The Buzz
School Community Newsletter
Issue #39
Friday, March 26, 2021
|
|
Happy Passover!
חג פסח שמח
|
|
Passover, also known as Pesach, is a seven day Jewish holiday that commemorates the Hebrews' liberation from slavery in Egypt. It is a commemoration of the "passing over" of forces of destruction and the sparing of the firstborn of the Israelites. There are many traditions associated with Passover, including the eating of matzah (which is what you see in this picture below the tulips). Matzah an unleavened bread made from flour and water, and cooked quickly. For more about the history and traditions of Passover, go to the Jewish Virtual Library at this link.
|
|
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.
|
|
Support the Proposed School Budget |
|
Winsted’s board of selectmen will be holding a public hearing on the board of education’s budget on Monday, March 29 at 7 p.m. The hearing will be held both in-person and virtually over Zoom.
If you want to attend the meeting in-person it is at The Pearson School, at 2 Wetmore Ave. (please wear a mask!)
To attend via Zoom here are the codes:
Meeting ID: 894 3409 2476
Passcode: 982777
The meeting will include the presentation of both the Gilbert School’s and the Winchester Public School district’s proposed budget for fiscal 2022.
At the conclusion of the presentations, meeting attendees both in-person and on Zoom can ask questions and make comments.
The budgets may be viewed online at the town’s website at townofwinchester.org For a printed copy call 860-738-6962.
|
|
Schedule for Monday, March 29 to April 6 |
|
Please note: We will be welcoming back 10th and 11th grade students on Tuesday, March 30, and 7th and 8th grade students on Monday, April 5, to complete our repopulation plan. |
|
The Governor has lifted travel restrictions. However, the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) is still advising against travel and is urging self-quarantine and getting tested for Covid upon return.
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.
|
|
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!
|
|
Athlete of the Week
Jesse Schmidt
|
|
Age: 18
Parent: Stacy Schmidt
Sports: Basketball, baseball, and soccer.
Why did you choose to play these three sports?:
“I enjoy playing because it’s something I can do in my free time with friends. I have made a lot of friends by playing all three sports. I have also learned how to work hard and never give up. I have also learned to work through adversity."
What is your strategy in playing all three sports?:
“Just go out there and give it my all.”
What are your thoughts on your teammates and coaches?:
“All of my coaches are great! Both my coaches, my teammates, and everyone around me have all pushed me to work harder.”
Any advice you want to give to anyone who wants to play these sports?
“Play hard.”
|
|
Alumnus of the Week
James (Jamie) Barber
Class of 2012
|
|
Jamie in his service uniform |
|
What have you done since you graduated?
"After high school, I took a little bit of a hiatus. I was going to go to Western Connecticut State University then I changed my mind. I took a break for a year and then joined the Navy and I have been part of the Active Duty Navy for the past eight years. I'm currently stationed in the Great Lakes area, a little bit north of Chicago."
|
|
Jamie and the SEAL Team FOUR Combat Support Service Team |
|
Where have you been since you enlisted?:
"First I was in Guam, the Pacific Island area and south of the Philippines, close to Japan. From there I did a little bit of traveling in Japan.
The second place I was stationed was down in Virginia Beach. From there, for deployment I ended up in South America a little bit. I was attached with Seal Team Four and I saw some cool places, including Panama, Columbia, and all sorts of neat stuff along the way."
What is your current rank?:
"I am an E6, Petty Officer First Class. I currently work at a boot camp."
|
|
Photo Collage from an educational class Jamie was a part of for the National Park Services Junior Ranger Program (Guam Chapter) |
|
What do you remember from your time at Gilbert?:
"I had a really great time at Gilbert. As I was growing up, the school was like home to me. Especially because my grandmother, Janet Hall, worked at Gilbert for a very long time as an acquisitions manager. Even as a child, when I went to Hinsdale School, I would end up going to Gilbert in the morning when my grandmother went to work. I would hang out there for a while and walk down to Hinsdale when it was time for school. I grew up at Gilbert."
