The Buzz
School Community Newsletter
Issue #47
Saturday, May 29, 2021
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Gilbert held its annual prom on Thursday, May 27 at Crystal Peak. It was the school's first prom since 2019, with last year's prom cancelled due to the pandemic. According to Principal Sue Sojka: "Our students looked gorgeous, were well-behaved, and danced the night away under the stars. It was so nice to see them enjoy themselves and have a few hours when all seemed right in the world." |
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Congratulations to our Valedictorian and Salutatorian! |
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Valedictorian
Rebecca Dowling
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Salutatorian
Miranda Brennan
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Remaining Schedule for Semester |
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May 31 MEMORIAL DAY - NO SCHOOL
June 1 National Honor Society Induction - ODD (Tuesday)
June 2 Remote Wednesday
June 3 EVEN DAY
June 4-10 High School Exams
June 4-6 "Snoopy" the school play
June 9 8th grade Promotion
June 9- Yearbook dedication lunch and ceremony (staff and seniors only)
June 10 Senior Night 5 - 9 pm
June 10- High School yearbook pickup in Mrs. Wood’s room (307)
June 11 Graduation 5 pm
**More detailed information regarding these events will be given soon.
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Middle School Field Day
Friday, June 4th is field day. This is a scheduled half-day. Students will participate in outdoor activities and end the day with a grab-and-go picnic lunch on the front lawn. Students are encouraged to bring a white t-shirt to tie-dye. We look forward to some much-deserved fun with our middle school students!
8th Grade Promotion
June 9, 2021, at 10:30
Please park in the student parking lot.
Due to the restrictions of Covid, each student may have two people attend the ceremony. Tickets for the event were mailed home. Please bring the tickets with you to the ceremony. Areas will be assigned for visitors and we encourage you to bring chairs to sit on during the ceremony. Once you exit your vehicle we ask that you wear a mask at all times. The ceremony will last approximately 1 hour. Families may take students home after the ceremony.
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The American Recovery Plan is providing funds to the State of Connecticut for education that is passed on to the school districts. There are several components to the plan including recover of students skills through academic intervention, acceleration and renewal, social and emotional health for staff and students, technology training, community engagement and building infrastructure for health and safety, We must begin by gaining feedback on reopening plans for next school year. At this time we are unsure about social distancing or mask wearing requirements. It is our anticipation to have all students back in person at The Gilbert School with no hybrid or remote learning option. We will back to five days a week and will continue a block schedule. The plan from this year is on our website. The plan once written will lead to the application to fund our educational programs for the aforementioned areas. |
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Health Office: Important Information for Parents |
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6th Grade and 9th Grade Physicals
Students entering 7th and 10th grade MUST have completed a state mandated physical with their primary care physician and have filed a blue State of CT physical form with the nurse’s office. Students may be excluded from school from the start of the 2021 school year until this requirement is met. Please contact physician’s offices early to get an appointment if you have not completed this requirement.
Sports Physicals for Fall Sports
The safety and well being of all of our athletes is a top priority to The Gilbert School. Prior to trying out for any sport, a current physical must be on file in the nurse’s office. Unfortunately, we do not accept notes from physicians instead of the completed physical form, so please ask your physician to complete the entire form. Parents must complete the first page. Athletic physicals are considered current for one year. To prevent the need to stop an athlete from participating once he/she is on a team due to a lapse in their athletic physical, we strongly encourage parents to arrange for physicals to be performed during the summer months. Physical forms can be mailed into the school at any time during the summer or dropped off in the main office.
Medications
If you anticipate your child may need medication in the fall of 2021, please have your physician complete the authorization for administration of medication form and return it to the nurse’s office at the beginning of the school year.
Should you have any issues over the summer that you would like the nurse to be aware of, please email at gilbertk@gilbertschool.org. Wishing you a happy and healthy summer!!
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Quarantine Changes
In the event of quarantine due to COVID, we are changing the quarantine timelines. Effective May 17, we will be providing the option of a 7-day quarantine, provided we receive a negative COVID PCR test that is performed on Day 5.
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Vaccination Information
As of May 12, anyone 12 and older can get vaccinated in Connecticut
Schedule Your COVID-19 Vaccine
The state offers residents and workers several options for scheduling their COVID-19 vaccine appointment.
Option 1: Search for a Vaccine Site
Enter your address or zip code to view all the locations nearest you. You can also search for a specific provider to view associated locations.
Click on this link:
Option 2: Schedule by Phone
Prefer to schedule by phone? Select sites offer appointment scheduling via phone. Due to high volume, hold times may vary.
Please note that some vaccine sites allow phone scheduling through a direct clinic phone number. Search by location to view additional sites and scheduling options.
