The Buzz
School Community Newsletter
Issue #38
Friday, March 19, 2021
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Gilbert School Corporation Appoints New Head of School |
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At its special meeting on March 15, 2021, the W. L. Gilbert School Corporation appointed Mr. Greg P. Shugrue its new Head of School, effective July 1, 2021. Mr. Shugrue has served as Principal of New Milford High School for the past 16 years.
After four years in the Air Force, Greg began his educational career as a Social Studies teacher in West Palm Beach, then Jupiter, Florida. He moved to Meriden, CT, in 2000, where he spent three years as Assistant Principal at Orville H. Platt High School, then two years as Principal of Maloney High School prior to moving to New Milford High School in 2005.
The School Corporation Chair Steven Sedlack said, “The Gilbert Head of School Search Committee, including all members of the School Corporation plus representatives of the administrative and teaching staff, took very seriously its responsibility to find the best possible new leader for Gilbert as we enter our 126th year serving the educational needs of Winchester’s middle- and high school students. We conducted an extensive search and Mr. Shugrue rose to the top thanks to his deep experience in principal leadership and understanding of the expectations of district leadership. In New Milford, Mr. Shugrue created a culture that promoted inclusiveness, academic rigor, and equity. We also valued his efforts to grow professionals through an aspiring leaders program. We believe Greg is the leader Gilbert needs.”
Mr. Shugrue received his Bachelor of Science from Palm Beach Atlantic University, his Master’s from Barry University, his 6th year from Southern Connecticut State University, and his superintendent certification from Sacred Heart University.
Mr. Shugrue told the Gilbert Search Committee, “I pride myself in building collaborative relationships… in an open, sincere, and compassionate manner. I bring experience, passion, and energy into the workplace each day and pledge to bring that same level of commitment to the Head of School position at The Gilbert School.”
The Gilbert School Corporation was guided in its search by Mary Broderick, senior consultant with CABE Search Services. She gathered perspectives from many school and community stakeholders before writing the Leadership Profile which guided the Search Committee in finding its new leader.
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A Music Department Memorial Fund has been set up by The W. L. Gilbert Trust in memory of Mr. Keeley. Anyone wishing to make a donation may send a check to "The W. L. Gilbert Trust Corporation", with the memo line marked Edward Keeley Memorial Fund. Donations may be mailed to The Gilbert School, 200 Williams Avenue, Winsted, CT 06098.
Donations may also be made via The Gilbert School website by clicking on the link below and listing the Edward Keeley Memorial Fund in the special instructions.
All donations will benefit The Gilbert School Music Department.
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School Repopulation Plan Spring 2021 |
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Schedule Monday, March 22 - Friday, March 26 |
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The Governor has stated that the current travel advisory will become recommended but not mandatory after March 19. That means it is recommended that you get a COVID test after a trip. You do not need to notify the school of any travel plans after March 19.
Did TGS teachers get a COVID vaccination?
The majority of our teachers have received one of a two dose series at the time of this publication.
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Traveling Tips
When able, drive, don’t fly but if you are flying….
Be prepared! Pack extra masks in your purse/carryon in case yours breaks. Pack wipes in a zip lock baggie. Bring the smaller travel size hand sanitizer.
Double mask-paper surgical under a close fitting cloth mask.
Wipe down your seat with your wipes before you sit. Give those arm rests an extra wipe down.
Keep your mask on the entire flight. If you don’t need to drink or eat and it is a short flight, keep it on.
After you leave the plane, find a restroom and wash your hands extra well.
Research the travel guidelines where you are traveling to. Every State and country has different requirements
Think it Through Before You Go Out
Before you go anywhere, think it through...can you eat outside instead of inside? Can you reduce your risk by attending very populated places during slower times? How about dinner at 4 instead of at 6? Go to the museum in the morning instead of at 2 PM? Eating outside vs. inside? Minor changes make a big difference in reducing your risk.
Should I test for COVID when I return?
It is anticipated that the governor will be lifting the travel advisory on March 19. That means you are not required to complete and submit travel forms to the State of CT or get COVID testing. If you are unvaccinated, it might be a good idea for you to consider getting a COVID test upon your return. It is not mandatory.
Do I have to quarantine when I return?
You only need to quarantine if you feel you have been exposed to COVID during your vacation or if you are experiencing any symptoms (even minor ones).
Do I have to inform anyone if I am traveling?
No. You do not need to inform the State of CT or the school after March 19, 2021.
Have a great trip! Be safe and be smart!
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Athlete of the Week
Miranda Brennan
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Age: 17
Parents: Tamara and Joseph Brennan
Sports: Fall and winter cheer
Why did you choose fall and winter cheer?:
"I've loved gymnastics since I was a child. Cheer is like a similar realm of skills. I decided to start cheer when I was a freshman and I have been doing it ever since."
