In Focus

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

• Cornhole Tournament: Saturday, Nov. 9

• Professional Dress Day (MS/HS): Monday, Nov.11

• Veterans Day Program: Monday, Nov. 11 at 9 a.m.

• Winter Sports Photo Day: Tuesday, Nov. 12

• One Act Play State Competition: Wednesday, Nov. 13

• Operation Christmas Child Deadline: Nov. 15 (see below)

• Thanksgiving Break: Nov. 25 - 29

• Giving Tuesday: Dec. 3

• Christmas Tree Presentation: Friday, Dec. 6

• Gingerbread Christmas: Sunday, Dec. 8 (see below)

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE GWA WEBSITE CALENDAR

Third-grade students from George Walton Academy recently embarked on an exciting field trip to the Georgia 4H Center at Rock Eagle, where they experienced a day full of learning and adventure! The day began with teamwork-focused challenges on the ropes course, where students collaborated to reach common goals and strengthened their problem-solving skills. Next, they took a step back in time, exploring the daily life of pioneer children and experiencing the chores they would have completed on a working farm. The adventure continued with a hands-on herpetology class, where students got up close with amphibians and reptiles, learning about their unique characteristics and ecosystems. This memorable trip fostered teamwork, historical understanding, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

The COM 100 class is writing code to control the robots they built. The robots operate using the Python programming language. Students built their robots from scratch and calibrated the servos. These robots did not come with any code but were blank canvases waiting for each student to create the code to make it move. Robotics takes patience and control to make the robots move in a specific direction.

GWA Forensics students had the opportunity to see what a real-life crime scene investigator does. Detective Elizabeth Shea with the Monroe Police Department presented a wealth of information. Students learned about becoming a CSI, how TV CSI shows are not realistic, and the amount of work needed to process a crime scene, including photography, sketching and evidence collection. Different examples of evidence were presented including fingerprints, impressions, blood spatter, glass, casings, fiber, hair and paint. They discussed different kinds of crime scene situations and crime overall. Students also gained information about the emotional consequences of CSI work. It is a very serious, time consuming job. It’s a perfect job for someone who loves to solve puzzles, but more importantly, someone who works to bring criminals to justice and hopefully, some closure to the victim’s family.

Upper school Government students recently participated in an engaging mock Congress activity, where they took on the roles of representatives and legislators. Each student created a unique bill on an issue they were passionate about, working through the process of drafting, debating, and presenting it to our "Congress." This hands-on experience allowed students to dive into the legislative process, exploring the challenges and complexities of policymaking while developing skills in public speaking, negotiation, and critical thinking. It was an exciting way to bring our studies of government to life!

Congratulations to our GWA Marching Bulldog Band on an excellent showing at the Small Town, Big Band Sound Marching Band Competition in Claxton, GA.

Prelims are scored per band and within divisions.

Prelims Ratings:

Drum Major - superior

Color Guard - superior

Percussion - superior

GWA Band – superior (3rd place in their division)

Finals are judged among all 13 bands participating.

Finals Ratings:

Drum Major - 1st place (Nolan Gray)

Color Guard - 1st place (Brook Wilkes, Lauren Exline, Lucie Pulliam, Alaska Atkins, Hayden Johnson, Anna Fuller)

GWA Band - 3rd place overall

Congratulations to our entire marching band, and band directors, Christian Smith and Ian Cornelius, on a fantastic season. Be sure to come out to the Downtown Monroe Christmas Parade on Dec. 5 to watch the band perform. Go Band Dawgs!

Last Tuesday, our One Act Play cast traveled to Winterville, GA for the region competition. Our team won 2nd place in the region! They have secured a spot at the State competition. The group will travel to Vidalia to compete for the state championship on Nov. 13! In addition to winning 2nd place in the region, Emerson Sheldon won Outstanding Performance and Journey Allen and Harper O'Lenick won All-Star cast! Congrats to all and break a leg, Bulldogs!

Artists in first and fourth grade are both exploring monochromatic color schemes, but in different ways! First graders are creating big monochromatic flowers, practicing mixing tints and shades of colors with paint. Our fourth graders are exploring atmospheric perspective using monochromatic pieces of felt they have layered to create landscapes. All of these artists are working hard and producing masterpieces!

We’re looking for GWA families interested in hosting an exchange student in 7th to 10th grade from Mexico in the spring, April 23 - May 5. Families may choose to host only, or they also have the option to participate in a reciprocal exchange by spending 10 days in Mexico City and at the CEAM School from May 23 - May 31. Mrs. Gervais will be onsite at CEAM for the full 10 days, available for any support.

Please contact Cécile Gervais at cgervais@gwa.com if you are interested in this exciting opportunity or have any questions about the program.

Our annual Gingerbread Christmas Extravaganza is just around the corner! The event is FREE, open to the community, and a fantastic opportunity to introduce GWA to prospective families! Our campus will look wonderfully festive, and activities will be spread throughout.

Interested in getting involved? Use the links below to be part of the festivities.

Volunteer Opportunities

Gingerbread House Contest

Scholastic Images will be on campus at George Walton Academy Thursday, 11/14 during lunch, so don’t miss out placing your orders for:

• Letter Jacket Orders for any student who has earned a letter!
• Bring proof that you earned your letter (actual award letter, certificate, or a signature from coach saying you have lettered ) and a $150 deposit to get the order started!
• They will custom size you and walk you through the rest

• Class Ring Orders for any junior, or senior!

• Bring payment in full for the Mascot Ring Special ($337.00)
• Bring $100 deposit for Ultrium metal or $200 deposit for all other metals

• They will size your finger and walk you through the rest

• Seniors, make sure to order your Senior packages!

• Payment required in full at time of order. (Cash, Check, or Card with $4.95 processing fee)

Click HERE for details or you can also order anytime online at www.scholasticimages.com or over the phone at (770) 614-9353!

Our undefeated varsity competition cheer team will compete at State in Columbus on Saturday. The event begins at 2 p.m. If you can't make the trip - the competition will be streamed on giaa.tv (fees may apply). Good luck, cheerleaders!

Congrats to our third- and fourth-grade football team on their 16-14 win over Stephens Co. and good luck as they get ready to face Habersham Co. (at Banks Co. HS) in round two of the playoffs this Saturday. Kickoff is at 1:30 p.m. Come out to support our mighty Bulldogs!

Winter Sports Photo Day is on Tuesday! Click HERE for the schedule.