October News & Updates

October 20, 2023

A Message from Dr. Christine Trujillo, Superintendent

Dear Gilbert Families,


As we transition into the beautiful season of fall, I wanted to take a few moments to reflect on the changing leaves and the profound lessons they teach us about the important work we do as educators. It is a season marked by transformation, a reminder of the constant change that defines life and, by extension, the educational journey of our students.


While we celebrate the vibrant colors and the incredible harvests of this season, we are also reminded of the ever-present cycles of life, which include moments of joy and sadness. We carry a heavy heart anytime we lose students. The tragedy of losing students, for any reason, reminds us of the fragility of life and the profound impact our educational community can have on the lives of our children.

In these difficult times, we must acknowledge our grief while understanding the important work of education must continue. Our commitment to providing the best possible educational experience for every child remains unwavering. We recognize there is always more to do as we support our students academically, socially, and in their mental wellness. 


Thank you to everyone who has supported our staff and students with kind words, food, therapy dogs, hugs, and notes of encouragement over the last few months. It makes a difference, and it matters. Even in difficult times, our community shines as a true example of the Power of We. We are better together. We are Gilbert Strong!


I am proud to share how our dedicated team of educators and staff continue to do amazing things to support our students. We have implemented a common language with 7 essential habits training for our staff, and teams continue to learn how to implement the strategies to support our students. These support structures will ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive throughout the Gilbert Community School District. We see these actions taking shape at each of our schools. Our counseling services and mental health resources have been expanded to provide the care and support our students may need during their journey. We have partnered with Walnut Creek Psychiatry to provide on-site opportunities for families. If you are interested in this service, please reach out to our school counselors for additional information.


We must always strive to do more and do better. To this end, we are committed to working together with our community to explore new solutions, new ideas, and develop strategies that will continue to help all of our students succeed. Your input, suggestions, and collaboration are invaluable as we continue to refine and enhance our educational offerings. I will be sharing more information as we put together a team to discuss as a community how we can continue to help our students grow.


I also have been busy sharing information regarding our upcoming bond election with our community. Thank you to those who have attended and have asked great questions. There is an informational video – Tour of Gilbert CSD – out now and the link to watch it is below in our videos section. Please check it out, and remember to get out and vote on November 7th!


The fall season provides us with the opportunity to celebrate the bountiful harvest that nourishes us both physically and metaphorically. Just as farmers reap the rewards of their hard work during the harvest season, we, as educators, see the fruits of our labor as our students grow and learn. Their progress, achievements, and personal growth are a testament to the dedication and love you, as parents, bring to their lives every day. Our students and their successes are our joy and our successes. 


Parent-teacher conferences are coming up, and I hope you take the opportunity to sit down with our teachers and staff to hear all the incredible things taking place inside our classrooms.


As we move forward, let us embrace the changing seasons as a reminder of the transformative power of education. Transitions give us time to reflect and continue to dedicate ourselves to the vital work of nurturing the minds and hearts of our students. Together, we can make our community stronger.


Our PTO sponsors a Trunk or Treat at the elementary on Sunday, October 29, from 3-5 p.m. Look for Mrs. Frizzle and the Magic School Bus and you might see me!! 


Thank you for entrusting us with the privilege of educating your children. We look forward to your continued partnership and collaboration as we provide the best possible educational experience for all of our students.


Now enjoy this fall weather! I am off to rake some leaves, carve a pumpkin, and maybe even jump in a pile of leaves!


Sincerely,


Dr. Christine Trujillo

Superintendent, Gilbert CSD

Stay Connected with Gilbert

The latest news and highlights around the Gilbert Community School District.

GHS Senior Alice Zhang Named National Merit Scholar Semifinalist


Alice Zhang, National Merit Scholar Semifinalist.


It has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?


We are thrilled to announce that Gilbert High School senior Alice Zhang, 17, recently learned the exciting news that she is among the less than 1 percent of high school graduating seniors in the Class of 2024 nationally to make the cut as a national semifinalist for the prestigious scholarship.

Read Story

Gilbert Runners Head To XC State Qualifier Tagged With The Moniker Of Favorite


Look, we could speak in cliches when it comes to Wednesday’s Class 3A state qualifying cross country meet at Spencer Municipal Golf Course.


It’s anybody’s ballgame, so to speak.

You never know what’s going to happen when the runners hit the course.


Nothing is a given.



Read Story

Lauren Stephens, Lynne Reid Receive Awards From ICTE


Stop us if you’ve heard this before — we have amazing educators here at Gilbert Schools, and we celebrate them every chance we get.


And this week, the entire state celebrated two of our own as well.


We are so happy and proud to inform you that Gilbert Middle School eighth-grade Language Arts teacher Lauren Stephens and district librarian Lynne Reid were both honored with prestigious awards from the Iowa Council of Teachers of English (ICTE) at the organization’s fall conference in Johnston on Thursday.

Read Story

Our Story: 5 Takeaways From Friday’s Football Showdown


As I sit down on my couch to write this Sunday morning, it’s been approximately 35 hours since the final horn sounded to end the highly-anticipated football showdown between Gilbert and Bondurant-Farrar, two highly-ranked teams in Class 4A. That time has given me a chance to reflect on what transpired and I’ve come up with five “big picture” takeaways.


Some of them you may like. Some of them may make you grumble and want to yell at me. I just hope all of them make you think and reflect as well.


Let’s go.

