The Buzz
School Community Newsletter
Issue #29
Friday, January 8, 2021
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To Our Gilbert Community:
I have been thinking about our students, their families and our staff during these times of uncertainty. We have had twelve months of ongoing concerns. It was about this time last year that we began to hear about the coronavirus in Asia. We watched its spread into Europe and then North America and the United States, its announced pandemic-the first in one hundred years. The resulting disruption to the education of our children has taken its toll, as it has on our way of life. We saw people near and dear to us stricken by the virus. We have seen the return of COVID-19 this autumn as predicted and now hear of its variant strain.
We witnessed demonstrations this past spring and summer. We have experienced a presidential election and its aftermath that has produced an array of emotions. Each of the items mentioned has taken its toll on all of us, physically and emotionally. If we need anything at this point, it is to be there for each other in support of one another. We must realize that our children need us to try to sort out all that has gone on over the past twelve months and assist them in making sense of all of it so they may learn from this chapter in our history. Our students, your children, are our future and we must guide them through these times and the times ahead of us. As an educator and parent, I know it is my greatest responsibility to assist our young people. Let us all work together on a common goal, educating our young and helping them through the myriad of feelings so they can go forth as a new generation of leaders.
Anthony Serio, Ed.D.
Head of School/Superintendent
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Important Message To The Gilbert School Community |
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January 7, 2021
Dear Gilbert School Community, Faculty and Staff,
I am writing to you at this time to inform you that The Gilbert School will return to hybrid learning on Monday, January 11, 2021. Yesterday, we learned of another positive COVID case in our Gilbert Community. The last time the individual was in the building was November 23, 2020. No direct contact occurred in the building from this positive case. We will continue to monitor all cases and any other potential cases as they arise and will inform you in a letter similar to this one of test results and pending action. This reporting through a letter to our Gilbert School Community is a State requirement that we will continue to fulfill.
Our concern for our community's safety and health will always drive our decision making. You can assist us by discussing with your family the following items to keep everyone safe. We know that the virus does travel through the air in moisture particles from one person to another. Avoid crowds and social gatherings. Try to stay with the family that you live with as much as possible. Remember to use good hand hygiene, wash your hands frequently for twenty seconds at a time and be sure to also wash under your fingertips. Wash your hands before eating and when soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer. Always wash your hands after using the bathroom.
Avoid coughing or sneezing into your hands or in the air. Always try to cough or sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue away. If you don't have a tissue, cough/sneeze inside the elbow of your arm.
- As much as you can, avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.
- Wear a face covering (mask) whenever there is a likelihood that you or your family members will be in the presence of others.
- Maintain social distancing (at least 6 feet) between yourself and others when outside of your home.
Below is the list of COVID-19 symptoms for which everyone should monitor in their family members:
- Fever (100.4° Fahrenheit or higher)
- Chills or shaking chills
- Uncontrolled new cough (not due to other known cause, such as a chronic cough)
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- New loss of taste or smell
- COVID can present as subtle cold-like symptoms such as congestion, runny nose and cough
For additional information on COVI D-19 symptoms, please see:
Staff and students exhibiting any of the above symptoms, or feeling ill, should call their medical provider to report their symptoms and ask about testing prior to seeking in-person care at a clinic, physician's office, or hospital. Staff and students experiencing any symptoms should not come to school and should notify the school of their symptoms.
We are closely monitoring this situation and working with Torrington Area Health District and will provide you with updates if they arise. If any student experiences new infection or you have any questions or concerns, please email Kelli Gilbert at gilbertk@gilbertschool.org
Anthony Serio , Ed.D.
Head of School/Superintendent
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Schedule Monday, January 11 to Friday, January 15 |
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COVID cases are increasing in the community. Symptoms can start out as being more subtle and can include: congestion, runny nose, sore throat, fatigue, and headache. If your child is experiencing ANY symptom, even if it is mild, they should stay home, do remote learning, and contact the school nurses so they are aware. Additionally, if your child has been exposed to someone with COVID they should not come to school. School nurses are available by calling 860 379-8521, gilbertk@gilbertschool.org, or webbd@gilbertschool.org.
