Highlights for the Greater Atlanta Christian Community                                                                  March 21, 2007

Go to top of page

Remember...Grandparents' Day is March 30th     

By: Jimmy Chupp, Vice President for Development

Grandparents' Day is almost here. When grandparents arrive on campus, we will have students available to guide them to the parking areas.  Once parked, we hope to see them in the Campus Ministries Building for a continental breakfast anytime between 8:15 and 9:00 AM.    Following breakfast, grandparents will join their grandchildren in the Bradford Gym for a program beginning at 9:30 AM. 

Following the end of the program at 10:30 AM, grandparents and grandchildren will be free to tour the GAC campus together.  Please remind them to stop at one of the photo locations on campus.  Chancellor Jesse Long will mail this photo to grandparents.

School will be officially dismissed at noon, but grandparents may take their grandchildren home anytime following the program.  Please have grandparents sign their grandchild out in his/her classroom (Village, Elementary) or in their school office (Junior or Senior High) when they are ready to leave campus.

Again, we are happy to know that many are coming to Grandparents’ Day 2007.  If you have any questions, please contact Diane Harte by email or at (770) 243-2228.

Photos from 2006 Grandparents' Day.

Go to top of page

Campus Traffic

By: Ted Thames, Security Director

Almost any day that we drive in Atlanta traffic can be frustrating.  Aggressive drivers, breakdowns, reckless drivers are just a few of the issues that confront us.  Any of these events can cause huge traffic problems for the entire city.

As we drive on the GAC campus we face some of the same issues.  The safety of students must be our primary concern.  Following are some suggestions we can all do to help GAC traffic flow smoothly and safely:

We appreciate all you do to help us keep our campus and our students safe. 

Go to top of page

Transformation...More Than a Theme

By: Scott Harsh, Senior High Principal

Fifteen of us recently returned from our mission trip to Juarez, Mexico.  It was an amazing week.  The work was challenging and fulfilling.  It was an awesome experience to build a house for a family that had none, but in the end we received the greater blessing.  In many ways we experienced God’s transforming work on our hearts. 

Up until a week before the trip we were planning to escort this group to Honduras.  Juarez wasn’t even a consideration.  Due to the tragic automobile accident that claimed the lives of three missionaries from Georgia, our plans to return to the village of El Cumbo were put on hold for another year.  At a time when most would be tempted to throw in the towel, this group looked for another opportunity.  God was gracious and opened a door for us to work with Casas por Christo in Juarez, Mexico.  A trip of this nature usually takes months to set up, but in just days God orchestrated a series of events that caused the details to fall right into place. 
 
We set up camp in a small church in Juarez where we slept each night and ate breakfast and dinner.  It took just three days from start to finish, but I can attest that the sore muscles and blisters lasted much longer.  The completed house we built measured 11’ by 22’, with two rooms, a concrete floor, interior walls finished with drywall, electricity, and exterior walls with stucco.  On the last day of our building project we held a special dedication ceremony in which we presented the family with the keys to the home and a family Bible.  We prayed over the house and then opened the door for the young family to walk into their new home for the first time.  It was an amazing experience to see the tears of joy in the eyes of the young mother and father and to know that this house was given in the name of the Lord.   

Each night our team enjoyed a time of reflection, Bible study, and prayer.  Late in the week we began to sense that a few of our students were contemplating baptism.  As leaders we prayed for discernment as we planned our devotional times, and as you can imagine our prayer time was kicked up a notch.  At one point I remember Matt, Sara, Kristy, and I prayed for the water to be available if any asked to be baptized.  Well guess what, God answered that prayer.  It took a windstorm in Dallas to ground our plane and keep us in El Paso for an extra night where the hotel happened to have an indoor pool.  Caroline Vick, Alex Shelton, and Jessica Coan all decided to give their lives to Christ in baptism.  These three girls returned home a new creation (see 2 Corinthians 5:17).  All ten of the students (Camille Pendley, Ryan Campbell, Jessica Coan, Will Harper, Jeffrey Johnson, Lisa Licata, Kim Moore, Reagan Page, Alex Shelton, and Caroline Vick) came back with renewed hearts. 

During the first week of April, close to 200 students, faculty, and parents will travel to Europe, Africa, and Central America on other mission trips.  Please join me in praying that God will bring about transformation in the hearts and lives of each of these students and adults.

