Upcoming TGS Student Events!
- On Monday 2/6 students in grades 11 & 12 will participate in the Choices Matter program. In partnership with highway safety offices across the country, Choices Matter is a life-changing program for high school students using personal stories and interactive materials to inspire students to make the right choices both behind the wheel and in life. Choices Matter provides a critical component of education for students.
- On Wednesday 2/8 TGS will hold class meetings for high school students. Advisory teachers will bring their advisory classes to the auditorium for class presentations. Faculty will review rules as well as give out student awards.
- The Middle School will be conducting the annual spelling bee on Wednesday, 2/8 starting with period 2(A) in the auditorium. Each speller has either won or been the runner-up of the English class spelling bees. The winner of the school bee will be representing Gilbert at the Connecticut Spelling Bee taking place on March 5.
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It’s a GREAT year to be a Yellowjacket!
By Buckley Morgan, Gilbert Director of Athletics
It’s hard to believe January is already behind us. Although we have had a pretty calm winter season, there is no shortage of excitement on the courts, mats or tracks. . This winter Gilbert teams are limited in numbers of athletes but the talent on those teams is very good for having such a small number of players. At the time of this writing, the girls basketball team has a record of 8-5. Not bad for a team without enough available players to consistently play JV. The boys Basketball team has worked hard through the season. The Varsity team is very small with most games keeping the same five players on the court all four quarters.
Our wrestling team is made up of 11 wrestlers who are motivated, dedicated and “all in” at every meet. Wrestling and indoor track has been practicing daily. Wrestling is doing a great job of developing skills and understanding the concepts of leverage and balance in wrestling. Again the team is very small and can not compete in all 14 of the weight classes. Indoor Track has had several successful meets this year. They are in the hallways daily preparing for upcoming meets.
Cheer has been practicing daily and doing a great job of cheering our teams to victory. They are participating in several cheer contests this year. We have had the privilege of seeing some of the cheer routine during our halftime shows. They are clearly the best in the Berkshire League. We are planning to have a BL cheer invitational next year here at Gilbert.
Spring sports practice will be starting around March 18th depending on the sport. I will open registration for Spring sports on 10 February. Between 10 February and 17 March you will be able to register for spring sports if you go to the Family ID website. Parents/guardians need to meet up with your coaches and attend your student athletes team parent meeting. This is the best way to ensure a great meeting for our student athletes.
We have a new Baseball coach this year. He comes with years of experience and a very high recommendation from our outgoing Coach Cooke. I know Coach Pimentel is going to go on and do great things moving forward. He clearly understands the student first concept and is excited to get things going. He has some pretty big shoes to fill but he has a great foundation that is set for him as he begins his Yellowjacket coaching career.
Spring sports include, High School Tennis, Baseball, Softball, and Outdoor Track & Field. Middle school has Baseball and Softball. If you have any questions about a specific sport or would like to touch base with the coach, feel free to email them at the email listed below.
- Baseball: Coach Jorge Pimenel jpimentelj@gilbertschool.org
- Softball: Coach Gerry Brochu brochug@gilbertschool.org
- Track and Field: Coach Tom Scarangelo scarangelot@gilbertschool.org
- Tennis: B&G Coach Buckley Morgan morganb@gilbertschool.org
For Gilbert specific updates, and for up to the minute game results, navigate to and follow the TGS Athletic Department Facebook page, our Twitter page, Instagram, or visit the Gilbert Athletics webpage. You will find the athletics handbook on the website. All athletes should know it, front to back. To purchase athletic event tickets on line, navigate to GoFan. Once on the site, search for The Gilbert School. All home games are listed there. Tickets are also sold at
Questions?
Contact the Gilbert Director of Athletics at: morganb@gilbertschool.org.The Middle school Athletic Director is Joshua Penn at: pennj@gilbertschool.org or call 860 379-3721.
SENIORS: Remember To Update Naviance
Seniors are continuing to receive college admissions decisions. It is important for students to log into Naviance to indicate “accepted”, “denied” or “deferred”. Don’t forget to notify your school counselor regarding these decisions and add a pennant to the college acceptance wall for all college acceptances. We look forward to celebrating your successes with you!
SENIORS: Deciphering Your Financial Aid Offers
In the United States, there is no standardization in financial aid offers. Colleges and universities don't have to list their total cost of attendance per year on your offer - which can make it challenging to determine the exact out-of-pocket expense for each of your schools.
Try a free Financial Aid Offer Comparison Tool to help you unravel the mystery of your offer, and show you the bottom-line cost for each school where you've been accepted:
SENIORS: Scholarships
Check Naviance “Scholarships & Money” to see the scholarships that are coming in to Gilbert. See Mrs. Kirsch or your school counselor for assistance.
SENIORS & PARENTS: Free FAFSA Workshops For CT Residents
Reminder for Seniors!
The free online FAFSA application for the 2023-24 school year is open. Everyone seeking financial aid and scholarships needs to apply online. Be sure to note the FAFSA deadline for the colleges on your list.
Click on the button below to catch a free FAFSA workshop for Connecticut residents.
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.
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
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 list of fairs below.
- March 30 & 31 - Hartford NACAC National College Fair, Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford
- April 25 - Southern Connecticut College & Career Fair, Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater, Bridgeport, 4:30 - 7:30 pm
- May 9 - June 5 - NEACAC College Fairs, various colleges/universities in New England
Attention Students, Families, Faculty and Staff!
Ensure that you get a 2023 yearbook by purchasing yours soon. We will be submitting our final order in early March and after that, a limited number of yearbooks will be available for purchase on a first come first serve basis. You can purchase a yearbook directly from Mrs. Daniele or click here to order a high school yearbook online.
Winter Coats
Need a winter coat? We have new and gently used coats available for anyone that needs one! Contact Mrs. Gilbert at 860 379 8521 x1431 or email at gilbertk@gilbertschool.org.
Nutrition Backpack Program
Did you know about the nutrition backpack program? It is designed to assist families with additional grocery items to help on the weekends. Items such as cereal, pasta, sauce, rice, peanut butter, jelly, etc, are packed into a backpack and sent home with your child once a week, usually on Fridays.
Influenza and COVID Vaccinations
Influenza season is here! Please consult with your child’s pediatrician if an influenza vaccination is recommended for your child. COVID booster vaccinations are also available now if you would like your child to get a booster vaccination if they haven’t already.
Important Dates to Remember
Early Dismissal (12:16 PM)
2/8
No School
2/20 - 21 - Winter Recess
Club & Activity Day
2/17
Wingman Day
2/28