Vaccine Appointment Assist Line
877-918-2224
Available 8:00am to 8:00pm EST, 7 days a week
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Timothy Cronin Begins New CEO Position in July |
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Timothy Cronin, current Director of the International Program, has officially been voted in as the new CEO of the W. L. Gilbert Trust. His new position will begin on July 1, 2021.
Tim holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science/Business Management. In his new role, he will bring over twelve years of experience in all aspects of; administration in academia including undergraduate and graduate admissions, student recruitment and enrollment both internationally and college level, operations, marketing, communications along with staff management and development.
In 2013, Tim started working for the W.L. Gilbert Trust and was given the task of building the school’s first international program. Working alongside, Head of School, Dr. Anthony Serio, the two began the program from the ground up. Tim began hiring staff members to complete an international team along with homestay families in town that ended up enrolling thirty-two students their first year in 2013 – 2014.
Recruiting trips to China, France, Italy, Germany, England, Brazil proved great success resulting in several consistent years of eighty students joining the program. Sister schools in both China and Italy were also established. With this amazing growth, the Trust built a two floor, twenty-five-bedroom residency hall, containing four apartments for Residential Coordinators that is located on the school’s 120-acre campus. The eighty international students made up 14.5% of the Gilberts school population.
With his high level of personal accountability and integrity, Tim thrives in an environment that rewards stretch goals and that are team-based and creative. In his new role, he is excited to start working on advancement and development for the Trust in addition to growing more diversity to the residency program.
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Alumna of the Week
Katherine Serafini Wood
Class of 2004
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What did you do after you graduated?:
"I went to Connecticut College in New London for my Freshman year, thinking I wanted to study Child Psychology. Although I loved the people I met there, it wasn't the right place for me, so I came back to NCCC for a year. While studying there I volunteered in my aunt's classroom at Batcheller School-- that really helped me realize I wanted to go into teaching. I transferred to Saint Joseph College in West Hartford (now University of Saint Joseph), where I studied English. I played soccer for St. Joe's my Junior and Senior years, and then I continued on to earn my Masters in Education and my Secondary Teaching License. While completing my Masters and Licensure, I worked at St. Anthony's School, running their Before & After School program. So many Gilbert grads came through that program years ago, so it's been a fun full-circle experience for me to be back at Gilbert and see so many of them. I completed my student teaching at Regional back in 2011, and then my first official teaching job was at Global Experience Magnet School in Bloomfield in 2012. Working at GEMS was an interesting experience because it was the first year of the school's existence, so I got to be part of creating the curriculum and establishing the school's identity. When an English position opened up at Gilbert for the 2013-2014 school year, I interviewed right away because although I loved GEMS, I always knew I wanted to come back "home" to Gilbert. Eight years later, here we are! I also worked as a director as ESF Dream Camp at Trinity College for 10 years, where I met the most amazing people from all over the world. And finally, I married my best friend Zach Wood in 2017 after about 13 years of friendship. We bought a house here in Winsted in October and have been enjoying being in this great community!"
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Why did you decide to get into the career in education?:
"I was fortunate enough to have some amazing teachers in my lifetime, all of whom played a huge role in shaping the person I am today. Judy Palmer, my 3rd grade teacher and now superintendent of Region 7, was the most incredible mentor I could ever ask for. She is the epitome of charity and compassion, and she makes every person she encounters feel as though they are the most important person in the world. I still remember specific lessons and moments in her third grade class-- moments that seem trivial in terms of content, yet the way she supported me was so significant. That type of belief goes a long way, and it is something I've never forgotten.
Tom Cangelosi was another reason I got into education, specifically English. "Mr. Cange" was my Senior English teacher, and he was kind of a legend in the school. No one really knew his backstory, so there were all kind of rumors about him (like Jay Gatsby). He was hands down the hardest teacher I've ever had, but he single-handedly made me the writer and student I am today. I'll never forget walking into his class the very first day feeling super confident that I had crushed the summer essay assignment (as did most of my classmates)-- and then we all got our essays back and they were covered with ink and feedback. He had high expectations and he pushed us to achieve more than we ever thought possible, and I really appreciated that push. College English was a breeze after his class!
I had lots of amazing teachers along the way, but I also had the opportunity to volunteer and work with youth throughout my younger years, which helped me realize I enjoyed working with them. When a kid has a lightbulb moment, an "aha" moment where everything clicks, it's one of the most beautiful experiences in the world. Watching them find their own voices, find their passions, and find confidence in themselves is a real blessing, and it's one I've gotten to enjoy for years."