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TGS COVID Assessment Guide |
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The Gilbert School Celebrates its 125th Anniversary |
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The Gilbert School was founded "for the improvement of mankind by affording such assistance and means of educating the young as will help them to become good citizens."
–William L. Gilbert, Founder
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A Legacy of Varsity Boys Basketball |
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The Gilbert School's Junior Varsity Basketball Team in 1961 |
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Over the years, basketball at Gilbert has remained a very popular sport. |
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Gilbert's Basketball Team from 1960 |
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Hundreds of Gilbert parents, family members, and students would pack in the schools gymnasium to support and cheer on the Yellowjackets. |
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Basketball Team Players from 1960 |
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Gilbert has had a proud heritage of varsity basketball championships, starting from its first State Championship back in 1905.
Yellowjackets Varsity Basketball Team Accomplishments:
Class S State Finalist: 1905, 1953-1954, 1992-1993.
Berkshire League Champions: 1991-92, 1992-93, 1993-94, 1997-98, 1999-2000, 2001-02, 2006-07, 2007-08.
State Champions: 1997-98.
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You can find many more photos of these groups at The Gilbert School's Facebook page! Go to facebook.com/TheGilbertSchool |
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Honor Roll First Marking Period
First Marking Period - November 2020
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Alumna of the Week
Bethany (Jones) Flaherty
Class of 2000
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Bethany Flaherty, her husband Matt Flaherty (class of 2000), along with their children. From left: Kellen, Colin, and Nolan. |
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What have you done since you graduated?
"After graduating in 2000, I attended Wheaton College in Massachusetts, playing on the basketball team and majoring in Political Science and US History. In 2004, I moved to Boston to get some "real life" experience, working as a legal assistant at a law firm. Following that, I attended Brooklyn Law School, graduating in 2009 and then working at the law firm of Bingham McCutchen in Manhattan. In 2014, I returned to Connecticut to work as an in-house attorney at The Hartford, and I now live in New Hartford with my husband, Matt Flaherty (a '00 Gilbert alumni), and three young boys."
What do you remember from your time at Gilbert?
"I remember and still appreciate the strong sense of community shared by students, teachers, staff, and coaches. Gilbert is a relatively small school, but it has a lot to offer in terms of academics and extracurriculars and many opportunities to find your niche."
What lessons from Gilbert have you applied to the real world?
"I spent a lot of time playing sports at Gilbert, on teams at both the top and bottom of the rankings. The lessons learned as a Gilbert athlete in underdog, winner, teammate, and leadership roles have helped me understand the value of a strong work ethic, working collaboratively with others, and learning from mistakes, and moving beyond setbacks."
What advice would you give to current students at Gilbert?
"Don't worry, if you feel like you don't have it all figured out in high school, find something that motivates and drives you. Keep working at it and opportunities and direction will fall into place."
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Staff Member of the Week
Ted Buzinsky
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Gilbert Graduate, Class of 1978
Building and Grounds Supervisor for over twenty years
Where were you before you worked at Gilbert?: "I worked at Marvelwood School in Kent before I came here. I loved it there, but the travel took a lot out of me when it came to my commute. I started at Gilbert in July 2000 and I have been here ever since. I have had a good crew. Like all schools, some crew members have come and gone over the years."
What do you like about Gilbert?: "The teachers are cool and my team is great. When I started, a lot of the same teachers who taught me were still here. I have stuck with Gilbert and it's close to home for me living in Colebrook."
How would you describe Gilbert to strangers?: "The school is very clean. The school cooking is great. I love the sports and the teachers. There's a great bunch of people here."
