In Focus @ GWA
A news bulletin for the families of George Walton Academy
January 24, 2019
Email: info@gwa.com
Website: www.gwa.com
Phone: (678) 635-3800
Facebook: facebook.com/GeorgeWaltonAcademy/
Twitter: @georgewalton
Key Deadlines & Dates
- Senior Night: Jan. 25
- Prospective Family Open House: Jan. 27
- Chili Cook Off & Bingo Night: Jan. 31
- State of the School Address: Feb. 7
As we all settle into the New Year, the GWA admissions office is shifting into our peak season. Prospective families are visiting campus and new student applications are arriving daily. We are hosting shadow students and conducting admissions testing on a weekly basis. Based on the activity in our office thus far, we anticipate a busy spring! That being said, we want to make you aware of a few things…
1. Our office is hosting another Prospective Family Open House this Sunday, Jan 27 at 2 p.m. in the newly renovated area called The Commons (formerly known as the Upper School Media Center). We would love for you to join us and bring a family who might be interested in learning more about our school and the amazing programs that we have available at all ages and grade levels. If you would like for our office to extend an invitation to someone you know, please forward the contact information to Amanda Riser ASAP at ariser@gwa.com. Our current families are our very best marketing partners because they often know other families like their own who would be a great fit for GWA!
2. We will debut our first ever PreK3 program in August 2019! The application for PreK3 admissions is posted on the GWA website under the Admissions tab. Space will be limited, so please spread the word and encourage families to apply right away.
3. Re-enrollment contracts for the 2019-2020 school year will be released on Friday, Feb. 1 by 3 p.m. for all students in good standing. Contracts will be posted in the family’s ParentsWeb account under the “Apply/Enroll” tab. Please be sure that your contact information is up to date in ParentsWeb and that all outstanding balances for tuition, aftercare, lunchroom, etc. are paid in full before February 1.
4. Completed contracts and a tuition payment towards the 2019-2020 school year are due by March 1 to hold each student’s spot for the upcoming school year. Contact our office if you have questions or concerns.
Wonderful things are happening at GWA and our office is looking forward to an exciting and prosperous spring!
Best,
CARI
A Lesson in Real-Life Matters
GWA eighth graders participated in the Walton County Chamber’s Reality Check Program. Students were tasked with managing a monthly budget based on their assigned occupation, salary and family status. They had 45 minutes to visit life stations for each variable that may impact monthly expenses including utilities, housing, transportation and childcare. Eighth-graders soon realized that once the necessities of life were covered, there was little left over. One student remarked, “Kids are too expensive!” Students gained a meaningful appreciation for the value of a dollar and smart budgeting. Thanks to Teri Smiley, the Walton County Chamber of Commerce and all of the participating community business leaders for providing this fun and enlightening educational exercise.
A Special Visitor for Second Grade
Resumes– Not Just for Job Seekers
By Laura Nabors, Associate Director of College Counseling
GWA upper school students have a tremendous opportunity to gain fresh insights and experiences during the new Dawg Days Winter Term. With the first semester in the rearview mirror, it’s time to reflect, refocus, and set goals to move forward. Crafting a resume for college admissions is an important task for upper school students. It is much easier to build a resume as you go, rather than wait until your first college application to try to remember the details of the past four years...Read More.
GWA Hits the Big Screen!
The State of the School meeting is an opportunity for GWA families to hear directly on how the school is doing on a number of fronts. This year’s meeting will include an update on the strategic plan as well as a review of the accreditation report – both the commendations and recommendations from the visiting team. The presentation will be followed by light refreshments. It is also one the few times per year that the Board of Trustees are present as a group. If you don’t know who they are or haven’t met them yet, this is a wonderful opportunity to introduce yourself.
We Are Looking for More Families Just Like Yours!
As part of Fine Arts Winter Term studies, Mr. Reagan’s art students took a field trip to different art galleries in Buckhead to see the current fine arts market and get an idea of pricing, quality, size, and marketability. The galleries were located on Miami circle, which is an enclave of private galleries.
While visiting the Ann Erwin Gallery, a representative talked candidly about the business of fine art sales, both locally and internationally. The owner, Mrs. Erwin, was thrilled to see the students’ enthusiasm and enjoyed sharing about an ancient painting technique called encaustic wax painting, and its recent insurgence into modern painting.
They also attended a guided tour of Rienze Fine Arts, one of the oldest privately owned galleries in Atlanta that was founded just after the depression. It began as an art school for the affluent and later became a gallery.
Mr. Reagan believes the field trip was a great success, and said “I think the students realized they have the talent and ability to work in this area in some capacity if they are willing to work hard.”
Last Home Games for JV and Varsity Basketball!
Middle School Basketball Gears Up for a Big Weekend!
One Session Left!
George Walton is excited to announce the re-creation of the GWA Alumni Association! The Alumni Association will be led by council members Ronnie Reeves (‘75), Jon Dial (‘76), Dana Pennington (‘82), Janet Townsend (‘84), Kim Gunnin (‘86), Loy Turner (‘93), Matthew Whitley (‘08), Jordan Shumate (’08) and Matt Reynolds (’09). If you are interested in serving on the alumni association council or any of the various committees, please email Ashley Short at ashort@gwa.com for more information.
Register to Win the Trip of a Lifetime!
Click HERE to download a raffle flier. You do not have to be present to win! Turn in your raffle forms with payment to the Development Office.
It’s the “CAN’T MISS” event of the year... and tickets are going quickly!
This delightful evening includes a delicious dinner, silent and live auctions, and concludes on the dance floor! It's our largest fundraising event of the year with proceeds making a lasting difference in the lives of our students. Please join us for an event you don't want to miss!