The Gilbert School E-News
October 2023
Freshman Class Holds Class Officer Elections
- President - James Slauta
- Vice President - Amaris Reinoso
- Treasurer - Mackenzie Hale
- Secretary - Sieanna Ricketts
Photos by Steve Hodges
Grades 8-11: PSATs are October 18
PSAT School Day testing will take place in school on Wednesday, October 18. Registration for the PSAT is not required.
- All students in grades 8-11 will take the PSATs during the school day.
Miss Lewis reminds students to get a good night's rest the night before testing, and remember to fuel up by having a good breakfast in the morning.
Students taking the PSATs may be dismissed early with written permission from their parent or guardian on the day of the test.
Watch for a letter from Miss Lewis with more information about PSAT School Day in the next week.
Homecoming & Spirit Week 2023
Let's get a little bit rowdy...R-O-W-D-Y!
It's almost time to show that Yellowjacket spirit! Spirit Week will be the week of 10/23-27, and will be filled with dress-up days, class contests, wall building, our pep rally, and more! The Homecoming Court will be announced during halftime at the Homecoming Football Game versus Seymour High School on Saturday, 10/28 at 1:00 PM, and royalty will be announced during the dance. And, get ready to get your glam on - the Homecoming Dance theme is "Old Hollywood"! The dance will be held on 10/28 from 7-10:00 PM in the big gym. Tickets are $15 and will be sold during lunches in the weeks ahead.
See the flyer below for the daily Spirit Week themes.
Back By Popular Demand!
Fall Coffee House will return on Thursday, 11/9 in the TGS school library at 6.30 pm. Open to all grades, the Fall Coffee House is an evening of the arts-- music, poetry, and more. However, only high school students may perform at this open mic style event. If you are a high school student who would like to perform, you can find a signup sheet in front of room 308. Please be sure to submit your sign up sheet to Mrs. Daniele by Tuesday, 10/31. For questions, email her at danielef@gilbertschool.org.
Hive Time for 7th Graders
Gilbert Awareness Week 11/13-17
More Middle School Updates from the School Counseling Office
Representatives from Northwestern’s VoAg (vocational/agricultural) program will be visiting Gilbert to present their program to the 8th grade class on Wednesday October 4.
A “See What We Are About” event will be held at NWR7 on October 26 at 6:00 PM for any interested students and families. For more info, see their “See What We Are About” event invitation, frequently asked questions document, and recruitment letter linked here or on the NWR 7 website.
Students should visit the School Counseling Office to notify Mrs. Thompson with intent to apply and/or for instructions on how to apply. Applications must be returned to Mrs. Thompson by Wednesday, December 13.
Oliver Wolcott Tech
Wolcott Tech’s open house is Wednesday November 1, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM
If you are unable to attend but would like more information, virtual tours can be found linked here or on their website, or reach out to their admissions office to schedule a private/small group tour
The online application portal will open on November 1, and can be found on their website under the ‘Admissions' tab.
The 8th grade application priority deadline is December 16.
Gilbert Yellowjackets Athletics
By Josh Penn, Gilbert Athletic Director
Congratulations to GNH Football for getting two straight victories and moving to 2-1 on the season. The game against Torrington came down to the last play! Senior Brett Maguire made an incredible play to seal the game for GNH.
Important Athletic Dates & Information
Homecoming:
- October 17 - Berkshire League Golf Tournament
- October 19 - Berkshire League Cross Country Meet
- October 27 - Girls Soccer will take on Thomaston on Van Why Field here at Gilbert.
- October 28 - Football takes on Seymour for their first of three straight home games.
Miscellaneous Information:
- Eliminating the Fall, Winter, and Spring sports awards and having one big “Espys” style sports award event at the end of the year. Teams are encouraged to have team events at the end of the season where they can present their varsity letters and patches. More information to come.
- The Travel Release Form is available on the Gilbert Website and is an online form. Once completed the Athletics Office will receive a notification.
- Game schedules are posted on the Gilbert Athletics website. I look forward to a great fall season and hope to see the stands filled with Blue and Gold!
