The Gilbert School E-News

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,

I wanted to take this opportunity to share a few issues and concerns that have popped up recently that I feel need to be addressed.

The first is to gently remind everyone that school starts at 7:45 am. With the cooler weather rapidly approaching and more and more students being driven to school I wanted to appeal to you all to plan accordingly so that students are in their first-period class by 7:45 am. I realize that traffic is a concern and the drop-off area is busier than in years past, but knowing that and understanding that with cooler weather the situation could be more congested. I urge you all to be mindful of our start time. Students arriving into classes tardy presents a disruption and a break in instructional momentum and negatively affects all learners in the class. It is my hope that in the coming weeks I will have more information on a plan to help alleviate the traffic congestion with drop-off and pick-up. Stay tuned.

The second is to remind and urge everyone to care for their school-issued Chromebook and to fully understand that if the Chromebook is lost or stolen the cost of replacing or repairing the Chromebook falls on the responsibility of the student and their family. We have had more than a few instances this month where Chromebooks have been lost or damaged beyond repair and thus need to be replaced.

Thank you for your support as we try to make the Gilbert experience a positive one for all students.

Sincerely,

Greg P. Shugrue

Head of School

Here at The Gilbert School, we believe that the partnership between the home and the school is a key ingredient to your child’s success. We make every effort to involve the family in general school happenings through our parents’ open house, parent informational seminars, the high school website, robocalls and emails, and of course the Power School grade book. The grade book is updated bi-monthly and we encourage all families to visit this grade book and be informed. As you know, the first quarter just ended on Friday, October 29th and first-quarter report cards will be coming out soon. It is our hope that through your frequent visits to the Power School Portal, progress reports, and emails/calls from teachers, that these grades come to you as no surprise.

The parent/teacher conference is another example of how we try to promote the partnership between the home and the school in an effort to help your child. Our calendar calls for three early dismissal days on December 1st, 2nd, and 3rd and we welcome parent conferences on those dates. That being said, you do not need to wait a month to meet with your child’s teachers. In an age when we have all become proficient at ZOOM meetings, we can schedule a time when it is mutually convenient. If you feel you need to have a parent/teacher conference whether in person or virtually I encourage you to reach out to your child’s teacher to schedule a meeting that works for both of you.

By Wendy Sultaire, History and Social Studies Teacher

By Wendy Sultaire, History and Social Studies Teacher

After learning about the United Nations and the worldwide refugee crisis, the Contemporary Issues class sponsored "Halloween for Hunger". On Friday, October 29th Gilbert students and staff donated $2.00 for the privilege of wearing a Halloween costume. The class raised $500.00 to donate to Trick or Treat for UNICEF. Students and faculty had a "blast" with their costumes!

Congratulations and a BIG Thank you to Mrs. Wood and the TGS Student Council for planning and pulling off a highly successful Spirit Week. The week was driven by themed days in which graduating classes earned points based on students participating. A highlight of the week was the deep tradition of spirit wall building. The week ended in a frenzy with our pep rally. It’s been over 700 days since TGS has had a Pep Rally and this one did not disappoint; albeit it was a bit different being held outside, but the weather was fantastic and the spirit was palpable. The faculty retained its title in the tug-of-war and the Seniors were crowned class with the most spirit. Spirit Week ended on Saturday with a victory from our football team and a spectacular halftime show performed by our band.

The Homecoming Dance is scheduled for Saturday, November 6, 7-10 pm

By Wendy Sultaire, History and Social Studies Teacher

The Civics and AP Government classes hosted two debates for the upcoming municipal election on November 2nd. A Board of Education debate was held on Thursday, October 21st and the Board of Selectmen debate was held on Thursday, October 28th. Both debates were successful and well-attended. Students welcomed and enjoyed the hands-on learning experience; and the candidates were appreciative of the students for providing a forum for debate. Audience members (and viewers on Youtube) liked the ability to assess and learn about the candidates. You can watch both debates by going to The Gilbert School's Youtube page (TGSTV). The Social Studies Department is excited to renew and continue the tradition of hosting the town debates.

Building Substitute:

Immediate opening for Building Substitute in grades 7-12 at The Gilbert School. The schedule follows the school calendar, 7:30 am – 2:30 pm. Interested parties should complete an application online at https://www.applitrack.com/gilbertschool/onlineapp/ and submit a letter of intent, resume, and two (2) letters of reference. Please contact 860-379-8521 with questions.

