NEWSLETTER QUICK LINKS:
Next Week 10/13-10/19
After-School Electives After-school
Senior College Conferences 9/9-10/24
Coyote Cafe Fridays
Cybersecurity Class Thursdays
History In Movies Thursdays
Monster Mash Dash 5K 10/26
Halloween Hoopla 10/31
Staunton Trip 11/6-11/8
School Spirit Wear by Rokkitwear
FYI: Blue Letters = Links - Happy Clicking!
Looking at Next Week…
monday, Oct 13
No School - Indigenous People’s Day
TUESDAY, oct 14
Regular Class Schedule - First Period Gym thru Dismissal from 8:00 am - 3:15 pm
Senior College Conferences with Ms. Warden & Mr. Connelly at 2:30 pm (info)
7th Period: Office Hours from 2:15 pm - 3:15 pm
Theatre Elective with Mr. Goldie from 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
WEDNESDAY, OCT 15
Regular Class Schedule - First Period Gym thru Dismissal from 8:00 am - 3:15 pm
Senior College Conferences with Ms. Warden & Mr. Connelly at 2:30 pm (info)
7th Period: Reading Day from 2:15 pm - 3:15 pm
Robotics Elective with Mr. Lindner from 3:15 pm - 4:30 pm (info)
THURSDAY, OCT 16
Regular Class Schedule - First Period Gym thru Dismissal from 8:00 am - 3:15 pm
Earthquake Drill - Great American Shakeout at 10:16 am (info)
Senior College Conferences with Ms. Warden & Mr. Connelly at 2:30 pm (info)
7th Period: Office Hours or Cybersecurity Class from 2:15 pm - 3:15 pm (info)
History in Movies Elective - Glory (info)
FRIDAY, OCT 17
Regular Class Schedule - First Period Gym thru Dismissal from 8:00 am - 3:15 pm
7th Period: Amazing Day from 2:15 pm - 3:15 pm
Coyote Cafe - in the kid’s kitchen during lunch (info)
What To Do After School...
IT’S 3:15 PM. THE SCHOOL DAY IS OVER, BUT YOU DON’T WANT TO LEAVE!
Linked below are descriptions of the GWCS after-school elective classes as well as a signup link. These electives meet after school (a.k.a. 8th period) and will begin the week of September 8, 2025. The best place to confirm times and dates every week is the GWCS Calendar. We encourage all students to try at least one (or more).
Note: Electives are classes which means attendance is taken and grades and credit are earned.
(Theatre, Robotics, History in Movies)
Schedule Your Senior College Conference…
for EARLY ACTION / EARLY DECISION APPLICANTS - regular decision conferences will take place later.
Ms. Warden and Mr. Connelly will meet with GWCS seniors and their parents between 9/9 and 9/25. Click on the blue button below to reserve your conference date and time.
Please email the following information to schoolinfo@gwcommunityschool.com at least 48 hours before your conference:
SAT/ACT scores (if applicable)
The two teachers you’ve chosen for recommendation letters
Your list of colleges of interest
Your choice of counselor (Mr. Connelly or Ms. Warden)
We look forward to the conversation and to supporting you through this exciting next chapter!
Support Your School & Enjoy Pizza…
REMEMBER to bring CASH to school every FRIDAY to buy a slice of pizza, a snack, and a drink! Stash $10 in your backpack right now while you’re thinking about it. All of the Coyote Cafe PROCEEDS will be used for school supplies, activities, and special events such as the annual SPRING PALOOZA!
Coyote Café Menu
Pizza = 1 Slice $3 | 2 Slices $5
Soda = $2
Chips = $2
Cookies = $3
Popcorn = $3
Rice Krispies = $2
Trail Mix = $3
Fruit Roll-Ups = $2
Cracker Sandwiches = $2
Cybersecurity Essentials at GWCS…
We’re thrilled to offer a brand-new opportunity for GWCS students this fall—a Cybersecurity Essentials course designed to empower and educate students in grades 7–12 about the digital world and how to protect themselves within it.
