Weekly Update 1/17/26
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WRMS Staff
Hello West Rocks!
As we head into the long weekend, we want to remind our community that Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It is a day on, not a day off. This is an important opportunity to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy and our shared responsibility to serve others and work toward equity and justice. Norwalk Public Schools will host several districtwide recognition events, and we encourage families to review the flyers below for information on the various celebrations taking place.
Here at West Rocks, we will hold our schoolwide Martin Luther King Jr. celebration on Tuesday, January 27. The event will include student presenters, musical performances, and a guest speaker, highlighting student voice and learning.
Quarter 2 Reminder
We are quickly approaching the end of Quarter 2 (and Semester 1). The last day of the quarter is this 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.
After-School PAWS Program
Check out the pictures above from our PAWS After-School Program through The Carver, which recently attended a Bridgeport Islanders hockey game! The program runs Monday through Thursday after school, transportation is provided, and students participate in enrichment, recreation, and community-building activities. Families interested in learning more can contact the program director, Mr. Perry, at perryr@norwalkps.org. Transportation is now available!
Student-Led Conferences (Looking Ahead)
Next week, students will continue preparing for our Student-Led Conferences in March. During extended homerooms, students are meeting with their advisors to identify artifacts that demonstrate growth and pieces they are most proud to showcase. Families will receive more information in the coming weeks about how to sign up for a conference date and time. In the meantime, ask your student about their portfolio. What have they selected so far?
Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we honor Dr. King’s legacy, celebrate our students, and work together to support their success.
Have a meaningful and restful 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.
DUAL LANGUAGE UPDATES
Thank you all so much for coming out to our Zumba event last night! We had a great time dancing with you and truly appreciate your energy and support.
Thank you as well for your generous sock donations. We are grateful for your contributions to those in need.
Be on the lookout for another fun event coming soon. We hope to see you again!
💚💙The Dual Language Team💚💙
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.
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
Dodgeball Tournament This Wednesday, Jan 21!
Get ready — our Grade 6 Dodgeball Tournament is almost here!
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Join us Wednesday, January 21st after school for an afternoon of fun, friendly competition, and school spirit!
Who can watch?
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Spectators are FREE — bring the energy and cheer on your friends and teachers!
Players:
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Pre-registered players (teams) should report to the gym at 3:15 p.m.
Game Day Requirement:
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Students must be present in school on the day of the tournament to participate.
Concessions:
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Pizza, snacks & refreshments will be available for purchase — bring a few dollars!
Pickup:
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Families must arrive for pickup by 6:00 p.m.
Let’s play ball, Panthers!
YEARBOOK
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!
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
WEST ROCKS ATHLETICS
Our travel basketball season Week #2 Update:
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Both our girls and boys ended the week with a win against CMS. The boys remain undefeated at 3-0. We would love to see a pack of Panther fans in the stands at our upcoming home games to cheer on our athletes.
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Our next home game is Thursday, Jan. 22nd. 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!
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 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
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
Register: Sign up Google form
SCHOOL COMMUNICATION AND SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow West Rocks on Instagram: wrms_ct
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PTA
Staff Wishlists
Looking for a simple way to brighten a staff member’s day this winter? Many of our teachers and support staff have shared their Amazon Wishlists with us, and we’re passing them along for anyone who may want to help.
These lists include classroom needs and a few fun items that make their days a little easier. Participation is completely optional—just a small way to show appreciation for the incredible people who support our students all year long.
Click here to view staff wishlists!
Spirit Wear
T-Shirts & Hoodies → Available now! Orders will be delivered to your child’s homeroom teacher’s mailbox within 72 hours.
Order here: https://westrocks.ptboard.com/formvw?store=7084&form=2
Looking for more options? Shop through our on-demand vendor. Orders ship directly to you in about 3 weeks.
Shop here: https://spirithero.com/collections/west-23
Stay Connected
Don’t miss out on updates, events, and ways to get involved—follow us on social media!
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Facebook: facebook.com/WestRocksPTA
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Instagram: instagram.com/westrockspta
VISIT THE SCHOOL CALENDAR ON OUR WEBSITE
Follow West Rocks on Instagram: wrms_ct
Follow West Rocks on Facebook