NEWSLETTER QUICK LINKS:
Next Week 9/18-26
Robotics Kickoff 9/18
Electives & Clubs 9/20
Back-to-School Night 9/21
Camp Coyote 9/24
Hiking at Hemlock 9/26
Introducing Alex Corrigan
Tech Talk Screenagers
School Spirit Wear by Rokkitwear
SATURDAY, SEPT. 18, 2021
Coyote Robotics FIRST Tech Challenge Kickoff from 11:00 am - 1:30 pm at GWCS with Mr. Lindner (info)
MONDAY, SEPT. 20, 2021
First Period PE at Audrey Moore RECenter at 8:00 am (info)
Make sure to select your first period choice here
If selecting Personal Fitness or Basketball, remember to purchase your Gym Pass
After School Clubs & Electives Start (info)
Sign Up sheet can be found here - turn in no later than Friday, Sept. 24.
Yearbook Interest Meeting with Mr. Goldie in his classroom (#3) at 3:15 pm
TUESDAY, SEPT. 21, 2021
Fire Drill at 9:20 am
Staff Meeting at 3:15 pm
History in Movies (Spartacus) with Mr. Goldie in the cafe from 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Back-to-School Night at 6:00 pm via Zoom (info)
Sign up here!
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 22, 2021
Camp Coyote Forms Due by 9:15 am (info)
Theatre Readings with Mr. Goldie in his classroom (#3) from 3:15 pm - 4:15 pm
Soccer Club with Mr. Torres outside from 3:15 pm - 4:15 pm
Demystifying Financial Aid for College from 7:00 - 8:00 pm (info)
Register here!
THURSDAY, SEPT. 23, 2021
Music Club with Mr. Torres in his classroom (#7) from 3:15 pm - 4:15 pm
Horror Movie Club with Mr. Robbins from 3:15 pm - 5:30 pm
Robotics Elective with Mr. Lindner in his classroom (#18) from 3:15 pm - 4:45 pm
FRIDAY, SEPT. 24, 2021
Add/Drop Deadline for First Quarter
Elective & Club Sign-Up Form Due (info)
Outdoor Club - Hemlock Hiking Trip permission form due at 9:15 am (info)
Camp Coyote departure for Pohick Bay Regional Park at 2:45 pm (info)
Departing from GWCS at 2:45 pm - if you are able to assist in transporting students please email Ms. Warden.
Sign up here!
SATURDAY, SEPT. 25, 2021
Camp Coyote Pickup at Pohick Bay Regional Park at 9:00 am (info)
Sunday, SEPT. 26, 2021
Outdoor Club’s First Hike with Ms. N-O departing GWCS at 9:00 am (info)
Hike Description at Hemlock Overlook Regional Park
Parents - If you are able to assist in transporting students please email Ms. N-O. You are also more than welcome to join!
PREVIEW: The first monthly Oui Gobleu Food Club Meeting will be Monday, Sept. 27th during lunch. The theme is ‘Hispanic Foods’ for Hispanic Heritage Month.
GWCS ONLINE EVENTS CALENDAR - UPDATED DAILY
FIRST TECH CHALLENGE 2021-2022
KICKOFF & GAME REVEAL…
COYOTE ROBOTICS is Back!
After a 1-year hiatus, the Coyote Robotics design, build, operate and compete elective returns to GWCS starting Saturday, Sept. 18th.
We will gather from 11:00 am – 1:30 pm to watch past season videos, eat pizza, and prepare to watch together the worldwide release of this year’s exciting new game: FREIGHT FRENZY℠ at noon.
Our program is open to any pre-college student in the 7th-12th grades, no matter where they may go to school. Bring your friends! No experience needed. We will teach you everything!
Adults wishing to learn or mentor are also welcome! See you on the 18th.
COME CHECK IT OUT - NO OBLIGATION!
WHAT: Coyote Robotics Elective KickofF
DATE: Saturday, September 18, 2021
TIME: 11:00 am - 1:30 pm
LOCATION: GWCS Café
PROTOCOLS: Masks indoors. Eating outdoors.
FIRST TECH CHALLENGE: Click Here
Questions? Contact:
Mr. Lindner
GWCS Teacher & Robotics Coach
lindnergt@gwcommunityschool.com
PE CREDIT…
PERSONAL FITNESS, BASKETBALL, OR HIKING
Email From: Warden, Alexa <WardenAC@GWCommunitySchool.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 2021 10:58 AM
Subject: GWCS: Gym to start at Audrey Moore Rec Center 9/20
Dear all,
We are very excited to announce that we will be starting our day with the gym at Audrey Moore Rec Center beginning September 20th at 8 am! Fully-vaccinated students may choose from the options below. After reading the course descriptions, please indicate your choice of classes HERE. Read on to learn about how to obtain a membership pass. Happy health!
