In Focus @ GWA
A news bulletin for the families of George Walton Academy
November 2, 2017
Email: info@gwa.com
Website: www.gwa.com
Phone: (770) 267-7578
Facebook: facebook.com/GeorgeWaltonAcademy/
Twitter: @georgewalton
Annual Loyalty Fund Kick Off
Have you ever thought to yourself: “What difference does it make whether I make a contribution to the Loyalty Fund, or not?” To answer that question let’s focus on the word DIFFERENCE.
What made the difference...
-for a second grader who felt joy when she mastered a math concept that seemed too difficult to grasp?
-for an athlete who overcame adversity and never gave up, even when the odds were against him?
-for a young musician who decided to pursue a dream of performing at Carnegie Hall?
-for a joyful senior who received an acceptance letter to the college of his choice?
We see the DIFFERENCE every day in the classrooms, on the stage, and on the playing fields at George Walton Academy.
The DIFFERENCE is made by…
-a teacher who goes above and beyond, finding creative and innovative ways to teach and inspire students.
-a coach who not only trains athletes, but serves as a role model, teaching meaningful life lessons.
-challenging academic courses, creative electives and exciting initiatives like the Global
Studies program and other partnerships.
-state-of-the-art technology and updated facilities that meet the needs of students, artists, athletes and future leaders.
-a school community dedicated to bringing out the best in each and every student that makes the difference.
When we give to the Loyalty Fund, we are doing much more than investing in programs and facilities, we are investing in the lives of each and every student. The return on that investment? Graduates who are exceptionally prepared for college and beyond.
We encourage you to learn more about the DIFFERENCE the Annual Loyalty Fund makes by reviewing the special mailer you received last week. We are trying something new this year and would greatly appreciate your support! In order to give our students more time to devote to their studies, we will not be asking them to make calls for the Annual Loyalty Fund. Instead, we are asking you to please take a moment now to submit your payment or pledge.
To help us plan and budget for the coming year, please submit your payment or pledge before Dec. 31. You have until June 30 to complete your payments, but the sooner your gifts and pledges are received, the greater DIFFERENCE you make!
Makena Helms Earns Spot on GISA All Star Cast
Congratulations to Makena Helms who was selected out of over 100 students to be a member of the Georgia Independent School Association’s All Star Cast after her performance as Adam in George Walton’s rendition of “The Diary of Adam and Eve”. Members of the All Star cast are judged and selected by three professionals. Makena said, “I’m glad they liked the show and my performance enough to give me that award, and I hope I do even better in the future.”
Makena and her fellow cast mates were performing in a competition at Riverside Military Academy. One Act director, Mrs. Ronda Grundy described the show as an “outstanding performance."
The actors in the show were as follows: Makena Helms: Adam, Sara Camp: Eve, Summer Haag: Tiger, and Alicia Shaw: Lamp.
We've Got Spirit! Yes, We Do!
The George Walton Academy Bulldog Marching Band has spent the past few weekends performing at various band competitions and winning many awards while they were at it.
This past weekend, the Band swept the competition at the North Georgia Marching Band Championships hosted by South Forsyth High School, winning impressive awards in several competitions. They placed third overall out of 15 schools, and won second place in open class. The color guard, drum major, percussion and band all received superior ratings. Drum Major Lydia Akin also won first place in her category. Lastly, the Band took home the Spirit Award thanks to the support of parents and fans.
Two weeks ago, the Band performed at Rockmart High School’s Yellow Jacket Classic. The guard, percussion, drum major and band all received the top superior ratings in every category. The band placed third overall out of 15 bands, beating every band in Classes A, AA and AAA.
