Weekly Update 12/21/25

WRMS Staff

Dec 21 2025 2:42 PM

Hello West Rocks!

As we head into the final stretch before winter break, I want to share what a joyful and meaningful close to the year this has been. This will be our last weekly update until we return in January 2026, and it feels fitting to pause and celebrate all that makes our West Rocks community so special.

We have two days of school this week. Please note that Tuesday is a 2-hour early dismissal for the holiday, and we will then head into winter break.

Holiday Spirit Week
Our Holiday Spirit Week, sponsored by the National Junior Honor Society, is in full swing! Check out the pictures above from Thursday’s Holiday Chaos…the creativity and enthusiasm were fantastic.

o Monday: Candy Cane Day (red and white)

o Tuesday: Polar Express Day (pajamas)

We hope students and staff will continue to join in the fun!

It was another busy and enriching week for our student…check out some more information and pictures in the body of the update!

o Our VPA students traveled to see Finding Neverland at the White Plains Performing Arts Center.

o Our Grade 8 Band performed at Sacred Heart University, representing West Rocks with pride.

o Our Grades 7-8 Chorus welcomed the Norwalk High School Chamber Singers, fresh off their Candlelight performance, an inspiring experience for our students.

Student Leadership and Community Work
Our My Sister’s Keeper and My Brother’s Keeper groups met this week to begin planning our Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Recognition, continuing important conversations about leadership, service, and community.

Gratitude to Our PTA
A heartfelt thank you to our PTA for celebrating our staff by transforming the faculty room into a winter wonderland with hot chocolate, coffee, cookies, and other treats. We are incredibly grateful for their ongoing support and thoughtfulness.

PAWS Awards
Each grade level held its first PAWS Awards Ceremony, recognizing 40 students per grade for demonstrating Positive Interactions, Accountability, Willingness, and Safety. Thank you to the families who were able to attend and celebrate with us.

Please check out our social media accounts for pictures from our awards ceremonies. Photos can be found on Instagram and Facebook.

A Moment of Thanks
As we prepare to leave for the holidays, I want to express my sincere gratitude to our students, staff, and families for your partnership, trust, and support. This time of year offers an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come and to look ahead with hope and excitement. I wish everyone a restful, joyful break and look forward to welcoming you back in 2026 with renewed energy and optimism.

Happy holidays and see you in the New Year,
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.

HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE THANK YOU!

Thank you to everyone who participated in our annual Holiday Food Drive. Because of your generosity, we collected many items and are able to support over 70 families from our West Rocks community this holiday season. Our school social workers are working directly with families to coordinate pick-up and ensure they receive what they need. Congratulations to Ms. Gacesa’s homeroom for collecting the most items…they earned a well-deserved pizza party!

GRADE 8 UPDATES

High School Choice

This Monday, Dec. 22nd, Norwalk HS is hosting an Open House. It is a great opportunity to learn about the programs and opportunities offered. If Norwalk HS is your home school based on your address, you do not need to complete the lottery application. Questions about school choice and feeder schools can be directed to Mr. Boland (Grade 8 Counselor, bolandm@norwalkps.org) or Dr. Golding (Grade 8 Team Leader, goldings@norwalkps.org). Be on the lookout for more information about the application process this week in a separate post.

Field Trips

Information was sent home this week about the grade level trips for the remainder of the year. Please be on the lookout for a separate Parent Square communication with details and links. The information can also be found on the Class of 2026 Google Classroom.

YEARBOOK

The Yearbook Club is working hard to create an incredible keep sake 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

What a busy week for our VPA students. Musicians performed at the grade level awards ceremonies for their grade level. It is a great opportunity for students to showcase their work to their peers. On Wednesday, students took a trip to White Plains to see Finding Neverland. The WPPAC offers students the bop to view Broadway-level performances at a fraction of the cost. The star of this show had once been Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway!

On Thursday, Grade 8 Band students got a special opportunity to participate in a clinic with Sacred Heart Music Staff. Students performed their concert selections and got feedback from the collegiate directors. They also rehearsed with one of the band directors to refine sections of the pieces. It was a great opportunity to be on a college campus and be able to get a glimpse of the college experience in the arts!

Gifted and Talented Art Students: Be on the lookout for 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 at the end of January. The cost will be $30 to participate. More information and a permission slip will be sent out by Ms. Fusarelli.

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!

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.

Registration, covering all four trips, will take place through the Mt. Southington website. Reach out to Dr. Reynolds (reynoldsa@norwalkps.org) with any questions.

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

SCHOOL COMMUNICATION AND SOCIAL MEDIA

Follow West Rocks on Instagram: wrms_ct

Follow West Rocks on Facebook

PTA

Staff Wishlists

Looking for a simple way to brighten a staff member’s day this holiday season? 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 and spread a little holiday cheer!