Go to top of page

Gwinnett Village Improvements

By: Jill Morris, Director of Community Relations 

Our surrounding area is changing for the better. There has been ongoing progress with the clean-up and improvement on Indian Trail Road.  "The Village," which is the Community Improvement District including Indian Trail Road, Jimmy Carter Boulevard, and Beaver Ruin Road, continues their vigilant efforts in addressing safety, code violations and aesthetic improvements in the area that surrounds GAC. 

Please take notice as you drive along I-85 and observe the beautification of landscaping the Indian Trail, Beaver Ruin and Jimmy Carter exit ramps.

As a follow-up to the recent PTO sponsored program, “Parents Deserve a Brake”, retired Gwinnett County Policeman Bill Richardson of “It Won’t Happen to Me”, spoke in Senior High chapel to emphasize the importance of safe driving.  “It Won’t Happen to Me” is a national non-profit program designed to build awareness and equip teens in the realities of inexperience and unsafe driving habits.  Parents may visit the website www.itwonthappentome.org for more information on what students observed.

Parents, ask your they for the notebook students received following the presentation.  It has a wonderful parent/student contract in the back of the book. Join me in thanking parent Linda Edwards and the PTO for researching and presenting families with this powerful presentation.

Facts Presented to Teens During Chapel:
* Over 300,000 serious teen accidents occur each year.
* 20 families a day deal with the tragedy of a loss.
* Since the war in Iraq started 22,000 teens have been killed in car crashes.
* Less than 25% die as a result of drugs or alcohol while driving – other factors cause accidents too.
* Body weight x miles per hour = impact experienced in a crash.
* Seatbelts save 12,000 lives per year.

Following the presentation, students had this to say:

“I’ll be more cautious of who I drive or ride with.”
Luke Bertrand

“It made me feel a little afraid to drive.”
Joanna Tucker

“I was in an accident this year and was ok, but this opened
my eyes to the possibility that those teenagers could have been me.”
Lauren Thomas

Teen Driving Resources

This list was created to give you a few resources as you teach your teen to drive.  Inclusion on this list does not imply an endorsement of any particular business or website.

Driver’s Education Programs:

• Road Wise America, Inc..                 
• Taggarts Driving School                 
• Georgia On-Line Driver Education
  

Defensive Driving Clinics:

• Fear This!  Defensive Driving Program                           
• Atlanta Car Control Clinics sponsored by 11Alive 

Government Sites:

• Governor’s Office of Highway Safety
• Georgia Driver's Education – Joshua's Law
• Saving Teenage Lives – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
• Georgia Traffic Injury Prevention Institute 

Other Resources:

• LifeLink Foundation – Organ and Tissue Donation            

Go to top of page

Allo Paris: 9 Extraordinary Days in France

By: Dr. Chrysandra Spiceland, Senior High Academic Dean

You can join your GAC friends in France to celebrate the close of the 2008 school year. Yes, GAC is inviting students, parents, and friends to celebrate the end of a great school year by touring France from May 25-June 2, 2008.  The 9 days you spend in France will be days filled with extraordinary adventures.  GAC travels with the American Council of International Studies (ACIS), the premier educational travel company.  Since 1978, ACIS has been changing lives through travel by helping students discover the best of the world and the best of themselves.

Next yea's tour of France features the major sights of Paris: Notre Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe; the Eiffel Tower; the Louvre.  During your free time in Paris you will find countless adventures.  Among the favorite pastimes are visiting the Musee d’Orsay, strolling through the Latin Quarter, sampling French crepes, and shopping in the terrific stores and markets.

Additionally, a full day excursion to the Loire Valley includes the quaint town of Amboise.  It is followed by visits to Chambord and Chenonceau, two elegant chateaux.

Another full day excursion begins with a stop at Chartres Cathedral, the best known example of Gothic architecture.  Following your visit to Chartre, you tour the elaborate palace and exquisite gardens at Versailles. 

You will take a morning excursion to Claude Monet’s home in Giverny.  While there, you will explore the beautiful gardens and lily ponds that inspired Monet’s famous water lily paintings. 

This tour is filled with hours of free time for you to explore France on your own.  A tour manager will be available throughout the trip to assist you in planning your free time.

Click Here for information on how you can be a part of this once in a life time tour.

