In Focus

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

• Jr./Sr. Prom: March 21
• Boosterthon Kickoff: March 25
• "Egg Your Yard" Deadline: March 26 (see below)
• GWA Musical - The Addams Family: March 27 - 29
• Admissions Open House: March 29
• LS Spring Portraits: April 1
• Paws for a Cause Fun Run: April 2
• School Holiday: April 3 (Good Friday)
• Spring Break: April 6 - 10
• Athletic Signing Day: April 22
• Field Day: April 24
• Piedmont Free Sports Physicals: April 25 (details below)

CLICK HERE to access the GWA website calendar

This year’s class trip week brought the seventh grade to the Georgia coast. After an early departure, students visited the Okefenokee Swamp in Waycross, Georgia, where they got up close and personal with a variety of wildlife, including snakes, turtles, and even alligators. During a boat tour guided by Okefenokee Joe, students observed these animals in their natural habitat. They also participated in classes focused on conservation efforts and future plans for the park, as well as a herpetology session where they had the opportunity to interact with many native species from the swamp.

On Jekyll Island, the group toured the downtown area and learned about the history of the Jekyll Island Club, which began as a retreat for influential American families such as the Carnegies, Rockefellers, Morgans, and Vanderbilts. Students then visited the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, a hospital dedicated to the care of injured and sick sea turtles from across the country. The day concluded with a dolphin boat tour, where playful dolphins swam alongside the boat.

Day three wrapped up the trip with a visit to Cumberland Island, offering a magical step back in time. Students explored the ruins of Dungeness, once home to Revolutionary War hero Nathaniel Greene. Sightings of the island’s wild horses were a highlight and especially exciting for animal lovers.

Our sixth and eighth grade students recently returned from an incredible educational trip to Orlando, Florida filled with learning, leadership, and unforgettable experiences. Over the course of three days, students had the opportunity to explore world-class attractions while also participating in meaningful educational programs.

Students began their adventure with a visit to Magic Kingdom, where they enjoyed a full day experiencing the park’s attractions, rides, and entertainment. Many students challenged themselves by trying rides they had never experienced before, with several conquering their fear of roller coasters. The day was filled with laughter, excitement, and lots of walking as students explored the park together in their groups.

The next day, students traveled to EPCOT, where they participated in the “Leadership the Disney Way” workshop through Disney’s Imagination Campus program. During this interactive session, students learned about leadership, teamwork, and how Disney uses creativity and collaboration to create exceptional guest experiences. After the workshop, students had time to explore EPCOT’s World Showcase, experiencing cultures from around the globe while continuing to build memories with their classmates.

On the final day, the group visited Kennedy Space Center, where students explored the history and future of space exploration. One of the highlights of the visit was seeing the actual Space Shuttle Atlantis, which allowed students to view up close one of NASA’s most historic spacecraft. Students also participated in interactive simulators, giving them a hands-on experience of what it might feel like to train and operate like astronauts. Throughout the visit, students explored exhibits featuring rockets, space technology, and the incredible achievements of NASA, gaining a deeper appreciation for the science and innovation behind space travel.

Throughout the trip, students demonstrated excellent behavior and represented George Walton Academy well. They worked together, supported one another, and showed curiosity as they explored new experiences. Most importantly, they created lasting memories with their classmates and teachers that will stay with them for years to come.

Our eighth graders got a crash course in adulthood through an eye-opening financial literacy experience. From purchasing insurance and budgeting for children to choosing between name-brand and generic groceries, students navigated the complexities of managing expenses.

Throughout the day, they were spotted wondering why they were in debt, being annoyed at the cost of groceries for a family and anxiously hoping for a lucky break in "The Game of Life"—where they could either win the lottery or face an unexpected medical cost. Here are a few of the comments we overheard during the session:

"I can't wait to have a job and make money"- Axel

"I have 24 dollars left." - Axel

"Can we put our kids up for adoption?" - Liam

"I make 26,000. Can I live off of that? - Keegan

"Both of my kids can sleep in one bed" - Aleah

"How can I get more money?" - Oliver

"This life stuff is easy... Oh, never mind" - Haeden

"How can I get my wife a job?"- Kason

"Name brand clothing is so expensive. Get the non-brand." - Addie T.