Class Details:
When: Thursdays during 7th period (replacing office hours)
Who: Students in grades 7–12
Credit: Earn 0.25 credits through class participation and cyber missions outside of class
Interested? Email Alexa Warden to sign up!
Meet Your Instructor: Austin Chong
Hello! My name is Austin Chong, and I’m a graduate student at the Georgia Institute of Technology, pursuing a Master of Science in Cybersecurity. As part of my practicum project, I’ve developed an accessible cybersecurity literacy curriculum for K–12 students.
Recent research shows that 80% of schools have experienced cybersecurity incidents—from compromised credentials to ransomware attacks on outdated IT systems. This course aims to raise awareness and build foundational skills to address these challenges.
What You’ll Learn:
Students will explore key topics such as:
What is Cybersecurity?
Real-World Cybersecurity Incidents
Types of Cyber Attacks
Defense in Depth
Open-Source Intelligence ...and more!
The curriculum is designed to be engaging, practical, and fully online, accessible via OneDrive. It includes checkpoints to measure learning progress and will be supported by ongoing guidance from me and Director Warden.
Questions?
I’m here to support students not only through the course but also with advice on careers in Information Technology and Cybersecurity. Feel free to reach out anytime!
Austin Chong: achong40@gatech.edu
History in Movies: Glory…
Thursday, October 16, 2025 (3:30 PM-5:45 PM)
On Thursday, October 16, 2025, the History in Movies class will screen Glory. The 1989 film tells the story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the first official African American units in the Union Army during the Civil War. It is part war movie, part meditation on courage, and part uncomfortable reminder that progress in history tends to arrive not as a gift but as a battle.
The performances are the sort that linger, especially Denzel Washington’s portrayal of a soldier whose pain is both personal and collective. The movie prompts viewers to consider sacrifice, dignity, and the costs of fighting for a country that has not always acknowledged their humanity. Glory is not just a Civil War film but also a story about how memory and recognition are shaped long after the gunfire stops.
The movie will be shown in the Large Group Instruction Room (LGIR), located by the café, immediately after school on Thursday, October 16. The film is just a little over two hours—long enough to demand your patience but short enough that you won’t need survival rations. If you are making arrangements to be picked up after the movie, please tell your parents to pick you up at 5:45 PM.
Monster Mash Dash 5K 10/26…
Get ready for a spooktacular morning of fun, fitness, and community spirit at the Monster Mash Dash 5K!
Location: Franklin Sherman Elementary, McLean
Time: 8:00 AM
Arrival: Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to pick up your bib and shirt.
Why Join?
Enjoy a festive run with your fellow GW Community School Coyotes
Earn 3 hours of community service just for participating!
Celebrate the season with energy and excitement!
Don’t miss out!
Click the button below to register today and be part of the Halloween fun!
Financial Aid 101: What You Need To Know 10/26…
Tuesday, October 28th 1:00 pm
Parents of high school seniors are invited to attend an informative session on understanding and navigating the college financial aid process. Learn what forms are required, types of financial aid colleges offer, and tips on comparing college costs. This session will provide practical guidance and helpful resources as you prepare for the next step in your student’s education.
Karen Hanley is the Senior Associate Director of Operations at Duke University and has over twenty years of experience in financial aid across private, public and community colleges, helping families understand and manage the financial aid process.
The GW Halloween Hoopla 10/31…
It’s officially Halloween season, and we’re thrilled to announce our schoolwide Halloween Hoopla happening on Thursday, October 31st!
Times:
Halloween School Day: 9 am-12 pm
Doggie Parade: 11:45 am!
Costumes Encouraged:
Students are highly encouraged to come dressed in their favorite Halloween costumes. To allow extra time for costume prep, morning gym will be canceled.
Activities Include:
A special Halloween show by Howarth…
Games…
Candy…
Pumpkin Decorating…
Early Dismissal & Doggie Parade:
Since Halloween falls on an Early Dismissal Day, we’re ending the celebration with a special treat! For the last 15 minutes of the party, parents are invited to bring their costumed furry friends for a Doggie Parade. The entire school will gather outside to cheer on the adorable pups as they strut their stuff.
