Highlights of the Greater Atlanta Christian Community
Volume 2, Issue 5                                                                                                                                                                            December 18, 2007

In this Issue
 

Taking on 21st Century Minds
Dr. David Fincher, President

It’s a fact—things are not like they used to be—and shouldn’t be.  As I watch trends in culture, in our GAC children, in brain development research, and in faith development, I am increasingly convinced that as proficient as Greater Atlanta Christian is in a host of areas, it is not “good enough”.  Our children will not be adults, parents, professionals, and men and women of faith by maintaining the status quo.  We must now anticipate and now prepare them for a radically changed world.   Read more...

All Schools Serve
Jill Morris, Director of Community Relations

It was Winston Churchill who said, “We make a living by what we get.  We make a life by what we give.” 
GAC students, whether in kindergarten or 12th grade, are “living by giving” this December.    Read more...

"Re-Classification": GAC Competes in AA
Tim Vick, Athletic Director

The coaches at Greater Atlanta Christian School, along with every other coach in the state of Georgia, waited with great anticipation this month to learn the results of the Georgia High School Associations’ (GHSA) reclassification process.  One who is unfamiliar might wonder what all the ‘fuss’ is about.  Well, it has everything to do with what schools will compete against each other in region and state competition.        Read more...

Teachers Utilize Emerging Technology to Enhance Learning
Scott Harsh, Senior High Principal

With the use of a wiki, Senior High teachers Scott Gaffney and Gerry Hill along with help from their students have begun posting daily classroom notes online known as “Scribe Notes”.  You probably know about blogs, in fact, a few of you are probably regular bloggers.  The term wiki is likely less familiar, some may be concerned that we are dabbling in witchcraft.  Fear not, a wiki has nothing to do with Wicca.  According to Wikipedia (probably the most famous wiki), wikis are often used to create collaborative websites.     Read more...

Alan Blinder Goes to Washington
Jill Morris, Director of Community Relations

Chosen for his outstanding leadership, a commitment to serving others, and top ranked academics, Alan Blinder is one of only two youth leaders representing Georgia in the U.S. Senate Youth Program.      
Read more...

Special Scholarship Through National Merit
Scott Harsh, Senior High Principal

Alex Pan and Chelsea Sanders have been named candidates in the competition for a Special Scholarship through National Merit.  “Special Scholarships” are provided by the National Merit Program’s corporate sponsors for students who meet their specified criteria – usually children of employees or residents of communities where the company is located.  The application process is very similar to the regular National Merit competition      
See larger images...


Contageous Kindness in Junior High

Jill Morris, Director of Community Relations

Most of the time, when the words “junior high” are spoken, we remember those awkward years where girls’ giggles, braces, inferiority complexes and the purchase of Clearasil begins.  The television series “Hannah Montana” typifies the image of 6th through 8th graders so engrossed in trying to figure out their own life, that they rarely can contemplate the needs of others.   Read more...

The Ultimate Authentic Learning Experience
Jill Morris, Director of Community Relations

Through the real life experience of a mock trial, 4th grade GAC students learn about the U.S. court system.  “Its experiential learning at its best,” says teacher Patty Mankin.  Experiential learning not only helps students retain the lesson, it has the potential to impact a student to the point that their entire direction in life is altered.   
Read more
...

December in Elementary
Amanda Graham, Elementary Curriculum Director

The month of December is a busy time in the Elementary School.  Students are working hard on their academic lessons, giving to those less fortunate, Secret Santa shopping for their families, and enjoying musical performances by students of all ages.    Read more...

A Commitment to Children Through Georgia Agape
Norma Miller, Elementary Principal

For over 27 years GAC students have been providing Christmas gifts for foster children through Georgia AGAPE.  This year GAC students and parents will assist thirty families.    Read more...

2008-09 School Year

August 11 - First Day of Classes
September 1 - Labor Day - Campus closed
September 22 - Student Holiday - Teacher Professional Day
November 3 - Student Holiday - Teacher Professional Day
November 4 - National Election Day - Student & Faculty Holiday
November 26-28 - Thanksgiving Student Holiday
December 17-19 - Final Exams - Early Dismissal
December 22-January 5 - Christmas Holidays

January 6 - Classes Resume - Semester 2 Starts
January 19 - MLK Day - Campus Closed
February 13-17 - Winter Break
April 3 - Grandparents' Day - Early Dismissal
April 6-10 - Spring Break
April 24 - Student Holiday - Teacher Professional Day
May 19-21 - Final Exams - Early Dismissal
May 21 - Last Day of Classes - Commencement

Merry Christmas
May you have a blessed Christmas and New Year

We will see you when classes resume Monday, January 7, 2008

©2007 Greater Atlanta Christian School

1575 Indian Trail Road
Norcross, GA 30093-2714 (770) 243-2000

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2007 GACS Administration
Dr. David Fincher, President
Bill Burton, Administrative Vice President
Jimmy Chupp, Vice President for Development
Randall Jackson, Vice President of Finance

Editor/Copy
Jill Morris, Director of Community Relations

Graphic Designs and ePC Site Design
Daniele Aurandt, Director of Graphic Design
and Publications

We would like to hear your suggestions for topics to cover in future issues of this publication, or ways we can keep in touch.

