Mid-term exams are scheduled for January 21st-24th. See the image below for important schedule information. Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors who meet the criteria listed below for SEMESTER classes are able to be exempt, provided the student completes and submits the Midterm Exam Exemption Form with signatures by the deadline (1/16). The Exemption Form will be available starting on Tuesday 1/7/25, and can be found HERE.
EXEMPTION CRITERIA:
STUDENTS MUST HAVE AT LEAST A 90 AVERAGE IN THE CLASS BEING EXEMPTED
- Seniors: May exempt from ALL semester exams
- Juniors: May exempt from three (3) semester exams
- Sophomores: May exempt from two (2) semester exams
- Freshman: Must take all semester exams
Exam exemption forms are due to Mrs. Kirsch in the Guidance Office by 2:16 pm on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 by 2:16 pm, no exceptions.
The Gilbert School sent a group of high school student leaders to the Berkshire League School Climate Summit on December 11 at Shepaug Valley School in Washington, CT. Accompanied by Mr. Crossman, Associate Principal, students Tyler Dobbins-Ackerly, Kayla Fontaine, Emily Arel, and Andrea Buncalan presented workshops to other students from the Berkshire League on topics of leadership, involvement and networking.
Principal Lewis proudly remarked, "This is just another example of how wonderful our students are, not just here within our walls, but beyond. I have no doubt that their contributions today are key in creating positive campus change around CT." Thank you student leaders!
Only weeks into the '24-'25 basketball season Gilbert senior Emily Arel has broken the school’s basketball scoring record. The old record, 1806 points, was previously held by Ellen Garaghty since 1998. On December 20th, Emily scored the record-breaking basket against Shepaug. Click here to read an article about the event in the Republican-American's "The Zone". Congratulations Emily! Be sure to follow Emily’s journey and our girls’ basketball season - it’s sure to be historic!
December was another busy month in the Music Department, starting off with members of the High School Concert Choir performing Christmas Carols and welcoming Santa on December 7th at East End Park.
We had a very successful Winter Concert on December 17th featuring the Jazz Ensemble, Middle School Chorus, Middle School Band, High School Concert Choir, and the High School Symphonic Band! On December 18th, the Jazz Ensemble and Concert Choir performed for the Gilbert School Corp!
Lastly, we were thrilled to welcome and perform for over 600 students and staff from Hinsdale and Pearson schools at a school day concert in the Gilbert Auditorium on December 20th. We even had a suprise appearance by Mr. Claus, himself! What a wonderful (and musical) end to 2024!
Looking ahead to January, we have five students representing Gibert at the Northern Region Honors Festival hosted at New Britain High School on 1/17 and 1/18. These students have the opportunity to audition for All State on February 1st - good luck to all!
Ethan Cavajani - Percussionist in the Orchestra
Freily Cruz - Tenor in the Mixed Choir
Victoria Parent - Alto in the Treble Choir
Natalia Rodriguez - Soprano in the Mixed Choir
Mackenzie Steeves - Alto in the Mixed Choir
Career exploration and high school planning lessons were presented to 8th graders. Students completed the Career Key assessment on Naviance which helps them identify their traits, explore their interests, and match work environments and careers. Students also participated in discussions regarding their personality type/code, suggested careers, the importance of exploring their interests in middle school, and how to utilize their high school experience to support their end goal. Eighth graders will begin picking high school classes in February!
As 2024 came to a close, we are pleased to share the heartwarming activities our students have engaged in during Hive Time, all centered around the theme of Kindness. In December, our students participated in a blanket-making event, where they collaboratively crafted beautiful blankets to donate to local shelters, spreading warmth and compassion to those in need. Additionally, they embraced an "Acts of Kindness" challenge, performing thoughtful gestures for teachers, peers, and family members that fostered a supportive atmosphere within our school community.
To further enrich their understanding of kindness, students engaged in reflective journaling, allowing them to express their feelings and experiences related to their acts of kindness. Many shared how these experiences deepened their connections with others and brought joy into their lives. It has been a truly inspiring month, and we encourage families to continue discussing the importance of kindness at home as we move forward into the new year.
School social workers will continue meeting with 7th grade students 2-3 times weekly in groups to provide social/emotional support, curriculum, and skill development lessons during Hive Time. If you would like more information about Hive Time for your middle school student, please contact Ms. Thompson at thompsonm@gilbertschool.org.
