NEWSLETTER QUICK LINKS:
Next Week - 5/5 - 11
Teacher AppreciationWeek - 5/5-9
AP Exams - US Government 5/6, US History 5/9
GWCS Foundation Fundraiser - G&W Interviews
Prom Tickets on Sale Now - 5/31
GWCS Chronicle Yearbook - On Sale Now!
Save the Date - Let’s Celebrate! - 6/7 Graduation Invite
Weekly Song Recommendations - with Amelia
Coyote Cafe Info & Menu - Thursday Lunch - Pizza+
Ask Charley! - Technology Support
Pro-Tip: Blue Letters = Links - Happy Clicking!
MONDAY, MAY 5
Regular class schedule - First Period Gym thru Dismissal from 8:00 am - 3:15 pm
Amazing Days during 7th period from 2:22 pm - 3:15 pm
TUESDAY, MAY 6
No Gym - OBXers should be at school by 9:00 am
Co-Ops Continue
OBX #4 - National Museum of Marine Corps departs at 9:00 am (info)
Graduation Parent Volunteers’ Temple Tour in Alexandria at 10:15 am (info)
AP Exam - US Government & Politics begins at 12:00 pm, students should arrive at GWCS by 11:45 am (info)
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7
Regular class schedule - First Period Gym thru Dismissal from 8:00 am - 3:15 pm
DUE in Advisory: Weekly Wednesday Internship Survey (click here)
What’s Happening Wednesdays during 7th period from 2:22 pm - 3:15 pm
Art Club with Ms. Albert from 3:15 pm - 4:15 pm
THURSDAY, may 8
DUE: Graduation Fee for Seniors (info)
Regular class schedule - First Period Gym thru Dismissal from 8:00 am - 3:15 pm
Coyote Cafe Lunch option in Kids Kitchen (info/menu)
Office Hours during 7th period from 2:22 pm - 3:15 pm
History in Movies with Mr. Goldie from 3:20 pm - 5:30 pm
FRIDAY, MAY 9
AP Exam - US History begins at 8:00 am, students should arrive at GWCS by 7:45 am (info)
Regular class schedule - First Period Gym thru Dismissal from 8:00 am - 3:15 pm
Amazing Days during 7th period from 2:22 pm - 3:15 pm
Dungeons & Dragons with Hartly from 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
GWCS ONLINE EVENTS CALENDAR - UPDATED DAILY
2025-2026 School-Year-at-a-Glance - Updated 4.22.25
OBX #4: National Museum of the Marine Corps
may 6, 2025
The National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico is a lasting tribute to the accomplishments, sacrifices, and images of the legacy of the United State Marine Corps. Immersive galleries exhibit the artifacts of U.S. Marines, their uniforms, their equipment, and their vehicles. Prepare to experience 250 years of United States Marine Corps history as you step into the sights and sounds of Marines in action.
About:
Destination: National Museum of the Marine Corps, Quantico
Depart: GWCS at 9:00 am (Go directly to school - NO GYM)
Pickup: GWCS at 3:15 pm
Bring/Wear:
Lunch: Bring money for lunch at the Dog Diner in the Museum
Transportation: School Van & Cars
QUESTIONS? CONTACT:
Mr. Lindner
lindnergt@gwcommunityschool.com
Thank you to the GWCS Foundation!
Attention Graduation Parent Volunteers…
Tour the GW Masonic National Memorial
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 @ 10:15 am
Dear GWCS Parents,
We’re inviting all graduation volunteers to join us for a walk-through of The George Washington Masonic National Memorial on Tuesday, May 6th at 10:15 am. The memorial is typically closed to the public on Tuesdays, so this is a special opportunity to preview the space while it's quiet.
We’ll spend about 30 minutes getting oriented with both the ceremony and reception areas, so everyone feels comfortable and ready for graduation day.
Location:
The George Washington Masonic National Memorial
101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria, VA 22301
We’ll all make our own way there and back, but feel free to coordinate carpools if you'd like to ride together.
It’s BYOC (bring your own coffee)—we’ll keep things casual and efficient.
Thank you again for volunteering your time and energy—we’re looking forward to seeing you there!
Warmly,
Alexa
wardenac@gwcommunityschool.com
AP Exams Proctored at GWCS…
beginning the Week of May 5th
GWCS students who are taking AP Exams will receive information from their respective teachers.
Tuesday, May 6 - US Government & Politics begins promtly at 12:00 pm. Arrive at GWCS by 11:45 am.
Friday, May 9 - US History Exam begins promptly at 8:00 am. Arrive at GWCS by 7:45 am.
IMPORTANT! WHAT IF YOU HAVE AN AP EXAM ON INTERNSHIP DAY (tuesday, May 6th)?
Any Co-Op students taking the AP US Government & Politics exam on Tuesday 5/6 should notify their internship supervisor via email and cc Ms. Warden at wardenac@gwcommunityschool.com.
College Board AP Exam Information
It’s Time…
to celebrate our Teachers & staff!