Dr. Serio adds: "Ted and his crew have worked tirelessly during the pandemic to keep our school safe for our students and staff. Ventilation is constantly reviewed, disinfecting and sanitizing are ongoing. Plexiglass dividers and PPE are all in place. his crew worked on foot traffic directionals and assured that our students and teachers had social distancing of six feet in our classrooms and cafeteria. He is very aware of the role he and his crew play in our safety precautions during this pandemic.
It is also great to have a licensed electrician on our team as the head of maintenance!"
"
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Student of the Week
Caleb Goodell
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Age: 17
Parents: Georgi Andrews and Scott Goodell
Favorite classes: "I enjoy History because I love learning about what happened in the past and what made this nation what it is today. I also enjoy Woodshop because I love working with my hands."
Favorite extracurricular activities: "Being an athlete, I love soccer and baseball. I am also the president of Gilbert's DECA Club. It's a club based on business and leadership where you learn about entrepreneurship and management. I am also one of the leaders in Band and I enjoy the complexity of it and going to various events."
What do you think you will remember the most when it comes to your education at Gilbert?: "I think the academics here are wonderful! I also will remember the leadership skills that I have acquired over my time at Gilbert. Especially the skills I learned through sports where I learned how to work as a team. My character as a person has strongly improved due to the work of my coaches, teachers, and fellow students. I am very grateful for all the opportunities that have been given to me and I am thankful for those who have given me these opportunities."
What are your future plans?: "I plan to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point, Virginia. My ultimate goal is to be an officer in the United States Army."
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Celebrating Christmas Far From Home
By Debra LaRoche Walls, Dean of Admissions
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International Program Student Ben Nguyen. |
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On Christmas morning, 9th grade student Ben Nguyen wanted to attend a Christmas church service. Homestay parents, from The Gilbert School International Program, Anita and Bill Panagakas, met Ben at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Main Street in Winsted and honored his request. Two masses were offered that morning and Ben joined the hour long 10 a.m. Christmas mass that was minimally attended. |
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International Program Student Ben Nguyen. |
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Coming from a Protestant Vietnam family background, Ben was very impressed to view the scripture-based service and take in the beauty of the church altar of beautiful Italian marble and to see the nativity scene. Generally, Ben attends his family's weekly church services online but being in the US for the first time, he wanted to attend a local service.
Mrs. Panagakas shared that Ben had many questions about the Catholic service. She was very impressed with Ben and enjoyed him joining the mass with them. She invited Ben to attend Sunday services with them anytime. Being an international student, learning isn’t confined to “the classroom” but also in other venues for different learning experiences.
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Coach's Corner
By Buckley Morgan, Athletic Director
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2021 has finally arrived and judging by our local media, Covid is almost the only thing to report. While I believe Covid requires our attention and action, it should not be our entire lives. Therefore, I am declaring this a Covid free update.
By the time you receive this publication of the Gilbert Buzz, I will likely have the CIAC's Board of Controls decision concerning winter sports. Recently, someone asked me "Just who is on this Board of Control and what makes them the decision-makers for our school sports?" I thought I would share my answer with you. It may surprise some of you to learn that the CIAC has no vote in the board's decisions.
The Board of Control has ten Principals, all from Connecticut high schools. The Board of Control also has non-voting persons present as subject matter experts, medical, CIAC, etc. The voting members include members/representatives from each sports class, S, M, and L. The Chair, Vice-Chair, and Past chair. Two AP representatives do not have a vote. All the members of the Committee on Eligibility are also voters at any Board of Control meeting. The Committee on Eligibility is composed of seven members, one from each of the three classes, three elected at-large and one elected at-large assistant principal, all of whom also have a vote on the CIAC Board of Control.
So, there you have it. The boards consist of nineteen voting members, all Connecticut High School Principals. except one Vice Principal on the Committee on Eligibility. I don't think you could create a more informed or aware group to make decisions that impact our student-athletes, our athletic programs, and our schools. The Board obtains its information from CAS-CIAC, Department of Public Health, Legal representatives, and a host of other entities to make the most informed decision. Whatever their decision this week, I think we all can agree that they are individuals we would want making these decisions. The individuals who have our student-athletes, our schools, and communities' best interest and safety in mind.