The Winter Season is officially underway! We have some amazing teams this Winter, come and check them out.
On 12/20 against Shepaug, Senior Emily Arel officially broke The Gilbert School Basketball scoring record set by Ellen Geraghty in 1998. Congratulations Emily! The girls are off to a good start sitting at 4-3 and looking to improve.
The Gilbert, Torrington, Oliver Wolcott (GTO) Wrestling team has competed in several matches and invitationals. Junior Evan Schibi won his weight class in the Fairfield Ludlowe High School Invitational on 12/21.
The Boy's Basketball team is still looking for their first win, but they have been more competitive this year!
The Indoor Track team has meets at Hillhouse, Yale, and Bethel in January. This year they will be competing in the inaugural Berkshire League All-Star meet on 2/7.
Middle School Boys and Girls Basketball started their season off with wins against NWR7 on 12/19 and look to get another win at the start of the New Year against Thomaston on 1/3.
- 1/3 - Boys JV Basketball @ 5:30 PM v. Northwestern
- 1/3 - Boys V Basketball @ 7:00 PM v. Northwestern
- 1/6 - Boys JV Basketball @ 5:30 PM v. East Windsor
- 1/6 - Boys V Basketball @ 7:00 PM v. East Windsor
- 1/8 - Boys V Wrestling @ 6:00 PM v. Northwestern
- 1/10 - Girls JV Basketball @ 5:30 PM v. Nonnewaug
- 1/10 - Girls V Basketball @ 7:00 PM v. Nonnewaug
- 1/14 - Girls JV Basketball @ 5:30 PM v. Thomaston
- 1/14 - Girls V Basketball @ 7:00 PM v. Thomaston
- 1/17 - Boys JV Basketball @ 5:30 PM v. Lakeview
- 1/17 - Boys V Basketball @ 7:00 PM v. Lakeview
- 1/21 - Girls JV Basketball @ 5:30 PM v. Housatonic
- 1/21 - Girls V Basketball @ 7:00 PM v. Housatonic
- 1/24 - Girls JV Basketball @ 5:30 PM v. Shepaug
- 1/24 - Girls V Basketball @ 7:00 PM v. Shepaug
- 1/25 - Girls V Basketball @ 2:00 PM v. Amistad
- 1/28 - Boys V Wrestling @ 6:00 PM v. St. Paul
- 1/29 - Girls JV Basketball @ 5:30 PM v. Terryville
- 1/29 - Girls V Basketball @ 7:00 PM v. Terryville
- 1/31 - Boys JV Basketball @ 5:30 PM v. Thomaston
- 1/31 - Boys V Basketball @ 7:00 PM v. Thomaston
Questions?
Contact Josh Penn, Gilbert Director of Athletics 7-12 at: pennj@gilbertschool.org or call 860 379-3721 with any questions regarding Athletics. If you have specific questions regarding practices and games please contact the coach directly.
International students spent loads of time bonding this month. Joining together to decorate the dorm throughout the winter holiday season helped everyone get into the festive spirit. As the dorm Christmas tree was assembled students took time to reflect on the year and think about positive changes they wanted to make for the new year. They wrote cards to their close friends and family members which were hung on the tree as ornaments bringing wishes of hope and prosperity.
We had the special treat of collaborating with Mrs. Farrar as she shared her culinary talents leading us in creating individual gingerbread houses of all styles. Her homemade meringue icing was a hit!
Miss Kruk and Miss Claudia joined Student Ambassadors who added to the joyous dorm spirit as they designed miniature gumball machine ornaments.
Of course, no holiday season would be complete without a visit to the Big Apple. Residential Coordinator Miss Ayanna helped round out the year taking students through Times Square to enjoy festive New York City.
We end the year congratulating our international students Kaylee and Luis who made Honor Roll; along with Lars, Vitor, Lily, and Eric who all made High Honor Roll during Quarter 1.
Grade 11 and 12 students are invited to tour the campus of Lincoln Technical Institute in East Windsor on Thursday, January 30th. There is no cost to attend. The field trip permission form is available in the school counseling office or you can print it HERE. Please return your completed forms to the Guidance Office as soon as possible. The available Lincoln Tech training programs offered at their East Windsor campus are:
Every year the Gilbert School provides this multiple-aptitude battery to students in Grades 10 through 12. The ASVAB measures multiple abilities and helps predict future occupational success in military and civilian life. It’s a great way for our students to discover their strengths and see how those strengths transfer to future career opportunities.
