Westbrook High School

11/7/2025

Weekly Update for WHS

Good afternoon, Westbrook High School students, parents, and guardians. Here is some current information to help keep you informed about all things WHS.

PTSO News

PTSO members, please mark your calendars for the next meeting. PTSO will be meeting at 6:30 PM in the WHS Library on December 2, 2025. Additionally, thank you to all parents and volunteers who assisted at Project Grad's Election Day Bake Sale at Town Hall on Election Day.

Blood Drive

Blood drives teach our students the profound impact of giving back to their community. A single donation can save up to three lives, helping accident victims, cancer patients, and those undergoing surgery. By participating in or organizing blood drives, students learn that helping others doesn't always require money—sometimes it just takes an hour of their time and a willingness to make a difference. These events foster compassion, civic responsibility, and the understanding that small acts can have life-changing consequences. Thank you, Cassie Bancroft, and our student volunteers for organizing this past week’s vital event at Westbrook High School

A Season to Remember

Our Wild Knights field hockey team had an exceptional season, advancing to the state tournament as shoreline champions. In the first round, they faced a formidable opponent (a school more than four times our size) and battled fiercely until the final whistle. Though narrowly edged out, our team proved they were evenly matched with their competitor, and on any given day, the outcome could have been different.

Our school and community are incredibly proud of what these student-athletes have accomplished. They've shown us that it's truly the size of the fight in the knight that matters, not the size of the school. Through their hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment, they've become a model of success and inspiration for our entire school and town. Wild Knights, hold your heads high. You have every reason to be proud!

Unified Art

Unified Art made its maiden voyage today. Lyme-Old Lyme and Old Saybrook joined us today to start something very special. Students have set out make a visual representation of belonging, lifelong friends and a difference in Connecticut and our world. To the best of my knowledge this is the first and only program of its kind. This is a wonderful opportunity to show our kids that belonging means being seen, valued and included. The kids are working together to day to make something beautiful — just like this innovative program.

Prom

Prom will be held on May 22, 2026 this year. The venue is Woodwinds in Branford, and the event will run from 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM.

Veterans Day

On November 11, we will honor our local veterans with a special breakfast at WHS and by hosting a ceremony on the green recognizing their service and sacrifice. Local Veterans are invited to join us at WHS for breakfast from 8:30 - 10:00 AM. Then, the entire school will head to the Westbrook town green for an 11 to noon Veterans Day presentation. Please see this flyer to learn more about the day as a whole and this flyer to see the agenda for the ceremony on the green. Also, remind your children that it is going to be cold on Veterans Day. Students should dress for a cold 75 minutes out in the elements.

Rock of Ages

Westbrook High School Theatre invites you to their fall musical production, Rock of Ages! Performances will be held on Thursday, November 20, Friday, November 21, and Saturday, November 22, at 7:00 p.m., in the Westbrook High School Auditorium. Tickets are available on the Westbrook High School website. Adults are $15 / Students are $12. Please, reach out to Rachel Kurek (rkurek@westbrookctschools.org) with any questions. We hope you will rock with us!

Quarter 2

One quarter is in the books! We are already one week into quarter 2. Parents, we are piloting a way to report out on your child’s growth with regard to the Portrait of a Graduate (PoG) skills and attributes. You will notice this in the comments. Some of our teachers have piloted PoG-themed comments; you can find these in PowerSchool. Teachers were given the option to issue one PoG-based comment that represents a PoG strength and one that represents an area where growth is needed. In an effort to promote growth, conversation and PoG transparency, we are hopeful that these comments will be informative and offer new information as students progress in school. Regarding report cards, they are on PowerSchool at the high school level; they are not mailed home as they were at WMS and Daisy.

WHS Upcoming Dates to Remember

ATHLETICS

High School Update

What an exciting fall season it has been for Westbrook High School Athletics! While most fall sports have wrapped up, we are looking forward to celebrating our student-athletes and coaches in the coming weeks. Please be sure to note the dates for the upcoming Fall Athletic Awards celebrations.

