The Buzz
School Community Newsletter
Issue #32
Friday, January 29, 2021
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Concetto S. Marino
Class of 1944
June 15, 1925 - January 23, 2021
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It is with great sadness to share that on Saturday, January 23, Concetto S. Marino, of Winsted, passed away at his home after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. Concetto was an admired member of The Gilbert School’s Class of 1944. The interesting story is that he did not receive his diploma with the rest of his senior class. The reason being is that he was inducted into the Navy and served his country during World War II. Concetto received distinction as a gunner on three warships: the USS Kahoke, Dover, and Ashland, which was the first dock landing ship of the U.S. Navy sailing in the Pacific Theater.
In 1952, he married Dorothy Varley from Sheffield, England. Together, they raised six children: Joseph, Rosanne, David, Anthony, Concetto and Victoria, who all attended Gilbert.
The family has five grandchildren; Maryellen, Concetto, Catherine, Nicholas, and Julia.
When Concetto returned home from the war, he entered into the food industry as a meat cutter. He later operated the Elmwood Market before he opened Concetto & Jerry’s Restaurant. The family-run restaurant operated for forty five years and was very popular with the community.
Concetto was a 4th Degree and lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus for seventy years and he was also a lifelong communicant of St. Joseph Church where he served as an usher for over thirty years.
Concetto's friend Jim Cormier paid tribute to him recently on the “You know you grew up in Winsted if you remember” Facebook page:
“I am proud to have known this accomplished gentleman.” Cormier wrote. “Behind his quiet demeanor, was a dedicated family man, committed to helping everyone around him and to simply make the world a better place. Most of us who grew up in Winsted remember him quietly serving up delicious meals at "Concetto and Jerry's" on the West end of Winsted, now the Montano-Shea Funeral Home. He opened the restaurant there only a short time before the Flood of '55 destroyed the town and diligently showed up every day for decades following to serve tens of thousands of meals to loyal patrons. Meantime, he raised a wonderful family whom many of us grew up within town.”
This June, because Concetto missed receiving his diploma 76 years ago, he was given an honorary Gilbert School diploma. “It's a tremendously moving acknowledgment of this wonderful man and recognition of the deserved receipt of his diploma some 76 years later.” Cormier wrote. “I will miss my friend and I am sure many in Winsted will as well."
Friends may call on Sunday, January 31, at Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 922 Main Street, Winsted from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. CDC guidelines for social distancing will be followed. Masks are required and only smaller numbers of people will be allowed in to help maintain social distancing. If you are not feeling well, please remain at home for your own safety and that of others.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, February 1 at St. Joseph's Church, Winsted at 11 a.m. The church will only allow 100 people maximum following CDC guidelines for social distancing and face masks are required. The Mass will be live-streamed on their website at stjoseph-winsted.org; Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Winsted with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, online at support.woundedwarriorproject.org and/or Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Litchfield County, 32 Union Street, Winsted, CT 06098. Please visit the online guestbook at montano-shea.com
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Budget Message Fiscal 2022 |
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A COVID-19 Budget
As I write my last budget message, first allow me to say thank you for the privilege of serving the children and young adults of Winchester and the extended Gilbert School Community. I never thought I would finish my tenure in the midst of a pandemic. Nonetheless, it is the situation we find ourselves in and we must address the needs of our students.
The pandemic has taken its toll on our young, emotionally as well as academically. Learning through a computer, while fine for adults, is not the same for our children. We all need interaction with peers; we are social by nature and need human contact. I have had to weigh the benefits of staying hybrid or remote and keeping our community healthy versus bringing in all students Seventh through Twelfth and foregoing one of the major mitigation factors of social distancing. As you know, I have stayed the course of social distancing and keeping our community healthy and safe. We also have invested in plastic barriers, face coverings, shields, ventilation improvements, increased custodial coverage, sanitizers and disinfectants to keep our community healthy. What you may not be aware of is our remediation strategies of academic support provided by two certified English Teachers to address the educational needs of our students and our extended contract with the Connecticut Junior Republic to provide emotional support to our children. These strategies and positions will continue in our budget for fiscal year 2022. COVID-19 is still with us and will most likely be a disruptive factor to the educational community next year.
