The Buzz
School Community News
Issue #15
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This week all students, faculty, and staff received Gilbert Strong masks from the school.
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For the third week of the school year, students in Cohort A will report for in-person classes on Monday, Sept. 28 and Tuesday, Sept. 29. Cohorts A and B will work remotely on Wednesday, Sept. 30. Cohort C will be online with their teachers on Wednesday, Sept. 30. Students in Cohort B will report for in-person classes on Thursday, Oct. 1, and Friday, Oct. 2.
All students, teachers, and staff must wear a mask when present in the school building!
The Gilbert School requires all students and staff to wear masks. These may be paper, disposable masks or cloth masks. We do not allow masks with external vents, gaitors, or bandanas. If you need assistance with masks, please do not hesitate to contact the school nurses-we are here to help! For more information on mask guidelines click here.
Attention parents: help us screen for Covid symptoms take your child’s temperature!
The Gilbert School wants you to help us with screening students for Coronavirus symptoms. Please screen your children before you send them to school! If they display ANY symptoms, please keep them home!
Remote and hybrid learning will be part of this semester. We anticipate there may be some technological glitches. However, we will work on any solutions to any disruption to remote learning. We ask that you please be patient with us as we go through this unusual opening of school!
The Gilbert School fully intends to deliver the best education to our students in this school year!
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Teacher of the Week: Samantha Zaprzalkas
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Teaches: Technology, business, finance, and career education.
Started teaching at Gilbert in 2014.
Education: Mitchell College, Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, 2011. University of New Haven, Master's Degree in Education 2013.
What I like about teaching: “Pretty much everything. What I teach in all of my classes are things that students can take outside and use in the real world.”
What I like about Gilbert: “I love everything about Gilbert. I love the small community that we have here, along with the school spirit. I just love the classes that I teach because my students always seem very engaged in whatever I'm teaching. I love my coworkers and it's fun to be able to hang out with them. I just know that if there are any issues I have multiple people I can go to talk to. I never have to worry about finding someone to help me if I need something.”
How would you describe The Gilbert School to a stranger? "It's a very small and different type of school, but it's easy to make bonds with your students."
What do you love the most about technology? "Everyone is using it and without it, how would you even get through your day?"
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Student of the Week: Rebecca Dowling |
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Age: 17
Grade: 12
Parents: Susan and Brian Dowling
Favorite classes: “My favorite classes have always been history related. I love learning about different cultures and perspectives. I think history is especially important when trying to widen your understanding of other people's motives and opinions. I have taken AP US History and this year I'm taking AP Gov. Both classes have opened my eyes up and allowed me to look deeper into things that I never did before.”
Extracurricular activities: Co-President of Class of 2020-2021, member of the National Honor Society, captain of varsity girls soccer team, varsity indoor track team, member of the Student Council, Student Ambassador, Leo Club, Student Peers, and School Climate Committee.
What I have learned during my time at The Gilbert School: “I think there is so much to take away from Gilbert. My biggest takeaway is Gilbert's sense of community. There's such a strong connection between all of us. I think there is a desire here for everyone to succeed. What I have learned is to take pride in everyone's successes, both big and little."
Future plans: “My dream is to double major in political science and history, with the hope of becoming a political journalist after college. I want to do something meaningful with my life and something that allows me to contribute to the community. I want to better the quality of life for everyone and I want to make sure everyone has a voice and opportunity to be heard.”
How would you describe The Gilbert School to a stranger? "I would describe it as its own little community where we are all strongly connected. We love to lift each other up and make big things happen for everyone."
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Alumna of the Week: Alison Shea |
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Graduated from The Gilbert School in 2007 - Salutatorian and Class President |
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Educational background after Gilbert: Salve Regina University, Bachelor of Arts in Biology/Biological Sciences, Neuroscience, 2011. New England Law in Boston, Doctor of Law (J.D.), Intellectual Property Law, 2018.
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Career: Editor in Chief for New England Law Review 2017 to 2018, Judicial Law Clerk for New Hampshire Superior Court 2018 to 2019, Compliance Manager for MCR Labs 2019 to 2020, Private Practice General Law Attorney 2018 to present.
What do you remember the most about your time at Gilbert?: “What I remember the most is the sense of community and how everyone knew each other. There were so many opportunities to participate in what Gilbert has to offer. Both Gilbert and Winsted are pretty unique because of the size of the population. I feel like both in Gilbert and Winsted there is a lot of encouragement and support for participating and contributing, both civically and in the community. They both compliment each other by cultivating an environment where everybody helped each other out. People came together in times of need and celebration. That is where I think the magic is.”
Who were your favorite teachers and classes?: “Deb Lewis who was my English teacher during my freshman year. We had period eight English and I will never forget it. It was arguably my favorite class that I have taken my whole life. I had her for three out of my four years. The thing about Deb that makes her so special to me was the way she identified my love for language and passion for advocacy. She cultivated them and she did not try to direct me any other way. She instead helped me develop those interests and passions. To me, it’s something that every teacher should do, but she went above and beyond. She would hammer home that it was quality, not quantity, that is important. I attribute my love of writing to her.
Another person who always will stand out to me is School Nurse Kelli-Ann Gilbert. I think my first day at Gilbert was her first day. I created a connection and friendship with her that I don’t think is unique because she creates the same connection with all of the students.
What I attribute to her is building in me the love for community and contributing to it. Also, how to care about people. Everyone is born with the capacity to care about people, but she will show you how to put that into action. If you care about someone you should always make sure they have a safe space, or always have food, or make sure that they have medicine. Both Deb and Kelli-Ann are the two people most pivotal to my Gilbert experience and a big part of my life.”
