The Buzz
School Community Newsletter
Issue #44
Friday, May 7, 2021
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Monday, May 4 was National Teacher Appreciation Day! However, we at Gilbert appreciate all of the hard work teachers do every day!
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Announcing: The Gilbert Garden |
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The Gilbert School chapter of the National Honor Society is starting a Gilbert Garden. The goal of the garden project is to create a space in which students and staff can benefit from the healthful effects of a garden and gardening. The proposed plan for the spring 2021 garden is to cultivate a safe and beautiful garden space in which our students and staff can take a quiet break, socialize, or even get their hands and knees a little dirty. We will be planting flowering shrubs and herbaceous perennials supplemented with some annual flowers. We have a small budget, but we could use help. Please consider donating to the garden project. In addition to monetary donations, which will be used to purchase compost and plants, we are looking for outdoor seating (old Adirondack chairs or bistro sets which we can refinish) and garden tools. Also, if you have a garden and happen to be dividing your perennials, we would love to incorporate a plant gift.
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This week's schedule May 10 to May 14 |
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Remaining Schedule for Semester |
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May 12 High School Band/Choir Concert
May 21 Half day. No Lunch * This is a change in the calendar
Rock Pop Ensemble Performance
May 27 Junior/ Senior Prom- Crystal Peak, Winsted
(No outside guests)
May 28 Remote Learning Day * This is a change in the calendar
May 3-26 AP Exams
May 21 Founders Day
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 10 Senior Night 5 - 8 pm
June 11 Graduation 5 pm
**More detailed information regarding these events will be given soon.
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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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COVID can be present with one or many of the following symptoms:
- Cough
- Nasal congestion/Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Nausea/Diarrhea/Vomiting
- Muscle Aches/pain
- Fatigue
- Chills
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
If your child exhibits any of these symptoms, please consult your physician if a COVID test is needed and PLEASE KEEP YOUR CHILD HOME. Don’t assume it is “just allergies”, “asthma flaring up”, or “change of season cold”.
When Should I Keep My Child Home?
When they are sick (even mild symptoms)
If someone in the house is sick
If they have been in direct contact with someone who has COVID
Unsure? Keep your child home and call the nurses at 860 379 8521.
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Scoliosis Screening
The State of CT requires that school nurses do scoliosis screenings for girls in grade 7 and boys in grade 9. If your child had a screening done by his physician during their regular physical examination, we do not repeat the screening. If we do not have a record of that on file, we will start doing scoliosis screenings the week of April 26 for any student who is in school. For students in Group C, please ask your physician to perform this assessment at their next physical examination. Scoliosis screenings are done in a private area and the nurses assess the back of the student for possible signs of spine curvature. The screening is only a screening. If there are concerns, the nurse will contact the parent and refer them to their physician for further evaluation.
COVID Updates
Allergies and COVID-If your child is experiencing upper respiratory symptoms, sore throat, etc., don’t assume it is seasonal allergies. Please consult your physician.
Family Members and COVID-If anyone in your family is getting tested for COVID because they are having symptoms, please keep your child home until that result is received.
End of Year Activities and Vaccination-Prom and Graduation are just around the corner. Vaccination prevents quarantining. Your child is considered fully vaccinated if they have received two doses and it has been over 14 days since their last dose. If your child is vaccinated and they are exposed to someone with COVID, they will not need to be quarantined.
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Vaccination Information
After April 1, anyone 16 and older can get vaccinated in CT
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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COVID rates are Decreasing, Why do we still have School Restrictions?
Governor Lamont has made several changes to COVID restrictions. So, why do we still have to follow the rules at school? Sometimes, there are different sets of rules for schools to follow and outside of school. An example of this is traveling. If you travel as a family on vacation, you no longer MUST quarantine and test. It is recommended, but not required. However, an exception to this rule for schools is that you have to quarantine if you are traveling for a sporting event in another state. Schools are also continuing to quarantine students who are identified as direct contacts to someone diagnosed with COVID. During this time, students may continue to remote learn. If a student is identified as direct contact and is involved in sports at TGS, they may return to in person academics after a ten day quarantine and return to athletics at 10 days if they have a negative COVID. If you are vaccinated, or have had COVID in the past 90 days you are exempt from quarantining.
Are colleges requiring COVID vaccines?
We are hearing of many colleges requiring students to have proof of COVID vaccination prior to starting. It is anticipated that many more will require it. If you are a senior and will be planning on attending college, please discuss vaccination with your parents and find out what your college will require.
