The Gilbert School E-News

Students, Families, Faculty, and Staff,

As we welcome a new year, January offers us a meaningful opportunity to pause, reflect, and look ahead with renewed purpose. The start of this new chapter invites fresh energy, new goals, and a continued commitment to growth, both individually and as a school community.

The months behind us were filled with memorable moments, strong academic engagement, and a spirit of connection that continues to define Gilbert. From the dedication shown in classrooms to the pride displayed during school events and athletic competitions, our students have embraced challenges and opportunities with determination and enthusiasm. These experiences have laid a strong foundation as we begin the second half of the school year.

January is a time to refocus and set intentions. Whether students are diving into new coursework, preparing for upcoming activities, or continuing to develop skills and interests, this season reminds us that progress is built day by day. We look forward to the exciting learning, collaboration, and achievements that lie ahead in the coming months.

I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank our entire community:

Our Students: Thank you for your resilience, curiosity, and commitment to learning. Your efforts and positive spirit shape the culture of our school.

Our Faculty and Staff: Thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and unwavering support of our students. Your work continues to make a lasting impact every day.

Our Parents and Guardians: Thank you for your ongoing partnership and encouragement. Your involvement plays a vital role in our students’ success.

As we move forward into 2026, I wish everyone a healthy, productive, and fulfilling start to the new year. Together, we will continue to build on our successes and support one another as we work toward our shared goals.

Warm regards,

Michael Susi
Head of School

By Ms. Karen Pfeffer, Library Media Specialist

We are proud to announce that Sophomore Wyatt Rodriguez has been selected as a Student Reader for the 2028 High School Nutmeg Committee! This is a remarkable achievement and an exciting opportunity for Wyatt to take part in one of Connecticut’s most respected student literary programs.

As a student reader, Wyatt will take on the impressive task of reading and reviewing up to 90 young adult books across a wide range of genres. Throughout the coming year, he will attend five committee meetings, where he and fellow readers will discuss the strengths, themes, and literary merit of the titles they have explored. Wyatt’s insight and evaluations will play an important role in helping the committee choose the ten finalist books that will be considered for the prestigious 2028 Nutmeg Award.

The Connecticut Nutmeg Book Award is a statewide reading initiative that encourages students to engage with high-quality literature. Named after Connecticut’s official nickname, the Nutmeg State, the award invites students in grades 2–12 to read from curated nominee lists and vote for their favorite titles. Committees of librarians, teachers, and student readers—like Wyatt—work together each year to select books that are diverse, compelling, and age-appropriate. The goal of the Nutmeg Award is to inspire a love of reading while giving young people a meaningful voice in recognizing outstanding authors and stories.

By Madison Fritch, Communications Coordinator

From December 15–19, Gilbert was filled with cheer, creativity, and school pride during Holiday Spirit Week! Students and staff embraced the festive fun by dressing up each day and spreading holiday spirit throughout the halls.

Each themed day brought excitement and laughter, showcasing everything from cozy pajamas and festive sweaters to colorful holiday outfits. The week was a wonderful opportunity for the school community to come together, celebrate the season, and show off school spirit in a fun and inclusive way.

Holiday Spirit Week added extra joy to the final days before winter break and helped create lasting memories for students and staff alike. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the week such a success! We loved seeing the creativity and enthusiasm across campus!

By Melissa Bryant, TGS Science Department

Students in the Genetics class have begun an exciting, hands-on molecular biology project in collaboration with The Jackson Laboratory (with locations in Farmington, CT, and Bar Harbor, ME), a world-renowned leader in genetics research.

Through this unique program, students are extracting and analyzing their own DNA, gaining firsthand experience with advanced molecular genetics techniques typically reserved for college-level coursework and professional research labs. This opportunity became possible after their teacher completed a week-long training at Bowdoin College two summers ago, which enabled the school to join the program.

As part of the partnership, Jackson Laboratory has generously provided thousands of dollars’ worth of specialized laboratory equipment on loan, along with reagents for permanent use, allowing students to perform authentic scientific procedures in the classroom. Over the next several weeks, students will work through the full DNA extraction and analysis protocol, building both technical skills and a deeper understanding of modern genetic research.

This collaboration offers students an exceptional, real-world learning experience and highlights the school’s commitment to providing innovative and rigorous STEM opportunities!

By Darlene Webb, Director of Health Services

Thank you to everyone who helped bring a little extra joy to Gilbert families this holiday season. Your generosity, kindness, and support truly embodied the spirit of the season and made a meaningful difference for those in our community.

