Highlights for the Greater Atlanta Christian Community                                                                          May 24, 2007

What Makes a "Banner Year"?     

By: Dr. David Fincher, President

You’ve heard the expression before —“It was a Banner Year for (you-fill-in-the-blank).”  It’s clear that 2006-07 was that for Greater Atlanta Christian in many ways.  I could list the state championships, record capital campaign, state-wide honors, mission trips, test scores, stellar new faculty, and more.  The list is long.  Taken as a group, they spell “Banner Year” for GACS in large capital letters.

I wonder what spells “Banner Year” for our Father?  I wonder if His Banner list is the same list as His childrens'?

That’s the challenge:  We are in the world, but not of it, as Jesus said.  We should teach our children to walk this planet with goals that matter.  They should fully know the gifts that God created within them, and know to use those gifts fully with God’s purpose in mind.  If our Greater Atlanta Christian children’s abilities grew this year, and if they gained a better picture of their Purpose, then it’s been a true Banner Year.

I’m thankful for the state championships, and for the thousand families who participated in advancing the work of Greater Atlanta Christian in our campaign.  But all that pales in comparison to a vision for children who are prepared for what matters most.

Parents, are you planning a “Banner Summer” for your children and family?  Think about all that means—in learning, in faith development, in rich and lasting family experiences.  Included in that, is growing yourself, GACS parent.  I’ll be praying for your walk in the Father, as well.  Senior parents, we will miss you and your children.  Remember you are forever included in the GACS family and welcomed among us.

In the meantime, Greater Atlanta Christian will be getting ready for your return August 13th!  As we approach our 40th anniversary year, let’s have a Banner Year—the kind our Heavenly Father has in mind.

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Improvements in Surrounding Community

By: Jill Morris, Director of Community Relations

The recent security incident involving the bank robbery on Oakbrook Parkway highlighted the need for a crisis plan which GAC already had in place.  We continue to be one of the most secure school campuses in metro Atlanta.  Having a fence and gates, along with our security personnel on hand, together contributes to a very safe environment.

Outside our campus, there are other precautions being put into place.  The Gwinnett Village Community Improvement District (CID) has made security its top priority for 2007.  Signs of improvement within the surrounding community have already begun.

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New Parents Invited to Celebration Dinner    

By: Linda Clovis, Director of Admissions

Our annual Celebration Dinner was a great opportunity for new parents to learn more about GAC.  Several of them attended the festive evening with over 600 other guests at the Gwinnett Center.

After the dinner and awards, I had the opportunity to talk with some of our new parents.  They were so pleased to hear about championships, mission trips, honors for faculty/staff members, and accomplished goals.  In fact, one of them said, “It was all I could do to keep from standing up and shouting Hallelujah.”  She had enrolled her daughter for the coming year, and felt good about GAC, but her decision was confirmed as she listened to Dr. David Fincher and others give glory to God for an outstanding year.

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Finishing Strong...A Few Special Highlights

By: Jill Morris, Director of Community Relations

Junior High Graduation

With goals like “Don’t
Hate - Appreciate” and
“Shine like the Son”, this
year’s graduating 8th grade
class led the Junior High. 
Parents and faculty were
proud as 166 students
graduated on May 10th.

Elementary Graduation

May 11th marked a milestone for our 5th grade class
as they celebrated their own Graduation Day.  It was
a day for both tears of happiness and tears of sadness
as our 133 young graduates head to Junior High School.

A Cappella Choir Performs

The final Choral Concert of the year was
performed on May 14th in the Clifton Jones Theatre.  The A Cappella Choir shared songs from their summer concert tour.  The group plans to leave for California
for a “West Coast Tour” on May 25th.  The
Junior High Chorus and Elementary Chorus,
Promises, also performed selected songs.

“On the Bricks”

The GAC Orchestra and Band Departments hosted the first ever ‘On The Bricks’ Fundraiser Concert on the Hollis Smith Quadrangle, on Friday, May 18th.  Our featured Guest Artist was Marcus Printup, internationally acclaimed Jazz Trumpeter of the Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra who was accompanied by The Marcus Printup Quartet and members of The Atlanta Ballet Orchestra.  A special performance of our own orchestra and band students was enjoyed under the stars.

Celebration Dinner…H. A. Fincher
“Spirit of Excellence” Award

Senior High Bible teacher John Clovis was honored to receive this distinguished award. Criteria for selection includes:

Exhibits selflessness and devotion to students
Demonstrates outstanding professional qualifications
Inspires excellence in students
Provides many years of service to GACS
Promotes spiritual direction for students
Goes above and beyond their responsibilities

Special Olympics Hosted at GAC

Approximately 150 developmentally challenged students from several surrounding counties visited GAC forthe spring Special Olympics on April 23rd.  
“Everyone was a winner in each event”, shared Dana Davis, coordinator of the
annual event.  Quoting the Special Olympic oath he said, “Help me to win.  But if I can’t win, help me be brave in the attempt.”

Elementary Girls –“Locks of Love”

Sixteen elementary girls donated
their hair this year for “locks of love”

Representative Clay Cox speaks to
4th graders about the process of how
a bill becomes a law in the state of Georgia.

The GAC Guitar Club, led by Senior
Ty Smith, hosted a benefit concert in honor
of “The Invisible Children” in the Sudan
and raised $1500.

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A Glimpse of Teachers to Come in 2007-2008

By: Jill Morris, Director of Community Relations

There are many outstanding faculty members coming our way next fall.  Additional talent will be added to this list and introduced in the August ePC.

