we gear up for annual testing.
Celebrating our Administrative Professionals
Administrative professionals are often the unsung heroes of our school, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. At Westbrook Middle School, we are incredibly fortunate to have Jeanne Moore and Kelsey McIsaac, whose dedication, expertise, and warm presence make a profound difference every day. From managing complex requests and communications to providing support for students, families, and staff, they handle countless responsibilities with remarkable efficiency and kindness. Their problem-solving abilities and unwavering commitment to our school community are invaluable. We deeply appreciate Jeanne and Kelsey!
Yearbooks
Last call for yearbook orders! Yearbook orders are due next Friday, May 1st. Yearbooks are $25 each and can be purchased online at the Jostens website (preferred method) or by bringing cash/check to the main office. Order today to ensure your student receives this cherished keepsake of their middle school experience. To order online, click this link- https://tinyurl.com/wmsyearbook2026.
Eighth-grade families, this is the final call for your student to submit a baby picture and quote for the yearbook. Please check with your student to make sure they have submitted.
Spring Music Concerts
The concerts are approaching. Here is what you need to know:
Spring Chorus Concerts
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
Westbrook High School Auditorium
Students should report to the auditorium at 5:00 PM for warm up and rehearsal.
Concert Dress: Black on the bottom with Black Music T-Shirts on top
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!
The Weeks Ahead (Note: Subject to change)
|
Date |
Event |
|
April 29 |
Middle School Choirs in Concert 6:00 PM |
|
May 6 |
Middle School Bands in Concert 6:00 PM Annual Art Show |
|
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 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
This week marked the start of game competition for our Westbrook Middle School spring sports teams. It has been exciting to see our student-athletes transition from practices into game action while continuing to build skills, strengthen teamwork, and demonstrate positive effort across all programs. Athletes are working hard to improve individual fundamentals while beginning to pursue their team goals for the season.
Our fishing program also began this week, adding another great opportunity for students to get involved and enjoy the spring season.
Thank you to our coaches, student-athletes, and families for your continued support. We look forward to another great week of competition and growth.
Go Knights!
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- Tuesday, June 2 (2:30 PM - 3:30 PM)
- Softball
- 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)
- 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
860-399-6214
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
