It's hard to believe that June is already upon us, and in just a couple of short weeks we'll be saying goodbye to depart for the summer. For some students - our seniors - graduation may be the last time we see you for awhile. Until, perhaps, we cross paths again on a crisp, fall day at a future TGS homecoming game, when we see you cheering on the Yellowjackets in the spirit of a true fan of the Blue and the Gold. But for now, all students - not just seniors - need to finish strong by taking finals, turning in materials & equipment, and completing your obligations. To find out more information, click on the buttons below to read the parent letter from Principal Lewis, and view the final exam schedule.

So, until our final dismissal bell of the year, enjoy the warm weather and the end of the school year celebrations, but remember to stay focused, and study hard for exams!

Sincerely,

Greg Shugrue, Head of School

The Gilbert School

Grade 8 Promotion is taking place on June 16th at 10:00 am. Students should arrive at the school for 9:00 that morning dressed to impress. Families are welcome to join in on the celebration. All of the teachers and staff want to wish them all the best of luck for the next chapter of their lives! CONGRATULATIONS!

Bob Snyder is retiring after serving for three decades as TGS’s Athletic Trainer. Bob was honored for his service and tremendous impact on our learning community by having the 2023 Yearbook dedicated to him. Here is an article that ran in The Republican American for those that missed it. Congratulations on your retirement, Bob!

Gilbert Business teacher Mrs. Samantha Zaprzalka was honored and recognized as TGS’s 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year (TOTY). Sam teaches business classes, leads an active Student Council, and is a marvelous teacher and a better person who will represent the teaching staff well next year as our TOTY. Republican American subscribers can read more about Mrs. Zaprzalka here.

Ms. Debra Lewis was recognized by the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) as the winner of the William Cieslukowski Outstanding First-Year Principal Award. Deb’s dedication, passion, and commitment to TGS and its students were recognized by a panel of screeners at CAS and ultimately by a visiting committee visiting here and the other semifinalists.

Debra Lewis is also the 2023 recipient of the CASL Administrator's Award. She will receive her award at the annual CASL Spring Fling held on June 1, 2023 in Rocky Hill. This award honors an administrator "who provides necessary support for improving school library services through encouragement and adequate funding for program maintenance and improvement" (CASL).

The Gilbert School's own Mr. Affie has been selected to participate in the GenCyber Teacher Academy this Summer. Only 50% of applicants are accepted to participate in the five day camp on computing and cybersecurity. The program, sponsored by the University of New Haven, will encompass the training of STEM high school teachers to incorporate cybersecurity concepts in their lesson plans, and more. Mr. Affie, our CTE/Art/Music Department Chair, hopes to create an Intro to Computing class for GTS students in the 2024-2025 school year. Way to go, Mr. Affie!

The National Junior Honor Society held their 2023 induction ceremony on May 25. Congratulations to our newest NJHS inductees who were chosen based on their commitment to scholarship, leadership, citizenship, service, and character: Armonia Ettanji, Reed Girardin, Bella Frazine, Natalie Kent, Francesca Monaco, and Cole Scacca.

• Students in grades 7-12 participated in a whole school Wingman Activity with events sponsored by the CT National Guard

• The incoming 7th grade class toured the building and learned about what to expect in middle school

• Select 7th and 8th graders served as tour group captains as they explored the building

• TGS 8th graders went on a class trip to Lake Compounce

• Counselor and Administrators are in the process of reviewing grades and determining those those students who are recommended or required to attend the summer school program

• If deemed eligible, parents will receive a notice in early June

Girls Softball struggled through the season but had some amazing games and were great fun to watch here at our home field. Look out next year for this team's potential. The Gilbert Girls Tennis team had almost a whole team this year. The girls were mostly new to the sport and they played every match with their best effort and a tremendous amount of grace and good sportsmanship.

The Boys Baseball team started this season with a new head coach. Coach Jorge Pimintel. He jumped in with both feet and is doing a great job. It will take a couple years for the team to get back to what it once was but I am sure Coach Pimentel will get them there.

June 1 (6:00 pm) - Berkshire All-Star Banquet - The following Gilbert All-Stars and their parents are invited to attend this event. Emily Arel (Girls Basketball), Sam Goncalves (Wrestling), Hosam Abdullah(Wrestling), and Jonathan Eagan (wrestling). Ajla Gutic (Track & Field) Great job being selected for All-Star status.

June 3 -The Gilbert School Athletics Department will hold its annual Gilbert Blue and Gold Golf Fundraiser. We had 124 golfers last year and hope to increase that number this year. Everyone has a great time playing golf, enjoying dinner and participating in all the post tournament raffles. If you would like to play click here for more information and to register or contact the Director of Athletics at the email below.

June 6 (4:30 pm, auditorium) - A Final Farewell to Bob Snyder. Bob has been with Gilbert as the Trainer for twenty four years. He is going to be missed. All current and past athletes, coaches, faculty and community members who knew Bob are invited to come and thank Bob and participate in the celebration.

June 6 (5:30 pm) - Senior Athletes Banquet to be held in the Gilbert Cafeteria and catered by the Railway Cafe. Sponsored by the Lions Club. All Senior student athletes and their guests are invited. There will be awards handed out at this final Senior Athletics recognition ceremony. Athletes' meals are paid for by the Lions Club.

I wish all of you a very exciting summer filled with sun and great times. I am looking forward to the 2023/2024 school year and all it brings with it. Have a safe summer.

By Debra LaRoche Walls, Dean of Admissions

It’s always a proud and bittersweet moment to congratulate international students who have become like family over the many years they have been students with The Gilbert School. On Thursday night, June 15, 2023, seniors from The Gilbert School will walk across the auditorium stage to receive their deserving Gilbert diploma.

This year, the international program is saying goodbye and best wishes to four amazing students who offered great contributions to Gilbert; Ivan Lyu, from China will be attending Arizona State University, Evan Zhao from China will be attending SUNY University of Buffalo, NY, Jhonatan Silveira from Brazil will attend Barry University in Miami, FL and Youssef Nahali from Qatar is waiting for his acceptance from colleges in PA, FL and CA.

We thank each of these students for the cultural diversity that they shared with our school community and residence life family representing their individual countries. The international staff wishes Ivan, Evan, Jhonatan and Youssef the very best as they move forward and continue with their US educational college goals! Congratulations to all of The Gilbert School graduates!

• A total of 96 Advanced Placement exams were completed in nine different subject areas!

• Post-secondary options (college, trade/tech schools, gap year programs, employment, apprenticeships, etc.)

• Registering for “Raise.Me” micro scholarships

• Requesting teacher letters of recommendation for college applications

• Counselors are continuing to ensure full class schedules are complete for next year

• Students in grades 7-12 participated in a whole school Wingman and CT National Guard sponsored activity day

• Counselors and Administrators are reviewing student final grades to determine eligibility

• The Summer School remediation recommendations will be sent in early June (if applicable)

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!

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.

• May 9 - June 5 - NEACAC College Fairs, various colleges/universities in New England

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.

Graduation Practice

6/14 & 6/15 - 8:30am to 11am

8th Grade Promotion Practice

6/14 & 6/15 - 11am to 12pm

Graduation

6/15

8th Grade Promotion

6/16