Coaches for Fall Sports:
- Cheerleading - Megan Schibi, schibim@gilbertschool.org
- Cross Country - Scott Mueller, muellers@gilbertschool.org
- Football - Scott Salius, saliuss@gilbertschool.org
- Golf (Boys) - Shane Centrella, centrellas@gilbertschool.org
- Boys Soccer - Kris Kelsey, kelseyk@gilbertschool.org
- Girls Soccer - Jared Fritch, fritchj@gilbertschool.org
- Volleyball - Gerald Brochu, brochug@gilbertschool.org
- MS Cross Country - Gene Michaud, michaudg@gilbertschool.org
- MS Girls Soccer - Sarah Frechette, frechettes@gilbertschool.org
- MS Boys Soccer - Nikita Tarabara, tarabaran@gilbertschool.org
Questions?
Contact Josh Penn, Gilbert Director of Athletics 7-12 at: pennj@gilbertschool.org or call 860 379-3721 with any questions regarding Athletics. If you have specific questions regarding practices and games please contact the coach directly.
Gilbert Girls Volleyball Team Welcomes Students from Germany & Brazil
By Debra LaRoche Walls, Dean of Admissions
This year’s international group of students are not only accomplishing outstanding academic achievements being in a U.S. high school for the first time, but they are joining Gilbert school sports teams.
International students, Sophia Peixoto, Maja Busse and Maria Castilla were all warmly welcomed by girls’ volleyball coaches Lisa and Gerry Brochu when the girls made the decision to join the team. Being a member of the team means practice every day after school for two hours and two early hours on Saturday morning along with attendance for every home and away game. Sophia, Maja and Maria all agreed to make the team commitment.
Each of the international students brings more than just being a volleyball team member for Gilbert. Sophia is attending her senior year and comes from Uberlandia, Brazil. Presently, she is a straight A student in all of her courses. Back home in Brazil, Sophia participated in swimming championships since she was eleven years old. For six years she has been taking tap dance lessons and enjoys playing both the violin and the piano. Sophia is a joy to have as a Gilbert international student and she will graduate with a high school diploma from Gilbert this June.
Maja Busse, grade 11, is our first international female student from Germany. Her effervescent personality is being noticed not only on the volleyball court but also in her classes. She wanted to join the team for the love of being a strong team member and to make new friendships. Her hometown is Kassel, Germany where she lives with her parents, her older sister and her younger brother. Maja has traveled extensively to many European countries with her family. She has many creative talents and takes pride in making homemade gifts for family and friends such as; cakes, soap, and photo books.
Maria Castilla, grade 10, just shared her sixteenth birthday celebration at a local Brazilian restaurant with both of her volleyball team members, Sophia and Maja. She has joined Gilbert from the beautiful town of Bairro in the Sao Jose-Garibaldi area of Brazil. She lives with her parents and her older sister who is attending a graduate program in Italy. In Brazil, her father is a medical doctor and Maria plans to follow in her father’s medical footsteps. She has also traveled extensively and speaks four languages; Portuguese, Spanish, French and English. Her Brazilian activities back home include; ballet, gymnastics and piano.
Girls, best wishes on the team along with your academic achievements at Gilbert! We are happy that you are a part of our international school community.
From left to right: Sophia Pexioto, Maja Busse, and Maria Castilla at volleyball practice
Post-Secondary Planning with Seniors
GRADES 9 - 12: Workforce Opportunities Career Fair 11/1
On November 1, the School Counseling and Career/Tech Ed departments will be taking 50 high school students to the Aerospace Components Manufacturing Workforce Opportunities Career Fair at the Hartford Convention Center. The goal of this trip is to make students and their families aware of the wide array of employment opportunities and well-paying careers available in the local aerospace industry. Students will have the opportunity to meet representatives from over 90 local aerospace firms to learn about what employees look for when hiring new employees and the leading-edge technologies that modern manufacturers are using. Attending students will also visit the University of Hartford and take a campus tour. Students in grades 9-12 have an opportunity to sign up and attend this exciting event! See your counselor for more info, and to sign up!
SENIORS: Connecticut Automatic Admissions Program (CAAP) Update
Seniors, are you considering applying to one of these Connecticut schools for college?
- Central Connecticut State University
- Eastern Connecticut State University
- Southern Connecticut State University
- Western Connecticut State University
- Mitchell College
- University of Bridgeport
- University of New Haven
- University of Saint Joseph
If so, we have GREAT NEWS! You may be eligible for the Connecticut Automatic Admissions Program, or CAAP. And, CAAP has now partnered with the Common App for a more streamlined application process, too! What is CAAP exactly? Essentially, it's automatic acceptance to any of the schools listed above if you meet certain eligibility criteria. If you qualify, the applications to those schools are also FREE! Click HERE to learn more about CAAP, and connect with your Gilbert counselor after 10/13 to see if you're eligible!