Many Connecticut state, regional, and local scholarships are available to view on Naviance! The list continues to grow, so check in periodically to find area scholarships that are right for you.
Sign in to your Naviance account
Click “Colleges” on the top bar
Click “Scholarships & Money”
Click “Scholarship Search”
Seniors can also find various state, local, and regional scholarships on the TGS Scholarship Padlet, found under 'Resources' on our Gilbert School Counselling website. Or click on the button below to view it directly. Stay tuned for information on the Gilbert Trust Scholarships in the coming months!
Khan Academy, in conjunction with College Board, offers free customized SAT prep based on a student's performance on the PSAT/SAT. Generated SAT practice is tailored specifically to focus on those areas in which the student requires the most practice. Click on the button below to find out more information!
In spring of 2025, all junior students will participate in the Connecticut SAT School Day at The Gilbert School. However, any student (not just juniors!) can register online to take the SAT and/or to take the ACT throughout the year - as many times as you choose. Like anything else, the more you practice, the better you'll get!
*Please note that The Gilbert School is no longer a testing site and will not be hosting SAT testing on alternate dates.
Winter Coats
With the onset of winter almost upon us, please remember to dress for the weather! If needed, we have new and gently used coats, hats, and gloves available for anyone that needs one! Contact Mrs. Webb at 860 379 8521 x1431 or email at webbd@gilbertschool.org.
Connecticut experienced a heartbreaking rise in teen suicides this summer. The 988 National Contact Center services include rapid 24/7 access to trained staff who can help students (and adults) experiencing suicidal, substance use and other mental health crises, provide referrals to resources, and perform warm transfers to Mobile Crisis or emergency services as needed/desired. Additional information, resources, and materials for Connecticut residents can be found at the links below.
All Grades 7 & 9 Students Are REQUIRED To Have A Physical By Their Physician
Students are required to have a physical exam for seventh grade, and also during ninth grade prior to the start of tenth grade. "Blue" physical forms were mailed out in your student's back-to-school packets in August. Forms can also be found in physician’s offices, the TGS main office, as well as the nurse's office. Physicals are also required every 13 months for students who are trying out for sports. If you have any questions regarding this State mandated requirement, please contact the nurse. If your child has already had a physical, please submit it to the Nurse's Office. If you would like to have your physician fax a copy, the confidential direct fax number is 860 738 9651.
- Would you like a part time job with summers off?
- Are you available to work during school hours?
- If you answered yes, School Food Service may be the place for you!
Opening for cafeteria workers, daily, or on a substitute basis. The work schedule follows the school calendar, approximately 5.25 hours/day, on an as needed basis. Applicants must be flexible with times, as school lunch schedules occasionally change. No experience needed, will train. Application, resume, letter of intent and 2 letters of reference are requested. Interested individuals should click HERE to apply online.
2025 Gilbert High School Yearbooks are on sale now for $85. Prices will only increase, so get it now before the price goes up! Click on the button below to purchase your yearbook and add ons.
New this year: Donate a yearbook to someone in need! Click on the button below to donate an entire yearbook to a student, or you can donate any dollar amount towards a yearbook. Any questions please email Mrs. Zaprzalka at zaprzalkas@gilbertschool.org.
Business yearbook ads are now available for purchase. Creating an ad that will seen by local parents, students, and community members is a fantastic way to promote your greater Winchester area business. Click on the button below, and scroll down to purchase an ad.
Personal yearbook ads are also available for purchase! Personal ads for your students are a great way to support them and show them how proud you are of all their accomplishments! Ads can be purchased and created on the yearbook website by clicking on the button below.
Any questions please email Mrs. Zaprzalka at zaprzalkas@gilbertschool.org.
Unsure how to set up your PowerSchool account? No problem! Follow these simple steps:
- Begin at The Gilbert School Webpage www.gilbertschool.org
- From the Parent dropdown menu, choose PowerSchool
- Click on the PowerSchool logo
- Click the create an account button
- Completely fill out the form
(The Access ID is your child’s student ID number, and the Access password is the first 8 letters of your child’s last name.)
PLEASE NOTE - PASSWORDS MUST BE:
- At least 7 characters
- At least one uppercase and one lowercase letter
- At least one number
- At least one special character (!,$,&,*, etc.)
Should you need assistance, please contact battistas@gilbertschool.org
