Weekly Update for WMS
January 9, 2026
Weekly Update for WMS
Friday greetings and Happy New Year, Westbrook Middle School community! Let's catch up on the week and look ahead.
Yearbooks
WMS Yearbooks are now on sale for $25 and can be purchased anytime between now and May 1, 2026 at https://tinyurl.com/wmsyearbook2026. Families are also invited to submit photos and 8th-grade baby photos using the following link: https://photos.jostens.com/LU7WPH.
Discovery Projects
Westbrook Middle School students are embarking on this year's Discovery Project, which culminates in engaging Knight Talk presentations. The 2026 theme is "250 Years of Inspiration: Telling Inspiring Stories in Celebration of America's 250th Birthday." Students will research an American who left a lasting impact on their community or world, then share a compelling five-minute Knight Talk with their homeroom. This project focuses on storytelling and effective communication, helping students develop presentation skills, gain knowledge about inspiring Americans, and reflect on their own growth as communicators. Homeroom favorites will compete in a school-wide competition.
Southern Region Music Festival
Congratulations to our talented WMS musicians selected for the Connecticut Music Educators Association (CMEA) Southern Region Middle School Music Festival! These students successfully completed a demanding audition process, preparing an audition piece, scales, and demonstrating sight-reading skills. Congratulations to instrumental musicians: Olivia J. (7th) and Emilly D-R (8th); and choral musicians: Isla O. (8th), Tatiana D. (8th), Avery S. (8th), Travis B. (8th), and Tyler F. (7th). The festival takes place March 6-7, 2026 at Haddam-Killingworth Middle School where students will rehearse and perform alongside talented musicians from across the region. Well done!
New Addition at WMS
We are thrilled to welcome Kelsey McIsaac as our new WMS secretary starting Monday! When you call or visit the front office, you will be greeted by Kelsey's friendly voice and warm smile. A Westbrook community member with children at Daisy Ingraham School, Kelsey brings extensive public school secretarial experience, and she impressed our interview team with her professionalism and dedication. She will be a wonderful addition to the WMS community; we are fortunate to add her to the list of professionals working with your children. Please stop by to introduce yourself and welcome Kelsey to the Knight family.
WMS Upcoming Dates to Remember
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January 13 |
Board of Education Meeting - 6PM WHS Library |
|
January 23 |
End of Quarter 2 (Semester 1) |
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February 12 |
School Wide Spelling Bee |
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February 12 |
Early Dismissal |
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February 13-17 |
No School-February Break |
ATHLETICS
Middle School Basketball is officially underway, and our teams are off to an exciting start! Our student-athletes are competing with great energy, teamwork, and pride as they represent Westbrook on the court. We are happy to welcome fans to our games and appreciate your continued support.
During games, we kindly ask that all spectators, including children, remain in the gym at all times, except for brief trips to get water or use the restroom. This helps ensure a safe and positive environment for everyone and allows us to keep hallways and other spaces clear during events.
Important Reminders:
- Tuesday, January 13: There will be no Boys or Girls Basketball practice due to the Shoreline Conference High School Unified Sports Basketball Tournament being hosted at Westbrook.
- Wednesday, January 14: Practice times will be adjusted for one day only. WMS Boys Basketball will have the early practice, and WMS Girls Basketball will have the late practice. This change applies to Wednesday only.
- The Westbrook High School Boys and Girls Basketball teams will host Pink Games on Wednesday, January 14 versus Parish Hill. The boys will tip off at 5:00 PM, followed by the girls at 7:00 PM. Youth programs will be participating during halftime of both games. Families are encouraged to attend to support our student-athletes and help raise money for a great cause. Raffles and baked goods will be available throughout the evening.
- Friday, January 16: Due to an early dismissal, there will be no middle school practices or games.
Volunteers Needed- Pink Game Raffle Items
As we prepare for the upcoming WHS Girls and Boys Basketball Pink Games vs. Parish Hill on Wednesday, January 14th, we are reaching out with a friendly reminder that we are still seeking additional parent volunteers to help make this event a success.