There are a limited number of fall sports programs available for purchase in the front office. At $5.00 each, they make great keepsakes for anyone who has children involved in these sports (they would make great, inexpensive Christmas gifts for grandparents, aunts and uncles as well!). Included are the 2017 GWA Marching Band (and guard), Varsity Football Cheerleaders, JV Cheerleaders, Youth Cheerleaders, Cross Country, Middle School Cross Country, Varsity Football (and trainers and managers), Middle School Football, 5th and 6th Grade Football, Youth Football, Flag Football, Majorettes, Mini Dawgs, Dawgettes, Varsity Softball, Middle School Softball, Varsity Volleyball, and JV Volleyball.
Pick one up today, before they are gone!!!
Students Release Artistic Ability After Reading "The Crucible"
After reading and acting out Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible”, students from Mrs. Wrynn Carson’s 11th grade American literature class selcted a way to demonstrate their understanding of the play. Students were able to choose from a variety of options of ways to display their creativity including time lines and ceiling tiles.
Where Physics and Football Collide
Dr. Debra Cook’s eighth grade physical science class recently visited the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. The students learned about a variety of physics-based topics, including how Newton’s Law applies to football, how a projectile is affected by gravity and how the force of collisions works on football players during games. Dr. Cook said, “What better time to visit than during football season!”
Third Grade Class Enjoys Some Pumpkin Fun
Ms. Courtney Croker’s third grade class combined learning with a fall time favorite. The class took pumpkins and estimated the weight and height of each pumpkin. They also tried to guess how many seeds would be inside the pumpkins, the circumference of the vegetable, and whether they would float or swim.
When Drama Class Gets a Little Spooky
George Walton Academy students in Mrs. Ronda Grundy’s drama class were given the opportunity to write and perform their own original Halloween-themed plays. Below are the students who performed and their respective plays for fellow students and parents. Mrs. Grundy described the performances as “hilariously spooky."
Amherst Tate and Will Atkinson: “The Lonely Vampire”
Della Couch: “The Friendly Ghost”
Breena McGraw and Rhiannon Williams: “Let’s Get Hooked”
Sara Camp and Summer Haag: “The Devilish Diner”
Fourth Grade Students Bring Some Fun to New STEM Concepts
Mrs. Beth Mappes’ fourth grade students completed special Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) projects this week to celebrate Halloween. They compared various structures including creature catchers, bone bridges and pumpkin catapults to see whose best used all STEM concepts.
Decisions...Decisions
Nov. 1 was the Early Action or Early Decision Application deadline for most schools in the United States, including Georgia College and State University, Emory University and Berry College. Georgia’s top two public institutions, the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech, had Early Action deadlines of Oct. 15. Several other colleges around the state, such as Georgia Southern, University of North Georgia and Kennesaw State University, have what is called Rolling Admissions. Of course, there is also Regular Admission, which often falls on Jan. 1.
So, what does this all mean? And what are the advantages and disadvantages? Click HERE to read the full article.
Attention Winter Sports Teams!
On Nov. 7, Cady Studios will be coming to the school during the school day to take pictures of the SWIM TEAMS and BASKETBALL TEAMS. Please have your child bring his or her uniform to wear on that day (if you do not yet have a uniform, please discuss alternative plans with your coach). A picture schedule is being prepared for the day.
We ask that all individuals involved in these sports have their individual and group pictures taken on that day, EVEN IF YOU DO NOT PLAN ON PURCHASING THE PHOTOS! These will be for the yearbook and the keepsake winter sports programs. It is especially vital that seniors have their individual pictures taken for their senior banners that are provided by the school. Prepaid picture envelopes are available in the front office if you would like to pre-order pictures of your child.
The equestrian and wrestling teams will have their photos taken by a yearbook staff member or a faculty member on an alternate date and time, determined by their coaches.
The High School Fine Arts Department will be participating in the Art Walk in Downtown Monroe this Thursday evening beginning at 6:00 p.m. The artwork will remain up through the weekend.
Please spread the word, and try to make it downtown Thursday evening. The stores that will display our art are as follows: Revolutionaries Market, Rinse Bath & Body,The Cotton Cafe, Side Street Boutique, Southern Roots Outfitter, and Peachy Keen.