What's Happening at Western?

Dear Western Families,

What a wonderful week it has been at Western Middle School! That spirit of community and connection was on full display throughout our recent mum sales fundraiser, and I want to extend a special note of gratitude to Mrs. Jacowleff and Mrs. Bayha for their fantastic leadership in coordinating this drive, as well as a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported it. Whether you donated, volunteered your time, or patiently adjusted as students stepped away to lend a helping hand, your generosity made the fundraiser a tremendous success. Thanks to your incredible support, we raised nearly $3,000! This will ensure that at least three proud WMS alumni will have the opportunity to apply for a Kindness Scholarship! It is a wonderful reminder that when our school comes together with purpose and kindness, we make a meaningful, lasting difference in the lives of others.

That same dedication and spirit of care has also made this past week so special as we celebrated Paraeducator Appreciation Week. Our dedicated paraeducators are a critical foundation of our school community. Thank you to all of our students, parents, teachers, and staff who took the time this week to shower them with notes, kind words, and thoughtful gestures. Our paraeducators are truly vital, deeply valued, and essential to our WMS family!

Warmly,

Matthew Laskowski

Principal, Western Middle School

#WestsideBestside

Si desea leer esta actualización en español u otro idioma, haga clic en "Traducir" ("Translate") en la parte superior del boletín (al lado de "Share" (Compartir)) y seleccione español o el idioma de su elección. Gracias.

Take a look at this video of our 8th graders performing “Thriller” at Wednesday night’s Halloween Spooktacular at GHS, complete with lightning and glow sticks! They did a GREAT job preparing for such an early concert, and we are so proud of them!

Keep an eye out for announcements about the GHS Candlelight Concerts. Tickets sell out almost instantly, and these performances are not to be missed! They’re a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit while supporting the GHS music program.

On Wednesday October 14th, the 6th and 7th graders had the opportunity to experience Ballet Hispancio come in and dance traditional and contemporary Latin American dances such as Colombian Cumbia, Bugaloo, Flamenco and Hip Hop. This assembly was to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month and ties into our study of Latin America. The students enjoyed watching and experiencing the dances. Thank you to our wonderful PTA for supporting this program.

Do you like to act? Do you love to sing? Do you want to get on stage and dance? Join the theater club! Information for this year's musical, Rock of Ages: Youth Edition, can be found online in our Google Classroom (code: khn43z72). Audition forms can also be accessed through this link. Students must use their WMS email account to fill out the form. Auditions will take place before Thanksgiving. Performances will happen LIVE on stage this spring and all grades are encouraged to participate! Reach out to Mrs. Kolar or Mr. Brehm if you have any questions.

About Rock of Ages: Youth Edition: Filled with electrifying 80's music, a story of teenage dreams and the power of rock 'n roll, Rock of Ages: Youth Edition is a high-energy musical perfect for Western Middle School. This G-rated, one-hour show follows the story of Drew and Sherrie, two dreamers who set off on an unforgettable adventure on the legendary Sunset Strip in 1987. Filled with iconic hits and 80s music!

🎃 The Diversity Committee is hosting a fundraiser for International Night — and it’s going to be spook-tacular! Starting Monday, October 19th through Friday, October 21st, you can buy Boo Grams for $2 before school from 7:55 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.

What’s a Boo Gram? 🎃

It’s a fun way to send a friendly Halloween message and a sweet treat to your friends or teachers.

Come support the Diversity Committee, celebrate our amazing cultures, and spread some Halloween spirit! Don’t miss out — get your Boo Grams before they disappear! 👻

Western Middle School (Greenwich, CT) is looking to welcome 8–10 local veterans for a Veterans Day panel to share their experiences with our students.

If you are a veteran who lives in or has ties to the Greenwich community and would be interested in participating in our Veterans Day panel, please complete this form. Depending on the level of interest, we will follow up with additional details and confirm participation.

Our Veterans Day program will take place on November 11th at Western Middle School and will include opportunities for veterans to share their experiences, answer student questions, and connect with our school community. The assembly will be from 10:15-11am, however please plan to arrive to WMS by 9:45 for preparation and light refreshments.

We’re excited to share an opportunity for our students, created by a young person who knows our community well. Coco Liu, a former Eastern Middle School student, worked closely with Megan Moore in the EMS Kindness Club/Gives Back Club. Now a high school student, Coco serves on the Town of Greenwich’s First Selectman’s Youth Commission (FSYC), which develops programming for Greenwich’s young residents.

Through FSYC, Coco and her peers are launching the “Meet Me In the Middle” (MMIM) Communication Workshop Series. This free, Town-sponsored program teaches middle schoolers how to mediate and resolve conflict through a mix of short lessons and hands-on activities. Students will practice getting their point across, truly listening, reading the room, keeping their cool, and finding common ground. These are skills that serve students well in friendships, in the classroom, and beyond.

The workshop will be held on October 25th at the Greenwich Library, with sessions at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Space is limited, so if you think your child would benefit, please don’t wait. See the attached flyer for more details or you can review Frequently Asked Questions.

A Difference Maker is a staff member that has made exceptional contributions to our school community that has made a difference in the lives of others.

If you have a staff member that you would like to nominate, please complete the link form

WMS Difference Maker Nomination

Western has enjoyed another successful week with volleyball, boys and girls soccer teams winning their games this week!

Intramurals for the month of Oct will be flag football and basketball.

The Athletics schedule can be found here.

• Attendance Line: If your child will be absent or will be in late please call the Attendance Line by 9:00am at 203-531-5678 and leave a message with their name, grade and the reason for their absence.

• If your child should receive free and reduced lunch please fill out the Application and Addendum A form. Last year’s qualification will expire this coming week, unless you have already been directly certified. Forms can be submitted online to the district or dropped off in the Main Office. If you have a question regarding your current lunch status please reach out to Taryn_Weiss@greenwich.k12.ct.us

6th Grade

Red Team HW Hub

7th Grade

Yellow Team HW Hub

Purple Team HW Hub

8th Grade

Orange Team HW Hub

Green Team HW Hub

World Language HW Hub