The boys’ game will tip off at 5:00 PM, followed by the girls’ game at 7:00 PM, and youth basketball players will be participating at halftime during both games. Support from our families plays a big role in creating a fun and meaningful Pink Game experience for everyone involved.
If you are able to help by donating raffle prizes or baked goods, please consider signing up using the link below:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508044BAAAA28A5FD0-47304827-whspink#/
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Brenda Zambrello at bzam7@outlook.com or Kelly Landino at kmlandino@hotmail.com.
Volunteers Needed to Run the Concession Stand During High School Basketball Games
The Westbrook Athletic Boosters are seeking student and parent volunteers to work the concession stand during home boys and girls basketball games this season. Each shift is about 1 hour and 15 minutes and students can earn community service hours. All funds raised support our student-athletes and senior scholarships. Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zu_T8RNdOZ-pTyShDCmQn-iY8bXzaYlx9AqyMqvoQyM/edit?usp=sharing
Second Annual Athletic Boosters Cornhole Tournament
We’re excited to announce the Second Annual Westbrook Athletic Boosters Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser! We hope you’ll join us for another fun-filled day supporting Westbrook athletics.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, January 31st
Time: Tournament begins at 11:00 AM
Location: Westbrook High School Gymnasium
Whether you’re a seasoned cornhole competitor or just looking for a fun way to spend a winter Saturday, this event is for everyone.
Sign Up Your Team:
Register your team using the link below and be sure to submit pre-payment to secure your spot. Space is limited to 32 teams, so early registration is encouraged.
Sign Up Here:
https://forms.gle/sbwtTzJN2LUeYCff6
Entry Fee: $50 per team (2 players per team)
Prizes: Cash prizes awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams
More Than Just Cornhole:
Not playing? Come anyway! Enjoy concessions, raffles, music, and a great community atmosphere throughout the event.
Cornhole Tournament Raffle Donations Needed:
We are also looking for donations of local gift cards or raffle baskets to help make our raffle a success. If you’re interested in donating, please sign up here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094EA4AC29A4F8C07-61519448-corn#/
All proceeds from the tournament directly support Westbrook student-athletes and athletic programs. Your participation and generosity help make a meaningful impact.
We look forward to another successful tournament and hope to see you there!
Winter Practice Schedules, Game Information, and Meeting Dates
Updated practice schedules, game information, and meeting dates are included below. Volleyball registration is still open, with the season beginning on Monday, February 16th.
Winter Registration Links:
- Intramural Volleyball: https://students.arbitersports.com/westbrook-athletics/ms-westbrook-winter-athletics-2025-2026
Boys Basketball
Head Coach: Doug Spingola | Assistant Coach: Russell Hovick
Schedule: Practices meet Monday–Friday, alternating weekly between 2:30–4:00 PM or 4:15–5:30 PM. On late-practice days, students attend study hall from 2:30–4:00 PM.
Boys Basketball Weekly Practice Pattern: Week of 1/12: Late, 1/19: Early, 1/26: Late, 2/2: Early, 2/9: Late, 2/16: Late, 2/23: Early (if extended due to weather)
Girls Basketball
Head Coach: Cameron Marshall | Assistant Coach: TBD
Schedule: Practices meet Monday–Friday, alternating weekly between 2:30–4:00 PM or 4:15–5:30 PM. On late-practice days, students attend study hall from 2:30–4:00 PM.
Girls Basketball Weekly Practice Pattern: Week of 1/12: Early, 1/19: Late, 1/26: Early, 2/2: Late, 2/9: Early, 2/16: Early, 2/23: Late (if extended due to weather)
Intramural Volleyball
Starts: Monday, February 16
Head Coach: Bill Gombos | Assistant Coach: Heidi Joslyn
Schedule: February 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27 and March 2, 6, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20
Unified Sports
Continues through the Winter and Spring Sessions — a great opportunity for inclusive teamwork and fun!
WMS Winter Sports Game Schedules (subject to change—please check regularly)
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.orgOpens in a new browser tab
860-399-7099
Emily Gorki
Athletic Trainer
egorki@westbrookctschools.orgOpens in a new browser tab
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