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Teachers Brad Toomey and Josh Penn joined Katie and husband Zach in supporting the girls basketball team during the 2019 state basketball tournament. |
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What do you remember from your time at Gilbert?:
"Bleeding Blue & Gold! I remember watching my older cousins win the basketball state championship (along with Donny Crossman!) and being so excited to get to Gilbert and be part of that kind of environment. I loved playing soccer and basketball, but I also loved being in the crowd for the boys basketball games and experiencing the overall energy of the student section. I have so many great (and weird!) memories from Gilbert--going to Florida for band and choir, memorizing the first page of the Latin text, making friends with upperclassmen as a freshmen, meeting people from Hartland, having incredible teachers/educators who later became colleagues (Wendy Sultaire, Adam Atkins, Scott Minnerly, Deb Lewis)-- it was always a family and it is still that way now. I also remember my one and only detention coming from Mr. Atkins-- I had taken my music home to practice, and when I got to his class realized it wasn't in my folder. I was either getting a detention for not having the music or for being late (if I ran back to my locker). I ran back, but we didn't have 4 minutes of passing time back then and needless to say I didn't make it back in time."
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AJ Bunel (class of 2001) and Katie during the 2019 Homecoming festivities. |
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Do you have any family members who attended Gilbert?:
"Pretty much everyone-- more than I could list here! My parents are both Gilbert grads, along with all my aunts and uncles and many of my cousins. I was fortunate enough to be in school with several family members, which made the whole experience that much better. My older cousin AJ Bunel (2001) drove me to school my freshman year. He probably hated taking me with him, but it was great for me! My younger cousins Danielle Serafini and Juliana Serafini were both a year below me (2003)-- Juliana and I have some great pictures from the fan section of basketball games. We also got to participate in the Laurel Festival together my senior year, which was a ton of fun. My brother, Sam Serafini (2007) was a freshman when I was a senior, so we experienced a lot of things together, including our shared love for Mr. Cange!"
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The 2021 Yearbook class, advised by Katie. |
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What lessons from Gilbert did you carry into the real world?:
"Gilbert taught me to care about the people and community around you. So many people helped me along the way and wanted me to succeed-- and that's what I want for others. It's easy to think that people are mean when they're pushing you to achieve more than you currently are achieving-- but Gilbert taught me that those are the people who care the most. I've also learned that passion is a good thing. The energy and passion that Gilbert fostered in me years ago have carried with me throughout my life."
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Katie with past students: the 2019 All-State Wrestling champs, the 2020 Girls Soccer team after their first win of the season,
and Paige Shelesky (class of 2015).
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What advice would you give to current students at Gilbert?:
"Speak up! Have a voice-- no one is going to speak for you. Learn who you are, learn to love who you are, and let others see who you are. Other people need your light and your voice-- don't hide it from anyone. Go outside your comfort zone; it's hard to grow while you are comfortable. Finally, life is full of highs and lows, peaks and valleys-- remember that your right now is not your forever. You have made it through 100% of your difficult days so far-- so don't ever think it's too late or it's time to give up. There is so much more out there and so much more for you to experience!"
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Teacher of the Week
Jessica Nardine
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Educational background: Graduated from Gilbert in 1993, then went to University of Connecticut and earned Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences, with a concentration in United States History. I went on to earn a Master's Degree at the University of St. Joseph’s in West Hartford. I started my work in education at Pearson Middle School where I worked for a year, then I worked at Farmington High School for 14 years.”
What made you want to get into a career in education?:
“When I graduated from UConn I thought I would either go into law school or become a teacher. After I spent some time with one of my friends, who is a high school teacher, I realized that was the route I needed to go on. I had two teachers who were really important to me when it came to my career decision. I had a teacher at Gilbert and a professor at UConn who both instilled this love of history that I wanted to share with students.”
What do you think of Gilbert?:
“I’m happy to be back. It feels a little weird to be on the other side of the desk because I graduated from Gilbert. Now being a teacher, I feel very happy being able to give back to my town and my community. I am hopeful that I can help move the school forward and make it a high school people want to send their kids to.”
How would you describe Gilbert to a stranger?:
“I would tell them that it’s a small community and a place where teachers care about each other and the students.”
Anyone in your family attend Gilbert?:
“My mother Dina Swanson, my aunt Diane Swanson, and my uncle Ken Swanson all graduated from Gilbert.”
Anything else you would like to add?:
“I am looking forward to education getting back to normal after this crazy pandemic. Including having students back in the classrooms full time."
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Student of the Week
Bryanna Roman
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Parents: Berlinda and Marco
Favorite classes:
“English and Art class. I enjoy them because for English we get to read many books and we get to focus on different perspectives along with different types of stories. We also get to analyze them so we can discover more about different perspectives of the world.
For art class I really enjoy exploring my artistic abilities, along with what I can do with my art.”