Booster doses have now been fully authorized for Moderna and J&J. For those of you who had J&J, you can receive a booster 2 or months after receiving your initial dose. For those of you who had Moderna, you can receive a booster after 6 months or more of receiving your last dose. You can also choose to mix and match your doses. You can schedule an appointment through any provider such as Hartford Healthcare, CVS, Walgreens. Click HERE for more information from the CDC. Questions? Don't hesitate to reach out to us!

“It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get up.”

-Vince Lombardi

By Buckley Morgan , Gilbert Director of Athletics

As a reminder and an update on our continued plans for transitioning from the Pequot League to the Naugatuck Valley League after this football season, we would like to share an Athletic Department article that originally appeared in Gilbert Buzz newsletter #43 in late April of this year.

The Gilbert/Northwestern football is potentially moving to the Naugatuck Valley League, probably after the 2021/2022 football season. This is still in the coordination phase. This move is something that our two previous Athletic Directors and the football coach has wanted to do for some time. Now with Sacred Heart closing, an opening is created in the NVL for us to slip into. This would not be the first time Gilbert (NW) has moved conferences. Before becoming an integral and successful part of the Pequot conference for the past 30+ years, Gilbert was part of the Northwest Conference. We believe we could make the transition to NVL football with the same success as when we moved to the Pequot Conference.

Geographically, it makes sense to play in the NVL, as well as have the GN football program as a member due to our close proximity to many of the NVL schools. As a class M size program, we believe we could compete with a majority of the programs in the NVL.

Things are moving along very well for this move to happen.

Registration for Winter sports is open in Family ID. To register for high school or middle school winter sports, go to: https://www.gilbertschool.org/athletics/family-id

The Fall regular season will end on Nov 4th. Winter season practice will begin the first week of December. For Gilbert specific updates, navigate to and follow or like the Athletic Department Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheYellowjacketHive on facebook.

Questions? Contact the Gilbert Director of Athletics at: morganb@gilbertschool.org

or call 860 379-3721

With the close of Quarter 1 on 10/29, report cards for all grades will be mailed home the second week of November.

Attention AP Students, your AP Exam Fees are now due. Please submit your payment along with the completed AP Registration Form that was mailed home last month to Mrs. Fiducia in the School Counseling Office.

Please remember to pay exam fees by either personal check or money order, made out to the Gilbert School, with the student's name and AP exam(s) written in the note. If you must pay with cash, only the exact amount will be accepted.

Junior and Senior students interested in getting a head start on taking free college classes next semester, Northwestern CT Community College is accepting applications to their High School Partnership Program.

• If you have a 3.0 GPA or higher, you can take one or two classes free of charge during the Spring semester.
• The deadline to apply is December 1st.
• Multiple steps by student and parent are involved, so get started soon.
• Interested? Take the first step by completing the HSPP information request form online. Students should check their email from Mrs. Fiducia for the link to that form.

Attention Senior Parents, college application deadlines are fast approaching! The High School Counseling office has been very busy meeting with our Seniors who are applying to colleges for fall 2022.

• Students should be working on their applications and their FAFSA and be ready to apply by their colleges' published deadlines.
• Many 4-year colleges offer an Early Action deadline, which is a non-binding opportunity for students to be at the 'front of the line' for admission decisions as well as grant and scholarship awards from each college.
• Most colleges' EA (Early Action) deadlines are either November 1st, November 15th and December 1st.
• Check colleges for their deadlines and be sure to list each college on the FAFSA.
• Counselors are here to support students and parents through the process. We welcome your questions!

PRESS RELEASE: Virtual & In-Person FAFSA Days for the Class of 2022

In partnership with the Connecticut State Department of Education, the College Board, New Haven Promise, the Connecticut Association of Financial Aid Administrators (CAPFAA), the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges, the Connecticut State Colleges & Universities, and UConn are joining forces to host a series of FAFSA workshops for the Class of 2022.

Financial aid professionals will be online to help students and families navigate the process of need-based federal aid. Those who sign up will receive a checklist of items that they will need and support to successfully complete the process. Click on the button for more info and to register for one of their events on 11/6 or 12/6.

