Mrs. Meeks' AP Econ class was introduced to the concept of costs of production by building marshmallow and toothpick towers. Students learned about fixed, variable, and total costs along with reviewing how to calculate total revenue. Students worked in teams to develop a design that would generate the most profit. They were challenged to build a tall, stable, and strong tower while simultaneously keeping costs low. A winning team was determined after measurements, strength tests and net profits were compared.

When students are excited to go to math class, they fully engage with content, grasp new concepts and retain what they are learning. Fourth-grade math teacher Emily Griggs explained, “Math becomes quite procedural, and it can easily turn into a subject that students do not look forward to.” In recent years, Mrs. Griggs has experimented with different instructional designs and this year’s approach strikes the right balance. Her students are introduced to a new topic on lesson day and rotate through hands-on centers of their choice the following day. The center options include project-based learning, active math games, online math games, math crafts, and math-related reading mats. Additionally, students work with Mrs. Griggs in small groups for remediation and enrichment.

Did you know that October is national bullying prevention month? In our latest SEL lesson, I talked with lower school students about bullying and how to stand up against it. Bullying happens when a person or a group of people use their power or influence to hurt someone else on purpose (usually more than once). Bullying is not ok, but together we can stop it by accepting differences, being kind and treating others how we want to be treated, standing up for others and reporting bullying when it happens. Next Wednesday is Unity Day: a day to show that we are united for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion and to send a visible message that no child should ever experience bullying. ALL STUDENTS AND TEACHERS are encouraged to wear orange (and jeans) for Unity Day on Oct. 20. Let’s stand united against bullying.

Lindsey Bailey

Lower School Counselor

The pre-order online shop is now open (link below or go to gwa.com) for our Veterans Day t-shirt to benefit Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that helps provide the families of fallen or disabled service members educational scholarships. There are short sleeve and long sleeve options available. The sale ends at midnight on October 21. Also, shirts will be available for purchase in the Dawg Shop while supplies last.

https://stores.inksoft.com/gwa_veterans_day_2021/shop/home

K4 aide Andrea Jerman works side-by-side with K4 teacher Ms. Cecille. She has been working at GWA for a total of seven years (with an eight-year gap after year two). Andrea has lived in five states - Wisconsin, Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, and Connecticut. She is a proud graduate of the University of Alabama with a B.S. degree in business management. Andrea and her husband Lou have raised three girls (all GWA alumni!). Her girls are studying at UGA and Texas A&M. Andrea enjoys riding horses and looks forward to two horse babies this spring!