In Focus @ GWA
A news bulletin for the families of George Walton Academy
March 28, 2019
Email: info@gwa.com
Website: www.gwa.com
Phone: (678) 635-3800
Facebook: facebook.com/GeorgeWaltonAcademy/
Twitter: @georgewalton
Key Deadlines & Dates
- Founders Day Celebration: March 29 at 9 a.m.
- Spring Break: April 1-5
- Coffee with Admin: April 11 at 6 p.m.
Please see a new section titled: Staffing Announcements.
We encourage you to check In Focus over the next few weeks to meet our newest team members and stay up to date on any staffing transitions. We have added some talented new faculty and staff and look forward to introducing them to you in In Focus.
Bidding Farewell to the Renaissance...
For this year’s upper school intensive, GWA turned to the Renaissance for inspiration. Challenges, kings, queens, and kingdoms were all incorporated to make this intensive interactive and creative. “One part of the Renaissance that George Walton focused on was renewal because in some ways, renewal is part of George Walton’s journey,” said Dr. Dolan.
GWA also focused on the historic aspects of the Renaissance by bringing the era into the classroom and across many subjects. Some teachers included Renaissance lessons in their daily agenda. Ninth-grade students read Shakespeare’s play The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet and attended The Shakespeare Tavern’s performance. Mrs. Maddox’s Spanish 1 classes watched the TNT version of Don Quijote, based on the Spanish novel from the Renaissance period written by Miguel Cervantes. Mrs. Bishop’s biology classes dissected the digestive tracts of various organisms and made precise observations, much like the great artists of the Renaissance who were looking to uncover how the human body was structured. Mr. Reagan led students through the recreation of some of the most important art pieces from the Renaissance, while Mr. Cole helped students build trebuchets and chariots. Lower and middle school art and dance classes took a cue from the upper school and created their own works based on the Renaissance.
While teachers enjoyed incorporating Renaissance elements into their lessons, the students enjoyed all of the exciting activities including tug-of-war, Pictionary, hula-hooping, and Ninja. “The challenges are super fun, and it gets your nerves going because you really want your kingdom to win,” said sophomore Julia Waldo.
The intensive culminated this afternoon during the Renaissance festival, featuring extra credit Renaissance projects created by students, dance and musical performances, more challenges and Renaissance-based games, and even a living re-creation of the painting, The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci.
The ultimate kingdom champions will be announced once we return from spring break and see who won the most sand over the four week period.
This fall, GWA will welcome Jessica Blevins to our lower school as a new first-grade teacher. Jessica graduated magna cum laude from Walden University with a master’s degree in elementary education. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from the University of Georgia. She served as a fifth-grade teacher and grade chair at Bethlehem Elementary and she also taught at Statham Elementary. One of her specialties is implementing differentiated instruction and engaging lessons through the use of project-based learning and STEM lessons. After attending our Gingerbread Christmas Festival and “hearing such great things about GWA from family and friends,” Jessica applied to be a member of the George Walton faculty. We are pleased to welcome her to the team!
Jeff Brandes brings a wealth of experience to GWA as our new Director of Lower School Academics. He is skilled at elevating schools to higher levels of accomplishment and achievement and also has experience as a school safety specialist. He comes to GWA after nine years of service to Anderson and Marion Community Schools as an Associate and Assistant Principal. Jeff earned a master’s degree in education administration from Butler University and a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Dayton. Our student-athletes will benefit from his more than 30 years of experience as he becomes the head coach for boys tennis and assists with the basketball program. You may recall that we introduced Jeff’s wife, Beth, last week. She will be joining GWA in the fall as the Director of College Counseling.
We are grateful to Elaine Millians for her 18 years of service to GWA and wish her the very best as she retires at the end of this school year. After working in public schools for 21 years, Elaine was hired to teach fourth grade at GWA before moving to fifth grade. She tells us, "I love this school more every day because of the exciting changes that are happening. GWA is an extraordinary place for students to be inspired, loved and challenged in all areas of their lives. Teaching has always been in my heart and I am so thankful to have been a part of the GWA family."