Go to top of page

Spartan Spectacular Lives Up to Its Name

By: Troy Bendickson, Senior High Chorus Director

Members of the A Cappella Choir worked very hard and offered audiences a fun show complete with great vocal talent at the annual Spartan Spectacular event.   The show entitled, WGAC, performed hits from all decades.   The gospel rendition of Bridge Over Troubled Water (Simon & Garfunkel) opened the show.  The peace-loving song Hey Jude was performed, not by Paul McCartney, but by Keith Ciccotello, as a concluding number.

For over an hour, many gifted students engaged the audience with song and dance.  Songs ranged from the 1961 Etta James love song, At Last, sung by Kathleen Jackson, to a modern day Carrie Underwood song, Don’t Forget to Remember Me, sung by Jessica Williams.   The show was hosted by radio disc jockeys Lindsay Jernigan and Courtney Guy.   All proceeds from the show will go toward the choir’s tour of California this summer.

Go to top of page

SAT Prep Class at GAC

By: Dr. Chrysandra Spiceland, Senior High Academic Dean

GAC student in the SAT Prep class receive free access to the College Board online SAT prep course in the SAT Prep Class.  Students have found the online course curriculum and presentation both engaging and helpful.  After taking the course, students reported that the online course prepared them for the test.  Because of their positive experience, I highly recommend this online course to others.

Check out the online SAT prep course.  To obtain free access to this course, students need only the GACS code: 112278. 
 
I also encourage students to take advantage of the one semester SAT Prep Class offered at GAC.

Go to top of page

Come Join Us Spring Break 2008 in Greece and Rome

By: Dr. Chrysandra Spiceland, Senior High Academic Dean  

How does a cruise of the Greek Isles sound for a Spring Break get-away?  GAC will be leading a trip to Greece, the Greek Isles, and Rome for Spring Break 2008. Highlights of the trip include a visit to the Islands of Mykonos and Rhodes.  Travelers will also visit Patmos and explore the Monastery of St. John and the grotto where the Book of Revelation was perhaps written.  The group will sail to Turkey for a tour of the ruins of ancient Ephesus before returning to Athens to visit the Acropolis.

The last four days of the trip will be spent in Rome.  A local guide will explore all the major sights with the group; St. Peter’s, the Vatican (including the Sistine Chapel), the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain.

There will be shopping on the Islands and in Athens and Rome.  Ten days of Greek and Italian food will be an added treat. 

Those who sign up for the trip by March 31, 2007 will not only reserve a spot but will also save money.  Final payment is not due until December 2007.

Click Here for information on how you can participate in this exciting tour, click on the following web site: 

GAC is a leader in educational travel for high school students and their parents, and educational travel is certainly an impressive addition to a student’s college resume.  Travel changes lives.

Go to top of page

Rocket Scientist Speaks on His Faith

By: Dr. Misty Overman, Junior High Principal

Throwing a frisbee with acute accuracy is definitely a way to get the attention of Junior High students. On March 8th, Mr. Jack Fredrick, a rocket scientist employed by Raytheon, spoke to eighth grade students about their faith, their work ethic, and their exploration of science.

Mr. Fredrick’s primary responsibility at work is to test rockets.  He also travels throughout the country speaking to students about his experiences as a scientist and his faith in God.  With GAC student he recounted a visit taken to Iraq as one of the U.S. weapon inspectors in Baghdad.  Although frightened for his life, he boldly spoke the word of God to the leader of the country. His speech was intriguing and inspiring to both the faculty and students.

Go to top of page

Science Olympiad

By: Karen Gipson, GAC Parent

The Junior High Science Olympiad team took 2nd place in the Regional Competition held at Oglethorpe University.  The team competed with 20 teams from around the state in 20+ events.  The team took home medals in 13 events with 9 of the 13 being a 1st or 2nd place honor. Some of these events consisted of:

• Building a tower made of balsa wood which could hold 30 pounds of sand
• Building a trebuchet to project an unknown object the furthest distance
• Being experts and taking a test on subjects such as: Oceanography, Anatomy, Bugs, the Metric System, Heredity, Rocks & Minerals and many more.

The team will compete in the state competition in Augusta, Georgia on March 23rd & 24th. Team members are: Taylor Adams, Jacob Baker, Adam Baker, Emory Brown, Andrew Bush, Shelby Cagle, Tim Chu, Andrew Gipson, Kristin Hansen, Drew Karegeannes, John Keeton, Andriy Kyrychenko, Katie Light, Ryan Lincoln, Jared Metzger, Bill Mizell, Amanda Nabors, Spencer Neeley, Matthew Schurr, Alexander Shakkour, and Brian Soh.

