Dear Parents and Students:
A new school year has started and I’m happy to report that we have had an exceptionally smooth opening. Students and staff have acclimated well and seem to have gotten back to the routine of school.
With any new school year comes change. Please join us in welcoming the following new teachers, staff, and assignments:
- Debra Lewis, Principal *
- Donald Crossman, Associate Principal *
- Buckley Morgan, Tech. Ed *
- Shannon Whitney, PE/Health *
- Karen Pfeffer, Librarian
- Jason Cerbone, Social Worker
- Nikita Tarabara, HS English *
- Christian Mormile, MS Language Arts
- Catherine Vaillancourt, Math Interventionist
- Jessica Sosnicki, HS English
- Marijo Thompson, Guidance
- Brian Kiernan, MS Science
- Lauren Hunter, ELL Teacher
* denotes TGS faculty in a new role
The Gilbert School is a wonderful school that offers tremendous opportunities for our students in and out of the classroom. I hope to see you all out and about at the many exciting events to come this year. Here’s to a happy and successful school year!
Sincerely,
Greg P. Shugrue
Head of School
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
Spirit Week & Homecoming
I've got spirit, how 'bout you?
It's time to show that Yellowjacket spirit! - Spirit Week will be the week of 10/17 - 10/22, and will be filled with dress-up days, class contests, and wall building! The Homecoming Court will be announced at the Homecoming Game versus Crosby High School.
TGS Clubs & Activities
What is Club & Activity Period?
The Gilbert School offers a special program of co-curricular, non-athletic clubs and activities that meet during the school day and/or after school. Once per month, the daily schedule is changed to offer an activity period during the school day. Our first Club & Activity Period will be on Wednesday, 10/19.
Days before the Club and Activity Period a list of all clubs and activities will be posted throughout the school as well as discussed in Advisory for students to become familiar with what is being offered. On 10/19, the students will attend the club and activity period of their choosing.
It’s a GREAT day to be a Yellowjacket!
By Buckley Morgan, Gilbert Director of Athletics
All fall sports programs have already participated in their first Berkshire League contest or NVL contest for Football. The student athletes are all very excited to be practicing and working on their skills. This will be Football's first season with the Naugatuck Valley League. We have a good size team of 48 student athletes and are excited at the potential that the NVL brings. Less windshield time and better balanced competition.
Fall sports include the following:
HIGH SCHOOL - Boys & Girls Soccer, Boys & Girls Cross Country, Girls Volleyball, Cheer, Golf
MIDDLE SCHOOL - Boys & Girls Soccer, Boys & Girls Cross Country
Key Dates To Mark On Your Calendars:
Homecoming is scheduled for the week ending October 22. The final day will include a home football game between GNH and Crosby High School.
The Blue & Gold 5K will also be held on the morning of 10/22, prior to the football game. Runners of all ages and abilities are invited to run in this annual fundraiser for athletics. More info coming soon. Come out and support Gilbert athletics and enjoy a run with prizes and comradery!
Be sure to follow the TGS Athletic Department Facebook page and Twitter as well. This will keep you informed on a daily basis with pictures and postings of our amazing student athletes in action. Game schedules are posted on the Gilbert Athletics website. I look forward to an energetic, fun and exciting athletic season. We can’t wait to see you all there cheering on your student athlete and the rest of the Yellowjacket team.
Questions?
Contact the Gilbert Director of Athletics at: morganb@gilbertschool.org or call 860 379-3721. The Middle School Athletic Director is Josh Penn, who can be contacted at: Pennj@gilbertschool.org.
AP Students: May 2023 Exam Registration
Our AP courses are in full swing. Students completed summer work for each course and are already starting to progress through their rigorous college-level curriculum. Fees for the mandatory AP tests (required for the course) will be due to Mrs. Fiducia soon; listen for the announcements on when and where to turn in your payments. Those students who pass the test will be refunded money back as an incentive from Gilbert. Also, most colleges accept scores 3 and above for college credit (check specific university/college requirements for credit). Students who take AP courses in high school are proven to perform better academically in post-secondary programs than those who do not. If you have any questions about AP courses, please contact your school counselor.
For 2023 testing information and dates, please visit this link on the College Board website.
GRADES 9-11: SAT & ACT Test Dates
In spring 2023, 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.
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 9-12: Upcoming College Fairs
In New England: Attend an IN-PERSON NEACAC College Fair
The New England Association for College Admission Counseling is holding several in-person college fairs this fall! Visit the NEACAC website for more information and to see a list of hosting New England colleges and universities, and the colleges and universities that will be attending.
Nationally: Attend a NACAC College Fair
Hundreds of colleges and universities from the US and worldwide will be ready and waiting to talk with you at an upcoming virtual college fair. Don't miss these free, one-day events for high school students and families.
Free FAFSA Workshops For CT Residents
Starting October 1, the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) can be filed for any student entering their freshman year of college next fall.
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, ECMC The College Place, and the University of Connecticut are joining forces to host a series of FAFSA workshops for the Class of 2023.
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 and support to successfully complete the process. Click on the button for more info and to register for one of their events.
Network Use Agreements
Please bring in your signed network usage agreements as soon as possible. This will allow students to receive their Chromebooks quickly before or after school, or during advisory. Completed forms should be submitted to the IT Department. If students need another copy please visit the Main Office before/after school, or during a study hall.
Connecticut Laws for New Drivers
A reminder for those students who drive to school: with driving, comes new responsibilities. Connecticut State laws state that newly licensed individuals, for the first year of driving, are not allowed to have any passengers with the exception of immediate family members. We ask that you not come on campus with other students in your car. You risk losing your license and you risk losing the privilege to drive on campus. For more information on teen driving restrictions, visit the Connecticut DMV website.
Yearbooks Are On Sale Now!
2023 High School Yearbooks are on sale now! Purchase now to get Early Bird Pricing!
Yearbook Prices:
- $55 until 9/17
- $65 from 9/18-11/31
- $75 from 12/1-12/31
- $85 from 1/1 through end of the school year
To order High School Yearbooks click HERE or contact Mrs. Daniele.
Attention 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. Daniele.
Senior Portraits 9/29-30
The next round of senior portraits is coming up on September 29-30! Be sure to schedule your appointment (or see Mrs. Daniele for assistance). Email danielef@gilbertschool.org with any questions.
Scheduling links and personal ID codes were sent home via email from Prestige and Mrs. Daniele. If you have any trouble scheduling your photo, please contact Mrs. Daniele. All seniors will choose two pictures for the yearbook: a headshot and a more informal portrait for their memory page. Seniors, please remember to login and select your two photos after your proofs arrive!
Food Services Update
During the transition back to regular school operations in the school year 2022-23, The Gilbert School has opted into the School Meals Assistance Revenue for Transition (SMART) funds to provide meals (breakfast and lunch) at no cost for all students at the beginning of the school year. Please note that meals at no cost to all students are unlikely to last all year and are subject to the availability of district funds.
Since the availability of meals at no cost will expire when all funds have been expended, it is critical that households submit a free and reduced-priced meal application as soon as possible to determine a student’s eligibility for this school year and avoid unpaid meal charges.
Completing and submitting an application will also help TGS raise additional funds to help us make meals available to all students at no cost for as long as possible. Click HERE to apply. The district will notify parents and guardians of the date when students who are not directly certified or have no approved application on file will be expected to pay for their meals.
