In Focus @ GWA
A news bulletin for the families of George Walton Academy
October 10, 2019
Email: info@gwa.com
Website: www.gwa.com
Phone: (678) 635-3800
Facebook: facebook.com/GeorgeWaltonAcademy/
Twitter: @georgewalton
Key Deadlines & Dates
- "The Big Picture-Rethinking Dyslexia": Oct. 10 @ 6:30 p.m.
- Senior Stone Mt. Trip: Oct. 11
- Band Competition at JSU: Oct. 12
- 7th Grade IOWA Assessment: Oct. 14-16
- Secio Speaker: Oct. 14 @ 7 p.m.
- PSAT & SAT: Oct. 16
- Early Dismissal: Wed., Oct. 16
- Fall Break: Oct. 17 - 18
- 50 on the 50: Oct. 22 @ 6 p.m. (ticketed event)
- Fields of Faith: Oct. 23 @ 6:30 p.m.
What Is the Annual Loyalty Fund and Why is it Important?
As we wrap up our second week of 50 Days to GWA – Stronger Than Ever, I’d like to take a moment to answer a question we are sometimes asked: “Why do we need our community to give to an Annual Loyalty Fund when we already charge tuition?”
While tuition covers a significant portion of operating expenses, there is always a “gap” between tuition and the amount needed to fully cover the costs that make the GWA experience exceptional. Through the Annual Loyalty Fund, we are able to provide special programs and opportunities for our students by investing in the arts, athletics, leadership programs, field trips, guest speakers, academic intensive studies, learning support, and more. Your gifts also enable us to provide professional development for our outstanding faculty. When you think of the aspects that set George Walton apart – many of the things that come to mind are made possible thanks to your support of the Annual Loyalty Fund.
We are fortunate to have a community that recognizes the importance and value of supporting the school’s fundraising efforts. The Annual Loyalty Fund is our most important fundraising initiative and we maximize the effect of each and every gift, ensuring these dollars are invested in efforts that directly impact students. In some cases, your ALF dollars can make even more of a difference when they are doubled through a corporate matching gifts program. And your gifts are tax deductible.
We hope you are as enthusiastic as we are about the direction in which we are headed and will help us along our journey by making your gift today. Our goal is 100% participation to make GWA Stronger Than Ever.
Please make your gift online HERE or make your pledge HERE. Pledges made during the campaign have until June 30, 2020 to be paid.
Secio Speaker Scheduled for October 14
GWA Hosts FCA Event
In addition to LCA, George Walton Academy is hosting Fields of Faith for middle and high school students from GWA, Monroe Area, Carver, Social Circle Middle and Social Circle High School. Also, the youth from local area churches will be invited to attend. It promises be a time of fun and fellowship among our teenagers. Students are encouraged to attend this FCA sponsored event on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 6:30 p.m. on Keith Henderson Field. Learn more at www.fieldsoffaith.com.
Photos Galore!
Yearbook advisor Liz Jones is making her photographs available to our community through her Smugmug gallery. Go to https://lizjones.smugmug.com/GWA2020 and enter the password 2020gwa50yrs. You need to enter it for each of the galleries. Also, you may download the photos you want for free and you are welcome to order prints from this site- but we can’t vouch for the quality. Mrs. Jones and GWA do not profit from these orders.
Understanding Dyslexia
Do you know someone who struggles with reading, writing or spelling, but they are otherwise bright and intelligent? They may have dyslexia- a language-based learning difference. It is the most common cause of reading, writing, and spelling difficulties. It is estimated that 20% of the population has some form of dyslexia.
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month and The PARC invites parents and teachers to “The Big Picture - Rethinking Dyslexia” the movie this evening at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium. This thoughtful documentary explores dyslexia from an insider’s perspective- providing an accurate portrayal of the learning difference through interviews with parents, adult dyslexics, researchers and educators.
Please consider joining us to learn about and understand the impact of dyslexia on so many in our population. For more information, please Doretta Power at dpower@gwa.com.
A Taste of Argentina
Señorita Di Salvo’s fourth-grade class made a cake originally from her country, Argentina. Students learned how to make the no-bake cake and enjoyed eating it by the end of the class. This cake is called “chocotorta” and is made with dulce de leche (caramel), chocolinas (crackers), leche (milk) and crema (cream). It is easy to make and the ingredients are really inexpensive. Argentinians make this cake at anytime of the year and they enjoy it with a cup of coffee!
Spanish Exchange Students Explore the World of Coke
Recently, our Spanish exchange students visited the World of Coca-Cola. Students enjoyed the exhibits and learning about the history of a brand that has reached every corner of the world. They enjoyed all of the hands-on activities that the museum offered, and loved tasting all of the different Coke products. We have really enjoyed having Eva, Patricia, Hugo, Paula and Alexia on campus, and are sad to say goodbye to them this weekend!