The team is coached by Dr. Suzanne Butler and assisted by numerous faculty members and parent volunteers.

Go to top of page

Mr. and Miss Spartan

Students, parents, and grandparents of 8th graders gathered in the Campus Church auditorium in recognition of Mr. and Miss Spartan.  Voted on by their peers, Mr. and Miss Spartan are recognized for their well-rounded success at GAC.  Principal Dr. Overman began the ceremony stating, “There were so many qualified 8th graders, yet only 12 could be chosen.  Please know that we are thankful for every student here.”

Coach Jacquet and Mrs. Richey hosted quite a show, rivaling the Oscars. Students were introduced, then followed by a list of accomplishments and their advice to 6th and 7th graders.  They also reflected on what they loved about GAC.

 Alex Stevens was selected Miss Spartan.  Alex says she likes GAC because, “you can learn and talk about God…and the athletic programs are strong.”  Her words of wisdom to 6th and 7th graders, “Be kind and caring towards others.  Work hard, give your best and never give up.”

Dylan Harper was chosen as Mr. Spartan.  Dylan likes GAC because of all the friendships and the activities offered.  One of his favorite classes is math.   His advice to Junior High is, “Be nice to everyone and get to know the teachers outside the classroom because they are really cool.”

Congratulations to the entire Mr. and Miss Spartan Court:  Anna Arnau, Emma Deal, Morgan Licata, Alex Stevens, Julia Sykes, Margaret Yeh, Paul Dawson, Dylan Harper, Drew Sandberg, Alex Warner, Keith Whiteneck, and Blake Williams.

Go to top of page

100% for Jump Rope for Heart

By: Kristy Shelton and Kim Kinser, Elementary P.E. Specialists

Thank you so much for your incredible participation in our 25th anniversary of Jump Rope for Heart at GAC.  Because of the great effort of our students and faculty in the Elementary and Village, we were able to raise a record $64,948.05.  The 2nd highest amount raised in the nation.  This is more than $10,000 over last year's contribution.  The most amazing part of this year's event was the fact that 100% of our Elementary students turned in contributions!  For the very first time, every single child was involved in this service project.  We never dreamed that this would ever be possible, but you made it happen!  It is doubtful that any school in the nation has ever had 100% participation in their JRFH event.  We are so proud of what you have accomplished.  The American Heart Association continues to be extremely thankful and proud of our GAC students as we partner with them to help fight our nation's #1 killer, heart disease.

Congratulations to Mrs. McCall's 5th grade class for leading the way by raising $2,656.00 and to 1st grader Carson Taylor who led all students by raising $1,200.00.  We also want to recognize the entire 1st grade for their amazing effort this year by raising $12,468.76 to lead all grade levels!

Most importantly, thank you for honoring the memory of Ron Porter, husband of 2nd grade teacher Mrs. Porter, in such a special way.  Our hearts and prayers continue to be with Mrs. Porter.  We are grateful to her for her active participation in this year's event during such a difficult time.

Thank you again for 100% involvement.  We are grateful to be part of such a giving community.

“We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”  Romans 8:37

Go to top of page

Hero Speech

 By: Karen Cherry, Fourth Grade Teacher             

Students and parents gathered in the Elementary Gallery to hear 4th grade students in Mrs. Cherry’s class introduce their heroes.  Many students gave tender examples of an admired relative or sibling.  Savannah Horne had this to share:

Hello, my name is Savannah Horne and I am here to introduce my lovely friend and hero, Kate Hemby.

A hero to me is a person who has accomplished something, taught someone something, or has done something for someone else.  The qualities of my hero, Kate, are that she is brave, truthful, and trustworthy.  Kate has inspired me in many ways and has taught me that anyone can do anything. 

One way that Kate has done this is that she made it to the Special Olympics by being an equestrian and won several ribbons.  I was so proud of her!  When she came back she told me all about it.  That is how she taught me that anyone can do anything regardless of their physical, mental, or spiritual abilities.  Before, I did not think it possible that anyone could do anything, but now I believe.

