The Buzz
School Community Newsletter
Issue #31
Friday, January 22, 2021
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Joseph Robinette Biden Jr, 46th President of the United States
Kamala Devi Harris, 49th Vice President of the United States
Inaugurated Wednesday, January 20, 2021
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Important Message to The Gilbert School Community |
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We will be back in the school building on Monday, January 25, 2021 in our Hybrid Model. School will begin at 7:45 a.m. Cohort A is to report on Monday morning for our Odd Block Schedule and Tuesday, January 26, 2021 for the Even Day Schedule. Cohort B will be in the school building on Thursday, January 28, 2021 and Friday, January 29, 2021.
We learned on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 of three positive COVID-19 cases in our Gilbert Community. The individuals had tested positive at the end of December, 12/30/20 and 12/31/20. There is no need for contact tracing. I am mandated to report these cases to the community and I will continue to fulfill this obligation.
It is extremely important that we are made aware of test results. You can email Nurse Gilbert gilbertk@gilbertschool.org concerning your test results. This will allow us to take the required steps if necessary to contact trace members of our community who may have been a direct contact of the individual who tested positive. The timely reporting of test results is crucial. We will continue to monitor all direct contacts and any other potential contacts as they are discovered. We will inform you in a letter similar to this one of test results and pending action. Our concern for our community's safety and health will always drive our decision making.
To keep our community safe, you can assist us by monitoring your health and your family's health. Stay home if you have any symptoms, or have had contact with someone who displays symptoms. Your children should be home until test results are received for them or other family members.
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 COVID-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 25 - Friday, January 29 |
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Important COVID-19 Update |
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How will the new variant impact me?
The new variant of COVID 19 has arrived in the US and Connecticut. What does that mean for us in Winsted? Experts say the new variant is more contagious than the existing one. Masking, social distancing, and handwashing are more important than ever. It is so important to wear a properly fitting mask that covers your nose and mouth. Lowering a mask below your nose will not protect you or others. If you need help with mask selection, please reach out to the school nurses. We have many styles and selections to help make sure that you have a mask that fits!
I have the sniffles? Do I really need to miss school?
Yes! COVID symptoms can range from no symptoms at all to being really sick. It is important that if you have ANY symptom you stay home, remote learn, and call the school. Staying home when you are sick helps to control the spread of COVID.
What if I was sick and didn’t see anyone? Do I have to tell the school?
Yes! It is important the school is aware. The schools have a responsibility to report numbers of COVID cases to the State of CT for data collection purposes. Because of the concern with potential cardiac issues with students who have had COVID, students must be cleared by their physicians prior to returning to sports.
What is happening with vaccinations?
Currently, vaccinations are being made available for very high risk populations including nurses, physicians, and those people over the age of 75. Teachers and school staff will soon be added to the approved list. Vaccinations are approved for adults (over 18 and 21), they are not approved yet for children.
If I don’t have any symptoms and am exposed to some with COVID, why bother testing?
You can have COVID and not have any symptoms. Even without any symptoms, you can still spread COVID to others. Testing will identify if you are a risk to your family and others. Quarantining when you have been exposed is so important.
I need some help with groceries. Is there anything the school can do?
If your family is quarantining and you need some assistance, please let us know. Nurses can been deliver breakfast and lunch items for any child in your home under the age of 18 to your doorstep to assist. Siblings who are not from TGS can also be provided groceries.
Also, any Gilbert School family is eligible to receive breakfast and lunch items for the days when their child is not in school. Email Lynn Metcalf and arrange for a weekly pick up date. FREE!! metcalfl@gilbertschool.org
I have COVID and I am not feeling well enough to remote in. What do I do?
Call the school or email the school nurses and we will notify your teachers that you are excused.
Have a question or concern?
Email or call your school nurses. We are here to help, provide information, and get you resources you need!