College Rep Visits at Gilbert
Admissions Reps for the colleges/universities listed below will be visiting The Gilbert School this fall. College rep visits are for junior and senior students, and will take place in the library. Students should check their emails for the college visit sign-up forms. Students are responsible for all missed classwork. Check Naviance for an updated list of schools, as additional colleges/universities may be added!
- 10/2 - Central Connecticut State University - 12:30 PM
- 10/3 - Savannah College of Art & Design - SCAD - 8:00 AM
- 10/6 - University of New Haven - 10:30 AM
- 10/13 - Endicott College - 10:30 AM
- 10/16 - University of Connecticut - 11:00 AM
- 10/17 - Emmanuel College - 12:00 PM
- 10/24 - Dean College - 11:00 AM
- 10/26 - Sacred Heart University - 11:00 AM
- 11/3 - Westfield State University - 12:00 PM
- 11/6 - Rutgers University-New Brunswick - 9:15 AM
- 11/6 - Quinnipiac University - 1:00 PM
- 11/17 - Southern Connecticut State University - 10:30 AM
Questions? Contact your counselor, or Mrs. Kirsch in Guidance.
SENIORS: Apply FREE To The Connecticut State Universities On 11/15
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 Wednesday, November 15. That's great news for seniors applying to Central, Eastern, Southern, Western and UCONN through the Common App.
To qualify, seniors should complete and 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! Stay tuned for more information.
SENIORS: The FAFSA Opens in December
Connecticut College Bound (#CTCollegeBound) is an initiative created through a 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, ECMC The College Place, and the University of Connecticut. These organizations have joined forces to host FREE FAFSA workshops for students and their families.
Financial aid professionals will be available 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 to successfully complete the process. Virtual workshops and designated in-person workshops are open to all high school students. Click on the button below for more info about upcoming workshops.
FRESHMEN, SOPHOMORES, & JUNIORS: Get FREE Customized Online SAT Prep
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!
GRADES 9-11: SAT & ACT Test Dates
In spring 2024, all junior students will participate in the Connecticut SAT School Day here at The Gilbert School. 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. 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.
GRADES 9-12: Upcoming College Fairs
Hundreds of colleges and universities from the US and worldwide will be ready and waiting to talk with you at an upcoming in-person college fair. Don't miss these free, one-day events for high school students and families. See the info about the next fair below.
- NEACAC College Fairs, various Fall dates & locations
Upcoming JOB FAIR October 11!
News From The TGS Health Office
By Darlene Webb RN BSN, Director of Health Services
Physicals for Students in Grades 7 & 9 Due By 10/15
Reminder: all students in Grades 7 & 9 need to have a physical examination by their physician. “Blue” physical forms should be submitted to the nurse’s office by October 15. The physical forms can be found in physician’s offices, TGS main office and nurse's office, and the website. If you have any questions regarding this State mandated requirement, please contact the nurse. If your child has already had a physical and you would like to have your physician fax a copy, the confidential direct fax number is 860 738 9651.
Students Have Many Options for Breakfast at The Gilbert School!
Recent Lunch Options at Gilbert...
The Gilbert Parent Ambassadors Committee Wants YOU!
An Important Note From The Main Office
PowerSchool Registration Instructions
Unsure how to set up your PowerSchool account? No problem! Follow these simple steps:
- Begin at The Gilbert School Webpage www.gilbertschool.org
- From the Parent dropdown menu, choose PowerSchool
- Click on the PowerSchool logo
- Click the create an account button
- 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
2024 High School Yearbooks are on sale now!
Purchase now to get Early Bird Pricing!
To order HIGH SCHOOL yearbooks, click HERE or contact Mrs. Daniele.
Yearbook Prices:
$65 from 10/1-11/31
$75 from 12/1-12/31
$85 from 1/1 through end of the school year
Senior Parents/Guardians: Buy An Ad For Your Senior
Important Dates to Remember
10/9 - Columbus Day
11/7 - Professional Development for Faculty
11/22 - 11/24 - Thanksgiving Recess
Early Dismissal (12:16 PM)
10/11
PSAT Testing
10/18
Spirit Week
10/23-10/27
Pep Rally
10/27
Homecoming Game
10/28
Activity Day
11/6