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Schedule Monday, February 1 - Friday, February 5 |
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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 United States 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 Connecticut 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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Gilbert 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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Gilbert History Teacher Wins Award |
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Gilbert School History Teacher Wendy Sultaire |
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History teacher Wendy Sultaire, who has been teaching at The Gilbert School for 26 years, has been named the state winner for the 2021 "Outstanding Teacher of American History" by the National Daughters of the American Revolution. According to state historian Jacqueline Fenelon, the award recognizes the passion, scholarship, and commitment to the study and teaching of American History in the classroom.
“I am very honored,” Sultaire said in an interview with The Buzz. "To me, history classes help to put current events into context. With social media today and all the fake news students are exposed to, some students are concerned and anxious. They think the world is a horrible place, and that the country is in a dire situation. Things are not always as bad as they seem. You just have to look through history and see that there have been much more tumultuous time periods. But, Americans have endured. Also, studying history allows students to see how far we have come in achieving our country's founding principles. And, of course, how much work we still need to do."
According to its website at dar.org, the Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 and is a nonprofit, non-political volunteer women’s service dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America's future through better education for children.
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Alumnus of the Week
Craig Schroeder
Class of 2001
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What have you done since you graduated?
"After Gilbert, I went to Ithaca College where I majored in Journalism. After I graduated from there, I spent a few years working for WFSB in Hartford and also ESPN in Bristol. After that, I made a move into higher education. I spent three years working at Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, New York. I also spent three years at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. I have been at Boston College for the last eight years. I am currently working as a Major Gift Officer. In that role, I work to secure six-figure gifts to help advance the university's mission."
What do you remember from your time at Gilbert?
"Both of my parents, Craig Sr. and my mother, Lisa, worked at Gilbert. I went to preschool at Gilbert when they had a small program way back in the day. Gilbert has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. There's no particular memory that sticks out for me but I do know that the school has played a huge role in making me who I am today. It holds a special place in my heart."
Tell me a little bit more about your parents?
"My father, Craig Sr., worked at Gilbert for over forty years, mostly as a Chemistry teacher. My mother, Lisa, started as an English teacher. She eventually moved into working in the library. They both met and worked at Gilbert. Gilbert is the reason why I exist.
My mother left Gilbert by the time I was a student. My father was my Chemistry teacher. He was the only Chemistry teacher in school so I couldn't escape having him as my instructor. It was both a gift and a curse. I knew a lot of the teachers and the administrators a little bit more than a lot of the other students did. But I also knew that if I ever got in trouble it was going to go back to my father immediately. I always had to be well behaved and there was no skipping class, that's for sure."
What lessons from Gilbert have you applied to the real world?
"I think the overarching theme I found, is that the things that seem to be the hardest at the time, end up paying the greatest dividends in the long run. Whether it was a grueling basketball practice, or English class, the times that I was challenged and pushed to my limits were the times I look back on most fondly now. Those moments of discomfort usually held the greatest growth opportunities. I try to lean into those opportunities now. That's something that I took away from my time at Gilbert."
What advice would you give current students at Gilbert?
"Use your time wisely. If Covid has taught us anything, it's that you never know what's going to happen tomorrow. So surround yourself with the people that you love and things that you are passionate about. Make the most out of the time that you have at Gilbert."
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Staff Member of the Week
Siobhan Battista
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How long have you been working at Gilbert?
"This is my tenth year at Gilbert. I worked in the library for the first seven years and this is my third year as the Associate Principal’s Office Secretary."
Where were you before you worked at Gilbert?
"I worked at The Torrington Company for ten years and then was a stay at home mom for fifteen years before coming to work at Gilbert."
What is your educational background?
"I have an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Northwestern Connecticut Community College."
What do you like about Gilbert?
"I am grateful to have the opportunity to work in a small school where the faculty and students are a community. Everyone knows each other and goes out of their way to take care of each other. I feel like the students know that they are supported and truly cared about. My children, my husband and most of my friends graduated from Gilbert. They all have similar memories of good friends and faculty and staff that always went above and beyond to make sure they had an opportunity to learn and be successful. The Gilbert School is a very special place."
How would you describe Gilbert to a stranger?
"The Gilbert School is a small school in the beautiful Northwest Hills of Connecticut. We have a dedicated faculty and great group of students with a lot of school spirit."