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Alumna of the Week
Nicole Martin
Class of 2012
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Nicole at the Lady Filmmakers Festival in 2019 in California. |
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What did you do after you graduated?:
"I went to college at Western Carolina University for Film & Television Production. After graduating college in 2016, I moved out to Los Angeles to pursue a career in television. From there, I worked on multiple shows on the Paramount Studio Lot and Warner Brothers Studio Lot. My first job was on Grace & Frankie where I worked on two seasons, and from there I went on to shows such as Netflix's You, Splitting Up Together, Animal Kingdom, The Unicorn, and Me, Myself, and I. On the side, I directed multiple short films, one of which made it into the Lady Filmmakers Film Festival in Beverly Hills. For now, the pandemic is causing a bit of a pause like it is with most of the arts and I'm looking forward to the day when it can rebuild. "
Why did you pursue a career in film and television?:
"I pursued a career in Film & Television because movies and tv shows were a safe space for me. I knew I wanted something extraordinary as a career and I wanted to help create stories that were safe spaces for other people. Growing up, I was inspired by Tim Burton, who is still my favorite director. He found his outlet creating stories and films, and I wanted to do the same. His artwork created my safe space and I hoped to contribute to that and pay it forward. While working in the industry is very extraordinary, it is as difficult as people say, so my advice to future filmmakers would be that you have to be prepared to want it, stick with it, and make it a top priority in your life. Once you're in, you meet some very incredible people. Each crew felt like a family to me and I've made lifelong friends from different shows. "
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Nicole at the Lady Filmmakers Festival. |
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What do you remember from your time at Gilbert?:
"You know, I actually just spent the other week driving around Winsted collecting old memories. I remember the band of course, as that was my favorite part of school. I remember the spring musicals and how much fun it was to perform. As I traveled and learned from friends outside of Winsted, I realized how lucky I was to go to such a small high school. Only at Gilbert can you wear multiple hats, like doing Marching Band and Cheerleading, or doing the Spring Musical and run for the Track team simultaneously. Everyone knew everyone and I graduated with students I went to first grade with. I now find that to be such a special thing."
Do you have any other members of your family who went to Gilbert?:
Yes, my younger sister Sarah Martin graduated in 2014!"
What lessons from Gilbert did you carry with you into the real world?:
"The right people will accept you for your authentic self. In Gilbert, you couldn't hide who you really were. It was too small and it would be too exhausting to hide yourself from people for 12 years until graduating high school. I made friends with people I probably wouldn't have meshed with outside of a small environment, and I learned you can find common ground with everyone. People will accept you for who you really are, so don't be afraid to be peculiar or eccentric."
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Nicole with the legendary Lily Tomlin. |
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What advice would you give current students?:
"This might be a little controversial, but your grades don't really matter so much in areas where you might feel inadequate. I knew I was terrible at math and science no matter how hard I tried, but yet the art and history classes I absolutely excelled in. Every person is great at different things, so stop beating yourself up for not being good at everything. What matters is finding what you're passionate about and learning as much as you can in that area. Another big piece of advice I'd give is to learn and take care of your mental health. Even students without diagnosed mental health issues struggle. There's so much pressure in high school and it gets overwhelming. Take time for yourself and talk to someone if you need to."
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Staff Member of the Week
Marci Fritch - Food Service Employee
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Marci Fritch and her family: Her daughter and Gilbert student Marley (8th grade), husband Jared, Marci, daughters and Gilbert students Lola (eighth grade) and Madison (12th grade). |
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Where where you before you started work at Gilbert?:
“Before I worked at Gilbert, my family owned R&B Sportsworld for 26 years. I operated it until we sold it a few years ago.
I have been at Gilbert for about two and-a-half years. Once my family sold R&B, I took a little time off and then I wanted a job that was geared around my children's schedule. If they are in school, I am in school. If they are not in school, I'm not in school. This way, I can have weekends and summers off with them.
I have three children and all of them are going to Gilbert: Madison who is a senior, and I also have Lola and Marley, twins who are both in eighth grade.”
What do you think of Gilbert?:
"It's a great school! I graduated in 1998. I was born and raised in Winsted. Going through the whole school system, everybody just knows everybody. Everyone at Gilbert is super friendly and welcoming.
I also coach the girls volleyball team and the middle school softball team. I have a lot to do around the school. I've coached volleyball for two years and this is the first season I'm coaching softball. I love coaching because we have great kids who are taking part in these sports. I love teaching them about sports that I love."
How would you describe Gilbert to a stranger?:
"The second that you walk in the door, everybody will greet you with open arms and smiles. Everyone is just super friendly. Everyone knows everybody."
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Student of the Week
Jesse Schmidt
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Age: 18
Parent: Stacy Schmidt
Favorite class:
Business
Favorite extracurricular activities:
"Baseball, soccer, and basketball. I love playing those sports."
What will you remember from your time at Gilbert?:
"That I had a great time."
What are your plans for the future after you graduate?:
"Going to college at Western New England University. My major is going to be business."
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Athlete of the Week
Skyy Cruden
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Parents: “Stepmother is Ashley Cruden and my father's name is Chad Cruden. My birth mother is Nina Thibault.”