May 5-9, 2025
Thank you to all who have contributed and signed up for gifts and meals! It's going to be a fun week! If you have not had the opportunity to contribute, please refer to the emails that I sent to you via Cassie for information. We still have some needs to show our gratitude to our amazing teachers and staff. Here is the sign-up.
Monday, May 5: Breakfast Treats with Coffee
Tuesday, May 6: Gifts
Wednesday, May 7: Gift Baskets Preview
Thursday, May 8: Take Home Dinners
Friday, May 9: Lunch from Spartans and Gift Baskets Raffle
A Fundraiser to Fuel Success…
Dear GWCS Community,
Thank you so much to everyone who has already donated to the GW Community School Foundation Giving Forward campaign! Every contribution is tax deductible, and directly supports the programs, events, and activities that enrich the GWCS student experience. We appreciate your generosity as we work toward our ambitious $50,000 fundraising goal!
🎉 Celebrating 25 Years of GWCS
As we kick off the celebration of 25 Years of GWCS, we’re going back to the beginning—with our founders, Rick Goldie and Alexa Warden: the “G” and “W” in GWCS. Alum Kait Lemoine (Class of 2011) asked them about those early days:
Why did you start GW Community School?
Alexa Warden (AW): We started GW Community school because we were so dissatisfied with existing programs. We wanted to work in a school that put teaching and learning—and kids—above all else.
Rick Goldie (RG): Among the many reasons to start an alternative school, two stand-out. First, Alexa and I had both had disappointing (traumatizing) experiences working for other private schools so that we knew we could do a better job if we started our own. Second, we believed (still believe) that the modern school system cannot possibly (how could it?) meet the needs of every student. We talked to a lot of bright kids who were getting bad grades and knew that a smaller, more attentive, more personal version of high school would be in demand if it were offered.
What challenges did you have to overcome in the beginning?
AW: The biggest challenge we faced in the beginning was the same as it is today! Rick and I have incredibly high standards for ourselves and we wear a lot of hats!
RG: The biggest challenges in the beginning were finding 'like minded' people to come teach with us, and establishing a philosophy that could be followed and supported by everyone. Truthfully, the school was easy to start and sustain, once we got going. Turning the basement of the building into a place of education was probably the hardest part, but at least we had three weeks to get it all built-out and finished.
What are the secret ingredients that make GWCS successful?
AW: Really loving what we do and cultivating an environment where everyone can find and be themselves.
RG: I would not call anything we do a 'secret.' The ingredients are pretty obvious: Passion, hard work, dedication, caring, clarity of purpose, community, etc. If we do have a secret ingredient, it could only be one thing: Alexa. She is not one in a million, she is one of one. There is no other. She is both the softest and the strongest of all people. Everyone is drawn to her. She is the unique ingredient that makes GWCS what it is.
👉 DONATE NOW at gwcsfoundation.org/donate
What do you both wish you knew when you were starting out - what piece of advice would you give your younger selves?
AW: I wouldn’t give us any advice! We were young enough and naive enough to believe that we could create an almost magical educational environment—and when you really believe in something, it materializes.
RG: When the ownership of the building was in turmoil (2001?), we should have bought the building. Owning the building would have made our lives so much easier, from collecting rent from the upper floors, to expanding the school, or opening a deli in the front of the first floor. We were afraid to go into that much debt, but knowing what I know now, that would have been the way to go. If I could send a message to me in 1999, I would tell myself to find a way to buy the building.
We’ve all learned so much from you. Looking back over 25 years, what lessons have you learned?
AW: Trust your gut. Seek first to understand. Be real with yourself and others. When faced with a moral dilemma, the hardest choice is always the right one. And never stop having fun.
RG: Philosophically, I have gotten much better at understanding that my students do not have the same goals (priorities) that I do. We have to meet 'where we are,' in the middle somewhere. I used to believe that I could motivate students with passion alone. Ultimately I realized that 'one man's passion is another man's complete lack of interest." Every lesson (every action) has to withstand criticism and/or indifference, and be followed-up with another approach or another thought or another spin. Then on to the next thing.
🔁 Giving Forward Means Giving Back
Every one of us holds memories of transformative moments at GWCS. Through the Giving Forward campaign, you can help pass those moments on to the next generation.
Your donation helps support:
The new scholarship program for students facing financial hardship
Signature programs and clubs like Theater, Basketball, Cooking (in the new student kitchen!), OBX, and more
A vibrant and inclusive student community
🎁 Make your tax-deductible gift today: gwcsfoundation.org/donate
With thanks for your support,
Andrea Spiegel
Fundraising, GW Community School Foundation
PS: Gifts of $1,000 or more will be honored with a personalized, engraved plaque displayed at GWCS.
🎉 In celebration of our 25th year, Diamond Legacy Donors can name a space at the school—imagine the Smith Family Coyote Cafe or the Jane Doe GWCS Theater! We’ll help you create a meaningful legacy.
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TICKET SALES DEADLINE:
Friday, May 30, 2025
HOW TO GET YOUR TICKET…
PAY WITH CASH - put $40 per ticket in an envelope with student’s name and ‘Prom Ticket’ on front of envelope and give it to Mrs. Kohler.
