Welcome (back), fearless Coyotes, to our 25th year of learning, growing, and howling success at GWCS! As we embark on another year of adventure and achievement, let's celebrate a quarter-century of excellence, and gear up for even more unforgettable moments together. Get ready to unleash your inner Coyote spirit!

We anticipate an exciting start to school! Here are some highlights and key announcements:

📚Unveiling Seventh Period: Where Knowledge and Action Converge! 🌟

Get ready to dive into a dynamic world of learning, leadership, and empowerment in our brand-new seventh period. This year, we're turning the spotlight on AP-level US History and Government, giving you the chance to explore the depths of our nation's past and present like never before. Any US History or Government student can now opt-in to AP! Imagine: two power-packed, one-hour sessions each week dedicated to delving deeper into the rich tapestry of US history and government. With the AP program, you're not just learning – you're diving headfirst into a realm of intellectual challenge and growth. 🧠💡📜🏛️

But that's not all – we're taking it a step further. Picture this: FEMA-sponsored Community Emergency Response Training, where you'll be equipped with life-saving skills and a readiness to make a difference when it counts the most. 🚨🙌

And hey, relationships matter too! With the guidance of the One Love Foundation, you'll unravel the complexities of healthy versus unhealthy relationships, ensuring you're equipped with the tools to foster respectful connections that stand the test of time. ❤️💔

But wait, there's more! Get ready to unleash your creativity and organizational prowess as you take the reins in planning unforgettable school events. From spirit rallies to community outreach, you'll be the driving force behind memories that will last a lifetime. 🎉🎈

Seventh period isn't just a class – it's an opportunity to transform, inspire, and ignite your passions. So, buckle up, because this year is about to be an adventure of a lifetime! 🌠📚

"Get Fit, Get Ready: First period at Audrey Moore Starts September 6th!"

All the information you need about gym at Audrey Moore can be found in our Parent-Student Handbook linked below.

Up until September 6th, our school day will start at GWCS at 9:15 am; in advisory students should arrive between 9:05 am and 9:10 am. If your student needs to be dropped off at GWCS at 8 am, please fill out our Attendance Form here to let us know so that we can have appropriate coverage and activities planned.

"Dedication Beyond Measure"

GWCS Teachers have been hard at work this summer planning innovative new classes, participating in professional developments, and developing new programs and events. We can't wait to share with you all that we have in store. Be on the lookout for syllabi, afterschool elective sign ups, and of course our weekly newsletter the WYNK (What You Need to Know).

We will be sure to see you at Back to School Night on Tuesday, September 19th from 6:00 - 8:30 pm. But you'll be hearing a lot from us between now and then!

One more time for the people in the back: Go Coyotes! Happy Silver Jubilee!

Warmly,

Alexa

Alexa Warden, Director
wardenac@gwcommunityschool.com

CLASS SCHEDULES

Class schedules will be available on students’ CoyoteWeb accounts beginning Wednesday, August 23rd. They have also been sent to individual families via email. If your child was given a choice, please confirm your course selection if you have not yet already done so. CoyoteWeb will be unavailable until then, so look for an email update for when that goes live!
The first publishing of schedules often results in a ripple effect of changes. All students will receive a printed copy of their current schedule on the first day of school.
Students will have an opportunity to meet with Ms. Warden during the first two weeks of school to discuss any changes needed.
The Add/Drop date for first quarter is Friday, September 15th. Changes can be made to students’ schedules during this time without grade penalty. See Advisor for blue Add-Drop form.
If you’re not familiar with CoyoteWeb - more information is available under the ‘Technology’ section below.
8th Period Electives and Clubs (Afterschool) will be introduced to students the first week of school and will commence the second week of school. We will be sending out a detailed email with offerings closer to that time.
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FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL SCHEDULE

FIRST DAYS:
- School will begin in Advisory at 9:15 am for the first week of school. Students may arrive at school at 9:00 am.
- School will end at 3:15 pm for the first week of school.
- Orientation will be held during the school day in an extended Advisory period.
- Beginning September 6, 2022 - PE, Hiking Club, and Basketball will be available at Audrey Moore RECenter for all students. More info below.
- Beginning September 6, 2022 - After school electives and clubs may be available for optional 8th period which begins at 3:15 pm.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL: All students will participate in Student Orientation beginning at 9:15 am on Monday, August 28th.
BRING (AT A MINIMUM):

GYM/PE: GWCS will not be using Audrey Moore RECenter for PE until September 6th, as they are closed for renovations. First week of school - no PE requirement.
PICK UP TIME: The school day will end at 3:15 pm the first week of school. Beginning September 6th, 8th Period electives and clubs will begin at 3:15 pm for interested students. Pick up time will vary depending on the activity. Look forward to future WYNKs which will provide details about electives and clubs. As always, the GWCS Calendar is the best source for up-to-date club and elective info.

