In Focus @ GWA

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

• Dawgs 360 Pregame Tailgate: Friday, Sept. 2 (see below)
• V Football vs. Social Circle at HOME: Friday, Sept. 2 @ 7:30 p.m.
• School Holiday: Monday, Sept. 5
• LS Class Group Photos: Sept. 7
• Yearbook Picture Make-up Day: Oct. 17

Third-grade classrooms were transformed into GWA Hospital on Monday as third graders participated in place value operation day! Students performed surgery by taking numbers from expanded form to standard form, sorted medicine in the pharmacy into greater than, less than, or equal to containers, and looked at place value x-rays. Such an exciting day to be a third grader!

Mrs. Garbach’s eighth-grade health classes used both biology and chemistry today to uncover evidence in a murder mystery. Students tested “stomach contents" for the presence of certain macromolecules (starches, sugars and proteins) in food. Macromolecues can all be tested for using chemical indicators, which helped these young forensic investigators narrow down their suspects and find out who poisoned Mr. Sam Quiggle!

Ms. Benfield's AP Biology students modeled the structure and properties of cell membranes in a hands-on activity using common bubble solution and plastic straws. Students watched the bubble film flow and swirl in the light, much like the fluid nature of our cell membranes.

By Femke Côté

On Monday, the ninth grade had a chance to travel to Sojourn Adventures in Johns Creek to participate in some bonding and team building exercises. Working in their advisory groups, students took on challenges that required them to learn good listening and communication skills, pushed them outside of their comfort zone and taught them how to rely on each other to get them through the task. Students participated in low ropes and high ropes activities, and even got to see their advisors take on the challenge with them. This day is designed to introduce the ninth graders to the students in their advisory group as well as their advisor, to set the tone for the year by forcing them to work together in an unfamiliar environment, and ultimately to have a great time – which they did!

By Amy Wilkes

Last Friday, our newest middle school Bulldogs spent the day at Sojourn Adventures in Johns Creek. Students were led through a variety of activities designed to encourage effective communication, understanding, and teamwork. Teams paired up against one another in a friendly game of laser tag and challenged themselves to step outside of their comfort zones by climbing one of the giant rock walls. Experiences like these help our students build skills like collaboration and communication and prepare them for the important work that lies ahead for them in middle school.

The annual GWA Club Expo is a time for middle and upper school students to engage with club advisors and members as they explore exciting extracurricular options for the school year. Student Life at GWA offers everything from honor society memberships, Latin Club, Gavel Club, and Book Club, to Photography Club, and Chess Club – just to mention a few! In total there are 30 clubs/organizations to choose from, giving students so many opportunities to contribute service, explore interests, learn something new, and meet other students. Based on the sign ups from the event, GWA students will be more involved than ever!

Get ready to saddle up, Bulldogs, for a rootin'-tootin' good time! Homecoming is scheduled for Friday, October 7. An online shop has been set up to take pre-orders for homecoming t-shirts (available in all sizes) beginning today. The deadline to purchase a t-shirt is September 9. All orders will be ready for pickup in the shop starting September 26. Click HERE for the link or visit the Dawg Shop page on our website.

Our Beyond the Bell classes offer afterschool activities for students interested in art, drama, Taekwondo, and dance. These classes are taught by talented instructors with the convenience of on campus learning just after the school day ends. Spots are available in all classes, please click HERE for details and sign up information.

College representatives from schools located around the country are visiting GWA. College rep visits are an excellent way to learn about new majors, programs, and opportunities. Beyond providing admission material, admission counselors will answer questions and give prospective students a glimpse of college life at their respective campus. All college rep visits, except for the Probe College Fair, will take place during lunch in the Commons. Please note: Seniors - if a school visits GWA that is also on your Naviance list, be there. Period. Juniors - you are required to participate in at least three rep visits this year. Sophomores - you are required to go to at least one college rep visit this semester. Freshmen - it couldn't hurt for you to join the fun too!

Juniors & Parents,

Please mark your calendars. Mr. Terrell and Mrs. Nabors will be hosting a mandatory College Preparation Meeting in the cafeteria on Wednesday, September 14, at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will end no later than 7:30 p.m. We ask that every junior and at least one parent be in attendance. We will review college admission guidelines, timelines, testing, the application process, and much more to make sure your family is completely informed and prepared for the upcoming college application process.

If you have conflicts or questions, please email Mrs. Nabors at lnabors@gwa.com.

We are having a pink out tailgate September 2 with music, food, and entertainment in the pavilion from 6 to 7 p.m. We need parents to help host, prep and clean up. Email emcdonel@gwa.com to get involved!

Today's In Focus is proudly sponsored by Reliant Homes (www.relianthomes.com). Interested in advertising through our Corporate Partnership program? Contact Mike Elmankabady melmankabady@gwa.com or call 678-635-3812.