In Focus

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

• Youth Cheer Registration: now open (see below)
• Winter Break: Feb. 13 - 16
• LS Parent/Teacher Conferences: Feb. 17 - HALF DAY for LS only
• MS Dance: Feb. 20
• Admissions Open House: Feb. 22 (rescheduled date)
• School Holiday: March 9 (Layla Day)
• Grandparents Day: March 13

CLICK HERE to access the GWA website calendar

Early on Saturday morning, Ms. Marier and eight of her AP Art History students traveled to the Michael C. Carlos Museum to tour the collection with the AP exam in mind. Students examined works from the Americas, Ancient Greece and Rome, Ancient Egypt, the Ancient Near East, Africa and Asia. Students used their visual analysis skills to analyze artwork and draw connections to the AP exam.

Sixth-grade Language Arts students wrapped up their Greek Mythology unit by reading The Lightning Thief and writing research papers on a character of their choice. To bring their learning to life, students also designed creative trading cards featuring characters and creatures from Greek myths.

On “Trading Day,” students explored one another’s cards and exchanged facts and insights, turning the classroom into a hub of mythological discovery. While the project required dedication and hard work, students enjoyed showcasing their creativity and learning from their classmates.

Third grade launched their economics unit with an engaging field trip to the World of Coca-Cola, where learning came to life beyond the classroom. Students explored how different fractional parts are combined to create the flavors in various beverages, helping them see a practical application of the fractions and division concepts they are currently studying in math. Interactive exhibits also allowed students to consider how ingredients, cost, and consumer choice connect to real-world decision making. In addition, students learned about the history of the Coca-Cola Company, including how it began, how it expanded over time, and how innovation and marketing helped it become a global brand.

This experience set the stage for deeper conversations about goods, services, and entrepreneurship as we move through our economics unit, which will culminate with Market Day on March 11, when students will run their own businesses on campus.

In celebration of the Winter Olympics, first and second grade STEM students are diving into the exciting sport of curling! As part of the fun, students are learning the basic rules of the game while designing and creating their own curling game boards.

Using pennies to represent curling stones, students carefully slide eight “stones” toward a target, aiming for the center. After all pennies have been played, the student whose penny lands closest to the center earns a point. Along the way, students are also exploring the science behind the sport, discovering how rotation and friction affect the movement of the stones on the ice.

This hands-on activity combines creativity, friendly competition, and real-world physics - bringing the spirit of the Winter Olympics right into the classroom.

Black History Month is an opportunity for our students to learn, reflect, and celebrate the stories, voices, and achievements that have shaped our world. Each morning, we will highlight individuals who not only made foundational contributions in innovation, art, and leadership, but also organized and advocated for equal rights and freedoms.

Students and faculty will have the opportunity to participate in a daily Black History Month challenge via email, with winners announced each week. We also look forward to welcoming two guest speakers during upcoming Huddle sessions, and students will complete classroom projects and activities throughout the month.

Special thanks to our middle school leadership members for announcing our daily spotlights, including Alonzo Herndon, Atlanta’s first Black millionaire; Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice; Bessie Coleman, the first licensed Black pilot; and NASA scientist Katherine Johnson.

Join us for an evening of fun, fellowship and fundraising in support of GWA! The George Walton Academy Casino Night & Benefit Auction this year will take place on:

Saturday, March 14, 2026

Beginning at 6 p.m.

at the Towers at Snows Mill

Monroe, GA

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Get ready for an unforgettable evening at our Casino Night Gala, featuring thrilling casino-style games, a delicious catered dinner, and an atmosphere full of fun, flair, and friendly competition. Guests will enjoy an elevated night out while supporting a great cause.

The evening includes both a Silent Auction and a Live Auction. The Silent Auction is open to everyone - whether you’re attending in person or participating remotely - so all can join in the excitement. Our Live Auction will take place during the event and features exclusive, must-have items and experiences. Bidding on live items is available to guests in attendance only, making it a highlight of the night you won’t want to miss.

The Book Fair is coming and we can't do it without you! Please consider volunteering to help at our Book Fair. The story starts with you! CLICK HERE to sign up! More information coming soon on our March 12 -20 Scholastic Book Fair.

Come out this evening to cheer the Lady Dawgs on to victory in the Region Championship game against Athens Christian! Good luck, Lady Dawgs!

The GWA Swim Dawgs had a phenomenal performance at the State Championship meet at Georgia Tech on Monday, Jan. 9. Out of 49 competing teams, varsity boys and girls both landed in 8th place overall, JV girls took 6th place overall, and JV boys landed an impressive 2nd place ranking overall!

The varsity girls relay consisting of Morgan Davis, Emily Chmielewski, Maci Gray, and Bella Weimer placed 6th in the 200 IM relay and 7th in the 200 Free relay. The JV boys relay consisting of Liam Silvers, Baylor Thompson, Keegan Thompson, and Noah Wells earned 2nd place in both the 200 IM and 200 Free relays. Finally, the JV girls relays of Bethany Pham, Sophia Cown, Rosie Murren, Kinsley Smith, and Ashley Fields scored 5th place in the 200 IM relay and 7th place in the 200 Free relay.