LOCATION:
Audrey Moore RECenter
Map/Directions
8100 Braddock Road, Annandale, VA
703-321-7081
PERSONAL FITNESS:
Personal Fitness classes begin at Audrey Moore RECenter promptly at 8:00 am Monday - Friday. Students should arrive 10 minutes early to check-in and get setup. Students should bring a small gym bag with towel, shower supplies and clothes for school. Personal Fitness classes will end at 8:45 am allowing students 15 minutes to shower and get ready for school. Staff and student drivers will transport everyone to GWCS at 9:00 am. We will gladly provide opportunities for students at all levels of fitness and look forward to seeing the benefits of fitness in each of our community members. For 2021-2022 school year – masks are required, and only fully vaccinated students and staff may participate.
HIKING CLUB:
The GWCS Hiking Club departs from Audrey Moore RECenter promptly at 8:00 am each day and does not require a FCPA membership. Students and staff enjoy hiking the many trails in the area and appreciate spending time in nature throughout the four seasons. Students and parents are notified via text message on rainy or extremely cold days and should report to the school by 8:00 am instead. Hiking club members do not have access to locker-rooms or showers.
BASKETBALL PRACTICE:
GWCS Basketball Teams practice at Audrey Moore RECenter every morning during basketball season (1st & 2nd Quarter) from 7:30 am – 8:45 am. Players are expected to be on the court at 7:30 am ready to go. Players should have a gym bag, basketball shoes, towel, shower supplies and a change of clothes. Players will head to the showers at 8:30 am and depart for GWCS at 9:00 am in staff and student driver cars. Off-season (3rd & 4th Quarter) players are expected to arrive at 7:50 am and on the court by 8:00 am. For 2020-2021 school year – masks are required, and only fully vaccinated students and staff may participate.
MEMBERSHIP PASS:
There are a variety of different types of passes available. We recommend purchasing the RECenter Leisure Fitness Pass: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/passes
Wait for the SALE: The FCPA Heart Healthy Pass Sale is from September 1st – October 15th and you will receive a 15% discount.
Leisure Pass Description: Good for unlimited access for the number of months purchased to any of nine Fairfax Count RECenters; includes swimming pool, fitness facilities, locker room, spa, sauna and other facilities where available. There is an additional fee for racquetball, handball, wallyball, and squash court rental where available.
Thanks so much!
Alexa
Reminders:
Make sure to select your first period choice here
If selecting Personal Fitness or Basketball, remember to purchase your Gym Pass
TRY SOMETHING NEW…
EXPLORE: THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 20TH
SIGN UP: BY FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24TH
GWCS offers a generous selection of electives and clubs. Most take place during 7th period (3:15 pm - 4:15 pm) -- but not all. From September 20-24 students are invited to explore any and all electives and clubs (listed below) before committing. We encourage all students to try at least one (or more).
An elective is a class which means attendance is taken and grades and credit are earned. Clubs are more casual, and students do not earn grades or credit. So, come out and kick around a soccer ball, experience history through HIM-NAP, build a robot, or maybe venture into acting, cooking, or hiking.
Elective/Club descriptions and the signup forms are linked below. Signup forms are due on Friday, September 24th.
If a student is not participating in a 7th period elective or club on any given day, their pick-up time is 3:15 pm or they should go to the pick-up location designated on their emergency form.
ELECTIVE & CLUB OFFERINGS FOR 2021-2022:
ELECTIVES
History in Movies
Improv/Theatre
Robotics
Sports Management
Yearbook
CLUBS
Horror Movie Club
Music Club
Oui Gobleu Cooking Club
Outdoors Club
Soccer Club - Co-Ed
CALLING ALL COYOTE PARENTS…
COME ZOOM WITH US!
GWCS Back-to-School Night
Tuesday, September 21, 2021
6:00 pm - 7:15 pm
Hi all - we’re gonna stick with the safe option and Zoom our Back to School Night after the success that we had last year - several parents said it was even “the best Back to School Night ever!” You’ll get to meet all of our teachers and co-teachers, learn about the after school classes and clubs they teach or sponsor, and hear about their favorite GWCS tradition.
So RSVP today and let us know you’ll be coming! (We kindly ask that you have your cameras on.)
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” – Elizabeth Andrew
In the meantime, please take a few minutes to complete the Parent Volunteer Form. We have several exciting projects we are working on and would love some help!
CAMP COYOTE AT POHICK REGIONAL PARK…
Email From: Warden, Alexa <WardenAC@GWCommunitySchool.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 2021 1:42 PM
Subject: GWCS: Camp Coyote 9/24
Calling all Coyotes!
