In Focus @ GWA
A news bulletin for the families of George Walton Academy
May 16, 2019
Email: info@gwa.com
Website: www.gwa.com
Phone: (678) 635-3800
Facebook: facebook.com/GeorgeWaltonAcademy/
Twitter: @georgewalton
Key Deadlines & Dates
- Upper School Awards: May 16 @ 7 p.m.
- Baccalaureate: May 17 @ 7 p.m.
- Graduation: May 18 @ 11 a.m.
- Rising Senior Parent Meeting: May 20 @ 6 p.m.
- GWA New Parent Dinner: May 21 @ 6 p.m.
- K5 Graduation: May 23 @ 7 p.m.
- Fifth-Grade Graduation: May 24 @ 9 a.m.
- Last Day of School/Early Dismissal: May 24
The Annual Loyalty Fund is the most important fundraiser at GWA. As you know, we have our major push in the fall, but the campaign doesn’t formally close until June 30. So, if you’ve made a pledge - or would like to – now is the final push to get this year’s commitments in the books!
Tuition dollars alone do not cover the cost of your child's education and every donation goes to work immediately for the benefit of our students. Thank you to all who have contributed, and to all who plan to give by June 30!
What's Next for GWA Global Studies?
GWA Receives EF Global Education Excellence Award
George Walton Academy has received national recognition for excellence in global education from EF High School Exchange Year, the leader in high school exchange.
The EF High School Exchange Year Global Education Excellence Award is presented annually to high schools that demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to international understanding and global awareness. GWA was one of a select group of high schools and districts recognized across the United States for the 2018-19 school year. Read more.
Student Trip of a Lifetime to Croatia
Where: Croatia
When: June 8-16, 2020
Cost: $3,990 – includes airfare, all accommodation/transportation costs, excursions, medical insurance, all breakfasts and some dinners
Who: Upper school students (must have completed freshman year by May 2020)
Why: Croatia is perhaps one of the most unique countries in Europe, and sits on the opposite side of the Mediterranean as Italy. The country is known for its incredible natural beauty and cinematographic history, hosting one of the HBO's most popular shows Game of Thrones. George Walton students and trip leaders will embark on an experience of a lifetime, zip-lining across the Cetina River, exploring the famous Plitvice Lakes, sea kayaking on the island of Hvar, and touring the famous historical structures that made Game of Thrones what it was!
For more information, or to register, go to https://travefy.com/trip/gjfc6kkx7ark7uwxgdfb6uuxtjrv2.
Questions? Contact Femke Côté at fcote@gwa.com.
George Walton welcomes the return of Jackie Vadney to the Academy to teach third grade. She may be a familiar face to some of you as she taught second grade here at GWA from 2006-2010. She has a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and many years of experience teaching at area schools. She is also a published children's book author and has been recognized by her peers and by the Atlanta Gas and Light company for her work. Jackie tells us "The difference between public school and GWA is night and day. At GWA, a teacher teaches all day with very little disruptions. The priority at GWA is exceptional education. I want to be a part of that again! This is why I am coming back - to TEACH at GWA. I miss teaching students who want to learn."
Outstanding Bulldogs Receive Award
YAB Inductees Announced!
The Walton County Youth Advocacy Board is part of Walton County Youth Development and is comprised of high school students from around the county. YAB members provide information and engagement on teen-related issues with other students while giving a voice to our youth through advocacy within the community.
Third Graders Show Us How
Seasons of Change
By Lindsey Bailey, Lower School Counselor
With only ONE week of school left, we find ourselves in yet another time of transition, from…
...spring to summer
...classrooms to camp
...work to vacation
...lower/middle/high/college to middle/high/college/real world
Maybe you or someone you know is also in transition from being...
...single to married
...sans kids to suddenly new parents
...a full-time parent to an empty nester
...working to retired
We all go through seasons of change throughout life, but this is the time of year when it is most apparent and celebrated. Everyone loves congratulating a graduate or a newly retired friend! However, we sometimes forget to make space for the difficult feelings (e.g. worry, sadness, fear) also associated with major (or minor) life changes. It is kind to congratulate your friends on their achievements, but try not to assume they are solely happy about it. Instead of saying “I bet you can’t wait to __!”, ask “How are you feeling about __?” This allows the person to share any feelings, good or bad, if they choose.
If you are a person going through a major life change, make room for your own feelings by
reflecting on the experience you are leaving and the experience you are beginning. Here are
some questions that will help you do both.
1. Reflecting on the Past
Consider these questions as you look back on the experience that is ending:
● What was a favorite lesson that you learned during ___?
● When did you feel most proud of yourself in ___?
● What is something that you will never forget that happened in ___?
● Name someone who helped you in ___. What did they do?
● What was something you struggled with in ___? How did you overcome it?
● What advice would you give someone new to ___?
2. Looking Forward to the Future
Consider these questions as you look ahead to the next chapter of your life:
● What is something you are excited about ___?
● What is something that scares you about ___?
● What questions do you have about ___? Who can you ask?
● What is one goal you have for ___?
● Who can you ask for help during ___ if you need it?
● Name one thing you know you can do well in ___.
Happy reflecting, and thanks for a great year!
From Every Angle
The culmination of a year’s worth of learning, competing, creating, socializing, growing, playing and working hard has been captured in George Walton Academy’s 49th yearbook, Résumé. The Class of 2019 proudly dedicated this year’s edition to math teacher Mrs. Paula Allen during Monday’s yearbook presentation.
The book’s theme- “From Every Angle” examines, highlights and celebrates GWA Bulldog life in every aspect at every age telling our collective story within its beautiful pages. Congratulations to yearbook advisor Mrs. Liz Jones and her staff, including editor-in-chief Chloe McGraw, junior editor Jenna Lo, Morgan Butler, Adam Scruggs, Lauren Holley, Josie Evans, Natalie Lucas, Abby Stone, Julia Waldo and Kilissa Gasaway!
Leadership In Action
The annual upper school student council meeting was all about student leadership, persuasion and even some inspiration from a few Google searches as the group plans themes and events for next year’s student life activities. We can’t wait to find out what they have in store!
2020 Seniors Claim Their "Spaces"
May 20-24 is exam week for eighth through 11th grade students. Attendance on Reading Day is required for students with an average lower than “A” in any of their classes. This will be a half day for students to review with their teachers. Students eighth grade through 11th only NEED to be on campus Tuesday-Friday during their exam periods. Juniors will be exempt from any exams of classes in which they have an “A.” Every exam day next week will be an early release at 12:30 for students in grades 8-11, with optional exam help every day from 12:30 p.m - 3:45 p.m. Good luck to all of our students taking exams!
We Love Our Teachers!
Photo Finish
By Mr. Brian Cole, Fine Arts Department Chair
Mr. Cole’s photography class is wrapping up the year by exploring tintype photography, a historic process that was first developed in the late 19th century.
While many classes are reviewing for exams and winding down, we are using this time to experiment with tintypes. This is a process that I have always been interested in but never had the time to explore. A tintype is a positive photograph that is taken on a thin metal plate. The image is created by coating a blackened sheet of metal with a thin layer of collodion-nitrocellulose solution immediately before exposure. The entire process must be completed before the plate has a chance to dry. After several failed attempts, we were able to successfully work out how to light our subjects, prepare and process the metal plates, and how to properly expose our images. It is a perfect lesson to help the students experience the process early photographers had to endure to produce images.
Taking the Leap at State
Let's hear it for our GWA track stars! Congratulations to Brelan Holston who placed second in state in the triple jump and Kendall Garrett who placed eighth in the long jump. Way to end the year strong!