Some individual accomplishments are as follows:

• Anthony Pham placed 1st overall in the 50 Free and 100 Free as well as 2nd place in the 100 Fly - breaking three school records!
• Bethany Pham earned a 3rd place medal in the 50 Backstroke!
• Liam Silvers earned two 3rd place medals in the 50 Fly and 50 Breast!
• Sophia Cown was the 1st place heat winner in all three of her events!
• Justin Gervais was the 1st place heat winner in two of his events!
• Atticus Ferguson was the 1st place heat winner in one of his events!
• Rosie Murren was the 1st place heat winner in one of her events!
• Gabbie Zaleski was the overall winner for most time dropped this week (10.62 seconds)!
• Drake Ferguson had the most time dropped for Varsity boys (0.48 seconds)!
• Justin Gervais had the most time dropped for JV boys (6.67 seconds)!
• Sophia Cown had the most time dropped for JV girls (6.32 seconds)!

Finally, here is how our swimmers placed individually against other swimmers. Each of the following was in at least one event, and sometimes all three:

Top 5-

Anthony Pham

Morgan Davis

Bethany Pham

Liam Silvers

Top 10-

Maci Gray

Baylor Thompson

Noah Wells

Top 15-

Bella Weimer

Rosie Murren

Keegan Thompson

These are all amazing accomplishments and an incredible way to end the season. Congratulations to all of the Swim Dawgs on a successful season!

A huge congratulations to our fifth-grade basketball team on last's night Championship win! They defeated Clarke Co. by one point in overtime! This group of players and coaches have gone UNDEFEATED for three seasons - winning every game and now earning three championship titles!

Junior Brody Hamman finished as the GIAA Wrestling State Runner-Up at 215 lbs! Congratulations to Brody and our coaches and wrestlers on a great season!

Our new locker room (Field House) and film room (The George) are officially ready — giving our student-athletes a first-class environment to grow, prepare, and compete at the highest level. We are incredibly thankful for everyone who invested in these projects and believes in what we’re building. Because of you, our players have top-notch facilities designed to help them become better athletes, teammates, and young men and women.

The 2026 Cheer Season is right around the corner, and registration for cheerleading is now open! The GWA Youth Cheer Program is open to students in grades K5–5th grade.

Program Options:

1) Sideline Cheer (K5–5th Grade)

• Cheer at GWA football games
• All sideline teams will travel this year
• All sideline cheerleaders must attend Cheer Camp the week of July 27th

2) Jr. Pro Competition Cheer (3rd–5th Grade Only)

• Sideline Cheer fees are not included in the Jr Pro amount and will be billed separately.
• Competitions are held on Saturdays

Mandatory Uniform Fitting (Sideline & Jr. Pro)

• Wednesday, April 1, 2026
• 3 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• Cafeteria

Registration & Uniform Information

$25 registration fee (billed through TeamSnap)

Additional mandatory uniform items will be paid directly to Varsity Spirit Apparel Company following the fitting on April 1. As part of a program-wide update, all cheer programs (Youth, Middle School, and High School) will receive new uniforms this year. ALL cheerleaders will be required to purchase a new uniform.

Estimated Costs:

• Sideline Cheer: approximately $200
• 3rd–5th Grade Jr. Pro: approximately $400
• Purchasing the practice wear is highly encouraged, as all girls will wear this on the last day of camp.

Questions?

Youth Sideline Cheer

Chelsia Beam – cbeam@gwa.com

Jr. Pro Competition Cheer

Holly Atkinson – hatkinson@ymail.com

Please register your child here:

Sideline Link

Jr Pro Link

We look forward to another exciting cheer season!

Congratulations to our GWA e-sports team on an outstanding showing at the 2026 GIAA E-Sports State Champions held at LCA. The Bulldogs finished as Super Smash Brothers

Runner-Up!

The Mexico City Exchange Program with CEAM offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience another culture from the inside out. This spring, our exchange students from Mexico City will visit our campus from April 13–26, giving participants the chance to build friendships and connections.

GWA students will then travel to Mexico City, departing Wed., May 20, at the end of the school day and returning June 2. While there, students will attend school, live with host families, and explore the rich culture and history of one of the world’s most vibrant cities.

Through full immersion in both communities, students gain real-world language skills, develop global awareness, and form lasting friendships that extend far beyond the exchange. If you’re curious about the world, excited to learn through experience, and ready for an adventure, the Mexico City Exchange Program is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. This program is for both middle and high school students. Contact Director of Global Studies Cécile Gervais for more details.

Connect with admissions representatives from a wide variety of colleges and universities. Learn about academic programs, campus life, and what college is really like. Attend workshops on financial aid & scholarships, HBCUs, the college application process, and more. Register now at nacacattend.org/26atlanta.

When & Where:

Sunday, March 8, 2026

11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Georgia International Convention Center

Congratulations to Mrs. Tarbutton's K5 and first-grade music students on their outstanding performance of Hats! - a musical celebration about what's underneath. Great job, Bulldogs!

Fourth grade artists are hard at work on their annual Tiffany-inspired lamp project. After studying famous Tiffany stained glass designs and learning about the stained glass process, students are applying that knowledge to create their own unique pieces. Using watercolors and recycled materials, these young artists are bringing colorful, creative lamps to life.