We have so much to celebrate this season. I am thrilled to share that an outstanding number of our Bruins made the honor roll for the first grading period. This achievement reflects our students' hard work and the strong encouragement they receive at home and in our classrooms.

This month reminds us of the value of gratefulness. I am especially thankful for the strong partnership between our school and your homes. When we work together and follow our established routines, attendance guidelines, and daily expectations, we create a safe, structured, and welcoming environment where every student can thrive.

Thank you for your ongoing support of our WBMS family. I wish you and your loved ones a restful and joyful Thanksgiving season.

November 2 and 4 - General Auditions

Open to ALL Western Branch Middle School students. An application must be completed by a parent/guardian prior to the child's audition.

Audition Form:  https://forms.gle/5Ebz3ne7JjLRM3XJ8

November 5 - Callbacks (Invitation Only)

November 9 - Cast Announced

EXPRESS YOURSELF! Picture Day is Soon... 

Makeup pictures are for students that have yet to take a picture. Retakes are only available for students that purchased a package and are unsatisfied with their picture. Return the original, complete package to the photographer.

Wear solid, bright colors to enhance your portrait. Avoid reflective jewelry.

Students photographed will receive a QR Code paper to scan and view the photo online for purchase. Allow up to four weeks for images to be posted.

Picture day is a school fundraiser!

Questions? customerservice@candidcolor.net

As we come to the end of our first Club Day rotations on November 18th, we look forward to our next round of Club Sign-ups. Students will have an opportunity to select a new club on  Friday November 20th in Bruin Bell. Students will have an opportunity to sign up for clubs through the link posted in canvas and in their email. Students must be present at school to sign-up for a club. 

Don't miss out on this year's best moments! Act now and score your yearbook for just $55 buy ordering online. Head over to yearbookforever.com to grab yours today to ensure you get your hands on a copy. 

New this year, 8th Grade families can purchase 8th Grade Tribute ads. The deadline to purchase is January 31st. 

Stay tuned for more Orchestra events and happenings! 

Congratulations to Ishaan Bhende and Isaiah McRae who have earned placement into the 2027 National Honor Choir!  They will travel to Minneapolis in March to perform with the best singers from across the country! 

District Choir Auditions

Saturday, November 7

Jolliff Middle School

See email from Mr. Cook for more information

WINTER CONCERT  Thursday, Dec. 3 in the WBM auditorium. 6:00 student arrival time, 6:30 start time. This is a required performance for all band students. This concert is free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome to attend!

DISTRICT BAND AUDITIONS 

 Saturday, Dec. 12 at Hickory Middle. This is for interested 7th and 8th graders. Transportation is not provided.

PRACTICE MAKES PERMANENT

The practice expectation is 60 minutes per week.

QUESTIONS?

Contact Mrs. Pelzel at nichole.pelzel@cpschools.com.

Starting Monday, October 14th, Study Hall will be held every week from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Please note that students must bring their own schoolwork or assignments to work on, as this is a dedicated quiet study space rather than a tutoring program. Additionally, there is no bus transportation available after Study Hall—all participating students must be picked up by a parent/guardian or walk home promptly at 4:00 PM.

Use this link to register for study hall.

We are excited to share our schoolwide ROAR Expectations, a framework designed to guide positive behavior and support a safe, welcoming learning environment:

R – Be Respectful: Use appropriate language, stay focused in class, follow staff directions, and show kindness to everyone.

O – Show Ownership: Keep our school clean, bring charged Chromebooks, keep phones away, and take accountability for your actions.

A – Be Accepting: Honor diverse backgrounds, show empathy, include others, and listen to different points of view.

R – Be Responsible: Keep hands and objects to yourself, report safety concerns, and always do your best academic work.

Please take a moment to review these shared values with your child at home. Thank you for partnering with us for a great school year!

Character Trait of the Month: Compassion

This month, we are focusing on Compassion—showing kindness, understanding, and care toward others. Please encourage your child to demonstrate compassion by Saying kind words to peers and teachers, Encouraging others, Speaking up when someone is being mistreated, Being patient and understanding with others

World Kindness Day – November 13

Join us as we celebrate World Kindness Day!
We encourage all students and staff to wear blue on Friday, November 13th to show unity and compassion.

Mental Health and Wellness Lessons – November 19 and 20 (7th Grade)

Seventh graders will participate in a mental health and depression awareness lesson through Erika’s Lighthouse. Parents who wish to opt their child out may do so by completing the Opt-Out Form:  Erika's Lighthouse Parent Notification Letter

Student Assistance Program (SAP)

Please remember Chesapeake Public Schools has partnered with Virtual Peace of Mind if your child is in need of mental health  counseling.  It is completely free and there is no waitlist. Learn more about the Student Assistance Program: student assistance program

MajorClarity: College and Career Readiness

During October, students completed personality and learning style assessments using our new college and career readiness program, Major Clarity. Students can access Major Clarity anytime through Clever. We encourage parents to ask their child to share their results and explore possible future careers together! Learn more about MajorClarity: View the MajorClarity Information Resource

Report Cards

Report cards will be visible in ParentVue on Nov. 19th.

