In Focus

April 23, 2026
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Email: info@gwa.com
Website: www.gwa.com
Phone: (678) 635-3800
Key Deadlines & Dates
- Summer Camps Registration: Sign up today (see below)
- Middle School Class Trip Interest Meeting: April 23 (see below)
- Field Day : April 24 (early dismissal-LS/SENIORS ONLY)
- Free Sports Physicals: April 27 (see below)
- K3/K4 Musical: April 30
- AP Exams: May 4-15, CLICK HERE for schedule
- Senior Exams: May 5-8, CLICK HERE for schedule
- Senior/Faculty Volleyball Game: May 6
- Yearbook Presentation: May 11
- Senior Mentor Breakfast: May 13
- Senior Banquet: May 13
- Baccalaureate: May 15
- Graduation: May 16
- Rising Senior Parent Meeting: May 18
- K5 Graduation: May 19
- 5th Grade Graduation: May 20
- Last Day of School: May 21 (early dismissal)
CLICK HERE to access the GWA website calendar
Counting, Creating, Connecting
Our third-grade BARK students recently completed their pixel art projects, combining creativity with meaningful mathematical thinking. Using paper chains as their medium, students designed images such as birthday cakes, pencils, bows, and tennis rackets by carefully planning each section of their work.
Before assembling their designs, students calculated how many links of each color they would need, applying skills in counting, grouping, and multiplication. They also used their understanding of grids, rows, and columns to ensure their images were accurate and proportional.
This hands-on project reinforced key math concepts while encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and thoughtful planning, as students transformed individual paper links into detailed works of art.
The Sweet Side of Math
Our middle-school math students recently wrapped up their Cake Boss-inspired 3D geometry project, and their creativity did not disappoint! Students designed and built their own two-tier cakes using rectangular prisms while applying real-world math skills. Throughout the project, students
- Calculated surface area and volume
- Applied problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Showcased creativity through unique cake designs
- Determined how much “frosting” was needed and the total cost
It was incredible to see math come to life through hands-on learning, collaboration, and creativity. We are so proud of the effort and thought each student put into their projects - well done, Cake Bosses!
Who Killed Dr. Ward?
In this hands-on forensic investigation, Mrs. White's students participated in a simulated crime lab activity to solve the fictional murder case of Dr. Ward - using the MiniOne gel electrophoresis system. Students analyzed DNA samples (hair) collected from the crime scene, the victim, and three suspects. By preparing agarose gels and loading DNA samples, students observed real-time DNA band separation to identify which suspect’s DNA matched the crime scene evidence.
In addition to DNA analysis, students reviewed supplementary forensic evidence such as fingerprint patterns and hair samples to support their conclusions. The lab reinforced key concepts in forensic biology, including DNA profiling, gel electrophoresis, and evidence comparison. This activity encouraged critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving while demonstrating the practical applications of biotechnology in criminal investigations.
Celebrating Our Signees!
Huge congratulations to our seven GWA senior athletes who made it official yesterday and are taking their talents to the collegiate level!
These student-athletes have led by example with heart, tenacity, strong character, and a foundation of faith - along with a competitive drive that’s been fun to watch. We’re proud of the work they’ve put in, both in the classroom and in their sport, and can’t wait to see what’s ahead.
Jaylen Alston-Taylor – Penn State Beaver – Basketball
Kirby Lynn Atkinson – Samford University – Cheerleading
Morgan Davis – Indian River State College – Swim
Beckett Lacour - Maryville College – Football
Anthony Pham – Emory University – Swim
Marcus Porter – Onondaga Community College – Lacrosse
Kaleb Raines – Shorter College – Football
The Champions Club is excited to host the First Annual Clay Shooting Tournament. Join us for a great day of competition, fellowship, and supporting GWA.
Date: June 14
Time: 12 p.m. start
Location: Burnt Pine Farm
Cost:
• $250 per shooter
• $1,000 per 4-person team
Registration includes lunch and a tournament t-shirt.
Proceeds from the tournament will support The Champions Club and the GWA Clay Target Team. CLICK HERE for registration. Email Logan Beer with any questions.
Signature Primary Care of Monroe is offering FREE sports physicals to current GWA middle school students Friday, April 24 , 3 p.m. -5 p.m. in the Athletic Offices. Middle school families will be receiving a Signup Genius link to sign up for a time slot. GIAA forms must be completed and signed by parents in advance. Click here for more details about the practice.
