NEWSLETTER QUICK LINKS:
Next Week 10/27 - 11/2
History In Movies Tuesdays
PUMPKIN CARVING 10/27
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 27
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: Amazing Day or optional Pumpkin Carving from 2:15 pm - 3:15 pm (info)
Theatre Elective with Mr. Goldie from 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
TUESDAY, oct 28
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)
Financial Aid 101: with Karen Hanley at 1:00 PM (info)
7th Period: Office Hours from 2:15 pm - 3:15 pm
History in Movies Elective - The Conspirator from 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm (info)
WEDNESDAY, OCT 29
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 30
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 31
Halloween Hoopla and Early Dismissal - NO GYM and Halloween fun from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (info)
Sunday, NOV 2
Day Light Saving Time Ends - Adjust Your Clocks
MONDAY, Nov 3
No School - Student Holiday
Tuesday, Nov 4
No School - Student Holiday
History in Movies: The Conspirator
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 315PM—545PM
The “History in Movies” group will be screening The Conspirator, a Robert Redford–directed, sort of restrained yet quietly combustible courtroom drama about Mary Surratt, the lone woman charged as a co-conspirator in the Lincoln assassination. If that description made you think, “Oh, so basically a period piece where 19th-century men in beards argue in dark rooms lit by whale-oil lamps,” you would not be entirely wrong, but you’d also be missing the deeper point. After all the candle smoke and legal jargon clear, the film is less about Lincoln’s assassination and more about the messy way a nation handles justice in moments of national trauma.
The movie will be shown in the Large Group Instruction Room (LGIR) by the café right after school on Tuesday, October 28. The film runs a little over 2 hours, which is enough time for the pizza to cool, the wings to disappear, and for you to start wondering how often history repeats itself just because people get tired of waiting for fairness. If you are making arrangements to be picked up after the movie, please tell your parents to pick you up at 5:45PM.
Pumpkin Carving for Amazing Days… 10/27
Join us for optional pumpkin carving on Monday, October 27th during 7th Period in the Lab.
Students must bring their own pumpkins — GWCS will provide all carving tools.
Come carve, create, and celebrate!
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...)
