In Focus @ GWA
A news bulletin for the families of George Walton Academy
April 11, 2019
Email: info@gwa.com
Website: www.gwa.com
Phone: (678) 635-3800
Facebook: facebook.com/GeorgeWaltonAcademy/
Twitter: @georgewalton
Key Deadlines & Dates
- Coffee with Admin: April 11 at 6 p.m.
- Field Day T-shirt Order Deadline: April 12- TOMORROW
- High School Musical Performance: April 12 & April 13
- Open House: April 14 at 2 p.m.
- Walk-In Wednesday Open House: April 17- 9 a.m. to 1 p.m
- K5 Cap and Gown Photos: April 17
- School Holiday: April 19
THIS WEEKEND: Don't Miss It!
GWA’s global studies program provides upper school students a chance to travel abroad through exchanges and cultural immersions. But did you know that overnight travel is planned for GWA students as young as third grade? Our school’s mission promises to provide “challenging instruction, engaging experiences, and global perspectives”, and what better way to meet our mission than to provide those things in one experience?...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.
Tracy Lovett brings 16 years of teaching experience to GWA’s fifth-grade program. She currently teaches at Trip Elementary where she has served as the fifth-grade level leader for the past three years. She holds a master of science degree in middle grades education from Walden University and a bachelor of science in early childhood education from LeMoyne College. She pioneered the Guided Math program and has been a mentor teacher for Emory University and Georgia Gwinnett students. “As a teacher, I work to build strong relationships with students while providing high content, high-interest instruction that builds upon the individual strengths of my students,” said Tracy. “I strongly believe that building the student both personally and academically are cornerstones of high-quality education.”
We will bid farewell to Mandy Gudnason at the end of this school year as she and her husband move to Woodstock. “The move will make his daily commute easier and I am presently looking for a teaching position in the Cherokee County school district. I have been a teacher at GWA for the past six years and have loved working with so many extraordinary faculty and staff members who are always willing to do whatever it takes to help our students learn. I will miss the students and families I have been blessed to work with. My son, Garret and my daughter, Abbey both graduated from GWA. They are thriving in their college and professional careers because of all the wonderful people and experiences they had at GWA. I am sad to leave George Walton because of the exceptional people here, but also because of the exciting things that are developing for the students and families here in the near future. I plan to keep in touch and watch George Walton Academy shine from a distance. It is truly a wondrous place!”
Celebrating The Founding of GWA
On Friday, March 29 first year students, teachers, parents and special friends gathered with our current students and families to celebrate the founding of George Walton Academy. Class of 1986, and Board of Trustee member, Roy Roberts, Jr. spoke at the gathering about his time as a student and reminisced about the early years. First year families were recognized at the program and historic displays were on hand for all to enjoy.
The founding Board of Trustee members were recognized with a gift and the main upper school building was dedicated with the new name, Founders Hall in honor of those who helped create the school. "It was a touching celebration of all those who worked so hard to establish an independent school to serve this community," said Dr. Dolan upon his reflections of the event.
Sperin Pinned Down First Place
Chris Sperin swept the competition at the Gene Mills Eastern Nationals wrestling tournament in Syracuse, NY this past weekend! Chris wrestled in the varsity division 152-pound weight class and won first place after defeating each opponent in a series of matches. Congratulations on your remarkable achievement, Chris!
Consider Hosting an International Student
Dr. Dolan and his family believe in the benefits of this meaningful program and are hosting a student in their home this year. "I can say that the students who are drawn to participate in these kinds of programs are really neat kids," said Dr. Dolan. "We enjoy hosting Thea very much. It is a time and financial commitment on the part of the host family, but the school has arranged for two new scholarships to be dedicated to international students next year and students come with their own spending money. We highly recommend this experience and encourage other GWA families to consider hosting Amanda or Gerard for the 2019-2020 school year."
For more information, please contact Sherry Coffman, EF Local Coordinator, 770-866-3884, sherrycoffman@comcast.net.
Invite Your Friends to Discover GWA
Check Out Our New 50th Anniversary Car Tag!
Students Look Closely at Owl Habits
How GWA’s College Admissions Program Benefits Students
By Laura Nabors, Associate Director of College Counseling
"College is only a great thing if it prepares you for something greater. The same is true for applying to college." -Patrick O'Connor
A hot topic frequently discussed among college counseling professionals is the recent admissions scandal that I’m sure you’ve seen in the news. The Department of Justice has indicted parents, college coaches, and an independent for-profit admissions coach. One thing that isn’t highlighted in the media is the fact that not a single high school counselor or college admissions representative has been charged. This is a ray of sunshine amongst this storm...Read More.
Steven Whitley Memorial Scholarship Opportunities
Do you know a student who is pursuing extraordinary academic, artistic, or leadership opportunities over the summer? Funding is available with the Steven Whitley Memorial Scholarship Fund. Click HERE to apply. This scholarship is open to students who will be enrolled in the 2019-2020 school year and who have attended GWA for a minimum of two years.