The Elementary School Spelling Bee, which took place March 9th, was a very exciting competition this year. Round six contestants repeatedly had to return to the stage to spell again. Twenty-four students from 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade competed in this year’s Spelling Bee. They all did an excellent job representing the top spellers in their grade level. The winner, Allie Miller, is in 5th grade and runner-up, Maggie Light, is in the 3rd grade. 

Go to top of page

Everyone Wants to be in the Village

 By: Margie Asef, Early Childhood Administrative Assistant  

READ ACROSS AMERICA week was celebrated with events geared towards making reading fun. Just take a peek at our website’s teacher galleries and you’ll see that our students and teachers had a great time reading and dressing up as their favorite book characters.

Our older Village Spartans (K6) have been pairing school spirit with math by following our team sporting events and developing their own “word problems.”  Math was also incorporated into their reading groups by creating personalized books about nighttime schedules and nocturnal animals.  They also enjoyed the annual Pajama Day.

K5 has continued their study of the United States and its symbols of the flag, bald eagle and the Statue of Liberty with a special presentation in Mrs. Turbeville class by parent Diane Melley dressed as “Lady Liberty”.

Leprechauns were on the loose and were tempted to come out of hiding by K5’s edible fruit rainbows in Kindergarten Café.  (alas; none were “caught.”)

K4 Devoured Mrs. Doris’ Donuts for a dime as they learned the values of coins and the many words that begin with “D.”  (In English and Spanish Donas por Dineros! )  They also played “Dot to Dot”, Decorated Dinosaurs, and marched with Drums. The letter “D” is definitely Delicious & Delightful!

Looking Ahead: 

MARCH 29th & MARCH 30th is the Village’s SPRING CELEBRATION and GRANDPARENTS’ DAY!
 
Spring Celebration begins at 8:30 AM in the Campus Church Auditorium on Thursday, March 29th.  Students will entertain Village parents and grandparents with a variety of well known “classic” nursery rhymes and songs by Mother Goose. 

Grandparents Day on March 30th is a much loved campus wide event as our Grandparents are treated to a variety of activities and treats.  If your student’s grandparents have not received a personal invitation, please contact Diane Harte by email or at 770-243-2228.

Please continue to check our Village Website and calendar to get connected to all the “Village Happenings.” 

Go to top of page

Children's Author Comes to the Village

By: Margie Asef, Early Childhood Administrative Assistant

Author Patricia Sprinkle recently spoke to the Village and the Elementary 2nd grade classes.  Reading a mystery book she is in the process of finishing, she told students how a story progresses from words to completion.  Students asked if the writer provided her own art for the book, but Ms. Sprinkle said the editor decides on the artist after the book is complete.

Students were asked to help Ms. Sprinkle with research by sharing what they liked about the story she read. They were also asked what changes they would make.  She wrote down what they said, and promised she would use some of their ideas in her finished book as well as when she is writing future books. 

The author said everyone has stories to tell.  She encouraged small children to ask grownups to tell them stories about when they were small.  “When a story is told from a parent or grandparent to a child and that child grows up and tells the story to their children, a story can last a hundred years or longer," she said.  "Stories live longer than people, if we keep telling them."

Ms. Sprinkle is the author of more than twenty books, most of them mysteries for grownups.  She hopes to write more for children but told the classes, "Writing for children is harder than writing for adults.  Every single word has to matter."  Visit her website at www.patriciasprinkle.com.

Go to top of page

Applause & Accolades

Jared Desoto (Class of 2007) has been selected as the 2006-07 STAR Student. Selection is based on a student’s SAT score and GPA. 

Jared selected Dr. Ray Hawkins as STAR teacher. Dr. Hawkins was Jared's teacher in AP Psychology last year.

Jared has also recently been named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist.

Junior Alan Blinder (pictured below) & CHOP (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia).

The following note came from Sally Blinder, Alan’s mom, on behalf of the money raised by Senior High students for her son and the Pediatric Stroke Program at CHOP.  Alan is associated with CHOP due to his ongoing health challenges.

I wanted to pass this note along to let you know where the money you gave to CHOP will be going and how much it is appreciated. The attached email is from Alan's neurologist at CHOP. She was deeply touched by the donations that are coming to CHOP on Alan's behalf.  In addition to the money that GACS [students] raised during homecoming week, Alan recently celebrated his 17th birthday and asked for donations to CHOP in lieu of gifts.  Between these events and some other private donations, I think the last total we have is close to $4,000 that has been raised in his honor.

