MyGSB

Frequently Asked Questions

GSB Campus Questions

To ensure the safety and well-being of our community during the COVID-19 outbreak, the Gill St. Bernard’s School campus is currently closed. Students begin distance learning on March 30, and teachers will work remotely to support our students. Below are common questions and GSB leadership responses.

List of 5 frequently asked questions.

  • Is GSB closed? 

    The campus is closed, but the school remains open and operational via distance learning. Beginning on Monday, March 30, our faculty will implement distance learning for all students.

  • When will the GSB campus re-open?

    The GSB campus will now be closed through the month of April. Should additional time be needed, families will be informed by Head of School Sid Rowell.

  • What is Social Distancing?

    The CDC defines social distancing as "remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet) from others when possible." GSB encourages all families to practice social distancing at this time.

  • Can families come to campus?

    The GSB campus is temporarily closed to everyone. Thank you for your cooperation.

  • What is Distance Learning? 

    Distance Learning is a method of teaching and learning in which instruction and student feedback are conducted remotely, rather than face-to-face, using a variety of platforms and technology. At the heart of our Distance Learning plan is maintaining and nurturing the relationships between teachers and students and families.

Technology

The GSB Technology Department is available for support in using online school tools and basic troubleshooting of access to school resources. Email is the best way to reach the Technology Department at help@gsbschool.org. If you are unable to email, call the school’s main number and leave a message at 908-234-1611, ext. 475. While we anticipate we will be able to assist with basic troubleshooting and use of online tools, we may be limited due to factors we cannot control.

List of 2 frequently asked questions.

GSB Campus Events

In accordance with the statewide closure, many on-campus events through the end of the school year are either postponed or cancelled. See below for details on several specific events.

List of 7 frequently asked questions.

  • Reception for Newly-Admitted Families Cancelled

    The cocktail reception for newly-admitted families in the Chapel scheduled for April 2 is cancelled. We are working with our newest families to virtually welcome them to the Gill community now and look forward to welcoming them in person soon. Questions? Contact Director of Admission & Financial Aid Sarah Rowland at srowland@gsbschool.org.

  • Founders Day of Giving Postponed

    We will be postponing our inaugural Founders Day of Giving originally scheduled for April 8. Look for a new date to be announced later this spring. We are excited to join together and honor our past, celebrate the present, and invest in the future. Questions? Contact Associate Director of Advancement Sarah Quinn Clausen at squinnclausen@gsbschool.org.

  • Alumni Weekend Postponed

    Alumni Weekend 2020 scheduled for May 1-2 will be rescheduled. We look forward to welcoming alumni back to celebrate the induction of the next class of the Athletic Hall of Fame, to join us in remembering Junie Hockenbury on his beloved campus, and participate in a great Gill day. Questions? Contact Director of Alumni Relations Chanelle Walker at cwalker@gsbschool.org.

  • Parents' Association Fashion Show Postponed

    The Parents’ Association Fashion Event "La Vie Est Belle: Life is Beautiful,” at Fiddler's Elbow Country Club scheduled for May 8 has been postponed. We are so thankful for the generous volunteer support of our families, the vendors, and Windswept Boutique, and look forward to hosting everyone in November. Questions? Contact Director of Parent Relations Jennifer Doherty at jdoherty@gsbschool.org.

  • GSB Golf Classic Postponed until September 29, 2020

    The fifteenth annual GSB Classic Golf outing at Hamilton Farm Golf Club scheduled for May 18, 2020 has been postponed until Tuesday, September 29, 2020. We look forward to continuing to plan for a celebratory day of golf in support of need-based financial aid. Questions? Contact Associate Director of Advancement Sarah Quinn Clausen at squinnclausen@gsbschool.org.

  • Guest Speakers

    Guest speaker Maggie Doyne's event on campus has been postponed. For all other Parents' Association events, including Common Ground Speaks guests, please see the main Parents' Association web page.

  • When will Commencement be held?

    We have not yet made any decisions about our Commencement ceremonies. We will keep everyone posted as decisions unfold for the Class of 2020.

Additional Questions

While we navigate this time of transition, we know there will be questions. To provide a central place for those, and to make it easy for you to ask, simply fill out this form at the bottom of this page. We will respond by email and, to help keep everyone connected, we will take the questions and answers and maintain a Q&A section on this page.

List of 2 frequently asked questions.

  • There are many versions of distance or online learning, as seen in surrounding schools. What will a typical day's requirement look like for the Upper School during the two weeks of distance learning?