We are so excited to offer an amazing opportunity for our students to come together and bond with one another and nature! Camp Coyote is happening Friday, September 24th! All students and teachers are invited to join us at Camp Coyote at Pohick Bay Regional Park in Lorton, VA. We will depart GWCS at 2:45 pm on Friday and pick up is Saturday morning at 9:00 am. If you are interested in helping transport students to the campground, please email me directly: wardenac@gwcommunityschool.com
Camp Coyote is currently being planned by our awesome junior class! They are taking the lead in preparing a wonderful menu, creating fun team-building activities, and figuring out the logistics of equipment and supplies. Go GWCS Juniors!
We hope that everyone can stay all night, but realize some students may want to choose a different GWCS overnight trip. In that case, students may be picked up at 10 pm Friday night. Please let us know your plans HERE A.S.A.P. ! Pick up location is at Camp Wilson Pohick Bay Park Map.pdf (novaparks.com)
Stay on the lookout for additional emails from the junior class regarding food preferences and equipment sign ups!
Please find Permission Form and Student Behavior Contract below. Return signed permission slips and behavior contact no later than Wednesday, September 22nd.
We can’t wait!
Alexa
HIKING AT HEMLOCK…
Join Ms. N-O for the first GWCS Outdoors Club hike of the year! Many are familiar with Hemlock for their outdoor education center but did you know the park backs up to miles and miles of beautiful wooded hiking trails that parallel the Occoquan River?
STEP ONE: Email Ms. N-O by Wednesday, Sept. 22, and let her know if you are interested so she can confirm there is enough interest for the trip to go. Feel free to include questions. (Minimum 4 students for the trip to go!)
DATE: Sunday, September 26, 2021
WHAT: 3.8 mile hike along the Occoquan River beginning at Hemlock Overlook Regional Park which is about 30 minutes southwest of GWCS. Click Here for hike details from the ‘Hiking Upward’ website.
WHO: GWCS students and parents - all levels of hiking invited encouraged!
TIME: Arrive at GWCS parking lot in time for 9:00 am departure.
TRANSPORTATION: Parents - if you are able to assist in transporting students please email Ms. N-O. You are also more than welcome to join!
PICK UP: Pick up at Hemlock Overlook Regional Park parking lot (map). Timing will depend on what time we arrive at Hemlock and the pace of the hike which will depend on our hikers but should take no more than 2 hours estimating pickup should be around 11:00 am - 11:30 am.
BRING/WEAR:
Mask for car ride
Water bottle (filled)
Snack
Closed-toe shoes that are comfortable for hiking and thick socks
Long pants recommended
Sunscreen
Bug Spray
Most of the trail is shaded - but may want to bring sunglasses and baseball or sunhat
Small backpack for carrying your stuff
INCLEMENT WEATHER: If weather looks inconvenient for hiking - an email will be sent on Saturday cancelling/rescheduling this hike.
PERMISSION FORM: Submit by Friday, September 24, 2021
Hemlock Overlook Trail along the Occoquan River
aLEX cORRIGAN, CO-TEACHER
cAT DAD, MATH SUPERSTAR, ADVOCATE FOR BEES
When Alex Corrigan first came to GWCS in 2016, one of his favorite memories was taking Mr. Goldie’s Sociology class. “It was the first class of the day, so it was always an interesting way to start….” He also enjoyed Ms. Newton’s Anatomy and Physiology class, which may be the reason why he majored in Anatomy at George Mason University. While at GWCS, he was Alex, who speaks for the bees (ask him about his advocacy efforts his senior year), a cat dad to two rambunctious felines (as well as a snake of indiscriminate age), and Ms. Warden’s Pilates partner (although he willingly admits she “out-Pilated” him).
Now he graces us with his assistance in teaching our Tutorial class, and while we jest that he’s a math whiz, he says he has no clue where that rumor started, but would like it to be known that he is not mathematically inclined. So ask Mr. Corrigan all of your hardest math questions, or just stop by and say hi!
MR. CORRIGAN’S Contact Info:
Email: corrigana@gwcommunityschool.com
Bio: https://www.gwcommunityschool.com/corrigan
JACK’S LIGHT THE NIGHT FUNDRAISER…
Jack Creedon, a GWCS junior, is running a fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society this year and his fundraising site can be found HERE. Jack has been a part of the community for two years, and we are continually impressed by his exemplification of service - you go, Jack!
FREE WEBINAR…
DEMYSTIFYING FINANCIAL AID FOR COLLEGE
GREAT DINNER TIME CONVERSATIONS…
In each WYNK, we will provide links to the three most recent Screenagers Tech Talk Tuesday articles. We hope you will find them informative, with helpful suggestions, and interesting questions to discuss as a family. This blog is not an attack on teens and technology - it’s truly helpful and appreciated by students, parents, and teachers as it provides the framework for constructive and enlightening conversations.
SHOW YOUR COYOTE SPIRIT…
ORDER GWCS SPIRIT WEAR TODAY!
PARENT PORTAL (pw=gwcscoyotes)
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COYOTE WEB (status reports, grades, attendance...)
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