GAC placed third in the Region 8 AA Literary Meet held at Buford High School. Congratulations to the following students for their individual honors:

• Kathleen Jackson (Junior) – Girl’s Solo – 3rd Place
• Blake McFadden (Sophomore) – Boy’s Solo – 2nd Place
• Corbin Aiken (Sophomore) – Girl’s Extemporaneous Speaking – 2nd Place
• Lauren Sgro (Sophomore) – Girl’s Dramatic Interpretation – 2nd Place

Congratulations to all of these students for their accomplishments and honors.

A special thanks to each SeniorHigh student who participated in the
Red Cross Blood Drive which collected 59 pints of blood.  Several
Red Cross volunteers said this blood drive was the best high
school blood drive they had ever done.

The Primary Chess Team (K-3rd grade), took 2nd in the Georgia State Chess Team Championship.  They were also crowned the East Metro Region Champion prior to going to the state competition.

Dr. David Fincher was awarded “Administrator of the Year” at the annual National Christian School Association Conference.Dr. Philip Patterson, President of National Christian SchoolAssociation had this to say, "David has lifted our vision as a Associationto the role of NCSA, not only in our schools but also in the larger world of Christian education."

The following GAC Administrators spoke at the NCSA Convention:

• Scott Harsh, Senior High Principal – “Experiencing God:  Moving Bible from Cognitive to Authentic Engagement.”
• Dr. Misty Overman, Junior High Principal – “Innovation:  Adopting Learning for the 21st Century.”
• Dr. Betty Morris, Senior High Dean of Girls – “Shaping A Mentoring Program for Teachers’ & Students’ Sake.”
• Ken Robinson, Director of Diversity – “Intentional Diversity Paths to Reflecting Revelation 7:9 in Your Christian School.”
• Jill Morris, Director of Community Relations – “Projecting Excellence: Do We Reflect our Christian Name?”
• Sara Sills recently participated in the SACS-SAIS Quality Assurance Review Team at American Heritage Academy.

  Congratulations to Mike Adams who recently won a Best Buy Grant for $2500. The funds will be used to enhance interactive technology in the Junior High curriculum.

Go to top of page

Spartan Sports

The GAC Dance Team received 4th Place Overall Honors in The Junior Competitive Duet/Trio.  The team also received six gold awards and one silver award which helped them qualify for The Showstopper National Finals scheduled for this summer.

Locke Hoover (Sophomore) at 103 pounds was the big story this year, placing 3rd in the area Wrestling Tournament and then placing 3rd at the State Tournament.

Lady Spartan Basketball players Bria Smith (Senior) and Cree Nix (Senior) have been named to the All-Region 6AA team.  D’Nay Daniels (Senior) was also chosen as one of two Region Most Outstanding Players and has been selected to participate in the Georgia North-South All-Star game at Savannah State College on March 25.  This team is comprised of all of the top players in the state of Georgia. 

The following seniors have recently announced their commitments to play for these colleges:

Football:

                              
                    Nick Biggee                   Johnathan Dunagan                     Devin Swirk
                 Wheaton College           Birmingham-Southern College          Faulkner University

Softball:

   Jessica Coan – Georgia Tech

Soccer:

   Kristen Crute - verbal commitment – Milligan College

Volleyball:

   Ashley Agin - verbal commitment – Milligan College

Go to top of page

GAC LaCrosse Teams to Compete on the Varsity Level in 2007-08         

GAC Director of Athletics Tim Vick recently announced that notification has been made to the Georgia High School Association that Greater Atlanta Christian School’s girls' and boys' lacrosse teams will join the ranks of the varsity lacrosse teams across the state.

“Our intention from the very beginning was to learn the game and build a solid foundation in lacrosse by participating on the junior varsity level for a couple of years before moving into varsity play. 
I appreciate the hard work of our lacrosse players and coaches for the progress that has been made and believe that it is now time for bigger challenges.  It’s never easy beginning new varsity programs but with a little patience and a lot of hard work, I’m confident lacrosse will soon be competitive on the state level in the same way that our other ‘start-up’ teams have been in past years.”   

Go to top of page

The Arts at GAC        

By: Karen Huppertz  

Visual and Performing Arts

The 3rd Annual GAC “Black & White Gala” will be held the evening of April 19th in the Sara D. Williams Fine Arts Center.  Attendees are encouraged to wear black and white as they support the arts at GAC. 

