By Jessica Pelletier, World Languages Department Liaison
We are excited to share the highlights of our trip to Italy over Spring Break! Our students visited the ruins of Pompeii, and Herculaneum. They also saw the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, the Baths of Caracalla, the Circus Maximus, the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, the Church of San Clemente, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican (including the Sistine Chapel), and numerous piazzas and gelaterias. They experienced authentic Italian cuisine, prepared by local establishments.
Throughout the trip, our students engaged in hands-on learning activities, including guided tours, and read alouds of famous Roman poets while visiting these historic sites. They gained valuable insights into Italian history, art, architecture, and culture, enhancing their global awareness and critical thinking skills.
The trip also provided opportunities for personal growth and character development, as students navigated unfamiliar environments, interacted with people from different backgrounds, and stepped out of their comfort zones.
Our school trip to Italy was a resounding success, combining education, culture, and adventure in a way that enriched the lives of our students. As they returned home with memories and experiences that will last a lifetime, we couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to inspire and educate the next generation of global citizens.
Here's to many more enriching journeys in the years to come!
Congratulations to our own Lauren Hunter! Ms. Hunter is receiving the Pellerin Award from the Connecticut Association of School Librarians in May. The award recognizes a classroom teacher who participates in the necessary steps to establish an instructional partnership with the Library Media Specislist. Ms. Hunter and her Multille Language Learners have worked with Mrs. Pfeffer on research projects, coding projects, and even some 3D printing. Congratulations!!
During a lab on 4/25, students in Ms. Bryant's 10th grade Biology class made imprints of the surface of various species of plant leaves so that they could view and quantify the number of stomata, or pores, on the top and bottom surfaces of a leaf (see photo). These pores are used in Photosynthesis for gas exchange (CO2 and O2).
In April, our Gilbert players presented four fantastic performances of the WIZARD OF OZ! The musical, an MGM Classic, brought record crowds to the Gilbert Auditorium and delighted the audiences, both young and old. A HUGE shout out to the cast, crew, school staff, and family volunteers for a positively magical production!
On Thursday, May 23rd, the 8th grade class will be going to High Meadow Resort in North Granby, CT for an end of the year field trip. Students must be in good standing to attend. Please return all permission slips and money to Mrs. Daige by May 9th. To learn more about High Meadow, visit their website. Field trip questions can be directed to daiges@gilbertschool.org.
Middle school students will be participating in the SBAC state testing in May 13-15th
2024-2025 School Year Schedules
We have been working on a Middle School Program of Studies! It's still a work in progress, but here is a peek at what we have so far!
- In March, 8th grade students participated in high school presentations with their middle and high school counselors. Students learned about what to expect in high school, their options and opportunities, and pick their classes for freshman year based on their interests and teacher recommendations.
- 7th grade students that were recommended to take a World Language in 8th grade will be making their selections soon.
- If you have any questions about which level/class your student was recommended for, you can reach out to the teacher or look on Powerschool.
- Schedules for next year are in the process of being made and students will receive copies upon completion
Summer School
Counselor and Administrators are reviewing grades and consider those that are recommended or required to attend the summer school program
If deemed eligible, parents will receive a notice by early June
The incoming 7th grade will learn about what to expect in middle school and tour the building
Select 7th and 8th graders served as tour group captains as they explored the building
Northwestern Region 7 Vo-Ag and Oliver Wolcott Tech Application Deadline closed
- Oliver Wolcott “Initial Notice” was sent directly to families in February, if you received this notice, be sure to respond to the email confirming acceptance.
- NWR7 Vo-Ag acceptance notices are being sent directly to families, if accepted, TGS files will be sent to NWR7 after their packets with release forms are completed by the parent and returned to them.
- Records will be sent to the schools upon their request
Students of Quarter 3
- Middle school students will be participating in their quarterly town hall assembly to recognize those students with perfect attendance, and the ones that made the honor roll.
School social workers are meeting with 7th grade students weekly in groups to provide social/emotional support, curriculum, and skill development lessons during Hive Time.
In the month of April, Hive Time focused on learning about types of boundaries and identifying healthy boundaries with peers. Activities included outdoor & personal space focused activities, and situational role play.
If you would like more information about Hive Time for your middle school student, please contact Ms. Thompson at thompsonm@gilbertschool.org.
By Josh Penn, Gilbert Athletic Director
We are off and running this Spring with all of our teams finally getting some games in. The weather has not been ideal this Spring, but our coaches and student-athletes have done a great job of being flexible.
Softball has three wins already in the season! The girls are looking to make a push at the end of the season and make it into the state tournament. Baseball has had a rocky start this season but is looking to turn things around with a game on 5/1 against rival Northwestern. Track and Field has had several meets now and a lot of student-athletes have qualified for the Berkshire League Tournament and setting personal records in multiple events. Girls Tennis has been competing hard all season and is looking forward to participating in this year's BL tournament on 5/20. Middle school Softball and Baseball both achieved wins on the last day of April. Middle school Baseball is now 2-0 on the year.
Check out a few of the Gilbert spring sports team pictures below!
THE GESPYS
Thursday, 5/30 will be our first-ever GESPYS (Gilbert Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly) Awards. McGranes on the Green will provide dinner, there will be varsity and JV letters awarded, along with new awards for individual student-athletes. Players from Fall, Winter, and Spring sports will be invited to attend. More information to come!
2023-2024 Course selections are complete!
Counselors met with all students in grades 8-11 to discuss class offerings and select courses.
AP Exams
The 58 students participating in College Board AP class will take a total of 118 AP exams during the first two weeks of May. Check out the schedule here: 2024 AP Exam Schedule or at the beginning of this issue.
College Board has notified all juniors who participated in the state-wide SAT School Day on March 22nd that their test scores are now available. If your junior is unable to access their scores, call College Board 866-756-7346.
Our year-end Wingman Day event is scheduled for May 21st. Again this year, Grades 7 - 12 will have an opportunity to participate in an array of fun activities, including the bungee run and the inflatable obstacle course. Last year’s event was a huge success and we expect this year’s will be, too!
11th grade students will be taking the CT required NGSS assessment
This digital assessment will be administered in Science classes
Khan Academy, in conjunction with College Board, offers free customized SAT prep based on a student's performance on the PSAT/SAT. 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!
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.
Physicals for Students in Grade 9
Students are required to have a physical exam during ninth grade. It can be done during the summer before ninth grade. Blue physical forms will be mailed out in report cards at the end of the year. Physicals are also required every 13 months for students who are trying out for sports. Don’t forget to make your doctor’s appointment for your child as times book up quickly!
- Would you like a part time job with summers off?
- Are you available to work during school hours?
- If you answered yes, School Food Service may be the place for you!
Opening for cafeteria workers, daily, or on a substitute basis. The work schedule follows the school calendar, approximately 5.25 hours/day, on an as needed basis. Applicants must be flexible with times, as school lunch schedules occasionally change. No experience needed, will train. Application, resume, letter of intent and 2 letters of reference are requested. Interested individuals should click HERE to apply online.
ATTENTION STUDENTS: Limited Number of Yearbooks Still Available For Purchase
Our 2024 yearbook order has been placed and only a limited number of yearbooks are still available for purchase. Purchase your yearbook early to ensure that you have a copy when they arrive later this year! To order HIGH SCHOOL yearbooks, click HERE or contact Mrs. Daniele. The purchase price for Yearbooks is $85 through 6/1.
