All-School Musical: James And The Giant Peach
Drama at The Gilbert School is bloomin' again with this year's musical, JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH! We are proud to have over 50 Gilbert students present this production, and welcome family and friends back to the Gilbert School Theatre. Come see what all the magic James and friends have in store for you. Four Performances ONLY!!
Friday, April 8th - 7pm curtain
Saturday April 9th - 2 & 7pm curtains
Sunday April 10th - 2pm curtain
Click on the button below to reserve your tickets today! Tickets at the door will be $15 - so get them while you can online at $12 for adults 18+, and $10 for children 18 and under.
Middle School Family Math Night 4/13
Join the Middle School Math Team for a fun night full of activities, games, and a chance to win a prize!
Date: April 13, 2022
Time: 5-7 PM
Location: TGS 2nd Floor (Middle School floor)
Attention TGS Alum & Supporters: The Blue & Gold Golf Tournament Fundraiser is 5/14
In the twenty years of previous Blue and Gold events, we have raised over $110,000. Proceeds from this year’s Golf and 5K fundraiser will go towards multiple beneficiaries of the Gilbert Athletic Department such as replacing deteriorating equipment, improving facilities, and providing student athletes with rewarding experiences. The Athletic Department has benefited from prior Blue and Gold tournaments in a number of different ways including gear for athletic programs, a long jump pit, indoor scoreboard, trophy cases, wrestling mats, and assistance for team trips to China, Florida, Cooperstown, NY and more. Your continued support of The Gilbert School Athletic Program is essential and very much appreciated by our school and our student athletes.
Click on the button below to register and for more information about the event (including lunch, the buffet dinner, raffle prizes, and so much more!)
Middle School Swim Nights
Open Swim for kids in grades 6-8 - Friday nights from 6pm to 8pm. April 1 and April 8 at the Winsted YMCA. Free! Registration Required. Click HERE to sign up.
It’s a GREAT day to be a Yellowjacket!
By Buckley Morgan, Gilbert Director of Athletics
““If something stands between you and your success, move it. Never be denied.”
-Dwayne “The rock” Johnson
April has arrived and the winter season has moved on, but not without some great accomplishments by a great group of athletes. We had thirty Scholar Athletes spread throughout all the winter programs (see above). We also had four All-Star Athletes and a Cheerleader selected for All-State. The Gilbert All-Star athletes are:
Emily Arel - Girls Basketball
Sam Goncalves - Wrestling
Hosam Abdullah - Wrestling
Jonathan Eagan - Wrestling
The Cheerleader selected All State is Emma Schibi for Winter Cheer.
Three out of six wrestlers named to All-Star status is an amazing accomplishment for the Wrestling team, particularly since they did not have a season last year. The Girls Basketball team came within two games of the State Championship - another great achievement for TGS, and for such a very small team. We look forward to what they bring to the court next year. Boys Basketball won the Holiday tournament. Indoor Track had some great meets during the Winter season. Congratulations to all of the Yellowjacket athletes on a great Winter season!
Spring sports have come in like a lion and I expect it to stay that way all the way through the season. Coaches and student-athletes are very excited to be playing Baseball, Tennis, Softball and participating in track and field events. The first Spring regular season home competition will be 29 March, with Softball hosting Wolcott Tech at Rowley Field.
To follow any of the Gilbert Spring Sports teams and their schedules, navigate to our Athletics webpage where you will find the schedule for each of the Spring teams. We hope you get out to watch as many of the games as possible. The athletes love to see the bleachers full of parents, family and friends.
For Gilbert athletic updates, navigate to and follow or like the TGS Athletics Page on Facebook.
We also recommend parents and student-athletes visit the Gilbert Athletics webpage where you will find the Athletics Handbook. All athletes should know it, front to back.
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.
SENIORS: Essay Contest
Workers' Memorial Day Scholarship Essay Contest, where an essay of 1,000 words or less could win you $500 to $1,500. Not bad for an hour or so of your time! Each year during Worker Memorial Day ceremonies on April 28th , workers, legislators, members of organized labor unions, worker advocates and others gather together to honor the memory of those workers who have lost their lives because of workplace injuries or illnesses. The ceremonies highlight the sacrifices made by these workers and of the families left behind and inspire us all to work harder on behalf of the welfare of all workers.