The festivities begin at 6:00 PM with the opening of the Artist Gallery. Attendees will view the work of our finest art students while listening to soft jazz as performed on flute and harp by our own Jeanne Giager and Riza Hequibal. At 6:45 PM, attendees will move in the Clifton Jones Theatre for a concert of a variety of music provided by the GACS School of Music faculty. Such an array of talent is rarely gathered in a single venue…only at GAC!

The $5 cost of admission is a charitable contribution with the proceeds this year being donated to the American Alzheimer’s Association.   

Interest in this showcase of student art and musical talent continues to grow each year and is quickly becoming a “must-attend” spring event at GAC.  We hope you will make plans to attend this outstanding event.

Dramatic Arts

The Visions Showcase was held March 16th & 17th in the Clifton Jones Theatre.  This showcase of student talent ranged from singing, dancing and acting, to instrumental music performances. 

Visions will head north on their Spring Tour to New York City where they will take master classes in theatre, tour historic theatre locations and have the opportunity to watch a number of Broadway shows.  Following their trip to NYC, Visions will perform at the GAC Celebration Dinner on May 4th.

Upcoming Drama Events in the Clifton Jones Theatre
Performances at 7:30 PM each night:

March 23rd - 24th
Good Morning Miss Dove (JH Production)

April 13th-14th
Mirth & Mayhem Dessert Theatre (SH Drama 2-4)

May 10th-12th
The Merry Wives of Windsor

Go to top of page

Decision Letters Mailed April 6th

By: Linda Clovis, Director of Admissions   

Parents, if you have applied for admissions for siblings of your GAC children, you know that April 6th is that all important date when decision letters are mailed.  Yes, it is the Friday of Spring Break, so think about us when you are walking in the sand at the beach. 

I hope that all of your letters will offer you the spaces you need for those other children.  However, if you do get a “wait pool” letter, please know that we want your children, but space is not available as of April 6th.  If that is the case, you will also get a wait pool form to complete and return to us.  There are students that move away during the summer, and if that opens a space for your child, we will definitely call you.

As you are talking with other families who may have received this kind of letter, please help them understand the process and tell them not to be too discouraged.  Hopefully, we’ll have a space for them before August 13th, the day classes begin for the 2007-2008 school year.

Thanks for your help!

Go to top of page

Parents Deserve a "Brake"
(Parents/Teen Driver Education Seminar)

By: Kevin Langsett, PTO Co-President

March has been very exciting for the PTO with some new programs for parents and students.  The PTO has been planning some teen and parent programs to support the education of inexperienced drivers since the beginning of the year.  With the recent tragic fatal car crashes of several teens in Buford and the surrounding areas, we had no way of knowing how relevant this topic would be.  

On March 1st, the PTO sponsored “Parents Deserve A Brake”.  This program was designed for parent and teens to come together and learn how to better protect and prepare the teen driver for driving independence.  The program was presented by “Road Wise”, a leader in the field of driver education.  The evening started with a moderator from Road Wise reviewing a 10 Step Action Plan for Parents Coaching Teen Drivers.  There were several compelling videos covering this subject.  One video offered a personal testimony of mistakes made while behind the wheel and how it impacted many families.  This video became reality when the young lady profiled in the video stood up.  She shared how the consequences made of decisions behind the wheel had affected her family’s life.

A panel of speakers followed the video presentation.  The panel consisted of:

Jayme Webb Conkin, Teen Driver Advocate (served time for vehicular homicide)
Rosanna Szabo, Chief Solicitor General for Gwinnett County
Cpl. Bill Newman, Gwinnett County Police Accident Investigator
Genevieve Thomas, State Farm Insurance Agent

Additional resources were available from several vendors. Following are online resourses for parents who want more information regarding teen driving.

Go to top of page

Assessment News…

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.

K4-12 2006-07 calendar

From fall registration to last day of classes in May, GAC's K-12 calendar is bursting with activities. Click here for the 2007-08 calendar.

Stay in touch with GAC…

• Check your email the third Tuesday of every month for the electronic Parent Connection (ePC).
• Receive School Level Announcements every day.Click here to add your email address
  

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 Schools' efforts to become a system of world-class schools.
Please e-mail Jill Morris with your feedback and suggestions.