In Focus @ GWA
A news bulletin for the families of George Walton Academy
December 2, 2021
Email: info@gwa.com
Website: www.gwa.com
Phone: (678) 635-3800
Facebook: facebook.com/GeorgeWaltonAcademy/
Twitter: @georgewalton
Key Deadlines & Dates
- Christmas Tree Presentation: Dec. 3 @ 9 a.m.
- Dance Performance: Dec. 3 (see below)
- Gingerbread Christmas: Dec. 5, 4-6 p.m.
- Winnie the Pooh: Dec 7 & 9 (see below)
- Exam Week: Dec. 13 -17
- Early Dismissal Day: Friday, Dec. 17 (all grades)
Christmas Spirit Fills Campus
Deck the Halls Challenge
Thank you again to all the teachers, students and parent volunteers who worked so hard on our halls for the Deck the Halls Challenge. And now for the moment we have all been waiting for!
The judges were impressed with EVERY hall. They deliberated and discussed and were dazzled by all the displays of Christmas cheer! The judges had to sequester themselves for an additional 30 minutes after their tour to have a major conference to even come to some conclusion - and for the first time in the Deck the Halls history, we have a TIE!
But before we announce the winners, we want to list our honorable mention awards (in no particular order):
Honorable Mention Awards
Sweetest Attention to Detail Award
Third & Fourth Grade– O Christmas Tree
Fantastic Collaboration Award
The Upper School – Twelve Days of Christmas
Kris Kringle’s Clever Award
Fifth Grade – Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Elves Choice
The Counseling Office – Silver Bells
Santa’s Show Stopper Award
Second Grade– Mele Kalikimaka
Most Heartwarming Award
Eighth Grade – Let It Snow
True Spirit of Christmas Award
Science Building – collaboration with science and fine arts – Away in a Manger
North Pole Award
Sixth Grade – Frosty the Snowman
Sugar and Spice Award
First Grade – Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
And if you have been marking off the halls as we did our countdown, then you know that the tie for the winner is:
Seventh Grade– You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch and
The Hill – Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer!
To see these amazing decorations in person, be sure to stop by this Sunday during our Gingerbread Christmas from 4 -6 p.m. Click HERE for a detailed event schedule.
2022 STAR Student and Teacher
George Walton Academy is pleased to announce that senior Mac Geoffroy has been named the school’s 2022 PAGE STAR Student. To qualify as STAR Student, a senior must have the highest score on a single SAT test date and be in the top ten percent of their class based on the grade point average. Mac has selected upper school math and science teacher Kellie Watts as STAR Teacher. Both Mac and Mrs. Watts will be honored at a banquet sponsored by the Walton County Chamber of Commerce in April. Congratulations Mac and Mrs. Watts!
Out of This World Projects
Fourth graders completed their unit on space by creating a project of their choice – a game, a 20-question written test, a model of the solar system, or a digital project. If they chose the test option, they also became the teacher administering the test. The digital projects took the form of either a slide presentation or iMovie trailer. The board game was a popular choice. Students created rules of the game, colorful game boards, playing pieces and included 20 questions about the solar system. Lastly, they could create a solar system model out of clay or foam balls. Their models included every planet in order from the sun, and a fact about each of them.
Students did a great job completing their unique projects and the classes enjoyed wrapping up the unit on space with a variety of options for learning
New Episode Released
A Holiday Treat!
The GWA dance program will be presenting their rendition of the holiday favorite, “The Nutcracker,” on Friday, December 3 at 4:15 and 7 p.m. in the lower school gym. “The Nutcracker POPS!” takes the traditional story of the nutcracker ballet and peppers it with contemporary, pop, hip-hop and country variations. Hope to see you there!
Winnie the Pooh is Back!
Last Chance
Approximately 90% of the 2021 education tax credits have been consumed. Secure your 2021 GOAL tax credit while there is still time – before December 31! The application is available HERE. Please contact Jenni Cole at jcole@gwa.com with any questions. Thank you for your support!
Sharp Shooter
GWA sophomore Jordan Smothers competed in the 9th Annual Sheriff Joe Chapman 10th Congressional Pistol Match at the WCSO Shooting Range and won first place! He shot with a 9mm action pistol and ended with a combined score of B27 target pistol at distance, a combat course, and the Texas Star combined. Congratulations, Jordan!
Mrs. Blevins Recognized as Master Teacher
First grade teacher Jessica Blevins has earned the title of Master Teacher through GISA. To be accepted into GISA’s Master Teacher program, candidates must submit a detailed application. Applicants must also submit a portfolio of three tangible examples of outstanding work related to the classroom and to sharing and collaborating with other educators. The final part of the application is an unedited video of the candidate’s classroom teaching utilizing best practices and five letters of recommendation from colleagues, administrators, parents, and students.
Mrs. Blevins is an asset to our school and we are so pleased that she was recognized for her hard work and dedication to her craft and her passion for teaching.