This year the Connecticut AFL-CIO Health and Safety Committee, as part of its efforts to “mourn the dead but fight like hell for the living”, is offering a scholarship essay contest to inspire high school seniors to think about the importance of workplace health and safety, of the consequences that arise when workers are forced to toil in unsafe working conditions and of the role that organized labor has played in protecting workers both in the past and present.
In this year’s scholarship essay contest, Connecticut high school seniors are asked to respond in 1,000 words or less to ONE of the three questions with serious thought, some research, and, most importantly, awareness of the true cost of workplace hazards on the lives of workers. All entries will be judged anonymously.
1st Prize is $1,500
2nd Prize is $1,000
3rd Prize is $500
The link to their website and the application and essay questions is posted in Naviance. This essay contest is open to all Connecticut high school seniors. Please email the completed essay and application below to pamela@ctcosh.org or send it to ConnectiCOSH 683 North Mountain Road Newington, CT 06111 ATTN: Pamela Puchalski The essay and application must be received by April 1, 2022.
GRADES 10-12: ASVAB Testing 4/1
The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) test will be given to all interested high school students on Friday April 1st in the Gilbert library. There is no military obligation if students elect to take this test. It is an aptitude test that will provide students with information about possible careers that best utilize their acquired aptitudes and skills. Students in grades 10 through 12 are eligible to take the exam. Students interested in taking the ASVAB should sign up in Guidance or email your counselor before March 18th. Results will be reviewed on April 29th.
Summer Jobs at Boulder Ridge Day Camp!
Boulder Ridge Day Camp is looking for high school students and adults to work at their lovely summer camp in Barkhamsted. Gilbert students are invited to apply! Now Hiring for the 2022 Summer June 27, 2022 – August 19, 2022 Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:00 pm Apply online at www.boulderday.com
SENIORS: Scholarships
Winsted Lions Club Scholarship - Another local scholarship has arrived! Pick up your application for the Winsted Lions Club scholarship in Guidance, or print it out from your Naviance account. Completed applications due in Guidance on or before 5/1.
The Gilbert Trust Scholarship application is open to TGS seniors, with a deadline of 4/1. Each year, the Scholarship Committee awards Gilbert Trust Scholarship money to all seniors in good standing who apply on time.
Counselors frequently email seniors and post scholarship application information to Naviance. Paper copies may also be available in the Guidance office. We encourage seniors to continue applying to local scholarships. Please make sure to apply for scholarships by posted deadline dates.
GRADES 9-11: SAT & ACT Test Dates
On March 23rd, all junior students participated in the 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. 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!
IN-PERSON
Southern Connecticut College & Gap Year Fair 4/3
VIRTUAL
CONNect Virtual College Fairs 5/3
VIRTUAL
NACAC College Fairs (multiple dates)
Hundreds of colleges and universities from the US and worldwide will be ready and waiting to talk with you at the upcoming spring NACAC Virtual College Fairs listed below. Click on the image/flyer for more information.
International Students Join Gilbert Sports Teams
By Debra LaRoche Walls
This year, two of Gilbert’s tenth grade international students, Carlos Garcia from Mexico and Andrew Park from Korea, both participated in Gilbert sports teams. Carlos participated in both the boys’ soccer team in the fall and wrestling in the winter while Andrew played on the boys’ winter basketball team and this springs track team.
For the winter season, Carlos went on to join wrestling which was a new sport arena for him. Athletic Director, Mr. Buck Morgan, shared that Carlos did very well as a first-time wrestler. For one meet he pinned both of his opponents in short order. One pin was at 1:47 and the other was at 3:30. The wrestling coach, Mr. Darek Schibi said, "Carlos is a good kid, learning a lot and working hard in his first year”. When Carlos won his pin the students in the Gilbert stands were screaming and cheering on his win. He has made a large number of friends since joining Gilbert this year. Thank you, Carlos for your contribution to these two sports teams.
Since my first interview with Andrew two years ago, he talked about his love for basketball. This year he felt prepared to play with the Junior Varsity and Varsity teams. He proved to be an integral team player on both teams. This spring Andrew joined his second team sport, track. This is also a new venture for him. When he is not working on his grades to maintain high honors, Andrew enjoys hiking on area trails with Mr. Rutherford. We appreciate Andrew’s time commitment in joining these teams to represent Gilbert. Andrew realizes the value to have sports on his school resume for when he applies for colleges and universities in his senior year.