What have you gotten out of cheer?:
"I learned a lot about choreography and working with people. I've never taken part in a team sport before and cheer definitely is a team sport. I've also learned about trust as well taking part in cheer."
Do you have any strategies when it comes to taking part in cheer?:
"I'm a flyer, so mostly the strategy would be to keep everything locked and don't hit the ground!"
What are your thoughts on the people you cheer with and your coaches?:
"I've had three different coaches. I've learned a lot about trusting each other, along with dedication to a sport. I also learned a lot from my co-captains Bailey and Nicole about life and working together to create our cheers."
Any advice you want to give anyone taking up cheer?:
"Be open to any position because you are going to be moved around to a lot of different places and do what's best for the team."
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Alumnus of the Week
Alec Goulet
Class of 2014
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Alec at Dundonald Castle in Kilmarnock Scotland, where he got a private tour from his cousin who works there, while visiting for her wedding. |
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What have you done since you graduated?
"I went to Northwestern Connecticut Community College and took classes in general education. I then entered the nursing program at NCCC and got my EMT license during one of my first semesters. I worked as an EMT, volunteering with Winsted Ambulance and then I started working for VINTECH, which serves some of the surrounding towns. I graduated from the nursing program at NCCC in 2018. I met my wife Rachel when we were enrolled in the nursing program. We got married in October of 2020.
Beyond that, I started my nursing career in Anchorage, Alaska at Alaska Regional Hospital. I have currently been working as a Charge Nurse on the Medical Oncology Unit at Alaska Regional Hospital and I have enjoyed working here.
I moved up to Alaska because my grandparents live here. When I first moved up here I lived with them for about a year. My fiancé then moved to Alaska and we moved into our own place in October at the time of our wedding.
We live in Anchorage, which has a big city vibe. It doesn't give you the small hometown feeling like Winsted does. Anchorage has a population of 300,000, so it's definitely different from Winsted."
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Alec and his wife Rachel on their wedding day. |
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What do you remember from your time at Gilbert?:
"I remember all of my friends. I always was involved with sports, including track and field, cross country, and I played baseball for my first year. I stuck with track and field for my remaining three years. I also took part in the swim team. Sports was a big part of my Gilbert experience."
Do you have any other family members who also attended Gilbert?:
"My dad, Cy (Class of 1983) and my brother, Cameron (class of 2016) graduated from Gilbert."
What lessons from Gilbert did you apply to the real world?:
"To be hard working. I remember taking an AP class with Mr. Cooke. It was a great class that prepared me for nursing and getting into the nursing program. Mr. Cooke helped to support me a lot. His brother was a nurse, so he pushed me to continue on with that path."
Why did you get into nursing?:
"A combination of a few things. My grandmother on my dad's side was a nurse, and she always talked about it. It was one of those things that she always spoke very positively about. My dad was also interested in the medical field because he was a paramedic. He worked with the ambulance service as a volunteer in Winsted for a little while. That is what got my toe in the water with the medical field. I didn't know if I wanted to be an EMT as a long-term career path, but it was a good foot in the door."
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Alec at the top of Hilltop, which overlooks Anchorage. |
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What advice would you give current students?:
"Look at long-term career paths and go for something that you really like and enjoy, and then stick with it. I think one of my biggest and most important takeaways is not to underestimate your local community college. You do not have to go to the fanciest school to get the education you need, so many classes can be taken at our local community college. I was fortunate enough to graduate from NCCC with my nursing degree totally debt-free. This is not a luxury most students can claim. I work alongside many people who still have tremendous debt, but we still hold the same title."
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Rachel and Alec at their pinning ceremony for nursing. |
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Student of the Week
Angelina Abreu
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Age: 18
Parents: Monique and Braulio Abreu
Favorite classes:
"I do love business. I've been taking every business class possible throughout high school. English is probably one of my favorite classes too. I really want to own my own business, which is why I love taking all the classes. English is very interesting to me because I love writing a lot of essays."
Favorite extracurricular activities:
"I love to play sports and soccer. I also do cheer and softball. However, soccer is probably my number one sport."
What will you remember about your time at Gilbert?:
"Definitely being a part of different teams throughout the past four years, including softball, soccer and all the different sports. I will also remember a lot of the teachers too because I love talking to most of them!"
What are your future plans?:
"After high school, I plan on going to college for two years. And then I want to either become a hair dresser or an EMT. Also, I have been thinking about owning a tiny house for a couple of years now."
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Staff Member of the Week
Kim Fiducia
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Mrs. Fiducia began at The Gilbert School in 2000 as a long-term substitute teacher until April 2001.
Outreach Counselor from 2002 to 2007
Guidance Counselor starting in 2007.
