In Focus

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

• Ice Cream Social: Aug. 27
• Yearbook Portraits: Sept. 1
• LS Curriculum Night: Sept. 3
• School Holiday: Sept. 7 (Labor day)
• Beyond the Bell Classes Begin: Sept. 8 (details below)
• Homecoming Week: Sept. 14-19
• Honor Societies Induction: Sept. 16
• Homecoming Parade/Pep Rally: Sept. 18
• Early Dismissal (all grades): Sept. 18
• Homecoming Dance: Sept. 19
• MS/HS Professional Dress Day: Sept. 23
• MS/HS Honor Code Signing: Sept. 23

• 9th/10th Family College Night: Sept. 23

CLICK HERE for 26-27 Important Dates

Students in AP Economics learned firsthand the economic concepts of scarcity, opportunity cost, trade, and the factors of production by playing the classic game Settlers of Catan. Through playing the game, students made choices (another important concept in economics) about where to establish settlements in order to attempt to gain enough resources to win the game. While playing, students discovered that there were limited resources, necessitating that they trade with others to acquire that which they didn't have access to. No matter how students fared in the game, each came away with a newfound understanding of some of the most foundational concepts of economics.

Latin I students began their semester with a sweet geography lesson. Using stamped sugar cookies, frosting, and an array of tiny treats, students created edible maps of Italy. They used mini chocolate chips to outline the Alps and Apennine Mountains, mini M&M's to mark major cities, and two hot tamales for the volcanos Mt. Vesuvius and Mt. Aetna. Geography lessons have never been so tasty!

Lower School Curriculum Night will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3 in the cafeteria with a brief presentation. Following the presentation, parents will visit their child’s homeroom for a curriculum night presentation from the teacher. Families with multiple children are encouraged to stop by the other student’s classroom afterward to pick up any information.

We kindly ask that children not attend Curriculum Night so that the teachers can provide parents with their full attention and important information about the school year.

If you are unable to attend, please let your child’s teacher know and they will provide you with the information.

Our Ice Cream Social is just around the corner, and we need your help! We have volunteer opportunities for just about everything, and we'd love for you to sign up if you're able.

Please CLICK HERE to view the sign-ups below and see where you can help.

On Wednesday, middle and upper school students met for their first Huddle of the year. Mr. Marshall discussed different ways students can demonstrate leadership - from loud, passionate leaders to quiet, “lead by example” types. Students participated in a thoughtful discussion before putting those ideas into practice with a team-building exercise and some friendly competition. Each Wednesday, students will use Huddle/LeadWell time to develop leadership and life skills that will serve them well beyond GWA.

We are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of our LeadWell program at the August 26 Huddle, followed by our first official Teams meeting on September 9. We are currently compiling the completed student and teacher interest surveys to thoughtfully structure this year's cohorts.

LeadWell is designed to cultivate essential modern leadership skills. This year, our curriculum emphasizes the following:

• Communication and active listening

• Problem-solving for real-world challenges

• Responsible decision-making

• Empathy for others

• Servant leadership and inclusive, healthy friendships

By participating, students will strengthen their emotional resilience and foster meaningful, positive relationships with peers and mentors alike. We look forward to working together to help every student become a confident, compassionate, and resilient leader.

Yearbook portraits will be taken by Watermark Photography on Sept. 1. Please make an effort to attend school dressed in proper uniform polos on this day. Photo galleries will be emailed to parents.

Take advantage of our afterschool enrichment opportunties! GWA offers on campus dance and taekwondo classes for students (age 5 and older) starting in September.

• To sign up for Beyond the Bell classes, please email Lisa McDaniel at lmcdaniel@gwa.com.
• Classes begin Sept. 8, 2026.
• CLICK HERE for more details including cost.
• Students must be registered before Sept. 14 to participate. Spaces are limited - sign up today!

