Principal's Message
Welcome to Western Middle School!
Every child deserves to walk into school each day feeling valued, challenged, supported, and empowered. These four words reflect what I believe every student should experience, and they are at the heart of why I am so honored to serve as the Principal of Western Middle School. From the moment I began learning about Western, I was drawn to its strong sense of community, collaborative culture, and the unwavering dedication of our faculty and staff. Western is truly a special place where students are encouraged to discover their strengths, embrace new challenges, and become the very best versions of themselves.
The Importance of the Middle School Years
As both an educator and a parent, I believe the middle school years are among the most transformative in a student’s life. Middle school is an extraordinary chapter—a time when confidence grows, interests emerge, friendships deepen, and futures begin to take shape.
It is also a pivotal period where students learn effective academic habits, build problem-solving skills, and develop the independence and self-advocacy needed to thrive in high school and beyond. During this journey, middle schoolers are expected to take risks, try new things, and occasionally make mistakes along the way. Whether navigating a tough assignment, working through a conflict with a friend, or balancing new responsibilities, these challenges are essential learning experiences. Our goal at Western is to provide a caring, nurturing environment where students learn from those moments, build character through perseverance, and discover just how capable they are.
Driven by Relationships, Academic Excellence, and Operational Excellence
Leadership and learning begin with strong, trusting relationships. You will see me and our administrative team throughout the school community every day—greeting students as they arrive, visiting classrooms, attending events, and connecting with families. Strong relationships create the foundation of trust where students feel safe to push themselves academically, socially, and emotionally.
To further strengthen these relationships and enhance our support systems, we are introducing a streamlined organizational leadership structure this year. Each administrator has been assigned to a specific grade level to serve as the dedicated go-to grade-level administrator for students, staff, and families. Paired directly with a school counselor, each administrative and counseling team will loop alongside their assigned grade level through all three years at Western. This intentional structure ensures continuous support, stability, and deep, lasting connections across our entire school community. Grade level teams are as follows:
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Partnering with Our Families
Our students achieve their greatest success when schools and families work together. You know your child best, and I deeply value open communication, shared trust, and collaborative partnerships. As we move through this school year together, I welcome your perspectives, your involvement, and the opportunity to celebrate your children's accomplishments.
I look forward to an incredible year of growth, learning, and success as we ensure every Wildcat feels valued, challenged, supported, and empowered every single day.
Warmly,
Matthew Laskowski
Principal
Western Middle School
matthew_laskowski@greenwich.k12.ct.us
(203) 413-8432
#WestsideBestside