Parent Tips for Student Success

Please check ParentVue regularly.

Limit your child’s cell phone use during the week.

Check homework and help your child study for tests and quizzes.

Utilize our Study Hall program.

Communicate with the teachers

Winter sports season is right around the corner at Western Branch Middle School! We are excited to kick off another season of teamwork, competition, and Bruin pride!

Boys' Basketball Conditioning Dates:

Wednesday, November 4

Tuesday, November 10

Thursday, November 12

Conditioning Time: 5:30–7:30 PM

Tryouts for Girls' Basketball, Boys' Basketball, and Wrestling

 November 16–18, 2026

Specific tryout times and additional details will be communicated soon.

Important Registration Reminder: All students interested in participating in winter sports must complete their athletic registration through Arbiter Sports and upload a current, valid sports physical. Registration and an up-to-date physical are required before students may participate in conditioning or tryouts.

Register Here: WBM Athletics Registration – 2026–2027

Families are encouraged to complete registration early to ensure their student-athlete is ready for tryouts!

CMSL Cheerleading Competition – November 14!

Come out and support our Western Branch Middle School Cheerleaders as they showcase their hard work, dedication, and Bruin spirit at the upcoming CMSL Cheerleading Competition!

Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026

Time: 11:00 AM

Location: Oscar Smith High School

Let's fill the stands and cheer on our Bruins!

Athletic Event Tickets & Annual Sports Passes

Come out and support our Bruins throughout the athletic season! Tickets for athletic events are available for purchase online through GoFan.co.

Ticket Prices:

General Admission: $8 per spectator

Student Annual Sports Pass: $44 (includes $4 processing fee)

Adult Annual Sports Pass: $75.50 (includes $5.50 processing fee)

Annual sports passes are a great option for families and fans who plan to attend multiple athletic events throughout the school year!

Families are encouraged to purchase tickets or passes in advance for a smooth and efficient entry on game day.

Athletic Events Clear Bag Policy

As a reminder, the Clear Bag Policy remains in effect for athletic events. To ensure a safe and efficient entry process, spectators must follow these guidelines:

Clear Bags: Maximum size of 12" x 12" x 6".

Small Clutch Pouches: Maximum size of 4.5" x 6.5".

Exceptions: Diaper bags and bags containing necessary medical equipment are permitted.

Security: All bags are subject to search upon entry.

Bags that do not meet these requirements will not be permitted inside the venue. Ticket refunds will not be issued for clear bag policy violations.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping maintain a safe and welcoming environment for our student-athletes, families, and spectators.

Let's make this a great winter sports season! GO BRUINS!

PTA School of Excellence Family Survey

Our PTA is participating in the National PTA School of Excellence program, an initiative that strengthens family-school partnerships and supports student success and well-being.

Your feedback will help us identify strengths, set priorities, and develop an action plan to improve our school community. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey by November 13, 2026.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYQ7asso4QqlnWoxzaerT8cVSWzGdZxQrz5f2Lke2A8UddJQ/viewform?usp=header

Upcoming events: 

J&D Fundraiser: Fundraiser packets will be sent home on Tuesday, October 27. All fundraiser money is due by November 9. Parents and families can also place orders online through the J&D Fundraising website using Western Branch Middle School code 7329.

Restaurant Night: Join us for Western Branch Middle School PTSA Restaurant Night at Dairy Queen on Portsmouth Blvd on Tuesday, November 17, from 5:30–7:30 PM. Come out, enjoy a meal, and support the PTSA.

National PTA Reflections Contest: This year’s theme is “What My Culture Means to Me.” Students are encouraged to express their creativity by submitting an original entry in Literature, Dance Choreography, Visual Arts, Music Composition (Orchestra), or Photography. The deadline has been extended to November 10. Please see the attached Reflections information for complete contest details.

If you are interested in donating to our school, or becoming a community partner, reach out to Delaney.bon@cpschools.com for more information.

We are so grateful to Dollar Bank for their generous sponsorship of our ClassBank program at Western Branch Middle School! ClassBank is a fun way for our Bruins to learn financial literacy by earning, saving, and spending digital dollars by making good choices at school. Dollar Bank’s support helps us keep our school store packed with awesome rewards that celebrate students who live out our Bruin ROAR behavior matrix every day. Check out Dollar Bank’s website for information on accounts geared specifically for minors. Community partners like Dollar Bank truly help make our school a positive and rewarding place to learn and grow.