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Lower Body and Leg Exercises |
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I served in the U.S. Army for over twenty years and I ran almost every day of that time. I learned through running that you get out of it, what you put into it. I didn't really like running but I enjoyed the results! Running is a great way to maintain leg muscle and get a cardio workout at the same time. Here are a few exercises you can do at home to increase leg muscle and endurance. As always, be sure to conduct warm-up exercises prior to your workout and cool-down exercises after you run.
1. Squat:
Keeping your feet flat on the ground and your back straight, bend at the knee until your thighs are parallel to the ground. Start out doing 10 reps and increase by 1 each day.
2. Lunges
Move one leg (right or left) forward as if you were going to tie your shoe. Then bend your forward knee to lower your body. After a number of repetitions, do the same thing with the opposite leg. Complete at least ten lunges on each leg.
3. Single-Leg Calf Raise
Stand with your feet apart, and hands-on your hips, raise your left knee up to hip level and then stand on your tiptoes on your right foot. Now switch legs and repeat. Do this ten times. Increase reps as you are able.
4. High Knee Toe Taps
Put your toe on a chair, or whatever you’re using, and then swap legs and tap your right foot on the chair, alternating sides rapidly, or at a comfortable speed. Be careful of your surroundings. This requires a good bit of coordination, making it great for basketball, football, and tennis players. Complete twelve repetitions.
5. Leg Raises (side & Inner Thigh versions)
Side: For a side leg raise, lie on your side with your legs straight, one above the other. Use your arm to prop your torso up so your upper body isn’t lying on the floor, and use your hip muscles to lift your top leg toward the ceiling, Complete at least twelve repetitions.
Inner Thigh: Instead of lifting your top leg to the ceiling, cross it over your bottom leg so the foot is in front of the other knee, and the foot is pointing the same way as your torso is facing. Now lift your bottom leg towards the ceiling. This is much more challenging but the rewards are much greater.
6. Quad Hip Extension
Start on your hands and knees and with your spine straight, making sure your upper body is completely straight and level. Then, lift one leg so your heel is pointing towards the ceiling and your thigh is parallel to the ground, but keeping it straight and not changing the angle of your knee.
To clarify the Quad hip Extension; here is a very brief instructional video.
8. A good long run
I know that might be an oxymoron for some, myself included. But a good long run that challenges you will go a long way toward improving leg strength as well as improving your cardiovascular system. If you can not run then walk. Walking is as important as running and exercises the same muscles and cardiovascular system, just to a lesser extent.
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Food Service Schedule Update |
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Pick up is between 11:00 am - 12:00 noon.
Pick up will be at the door entrance to the Cafeteria Kitchen. The door is by the dumpsters in the lower parking lot.
If for any reason you are unable to pick up meals during this time frame, please call the Food Service Director, Ms. Lynn Metcalf, directly at 860-738-9304. We will be happy to set up a time or day that is more convenient for you.
All children ages 18 or younger are eligible for one free breakfast and lunch daily.
Children do not need to be attending this school to receive meals. Gilbert is a food pick up site. We are located at:
The Gilbert School
200 Williams Avenue
Winsted, CT 06098
This program will end on June 30, 2021.
Meals are served Monday – Friday in school.
Pick up days are Monday and Wednesday between the hours of 11:00 am -12:00 pm.
Meals served are breakfast and lunch.
Monday meal pick up will consist of five breakfasts and five lunches for each child. (Being Cohort C or all student distance learning). Pick up for three days will consist of 3 breakfasts and 3 lunches for each child. (Being Cohorts A and B).
Please take advantage of this program while we have it. Whether your child is in school or at home, they are entitled to a breakfast and lunch for the days they are learning at home. If you have any questions about the program please call 860-738-9304.
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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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