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What's your educational background?:
"I earned my Bachelor Degree from New York University where I majored in marketing in the Stern School of Business. I originally wanted to go into advertising. After graduating, I moved to Denver, Colorado to explore the world beyond the NYC grind.
I became interested in education by listening to the daily stories of my good friend who was (and still is) a special education teacher. She loved her job, her students, and really had a passion for teaching and working with children. Working in the corporate world, I envied the passion she had for her profession and the purpose it gave her.
So I thought about changing direction and took a few courses in education and psychology at night. After five years in Denver, I returned to NYC. Someone suggested I apply for a teaching job in NYC because there was a teacher shortage. I applied with the NYC Board of Education and got a temporary license as a junior high math teacher. With that in hand, I literally opened the yellow pages and called every school district in NYC until someone would hire me. My first job was in the Child Psychiatric unit of a hospital. For three years, my classroom was in a hospital where I worked with students who were in long-term residential treatment.
Because I was working with a special population, I decided to get my Master’s degree in Special Education from Hunter College in New York City. After over three years working in the hospital setting, I transferred to an alternative high school in the Bronx where I taught for six years. In 2000, I married my husband, Joe Fiducia, who graduated from Gilbert in 1984, and moved to Winsted. I learned that Gilbert needed a long term special education substitute; I applied for and was offered the job. Following that, I was offered a part-time position as an Outreach Counselor, which I enjoyed. I decided to pursue a counseling degree, and earned my Master’s degree in School Counseling from UConn. In 2007, when one of Gilbert’s high school counselors retired, I was offered a full time position in Gilbert’s School Counseling department and have been working there since."
What do you think of Gilbert?:
"I love it because it is a place where everyone grows and learns, not just kids. We are a very close-knit supportive community. I think we (the faculty) are like a family in that sometimes we agree, we disagree, we debate and we reconcile. We respect and learn from each other. The faculty and administrators at Gilbert really give 100 percent. Expectations are high and everyone works very hard with our students and their families. We all want the same thing: for our students to grow up and become their best selves: responsible, productive, thoughtful members of this community.”
Why do you think your position is important?:
"Sometimes kids don't see the many possibilities and opportunities that are out there for them. Sometimes they don't see their own strengths. We really work with our students to build upon their own strengths and discover how and where they can flourish during and after high school. We are here to help them understand themselves and how to work well with their teachers, their peers, and sometimes even other family members. We do our best to provide options and support they might be in need of. We seek to be a place of growth and support."
How would you describe Gilbert to a stranger?:
"Gilbert is a very special microcosm. Although we are a small school, we are a vibrant, diverse community school with tremendous heart, a ton of blue & gold spirit, and a talented, well-trained faculty dedicated to bringing out the greatest potential in every student."
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Coach's Corner
By Buckley Morgan, Athletic Director
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Wednesday was the Yellowjackets final home basketball game of the season. The boys played Housatonic and won 82-65. It was a great game and a good way to finalize our home season. Our girls are playing tonight at Thomaston and the boys will play Friday night at Northwestern. After that, we will see how the brackets workout.
This morning I was sitting at my dining room table drinking coffee and listening to the local news. I was thinking how nice it was that spring starts in just two days. The snow is almost completely gone from my yard and the squirrels are out doing what squirrels do. Then the weather pops up on the TV and announces that winter is going to throw at least one last snowstorm at us on the last day of winter. Ugh!
The good news is, we know spring will arrive and so will our spring sports. The spring contests are now posted on the CIAC website and once again we are allowing parents to attend the spring games. Everyone in attendance must follow all the COVID protocols, wear a DPH-approved mask, and social distance from others. We will not be allowing visiting teams to have guests. The best way for our students to see the games is to play in them. Get on Family ID and register for a sport. Otherwise, as of now, no students can attend spring sports.
The most recent COVID protocols require all quarantined athletes to not return to play until after 14 days. Any athlete that tests positive will have to go through a series of “Return To Play” protocols with the Gilbert Trainer. There are no exceptions to this. Once the student-athlete completes 14 days of quarantine from sports and gets a note from his/her doctor authorizing a return to play, it is at that point that they will start the protocol. This is a five-day protocol and can be longer based on each individual’s ability to progress without medical concerns or red flags.
This will likely be the final Buzz sports update until the Spring season begins in the first week of April. Until then, be safe, stay COVID-free, and enjoy the spring weather when it gets here. If there is anything that you feel is missing in these updates, please send me an email and I will do my best to include it in future updates.
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Food Service Schedule Update for March |
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Pick up times are Mondays, and Wednesdays 11:00-4:00PM
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.
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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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 [email protected].
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Last week's WHOZIT from 1965:
Barb Hawley correctly identified: "The Gilbert School Band"; Secretary, Gretchen Van Why, Librarian, Leslie Sullivan, Vice President, George Felgate, President, Florence Roberts, and teacher Mr. Ed Keeley.
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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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