A special thank-you to Sarah Goldie for her leadership in organizing and distributing the majority of the gifts. Appreciation is also extended to Shannon and Michaela for delivering packages to families who were unable to leave their homes. Their care and dedication ensured that no one was overlooked.

Together, your efforts helped make this a truly wonderful and memorable holiday for many families. Gilbert is fortunate to have such a compassionate and supportive community.

By Ms. Karen Pfeffer, Library Media Specialist

The Genders and Sexualities Alliance (GSA) held its December meeting with a holiday breakfast. Members have created and approved a tshirt design and plan to make and sell Tshirts for Pride Month. The group’s passion project will be to continue to make Pride and Pronoun bracelets. The group plans to hold a Valentine’s Social for interested middle school students in February.

The Project Graduation Committee for the Class of 2026 (comprised of Parent Volunteers) is running their first fundraiser of the year. Please consider donating to help us achieve our goal in providing a fun and safe celebration for the Graduating class. The link provided gives a more detailed description of why we are raising funds. The Project Graduation is paid for solely through community, family, and friend donations as well as organized fundraising events. Please share this link with family/friends. Any amount helps us get closer to our goal. This particular fundraiser will run from now until April 2026. Stay tuned for more fundraising events as the year continues!

By Scott Minnerly, Director of Bands

December was another busy month in the Music Department! On December 9th we had our annual Winter Concert featuring the Jazz Ensemble, the Middle School Chorus, the Middle School Band, the High School Concert Choir, and the High School Symphonic Band. There were over 100 musicians involved from grades 7 - 12! The following week, on December 19th, we continued the tradition of hosting Winchester Public Schools for a Holiday Concert. On the same day, we also performed a concert for the Gilbert students and staff! This was the first time since 2019 that we performed for the school like that, and we're thrilled to have that event back!

Looking ahead to our January events, we have 4 students who auditioned and were accepted to the high school Northern Region Music Festival. They are:

Amaya Santos (9) - Soprano in the Festival Choir

Freily Cruz (11) - Tenor in the Festival Choir

James Slauta (11) - Bass in the Festival Choir

Ethan Cavajani (12) - Percussionist in the Festival band

Up next they have the opportunity to audition for All State on February 7th!

Last, but certainly not least, In December we had our auditions for our Spring production of "The Addams Family Musical: School Edition"! The auditions were great and we can't wait to put on the show for you on March 20, 21, and 22. Stay tuned for more details!

Winter Sports Coaches

• Basketball (Boys) - Kris Kelsey kelseyk@gilbertschool.org
• Basketball (Girls) - Kurt Root rootk@gilbertschool.org
• Cheerleading - Rachel Gagnon gagnonr@gilbertschool.org
• Indoor Track (Boys) - Tom Scarangelo scarangelot@gilbertschool.org
• Indoor Track (Girls) - Tom Scarangelo scarangelot@gilbertschool.org
• Wrestling - Darek Schibi schibid@gilbertschool.org
• MS Basketball (Boys) - Jeremy Decker deckerj@gilbertschool.org
• MS Basketball (Girls) - Kevin Lillie lilliek@gilbertschool.org
• MS Cheerleading - Rachel Decker mailto:deckerr@gilbertschool.org

Games at TGS

1/3 - Boys Basketball vs. Westbrook High at 2pm

1/6 - Boys Basketball vs. Thomaston. JV at 5:30, Varsity at 7:00

1/7- Wrestling vs. Nonnewaug at 6pm

1/8- Girls Basketball vs. NWR7. JV at 5:30, Varsity at 7:00

1/9- Boys Basketball vs. NWR7. JV at 5:30, Varsity at 7:00

1/12- Girls Basketball vs. East Hampton. JV at 5:30, Varsity at 7:00

1/16- Boys Basketball vs. Terryville. JV at 5:30, Varsity at 7:00

1/23- Girls Basketball vs. Shepaug. JV at 5:30, Varsity at 7:00

1/26- Boys Basketball vs. Derby at 7pm

1/30- Boys Basketball vs. Nonnewaug. JV at 5:30, Varsity at 7:00

Miscellaneous Information

• The Travel Release Form can be found here on the Gilbert Website and is an online form. Once completed, the Athletics Office will receive a notification.

• Game schedules are posted on the Gilbert Athletics website. I look forward to a great fall season and hope to see the stands filled with Blue and Gold!

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.