In an effort to minimize the expense of applying to college, all five of the Connecticut State Universities will offer an application fee waiver for Connecticut residents on Monday, November 15. That's great news for seniors applying to Central, Eastern, Southern, Western and UCONN through the Common App.

To qualify, complete and submit your FAFSA by 11/15. Then submit your completed Common App on 11/15 to CCSU, ECSU, SCSU, WCSU and/or UCONN, and select the "Application Fee Free Day" waiver for Connecticut Residents. Usually, it would set you back $50 per application to apply to any of the sister schools, and $80 to apply to the University of Connecticut. That's a potential cost savings of $280 if you're applying to all five schools. But don't delay - the free application is a one-day-only event!

Northwestern CT Community College is excited to share some helpful new tools for TGS seniors who are considering applying.

Web updates that simplify the process for:

• Degree-seeking students (including a “How to Apply” video)
• PACT-interested students (including a “How to be Eligible for PACT” video)

Upcoming Events:

• VIRTUAL Prospective Student Fair: Wednesday, Nov 3rd at 6pm, REGISTER HERE
• VIRTUAL Application and FAFSA Walk Through: Monday, Nov 8th at 6pm, REGISTER HERE
• ON CAMPUS “Enroll in a Day” event (for Spring 2022): Saturday, November 13th, REGISTER HERE
• VIRTUAL High School Partnership Program Application Walk Through: Wednesday, Nov 17th at 6pm, REGISTER HERE

The Torrington Army Recruiting Office is proud to announce our 1st annual College Financial Opportunities Night which will take place on the 15th of November from 6:00-8:00 pm. The College Financial Opportunities Night will be open to all high school students. Topics to be discussed are Tuition Assistance, Scholarship opportunities, Financial Aid Programs and much more. In addition, we plan to have our Educations Support Staff Specialist on site to answer additional questions.

There are a few ways to sign-up:

1. Click the link: https://bit.ly/financialnight to sign-up
2. Scan QR Code on the flyer below
3. Go to our INSTAGRAM Page: @torringtonarmy and scan the QR Code.

Registration will close the evening of the 12th of November. An email will be sent the evening of the 12th of November confirming the location and details once the registration period closes. Should you have any additional questions email the Torrington Station Commander Sergeant First Class Paul Jette at: paul.m.jette.mil@army.mil or call 860-960-7824.

In spring 2022, all junior students will be participating in the Connecticut SAT School Day here at The Gilbert School (date to be announced). However, any student (not just juniors!) can register online to take the SAT and/or to take the ACT throughout the year - as many times as you choose. Additional testing dates are listed below. Like anything else, the more you practice, the better you'll get!

*Please note that The Gilbert School is no longer a testing site and will not be hosting SAT testing on alternate dates.

It's never too early to start exploring college options! Hundreds of colleges and universities from the US and worldwide will be ready and waiting to talk with you at these upcoming NACAC Virtual College Fairs:

• Tuesday, Nov. 2: Arts & STEM Fair: 4-8 p.m. ET
• Sunday, Nov. 14: Signature Fair: 1-6 p.m. ET

Don't miss these free, one-day events for high school students, transfer students, and families. Go to virtualcollegefairs.org to see the list of participating colleges. Then log in on any fair date to attend Zoom sessions, text your questions, and demonstrate interest... all waithout leaving home. It's a great way to connect with hundreds of collegs in a short amount of time to learn about majors, scholarship, and more.

Khan Academy, in conjunction with College Board, is offering free customized SAT prep based on a student's performance on the PSAT. Generated SAT practice is tailored specifically to focus on those areas in which the student requires the most practice. Click on the button below to find out more information!

By Debra Walls, Dean of Admissions

On Sunday evening, October 24, Residential Coordinator, Cristina Rutherford, gathered a group of international students for an evening of Halloween decorating in the Common Room of the Residence Hall. An array of colored pumpkins were purchased and the students took part in carving their own decorations and sharing in the pumpkin craving tradition that is not experienced in Brazil, Mexico or China.

The pictures show the happy and intense faces of Jhonatan Silveira from Brazil, Carlos Garcia from Mexico and Ivan Lyu from China concentrating on their carving creativity. Traditional candy and cupcakes were enjoyed by all after the decorations were hung and the carved pumpkins were completed.