Read Story

Klaffke Named SHAPE Iowa Elementary PE Teacher of the Year


Constantly moving. Constantly teaching. Constantly smiling. When you step inside the Gilbert Intermediate main gymnasium for a morning PE class, that’s what you will see when you observe teacher Stephanie Klaffke. With her customary headset microphone in place so that all of her students can hear her words of wisdom, Klaffke radiates enthusiasm for her pupils, who are attentive when asked and, yes, incredibly active when asked.


For 17 years, Klaffke has been at the forefront of physical education and wellness for our younger students and she’s created a program that is both educational and entertaining. Intermediate Principal Amy Griffin’s office sits just 26 paces from the gymnasium and she’s able to see daily the impact that Klaffke has on the students.

Read Story

Prairieland Homes An Example Of The Power Of We


For several weeks over the summer, Dr. Trujillo spent time each day thinking about the message she wanted to convey to the district staff members at the school’s annual Back To School Kickoff Rally in August, and with those four words on a yellow sheet of paper, the message began to take shape.


“The Power of We.”


It’s simple, really. At Gilbert Schools, we believe We is so much more important than Me. It also conveys a philosophy centered on working together to achieve our district-wide goals. We are not four separate buildings with singular goals; we are one connected school district focused on all aspects of our students and their needs.

Read Story

Videos, Videos, and more Videos

Tour of Gilbert CSD

Tour of Gilbert CSD - Bond Information 2023

Join us for a few minutes, as we take you on a tour of Gilbert CSD. On the Nov. 7, 2023 ballot, the school district is proposing a $35 million bond for a new elementary building and improvements to its other three buildings. In this video, we go into detail on the projects that would take place.

Gilbert After Prom Hypnotist

2023 Gilbert Homecoming Court

Meet the 10 Gilbert High School students who vied for 2023 Gilbert Homecoming King and Queen.

Intermediate Door Greeter

Gilbert CSD: First Day of School 2023-24

We're all excited to see our students back for the start of the 2023-24 school year. Let's make it a great year.


Students, Welcome Back!

RRC Boys' Golf Tournament

Gilbert Middle School - AMLE School of Distinction

We are incredibly proud to announce that our middle school has been recognized by AMLE as a School of Distinction for 2023. Gilbert Middle School is one of only 11 middle schools across the country to receive this award, and it's the first middle school from Iowa to ever be bestowed with this honor. Congratulations, Gilbert Middle School!

Teacher Appreciation Week

Gilbert Schools: The Power of We

At Gilbert Schools, We is stronger than Me. We are better as students, teachers, staff members, administrators, and a district when We are working together toward our common goals. That is the Power of We.

Gilbert Connect Podcast

Bond Election 2023

Bond Election 2023 - The Facts

In the Season 2 premiere of the Gilbert Connect podcast, Superintendent Dr. Christine Trujillo and School Board President Andrew Ricklefs talk about the upcoming Bond Election, set for Nov. 7. If you have a question about the bond referendum, this podcast will hopefully answer it.

XC

What A Fall For Gilbert XC

Gilbert cross country coaches Laura Kautman and Aaron Thomas join the podcast to discuss the amazing seasons their cross country teams are producing this fall. Currently, the boys' team is ranked No. 1 in Class 3A, while the girls' team is No. 2.

Families: Be sure to check our DIGITAL BACKPACK

Social Media Posts of the Month

FACEBOOK

The scene at Tiger Stadium Friday night was simply amazing.

-Little Tiger Cheer Clinc: Nearly 150 kids!

-Mega Band Night: 200+ Middle School and High School kids!

-Night of Champions: Congrats girls golf and boys soccer!


Gilbert community, thank you! #GilbertPride #TigersTogether

TWITTER

We cannot thank the @CycloneWBB

enough for once again being at our Intermediate building to welcome back our students on the first day of the 2023-24 year! The players and coaches were out at 7:15 a.m. and brought the energy! #GilbertPride #TigersTogether

INSTAGRAM

Wall of Fame and Hall of Fame …


If I had a Wall of Fame, this first picture would most definitely be on it. A guaranteed smile and laugh daily.


And Hall of Fame student section costumes by Connor Rash and Charlie Schreck at last night’s volleyball match. Well done, gentlemen. #GilbertPride 

#TigersTogether

Bond Referendum Vote On Nov. 7

On November 7, Gilbert CSD voters will go to the polls to vote on a variety of things, one of them being the Bond Referendum offered by the school district.


The proposed $35 million bond would include a new elementary school, as well as additions and renovations to our other three buildings — the intermediate, middle school, and high school — as well as the addition of a new practice track and field.


There are a number of ways voters can find information surrounding the Bond Referendum, including by clicking HERE.

Picture Retake Reminder

Missed picture day or want a new picture taken? No worries! Picture retake day will take place Tuesday, October 24 for all buildings. Please look at the flyer for your respective building/buildings, and follow the instructions on how to order.

Order Your 2023-24 High School Yearbook Now

The 2023-2024 Yearbook can be purchased HERE


Currently, the price is $55.00 On October 27th, the price goes up to $60.00


Please contact Mrs. Maguire at maguirej@gilbertcsd.org with any questions.

Don't Forget About Your SAP!

Just a reminder the Gilbert Community School District offers free counseling sessions for all students. This is a great service that is free and can take place through telehealth right in your own home.

For District Schedule: Click HERE

Photos Around Gilbert Schools

All photos available to download HERE

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