Do you have any other family members who also attended Gilbert?:
“Pretty much my entire family. My grandmother Janet (Thibodeau) Hall, 1956, went to Gilbert, along with my mother Tracy Hall, 1982, my father James Barber, 1969, and both of my sisters, Brittney Barber, 2004, and Haley (Barber) Wheeler, 2006.”
|
|
Jamie educating Navy Seal Cadets Program (Guam) members on naval equipment. |
|
What lessons from Gilbert did you apply to the real world?:
"I would say it gave me an open mind. When I started at Gilbert, I wasn't always the best student. It took me a while to find something that interested me. Pretty much at the midway point of my time in high school, I started to discover the Arts was what I really took a liking to. Then, my whole mindset really changed at Gilbert. I attribute the Arts to really helping me find myself and my passion in everyday life.
Even to this day, while I have been in the Navy, I have been associated with the Arts. I've done different charity events with the Red Cross that were associated with acting and performing.
Even though I have been around the world, I still try to keep in touch with people in town, including people at Laurel Music Camp. Now that I am a full-fledged senior staff member, I try to make it out to as many seasons of camp that I can. It keeps me in touch with the Winsted area and the arts that I love."
Why did you get into the military?:
"I was going to attend Western Connecticut State University for musical theater. I wasn't really ever in the top of my class academically and it took me a while to really apply myself. When it came time for me to go to college, it was tough because I didn't have any money of my own and I didn't have any scholarships. I remember looking at the loan paperwork and starting to forecast that it would take me quite some time to pay off these college loans.
I made the decision to go into the military, not in a regretful way, but because it was a way to do something new and interesting. If I didn't like it, my thought process was that I could very easily leave at the end of my contract. I could then go back home and I would have some money for schooling if the military did not interest me further."
What advice would you give current students?:
"Be open to the world around you. Be very receptive. Your life plans can change from what you originally thought, but that's never a bad thing.
I really thought that I was going to go to college for acting, because it was a passion of mine. At first when I joined the military, as any kid would be, I was apprehensive about the change, but the adventure has been nothing short of amazing. I've done things most people never do in their lifetime. I've been to places I didn't have to pay out of pocket to see. It really is one of the major life decisions that I really am proud of.
Looking back at things I could have been, or I might have been, I really appreciate what I have been able to do and the person I have become from the experiences that I have had. My advice is to be openly receptive to that, to making changes, and to not being scared of those changes. Your life may go down a wonderful track that you never would have imagined."
|
|
Jamie taking part in Junior Ranger Day |
|
Student of the Week
Bailee Robinson
|
|
Age: 17
Parents: Amy and James Robinson
What are your favorite classes?:
"My Intro to Law class and my Accounting classes are my favorite. I like my law class because I want to go into a career of law, and that is what I want to study in college. I like accounting because I like the teacher and my fellow students in the class."
What are your extracurricular activities?:
"I do cheerleading and I have done it my entire high school career. It takes up most of my free time. I like it because I like being surrounded by my team. I grew up participating in competitions and that is my favorite part. Cheerleading is really fun and I hope more girls will join in the future."
What will you remember from your time at Gilbert?:
"Probably my teachers. They have really helped me through my high school career. Most of them I am pretty close with and I think they have all made some really great bonds with us."
What are your future plans?:
"I'm going to go to Northwestern Connecticut Community College and study Criminal Justice. Then hopefully transfer to the University of Maine for further studies."
|
|
Faculty Member of the Week
Cheryl Caneschi
|
|
Middle School Spanish Teacher for eleven years. |
|
How long have you been working at Gilbert for?:
"I have been teaching at The Gilbert School for eleven years. Prior to that, I taught in various public and private schools."
What's your educational background?:
“I started to learn Spanish in Middle school, just as most of our world language students do. My favorite word to say in middle school was albondigas, meatballs! I liked how it sounded! During high school, I was placed in a Spanish class with a teacher that formed my life. I studied with her through Spanish 5 and I knew then that I wanted to be a Spanish teacher. I earned my Bachelors of Science Degree in Education with a major in Spanish from Southern Connecticut State University. I also studied abroad at the University of Salamanca in Spain while in college. I then earned my Master's Degree in ELL from Central Connecticut State University.”