Age: 16
Sports:
Softball and volleyball
Why did you chose to play those two sports?:
"Softball to me is really competitive. I've always had a love and interest for it. Volleyball I took up two years ago because some of the girls wanted me to join. It looked like fun to me."
What have you gotten out of playing those two sports?:
"I have gotten a lot of knowledge out of them, including how to approach other players. I also learned about respect and how to be part of a team. I've also learned how to encourage everyone on a team to do better when they do something that was not right."
What is your strategy for those two sports?:
"Always be aggressive and always know that it's for fun. But, of course, it always feels better when you win."
What is your advice for people who might want to get into softball, and volleyball?:
"Have patience! A lot of it! And always try your best."
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A Ferry Ride to Port Jefferson, NY
By Debra LaRoche Walls, Dean of Admissions
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On Sunday, May 2 with sunshine and warm weather expected, Dean of Admissions, Debra LaRoche Walls and husband, Stuart Walls, chaperoned three of the international students for an outing aboard the P.T. Barnum Ferry from the Bridgeport Dock to Port Jefferson, NY. Residential Coordinator, David Rutherford, brought the students, Ben Nguyen, Alan Quan and Frank Guan to the ferry at 11 am. By 11:30 am the Gilbert group was walking on board to get the best seat on the ferry, the front row on the top level. What a view! The wind, the sun and the fresh air added to the enjoyment of the ride as the ferry proceeded fifty minutes to the dock of Port Jefferson, NY.
For Ben Nguyen from Vietnam, it was his first-time stepping foot in New York. All the boys got great enjoyment watching the ferry dock to the shore and taking in the many area sights from the ferry point of view.
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The group walked around searching for the best choice for lunch and decided on Danford’s, a beautiful restaurant that sits next to the dock of the ferry. Everyone enjoyed their meal choice that was topped off with an ice cream selection from the area ice cream store along their travels. |
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Being a long day, the group stopped at The Station House in Stratford at an outside table for a sushi dinner. The sushi chef, Peter, who travels daily on the train from NY, a native of China, welcomed the boys and prepared the most delicious sushi meal. It was a wonderful way to end an enjoyable long day.
This special day will always be remembered fondly by all who attended. It was filled with many first-time adventures and lots of laughter.
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Frank Guan and Ben Nguyen |
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Coach's Corner
By Buckley Morgan, Athletic Director
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The Yellowjackets Baseball Team and Coaches |
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The spring season has moved along very well. Covid seems to be on a downward trend and its impact has been very minimal. We hope it stays on this downward slope.Today I submitted the Coop agreement for football. We should hear of its approval later this month after the board of control meets on the 17th. As you may recall we will be including Housatonic Regional HS in our Coop. I expect to have no issues with its acceptance.
The Gilbert Middle School baseball field is getting some repairs done on the diamond. We expect next week's games to be on a fresh, much improved field. Come out and watch the boys play on Tuesday, May 11, against Thomaston. The game is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
We have completed the installation of the Pixellot cameras in the gym and on the football field. This means that all future athletic events in the gym and on the football field will be live streamed. They will be live streamed on the NFHS network and can be viewed by friends and family from across the country and beyond. More to come on that later.
Have a great weekend and we will see you at the games.
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GILBERT SPORTS SPECTATOR UPDATE
The Gilbert School is now allowing parents of the visiting school to attend our home events. We ask that you follow our COVID guidelines while at Gilbert sporting events. Maintain proper social distance from nonfamily members and wear masks while in attendance. We greatly appreciate all of our spectators and thank you for your patience throughout this school year.
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Food Service Schedule May |
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April 22, 2021
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students,
I hope this informational letter finds everyone safe, healthy, and excited about the beginning of having our students back to school four days a week.
I would like to begin with the changes that will be made with the food pick up now that students will be starting to come back full time. As students begin to return to school four days a week with Wednesday being a cohort day, they will only be eligible for one free breakfast and one free lunch for the cohort day. This would be cohort group D. Students that choose to change or stay in cohort group C are eligible for five days of free breakfast and free lunch. Families that have been picking up food for students in cohort groups A and B will continue to pick up free breakfast and free lunch until their child/children have returned to school four days per week. Once they have returned they will be eligible for a one day pick up of one free breakfast and one free lunch. If they choose to move to cohort group C they will be eligible for five days of free breakfast and free lunch.
Pick up times:
Monday pick-ups will begin at 9:30-12:30
Tuesday pick-ups will begin at 9:30-12:30
Wednesday pick-up will begin at 9:30-12:30
For the families that would like to pick up for five days please email or call Lynn Metcalf Director of Food Services at the email or phone number in the side bar. Please follow the same instructions if you would like to pick up for one day. Who is eligible for Free breakfast and Free lunches? Anyone 18 years old or younger, at home learning, toddlers, students that are at home learning and attend a different school can pick up food at The Gilbert School.
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Congratulations to Sandra O'Connor who guessed correctly! |
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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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