Contact Information
Kelli Gilbert, RN BSN
860 379 8521 x1431
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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 Girls Varsity Basketball |
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Yellowjacket Girls Varsity Basketball Team in 1975 |
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The Yellowjackets Varsity Girls basketball program has been very popular over the years, with decades worth of great teams, great playing, and great memories. |
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The Girls Varsity Basketball Team in 1985 |
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The Girls Varsity Basketball Team in 1995 |
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The Girls Varsity Basketball Team in 2005 |
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The team has won the Northwest Conference Championships in 1980, and 1982. The team also won the Berkshire League Tri-Championships in 1996. |
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You can find many more photos of Gilbert's storied past at The Gilbert School's Facebook page! Go to facebook.com/TheGilbertSchool |
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An Important Message From Senior Rebecca Dowling |
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Hi Gilbert Friends and Community,
My name is Rebecca Dowling and I am currently a senior at the Gilbert School. I’ve always loved volunteering in the community and working to make whatever small impact I can. That is why I am very honored and excited to be able to announce I have been nominated and accepted into the 2021 Student of the Year campaign. The Student of the Year Program, run by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), is a seven-week campaign designed to raise awareness and funds for blood cancer cures. This is the chance of a lifetime for high school students to make an impact and bring attention to an undeniably important foundation. I am incredibly grateful to be given the opportunity to lead my multi-generational team, Together to Cure, and to be the first in our district to do so.
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and this campaign hold a special place in our hearts, which is why I am proud to dedicate this campaign to my second cousin, Bryan Leonard, who tragically passed away from T- Cell Leukemia in 2018. LLS played an integral role in Bryan’s treatment and morale throughout his illness. They stood by him and offered support to his family every step of the way and at every turn. Bryan was the pillar of his community and a bright light to all of his friends and family, and witnessing the hole that Bryan left in his community was devastating. Unfortunately, Bryan’s family is not alone. Approximately every three minutes someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer. It is our goal to aid in the end of this awful disease.
What is LLS?
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the largest voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting blood cancer in the world. LLS has been crucial to working toward a cure for Leukemia, Lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma. They excel in the area of blood cancer research, funding 57 out of the 66 FDA approved treatments since 2017. LLS has done much not only in advancing treatments and their effectiveness, but in increasing the availability of treatments and improving patients’ quality of life. They advocate for their patients, helping them to gain access to such treatments and to achieve a life without cancer. By doing what LLS does, they are leading the way for advancements in other cancers and serious diseases.
How Can You Support Us?
With your help, Team Together to Cure, believes that anything is possible and that together we can reach our goal of $10,000. We are asking for your support as we work toward this goal. Here are some ways you can help:
Share this message & fundraising link with your contacts via email or social media
Instagram: @togethertocure
Facebook: together2cure
Donate a silent auction item that can be used for the Grand Finale auction
Help me secure a corporate sponsorship (Sponsorships start at $2,500 and sponsors receive advertising benefits)
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Gilbert School Head of School Leadership Profile Report |
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The Gilbert School plans to hire a Head of School to begin July 1, 2021. This role will combine responsibilities of Principal and Superintendent, overseeing Gilbert’s 450 students and 42 certified teachers in this quasi-public school serving students in grades 7-12.
Selecting a leader is the most important responsibility school policy-makers undertake. There are tangible and intangible aspects of leadership required in a head of school who is going to work with the School Corporation, Trustees, school staff, parents, students, town leaders, and the whole community to provide high quality education for a community’s students.
This Leadership Profile presents findings from these focus groups, interviews, and an online survey conducted in December 2020. The consultant spoke with 32 individuals, including parents, teachers, administrators, other staff, trustees, members of the Search Committee, town leaders, and others.
In total, 50 Gilbert School stakeholders completed a survey. In conducting the interviews and focus groups and developing the survey, the consultant used an unbiased, structured approach involving a series of consistent questions. In addition to asking about strengths and challenges of The Gilbert School and community which could affect future leadership requirements, she asked about the qualities, characteristics, experience, philosophy, and skills most desirable in the next Head of School. The School Corporation Head of School Search Committee will use these results as it considers its applicants in order to find the best possible match for The Gilbert School. The consultant is presenting her findings to the School Corporation without revealing the identity of any individual contributor.
The Gilbert School Corporation has made a commendable effort to include voices from as many constituents as possible from the school and community. Many thanks to all those who participated.
Mary Broderick CABE Search Consultant
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Alumnus of the Week
David Castillo
Class of 2019
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What have you done since you graduated?
