NEWSLETTER QUICK LINKS:
Next Week 10/20-10/26
After-School Electives After-school
History In Movies Thursdays
Chili Cook Off 10/24
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 20
No School - Diwali
TUESDAY, oct 21
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
History in Movies Elective - Lincoln from 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm (info)
WEDNESDAY, OCT 22
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)
Theatre Elective with Mr. Goldie from 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
THURSDAY, OCT 23
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 or Cybersecurity Class from 2:15 pm - 3:15 pm
Theatre Elective with Mr. Goldie from 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
FRIDAY, OCT 24
Regular Class Schedule - First Period Gym thru Dismissal from 8:00 am - 3:15 pm
Coyote Cafe - in the kids’ kitchen during lunch
7th Period: Amazing Day from 2:15 pm - 3:15 pm
Theatre Elective with Mr. Goldie from 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Sunday, OCT 26
Monster Mash Dash 5k - (info)
History in Movies: Lincoln
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 (3:30 PM-6 PM)
PLEASE NOTE NEW DAY!
On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, the “History in Movies” class will screen Lincoln, Steven Spielberg’s 2012 film about the final months of Abraham Lincoln’s presidency. It stars Daniel Day-Lewis in a performance so meticulous and restrained that you start to believe the man might have just stepped out of a sepia photograph and wandered onto the set, tired but polite, asking whether Congress has managed to do anything reasonable yet.
The movie is not an action film, although it contains a surprising number of intense scenes involving men talking in dimly lit rooms about legislation. It is about power and compromise, about the fragile machinery of democracy and the way history often turns on conversations no one thought were dramatic at the time. The film is dense, funny in places you do not expect, and quietly heartbreaking in the way it reveals Lincoln as both a figure of myth and a father trying to hold together something far more human than a nation.
The movie will be shown in the Large Group Instruction Room (LGIR) by the café right after school on Tuesday, October 21. The film runs two-and-a-half hours, which is long enough for you to finish your snacks, consider the weight of moral leadership, and still wonder why everyone in the 1860s seemed to speak in perfectly crafted metaphors. Attendance is encouraged, if only to confirm that political gridlock is not exactly a new invention. If you are making arrangements to be picked up after the movie, please tell your parents to pick you up at 6 PM.
PSATs/NMSTQ, SAT, PSAT 8/9 10/23…
Next Thursday, October 23rd, all students will be participating in the PSAT/NMSTQ, SAT, PSAT 8/9. Everyone has been enrolled.
If you wish to opt out in favor of another approved educational activity, please notify us by Tuesday, October 22nd at schoolinfo@gwcommunityschool.com
Chili Cook Off 10/24…
Join US:
As the weather cools and leaves begin to fall, it’s time to warm up with some CHILI! Join us for our all-school Chili Cook-Off as part of Amazing Days!
Date: Friday, October 24, 2025
Time: 7th Period
Location: All-School Event
Who Can Participate?
All staff, students, and parents are invited to make chili for the school to sample and score.
The best chef(s) will win a prize!
What to Bring:
Your chili creation in a crockpot or hotplate and pot
A serving utensil
An index card that clearly states:
Whether your chili contains gluten or dairy
Which category it falls under:
Meat Lovers
Vegetarian
Vegan
Chili Bar Toppings Provided:
Sour cream
Scallions
Crackers
And more!
Parent Info:
Parents are welcome to arrive at 2:00 PM to help students set up and participate.
Let’s spice things up and celebrate fall together!
Email Mrs. Kohler with any questions!
kohlerja@gwcommunityschool.com
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 10/28…
Tuesday, October 28th, 1:00 pm
Parents of high school seniors are invited and are encouraged to attend an informative session on understanding and navigating the college financial aid process. Learn what forms are required, the 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.
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...)
