In Focus

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

• Summer Camps: Register at https://www.gwa.com/campus-life/summer-camps.cfm

• IOWA Testing (6th/7th): April 22 - 25

• Field Day: April 25

• Champion's Dinner: postponed until Aug. 23

• College Panel: April 28

• Faculty/Staff Appreciation Week: May 5 - 9

• AP Exams: May 5 - 16

• Semester Exams for Seniors: May 5 - 9

• Spring Band Concert: May 6

• Senior/Faculty Volleyball Game: May 7

• Yearbook Presentation: May 12

• Baccalaureate: May 16

• Class of 2025 Graduation: May 17

• Semester Exams for Grades 8-11: May 19 - 21
• K5 Graduation: May 21
• 5th Grade Graduation: May 22
• Exam Make Up Day: May 22
• Last Day of School: May 22

Our lower schoolers and seniors are getting ready for fun and games on Field Day as Red vs. Black and a GWA favorite tradition continues. All participants are dismissed at the close of events.

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 borrowed from Walton EMC grant recipient, teacher Cara Benfield. Students analyzed DNA samples 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.

In preparation for our yearly standardized testing, seventh graders spent three days reviewing how to read test directions and questions and important academic vocabulary that they will likely see on tests. Students participated in an engaging test prep treasure hunt where they used clues to find missing words in the test questions that related to six interesting treasure-themed passages. Once they found all the clues, which were hidden around the room, they answered their multiple choice questions to practice their test-taking skills. We feel confident that our seventh grade "mates" will find that "treasure chest of gold" (awesome scores) when they "slay" the IOWA this week!

Our third-grade students combined creativity with clear communication as they wrote procedural texts on how to make sock bunnies. Emphasizing the use of specific vocabulary and explicit details, students practiced organizing their ideas in a logical, easy-to-follow sequence. Their hard work paid off—not only did they sharpen their writing skills, but they also brought their instructions to life by crafting the cutest handmade treasures!

Please CLICK HERE for a printable 8th-11th exam schedule and detailed exam policies.

Please CLICK HERE for the AP exam schedule.

GWA is excited to welcome our middle school exchange students from CEAM Mexico Secondary School! Diego, Begonia, Iris, Valentina, and Paula will live with their host families for the next ten days, attend classes, and explore our culture and places of interest in and around Georgia. Our students - Alex Gervais, Landry Atkinson, Brooklyn Concepcion, Maddie Brennan and Maya Langston will in turn spend time with their host students and families in Mexico City at the end of May.

GWA is pleased to announce our Cultural Exchange to Barcelona, Spain, taking place January 3–24, 2026! This unique opportunity is open to students in grades 9 through 12 who are eager to discover another culture, explore a vibrant European city, and grow through an unforgettable experience.

As part of the exchange: GWA students will travel to Barcelona and stay with host families, attending school and participating in rich cultural activities. In return, Barcelona students will visit GWA from October 17 to November 7, 2025, staying with our families and experiencing American life.

This is not a language immersion program, so no Spanish is required — just an open mind, a curious spirit, and a sense of adventure!

Why join?

· Experience life in another country

· Make international friendships

· Build confidence and independence

· Gain a deeper global perspective

We are currently looking for interested students for this exciting adventure. Spots are limited — don’t miss out. For more information or to express interest, please contact Cecile Gervais cgervais@gwa.com or stop by her classroom.

As part of our growing commitment to enhancing campus security and safety, GWA has implemented a new system at the guard shack. The attendant will immediately conduct a background check on all visitors to campus during the school day. Visitors will be required to provide a valid form of personal identification at the guard shack. Visitors who pass the background check will receive a sticker (with their name on it) that must be worn on campus during the school day.

Please note:

• the primary purpose of this background check system is to screen vendors and visitors entering campus during the school day.

• gates will remain open during drop-off and pick-up - and all special events, such as Field Day.

• the scope of the background check is limited to checking a person's identification against a national registry of a certain type of offenders, who already know they should not be coming onto a campus where children are present.

GWA activities don’t stop when the school year ends! Our 2025 camps begin June 2 and run through July 31. Register at the link provided or visit gwa.com.

https://www.gwa.com/campus-life/summer-camps.cfm.

Camp offerings include:

• Tennis
• Draw, Paint, Create
• Girls Basketball
• New London Driving
• Barbie Camp
• Minecraft Camp
• Boys Basketball
• Friends Around the World
• Taylor Swift Camp
• Melty Bead
• Football
• Let's Go Camping
• Cheer
• And More!

GWA Summer Camps are open to all - campers do not need to be enrolled in the school. Please contact Ashley Kirkpatrick with any questions.

Our Senior Night celebrations are wrapping up! Come out to support our seniors and stay for the games to cheer on the Dawgs!

• Girls' lacrosse vs. Stratford Academy- tonight at 6 p.m.
• Baseball vs. Lakeview Academy on Friday at 6 p.m.

Congrats and best of luck to our state-qualified girls golfers - Sydney Colson, Caitlyn Roberts and Jaida Baldwin as they compete at the GIAA Girls State Golf Tournament on April 28 at The Orchard Golf & Country Club in Clarkesville, GA.

The boys’ golf team qualified for State! They placed 3rd at the Region Tournament- played at Achasta Golf Club. The Bulldogs were led by Henry Bailey with a 77 and Cade Williams with a 78.

Good luck to Henry, Cade, Denver Mercer, Sam Elvington and William Ferguson!

The girls' weight room in the Nicholson Center has been updated with brand new equipment and machines providing our female athletes and students a wonderful space for workouts and weightlifting class!

MS and HS Spring Football sign-ups are now available in the weight room. All participating must sign up. Each practice will be held from 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. on the lower track field. Please contact Coach Logan Beer at lbeer@gwa.com with any questions.

Please CLICK HERE for meeting details and a printable permission slip.