The Gilbert School E-News
September/October 2026
Students, Families, Faculty, and Staff,
As we settle into the new school year, it has been wonderful to see the energy and excitement throughout The Gilbert School community. The first few weeks of school have given us the opportunity to reconnect, establish routines, welcome new members of our community, and begin working toward the goals we have set for the year ahead.
A new school year is about more than simply returning to the classroom. It is an opportunity to build new relationships, discover new interests, challenge ourselves, and continue growing as individuals and as a school community. Already, our students are getting involved in classrooms, athletics, clubs, activities, and events that make Gilbert such a special place to learn and grow.
I am especially grateful to our faculty and staff for the time, care, and dedication they have put into creating a positive and welcoming start to the year. Their commitment to our students is evident each day, and I appreciate all they do to support both academic success and the many experiences that take place beyond the classroom.
To our families, thank you for your continued partnership and support. A strong school community depends on the collaboration between our students, families, faculty, and staff, and we are grateful for the role each of you plays in making The Gilbert School a place where students can thrive.
To our students, I encourage you to continue approaching this year with curiosity, determination, and an open mind. Take advantage of opportunities to get involved, ask questions, try something new, and support those around you. The habits and relationships we build at the beginning of the year can help shape a successful and meaningful year ahead.
As September continues, I look forward to seeing our school community continue to grow, learn, and come together. There is much to look forward to, and I am excited for all that this school year will bring.
Here’s to a fantastic year ahead and plenty of Yellowjacket pride!
With gratitude and best wishes,
Michael Susi
Head of School
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.
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!
- 211 Connecticut: Click on the link or dial 211 to access resources.
- Connecticut Foodshare: Provides food at over 100 locations in no-questions-asked outdoor “farmers market” settings. Mobile Pantry also available. Text FOODSHARE to 85511 and follow the prompts.
- Connecticut Food Bank: Connecting you to local food pantries and meal programs.
- Department of Social Services (DSS): Apply for SNAP and other assistance programs.
- School Meal Programs: Many districts offer free or reduced-price meals. Contact your local school or visit the Connecticut Department of Education.
- Local Community Action Agencies: Emergency food and support services available across Connecticut.
- FoodShare’s “Share Fresh” Program: Fresh produce and food boxes for families in need.
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.
Does your child want to play a sport? Don’t forget to book your sports physical! Students need a current physical on file in the nurse’s office to try out for a sport. Physicals should be dated within 13 months.
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.
A nationwide harm reduction agency, Next Distro, is offering a free Narcan-similar opioid overdose medication to be delivered to your home. Their website requires watching a training video, taking a short quiz and providing your enrollment info. Click HERE to find out more information about how to receive FREE Naxolone, sent directly to your home.
REMINDER:
- 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.
We use local! The Gilbert Café uses local produce purchased from many local farms through the Northwest Connecticut Food Hub. We love supporting our local economy & feeding great local products to our students!
Our school utilizes the SchoolMessenger system to deliver text messages straight to your mobile phone with important information about school closings, delays, early dismissals, saftey alerts, and more.
You can participate in this free service by sending a text message of "Y" or "YES" to our school's short code number, 67587. You can opt out of these messages at any time by simply replying to one of our messages with "Stop".
Opt in now from your mobile phone. Point your phone's camera at this QR code.
October 5-9: Spirit Week
October 10: Homecoming
October 12: No School
October 21: Half Day
