1/16/26

Dear Western families,

Happy Friday, everyone. Thank you to those of you that read my email last week about our 50+ tardies and made the effort to get your child to school earlier. You have made the start of my day so much better! Our tardies improved this week with no days above 27 (half of what they were). We sent emails to many parents this week to make them aware that their child had already reached the limit of 4 tardies this month, so please be on the lookout so you can come up with a morning plan if your child is not arriving on time.

We had an unexpected fire drill yesterday, and it took place during the 6th grade lunch. That is a tricky time for the fire alarm to go off, but the staff reported that the 6th graders did a phenomenal job exiting the cafeterias and walking to the turf calmly, as well as returning to finish their lunch. The rest of the students also did very well, reinforcing that they know just how to behave when it is really important.

I have seen the main road at dismissal time become really, really backed up and preventing the buses from entering. Students are getting into cars on the main road, which is not only dangerous, but causes more of a back up. I have also seen some cars pull right up at 3:10pm to an empty road and front circle to get their child. That is the right way to do it! If you want to avoid a back up of cars and lots of frustration, you should aim to arrive at Western at 3:10pm or 3:15pm and there will be very few cars in your way. Your child can wait 10 minutes for you to come, and you will save yourself a whole lot of hassle. Trust me!

This coming week brings about the end of the 2nd quarter. Your children will be placed in some new elective classes for the next semester. Based on how your child did for the quarter and on the most recent NWEA testing, some students' math or reading support classes may also change. Those changes will be communicated with you by their teacher. They will receive a hard copy of their new schedule to start off the new quarter on Friday.

Below, I included some pictures from the Western Art Show that was held this past Wednesday. Every year, the talent keeps getting better. Congratulations to Ms. Hinkle for the amazing display of artwork from her students. A lot goes on behind the scenes to put on an art show, so we thank you for all your hard work.

A reminder that there is no school on Monday as we celebrate Dr. Martin Lurther King Jr. I hope you all enjoy the long weekend.

Sincerely,

Suzanne

Monday, January 19, 2026: NO SCHOOL- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Wednesday, January 21, 2026: DC Comedy Night Fundraiser, New York Comedy Club Stamford, 7pm
Wednesday, January 21, 2026: Native Spanish Placement Exam
Thursday, January 22, 2026: World Language Midterms
Thursday, January 22, 2026: Marking Period 2 Ends
Friday, January 23, 2026: 7th and 8th grade Algebra and Geometry Midterms

AVID Organization Checks

Each week, classroom teachers across all content areas will be doing AVID Organization Checks as part of our students’ responsibility grades. As an AVID school, organization is something we work to teach our students explicitly, so they have the resources and materials to be successful in their classes. To help students stay organized and use the resources they are given (One-Binder, planner), teachers will be doing organization checks to make sure it is consistently reinforced. These will be quick checks, such as being asked to produce 2 pencils from their pencil pouch, show all their HW written for a date in their planner, or show there are no loose papers. This past week, each AB teacher checked their students’ binder organization and ability to open their lockers, so that any students demonstrating difficulty can practice these skills in the upcoming weeks.

Midterms/Native Spanish tests

All 8th graders who take a Native Spanish class or have a home language of Spanish will take a Native Language Placement on Wednesday January 21st. All other 8th graders taking a Spanish or French test, will take their midterm on Thursday January 22nd. 7th and 8th graders in Algebra and Geometry will take their midterm on Friday January 23rd.

Western’s Career Day Needs Your Help

To help increase student understanding and awareness of different careers opportunities, we will once again be hosting a schoolwide Career Day for students on Friday, April 17, 2026 from 8:45 am -11:45 am. This supports the College and Career Readiness framework of our AVID schoolwide initiative. We would like to invite parents, family and friends into the school to share their experiences with our students. Last year we had almost 60 presenters and our kids love seeing their family members as presenters. Don’t fall for it when they say they are too embarrassed by you to let you present. If anything, try to embarrass them, and you will see that they are actually really excited you are there. If you are interested in presenting, please complete this WMS Career Day Presenter Sign Up Form.

