NEWSLETTER QUICK LINKS:
Next Week 9/15-21
After-School Electives After-school
Facebook Marketplace Help Needed
Senior College Conferences 9/9-25
Coyote Cafe Wednesdays
Cybersecurity Class Thursdays
Back-to-School Night 9/17
Camp Coyote 9/26
School Spirit Wear by Rokkitwear
FYI: Blue Letters = Links - Happy Clicking!
Looking at Next Week…
monday, SEPT 15
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
TUESDAY, SEPT 16
Regular Class Schedule - First Period Gym thru Dismissal from 8:00 am - 3:15 pm
Group Advisory - All School Gathering in the café at 9:15 am
Senior College Conferences with Ms. Warden & Mr. Connelly (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, SEPT 17
Regular Class Schedule - First Period Gym thru Dismissal from 8:00 am - 3:15 pm
Senior College Conferences with Ms. Warden & Mr. Connelly at 10:45 am (info)
Coyote Cafe - in the kid’s kitchen during lunch (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)
Back-to-School Night from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (info)
THURSDAY, SEPT 18
Regular Class Schedule - First Period Gym thru Dismissal from 8:00 am - 3:15 pm
Senior College Conferences with Ms. Warden & Mr. Connelly (info)
7th Period-Office Hour - Cybersecurity Class from 2:15 pm - 3:15 pm (info)
Straight-A-Sundaes - A Sweet Reward for Straight A's
History in Movies Elective with Mr. Goldie from 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm (info)
FRIDAY, SEPT 19
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
GWCS ONLINE EVENTS CALENDAR - UPDATED DAILY
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)
Calling All Parents on Facebook Marketplace or Nextdoor…
Do you enjoy scrolling through Facebook Marketplace or Nextdoor? We’re looking for a few parent volunteers to help us scout for gently used items our school might need.
Top of the list right now: a washer and dryer—if you spot one, let us know! WardenAC@GWCommunitySchool.com
Got a Truck (and a bit of free time)?
Occasionally, we need help picking up donated or purchased items. If you have a truck and a flexible schedule, we’d love to add you to our go-to crew for occasional pickups.
Thanks for supporting our school community in this fun and practical way! If you’re interested in helping out, please email Alexa at wardenac@gwcommunityschool.com
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 WEDNESDAY 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
Back-to-School Night…
Join us in the GWCS Café for our Back-to-School Night Potluck on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. This is a fantastic chance to meet your student's teachers, get to know other parents, and share a meal together. We're excited to see you there!
Note: This is a parents/guardians only event.
R.S.V.P. bY Monday, sEPT. 15, 2025
Camp Coyote 9/26-9/27…
Calling all Outdoorsy coyotes!
Permission Forms are Due Monday, September 22nd, to Mr. Petty by 9:15 am!
Click Here and Sign Up to Lend Camping Gear or Donate Snacks.
Join us on Friday, September 26th, for our annual overnight - Camp Coyote! We will depart GWCS at 2:45 pm to head to Burke Lake Campground Small Group Sites #A15 + #A16. Pick up for overnighters will be on Saturday at 8:00 am at the campground.If you are interested in helping transport students to the campground, please email Mr. Petty.
For any Coyotes who prefer to sleep in a bed rather than a tent, there is a half-night option, with pick up no later than 10:00 pm on Friday. Please make sure to note on the permission form whether your student will be attending for a full night or half night, along with any other allergies/dietary needs we should be aware of. Permission slips should be turned in to Mr. Petty no later than Monday, Sept 22nd.
Interested in loaning gear or donating snacks/drinks? Please use the SignUpGenius link below to contribute. Any donations or equipment can be stashed in Suite 120 (kitchen area) – thank you for your support! Please label all equipment clearly.
SignUpGenius Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084BAAA722A1FD0-58536252-camp
Questions? Contact: schoolinfo@gwcommunityschool
Introducing: 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
Senior Essay Writing Retreat 9/29-10/1…
Dearest Seniors and families – it’s about that time!
You’ve heard us mention the famed Senior Essay Writing Retreat, and now it’s finally here!
Below is the permission form for the retreat along with the packing list. Please read over both carefully and return the permission form to Mr. Petty no later than next Monday, Sept. 22! (They even have a handy little organizer for you to leave them on their door.)
As always, don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, and check out this blog post about our Senior Essay Retreat circa 2018 for more insight on what we get up to down at Lake Anna!
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...)