    Below is an overview of the procedures for GSB Upper School online classes during the campus closure. The faculty and staff have been preparing for some time, and we recognize that some adjustments may need to be made during the process. Additional updates and related resources will be kept here on the MyGSB page of our website.
     
    Upper School
    Procedures for Online Classes for School Closure - The first day will be a non-class day ​(This was last Friday, the 13th); the second day away ​(this will be the first Monday back, the 30th) will be a class day, and the Upper School will adhere to the same schedule of class blocks, start and stop times, breaks, and lunch periods as would occur during on-campus classes. This will allow our students to maintain their learning patterns and lessen disruption to their routines. 

    During a period of school closure, teachers will conduct a synchronous, i.e. “live” class with their students at least once per week. Based on teacher discretion, learning goals, and time allocation, synchronous classes may be conducted more frequently. Teachers will track attendance for synchronous classes. (Individual teachers have told their students when their synchronous classes will be.) Digital resources, recorded lectures, recorded asynchronous class sessions, remotely given and received assessments, and other asynchronous methods will fill the time requirements of other class meeting times. Teachers need not track attendance for asynchronous class days.

    Advisors will check in with their advisees once per week. These may be synchronous meetings that, if held, will take place during scheduled advisory periods. Just as for on-campus classes, the posting of student assignments, homework requirements, and resources must take place before 4:00 p.m. (and 4:00 p.m. on Fridays for Monday’s work).

  • Will the Home Winds Farm still be selling eggs while the school is closed? And would the table be located at the usual spot?

    The farm stand at this time only has eggs, and it is open 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. There is a cash box to put the money in. Exact change, please.

    Home Winds products including eggs, beef, and lamb can be scheduled for pickup Monday through Friday between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. by coordinating with Steve Rabel at 609-402-5129. Available payment options include credit, check, and exact change.

Practical tips to consider during outbreak

As schools across nation are ordered to close and people asked to “shelter in place” with the hopes of slowing the rapid spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), many families are naturally feeling uneasy and on edge. For children, this can be an especially frightening, confusing, and overwhelming time. Here are some practical tips to help you and your family.

List of 4 frequently asked questions.

  • What steps can my family take to reduce our risk of getting COVID-19? 

    Practice everyday preventive actions to help reduce your risk of getting sick and remind everyone in your home to do the same. These actions are especially important for older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions:
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
    • Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
    • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash.
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and eating or preparing food.
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects (e.g. tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles).

  • What are ways to manage anxiety? 

    Taking care of yourself, your friends, and your family can help you cope with anxiety. Helping others cope with their stress can also make our community stronger.

    Things you can do to support yourself:
    • Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
    • Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
    • Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
    • Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
    • Call your healthcare provider if anxiety gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row.

  • What to do if I am sick? 

    Most people who get COVID-19 will be able to recover at home. The CDC has directions for people who are recovering at home and their caregivers, including:
    • Use a separate room and bathroom for sick household members (if possible).
    • Clean hands regularly by handwashing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
    • Provide your sick household member with clean, disposable facemasks to wear at home, if available, to help prevent spreading COVID-19 to others.
    • Clean the sick room and bathroom, as needed, to avoid unnecessary contact with the sick person.
    • Avoid sharing personal items like utensils, food, and drinks.
    • If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19, get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:
      • Trouble breathing
      • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
      • New confusion or inability to arouse
      • Bluish lips or face
    • *This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

  • What cleaning products should I use to protect against COVID-19? 

    Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. If surfaces are dirty, clean them using detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection. To disinfect, most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. See CDC’s recommendations for household cleaning and disinfection.

Questions?

There is a dedicated email address to use for questions during this time of transition. Please email your questions to:

communications@gsbschool.org.

You may also fill out the form embedded here on our page.

A collection of submitted Q&As, along with a variety of other answers, are available on our new "Frequently Asked Questions" page.

Q&A Submission

While we navigate this time of transition together, we know there will be questions. To provide a central place for those, and to make it easy for you to ask, simply fill out the form below. We will respond by email and, to help keep everyone connected, we will take the questions and answers and maintain a Q&A section on this page.

Gill St. Bernard's School

P.O. Box 604, St. Bernard's Road, Gladstone, NJ 07934  |  908-234-1611
Gill St. Bernard’s is a private, coeducational day school for students age three through grade 12, located in suburban New Jersey. Each of the three school divisions provides a rigorous, meaningful, and age-appropriate curriculum, and all students benefit from the environmental learning opportunities that exist on our 208-acre campus.