Prize Alert:
The best-dressed pup will win a prize!
Planning to Bring Your Dog?
Please email Mrs. Kohler at kohlerja@gwcommunityschool.com to let her know.
GWCS Fall Staunton Trip…11/6-11/8
If you're a fan of live theatre, this is the weekend getaway you don’t want to miss. We’re heading to Staunton, Virginia to experience the magic of the Blackfriars Theatre at the American Shakespeare Center—home to the finest classical theatre productions anywhere. Yes, anywhere. From Los Angeles to London, nothing compares.
Why It’s Special:
Three plays, one troupe: All shows performed by the same twelve actors—an astonishing feat of talent and versatility.
Live music: Before each performance and during intermission, the cast performs popular songs from the last 50 years that reflect the themes of the plays.
Luxury stay: We'll be at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel (a solid 4.5–5 star experience), steps from downtown Staunton.
Delicious dining: All meals included, featuring local favorites.
Bonus experiences: Combat workshop, side excursions, and possibly a visit to the Frontier Culture Museum.
Shows Included:
Romeo and Juliet – Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy.
Two Gentlemen of Verona – A hilarious and heartfelt comedy (personal favorite).
The Pirate Ballad of Bonny and Read – A Shakespeare-style spoof full of swashbuckling fun.
Tentative Itinerary:
Thursday – November 6, 2025
11:30 AM – Depart GWCS
12:30 PM – Lunch
3:00 PM – Excursions
4:45 PM – Dinner at Baja Bean
7:00 PM – Romeo and Juliet at Blackfriars Playhouse
10:00 PM – Ice Cream Social
11:00 PM – Lights Out
Friday – November 7, 2025
8:00 AM – Breakfast
10:00 AM – Shakespeare Workshop
11:00 AM – Lunch
2:00 PM – Blackfriars Playhouse Tour
5:00 PM – Dinner at Mill Street Grill
7:00 PM – Two Gentlemen of Verona
10:00 PM – Baked Goods Social
11:00 PM – Lights Out
Saturday – November 8, 2025
7:00 AM – Farmer’s Market
9:00 AM – Breakfast
10:30 AM – Hotel Check-out
12:30 PM – Lunch
2:00 PM – The Pirate Ballad of Bonny and Read
4:30 PM – Depart for GWCS
7:30 PM – Arrive at GWCS
Cost & Sign-Up Info:
Cost per student: $680.00
What’s included: Hotel (2 students per room), 3 theatre tickets, all meals, workshops, excursions, and transportation
To reserve your spot: Bring a check for $680.00 to school and hand it to Mr. Petty or Mr. Goldie
Act fast: Spots are limited and will fill quickly!
CLICK HERE to get a feel for this amazing opportunity by reading the GWCS 2022 blog post.
CLICK HERE to get a feel for the American Shakespeare Center and Blackfriars Playhouse.
FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE,
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION (below the double line)
IS INCLUDED IN YOUR WEEKLY WYNK EVERY WEEK.
Log Your Community Service Hours…
GWCS students are expected to complete a minimum of 30 hours of community service each school year. Up to 10 hours can be school-sponsored events, such as trips and events. Students also have the opportunity to perform their community service hours through school-sponsored community service activities. However, students may complete their hours at any institution, facility, or program that is approved by the Director. Students who enroll mid-year should complete 7.5 hours of community service per quarter. Questions? Talk with your Advisor.
want to know more?
Community Service Info on Website
log YOUR hours here:
Community Service Form - Log Hours as you earn them!
Show Your Coyote Spirit…
ORDER GWCS SPIRIT WEAR TODAY!
Helpful School Links…
COYOTE HOWL (Bell Schedule)
COYOTE HOWLER (Bell)
PARENT PORTAL (pw=gwcscoyotes)
COYOTE WEB (status reports, grades, attendance, roster...)