What do you think of Gilbert?:
“Gilbert is a very special place. It is a warm and welcoming community for all who enter our doors. We are truly a family, caring and reaching out to all within the building and also those in our community.”
Why do you think your position is important?:
"Teaching and learning a new language is important. It expands your mind and helps you learn about other cultures. This is so important for global thinking and having an appreciation for all cultures."
How would you describe Gilbert to a stranger?:
"To a stranger, I would say, come visit our wonderful caring Gilbert family!"
|
|
International Students Receive Recognition
By Debra LaRoche Walls, Dean of Admissions
|
|
On Tuesday, March 23, each of the six international students residing on campus, were recognized for their academic and musical accomplishments for the second quarter of the school year. Residential Coordinators; Cristina and David Rutherford, and Samantha and Shayne Deschamps were all present as Dean of Admissions, Debra LaRoche Walls, presented the certificates of merit to each of the students. It was a very proud evening for the international program.
First year ninth grade students, Ben Nguyen from Vietnam and Andrew Park from South Korea, were both awarded certificates for their outstanding academic grades. Ben received for high honors and Andrew for honors. This is outstanding for both boys who are in the US for the first time. The other students who received academic certificates were; senior student, Leo Xu, for honors; and eleventh graders, Frank Guan, for high honors, and Alan Wan for honors.
|
|
Bruce Zheng and his Concert Band Certificate |
|
Bruce Zheng received a certificate for his musical accomplishment for Concert Band and most recently for making All-State Music. Mr. Scott Minnerly, Music Director, added that this was an amazing year for Gilbert to have three students in addition to Bruce, chosen to All State. He added that Bruce had a very high score as well. Bruce is sharing dual enrollment with Hartt School of Music in West Hartford and The Gilbert School.
The evening ended with a small celebration of pastry, beverages and goody bags hosted by Cristina Rutherford. Complimentary professional photos were taken by Stuart Walls owner of Woodstock Studio Photography Services, Milford. Photos of the students were emailed to their proud parents and Agents. We hope each of the students will have a successful third quarter that closes on March 30 for more celebrating.
|
|
Coach's Corner
By Buckley Morgan, Athletic Director
|
|
I was not going to do another column until the Spring season got going, but I decided I did have things to share after all. It is March 25th and our Post Season is now complete. The boys’ basketball played Nonnewuag last night for their last post-season game. Gilbert lost 63-58. Considering Coach Douglas only had nine Gilbert players, it was a pretty close game. Several of his players are out due to COVID close contact rules. The Girls were supposed to play Litchfield last night as well but that game was canceled due to Litchfield's shortage of players also due to COVID issues.
Overall, it was an extremely successful season. While Gilbert did not do great in the winning column, we did do great in the success column. We made it through the entire regular season with minimal interruptions. We played every scheduled game as planned. In my eyes, this is a very successful record for the 2021 winter season. We are Gilbert Strong in the athletic department. I am expecting our Spring season to go even better with less COVID impact.
Spring season practices begin on Saturday, March 27th, although most sports will have their first practice after school on Monday, March 29th. Rawley Field is up and ready for sports. Walker field needs a little more time to dry out. Middle School sports will likely startup after the April. 10th. There is more to come on MS sports from Mr. Harbach, the Middle School AD. Please remember the current spectator rules allow two parents per athlete to attend each spring contest. No out side students are allowed at this point. All COVID masks and social distance rules apply.
See You out in the sun for Spring Sports!
|
|
Food Service Schedule April |
|
March 25, 2021
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students,
I hope this informational letter finds everyone safe, healthy, and excited about the beginning of bringing 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.
Beginning March 29, 2021, pick up times will change.
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.
|
|
Last week's WHOZIT from 1962
Congratulations to Amber (Curtis) Roy, 1963 and Barb Hawley, 1965 who correctly answered!
|
|
Google Classroom Cheat Sheet |
|
Attention Gilbert Alumni
We Want to Stay in Contact With You!
|
|
The Gilbert School
200 WIlliams Avenue
Winsted, CT 06098
860-379-8521
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