Standardized Testing on the Horizon! PSAT, ACT, SAT… What to choose?
By Jon Terrell, Director of College Counseling
Spoiler Alert! In case you haven’t read any emails from Ms. Robinson lately, GWA will be hosting standardized testing next week on campus for the high school students. And we are here to tell you that everything will be ok!
Next Wednesday, all 9th, 10th and 11th graders will take the PSAT on campus. Some seniors will be taking the SAT off-campus. While the PSAT isn’t used for admission to college, it is a very important test for our students. First and foremost, we will see where our students currently stand and get an idea of where they potentially will or could test on the actual SAT. Score reports will also let us see deficiencies in certain areas on the test. This is also a positive thing. It gives students more time to study and prepare for these areas in the actual test to help improve their scores. Lastly, students need practice! One could argue that the ACT and SAT are also endurance tests. You don’t need to go into a 3-4 hour test without having practiced for it. READ MORE...
Middle School Art Goes 3D
Ms. Sim's middle school art students were tasked with creating either a faux Fabergé egg or a hot air balloon using paper mache. This project incorporated art and design as students were required to make their projects either hang from the ceiling or stand on an elevated base. The eggs had an additional challenge as they needed to house a hidden surprise inside that could be accessed by using a hinged opening. This project required students to not only apply creativity in their design aesthetic but also in building the structure. Be sure to stop by the middle school halls to see their works on display.
Students left to right: Abby Holley, Allie Marler, Kendall Inman, Olivia Jordan
50 on the 50
In honor of our 50th year, we are throwing it back to the school's first fundraiser in the spring of 1969 and hosting a BBQ on the 50-yard line of Keith Henderson Field at Don Williams Stadium. Back when the idea of GWA was still fresh on the minds of our original Board of Trustees, and the cost of opening a brand-new school was too much for them to generate, they hosted an old-fashioned southern BBQ with homemade sides to raise the funds needed to open GWA’s doors. In honor of that event, George Walton, in partnership with Dawgs 360, is hosting a BBQ celebration on Tuesday, October 22 from 6 – 8 p.m. to commemorate our first 50 years, and to look ahead to the next 50. Tickets will be priced at $15/person, and will include a meal from Lane’s BBQ, live music, lawn games, and entry into a raffle. Interested parties can reserve a table for 8 people for $200. Tickets are selling fast, so hurry since we are capping this event at 250 tickets!
Calling For Volunteers!
We are calling for some doggone good volunteers for 50 on the 50 BBQ, Tuesday, Oct. 22. The Dawgs 360 team is working hard behind the scenes and we need your help! We are in search of the following:
-Set up team with an arrival time of 2 p.m.
-Clean up team with an arrival time of 8:30 p.m.
-Volunteers for baking desserts
-Items for door prizes
Please email Elizabeth McDonel at emcdonel@gwa.com if you are available to volunteer!
Tennis Anyone?
Attention tennis players of all levels (even beginners)! Please join us each Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. on the tennis courts next to the track field, to play tennis. Nearby parking is accessible from McDaniel Street. This event is open to all ages and to the community at large, so feel free to extend an invitation to family and friends. Hope to see Tuesday! Questions? Call/text Justin at 404.998.1857.
White Out at Athens Academy!
GWA Hosts Equestrian Show
Lady Dawgs Gear Up for State
Competition Cheer Squad Eyes State Finals
After weeks of practice before the start of competition season, several injuries struck. The squad found themselves scrambling to rework most of the stunts and formations in the routine just hours before the first competition at Morgan County. Then again before the second competition at Hebron Christian, a sprained ankle landed the girls in the same situation of reworking the routine with only one day of practice. Despite the challenges and obstacles, the squad rose to the occasion. These young athletes are proving to themselves that hard work and perseverance pays off. The cheerleaders won second place at Morgan County and fist place at Hebron Christian. The competition squad has one more regular season competition at East Jackson on Oct. 26. From there, they will compete at Sectionals at FPD in Macon on Nov. 9, where they hope to win another trip to the State Finals in Columbus on Nov. 15. Please congratulate the competition cheerleaders on their success and wish them luck as they head toward State.
Volleyball Plays into Post-Season
GWA varsity volleyball plays in Region Tournament against Hebron Christian today at Providence Christian at 4:30 p.m. - with a second game (undetermined opponent) at 5:30 p.m. Go Lady Dawgs!
5/6 Grade Football Heads to Championship!
Be in the Know!
GWA fall sports are heading into their final games and playoffs! Click the calendar link above to check out upcoming sporting events. GO BULLDOGS!