Gilbert School seeks families to host international students

WINSTED — The Gilbert School is seeking families to host international students in the 2013-2014 school year.Earlier this year, Gilbert School Superintendent Anthony Serio announced he was bringing the international program to Gilbert. He said the program would bring 20 to 30 students from around the world to learn at the school and live in Winsted, starting this August.Serio said the idea came from members of the William L. Gilbert Trust Corporation.“Since we made our announcement we have had 15 students from around the world apply, and so far we have accepted the applications of nine of them,” Serio said. “We have had confirmation from two students from China who have sent in their deposits.”Serio said the school has garnered interest from students in areas around the world including Brazil, the Middle East and Europe.He added in addition to the international program, the school will run a summer camp for a group of 30 students from China in late July to early August. The school is looking for families who can host the students for both the summer camp and school year programs.“The need for us to secure host families is essential,” Serio said. “We need to find families who are able to provide a safe home environment where students have their own bedroom and have their own place to study that is quiet. The student would also have opportunities to spend time with the host family on activities, maybe even vacation time as well. They will also be feeding the student as part of the stipend.”Serio said the trust will pay a host family a stipend of $800 a month during the course of time of the student’s stay.“Members of the host family must have a clean record,” Serio said. “Everybody has to go through the same process as our teachers. This includes being fingerprinted and a criminal records check. The fingerprints will be sent to the FBI, and the family members will be going through extensive interviews by us.”For more information contact Serio at 860-379-8521

Latest News

GNH blanks St. Paul 34-0 in Turkey Bowl

Wes Allyn breaks away from the St. Paul defense for a reception touchdown Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Photo by Riley Klein

BRISTOL — The Gilbert/Northwestern/Housatonic co-op football team ended the season with a 34-0 shutout victory over St. Paul Catholic High School Wednesday, Nov. 26.

It was GNH’s fourth consecutive Turkey Bowl win against St. Paul and the final game for 19 GNH seniors.

Keep ReadingShow less
Students curate Katro Storm portraits at HVRHS

“Once Upon a Time in America” features ten portraits by artist Katro Storm.

Natalia Zukerman

The Kearcher-Monsell Gallery at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village is once again host to a wonderful student-curated exhibition. “Once Upon a Time in America,” ten portraits by New Haven artist Katro Storm, opened on Nov. 20 and will run through the end of the year.

“This is our first show of the year,” said senior student Alex Wilbur, the current head intern who oversees the student-run gallery. “I inherited the position last year from Elinor Wolgemuth. It’s been really amazing to take charge and see this through.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Mini horses, big impact: animal learning center opens in Sheffield

Le Petit Ranch offers animal-assisted therapy and learning programs for children and seniors in Sheffield.

Marjorie Borreda

Le Petit Ranch, a nonprofit offering animal-assisted therapy and learning programs, opened in April at 147 Bears Den Road in Sheffield. Founded by Marjorie Borreda, the center provides programs for children, families and seniors using miniature horses, rescued greyhounds, guinea pigs and chickens.

Borreda, who moved to Sheffield with her husband, Mitch Moulton, and their two children to be closer to his family, has transformed her longtime love of animals into her career. She completed certifications in animal-assisted therapy and coaching in 2023, along with coursework in psychiatry, psychology, literacy and veterinary skills.

Keep ReadingShow less