T-shirt Deadline TOMORROW!
GWA Hosts Relay for Life
We invite our entire community to get involved: volunteer, donate, honor a loved one affected by cancer and help raise awareness and funds to fight cancer. To be part of this life-changing event, CLICK HERE to access the registration form, or contact Director of Dawgs 360 Elizabeth Mcdonel at emdonel@gwa.com for more information.
Survivor Dinner: GWA is partnering with First Baptist to host this special dinner on Friday, May 3. If you are a cancer survivor and/or know someone who is, please email Elizabeth McDonel by April 26 to receive an invitation to dinner.
Honor Your Loved One: If you would like to honor a family member or friend with a picture during the survivor dinner program, please email your picture, name, and in honor or in memory of to telesa.kendall@walton.k12.ga.us
Dedicate a Luminaria: Light up your community and honor every life touched by cancer. Dedicate a Luminaria to a loved one lost, someone currently battling, or anyone who has overcome cancer. Dawgs 360 is selling Luminaria Bags at the price of two for $10. If you are interested in purchasing bags, please CLICK HERE to access the order form. You may contact Elizabeth McDonel at emcdonel@gwa.com for more information. If you would like a student from our art department to decorate your bag for you, please let her know.
100 volunteers are needed on May 3! We are in need of volunteers in different areas, from unloading to loading tents, traffic coordinating, joining or starting a team, helping at the survivor dinner, as well as providing and driving golf carts! If you are interested, please email emcdonel@gwa.com
We need YOU!
Opportunities for Involvement:
Relay for Life Volunteers:
Set- Up: Fri., May 3 from 9 a.m. -1 p.m. & 4 - 6 p.m.
Host/Hostess’ for Survivor Dinner Clean- Up: 11 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.
Golf Carts and Drivers: Fri. May 3
Teacher Appreciation Week:
Week of May 6 - 10
We need breakfast bakers, mailbox treats, desserts for appreciation lunch and small tokens of appreciation!
Please email Elizabeth McDonel at emcdonel@gwa.com to get involved!
Students "Rocked" Art and Spanish
For the past three Wednesdays, Mrs. McElveen’s Middle School Spanish and Ms. Sims’ Middle School Art classes have collaborated on a rock painting project. Students were able to choose from four designs: Salvador Dali clocks, día de muertos faces, alebrijes (spirit animals), and Costa Rican ox carts (radial symmetry). The first step was to create a design on paper and then mimic the design on the stone. The final step was to put an inspiring message on the back of the rock. The beautiful stones will be placed around campus for the community to enjoy!
K5 parents - Elena De La Rosa will be taking K5 cap and gown graduation photos on Wednesday, April 17. We sent home preorder forms before spring break. All children will need to wear a white shirt to school that day. Orders are optional, but we need to take the pictures to have at K5 graduation. Check with Ms. May or Mrs. McDaniel for additional information.
Senior parents – if you would like Elena to take an optional cap and gown picture of your senior, you can schedule it with Elena De La Rosa at 770-861-5890 or elena@elenadelarosaphotography.com. The same preorder forms and picture pricing for K5 cap and gown pictures apply and are available with Vickie and Tanya in the front office.
It's Fort Valley State for Brelan!
They did it!
Big Victory for Boys Soccer
Middle School Tennis Served Up a Perfect Season!
Sign Up for Cheerleading
Calling all middle and upper school students interested in cheerleading for football, competition, or basketball! If you play a fall sport, but are interested in cheering for basketball, please come to tryouts!
Practice clinic will be held Monday – Wednesday, April 15-17. Cheerleading tryouts will be held on Thursday, April 18. All practices will begin around 3:30 p.m. in the middle gym. Tryouts on April 18 will begin around 3:30 p.m. and will be held in the lower gym. All participants need a current sports physical on file in order to attend practice clinic or tryout. Physical forms are available in the front office and Mrs. Vickie Rollins and Mrs. Tanya Rainford can let you know if your physical on file is still current.
If you were not able to attend the parent meeting held in February, please contact Coach Holly Atkinson at hatkinson@gwa.com for information or any other questions.
Middle School Basketball Tryouts
MANDATORY UPPER SCHOOL ATHLETIC MEETING
On Thursday, April 25 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. there will be a MANDATORY athletic meeting for all rising upper school students and their parents who plan on participating in a GWA athletic program during the 2019-2020 school year. The meeting will be held in the cafeteria. Areas that will be covered include general information- “The Dawg Way,” strength training, recruiting and team parents.
A Major Achievement For a Class of 2015 Bulldog
Class of 2015, Kevin Strohschein hit a milestone with his collegiate team, the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles, as he recorded his 300th career hit. He is the first player from Tennessee Tech to get to 300 hits. Congratulations, Kevin!