Both boys know that it’s not all about the winning, but the experience of learning how to be a great team player and the team experience. We were proud to cheer on our international students and thank both Carlos and Andrew for representing us.
News From The TGS Health Office
By Kelli Gilbert RN BSN, Director of Health Services
COVID Testing and April Vacation
We will be distributing a box of COVID home test kits to each student on Thursday, April 14. Each box contains 2 test kits. Directions for testing are included in the box. We would recommend that each student and staff member do a home COVID test on Sunday April 24, prior to returning to school on April 25. This is a recommendation, and not a mandate. We hope this additional mitigation effort helps to keep our cases of COVID to continue to be low. If you choose not to test, keep the test kit in case you may need it in the future. If anyone tests positive, please isolate for 5 days and notify the school nurses.
What if I test Positive for COVID?
If your child tests positive for COVID, they should isolate for 5 days. They can return to school on Day 6 if they are feeling better. They should wear a mask from Day 6-10 and refrain from singing and playing an instrument for Days 6-10. We no longer do contact tracing at school. Please notify the nurses if your child is sick.
Outdoor Resource Guide
Fit Together Northwest CT is a local agency that promotes healthy eating and activity. Now that the weather is getting warmer, let’s get outside! Attached is a great link to the wonderful outdoor resources our area has to offer. Plan a hike, bike, or just some outdoor fun! FIT TOGETHER RESOURCE GUIDE
Postural/Scoliosis Screening
The State of Connecticut requires scoliosis screening for girls in Grade 7 and boys in Grade 9. If the school has record of the screening that was performed during their physical examination by their physician they will be exempt. Screenings are performed by the nurses in a private area.
Physicals for Students in Grade 9
All students in Grade 9 need to have a physical examination by their physician. “Blue” physical forms should be submitted to the nurse’s office before they start Grade 10. The physical forms can be found in physician’s offices, TGS main office and nurses office, and the website. If you have any questions regarding this state mandated requirement, please contact the nurses. 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.
Spring Sports and Physicals
Spring sports are just around the corner. Just a friendly reminder that students must have an up to date physical on file in the nurse’s office in order to participate. Any questions, please contact the nurse’s office.
Free & Low Cost Dental Cleanings 4/25
A dental professional will be providing dental cleanings during the week of April 25 by Community Health. If you are interested in having your child get this low cost or free service done at school, please contact the school nurses and we can provide you with the registration information.
Project Covid DeteCT Continues
Project Covid Detect is a weekly testing program that is offered through the State of Connecticut. Weekly testing will be continuing on Mondays for those students who are currently registered. The last day of Project COVID Detect testing will be Monday, May 23, 2022.
Western CT Coalition Vaping Awareness Newsletter
Click on the button below to read The Educator, a publication of the Drug Free Schools Committee, for Winter 2022. The publication, along with the Western Connecticut Coalition, strives to bring substance abuse prevention strategies to K-12 local communities and schools. Click HERE to read the newsletter in Spanish and Portuguese found on their website.
Sick student? Need a home COVID test kit?
Rapid home COVID antigen test kits are available from the nurse’s office should you need one at home for a sick child. Please contact the nurse’s office to arrange for pick up. In the event that your child tests positive for COVID, please keep your child home and notify the nurse’s office. Students who test positive for COVID may return to school on Day 6 if they are feeling better.
Early Dismissal Procedures
Eat At Chipotle on 4/27 & Support The Junior Class
Save the date! April 27th the Class of 2023 will be having a fundraiser at Chipotle in Torrington from 5:00-9:00 pm. Present a copy of the flyer in the restaurant to help support the Junior class.
SENIORS: Pay Class Dues To Participate In Senior Events
Senior Trip, Outing, Prom and other activities are fast approaching. This is a reminder that class dues must be paid in full to take part in these events. Also, be sure to check your email for the information regarding the Munson's Chocolate fundraiser to benefit the Class of 2022 that is currently underway. Please contact Mrs. Nardine or Mr. Penn with any questions.
Important Dates to Remember
No School
4/15 - Good Friday
4/18-22 - Spring Recess
Early Dismissal
4/6 (12:16 pm)
Wingman Day
4/26