"Can I leave my kid at home? I know he's only 3 but..."- Javi

"I want to get rid of my kids. They are expensive... Wait- What if my mom thinks I'm expensive?"- Brantley

"We should invest in something. We could make money." - Aleah

"Being an adult sucks. I'm in debt 65 dollars" - Wade

"I'm negative 400 dollars?!" - Sammy

This hands-on simulation provided a fun yet invaluable opportunity for students to practice real-world decision-making in a safe and engaging environment. Who knows? Maybe next time, they’ll think twice before asking for the newest iPhone!

In the fourth-grade Spanish Country Project, students explored a variety of Spanish-speaking countries to deepen their understanding of culture, geography, and history.

Each student researched the meaning behind their country’s flag, learning how its colors and symbols reflect national identity. They also examined the country’s currency and how it is used in everyday life.

Students investigated economic activity by identifying common exports and imports, and they explored national symbols by researching each country’s national animal and its significance.

To gain a broader cultural perspective, students studied traditional foods, commonly practiced religions, and notable figures who are well known in their chosen country. They also examined key aspects of geography, including major landforms, climate, and global location.

Finally, students explored important historical events that have shaped their country today. They compiled their research into presentations and shared their learning with classmates, showcasing their knowledge of the Spanish-speaking world.

Exciting news! We have partnered with Boosterthon to help us with our fundraiser, Paws for a Cause. Funds raised will support playground improvements on the hill and in the stadium. Students will seek pledges for laps run during the Paws for a Cause Fun Run on Thursday, April 2. All Lower School and Middle School students will participate and have the opportunity to gather pledges.

For now, the only step is to sign up your student at mybooster.com. Signing up creates your student’s dashboard, which will be used to track pledges and share event updates.

More information will be shared during our event kickoff on Wednesday, March 25.

Action Step Today:

• Please sign up your student at mybooster.com
• Incentive: If 50% of all Lower and Middle School students are signed up by Friday, March 27, every student will receive a Great Wolf Lodge Day Pass.

Help us spread the word! GWA’s Open House is coming up on Sunday, March 29 at 2 p.m., and it’s a great opportunity for prospective families to experience what makes George Walton Academy More Than a School. Please share this event with friends, neighbors, and colleagues who may be interested in learning more about GWA. We can’t wait to welcome them to campus!

Barcelona will be an experience our students will never forget! From March 4–16, nine George Walton Academy middle school students participated in a transformative cultural exchange in Spain.

While living with host families, students were fully immersed in Spanish culture—attending local classes, strengthening their language skills, and exploring everything from vibrant city museums to beautiful botanical gardens. Most meaningful of all were the connections they made through shared meals, daily life, and weekend excursions, forming friendships that will last a lifetime.

Congratulations to our lower school artists who had work on display at the Monroe Walton Center for the Arts! GWA had about 50 lower school students represented at this elementary exhibit. Artwork was on display for a month with a closing reception on Thursday to celebrate their hard work! We have so many amazing artists in our lower school!

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT - they are going FAST!

Lower School Spring Portraits are on April 1. Spring attire (think church or Easter/spring clothes) is permitted on this day. Pictures will be taken of all lower school students but purchasing pictures is optional. Our photography company will email a gallery link following pictures.

We are still looking for some more Bulldogs to round out our tackle football rosters for the fall. The program is open to GWA students ages 6–12, in grades 1–6, who are interested in playing this upcoming season.

If your child would like to participate, please complete registration before the deadline.

Registration Details:

• Who: GWA students ages 6–12 (Grades 1–6)
• Registration Deadline: March 30
• Program: Youth Tackle Football
• Registration Link: Youth Football Registration

This is a great opportunity for our younger athletes to learn the fundamentals of football, develop teamwork, and compete while representing GWA.

Please complete your child’s registration before March 30 to secure their spot. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Scott Jackson at sjackson@gwa.com.

Middle school football is a great opportunity for young men to learn the game, build confidence, develop discipline, and be part of a team. Experience is not required. Whether a student has played for years or has never played before, we will teach the fundamentals and create an environment where every player can grow and feel valued.

If your son is interested, please sign up using the link below:

Middle School Registration Link

If you have any questions, please feel free to email Coach Logan Beer at lbeer@gwa.com.

Piedmont Walton is offering free sports physicals for Walton County athletes. Please CLICK HERE for details and the sign up and mandatory form links.

Support our cheerleaders and let them Egg Your Yard — or a friend’s! Sign up by Thursday, March 26. CLICK HERE to register.