April 29, 2025 For Immediate Release:
Winsted, CT - The W.L. Gilbert School Corporation is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Susi as the next Head of School.
Michael brings a wealth of experience in educational leadership and school operations, with a career spanning both academic and administrative roles. Currently serving as Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations at Woodstock Academy, he oversees critical departments including HR, IT, food service, maintenance, and transportation. His leadership as Principal at East Lyme High School contributed to the school’s recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Michael has also held principal and assistant principal positions, demonstrating a strong commitment to student success and institutional excellence. Michael holds both bachelor's and master’s degrees from Southern Connecticut State University and an Executive Leadership Degree from the University of Connecticut.
“I am pleased to welcome Mr. Susi as the next Head of School,” said Holly Cassaday, Board Chair. “His extensive experience across public, private, and endowed academy settings will be a tremendous asset to The Gilbert School and the greater community. I look forward to collaborating with Mr. Susi to advance our mission of preparing all students to become thoughtful, productive citizens in an increasingly complex global society. Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Mr. Susi as he joins The Gilbert School family.”
“I am deeply honored to be entrusted with the opportunity to join The Gilbert School and to contribute to its distinguished traditions and legacy of educational excellence. As an endowed academy, The Gilbert School occupies a unique and important place at the intersection of independent and public education. Having served in both sectors, as well as within a town academy, I am eager to listen, learn, and grow in partnership with the Gilbert community. I look forward to fostering meaningful relationships and advancing the mission of this exceptional institution,” said Susi.
The search was facilitated by consultants from Trumbull-based Cooperative Educational Services (C.E.S.), who guided the district’s search committee through the decision-making process by providing a leadership profile based on feedback from the district’s various stakeholders and facilitating the interview process with candidates. The consultants employed an advanced interview technique proven to demonstrate the candidates’ abilities to be successful in the leadership position by assessing their supervisory skills, qualities, and attributes against the established profile.
C.E.S. is one of the six Regional Educational Service Centers (RESCs) established by the state legislature to provide supports and services to public school districts. C.E.S. serves students and educators in Fairfield County, along with Executive Search services throughout the state. More information about C.E.S. can be found at www.cestrumbull.org.
Contact: Holly Cassaday, The W.L. Gilbert School Corporation Board Chair; cassadayh@gilbertschool.org
After a long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Gilbert School is proud to announce the return of its World Language Honor Societies. These prestigious societies recognize students who have excelled in their study of Latin, Spanish and French, demonstrating not only academic achievement but also a passion for language and culture.
To celebrate this milestone, The Gilbert School will host its official Induction Ceremony on May 8, 2025, at 6:00 PM in The Gilbert School Library. During the ceremony, new members will be formally inducted into their respective societies, acknowledging their dedication to language learning and cultural appreciation.
The revival of these honor societies marks an important step in reestablishing traditions that encourage linguistic excellence and global awareness among students. Families, faculty, and friends are invited to attend the ceremony and celebrate the achievements of these outstanding language learners.
For more information, please contact:
Mrs. Kruk for French (krukm@gilbertschool.org)
Ms. Frechette for Latin (frechettes@gilbertschool.org)
- Mrs. Pelletier for Spanish (pelletierj@gilbertschool.org)
Coming soon! The 3rd Annual Culture and Identity Fair will take place during the school day on May 22. In this culminating event, 10th grade students will display and present a number of projects from the year highlighting various aspects of their identities and cultures. This fair has become an end of year highlight for our school community and one that spotlights the pride and diversity of our student body and school as a whole. Once again, we are looking forward to learning even more about our students and what makes them unique!
The First J&B Annual 5K Walk/Run for Suicide Awareness and Prevention was a huge success. The event took place on Sunday, April 27 at TGS. Open to Middle & High School students, faculty, staff, and families, the 5K was held to help raise awareness for suicide prevention and mental health, in hopes to connect our students and families to resources in the community. The event raised over $2,500 for the cause, exceeding its goal by over $500. Freshman Cassie Ash received a prize for the student who raised the most money, bringing in over $600 in donations. The event proceeds will be split between the JED Foundation and Hope for Depression Foundation.
