In Focus @ GWA
A news bulletin for the families of George Walton Academy
March 17, 2016
Email: info@gwa.com
Website: www.gwa.com
Phone: (770) 267-7578
Facebook: facebook.com/GeorgeWaltonAcademy/
Twitter: @georgewalton
GWA Students Participate in 2016 All State Band Performance
The GWA Band set a new record this year with 11 students qualifying for All State Band. The 7 middle school and 4 high school students include: Brooks Dokes, Eli Scornik, Julie Cato, Madison Smith, Bailey Croker, Brody Lindsey, Nic Winters, Alex Aull, Vince Tapia, Jason Dokes, and Grace Pulliam. These hard-working musicians participated in 2 different rounds of auditions before a panel of judges. They were judged on solo performances and sight readings to determine if they are one of the best players for their instruments in the state of Georgia. Congratulations All State Band members!
Congratulations to all our All-State Band students!
GWA Literary Team is GHSA State Runner-up
Congratulations to the literary team, the GHSA State Runner-up! Cody Carrell and Jonathan Arrue won first place in extemporaneous speaking, Bryant Bolds placed second in humorous interp, Thomas Murphy and Bryant were second in duo interp, and the Quartet made up of Jason Dokes, Chad Richards, Joseph Johnson and Eric Downing came in second. Third places were Amy Rees in essay and Wallis Lucas in Interp.
Emerging Technology Leaders Build Robots
Students in the eighth grade Emerging Technology Leaders class have been working on robots for the past eight weeks. They have built three different robots using the RoboRobo robot kits. The robot in which the class focused on the most was the RaceBot. Students built the robot, and then they had to program it in order to complete different challenges. The final project using this robot was to set up an obstacle course in the classroom and program the robot to go through the course. The students really enjoyed using the robots, and they were challenged. This project utilized many problem solving techniques. Using the robots was a great and fun way to learn programming.
Junior Tech Dawgs
The Junior Tech Dawgs is a new club that was started in January for 6th-8th grade students interested in technology. It is sponsored by middle school technology teacher Rebecca Kitchens. The club meets twice a month during middle school break. This year, the club has focused on learning about TSA, Technology Student Association. The Junior Tech Dawgs plan to affiliate with TSA for the next school year, and students will be able to design projects and compete in competitions. Tech Dawgs, which is made up students in 9th-12th grades, affiliated with TSA for this school year and were able to compete at state for the first time in GWA’s history. Some of the officers in Tech Dawgs have come to speak at the Junior Tech Dawgs meetings to inform them about what they have accomplished year. Some students have also brought in some of their gadgets from home to share with members of the club, such as the BB8 droid. There are two after school events planned for the Junior Tech Dawgs to finish out the year. There will be a gaming party and a movie showing.
Third Grade "State Fair"
Fourth Grade Science and Social Studies Fair
Zalandria Hill is Walton County's Top Scorer Again
Congratulations to Senior Zalandria Hill who once again finished the season as Walton County's top scorer with an average of 18.4 points a game. She finished her three-year varsity career with a total of 1,147 points helping to lead the Lady Bulldogs to the state tournament for a consecutive fifth year. Zalandria also finished as a top rebounder at number five in the county. Teammate Elizabeth White also made the list of top rebounders, coming in at number seven with an average of 4.1 rebounds per game.
Varsity Baseball Season Stands at 6-2
The varsity baseball season is off to a solid start with a 6-2 record. The Bulldogs soundly defeated Towns County last Friday in a double-header, 15-5 and 15-0. Come out to see them take on Providence Christian at 5:30 this Thursday at home.
Girls' Middle School Tennis Team Defeats Prince Avenue 4-1
Spanish Club Members Learn to Salsa Dance
K4 and K5 Perform "The Color Factory"
What Makes GWA Special?
Focus on Faculty: Cecille Cown
Cecille Cown has been an employee of George Walton Academy for 26 years as a K4 teacher. She has two children who also graduated from GWA: Cole Cown, Class of 2004 and Chance Cown, Class of 2005.
Her fondest memory is when her boys were on the undefeated football State Championship team in 2003. "This was a huge accomplishment and it was a joy to watch them achieve this," she said.
When she is not at work she likes working in the yard, reading, walking and painting. We are thankful to have Mrs. Cecille on staff helping build the foundation for our kindergarteners to begin their journey at GWA.
March 24th School-Wide Blue Jean Day!
New Bus Service Route
Lower School Book Fair is April 18-22
The Lower School Book Fair is almost here. This year’s theme is from the 60’s - “Feelin’ Groovy”!! To make it a Book Fair our kids will love, we need parent volunteers! Volunteers will help kids find books, run the checkout registers, and help younger children create their “wish lists”. It’s really a lot of fun. If you have a day or two or even just an hour or two that you could help, any time would be greatly appreciated! If you can help with the book fair, click the below link to go to the volunteer sign up page or contact Stephanie Fennell at gwabookfair@gmail.com or 770-337-7624.
Important Dates at a Glance
March 18: Prom
March 23: Preview GWA Tour
March 25: School Holiday - Good Friday