Any good memories from your time at Gilbert?: “One of my favorite memories is Chemistry class where Mr. Schroeder taught us The Mole Song. I still celebrate Mole Day.
When I was in American Studies class we took a lot of great field trips. We went to Ellis Island and Gettysburg. It was fantastic.
We loved to do the Homecoming Waltz. The thing about the Homecoming Waltz was that there was a time where the whole class would come together to celebrate Homecoming Week. That was probably one of the best times to be at Gilbert because every day there was something fun going on. There was a sense of comradery and competition that came out of it. During that week you would see people from all different walks of life at Gilbert who normally wouldn’t interact with each other.”
What advice would you give to current students? “My advice is that you get out of it what you put into it. Gilbert is a place where you can do anything and try anything. You can learn anything that you want to learn and find avenues to do it, you just have to ask. There are so many caring teachers there. I have never seen any faculty members not go above and beyond for their students. That level of care and attention is so unique to Gilbert. I am so grateful that I went to The Gilbert School.”
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International Program's Back to School Ice Cream Social |
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On the evening of Sunday, September 13, Residential Coordinator Cristina Rutherford gathered all the international students living in the residency hall together for a "Welcome Back" to a new school year ice cream social in addition to meeting our new 9th grade student from Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Ngyuen. Each of the students enjoyed making their own sundaes and new friendships were started.
Ben traveled alone three weeks ago from Vietnam and completed his two week quarantine in his dorm room. Ben, whose first name in Vietnamese is Kien, pronounced, Key-an, loves reading Harry Potter books. He does have relatives who live in Hartford, so occasionally, he will be able to spend weekends with them for family support and traditional Vietnamese food.
Kein is doing very well adjusting to American education and being at Gilbert. He spends a lot of time on his homework and is not afraid to reach out and meet new classmates. He is looking to purchase a bicycle so he can ride around the school area for exercise. He Skypes with his family every day and his parents are very supportive and grateful for his association with The Gilbert School.
The ice cream social was a night that everyone enjoyed! Let the school year begin!
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Ben Ngyuen, our new 9th grade student from Ho Chi Minh City is preparing his sundae from the Sunday Ice Cream Social put on for the international students. Ben is a piano player, loves bicycle riding, reading American books and learning new American cultural history. He is looking forward to seeing lots of museums, ski areas, and taking part in fun outside activities when opportunities arise. |
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Leo, a third year returning international student with Gilbert, is enjoying his own sundae creation from the international ice cream social. Leo Xu, from China, is a senior at The Gilbert School. Dean of Admissions, Debra LaRoche, met Leo three years ago when she was recruiting in China. Leo's family is from the beautiful southern coast area of Shenzen, China. Leo is a huge workout student and is an avid member of the Winsted YMCA for leisure basketball and workout sessions. I am sure he will work out after treating himself to a delicious sundae. Leo has also been a great help to Ben, our new student from Vietnam in helping him to learn how to do online class work and getting more familiar with life at the dorm. |
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COVID-19 Tips for Young Children |
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A new website has been developed featuring "Norm: the Covid-19 Community Watchdog." Norm teaches children how to be safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, including lessons on social distancing and how to wear a mask. Visit normthedog.org
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Google Classroom Cheat Sheet |
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Fall Spectator Guidelines for Athletics |
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The following are fall spectator guidelines for sports games at all Berkshire League affiliated schools: |
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Important Update for Parents, Fans, and Community Members Of The Gilbert School
While we are all looking forward to the beginning of the Gilbert athletic season, we must keep a cautious eye on the Covid-19 situation and take all necessary steps to prevent the spread of the virus.
With that in mind, attendance at all games, meets, and events will be by personal invitation only. Specifically, only parents or legal guardians of student-athletes will be allowed to attend the contests.
Your student-athlete will be given two tickets prior to each game. These tickets are only for parents and cannot be shared with students or siblings. The tickets will be specific to each contest.
Everyone in attendance must properly wear a mask and keep a proper distance from others (spouses not included). Those who do not follow these requests will be asked to leave. We ask that you understand these decisions are made in the interest of keeping our students and our community healthy and we appreciate your support of The Gilbert School Athletic Department.
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Free Breakfast and Free Lunch to All Students |
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Beginning September 14, 2020, The Gilbert School Food and Nutrition Services Program began serving FREE LUNCH and FREE BREAKFAST to all of the students at The Gilbert School. The Gilbert School Food and Nutrition Services Program is able to do this for our students on behalf of the USDA extending the SSO Program (Seamless Summer Operations). Click here for the full story.
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Gilbert School Food Services Information |
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The following links include important information about Gilbert's Food Services Program:
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Breakfast and Lunch Available for Virtual Learners |
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Lunches are available for pick up for students who are taking part in remote learning Monday through Friday at the school. Students can also pick up grab and go breakfasts at the school as well. For more information contact Food Service Director Lynn Metcalf at metcalfl@gilbertschool.org
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TGS COVID Assessment guide |
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Main Elevator Repair and Roof Repair Projects Update |
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Substantial progress has been made on both projects. Work has been accomplished both this past weekend and on Wednesday with both the elevator and roof. Work should be completed on both projects soon. |
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Important Informational Videos for Parents |
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Attention all parents and students and families taking trips outside of Connecticut:
The Gilbert School wants to remind you that if you travel to one of 35 locations on Connecticut's travel advisory list, when you come back to Connecticut you must self-quarantine for 14 days. You have to self-quarantine before the start of school.
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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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