If you have any questions about the event, please email Kimberly Matarese (kimberly_matarese@greenwich.k12.ct.us)

Western Alumni shine on the basketball court

I wanted to share a great story about two former WMS students, Mackenzie and Camdyn Nelson. They were star basketball players years ago and are now playing at Syracuse and Virginia Tech. They were so good that we had to pull GHS basketball teams down to play against us to have true competition, and we still won! They recently played against one another in a rare match up. A shout out to Mr. Kalinski who provided some great quotes for the article. Enjoy.

https://greenwichfreepress.com/schools/wms-alumnae-sisters-compete-in-acc-womens-basketball-virginia-tech-vs-syracuse-242673/

Greenwich Scouting Opportunity for ALL Middle School students

We are asking students and any parents to come meet the staff of the Greenwich Scouting Council on Thursday at 3:15 pm at Western to learn more about this outstanding program available to all school-age students in Greenwich. Greenwich Scouting is proud to offer a state-of-the-art facility right here in town. Camp Seton features campsites, lean-tos, and cabins; multiple buildings for meetings and activities; two spectacular lakes; five miles of hiking trails; an outdoor swimming pool; and a 40-foot climbing tower. Camp Seton is used year round offering outdoor opportunities to all.

Can't attend? Contact Julie Scoran Program Director for more information: juliet.scoran@scouting.org

Western’s Social Fundraiser

Western’s Annual PTA Social Fundraiser is almost here. This is the biggest fundraiser for Western and provides most of the money the PTA uses to support our school. Here is the information:

WMS Après Ski Social – Join Us!

Bundle up for a fun night out at our WMS Après Ski Social on

Friday, January 30, 2026 from 6:30–9:30 PM

at George Italian Seafood & Steakhouse.

Tickets are $75 per person

It’s the perfect chance for parents to connect, unwind, and enjoy a cozy winter evening together.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We are looking for volunteers to help with setup earlier that day. If you’re available between

12:00–3:00 PM, we’d appreciate your support. Click here to volunteer!

For Tickets & More Info Click Here

Washington DC Scholarship Fundraising Comedy Night

You are invited to a special Comedy Night to support the 8th Grade Washington DC Trip Scholarship Fund on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 7:00 PM, at the New York Comedy Club Stamford. The mission of the 8th Grade DC Trip Scholarship Fund is to ensure that all eighth graders can go on the trip regardless of financial need and that students at every middle school have the same transformative, memorable and educational experience. Western Middle School benefits greatly from the scholarship fund each year, as we receive the most amount of money each year. Please come and support this event if you can. I heard it was a great time last year!

Tickets start at $50 and can be purchased online. If you cannot make the show, but still want to support the cause, you can make a donation on the Greenwich Alliance for Education’s website or purchase raffle tickets.

Care Closet Needs

We are continuing to build our Care Closet inventory (which is growing) in the hopes of inviting families in to select items outside of school hours. We are still in need of the following items for middle school sized children:

All types of boys’clothing

Girls and boys’coats and jackets

Spring and summer clothing

Gently used or new shoes

In addition, we are accepting:

Gently used or new sports equipment

Donations can be brought into the Main Office.

Technology Agreement Google Form

We are asking all parents to complete the following Google Form with their child to acknowledge and agree to our Technology Agreement. This is important to help ensure our Chromebooks are properly used and taken care of while in the care of our students. Your child just needs to tell you their Advisor Base teacher to complete the form. We are asking parents and students to complete the form together.

Technology Agreement

Overdue Books

We have A LOT of students who owe a book to our Media Center. Please have your child dig through their room (some may actually have to dig) to find any books that need to be returned to our Media Center.

Attendance Line Reminder

With us being in the midst of flu season (among many other illnesses), it is very important for you to call the attendance line to let us know your child will be absent. Our office staff has to call any family who does not notify us about a child's absence which can be time consuming. The Attendance Line is 203-531-5678.

Nominate a Western Difference Maker

A reminder that this year only one staff member from each school will receive the Difference Maker Award each month. I am asking for our staff and parents to help in nominating staff for this award. If you or your child believe one or more staff members make a difference in our school community or in your own lives, please use this link to nominate them and explain why they are deserving of this award.

Parent Community Resources

Here is the Parent Community Resource document we created with MANY, MANY community resources to support parents and students at Western. Please take the time to review it in case you find yourself in need of some support for you, your child or family.

English

Spanish

After school activities

Here is our after-school Club Catalog. Take a look with your child to see what they may want to get involved in. Remember, they are FREE!

Homework Hubs

Below are the Homework Hubs for each grade-level team and World Language teachers.

8th grade: Orange Green

7th grade: Purple Yellow

6th grade: Red Blue

World Language

What's Happening at Western