"Currently, I am studying Business Administration at Northwestern Connecticut Community College.In addition to being a college student, I have my own mobile automotive detailing business called "Well Done Detailing". I am also aiming to get my real estate license in the near future."
What do you remember from your time at Gilbert?
"I remember how helpful the staff and the administrative team were when I was at the school. I also remember the lunch ladies because they were very cool people. They all helped me throughout my time at Gilbert and they made things a lot easier for me. For me, the whole high school journey was amazing. Most of my family went to Gilbert and for me to go there was a great experience.
Gilbert has enabled me to see different perspectives on life and has influenced me to help the community. Everyone knows each other at Gilbert and it's a very kind place."
What lessons from Gilbert have you applied to the real world?
"I've learned how to be charismatic. When I started working at the school’s office, it helped me to learn how to communicate with others".
What advice would you give to current students at Gilbert?
"If you would like to go to college, I recommend taking some college classes in high school first so you can get some credits early in order to save some time"
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Faculty Member of the Week
Shannon Whitney
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How long have you been working at Gilbert?:
"This is my fourth year at Gilbert."
Where were you before you worked at Gilbert?:
"Before Gilbert, I worked at Explorations Charter School."
What is your educational background?:
"I completed my undergraduate studies at Arizona State University and my graduate studies at York University in Toronto."
What do you like about Gilbert?:
"The thing that I love the most about Gilbert is the people. Teaching is not an easy profession, but it makes the job that much easier when I can work alongside a caring, dedicated group of teachers, and a hardworking, vibrant student body."
Why is your class important?:
"The skills that students learn in English class will help them become more effective communicators and critical thinkers. No matter what students choose to do after high school, it is important to be able to think critically, problem-solve, and communicate your ideas clearly, and English class will help you do that."
What is the best way for a student to learn about your subject?:
"One of the best ways to hone your English skills is to stay intellectually curious. Curious people love learning new things and naturally hone skills like listening, reading, and writing, as these activities are gateways to the pleasure of learning something new."
How would you describe Gilbert to strangers?:
"Gilbert is a family. It is an amazing group of close-knit staff and students all working towards the same goal. The campus is also quite beautiful."
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Student of the Week
Cierra Church
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Age:
17
Parents:
Neil Church and Karen Hunter
Favorite classes:
"Latin because I have always found comfort in knowing where English originated and how it became structured."
Favorite extracurricular activities:
"Tennis because I was the captain of the team my junior year and for this year as well. I like our team because everyone is very supportive. Being in such a small community makes it easy to create long-lasting friendships."
What do you think you will remember the most when it comes to your education at Gilbert?:
"The teachers. I feel like it's easy to ask them questions. It's such a small school and everyone knows everyone."
What are your future plans?:
"I plan on going to college and studying Computer Science and Programming. I like Computer Science because I found it interesting as a kid and it’s easy to pick up on. It involves creative abilities, which I can use in this field.."
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Building a Bridge for Learning
By Debra LaRoche Walls, Dean of Admissions
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Ben Nguyen, 9th grade Physical Science Student |
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Ben Nguyen, a 9th grade student from Vietnam, has a grade of 103 in Mr. Cooke’s Physical Science class. When you ask Ben about this class, he lights up with excitement. That’s because Mr. Cooke makes learning Physical Science fun and interesting.
Each Monday morning, Mr. Cooke’s 9th grade Physical Science students receive a motivating email that is filled with positive, motivational messages to begin the student’s week. The email can contain videos, posters, along with words of encouragement, all to make science classwork hands on and exciting.
This past week, due to the remote learning scenario, each 9th grader was given their own package, put together by Mr. Cooke, so they could build a bridge at home. The students received instructions and supplies to complete the project. They received full credit for building the bridge and received extra credit for getting the bridge back to school early Thursday morning to be tested in front of the virtual crowd.
Students were to virtually engineer bridges from an online learning platform called Whitebox Learning. The students were to test different variables on the trusses and decks of a bridge. The lesson was to learn the importance of understanding how the forces of tension, compression, and gravity (the weight or load) plays a role in the engineering of a bridge. According to Mr. Cooke, students made multiple iterations to their bridges and then tested them virtually by driving monster trucks over their bridges.
