Weekly Update 1/11/26

WRMS Staff

Jan 11 2026 1:32 PM

Hello West Rocks!

Welcome back! Happy New Year!

Our first week back from break is officially in the books. We started the week with some cold temperatures and ended it nearly reaching 50 degrees…a true New England welcome back! Congratulations to our travel basketball teams for their performances this week!

Quarter 2 Reminder
We are quickly approaching the end of Quarter 2 (and Semester 1). The last day of the quarter is Thursday, January 22. Please continue to monitor your child’s grades and attendance through the PowerSchool Parent Portal, as this is the most up-to-date source of information. If you have questions or concerns, we encourage you to reach out to your child’s teachers sooner rather than later so we can work together to support student success.

English Language Arts
In ELA classes, students across all grade levels are currently working on a writing piece connected to their reading and classroom learning. These assignments ask students to develop ideas, organize their thinking, and use evidence to support their writing. We encourage families to ask students what they are writing about and which books or texts they have recently finished.

Students also completed a Speaking and Listening IAB in ELA classes last week. This short practice assessment provides valuable information about students’ progress on skills measured on the Smarter Balanced Assessment, and teachers will use the results to guide instruction moving forward.

Math and Science
A key expectation in all math and science classes is regular use of IXL, both during class and at home. Teachers use IXL to target specific skill gaps identified through classroom work and assessments. Please encourage your student to practice consistently and complete their assigned tasks, as this support makes a meaningful difference in student growth.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
We are also preparing for our annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration later this month. This student-centered event will highlight student voice, reflection, and learning connected to Dr. King’s legacy. We anticipate that our band will perform, and we look forward to sharing more details as the event approaches.

Cold Weather Reminder
As a reminder, students go outside daily for recess when weather permits. Please ensure your child comes to school prepared for colder temperatures with a jacket and, if needed, a hat and gloves.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we move into the second half of the year.

Have a wonderful rest of the weekend,
Adam Reynolds
Principal, West Rocks Middle School

Attendance Matters

Attendance Matters!
One of our continued priorities this year is making sure students attend school every day, as consistent attendance has a major impact on learning, confidence, and long-term success. The State of Connecticut defines chronic absenteeism as missing 10% or more of the school year, and even a few absences each month can add up quickly. Thank you for helping us support strong attendance habits.

Social Work Monthly Tip

Setting the Stage

SEL Focus: Goal-Setting

The new year is a perfect time to set new goals! This helps kids develop responsible decision-making skills and a sense of purpose.

Tip: Have a family goal-setting session. Encourage your child to set a personal goal for the month—it could be anything from reading a new book to learning a new skill. Help them break it down into small, achievable steps. It's not about perfection; it's about progress!

Activity: "If-Then" Goal Planning

How-To: Help your child identify one small goal (e.g., getting homework done earlier). Then, help them create an "If-Then" statement for a potential roadblock.

Example: "IF my friend texts me while I'm doing my math homework, THEN I will put my phone on silent until I finish the last three problems."

Goal: Teaches them to anticipate challenges and plan their response, boosting their chances of success.

Grade 8 Updates

Happy New Year! We are excited to re-share details regarding our upcoming Spring trip to NYC to see Hamilton on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. This full-day experience includes a historical walking tour of Lower Manhattan, a visit to the 9/11 Memorial, and a Broadway performance, with a total cost of $300 covering all transportation, tours, and dinner. To help offset this cost, we have launched a personal calendar fundraiser where 85% of funds raised go directly toward your student’s trip balance. Please refer to the original message on Parent Square for the full itinerary, payment plan options, and your child’s unique fundraising link.

Anne Frank Trip

If your child was notified that they were selected to attend the Anne Frank trip on Thursday, Jan. 22nd, please complete the permission slip HERE.

Grade 8 Yearbook Ads

Grade 8 families are invited to purchase personalized ads for their child in the yearbook. If you are interested in doing so, please visit the Jostens website to complete the process. You will have to create and account and follow the prompts.

Dodgeball Tournament

Grade 6 is sponsoring a Dodgeball Tournament, and all West Rocks students and staff members are invited to participate.

The event is Wednesday, January 21, 2026 from 3:15–6:00 p.m. in the West Rocks Gym.

All West Rocks students and staff are welcome to participate
Cost: $10 per player (teams of 10)
Spectators: Free
Pickup: By 6:00 p.m.
Note: Students must be present in school that day to participate
Extras: Light refreshments available for purchase

Please complete the permission slip HERE if your student would like to participate and return it, along with the $10 participation fee, to your child’s homeroom teacher or Dr. Walters. Permission slips will also be distributed during lunch waves beginning tomorrow.

