NEWSLETTER QUICK LINKS:
Next Week 9/29-10/5
After-School Electives After-school
Senior College Conferences 9/9-10/24
Coyote Cafe Fridays
Cybersecurity Class Thursday
Picture Day 10/7
Gettysburg Trip 10/9-10/10
Staunton Trip 11/6-11/8
School Spirit Wear by Rokkitwear
FYI: Blue Letters = Links - Happy Clicking!
Looking at Next Week…
monday, SEPT 29
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 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 10:45 am (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, OCT 1
NO GYM
Regular Class Schedule - First Period No Gym thru Dismissal from 8:00 am - 3:15 pm
Senior College Conferences with Ms. Warden & Mr. Connelly at 10:45 am (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, OCT 2
No School - Rosh Hashanah
FRIDAY, OCT 3
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
Coyote Cafe - in the kid’s kitchen during lunch (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 FRIDAY 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
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..
It’s Time For Picture Day…10/7
NO 1ST PERIOD GYM ON PORTRAIT DAY!
EVERHYONE SHOULD ARRIVE AT GWCS BY 9:00 AM
Michelle Bosch of BoschStudios Photography is an award-winning lifestyle photographer that has been serving Northern Virginia, Maryland, and DC for over 14 years. She was voted "Best Photographer" by Northern Virginia Magazine in 2017, has over 100 Five Star Ratings online and, fun fact: she's no stranger to the GW Community School. She's been photographing our graduations for the last 14 years!
Please be sure to check her out at www.boschstudios.com and follow her on Facebook and on Instagram.
SCHOOL PORTRAIT INFO:
On Tuesday, October 7th, Michelle will be taking student and staff portraits outside of GWCS! Each staff member and underclassmen will receive roughly 2-4 minute time slots along with two poses and two black & white digital images, along with a student ID. Each senior will receive roughly 5-10 minute time slots along with four poses and four black & white digital images, along with a student ID.
PORTRAIT DATE: 10/7
COST: Underclassmen fee - $45.00 (2 poses) payable to GWCS
Seniors - $75.00 (4 poses) payable to GWCSDUE: 10/3
(1) PAYMENT: Cash or check payable to ‘GWCS’
(2) SIGNATURE FORM: Please make sure to read this picture day agreement carefully as it contains important information! Complete and return it to school with payment.
INCLUDED: Anyone that signs up will receive hand crafted images that can be downloaded through an online gallery at no additional cost. Images may be posted online and printed as desired. All students will receive one professionally printed student ID card.
EXTRAS: The option to purchase additional images may be available if the opportunity presents itself. Touch-ups and photos in color also available for purchase.
SENIOR PROPS: Seniors, this is your time to shine! You're welcome to bring a prop that represents you or bring something that you like - an instrument, a basketball/soccer ball/baseball bat, your dog, your favorite book, etc. Please no more than two outfits though, in the interest of time!
PHOTO TIPS:
Neutral colored tops photograph very well, as well as outfits that don't wrinkle easily. Avoid neon colors, patterns and tops with letters or characters on them.
Make sure your hair is brushed and bring your best smile! This will be a fun, quick and painless process!
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!
The Gettysburg Trip…10/9-10/10
GETTYSBURG MOVIE & TOUR
“Every fall, the GWCS junior class heads north to Gettysburg. It is not truly analogous to Lee’s march on Gettysburg in 1863, but we mention it. Of course, we ride on highways through rolling hills and arrive in good condition and good spirits in less than three hours, and Lee’s troops arrived after a forty-day March, but still, the similarities are undeniable.”
FORMS:
MOVIE:
Thursday, October 9, 2024
2:30 pm - 7:15 pm
Watch the really, really, really, really long Gettysburg movie
GWCS Café. Food will be provided.
Note - This is also Portrait Day - bring comfy movie clothes to change into.
TOUR:
Friday, October 10, 2024
Gettysburg Tour Day
Depart GWCS at 6:00 am sharp!
Return to GWCS at 4:00 pm-ish
COST:
FREE! Tour, cyclorama, food and transportation all paid for by the GWCS Foundation.
Feel free to bring some extra $$$ for snacks/souvenirs though!
~ Richard Goldie 2016
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...)