TGS students who ran included Nathaniel Hackett, Cassie Ash, Victoria Parent, Isaac Hebert, Angelee Naura Dircio, Sierra Peck, Adrian Hackett, Franny Oakes-Sands and Miranda Deraleau. We also had one student from Pearson running, Ivy Deraleau, who won the Up and Coming Yellowjacket Medal!
Student Runners
- 1st Place: Nathaniel Hackett with a time of 23:22
- 2nd Place: Cassie Ash with a time of 25:26
- 3rd Place: Victoria Parent with a time of 30:51
TGS Staff who ran included Lauren Orr, Zack Penn, Scott Minnerly, Donald Crossman, and Nikita Tarabara, with Zack Penn taking home our Fastest Staff Member Award with a time of 21:48.
There are bright things ahead for the 5K. According to one of the event's planners, TGS Social Worker Michaela Cutarelli, "We were really happy with the turnout. We also had several agencies who set up tables for information regarding mental health services; Wellmore and the Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board. Next year we are looking into possibly creating a scholarship with the fundraised amount for one of our students who may be going into the mental health field, or who has struggled with mental health themselves."
Thank you to all who donated and participated - we're so glad that you're part of The Hive!
Seniors, in less than five weeks you will be graduating from The Gilbert School, which means that the time has come for you to settle all of your outstanding obligations. It's not too early to get started!
Obligations include the completion of the Final Transcript/Oucome Form, the return of all TGS materials (or payment for missing items), and the settling of all outstanding balances by 6/4. This list includes:
- textbooks (see Mrs. Pfeffer to see what you owe)
- library books (see Mrs. Pfeffer to see what you owe)
- chromebooks ($300), both assigned devices and loaners
- chromebook chargers ($30)
- sports equipment & uniforms (cost varies, see Mr. Penn)
- band instruments & uniforms (cost varies, see Mr. Minnerly)
- cafeteria balances (see cafeteria cashier)
- class dues ($50 total for all 4 years - see Ms. Nardine to see if you owe)
- miscellaneous balances (ex. broken chromebook fees, etc.)
- cap & gown fee ($31.00 - see Mrs. Shaffer to pay)
Seniors with outstanding obligations will not receive their caps/gowns and graduation tickets until all obligations are settled.
Caps and gowns will be distributed at the end of graduation rehearsal on 6/5, provided that the $31.00 cost has been paid. Payments for caps and gowns can be in the form of cash or check (made out to The Gilbert School), and should be brought to Mrs. Shaffer in the Main Office any time between now and 6/4.
Graduation Tickets will be distributed at the end of graduation practice on 6/6, which begins at 9:00 am.
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.
On Thursday, May 22nd, grade 8 will take a trip to High Meadow in North Granby, CT. This end of the year celebratory field trip will allow time to gather as a grade to have some final fun as a whole class before embarking on the journey of high school. The cost of the field trip is $33.00 and is due by May 8th. Students may bring permission slips to any advisory teacher and/or contact Mrs. Daige at daiges@gilbertschool.org for questions/concerns. We hope to see you all there!
- Litchfield County UConn 4-H (the youth development program of UConn Extension) is proud to announce their partnership with the Arethusa Farm Foundation to provide local youth ages 5 to 13 with various summer camp opportunities.
- Multiple weeks and camp programs available starting in June
- See the flyer for more information
EdAdvance Robotics Summer Camps
Give your students an exciting opportunity to dive into hands-on robotics at the Robot Rush Accelerator: Design, Build, and Compete! summer camp. This exploratory one-week summer camp, hosted by the College & Career Accelerator, an EdAdvance initiative, is designed to spark curiosity and ignite a passion for STEM.
Specifically developed for students entering grades 6-8 in the 2025/2026 school year, the Robot Rush Accelerator offers a dynamic and engaging learning experience.
Explore Engineering Camp for Rising High School Students
Two-week Explore Engineering camp (sleep away/residential) for students entering grades 9-11 designed to introduce rising high school students to various engineering majors through hands-on activities led by current undergraduate engineering students, and presentations led by UConn faculty.
July 13 – July 25
Deadline to Apply: April 20, 2025
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 March of 2025, all junior students participated 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.
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.
Opening for cafeteria workers on a substitute basis. The work schedule follows the school calendar, approximately 5 hours/day on an as needed basis. 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.
