NEWSLETTER QUICK LINKS:
Next Week 9/22-28
After-School Electives After-school
Senior College Conferences 9/9-10/24
Coyote Cafe Wednesdays
Cybersecurity Class Thursdays
History In Movies Thursdays
Camp Coyote 9/26-9/27
Senior Essay Writing Retreat 9/29-10/1
Staunton Trip 11/6-11/8
School Spirit Wear by Rokkitwear
FYI: Blue Letters = Links - Happy Clicking!
Looking at Next Week…
monday, SEPT 22
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 23
No School - Rosh Hashanah
WEDNESDAY, SEPT 24
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)
THURSDAY, SEPT 25
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)
History in Movies Elective with Mr. Goldie from 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm (info)
FRIDAY, SEPT 26
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
Camp Coyote - Leaves at 2:45 PM (info)
Saturday, SEPT 27
Camp Coyote - Pick-up at 8:00 AM (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 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
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
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
QUICK REMINDER!
For those interested in the class please make sure you take a moment to finish a survey created by Austin. Your answers are valuable-it helps Austin improve the class experience for everyone..
History in Movies: Dances With Wolves…
On Thursday, September 25 the “History in Movies” class will screen Dances with Wolves. This is the Kevin Costner film from 1990 that managed to be a frontier epic, a romance, and a cultural Rorschach test all at once. It won a small mountain of Oscars, which is either a meaningful indicator of cinematic greatness or a reminder that awards are just group opinions dressed up in tuxedos.
The movie tells the story of Union officer John Dunbar who is posted to a remote outpost on the plains during the Civil War and ends up making a life with the Lakota Sioux. The film shows the beauty of the land and the complexity of cross-cultural encounters, though viewers today may also notice how much of it reflects a very particular 1990s idea of whose story gets told in American history. Dances with Wolves is both moving and problematic and sitting with both reactions is part of the exercise. History rarely lets you off the hook with one simple answer.
The movie will be shown in the Large Group Instruction Room (LGIR) by the cafe right after school on Thursday, September 25. Because the movie runs over three hours, we will show it in two installments, which is both a kindness to your attention span and a logistical strategy to maximize the amount of pizza we can consume without feeling like we are trapped in a cinematic endurance test. If you are if you are making arrangements to be picked up after the movie, please tell your parents to pick you up at 5:15PM.
Senior Essay Writing Retreat…9/30-10/1
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!
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 $660.00 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...)