What are your favorite extracurricular activities?:
“I really enjoy taking part in Gilbert’s marching band because it helped me expand my social circle and gain new friends. I learned about music and how to play with others in a band.”
What will you remember from your time at Gilbert?:
“I will remember meeting new and different people, along with the welcoming and very warm environment I was exposed to. We learned about so many different things and I will always remember how warm and nice everyone was. It really was a pleasure being at Gilbert because the school really helped me to grow as a person.”
What are your plans after you graduate?:
“I will be going to college and majoring in Digital Fine Arts.”
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Congratulations Elsa Ziyan Ni
By Debra LaRoche Walls, Dean of Admissions
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On Friday, June 11th, at 5:00 p.m., the 126th Commencement Ceremony of The Gilbert School will be conducted. The ceremony will take place outdoors at East End Park in Winsted.
On graduation night, the international program will celebrate watching Elsa Ziyan Ni, receive her high school diploma from Gilbert. Elsa joined The Gilbert School international program as a sophomore after spending her freshman year at a school in California.
Elsa is most thankful to her parents and family for giving her this opportunity and support to study in the US. She is also grateful for experiencing the different cultures within The Gilbert School community. Elsa made many new friends from the different clubs and organizations that she participated in. She especially enjoyed being a part of the girl’s tennis team. She found playing guitar in the school’s music program, the most interesting and has been playing for a total of six years. Elsa enjoyed all of her classes at Gilbert but said she enjoyed her history teacher, Mrs. Nardine the most.
While attending Gilbert, Elsa has been staying in the loving homestay of Anita and Bill Panagakos of Winsted. Anita and Bill have been homestay parents with the international program since it began in 2013. Elsa said she is very appreciative that fellow international graduate, Tracy Yao, now a Smith College student, recommended she join the Panagakos family two years ago. The two became great friends and Elsa shared that Tracy was a wonderful role model to her. Elsa says her homestay was the best place in the world for her to be while at Gilbert.
After graduation, Elsa will go to her home in Shanghai for the summer. It will be her first trip home in several years. Upon her return this fall, she will begin her next educational venture at The University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She will be an Accounting major.
The international program also congratulates six other students who, due to travel bans, were unable to return to campus for their senior year. Students; Hunter Li, Peter Chen, Fiona Li, Peter Su, Leo Xu, and Winston Yi, will also be receiving their diplomas from Gilbert. They have taken the online program for the past year under the direction of Mrs. Hyewon Noh.
To Elsa and the six other international 2021 graduates, we thank you for choosing The Gilbert School and appreciate the richness you gave to our program. You will be missed but we know you will go on to accomplish amazing goals and adventures in your lifetime.
Best wishes and congratulations to all the Gilbert graduates, who will forever be the amazing Class of 2021!
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Coach's Corner
By Buckley Morgan, Athletic Director
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The Yellowjackets baseball team playing against Litchfield on Friday, May 14. |
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With the spring regular season completed this week, we look forward to the postseason success of our individual athletes.First, some good news from our Spring Season.
Kudos
Congratulations to Ajla Gutic and Gilbert Flores. Ajla took first in the Hammer Throw at the Berkshire League Festival on May 25th and is a Girls All Star in the Girls Discus Throw. Gilbert Flores is a Boys All Star in the 200 meter dash.
The Boys Track team was also awarded the Ted Alex Award.
Congratulations go out to Abbey Beecher. She was selected to softball's 2nd team for the Berkshire league.
We are all very proud that the following Golfers have qualified for the BL Golf All Star Tournament on June 1st:
Aiden Blanchette
Nolan Adams
Nate Fields
Corey Schmidt
Track has the Class S Boys and Girls Track Championships on June 3. For those who qualify they will continue on to the CIAC Open outdoor track Championship on June 9. Spectators are allowed at both events. Be sure to follow all Covid rules.
Golf has the BL Golf All Star Tournament on the 1st of June and the CIAC Open Championship on the 9th of June for those who qualify. Spectators are allowed at both events. Be sure to follow all Covid rules.
Lets not forget congratulations to all of our student-athletes and coaches for completing the 2021 spring season in spite of drastic shortages of student-athletes and the challenges the Pandemic placed on us all.
Thanks to all our parents who attended games, gave rides to their student-athletes, helped to prop them up when they were down and celebrated their successes with them. You helped them with their academics, and the constant coordination of numerous things like, physicals, doctors appointments, practice, games and all the Covid related issues or actions that were ever present. Our student-athletes and our program would not exist without your support and enthusiasm. Thank You!
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Food Service Schedule May |
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Google Classroom Cheat Sheet |
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Attention Gilbert Alumni
We Want to Stay in Contact With You!
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The Gilbert School
200 WIlliams Avenue
Winsted, CT 06098
860-379-8521
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