Sign Ups are Underway!
Thank you to all who attended the 2027 Winter Term travel meeting. Your time and enthusiasm are greatly appreciated as we plan these exciting opportunities for students. CLICK HERE for information regarding itineraries, costs, and additional details that can be found in the presentation link at the top. We are looking forward to an incredible Winter Term!
Trip summaries:
Service Trip: Thailand
Students will take part in service work at an elephant rehabilitation center and a local school while exploring Thailand’s culture and history. Highlights include visits to Wat Traimit, the Grand Palace, Temple of Dawn, and the Emerald Buddha, along with excursions to Ayutthaya, floating markets, and Patom Organic Village. The trip also features a cooking class, rafting, a Muay Thai lesson, and time at Elephant Nature Park.
Cultural Exploration Trip: South Africa
Students will experience South Africa’s culture and history through visits across Cape Town and Johannesburg. Highlights include Hout Bay, Boulders Beach, the Cape of Good Hope, Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the Two Oceans Aquarium. The trip also includes Soweto, the Hector Pieterson Museum, Lesedi Cultural Village, and a two-day safari lodge stay with guided game drives.
STEM Trip: United Kingdom
This STEM-focused trip explores key sites across Belfast, Edinburgh, and London. Students will visit landmarks like Giant’s Causeway, the Titanic Museum, Stirling Castle, and Edinburgh Castle, while learning about history and innovation. The journey concludes in London with stops at Stonehenge, Bletchley Park, the British Museum, and other iconic sites.
Domestic Adventure: National Parks of the Southwest
Students will explore the Southwest through outdoor adventures and national parks. Activities include kayaking on Lake Mead, hiking, horseback riding, and stargazing. Highlights include Zion and Bryce Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, the Grand Canyon, and Coral Pink Sand Dunes.
The Final Word: Seniors Take the Podium
The GWA Gavel Club wrapped the year with their annual Senior Banquet on Sunday evening. Senior members delivered their final speeches before fellow club members, families, and faculty. They spoke from the heart – reflecting on their time at GWA with humor, sentiment, and gratitude.
Congratulations to our 2026 Competent Toastmasters (those who have completed ten speeches as a member of Gavel Club):
Kirby Lynn Atkinson
Henry Bailey
Lila Batchelor
Claudia Bates
Annalise Digby
Lauren Exline
William Ferguson
Amber Fields
Gracie Foster
Kade Franklin
Layli Gharavi
Autumn Koman
Alexa Lo
Lora Kate Malcom
Harrison McCarthy
Wendy Menard
Isaac Osei
Anthony Pham
Audrey Powell
Congratulations to the following 26-27 Gavel Club officers:
Isabel Choe, President
Phillip Akin, Sergeant-at-Arms
Peyton Wilson, VP Membership
Wyatt Akin, VP Job Supervision
Juliana Fulton, VP of Education
Mac Ferguson, VP of Public Relations
Balie Briscoe, Secretary
Jax Fleming, Treasurer
Join us for the yearbook presentation on May 11 at 1 p.m. in the Nicholson Center.
Parents are welcome!
Spots are Filling Up!
Get ready for a summer full of fun at GWA! Our June and July camps for ages 5–12 offer something for everyone — from Basketball, Soccer, Football, and Tennis to creative favorites like Camp Chaos, LEGO Camp, Cardboard Creations, Cooking Camp, Silly Science, Disney Camp, Barbie Camp, Minecraft Camp, and more.
Whether your child loves to stay active, get creative, or try something new, GWA Summer Camps are the perfect way to make summer unforgettable.
CLICK HERE to secure your spot! Our summer camps are open to all - campers do not need to be enrolled at GWA! Happy camping!
Middle School One Act Play
The Middle School One Act class has been hard at work on their class play "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" since January. The students have studied the art of acting, stage management, sound operation, and light operation to present the classic story by C.S. Lewis. Students will perform the show a total of four times during their normal class period. Parents, lower school classes, and some middle school classes will be invited to come and watch them bring the tale to life. Please CLICK HERE to reserve your (free) seat.
Middle School Wellness Week
As their final project of the year, the Middle School Leadership Service Council will be hosting a MS Wellness Week from April 27–May 1. This will serve as a preview of the wellness initiative areas we plan to expand on next year.