PAY ONLINE WITH CREDIT CARD - Click Here!
GWCS 2024-2025 Chronicle Yearbook…
Place your order by June 6th
before the price jumps!
Alright Coyotes! Listen up! It's go-time to lock in your very own GWCS Chronicle Yearbook – your personal time capsule of awesomeness! Imagine flipping through pages of side-splitting candids, reliving those unforgettable school events, and yes, even cringing (in a good way!) at those iconic hairstyles. Don't let these memories fade away! Order your yearbook today before that price does a high jump!
ORDER FORM:
Click Here for printable order form
Price:
$50 if ordered by June 6, 2025
$65 if ordered after June 6, 2025
Payment:
Send in cash or a check payable to GWCS
-or-
Click Here to pay by credit card online
YEARBOOK PICK-UP PARTY:
Mark your summer calendar! On Thursday, August 14, 2025 from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm GWCS will host a Yearbook Signing Party followed by a Summer Movie Marathon from 2:00 pm - 9:00 pm!
Questions? Contact:
Mr. Goldie
goldiera@gwcommunityschool.com
Graduation 2025 ~ Come One, Come All!
save the date: Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 11:00 am
All Students & Parents Encouraged to Attend!
Mark your calendars for this year’s GWCS Graduation Ceremony on June 7th, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. All GWCS students and parents are expected to attend. Celebrating our seniors’ achievements is a community effort, and your presence makes the day even more meaningful.
Every time you attend our graduation ceremony, you gain a deeper appreciation for what this milestone represents—both for the graduates and for your own student when their time comes. The attendance of the entire GWCS community gives our seniors a heartfelt and supportive send-off in true community style.
All guests should be seated by 10:45 AM to ensure a smooth start. Keep an eye on the WYNK for volunteer opportunities to help make this day truly special.
Let’s come together to honor our seniors and celebrate their success!
Weekly Song Recommendations…
with Amelia
Hello, this is Amelia Schmutz! I am a junior at GWCS, and I write this section of the WYNK on song recommendations. I hope you enjoy. Feel free to talk to me at school or email me your top recommendations and favorite songs for a future WYNK.
MY
RECOMMENDATION
“Xerces” – Deftones
I have wanted to do a write-up on Deftones for a while now. It wasn’t until last week when I had been listening to Deftones on shuffle that I realized that they have a variety of songs and not just adrenaline songs. Not kidding, many people call Deftones “the Radiohead of metal” because of their experimental nature.
“Xerces” has a very atmospheric and ethereal feeling like it will transport you to another world of foggy, sensual beauty. The Xerces Blue butterfly became extinct in the early 1940’s. Which leads one to think that song is about death. Perhaps someone’s final goodbye wishes, someone on their deathbed. A release.
GWCS RECOMMENDATION
“Rock the Cashbah” – The Clash
Recommended by Brendan
“Rock the Casbah” originally began as a song centered around Topper Headon’s, the drummer of The Clash, ex-girlfriend. However, the song took on an entirely different meaning when Headon quit the band due to an addiction problem before the song was released at the start of the band's Combat Rock tour.
When Joe Strummer took Headon’s place as drummer, “Rock the Cashbah” turned into an anthem centered around the persecution of the Iranian people for enjoying music, particularly for owning a disco album at the time. The groove in this song isn’t quite disco (it is the Clash after all!) to reflect the political subject matter.
“Rock the Casbah” was The Clash’s biggest hit. It made it to number six on the Billboard Hot Tracks. The song and the rest of the album, “Combat Rock” have proven to be incredibly influential on modern music and are worth your listen.
NEW RECOMMENDATION
“Sister” - Tennis
“Sister" is a song by the American indie pop duo Tennis. It’s s generally well-received as a standout track on their new album “Face Down in the Garden.” It is the band’s tenth album. The song got good reviews for its beautiful and weightless opening, evolving into a breezy, mid-tempo rhythm. The song evokes a sense of fleeting joy, with lyrics like “forget all of our troubles if only for a little while” summarizing the album's overall theme.
The lead signer voice, Alaina Moore, has an ethereal quality that cuts through the mix. There is a weariness there too. The song offers a quiet aching goodbye. The beat is breezy that will have you bobbing your head. If you are looking for something serious, this isn’t it. If you are looking for a song that is light, wistful, and cool, you have found it.
TECHNOLOGY ISSUES OR QUESTIONS?
CHARLEY IS HERE TO HELP!
QUESTIONS? CONTACT:
Charley Petty
GWCS Intern
pettyca@gwcommunityschool.com
https:/tinyurl.com/askcharley
SHOW YOUR COYOTE SPIRIT…
ORDER GWCS SPIRIT WEAR TODAY!
COYOTE HOWL (Bell Schedule)
PARENT PORTAL (pw=gwcscoyotes)
WYNK NEWSLETTERS (pw=gwcscoyotes)
COYOTE WEB (status reports, grades, attendance...)