A Star-Studded Grandparents' Day Celebration
Consider Hosting an International Student
Dr. Dolan and his family believe in the benefits of this meaningful program and are hosting a student in their home this year. "I can say that the students who are drawn to participate in these kinds of programs are really neat kids," said Dr. Dolan. "We enjoy hosting Thea very much. It is a time and financial commitment on the part of the host family, but the school has arranged for two new scholarships to be dedicated to international students next year and students come with their own spending money. We highly recommend this experience and encourage other GWA families to consider hosting Amanda or Gerard for the 2019-2020 school year."
For more information, please contact Sherry Coffman, EF Local Coordinator, 770-866-3884, sherrycoffman@comcast.net.
Invite Your Friends to Discover GWA
Not Your Ordinary Summer Camp
Join Us For Founders Day - Friday, March 29
George Walton Academy was incorporated in March 1969. Founders Day is an assembly to mark the occasion of the founding of the school, recognize those who helped in the beginning, and to celebrate our accomplishments over 50 years. Founders Day is open to GWA parents, grandparents, alumni, and friends. We will have first-year memorabilia on display and offer tours for those wishing to see the campus.
Back by Popular Demand
Rotary Student of the Month
Cole Aukes was selected as Rotary Student of the Month for March. He chose Jeff Lalaian as Rotary Teacher of the Month. Cole has earned Best of the Best and Headmaster’s List awards as well as Star Student recognition. He is a member of the GWA Band and serves as drum captain and GWA Band vice president. Cole also participates in Gavel Club, Junior Classical League and Socratic Circle. He volunteers in his community as a summer camp leader at Nativity Lutheran Church, serves at FISH for Kids and helps others through tutoring. Cole plans to attend the University of Georgia in the Honors Program to study general mathematics and pursue a career in education. Congratulations to Cole and Mr. Lalaian!
Winning Writer
By Jenna Lo, GWA Student and Essay Winner
Sharing Stories of Perseverance
An "Intensive" Lesson In Digestion
Middle Schoolers and the Big Growth Spurt
By Lynn Robinson, Middle and High School Counselor
A Lovely Night at the Opera
Prom-goers enjoyed “A Night at the Opera” on Friday, March 22. At the conclusion of the “Senior Walk,” the 2019 prom queen and king were crowned. Miss Sydney Senical was crowned queen and Mr. Brelan Holston was crowned king.
A "Tutu" Wonderful Cause
The GWA Beta Club and National Honor Society made tutus for patients at Children’s Hospitals with Tutu Capers - a non-profit organization started by Barbara Mock that is based in the Atlanta area. They make and deliver tutus and superhero capes to children with long term illnesses at Egleston and Scottish Rite Hospitals in Atlanta. GWA upper school students made 35 tutus!
GWA Hosts Relay for Life
We invite our entire community to get involved: volunteer, donate, honor a loved one affected by cancer and help raise awareness and funds to fight cancer. To be part of this life-changing event, CLICK HERE to access the registration form, or contact Director of Dawgs 360 Elizabeth Mcdonel at emdonel@gwa.com for more information.
Survivor Dinner: GWA is partnering with First Baptist to host this special dinner on Friday, May 3. If you are a cancer survivor and/or know someone who is, please email Elizabeth McDonel by April 26 to receive an invitation to dinner.
Honor Your Loved One: If you would like to honor a family member or friend with a picture during the survivor dinner program, please email your picture, name, and in honor or in memory of to telesa.kendall@walton.k12.ga.us
Dedicate a Luminaria: Light up your community and honor every life touched by cancer. Dedicate a Luminaria to a loved one lost, someone currently battling, or anyone who has overcome cancer. Dawgs 360 is selling Luminaria Bags at the price of two for $10. If you are interested in purchasing bags, please CLICK HERE to access the order form. You may contact Elizabeth McDonel at emcdonel@gwa.com for more information. If you would like a student from our art department to decorate your bag for you, please let her know.