By Tina Keegan, English 7 Teacher

The 7th graders enjoyed their trip to The Hartford Stage on December 10 to see A Christmas Carol. Students have been reading the original Dickens version along with a reader's theater script in class, and they have been comparing and contrasting the original work to its staged version while analyzing the effects of techniques unique to live performance. As part of the experience, students have also learned appropriate theater etiquette.

School social workers are 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 Mr. Cerbone at cerbonej@gilbertschool.org.

By Stephanie Daige, Grade 8 English Teacher

During the final week before holiday recess, Mrs. Daige's English class participated in the 1st Annual Candy Cane Olympics. Students played a series of competitive games using nothing but candy canes, cups, string, marshmallows, and LOTS of team strategy. English Honors enjoyed a Cocoa, Cozy, and Chill incentive. Oh, what fun!

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.

1. Sign in to your Naviance account

2. Click “Colleges” on the top bar

3. Click “Scholarships & Money”

4. 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 Counseling 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 the spring, all grade 11 students will participate in PSATs at The Gilbert School. However, any grade 9-12 student 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.

By Lauren Orr, International Dean of Student Affairs

“Braving a New England Winter”

This month international students embraced Connecticut holiday traditions as they visited Torrington’s Christmas Village. Enduring frigid temperatures waiting in line outside for hours to ensure they’d be on Santa’s “Nice” list for Christmas and observe his elves and reindeer at work.

Excited to thoroughly enjoy another snow day, Nicolas, Vitor, and Santiago went skiing and snowboarding for the first time.

By Darlene Webb RN BSN, Director of Health Services

Nutrition Backpack Program

Did you know about the nutrition backpack program? It is designed to assist families with additional grocery items to help on the weekends. Items such as cereal, pasta, sauce, rice, peanut butter, jelly, etc, are packed into a backpack and sent home with your child once a week, usually on Fridays.

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.

• GoPuff: Offering $50 in free groceries per SNAP EBT customer in November. Use code SNAPRELIEF1 from November 1st to 15th, and SNAPRELIEF2 from November 16th to 30th.
• 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.

• TJs Burritos: Offering a free kids’ burrito or taco per child when you mention “SNAP Kids Meal” during takeout in Bloomfield or dine-in at East Granby.

• The Blue House Bagel Co. & Café (Canton, CT): Receive a free frozen 5-pack of bagels by showing your SNAP card—while supplies last.

Additional Resources in Connecticut:

• Aldi has put together a $40 Thanksgiving meal that can feed up to 10 people, perfect for holiday gatherings.
• 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.

Or click on one of the buttons below for information on where you can a food pantry in the local area.

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.

By Becky Tyrrell, Food Service Director

Your school is a CEP School. What does that mean?

CEP stands for Community Eligibility Provision. Schools that qualify for this program

serve mostly low-income students and provide the following benefits to all families.

CEP Benefits

• All students may receive one free lunch and one free breakfast daily.
• No Household applications for free and reduced-price meals are needed.
• No verification is required.

Breakfast Benefits…Did you? know

• Children who eat breakfast are more likely to behave better in school and

get along with their peers than those who do not.

• Breakfast helps children pay attention, perform problem-solving tasks,

and improves memory.

• Children who eat school breakfast are likely to have fewer absences

and incidents of tardiness than those who do not.

• School Breakfast provides daily servings of fruit, whole grains, and milk,

plus roughly ¼ the recommended calories.

Gilbert students can receive one FREE breakfast and one FREE lunch each school day, as the district participates in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). No applications needed!

• 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!

For any Seniors who have not taken their senior portraits yet...the next round of photo sessions will be on Tuesday, Nov 18th, 2025 from 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm in the TGS Library. Our photography partner, Legacy Studios, emailed parents and guardians detailed information regarding session options, packages, and pricing. If you haven’t seen those messages, please check your inbox (or spam/junk folder) for emails from either Legacy Studios or Aquity. Those messages will include the booking links and additional details. (Scroll to the bottom of the page for booking links.)

Parents can download and use the PowerSchool App to monitor your Gilbert student's progress in real time. Watch the how-to video below for more information.

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.

2026 Gilbert High School Yearbooks are on sale now for $75. 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.

Yearbook Pricing:

• $75 from 10/1-11/30
• $85 from 12/1-12/30

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. Poirier at poirierv@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. Poirier at poirierv@gilbertschool.org.

1/14 - Half Day

1/19- No School

Exams

1/20

1/21

1/22

1/23

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