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Student of the Week
Nathaniel Northup
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Age
18
Parents
Heather and Charles Northup
Favorite classes
"AP Computer Science and Precalculus are my favorite classes. In AP Computer Science there are a lot of interesting things to do. We make computer programs that you can use and Precalculus is very interesting because math has always been interesting to me."
Favorite extracurricular activities
"I like to listen to music and work out. I also like to play basketball in my spare time."
What do you think you will remember the most when it comes to your education at Gilbert?
"I will most remember the teachers because they all care a lot about our education. They all want us to make sure that we get good grades so we can get into college."
What are your future plans?
"I am planning on going to community college for the first two years. I haven't decided which four year college I want to go to after I graduate from community college, but I want to be a Math teacher. Ever since I started school, math has been great for me. I want to help other kids learn about math and have fun with it like I did."
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Basketball, A Universal Sport
By Debra LaRoche Walls, Dean of Admissions
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International Program Student Andrew Park |
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When ninth grade student, Andrew Park, flew from South Korea in the summer of 2020 to attend The Gilbert School International Program, he came with two full suitcases and his basketball. Not only did he want to experience an American high school education and learn about our American culture, he wanted to play basketball.
On Tuesday, January 19, Andrew got his wish and was welcomed by Athletic Director, Mr. Buck Morgan and basketball coach, Mr. Mark Douglass for the first practice of the winter boys’ basketball season. CIAC rules state that international athletes are only allowed to play on the Junior Varsity level for their first year of school attendance. Andrew was so passionate about joining the Gilbert basketball team that he was fine with starting on this level especially since he is only a freshman.
With this rigorous schedule, Andrew is getting plenty of basketball training and will have the opportunity to play in the first away game on Monday, February 8th when Gilbert plays at Housatonic. The first Gilbert boys basketball home game with be on Wednesday, February 10th in the Gilbert gymnasium and the first girls home game will be on Monday, February 8. However, no spectators are allowed at this point but all home games can be watched live at https://www.gilbertschool.org/athletics/winter2021
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International Program Student Andrew Park during practice |
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Andrew’s parents in South Korea have shared that Andrew has all great things to say about his experience at The Gilbert School. Weekly, Dean of Admissions, Debra LaRoche Walls, is keeping in contact with Andrew’s mother through updated emails. With each reply email, Andrew’s mother sends her thanks to the teachers, Residential Coordinators, and the entire Gilbert community for welcoming her son.
We wish Andrew, uniform number 9, the very best as he shares his passion for the sport of basketball along with the lessons, he will learn not only in the classroom but also on the basketball court.
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Coach's Corner
By Buckley Morgan, Athletic Director
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We are finishing up our first two weeks of practices. The athletes are ready to play, game schedules are set and game workers are scheduled and ready to go. There is a lot of excitement in the Athletic Department right now and things are moving forward.
The Girls Basketball team will hold their "Senior Night" on Wednesday, February 10 with their scheduled game against Litchfield. Unfortunately, the only spectators that are allowed into that game are the parents of the senior girls. Bill Richmond will be in the gym and will be annoucing the game. It will also be live streamed. You can watch all of the Gilbert home games live by going to our winter athletics page on the gilbert website located at: https://www.gilbertschool.org/athletics/winter2021
At this time, I do not have the date for the boys "Senior Night" but I will share it with you as soon as it is scheduled. Traditionally, "Senior Nights" are scheduled for the last home game of the season. Today, in this covid environment , the future is unpredictable so to make sure the seniors are recognized, their senior night is being scheduled early in the season.
I am currently handing out a consent form for our athletes and their parents to sign. Please read and sign the form so the athletes can get them back to me before their first game on February 8th. Remember that the game schedules are on our Gilbert website at gilbertschool.org There is a link to the CIAC site where you can see the schedule for all the games. All Berkshire League schools are attempting to live stream their games. I am in the process of trying to collect their live stream information so you can watch our away games as well. I will be keeping you updated as we go.
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Immediate Openings at The Gilbert School
Boys Varsity Tennis Coach – Spring 2021
Varsity Golf - Spring 2021 (changing to Fall season in 2021/2022)
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Food Service Schedule Update |
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Pick up is between 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
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 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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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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