In Focus @ GWA
A news bulletin for the families of George Walton Academy
October 1, 2020
Email: info@gwa.com
Website: www.gwa.com
Phone: (678) 635-3800
Facebook: facebook.com/GeorgeWaltonAcademy/
Twitter: @georgewalton
Key Deadlines & Dates
- V Softball vs. Wesleyan: today at 4:45 p.m. @ home
- V Football Game: Oct. 2 - CANCELLED
- Homecoming Week: moved to Nov. 9 -13
- Oct. 9 and Oct. 14 will be full days - all divisions
- Senior Yearbook Page Deadline: Oct. 9
- Youth Basketball Sign Ups: Oct. 20 - see below
Digital Days Details
Students taking the ACT on Oct. 6 should come to campus as scheduled and return home afterwards.
Athletic teams and the band will be allowed to practice and compete. Students who are quarantined cannot participate until their designated time is up.
We look forward to seeing the entire student body back on campus after this two-week period!
Elevated Learning on “The Hill”
Even in this unprecedented school year, the wonder of learning and discovery is alive and well on “The Hill.” Our youngest students quickly adjusted to the novelty of their teachers wearing a face covering and they are practicing good hygiene in class. When you enter the kindergarten building, you will see excited teachers and happy students.
We strive to foster a community of dynamic learners, encouraging our naturally curious pre-K and kindergarten students to ask questions and share ideas. In groups of two, our K5 students practice listening skills as they take turns with their partner, speaking and listening. Our students are very eager to read and enjoy telling stories with both pictures and words. Teachers are using guided math lessons, games, and individualized instruction to teach new math concepts.
In art class, K5 students are free to create and they have been introduced to well-known artists like Andy Warhol and Piet Mondrian. Music class is a fun opportunity to explore rhythm and movement. Students are doing a great job in STEM class where they are learning to use computational thinking and understand the basics of coding. PE and time on the playground offer students a chance to enjoy the physical activity they need during the day.
The change of seasons and holidays are fully embraced on “The Hill” and our classes are exploring the new season through fun fall activities and outdoor lessons. Students have learned about different types of apples, had taste tests, and even made applesauce. Halloween is always a treat and we look forward to seeing our littles in their costumes!
With eager learners and a curriculum designed to engage our youngest Bulldogs – learning up on “The Hill” will reach new heights.
Lisa McDaniel
Kindergarten Teacher
Claire McNulty is Student of the Month
Claire McNulty has been selected as Rotary Student of the Month for September. She chose Katherine Meeks as Rotary Teacher of the Month. Claire has held the highest GPA in her class for the past three years, was named a finalist in the Governor’s Honors Program in social studies and has been awarded the Georgia Certificate of Merit. Claire is a member of National Honor Society, a member of Beta Club, participates in Socratic Circle, serves as executive president on student council, is president of Interact Club, Spanish Club and Gavel Club. She organized the “For the Love of Books” book drive and collected over 1000 books for elementary school students. Claire is also a member of varsity cross country and varsity track and field. She hopes to major in economics at Georgia Tech, Emory or Yale and pursue a career in finance.
Congratulations to Claire and Mrs. Meeks!
Bio Bubble Lab
Ms. Benfield’s AP Biology students performed the Membrane Bubble Lab, a demonstration of the fluid and dynamic nature of cell membranes using bubble mixture. Students formed a bubble within a bubble, passed their finger through the bubble film to observe how it seals back up and attempted to open up a passageway with a film of bubble without popping it. They drew comparisons between a seemingly simple substance used for fun and the structural and functional properties of the barrier surrounding all cells.
Pick a Project
GWA fifth graders continue to be challenged this year by new math curriculum called Envisions. Each month students are given the opportunity to “Pick a Project” that will incorporate math skills into a real-world project. The options for this month included doing research on either manatees or planets or creating a math game involving decimals. The final products were informative, creative, and very impressive!
Lead the Way!
Do you know a friendly, outgoing, high school student who loves to share all things GWA? The Admissions Office is accepting applications for new and returning Student Ambassadors. High school students were e-mailed the information and application link on Friday, Sept. 25. Those interested should complete the online application by Tuesday, Oct. 6. Interviews will be scheduled the week of Oct. 19. Contact Mrs. Bailey in Admissions with questions.
Marching On
The Marching Bulldog Band had a great turn out for their performance with the majorettes on Friday evening, and their first showcase of the ballad! They have one song left to add to their show before the first competition Oct.10 in Fannin County. Details to come! Go Dawgs!
Be sure to visit this year’s Atlanta High School Art Exhibition at Ponce City Market. Works by junior Carsyn Baker and Savannah McBee (GWA ’20) have been selected for the show. The exhibit will be open Oct. 11 -24.
Paper Sculptures
Mrs. Carver’s fourth-grade art students learned about abstract artist Frank Stella. He was known for using oversized and uniquely shaped canvases as well as neon colors. His later works featured three dimensional paintings that hung from the wall. Our fourth graders made cool sculptures inspired by Stella's works from brightly colored paper strips.
Save the Date!
We will be hosting a Financial Aid Night (virtually) for ALL interested high school parents on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. It is never too early to educate yourself on the financial aid process and options when thinking about financing your child's college future.
Brenda Vaughn from the Georgia Student Finance Commission will be our guest hostess and covering a number of topics regarding Financial Aid and paying for College. Topics will include but are not limited to: the HOPE & Zell Miller Scholarships, FAFSA and financial aid options. She will also explain how GA Futures (gafutures.org) can help you research, select, apply and pay for college.
If you have any questions prior to Oct. 15, feel free to email Jon Terrell (jterrell@gwa.com) or Laura Nabors (lnabors@gwa.com).
We look forward to seeing you there.
- The College Counseling Office
The Better Together campaign for the Annual Loyalty Fund runs until October 5. Pledges and gifts may be mailed in or made online HERE. Thank you for your support of GWA.
Tie Breaker Today!
Let's give our Lady Dawgs the home field advantage! A win today will break the first place (Area) tie with Wesleyan. Come out to support the team and please wear a mask/socially distance! Go Lady Dawgs!
Top Spot
Winning Effort
In person youth basketball registration for boys/girls, grades 3 -7 will be Oct. 20 from 5-6 p.m. We will not take any forms or payment after this date! To pre-register, fill out the attached forms below and send them to Grace Martin (gmartin@gwa.com).
- Registration fee - $100
- Jersey - $35
*We use the same jersey from year to year so they only have to purchase another one if they outgrew the one from last year. If they use the same one then they only have to pay the registration fee.
Checks need to be made out to GWA. (You can send them in to the front office with "Attention: Grace Martin" or bring them to the registration on Oct. 20.)
If your child is signing up to play, please consider volunteering to coach a team. We are in need of parent volunteers to coach basketball!
Are You a Member?
There is still time to sign up for a Dawgs 360 membership! Click HERE to learn about membership benefits and print an application.
Today's In Focus is proudly sponsored by Minerva Beauty, Inc. (www.minervabeauty.com). Interested in advertising through our Corporate Partnership program? Contact Jeanie Beach at jbeach@gwa.com or call 678-635-3812.