In Focus

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

• Make Up Day for Exams: Dec. 19
• Early Dismissal (all grades): Dec. 19 (no aftercare/buses depart at 11:05 a.m.)
• SAIS Survey Closing Date: Dec. 22 (see below)
• Christmas Break: Dec. 22 - Jan. 5
• Faculty/Staff Work Day: Jan. 5 (no school for students)
• Upper School Winter Term: Jan. 6 -16
• School Holiday: Jan. 19, MLK Jr. Day
• Half Day of School: Feb.12 (all grades - see below)
• Winter Break: Feb. 13 - 16

CLICK HERE to access the GWA website calendar

As we gather to celebrate the season and the close of another wonderful year, George Walton Academy is proud to share "Strategic Plan 2030: Our Mission, Our Vision"—a heartfelt roadmap for our school's future. This plan, built on the voices of our parents, students, and alumni, ensures that the cherished traditions and close-knit community that make GWA feel like home remain at the center of everything we do. By focusing on elevating the student experience, securing our financial future, and investing in a campus of distinction, we are charting a path that reinforces our many strengths and positions the school for long-term success. This vision allows us to embrace new opportunities like classroom innovation and enhanced wellness programs while holding fast to the Bulldog values that define us. We look forward to moving into this bright future together, ensuring GWA remains a special place for your family for generations to come. Please CLICK HERE for a detailed look at our five-year strategic plan.

The Monroe Museum sponsors an essay contest for all eighth-grade students in the Monroe area. They are to choose a topic, research it, and write an essay that conveys the importance of that topic to our local community. To prepare for this contest, the eighth-grade class went on a tour of downtown Monroe with Mr. Steve Brown (Monroe Museum historian). The students then chose their topic and the research race was on!

We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding work of our 8th graders in this year’s contest, which included participants from George Walton Academy and Monroe Country Day School. This year’s contest drew approximately 40 impressive entries. We are proud of every student that participated in the project!

Winners:

First Place: Ashlynn Richards, “Moina Michael” (Ashlynn was represented by her sister, Ayla, as she was unable to attend.)

Second Place: Benton Yeater, “Cotton Mill Baseball Team”

Third Place: Parker Wilson, “The Farmer’s Bank”

Pictured (L–R) are Steve Brown, Monroe Museum historian, Ayla, Benton, Parker and Johnny Griffin, GWA history teacher for the winning students.

In first grade, STEM students completed building projects inspired by classic fairy tales with their most recent project centered on Sleeping Beauty. To prepare, the class studied different castles and identified common architectural features. Students then applied this knowledge by incorporating geometric shapes—such as cones, cylinders, and prisms—into their own castle designs. This project was likely the most ambitious build to date, and the students worked collaboratively to achieve impressive results.

First grader Lylia Beam’s grandmother, Mrs. Cyndy Moore, visited campus to share the Swedish tradition of St. Lucia Day with our students.

Celebrated on Dec. 13, St. Lucia Day is a Scandinavian and European festival honoring St. Lucy of Syracuse, a Christian martyr, and symbolizing light during the darkest days of winter. Traditions include a procession led by a girl portraying Lucia, dressed in a white gown and candle crown, accompanied by others in white. The celebration often features sweet treats, such as saffron buns (lussekatter), and a spirit of joy and generosity as Christmas approaches.

Mrs. Moore shared family heirlooms from Sweden that are over 200 years old, along with traditional clothing worn by her family, giving students a meaningful connection to history and culture. Students also enjoyed snickerdoodles, which were passed out by their very own St. Lucia.

It was a special experience that brought history, culture, and holiday cheer to life for our first graders.

Thank you to everyone who has already contributed to Georgia GOAL! If you haven’t yet, there’s still time to make a meaningful impact by redirecting your tax dollars to support financial aid at George Walton Academy. Your participation directly opens doors for students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience all that GWA has to offer. You’re not just giving—you’re changing lives.

The deadline to apply is December 31, 2025, and the process takes about two minutes. If you have questions, feel free to email Matt Reynolds at mreynolds@gwa.com.

Ready to make a difference and check this off your to do list? CLICK HERE to apply today!

Families are invited to attend the Atlanta College Fair on January 25 from 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at the Georgia International Convention Center! For more information visit: The Atlanta NACAC