What's Happening at Western
Some thoughts for the starting school year
5/8/26
Dear Western families,
We have finished our testing days at Western, and I think I heard a community sigh of relief when they went on the break after testing. For any students who were absent for a testing day or need more time, we will be providing that time next week. I want to thank our PTA, once again, for the healthy snacks they provided our students each day. When they brought the food for this week, I asked if they cleared out Costco! Thank you for helping make sure our students all had food in their stomachs to help give them the energy and stamina to persevere through testing.
I haven’t had to address any distracting, unnecessary items that students are bringing to school for a while. However, “squishies” are finding their way into our building and causing great distraction, which isn’t surprising. Yesterday, a teacher brought me a large cheese squishy that now sits on my desk (see picture below). There is no need for students to bring any squishies or other toys to school, even if they try to convince you that it will help them focus. I promise you they won’t. Below are pictures of a few types of squishies we are seeing. I know. It doesn’t make any sense why middle schools are bringing those to school. If we see these items, staff will take them away and students will need to get them from me at the end of the day. I appreciate your help in making sure these items stay at home.
You can see I have a guest in my picture this week. Michael Cafagno, a 7th grader, was Principal for the Day today. He helped make sure our school ran smoothly. He was a part of some meetings where decisions were made and helped with my SMORE. He also visited some classrooms and left notes for the teachers with quality feedback. The highlight was having a Garden Catering lunch (with a Dr. Pepper) with all three administrators. If you look closely at the picture, you will see the cheese squishy confiscated yesterday.
More fun to come in the upcoming weeks!
Sincerely,
Suzanne
Upcoming Performing Arts Rehearsals
Only a few weeks left for orchestra, band and chorus rehearsals. Below are the ones for the upcoming week:
Monday: Chorus 6th, 7th & 8th
Tuesday: Band 6th, 7th & 8th & Jazz Band
Wednesday: Chorus 6th, 7th & 8th
Here is how our softball, baseball and track teams fared this week:
Baseball vs CMS- WIN
Track vs CMS- WIN
Monday:
Softball vs. CMS- WIN 8-7 in the last win off a strategically placed bunt
Tuesday:
Baseball vs Brunswick WIN 5-4
Western is dominating this year!!
Games coming up:
Monday: Softball Home vs. EMS
Tuesday: Baseball Home vs. Greenwich Catholic
Thursday: Baseball Home vs. CMS, Track & Field Home vs. CMS
Mr. Ludvinsky Honored at the Distinguished Teachers Award Ceremony
On Thursday, Mr. Ludvinsky, our 8th grade Science teacher and former Spanish teacher, was recognized as one of the six Distinguished Teachers for the district. Besides what he does to inspire our students through his high-energy, hands-on classroom environment, he does so much outside the classroom to support the students and community. From giving up his time during lunch or after school for his students to heading the "Socks for Sam" campaign and fundraiser he makes Western a better place. He was an integral part of developing the WMS Care Closet, which opened its doors this past Tuesday for families. We are rooting for Mr. Ludvinsky to become the Greenwich Public School’s Distinguished Teacher, so he can represent the district for the state award. I am sharing a picture of Mr. Ludvinsky with our 7th grade school counselor, Ms. Fina, who nominated him for this award, along with a picture of him with some staff who supported hom at the awards ceremony.
Music Department Special Event
On Thursday of last week, our music department welcomed four music educators from Sacred Heart University for a special adjudication and workshop experience. One of the educators who donated their time was Ms. Kolar's husband, who we thank for making this experience possible. Our band, chorus, and orchestra students had the opportunity to perform for the visiting faculty, receive professional feedback, and participate in engaging clinics designed to help them continue growing as musicians. It was a wonderful day of learning and collaboration, and we are incredibly proud of our students for the focus, preparation, and musicianship they demonstrated throughout the event.
Care Closet Donations Needed
We are happy to announce that we opened our Care Closet to families this past week and it was a success. We will continue to open up to families, expanding it to even more families next month.
We are in need of additional clothing and shoes. We are especially in need of girls' clothing for the spring and summer, as well as shoes for girls and boys. Please consider donating as you are cleaning. out your closets at home. Please also share this with family and friends who may also be able to donate.
GPS Withdrawals
We would rather you not leave us, but if your child will not be returning to Greenwich Public Schools next year, please fill out the GPS Withdrawal Form. While we hate to see you go, we do need to plan for next year as well as prepare for a smooth transition to your next school. If you have any questions do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s school counselor or our Administrative Assistant, Taryn Weiss.
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.
