Gilbert Gazette
A look at what's happening at GHS
Welcome
Sincerely,
Dan Jones
Editor in Chief (until a competent person takes the reins)
Eckert's Hypothetical Corner and School Lunch Review
Eckert's Hypothetical Question Responses
The Corps
Barb Pedersen http://youtu.be/dOYJe-tsGQA
John Barbier http://youtu.be/h__Oc_0tc_o
Shelley Leiser http://youtu.be/oxHHw__oHPI
John Barbier and Family
Barb Pedersen
Shelley Leiser
Throwback Thursday--even though it may not be Thursday
The Suburban
My vision here is to create a column that is articulate, intelligent, compelling and interesting. Now I know what you are thinking, the words articulate, intelligent and compelling being said by a guy whose classroom motto is, "It isn't child abuse if you deserve it" and whose sign above the front door to his house says, "Friends and family welcome, pants are optional". Square peg in a round hole but let's see what happens.
Time has changed things in Gilbert over the last five to ten years, but its history and tradition are the main reasons I chose to return to teaching after a nearly decade hiatus as a participant in the roofing and construction business. My wife and I decided to send our kids here when it came time for them to enter school. After a brief discussion of the alternative choices in the area, Gilbert was hands down the winner and it is one decision that I am eternally grateful to have had the insight to make. My daughters had great instruction all the way from Mrs. Jordan to Mrs. Peterson. They were able to make friends and create memories they will cherish forever. In addition, whether they know it or not, they got to experience the 'Gilbert Way". This concept was officially introduced to me by Lynn Peterson at a gathering of all employees at the beginning of my first year at Gilbert. Lynn was a long time Gilbert elementary teacher and still resides here after her retirement. The discussion of the day was the type of qualities the new high school principal should possess as Jim Quarnstrom was retiring after 23 years of service to the district. Lynn stood up and began to describe what she called the 'Gilbert Way' and how this new principal should embrace those qualities. She spoke of hard work, dedication, putting students first, never worrying about what you got in return because you always got more back then you put in as a teacher in Gilbert. Her impromptu speech spoke of pride mixed with humility and how people did things around here and never worried about receiving recognition. She added that this community supports it educators and values education, as teachers and administrators, our passion had to match that of the Gilbert community. She ended by saying the one characteristic she admired most about Gilbert Schools and the community was that if you needed something done, you could put out the rallying cry and in minutes, you would have more help than you could handle. People were there for each other.
Lynn's speech also triggered a personal memory of Mr. Quarnstrom (Q from here on out) and some things he said to me when I was hired by the district. I came to the district with a reputation as a 'sun up to sun down' kind of guy. As long as there was daylight, I was working. He spoke of my work ethic but failed to mention anything about my rugged good looks or intelligence, small oversight, I am sure. Perhaps he chose work ethic due to the next thing he said. He told me, "Dan, as hard as you work out there in construction, we have people that work that hard at teaching". I have found that statement to ring true over the years. We have so many dedicated professionals here who put their profession and students first and never worry about what the per hour pay amount is. As I walked out the door after my interview, I noticed a sign in the front office of the old high school. It was a quote by Q, "Be where you are supposed to be, when you are supposed to be, doing what you are supposed to be doing". Sound advice for anybody, it is a fitting testament to some of the traditions of excellence Gilbert has.
Every day since I first started teaching here, I have truly enjoyed my experience and found that the people here are professionals about their job and yet manage to have fun. As we move forward and encounter change, it is important to remember our past. Our vision needs to encompass what was created by those that have come before as we welcome those who are new to the Gilbert Way. The great privilege we have is to work in a wonderful environment supported by our community. As we head in to the silly, er, I mean the Holiday Season, I feel like there is a lot to be thankful for. I would like to thank the teaching staff, associates, administration, the wonderful ladies in food service, the custodians and maintenance people, bus garage personnel and the parents and students at Gilbert for making my time here a great experience. In closing, I would also like to thank ButterBall for the tryptophan induced food coma I will be experiencing soon.
Tryptophan Tom
Holiday Memories.
I don't remember anybody ever saying, "I think you have had enough, you should probably not stuff your face any more". I also don't remember anybody saying, "Three pieces of pie is a God's plenty, you shouldn't eat a fourth, or fifth or sixth piece". And I certainly don't remember anybody saying, "That's enough air freshener, I think the worst is over".
Holidays bring out the best and sometimes the not so best in us all, and they create a lot of memories. If you have any memories of the Holiday Season that you would like to share, please add to the link listed here, we will feature some of these in the December edition.
What's Going On?
Apparently we have some pretty talented youngsters here at Gilbert as the Variety Show was a huge success. Kudos to the participants and to those who put it on the show.
Also, by all accounts, the fall sports seasons were very successful. Congrats to the cross country teams, boys snagged a first place finish at state and girls were second. Great two year run for both teams as those results were flipped last year. Volleyball and football each ended their seasons with losses in the second rounds of their respective tournaments but were successful in their endeavors this fall.
The winter sports kicked off their seasons with practices starting Monday, November 17th. Good luck to all involved.
This section was abbreviated in this edition, future editions will have more information about participants, upcoming events and results. We want to make sure we recognize what's going on out there so please contact me with any upcoming events and results. Pictures and videos can be submitted. If you have something you would like to add in regard to the fall activities, please let me know.
About US
Email: jonesd@gilbert.k12.ia.us
Location: 312 Gretten St, Gilbert, IA, United States
Phone: (515) 232-3738