In Focus @ GWA

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Email: info@gwa.com
Website: www.gwa.com
Phone: (678) 635-3800

• NYC Trip Virtual Meeting: Sept. 18 (link below)
• Dawgs Unleashed: Sept. 18, 19, 30 (see below)
• Volleyball Senior Night: Sept. 19
• Mandatory Junior/Parent College Prep Meeting: Sept. 20
• Deadline to purchase HOCO t-shirt: Sept. 20 (see below)
• Yearbook Picture Make Up/Retake Day: Sept. 20
• School Holiday: Sept. 22 (Rutledge Day)
• Homecoming Week: Oct. 9-13

To learn more about this amazing trip - join the Grand Classroom representative (virtually) on Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. for an informational meeting. Click HERE for the meeting link.

The Hill had an amazing week learning all about Community Helpers and what their jobs entailed. GWA’s very own resource officer, Officer Hunt, gave them a tour of his police vehicle and showed them the different parts of his uniform. The K3 students were so excited that they gave Officer Hunt a goodie basket. Jack Dickerson, in K3 said, “He let us touch all the buttons. It was so cool."

The K5 classes did a workshop where nurse April Staples showed them how to listen to their hearts, bandage their arms, and how to use a syringe. “I loved being able to listen to my heart with a stethoscope,” said K5 student Ralph Thomas.

The week was capped off with Walton County Fire Rescue making a visit with their trucks and equipment. The children toured one of the big firetrucks, watched the firefighter put on his gear, and learned all about the equipment on the rig. They even saw the Jaws of Life. K4 student, Oakland Miller, said “Wow! That’s what I want to be.”

Several classes in lower, middle and upper school discussed the events of Sept. 11, 2001 or participated in activities related to this day in history. Our K5 students made U.S. flags for "Patriot Day" and sixth graders in Mrs. Burkhart's classes reflected on the solemness of the day and wrote notes of gratitude.

In the piano lab, Mrs. Noll's students talked about the way major events in history shape our world, including music. Both middle and upper school piano classes, explored classical pieces that were inspired by the events of that tragic day. They researched pieces, listened to them, and discussed the emotional ramifications of those pieces.

Purchase your 2023 Homecoming t-shirt online by Sept. 20. The price: $12 -19 (depending on size), available in 2T – Adult 3XL. This shirt will NOT be sold in the Dawg Shop.

Homecoming Week is less than a month away! Get ready for an incredible week filled with dress up days for all grades. Ideas for "Salad Dressing" day include ranch (cowboy), French (French attire), thousand island (Caribbean/Hawaiian), etc.

The George Walton Academy aftercare program is a great place if your child needs somewhere to go after school. There are opportunities to have a snack, get homework done, hang out with friends, or attend an afterschool class. We offer classes in dance, theatre, and Taekwondo with the Beyond the Bell program. The program is offered for children from kindergarten to fifth grade. Aftercare is only $9 per hour and is available until 6 p.m.

Our 5k and Fun Run are just 16 days away! Are you planning to join us this year for the Dawgs Unleashed running events? If so, you may register in person or online (click HERE or go to gwa.com). We have limited shirt sizes available. Day of registration will open at 7:30 a.m. the morning of the event!

If you are interested in signing up for the golf tournament - a few spots remain open. Contact Elizabeth McDonel.

Be part of our Dawgs Unleashed family as a Dawgs 360 volunteer! Volunteers play an important role in a runner’s race journey - from manning the water stops along the course to awarding medals. Sign up by sending an email to Elizabeth McDonel at emcdonel@gwa.com. Go Bulldogs!

History was made during advisory as middle school students participated in the first ever Honor Code Ceremony. Students were taught about the importance of living an honorable life and how holding a high standard of integrity elevates our school, community, and ourselves. To conclude the ceremony, each student and teacher signed the honor code to symbolize their commitment to be courageous in the pursuit of integrity. These honor codes will be displayed in each grade level hallway as a reminder of our commitment.

Maria Anifowose spoke with our students during upper school advisory about Suicide Awareness and the importance of controlling their minds, relying on God, and finding their support systems. Maria ended her speech with a beautiful song about hope. If your student is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, please reach out to people who can help. You can contact School Counselor Amber Thomason athomason@gwa.com if you need to be connected to resources.

It's cats vs. Dawgs as our varsity Bulldogs hit the road this Friday to face the Banks County Leopards. Tickets may be purchased at GoFan (link below) or at the gate (cash). Let's Go Bulldogs!

https://gofan.co/event/1036671?schoolId=GA4833

The George Walton Academy Lady Dawgs are off to a great start this season! The team currently has an 11-3 overall record and is 3-0 in region play. They are currently ranked number one in GIAA and in the region. Offensively the team is being led by Demere Gray, Leila Mathis, and Khyler Hannay. Erin Harrelson and Kendall Woodbury are off to a great start in the pitching circle, and team defense is also solid. Come check out the Lady Dawgs at home on Monday as they take on Loganville HS at 4:45 p.m. (be sure to wear your pink – it’s a Pink Out!).

The 2024 Georgia GOAL campaign is well underway! It is time for all of us to take control of our taxes and use this opportunity to support George Walton Academy in 2024! Many of you have been supporting GWA's Georgia GOAL campaigns for years, and we encourage you to APPLY NOW for your 2024 contribution today. For others, the following information (click HERE) is designed to help to understand the program and how it is helpful to GWA.

Please join our campaign to strengthen our school's ability to support families that need some assistance to take advantage of the excellent George Walton Academy education that we offer this community. If you have any questions, contact Johnny Green at jgreen@gwa.com.

Today's In Focus is proudly sponsored by Atlanta Rehabilitation and Performance Center (https://atlantarehab.com).