If you do not wish to receive this e-mail publication, please contact us. Thank you for your continued support of Greater Atlanta Christian School.
Please e-mail Jill Morris with your feedback and suggestions.

K12 Information
Taking on 21st Century Minds
All Schools Serve
"Re-Classification": GAC Competes in AA
Senior High
Teachers Utilize Emerging Technology to Enhance Learning
Alan Blinder Goes to Washington
Special Scholarship Through National Merit
Junior High
Contageous Kindness in Junior High
Elementary
The Ultimate Authentic Learning Experience
December in Elementary
A Commitment to Children Through Georgia Agape
Applause and Accolades

Outstanding achievements of GAC
students and faculty

Tim Vick voted the Region 6AA Athletic Director of the Year!

Read more...

Parent Involvement:
How? What? When? at GAC
"You Never Know" - Admissions
Patrons of the Arts - Homecoming Musical "Big River"
PTO - An Evening With Pam Stenzel
ABC (Academic Booster Club)
Christmas Suggestions
Looking Ahead to Next School Year
K12 Calendar
Mark Your Calendar...
DECEMBER
December 19-21 - JH/SH Exams
December 19-21 - Final Exams 6-12 Early Dismissal (12:00pm)
December 20-21 - Elementary Christmas Parties
December 22 - January 6 - Christmas Holidays
JANUARY
January 7 - Classes Resume
January 12-15 - Senior Class Trip
January 13-15 - Junior Class Trip
January 21 - Martin Luther King Day/Campus Closed
January 24-27 - Homecoming Musical
January 26 - Homecoming/40th Anniversary Festivities
FEBRUARY
February 3 - Admissions Open House
February 8 - SH Freshman Follies
February 8 - 3rd Grade Elementary Program
February 14 - K4 Early Childhood Program
February 15-19 - Winter Break
February 22 - LACE Mother/Son Evening
February 29-March 1- SH Visions Showcase
MARCH
March 3-7 - LACE Book Fair
March 6, 8 - Spartan Spectacular
March 10-14 - Junior High ITBS Testing
March 13 - Junior High Mr & Miss Spartan
March 14-15 - Junior High Spring Drama Production
March 14 - 4th Grade Elementary Program
March 15 - Annual Dwight Love Math Tournament
March 17-20 - Elementary CogAT Testing (1st, 3rd, 5th grades)
March 21 - Good Friday Student Holiday/Teacher Professional Day
March 24-28 - Elementary Grades 1-5 ITBS Testing
March 27 - Fine Arts Black and White Gala
APRIL
April 3 - Early Childhood Spring Celebration
April 4 - Grandparents' Day
April 7-11 - Spring Break
April 16 - Elementary Class Pictures
April 17 - Early Childhood Class Pictures
April 18 - "On The Bricks" Concert
April 21-23 - 5th Grade Rock Eagle Class Trip
April 21-23 - 8th Grade Savannah Class Trip
April 24 - Senior High Awards Ceremony
April 25 - Student Holiday/Teacher Professional Day
April 25 - Senior High Banquet
April 26-27- School of Music Spring Recital
MAY
May 1 - Early Childhood K5 Program
May 1 - School of Ballet Recital
May 2 - Elementary 1st Grade Program
May 2 - Annual Celebration Dinner 40th Anniversary Celebration
May 3 - School of Music Spring Recital
May 5 - Spartan Golf Classic
May 8-10 - Drama III/IV Shakespeare Production
May 9 - Junior High Dance Team Performance
May 15 - 8th Grade Graduation
May 15 - Senior High Spring Chorus Concert
May 16 - 5th Grade Graduation
May 20-22 - Final Exams Early Release K-12
May 22 - Last Day of School K-12
May 22 - Senior High Commencement

The main phone line for Greater Atlanta Christian School is 770-243-2000. Admissions and general application information is
available by calling 770-243-2274. Click here to find all GAC department and office numbers.

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