By Debra Walls, Dean of Admissions

Students, Carlos Garcia from Mexico and Jhonatan Silveira from Brazil have truly enjoyed the opportunity to share their soccer skills on the Gilbert boys’ soccer team this season. Carlos Garcia, #22, was the first Gilbert student to score the team’s first goal in one of the fall games that have been played at Walker Field on Willow Street and away games.

Carlos, a 10th grade student, brings such passion to each game and 11th grade Jhonatan had a chance to enhance his soccer skills at the Walker Field games. While attending The Gilbert School international program of the W. L. Gilbert Trust, Jhonatan met a local Brazilian student, Bernardo who also had an opportunity to add to the team and make great friends with a fellow Brazilian. This is one of the many heartwarming opportunities that the international program can offer and in return, friendships are made that can last a lifetime.

The International Program is grateful for the compassion and support offered by both Athletic Director, Buck Morgan and first year Boys Soccer, Coach Tarabara, for welcoming Carlos and Jhonatan to the team. It has added to the inclusion of the program and lifetime experience for both of the students joining The Gilbert School.

The last Boys Varsity Soccer home game will be held at Walker Field on Tuesday, November 2 at 3:30 pm. Gilbert will play against Thomaston High School for their final game of the season. Supporters are welcome!

School portraits are Monday, November 1, and Friday, November 5 during English classes. Students received order forms and info during 3TR; extra forms are in the main office.

By Lynn Metcalf, Food Service Director

By Kelli Gilbert RN BSN, Director of Health Services

Cold, Flu, and Allergy Season

Cold, flu, and allergy season have arrived! If your child normally receives the influenza vaccination, please contact your physician about getting an appointment. If your child does not feel well, please remember to consult with your child’s physician. Don’t assume it’s “just the change of weather” or “allergies”. If your child is sick, please keep them home and notify the nurses. If you have any questions, we are here to help!

Winter Sports

For a student to participate in winter sports, they should have a current physical on file in the nurse’s office. Physicals should be dated within 13 months.

Ninth Grade Physicals

The State of Connecticut requires that students have physical examinations by their physician during specific times during their academic career. If your ninth grade student has not already had a physical examination this year, please schedule an appointment with your primary care provider. Forms are available on the website, in the nurse's office or main office, and at all area physician offices.

Where Can I Get a COVID Vaccine?

• Search vaccines.gov

• Text Your Zip Code to 438829

• Call 1-800-232-0233

• Check Your Local Pharmacy’s Website

• Check With Your Local or State Health Department for Vaccine Clinic Locations

• Enter Your Location into covidvaccinefinder.ct.gov/, Where You Can Filter by Distance and Network

• Check with your physician

Unsure how to set up your PowerSchool account? No problem! Follow these simple steps:

1. Begin at The Gilbert School Webpage www.gilbertschool.org
2. From the Parent dropdown menu, choose PowerSchool
3. Click on the PowerSchool logo
4. Click the create an account button
5. Completely fill out the form

(The Access ID is your child’s student ID number, and the Access password is the first 8 letters of your child’s last name.)

PLEASE NOTE - PASSWORDS MUST BE:

• At least 7 characters
• At least one uppercase and one lowercase letter
• At least one number
• At least one special character (!,$,&,*, etc.)

Should you need assistance, please contact battistas@gilbertschool.org

2022 High School Yearbooks are on sale now! Fall Pricing is $65 until November 30.

Prices will increase to $75 on December 1.

To order High School Yearbooks: visit https://yearbookforever.com/ and enter Gilbert as the school name or contact Mrs. Wood at woodk@gilbertschool.org

• Senior Parents and Guardians - Personal yearbook ads are available until November 1st! Personal ads for your students are a great way to support them and show them how proud you are of all their accomplishments! Ads can be purchased and created on the yearbook website, or you can submit physical ads and payments to Mrs. Wood.

Homecoming Dance

11/6

No School

11/2 - Election Day/Faculty Professional Development

11/24-26 - Thanksgiving Recess

Activity Day

11/16

Underclassmen Picture Days

11/1 & 11/5

Athletics

11/22 Mandatory pre-season Meeting for all winter athletes and families.

11/25 Thanksgiving Day Football vs. Granby/Canton 10:30 am.

Early Dismissal

12/1-3 - Parent Conferences, all students dismiss at 12:16 pm

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