Questions can be directed to Dr. Walters (waltersd@norwalkps.org). Thank you for your continued support! We’re excited for a great afternoon of dodgeball and fun!

Yearbook

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The Yearbook Club is working hard to create an incredible keepsake for our students. Please use the link below to submit photos!

https://photos.jostens.com/3CUHTK

Yearbooks will be $35 for a limited time! Online Orders Only- There will be no cash sales Please use the link below to order!

https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/1037145/West-Rocks-Middle-School/2026-Yearbook/20251008081516063150/CATALOG_SHOP/

VPA Updates

Drama Club Ads

Families or local businesses interested in purchasing ad space in our Little Mermaid Playbill should complete this form and submit payment to Dr. Golding. The deadline for ads has been extended to Jan. 23rd.

Gifted and Talented Art Monster Studio Trip

We have a very special opportunity to take a graffiti class with Norwalk’s own, Five Fingaz, at his Art Monster studio! The trip will take place on January 29th. The cost will be $30 to participate and payment can be turned in during art class. Please refer to the Parent Square message from Ms. Fusarelli with the details. The permission form can be accessed here. Students must be enrolled in a GT art class to attend.

Save the Date: Grade 6 Band and Jazz Band Concert - Wednesday, Jan. 28th

Dual Language Updates

Zumba for Socks: Let’s Sweat, Smile, and Donate!

The Dual Language Program invites you to a high-energy Zumba event to support our community! Join us for a fun-filled hour of fitness led by our instructor, Taylor. Whether you are looking for a full-body workout or just some positive vibes, this event is for everyone.

Date: Thursday, January 15th
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: WRMS Gymnasium
Cost: $10.00 for Adults | $5.00 for Students
Donate: Please bring a package of socks to be donated to the Open Door Shelter.
RSVP: Scan the QR code on the flyer to confirm your attendance or quick on the permission slip!

Get ready for high-energy music and easy-to-follow moves. We can’t wait to see you there as we sweat, smile, and donate!

West Rocks Athletics

Our travel basketball season is officially underway! After a strong opening week against Roton and Nathan Hale, our girls team stands at 1-1 and our boys remain undefeated at 2-0. We would love to see a sea of fans in the stands at our upcoming home games to cheer on our athletes. For official game highlights and score updates throughout the season, be sure to follow our social media channels!

RYTE Family Workout Program

The R.Y.T.E Family Workout Program is coming to West Rocks in December and January.

It offers a weekly, 60-minute physical activity program for youths led by licensed professionals. The program aims to aid in the prevention of childhood obesity and diabetes by providing families opportunities to be physically active and learn how to live a healthy lifestyle. It includes a calisthenics routine and a group exercise routine, culminating in an end-of-program celebration.

The program will meet on Mondays after school from 3-4pm in the West Rocks gym on December 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and January 5th, 12th, 26th, and February 2nd. There is a 24 student limit on a first come, first serve basis.

Please fill out the Google Form below if you would like to sign your child up for the R.Y.T.E. Family Workout Program.

https://forms.gle/1zMuPSWfX5BM6MF59

After-School Clubs

The WRMS Ski & Snowboard Club is gearing up for another great season!

LAST CHANCE! WE EXTENDED REGISTRATION UNTIL MONDAY!

https://wrms.norwalkps.org/for-students/ski-and-snowboard-club

We will be taking four Tuesday trips to Mt. Southington on January 20, January 27, February 3, and February 10. A coach bus will depart school prior to dismissal and return to West Rocks at approximately 9:15 PM. All students must ride the bus both to and from the mountain.

Our first trip will be Tuesday, January 20.

Registration, covering all four trips, will take place through the Mt. Southington website.

Math Boosters! After-School

Failing to Nail Math? Stop the Struggle and Start Succeeding!

Is your student stuck in math confusion? Our flexible Math Booster Sessions are the turbo-boost they need to crush their next test and own the material! Students can attend for the full hour and a half across all three days or just drop by for targeted help. We meet in the Coaches' Room (195). Quick Reminder: Students must bring their own snack/fuel and have their own transportation sorted.

Ready for a grade-level glow-up?

Check out all the information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GiIQsHRHDvMUT9xEdYas_sGzwMkMKDlB/view?usp=sharing