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GWCS FORMS

EMERGENCY FORM: Please complete and return the 2023-2024 Emergency Form to the basket on the front desk by Wednesday, August 30th. It is very important that we have this completed form without delay. We recommend downloading and completing this MS Word version of the Emergency Form so that you can save it to your computer and make and submit changes as needed during the school year.
HEALTH FORM: All students are required to have on record a Virginia School Entrance Health Form (or similar immunization record). (You can check student’s CoyoteWeb account to see whether or not we have their immunization on file.)
MAT MEDICATION FORM: If it is necessary for a student to take medication prescribed by a physician during school hours or during a school-sponsored trip, please have your physician complete the MAT Physicians Medication Consent form (one for each prescription) and provide GWCS medications in the original prescription container. Medications will be administered during the school day by Mr. Mallonee.
PARENT-STUDENT HANDBOOK: It is important that parents and students take the time to read each and every page of the 2023-2024 Parent-Student Handbook, and complete the GWCS Parent-Student Agreement Form. This needs to be printed, signed and returned to the basket on the front desk by Wednesday, August 30th.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: All GWCS students are expected to complete a minimum of 30 hours of community service each school year. There are many opportunities to earn community service hours through school-sponsored activities. However, students may also complete their hours at any institution, facility, or program that is approved by Ms. Warden.

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GWCS RESOURCES & INFORMATION

GWCS PARENT PORTAL: On the GWCS website is a password protected Parent Portal which has a plethora of information and is your go-to-place when looking for school forms or information. Almost everything mentioned here can be found on the GWCS Parent Portal. And the password is... gwcscoyotes
GWCS CALENDAR: GWCS has an online Google calendar linked on the website which is updated daily. Click on an event for more details and easily add events or holidays to your own personal calendar, if you’d like. The 2023-2024 School Year Calendar-at-a-Glance includes all of the school holidays and some of the year’s events. We recommend referring to the online Google calendar for the most up-to-date information.
WYNK NEWSLETTER: Most Fridays during the school year, everyone in the current GWCS community receives an email with a link to the WYNK - the GWCS Newsletter. WYNK stands for "What You Need to Know". What you are reading here is the first newsletter of the 2023-2024 school year. Traditionally, the newsletter will provide families with a list of the following week's activities followed by accolades and announcements. The WYNK newsletter is published on the GWCS website (under the Resources tab) and shares the same password as the Parent Portal: gwcscoyotes.
FAMILY ROSTER: The GWCS Family Roster is available on CoyoteWeb. This roster includes all of the students’ and parents’ names as well as addresses, phone numbers and email addresses. Although we like having student cell phones on file, we do not publish them in our Family Roster. Please feel free to use this roster to contact other GWCS families and arrange carpools. Inform GWCS of any changes or updates to your family contact information. (How-To: Parent Access to CoyoteWeb & Roster)
STAFF CONTACT LIST: A list of all the GWCS teachers and staff with their contact information is available on Faculty/Staff section of our website as well. We encourage you to email your child’s Advisor and teachers with any questions, concerns or, the always welcomed words of appreciation!
COYOTE HOWL: The Coyote Howl is our version of the school “bell schedule”. Please refer to this when scheduling appointments so that there is the least amount of class disruption as possible. It includes 1st & 8th periods which are currently scheduled to begin on September 6th.
COYOTE PAC (Parents Acting Collaboratively): GWCS depends on parent volunteers throughout the year. You will learn more about the volunteer opportunities at Back-to-School Night on Tuesday, September 19th.
SCHOOL SPIRIT APPAREL by Rokkitwear! Order GWCS gear such as t-shirts, polos, button-downs, sweatshirts, jackets, hats, shorts, pants, warm-ups, backpacks, scarves, blankets... you name it - they've got it in every style and size imaginable. Find the style that suits you and get your coyote on!
SCHOOL SUPPLIES: In addition to this supply list, students will receive a course syllabus from each of their teachers the first week of school. Included in each syllabus will be a list of supplies needed for their class.
- BINDER: For the first week of school students should have a binder or pocket folder with notebook paper and writing utensils.
- LAPTOP: Most of students’ classwork and assignments will be delivered and returned electronically through Microsoft Teams. Therefore, the most important school supply to bring to school every day is a laptop (fully charged) and a power cord. It’s important to have a system in place so that the occasional assignments, documents, flyers and permission forms that do get printed don’t end up in a crinkled ball at the bottom of the backpack.

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GWCS TECHNOLOGY

STUDENT LAPTOPS: All GWCS students are required to provide their own laptop or tablet and they are expected to bring their laptop and charger to school every day. Most laptops are compatible with Microsoft Office 365 but some tablets are not. Please confirm that your student laptop/tablet meets the requirements.
LAPTOP PREP & CHECKLIST: GWCS students and parents/guardians should work together to get their student laptop up and running for the school year. Please make sure that you have turned your computer on since last year, and that permissions are granted for students to be able to download apps on both their phones and laptops during Orientation. Orientation will include a Technology training sessions so that all students are familiar and prepared for this year.
COYOTEWEB 2.0: CoyoteWeb is the GWCS academic portal which provides students and parents access to students’ schedules, weekly status reports, attendance, and more. Student login is their GWCS email address. Returning students' passwords were not changed from last year. New students should have received their password along with the Microsoft login info over the summer. Email Ms. N-O if student cannot remember their CoyoteWeb password. (Click Here for parent access instructions.)
MICROSOFT OFFICE 365: GWCS provides students with a Microsoft Office 365 for Business account which includes Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Publisher, OneDrive Cloud Storage, Teams, Outlook Email, and much more. Families are welcome to take advantage of the five free downloads to any of your compatible devices. It is highly recommended that students download all Microsoft 365 software apps to their computer and smartphone and bookmark the login pages. Student Technology Info