After completing their projects, students were to take a selfie and send them to Mr. Cooke. Ben was very proud to share his selfie and his completed bridge. He also wants you to know that he was smiling behind his mask. He was very proud of himself for what he learned and the outcome of his bridge.
This is one of the many ways through project-based learning, that students of The Gilbert School practice critical thinking skills while introducing both engineering and design loop. Great job to both Mr. Cooke and Ben Nguyen!
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Coach's Corner
By Buckley Morgan, Athletic Director
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This has been a very exciting week! The boys and girls Basketball teams, Winter Cheer and Indoor Track have all been conducting practices this week. It has been great to have students in the building again. The school is a pretty hollow environment without all the young personalities that make it a school. Without students, it is just another building and not much more. With students, the school comes to life, it breaths and it has a pulse that keeps it alive. The students moving through the halls are like the fluid that is needed to sustain its life. I am getting a little off track. Suffice to say, it is great to see the school coming to life again.
Now for a couple of important notes: I will be holding a parent and Student-Athlete meeting on Zoom this Monday, January 25th. The meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. I have sent an invite to all the Winter sports parents and students. If you did not get an invite please contact me and let me know. I will send one out to you. I have made this meeting mandatory for all parents and athletes due to its important nature. I do not like saying mandatory, but the information is that important. We will be discussing the Covid policies that will be in place through the Winter season. There are key points that both parents and student-athletes need to know and understand.
I want to make it clear to all our athletes and parents that attendance at practices and games is more lenient than in past years. We do not want any student-athletes coming to school or practice while they are feeling any COVID like symptoms. There will not be any type of repercussion for missing games or practice due to not feeling well. All our Gilbert coaches are in complete compliance with this policy. You place the entire team at risk of quarantine or worse, obtaining COVID if you come to practice while feeling ill or showing signs of COVID.
The sports schedule is listed on the CIAC website. We are on track for a modified Winter season and assuming everything goes as well or better than the fall season, we hope to complete the season. As always remember that anything can happen and changes can occur.
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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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The hours for picking up food for children 18 years or younger will be changing to 11:00-4:00 PM starting Wednesday January 27, 2021. Monday January 25, 2021 food can be picked up from 11:00-2:00 PM. If for any reason you are unable to make it on Monday January 25, 2021 you can pick up food Tuesday January 26, 2021 from 11:00-4:00 PM.
The month of February and moving forward pick up times will be Mondays 11:00-4:00PM, and Wednesdays 11:00-4:00 PM. For anyone who cannot pick up on Monday or Wednesday you will be able to pick up food on Tuesday from 11:00-4:00 PM.
Just a reminder that all children 18 years of age or younger are eligible for FREE FOOD.
If a child goes to school 4 days out of the week, they are eligible for 1 day of food pick up
If a child goes to school for 2 days they are eligible for 3 days of food pick up
If a child is at home doing virtual learning they are eligible for 5 days of food pick up.
Each child will receive 1 breakfast and 1 lunch per day.
You can pick up food on the days and times above in the lower parking lot at the door next to the dumpsters.
If other arrangements need to be made please contact Lynn Metcalf Director of Food Services at 860-738-9304 or email at metcalfl@gilbertschool.org.
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Makeup pictures and retakes are next week. You can preorder online using the information on the attached flyer or you can order pictures once your proofs come in. Any student who has already taken a photo and would like a retake may do so as well.
Monday, January 25:
- Cohort A during the school day
- Cohort C after school, 2:30-4:30 (please contact Mrs. Wood if you need a specific time; otherwise look for her email tonight or tomorrow with your time slot)
Friday, January 29:
- Cohort B during the school day
- Cohort C after school, 2:30-4:30 (please contact Mrs. Wood if you need a specific time; otherwise look for her email tonight or tomorrow with your time slot)
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Two weeks ago, we brought you this Yellowjacket Varsity basketball picture from 1966. Sylvia Forester identified three of the players as Danny Nichols, Joe Godenzi, and Derek Maloney who all graduated in 1966. Several Gilbert graduates emailed The Buzz to identify the remaining two players as Charles Bunel and Jim Fecto. Thank you to Sylvia, Charles "Pink" Bunel, Doug Werner, and Jean Fracasso for all writing in! Check out next week's Buzz for a new photo to identify!
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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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