Football and Fall Cheer are still going strong, and we can’t wait to cheer them on as they finish out their seasons.

Winter sports registration is now open, and Westbrook High School is proud to offer seven athletic programs this season. There truly is something for everyone, and we would love to see new faces join our teams.

Winter sports start dates are listed below, and we’re excited to kick off another great season of competition, teamwork, and school spirit!

Fall Sports Awards Nights
Thursday, November 13
5:00–6:00 PM: HS Boys Soccer Awards
6:30–7:30 PM: HS Girls Soccer Awards

Monday, November 24
6:00 PM: HS Field Hockey Awards (currently looking to select a different date) 
Location: WHS Library
Desserts: Sweet treats will be served, including gluten-free options.
If you or a family member have additional dietary needs, please contact Caitlin Eichler at ceichler@westbrookctschools.org.

WHS Winter Sports Registration Now Open
Student Registration Link: Winter Sports Registration

Important Wrestling Meeting for Interested Athletes:

Wrestling season is almost here! There will be a brief meeting for interested athletes on Monday, November 10, at 3:00 PM in the Lyme-Old Lyme High School Library Media Center. This is a great opportunity to meet the coaches and learn more about the upcoming season.

Can’t make it to the meeting? No problem—email Coach Aldi at aldij@region18.org for more information.

Practice Start Dates:

• Girls Basketball: Monday, December 1 | 2:30–5:30 PM
• Cheer Co-op (Westbrook/Old Saybrook/Lyme-Old Lyme): Monday, December 1 | 3:00–5:00 PM
• Wrestling Co-op (Lyme–Old Lyme): Monday, December 1 | Time TBD
• Boys Basketball: Thursday, December 4 | 2:40–4:40 PM
• Indoor Track & Field: Thursday, December 4 | 3:00–5:00 PM
• Girls Gymnastics Co-op (H-K Host School): Thursday, December 4 | Time TBD
• Girls Ice Hockey Co-op: TBD

If any athlete needs assistance with purchasing equipment, please reach out to Caitlin Eichler at ceichler@westbrookctschools.org.

Senior Athlete Scholarship Opportunity
The 2026 National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) Scholar/Essay Scholarship is open for applications. This program honors high school student-athletes who excel in academics, athletics, leadership, and citizenship.

Eligibility Highlights:

• High school senior
• B+ average or higher, top 25% of class, or ACT 24 / SAT 1100+
• Participation in two sports for at least two years each
• Earned at least one varsity letter in each sport
• Completed scholar/essay application and recommendation from your Athletic Director

Awards:

• State Winners: Recognition plaque
• Section Winners: $2,000 scholarship and plaque
• National Winners: $4,000 scholarship and plaque

How to Apply: Visit the NIAAA Scholarship Page for full details, deadlines, and your state liaison contact.

WHS Fall Sports Game Schedules (subject to change—please check regularly)

• Wild Knights Field Hockey Schedule     
• MSW Football Schedule

WHS Winter Sports Game Schedules (subject to change—please check regularly)

• Boys Basketball Schedule     
• Girls Basketball Schedule
• Indoor Track and Field Schedule (same for girls and boys)      
• Girls Gymnastics Co-op Schedule
• Girls Ice Hockey Co-op Schedule
• Wrestling Co-op Schedule     

Important Links

• Today's WHS Athletic Games 
• Westbrook High School Athletics Website
• CAS-CIAC Website
• Shoreline Conference Website
• Alternate Transportation Form 
• Following a Team on ArbiterLive

Contact Information
Caitlin Eichler
PK–12 Director of Athletics, Physical Education, and Health
ceichler@westbrookctschools.org
860-399-7099

Emily Gorki
Athletic Trainer
egorki@westbrookctschools.org
860-399-6214

Thank you for your continued support of Westbrook Public Schools as we aim to deliver an exceptional education that empowers every student to explore their passion and purpose. 

Sincerely, 

Matt Talmadge

WHS/WMS Principal