In Focus @ GWA
A news bulletin for the families of George Walton Academy
November 1, 2018
Email: info@gwa.com
Website: www.gwa.com
Phone: (678) 635-3800
Facebook: facebook.com/GeorgeWaltonAcademy/
Twitter: @georgewalton
Key Deadlines & Dates
TONIGHT'S BONFIRE: Rescheduled to Nov. 8
Deadline to Submit Veterans Day Program Photos: Nov. 2
Fall Sports Senior Night at Varsity Football Game: Nov. 2
Student Holiday: Nov. 5
Veterans Day Program: Nov. 9
Winter Sports Pic Day: Nov. 13
Gingerbread Christmas at GWA Event: Dec. 2
What is your “WHY?”?
Each individual has his or her own reason for supporting our Annual Loyalty Fund:
“I understand that tuition does not cover the cost of educating each GWA student and I want to ensure our children have exceptional educational experiences.”
“I want to make it possible for GWA to continue to attract and retain talented faculty and staff who go above and beyond and inspire excellence.”
“It’s important to me that resources are available for every program so students can have the tools they need to thrive in the classroom, shine on the stage, and excel on the field.”
“I support the Annual Loyalty Fund because I am proud to be a part of GWA. This school has made a meaningful difference to my family.”
Our Annual Loyalty Fund kicks off during the month of November. This week you will receive our ALL IN For GWA mailer that shows how your support makes a difference. I am pleased to report that our faculty and staff, along with our Board of Trustees, are 100% ALL IN as we kick off this campaign. We invite you to join us by showing your support with a gift or pledge. Whether it is $50 or $50,000 your support allows us to strengthen our programs and ensures GWA continues to fulfill our mission of excellence.
While gifts can be made until June 30, 2019, your early support provides immediate resources to ensure we offer the best possible programs. Click HERE if you would like to make a gift online today. A gift to the Annual Loyalty Fund is an investment in our future.
Thank you!
On the Case!
Fourth grade social studies students have been learning about the Revolutionary War and the events that led up to it. The Boston Massacre was one of the events that has really intrigued the students. They were asked to examine pieces of evidence and first-hand accounts to determine what actually took place and who was guilty. Their conversations during their investigations were very interesting. Lots of collaborating, discussing, debating and deciding which accounts were from a primary source or a secondary source were used to help them come up with the conclusion of who was guilty. The debate continues!
Academic Shining Stars
On Friday, Oct. 26, GWA held the National Honor Society and Beta Club induction ceremony recognizing 91 students who have demonstrated excellence in scholarship, character, leadership and service. National Honor Society requires a cumulative average of 93 and Beta Club requires a 90. Congratulations to all inductees on their achievements!
Rotary Student of the Month
Matthew Enrique McMain has been selected as Rotary Student of the Month. He chose Jessie Croft as his Rotary Teacher of the Month. Matthew is the executive vice president of the Student Council and president of the Spanish Club and also participates in the Socratic Club, Beta Club, and NHS. Furthermore, for the past three years, he has represented GWA as a student ambassador and leads campus tours for prospective families. Next year, Matthew hopes to attend either the US Naval Academy or the University of Georgia. He credits the teachers and staff at GWA for his success and for providing an enriching experience. Matthew is the son of Marc and Liliana McMain.
In an effort to give back to the GWA community, Matthew is launching an after-school tutoring program. See details below!
Extending a Helping Hand
Honoring Veterans
Please join us for our annual Veterans Day celebration at GWA on Friday, Nov. 9 at 9 a.m. in the Nicholson Center. Veterans and their families are invited to join us for a reception beforehand at 8:30 a.m. in the concession area. If you would like to submit a photo for our Veterans Day video, please email the photos to gwavetpics@gmail.com. Photos must be in jpeg format. All photos must be submitted no later than Friday, Nov. 2.
Congratulations #gwaproud winner!
GWA parent Ashley Briscoe is the first winner of our #gwaproud contest! Her Oct. 27th Facebook post featuring MaKayla and Chandler at last Friday's away varsity football game was chosen using randomresult.com. She wins a $25 Dawg Shop gift card! Please be sure to use #gwaproud when you are out and about in your GWA attire. Our next winner will be announced in In Focus on Dec. 6.
Faculty Spotlight
Fine arts department chair Brian Cole will be in the spotlight this month as his exhibit “Portraits of the Human Artifact” opens November 3 at the Garcia / Wilburn Gallery. Brian is completing his master of fine arts degree in photography at Savannah College of Art and Design and his creative talent will be showcased through November 9. Brian invites any interested parties to his opening reception on November 3 from 2-6 p.m. at the gallery which is located at 75 Bennett Street, NW M-2 in Atlanta. Brian has been an upper school teacher at GWA for 19 years. He and his wife, Karen and their four-year-old son, Owen, reside in Lawrenceville.
