In Focus @ GWA
A news bulletin for the families of George Walton Academy
December 20, 2018
Email: info@gwa.com
Website: www.gwa.com
Phone: (678) 635-3800
Facebook: facebook.com/GeorgeWaltonAcademy/
Twitter: @georgewalton
Key Deadlines & Dates
- Early Dismissal: Dec. 21
- Yearbook Order Deadline EXTENDED: Jan. 10
- Christmas Break: Dec. 24 - Jan. 4
- Coffee With Admin: Jan. 10
- Blood Drive: Jan. 18
- Chili Cookoff & Bingo Night: Jan. 31
Thank you for a wonderful 2018!
We wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Rotary Student of the Month
Lydia Akin has been selected as Rotary Student of the Month for December. She chose Jeff Lalaian as the Rotary Teacher of the Month. Lydia is a member of National Honor Society, Student Council, Beta Club, FCA, Gavel Club, Spanish Club and Socratic Circle. She holds leadership positions in nearly all of these organizations while also serving as drum major for the GWA Marching Band, and playing on the varsity soccer team. Lydia is a Furman Scholar and served as a junior marshall. She volunteers with her youth group at First Baptist Church in Conyers and plays with the Covington Conyers Community Orchestra. Lydia plans to study biomedical engineering or biology in college and continue her musical pursuits. Congratulations to Lydia and Mr. Lalaian!
Handling Holiday Stress
By Lindsey Bailey, Lower School Counselor
For many families, the holiday season heralds a joyous and magical time of celebration. Despite the ever-increasing hustle and bustle, hearts are merry and spirits bright. Yet for some, the holidays bring feelings of anxiety, fear, depression, or grief. Endless to-do lists, overscheduling, financial limitations, family changes/divorce, loss of a loved one, strained relationships, or other stressors threaten our cheery dispositions. Perhaps you fall somewhere in between, experiencing both highs and lows this time of year...Read more.
Come out this Friday night to support your Bulldog basketball teams as they take on Athens Academy! Games start at 4 p.m. with JV girls, followed by JV boys and varsity girls and boys. If we have 100 students sign in prior to 6 p.m. - all varsity basketball coaches and Coach Whitley will take a pie in the face at the next pep rally. Also, don’t forget to wear your finest ugly Christmas sweater!
Post-its with a Purpose
On Reading Day, the GWA Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) club members gathered to share motivational scriptures on Post-it notes to support students during exam week. Each upper school student discovered scripture on his or her locker on Tuesday, the first day of semester exams. “We wrote the notes to remind students that even during the stressful time of finals, God is there for us,” said FCA leader Alex Aull.
FCA meets in Mrs. Steele’s Room on Thursdays during lunch, and each meeting features a different speaker or a video that focuses on a Bible message. For more information, contact Mrs. Steele at csteele@gwa.com for upper school FCA or Coach Sara Smith at ssmith@gwa.com for middle school FCA.
Young Author Wins Award
Help support the American Red Cross! GWA is hosting a blood drive on Friday, Jan. 18 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and we need volunteers to donate blood. Please make an appointment by visiting redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code gwa, or call 1-800-2767. Photo ID will be required to participate. Do your part to help save lives!
Just in Time for Christmas!
Need a last minute gift for your favorite Bulldog? Stop the Dawg Shop before Christmas break, check out the new arrivals and save up 50% on all t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies and more! The store will be open until 12 p.m. on Friday. Happy Shopping!
Capturing a Beautiful Creation
Troythomas Myers showcased his talent with the lens through a studio product photography project using student Mary Elise Roberts' unique pottery project as his subject. Mary Elise created her pottery using locally sourced materials, and applied an advanced firing technique that is typically only reserved for college level art departments. Using this advanced higher firing method provides durability for household goods, such as making them microwave and dishwasher safe. It also allows for more professional glazing techniques as seen in the photo illustrations. Through this project, students can visualize and understand the importance of the complete process- from creation to final presentation, and how that translates to marketability.
Don’t forget to buy a yearbook! You can order one here or send a check made out to GWA ($75 per book - deadline extended to Jan. 10) to Liz Jones in the front office. Don’t forget to include your child’s name, grade and homeroom.
And if you have any questions regarding school photography, please contact our school photographer, Elena De La Rosa at elena@elenadelarosaphotography.com or give her a call at 770-861-5890.
Pinning Down Big Victories!
It’s time for Bulldog basketball and our varsity Holiday Classic! Please check the calendar at gwa.com for details. GO DAWGS!