Class Descriptions/Schedule:

Dance

Get ready to leap, spin, and perform! Join us for exciting dance classes that build skills, confidence, and creativity — all in a fun, supportive environment. Students will also have the opportunity to perform in our winter and spring performances!

Class Schedule:

Mondays
Ballet/Jazz | 2:30–3:30 p.m. | K5–1st Grade

Tuesdays
Hip-Hop | 2:30–3:30 p.m. | 2nd-5th Grade

Wednesdays
Competition Dance Team | 2:30–4:30 p.m. | 2nd–5th Grades
(By audition/invitation only – see Mrs. Wiggins for details)

Thursdays
Ballet/Jazz | 2:30–3:30 p.m. | 2nd–5th Grades

Taekwondo

Students of all ages are invited to join Mr. Benji Lalaian, a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo, to learn about one of the most popular martial arts in the world! Learn how to kick, punch, strike, and block among many other things that will help you improve your ability to defend yourself! You’ll learn how to improve your endurance, flexibility, focus, and respect level all while getting an excellent workout! The classes will include many different exercises, games, situational defense lessons, foam swords, and an opportunity for a belt promotion at the end of each semester!

Classes are held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (beginning Sept. 8 & 9), both at 3:30 p.m. Ages 5 and up are welcome.

Homecoming Week is just around the corner, and GWA is getting ready for a week of school spirit, creativity and fun! Join us for our school-wide dress-up days and show off your Bulldog pride. We can’t wait to see everyone’s creative looks throughout the week!

GWA seventh and eighth graders have an opportunity to make this school year truly unforgettable. A few final spots are still available for the school's Spain Exchange Program, offering students the chance to experience life and culture in Barcelona while building meaningful international connections.

How It Works

The exchange begins in October, when participating GWA students will host a student from St. Paul's School in Barcelona for two weeks. Students will have the opportunity to share their daily lives, introduce their exchange student to GWA and the local community, and begin building a friendship.

In January, GWA students will make the return trip to Spain during Winter Term. Each student will stay with their host family and experience everyday life in Barcelona while also exploring the city and its culture.

Your Destination: Barcelona

Located on Spain's Mediterranean coast, Barcelona is known for its art, architecture, history and culture. Through the exchange, students will partner with St. Paul's School and experience the city not simply as tourists, but as exchange students living with local families.

Why Participate?

1) Students will have the opportunity to experience daily life in another country and gain a broader understanding of Spanish culture and the world.

2) The program offers a chance to practice Spanish in real-world settings, communicate with native speakers and build language skills.

3) Hosting an exchange student and later staying with a host family creates opportunities to build friendships that can last well beyond the trip.

4) Students will experience Barcelona's distinctive architecture, landmarks and culture, including opportunities to visit sites such as the Sagrada Família and enjoy authentic Spanish cuisine.

5) An international exchange experience can help students stand out as they pursue future opportunities in high school, honor societies, college and beyond.

Students in seventh and eighth grade who are interested in participating are encouraged to learn more and reserve their place for an unforgettable year of international friendship, cultural discovery and adventure. Contact Mrs. McElveen at amcelveen@gwa.com for more information.

Varsity and JV volleyball came out swinging in their home opener versus Lakeview and Lake Oconee Academy. JV earned wins in both matches, while varsity closed out a thrilling three-set region victory against Lakeview.

Both teams have had an intense first half of the season, taking on several tough opponents to prepare for upcoming region play. “We challenged ourselves early with some strong competition, and these girls have continued to prove they can hang with the best,” said Assistant Varsity Coach Delaney Sims. “We’re incredibly proud of their growth and excited to see what’s ahead.”

Varsity and JV volleyball go on the road Monday, August 24 to face BCA at 5 p.m. Good luck and go Dawgs!

Be sure to check out the upcoming games for middle school, JV and varsity sports by accessing the Bulldog Athletics calendar on gwa.com for the most up to date event information. Our fall athletes have been training throughout the summer months and would appreciate your support as they compete at home and on the road. Go Bulldogs!