Softball Season Wrap Up
The George Walton Academy varsity softball team wrapped up a remarkably successful season on Friday at the state tournament in Columbus. Although the girls did not bring home a win, they played their hearts out and represented GWA admirably. The Lady Dawgs finished the season with an impressive 22-11 record! This season was a total team effort, with important contributions coming from each player along the way. The Lady Dawgs were led from the pitcher's circle by freshmen Taylor Tinsley (1.09 ERA for the season) and Caroline Conner (1.58 ERA for the season), and were led offensively by senior Kelsey Barrineau (.391 batting average with 27 RBI for the season). Congratulations Lady Dawgs!
To preorder pictures, go to this link: https://180725094236.proofingphotos.com, click on the link to order winter sports photos.
All basketball teams (including youth) and basketball cheer will take place during the school day. Youth wrestling will be right before wrestling practice (contact coach for the time). Upper school wrestling, swim and equestrian will be scheduled on separate days (or have already occurred).
SENIORS for ALL winter sports need to bring uniforms to change into on Nov. 13 for an individual picture that will go on a senior banner.
Please contact coaches for additional information.
Special Events for Tomorrow Night's Football Game! (Nov. 2)
First-grade parents: if your child’s senior plays football, manages football, plays in the band or runs cross country, please join us in honoring the seniors before the football game tomorrow, Nov. 2, at 7 p.m.! Meet at the field at 6:45 p.m. The first graders can run out on the field to greet/hug their Seniors!
The crowning of Miss Bulldog will also take place at tomorrow's game, and don't forget the theme is America- so show up sporting your patriotic spirit wear! Still want a GWA winning design America t-shirt? A limited supply is still available for purchase in the Dawg Shop.
Perfectly Polished
The Beyond the Bell program introduces yet another enriching opportunity for students! Perfectly Polished encourages, inspires, mentors and teaches young people the self-confidence needed to become a contributing member of the community. During this 10-week program, your child will learn important life skills and etiquette such as confidence building, meeting and greeting, confident leadership voice, table manners, and even ballroom dancing! The course begins Wednesday, Nov. 7 and is offered to all fifth, sixth, and seventh-grade students. The cost is $300 per participant. Please contact Stacy May at smay@gwa.com for more information or to sign up.
Tradition of Excellence Continues
The GWA Marching Bulldog Band had a strong showing as they competed in the Northwest Georgia Marching Championship against 18 bands over the weekend. In open class, the band won second place band, first place drum major (congrats Lydia Akin!), and second place percussion. The band, percussion, and guard received superior ratings across the board!
They are looking forward to putting the final touches on the show this week, and performing in their final competition of the season at the USBands Southern States Championships on Nov. 3. Go Bulldogs!
Sew Talented!
Mrs. Carver's second-grade art class has "stitched" a masterpiece! Pictured above is a quilt which was created by using individual patches made by the hands of second-grade art students.
They studied Quilt maker, Faith Ringgold, and learned about using quilts to tell a story. They also practiced using shape, pattern, and symmetry.
Power of Perseverance
Lynn Robinson, Middle and Upper School Counselor
Nowadays, much is being written in educational journals about perseverance. Researchers are studying what it means to have perseverance and how it shapes one’s life. It is no surprise that these researchers are concluding that perseverance helps us reach our goals and allows us to make it through difficult times. They also have determined that a student who knows how to persevere has confidence and is more likely to take initiative in dealing with difficult situations and to take control of his own learning.
In her book “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance”, Dr. Angela Duckworth, a University of Pennsylvania professor who has done extensive research on the subject, writes “The highly accomplished are paragons of perseverance.” She encourages parents and teachers to model perseverance, because that is the best way to teach a child how to persevere. In other words, we are to share how we handle our difficult days. We let our students know that bad days are a part of life. We tell them the positive things we say to ourselves to get through a rough day. We have conversations about being optimistic and moving forward, and we show them that today’s difficulties do not have to influence how we work tomorrow.
The next time your student faces a challenge or setback, talk to him about the situation. Look for ways to empower and equip him to handle his own conflict. Give him resources and allow him opportunities to practice perseverance.
Today's In Focus is Proudly Sponsored by Precision Corr
Interested in advertising through our Corporate Partnership program? Contact Jeanie Beach at jbeach@gwa.com or call 678-635-3812.