In Focus @ GWA
A news bulletin for the families of George Walton Academy
November 8, 2018
Email: info@gwa.com
Website: www.gwa.com
Phone: (678) 635-3800
Facebook: facebook.com/GeorgeWaltonAcademy/
Twitter: @georgewalton
Key Deadlines & Dates
Bonfire and Pep Rally: RESCHEDULED FOR NOV. 15
Veterans Day Program: Nov. 9 (wear dress code tomorrow!)
Winter Sports Picture Days: Nov. 13 & Nov. 27
Counselor Chats: Nov. 15
Gingerbread Christmas at GWA Event: Dec. 2
A Teacher's Perspective
By Jessie Croft, Upper School Teacher
As educators, we believe in lifelong learning and the importance of professional development. We become even more effective in the classroom and student outcomes are improved when we take the time to collaborate with our colleagues and learn about new techniques...Read More.
GWA Creativity Impresses Georgia Educators
George Walton Academy was invited to participate in the student showcase at the Georgia Educational Technology Conference in Atlanta. Eight sixth graders presented the “Dash Dance Off” project they completed last year to educators from all over Georgia. They caused quite a stir with this creative project and received many compliments on their hard work. The group even captured the attention of Katrina Keene, an executive from Wonder Workshop, the company that makes the Dash robots. Congrats to Brady Boyle, Jack Boyle, Hayden Byers, Ezzy Gharavi, Sarah Floyd, Will Harkins, Austin Schroeder, and Morgan Sandema for a job well done!
Rain or Shine?
You're Invited!
Please join us for a movie screening and discussion! On Thursday, Nov. 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the GWA auditorium, we will show director James Redford’s highly-acclaimed HBO film, "The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia." The film clears up misconceptions about dyslexia and also paints a picture of hope for all who struggle with it. This outreach event is meant to connect parents, educators, and all others in the Monroe and surrounding areas interested in discussing dyslexia and related topics. Light refreshments will be served. Please click here for more information.
Honoring Our Veterans
Please join us for our annual Veterans Day celebration at GWA tomorrow, 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.
Come In, Grab a Chair, and Chat
Cheer Takes it to the Top!
For the first time in GWA history, we have a competition cheerleading squad- and these ladies are on fire! The Bulldogs competed this past weekend in sectionals at First Presbyterian Day School in Macon, and qualified to go to STATE! They rivaled experienced teams and were the only first year program competing. The ladies will compete at state on Friday, Nov. 9, at the Columbus Civic Center in the Single A Private division. Good luck cheerleaders!
To preorder pictures, go to this link.
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.
November 13 will be for all senior winter athletes, basketball cheerleaders, all basketball (5th – varsity boys and girls), and a softball group picture. On November 27, we will take wrestling photos during the school day, except youth wrestling will be that night before their practice. Swim team and equestrian coordinated their own dates for pictures.
Please contact your individual coach for additional information.
"Good Decisions Prevent Collisions"
An invaluable experience for teen drivers is rolling into GWA this fall. GWA’s student life program has invited the Arrive Alive tour to campus to deliver a critical lesson to students on the dangers of distracted and impaired driving. The program uses a high-tech simulator, impact video, and other resources to educate students on the potential consequences of driving under hazardous conditions such as drinking and driving and texting and driving. This event will take place on campus Monday, Nov. 12 and is offered to upper school students.
¡Feliz Día de los Muertos!
Last week, Spanish Club students enjoyed celebrating the Mexican holiday "Day of the Dead," by exploring the history and rituals surrounding the event. They practiced the symbolic tradition of decorating sugar skulls that serve as an "ofrenda" (offering) to honor ancestors.
Spirit Wear Blowout Sale!
Starting Friday, Nov. 9 all spirit wear in the Dawg Shop will go on sale at 40% off the original price. The discounted price for Dawgs 360 members will be 50% off the original price. The sale runs through December 21 and quantities are limited.
Creative Collaboration
As the GWA dancers prepare for their holiday production- our upper school art department is busy constructing and painting the stunning, original set designs for the show. “A Nightmare Before Christmas” is an original ballet created by the GWA dancers that will premier on Friday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. in the Lower Gym. Combining elements of “The Nutcracker” with Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” the show features ballet, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary and musical theatre dance. The art department is busy collaborating with the dance program to create stunning, original set designs for the show. Come join us for a mash up of the Halloween and Christmas seasons in GWA’s original performance of “A Nightmare Before Christmas!”
Parading Around GWA Fine Arts
Cheers to Award-Winning Alumni
Class of 2005 Tedo Stone and his wife, Sasha (’07) opened City Pharmacy restaurant in Covington last year. The restaurant was recently awarded a Silver Milepost award by Georgia Trend Magazine. City Pharmacy was also recently recognized by Conde Nast Traveler for being one of the 15 best bars in Atlanta.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
By Michael Clancy, Director of College Counseling
While getting into college is the immediate goal of upper school students, it is just one step in a lifelong journey. The goal of the college counseling department is to help students find a good fit when selecting a university program of study. One important consideration in making a good match is how well a university program fits into a student’s career goals...Read More.
Today's In Focus is Proudly Sponsored by S&W Automotive Parts, Inc.
Interested in advertising through our Corporate Partnership program? Contact Jeanie Beach at jbeach@gwa.com or call 678-635-3812.