100 volunteers are needed on May 3! We are in need of volunteers in different areas, from unloading to loading tents, traffic coordinating, joining or starting a team, helping at the survivor dinner, as well as providing and driving golf carts! If you are interested, please email emcdonel@gwa.com
Show Your Support!
In partnership with Dawgs 360, Zaxby’s and the American Cancer Society are holding a fundraiser on Tuesday, April 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Zaxby’s location in Monroe. Attendees must mention to the cashier that they are there in support of GWA and the American Cancer Society and 10% of the sale will go back to the American Cancer Society! This is a great way to give back to the community and support the Relay for Life efforts. Please email Dawgs 360 Director Elizabeth McDonel at emdonel@gwa.com with any questions or if you need further information.
We need YOU!
Opportunities for Involvement:
Relay for Life Volunteers:
Set- Up: Fri., May 3 from 9 a.m. -1 p.m. & 4 - 6 p.m.
Host/Hostess’ for Survivor Dinner Clean- Up: 11 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.
Golf Carts and Drivers: Fri. May 3
Teacher Appreciation Week:
Week of May 6 - 10
We need breakfast bakers, mailbox treats, desserts for appreciation lunch and small tokens of appreciation!
Please email Elizabeth McDonel at emcdonel@gwa.com to get involved!
Art that's Fit for a King
From learning about castles and palaces, to chiaroscuro, atmospheric perspective, and foreshortening- lower school art has been filled with a Renaissance flair! While studying artists like Da Vinci, Ghiberti, Brunelleschi, and Masaccio, students also learned a little about themselves: they are each beautifully and wonderfully unique in their art. Lower school students grew in their knowledge and abilities and their teachers could not be more proud. These treasured pieces will be on display soon outside the lower school art room!
GWA's Croker Chosen to March in Macy's Parade
Shoot for the Stars
Congrats to all of our Walton County All-Star game basketball players- Taryn Shelnutt, Grace Short, Torie Johnson, Savannah McBee, Brelan Holston, and Hamiton Allen. Senior Grace Short was named All-County Second Team and Emma Adair, Kendall Garrett, Torie Johnson, Taryn Shelnutt received All-County Honorable Mention. Senior Brelan Holston was named All-County First Team for boys basketball.
Strong Debut for GWA Lacrosse
Middle School Tennis on Top!
Big Victory for Varsity Boys Soccer
The Varsity boys soccer team had an awesome region win last Thursday night. They beat Prince Avenue 5-1 at home. Cody Carnes scored two goals and Tommy Long, Jacob Engelbracht and Matthew McMain all scored one. That brings the team to 4-1 in the region! Their next game is tonight at home against Lakeview. Boys start at 5 p.m. and the girls start at 7 p.m.
Sign Up for Cheerleading
Calling all middle and upper school students interested in cheerleading for football, competition, or basketball! If you play a fall sport, but are interested in cheering for basketball, please come to tryouts starting April 9!
Practice clinic will be held Tuesday – Thursday, April 9-11, then again the following week from Monday – Wednesday, April 15-17. Cheerleading tryouts will be held on Thursday, April 18. All practices will begin around 3:30 p.m. in the middle gym. Tryouts on April 18 will begin around 3:30 p.m. and will be held in the lower gym. All participants need a current sports physical on file in order to attend practice clinic or tryout. Physical forms are available in the front office and Mrs. Vickie Rollins and Mrs. Tanya Rainford can let you know if your physical on file is still current.
If you were not able to attend the parent meeting held in February, please contact Coach Holly Atkinson at hatkinson@gwa.com for information or any other questions.
MANDATORY UPPER SCHOOL ATHLETIC MEETING
On Thursday, April 25 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. there will be a MANDATORY athletic meeting for all rising upper school students and their parents who plan on participating in a GWA athletic program during the 2019-2020 school year. The meeting will be held in the cafeteria. Areas that will be covered include general information- “The Dawg Way,” strength training, recruiting and team parents.