Amy Howard – 3rd Grade Teacher
Amy graduated from Lipscomb University with a B.S., and earned her master's degree in Education with an emphasis in curriculum and instruction.  Ms. Howard spent a year in Uganda, Africa, teaching second grade and working with the children’s ministry and orphanages.  Amy is a graduate of GAC and has worked as a teacher’s assistant in 3rd grade.  She is to be married in July to Ryan Chamblee – and will return to campus in August as Mrs. Amy Chamblee.

Crystal Tenney – 3rd Grade Teacher
Crystal is a graduate of Ohio Valley University with a double major in Education and Liberal Studies.  She is working on a masters from Muskingum College in Ohio.  Crystal has taught first and second grade for 4 years at Coshocton Christian School in Coshocton, Ohio.  In 2005, she was Teacher of the Year for Coshocton County.  Ms. Tenney has participated in mission trips to Japan and the Ukraine.  She is also the niece of Softball Coach and Senior High Latin teacher, Judy Tenney.

Doug Williams – Junior High Social Studies
Doug has completed his master's degree from Lipscomb University in Historical Theology with an emphasis in Ancient Civilization.  He minored in History and Political Science.  Doug  has participated in mission trips to St. Martin and been a worship leader for Carolina Bible Camp and in his church.  Doug will be moving to Atlanta this summer from Nashville.

Jordan House – Senior High Chaplain
Jordan received his undergraduate degree from Harding University in Psychology and is finishing a Master of Divinity degree from Lipscomb Graduate School of Religion.  For the last 2 years he has been the lead tenor for Acappella, a Christian performance group.  For 5 years, he was also a member of the band, Soulbox, and won the AtlantaFest Talent Search in 1999.  Soulbox had the opportunity to be the opening act for the W’s, All-Star United, and DC Talk.  In 2004, Jordan led our fall Senior High Spiritual Retreat and did an amazing job leading worship and connecting with the students.  Having been a camp counselor, youth volunteer and part-time youth minister in Arkansas, Tennessee and North Carolina, Jordan has a passion for working with teens.

Victoria Echeverria – Senior High Spanish
Victoria recently graduated from Harding University with a B.A.  While in school, she was a Spanish tutor, an Academic All-American, and on the Dean’s List all four years.  Victoria ran Cross Country and Track and won region in Cross Country in 2005.  Ms. Echeverria has participated in various mission trips with Harding for the past several years.  She has worked with inner-city children and acted as a mentor to junior high and senior high students.

Elizabeth Kittrell – Senior High French
Elizabeth graduated Magna Cum Laude from Lipscomb University where she majored in French Education.  She was in the Honor Society, Who’s Who Among American Colleges & Universities, and was on President and Provost’s List and Honor Roll.  Elizabeth has been teaching English (ESOL) in Nashville, Tennessee.  Ms. Kittrell has been involved with mission teams to the French speaking people of St. Martin.  Elizabeth actually attended GAC her sophomore year before moving with her parents to North Carolina.  Welcome home, Elizabeth!  As a side note, all of Elizabeth’s teachers from her sophomore year are still with us at GAC.

Hayden Lane – Senior High Social Studies and Latin
Hayden graduated from the University of Kentucky on a football scholarship with a double major in Classics and Anthropology and holds a master's degree in History.  In college, he was on the Chancellor’s List for Grad School, belonged to multiple honor societies and was recognized as an undergraduate scholar.  He was SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2006 and earned many football honors as an offensive lineman.  Hayden grew up in Georgia and attended Brookwood High School.  He had a 4.0 GPA, scored a perfect score on the National Latin Exam, was team captain of the track team holding discus record as well as many football awards.

Jocelyn Young – High School Academic Support Teacher
Joy comes to GAC with over 28 years of teaching experience.  She has been an assistant principal and principal in Gwinnett County public schools and has also taught in the private school sector.  Joy is certified in Educational Leadership, Instructional Support, ECE and ESOL.  She holds a master's degree from the University of Georgia, graduating Cum Laude.  Joy has participated in mission trips to Romania, Dominican Republic, Australia, Mexico, and is a Sunday School Coach at her church.

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Fifty-one seniors were recognized as Dr. Spiceland announced a record number of students earning the Presidential Academic Excellence Award at the Senior High Academic AwardsCeremony.  Criteria for recognition includes:  a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale and a score of 85th percentile or higher on the SAT or ACT in reading or mathematics.

One hundred and thirty 9th through 12th grade students were honored with awards, certificates, or scholarships for their hard work and excellence in academic achievement.

Russell Holzgrefe was announced as Valedictorian of the Class of 2007 with a GPA of 4.67.  Sarah Brown is the Salutatorian with a GPA of 4.49.

Other honors were given in the following areas:

Kaitlyn Ramon received the Atlanta Journal Cup – This award is given to a senior student who achieves excellence in academics, excellence in school and community activities, and excellence in leadership.

Tyler Smith received the Ray Kroc Youth Achievement Award – This award is given to a senior student who is self-motivated, displays integrity, and sets a good example for his/her peers.  This student’s behavior exhibits a desire to achieve and contribute to society as an honest, upstanding citizen.  This student also volunteers in charitable activities within his/her community.

Alan Blinder received the Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award – This award honors a junior student who has excellent grades and co-curricular activities in the humanities and social sciences.  The student must also demonstrate commitment to understanding and addressing difficult social issues and be a leader dedicated to community action.

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A Field Trip to New York

By: Devin Lytle, Senior High Students

GAC Senior Devin Lytle shares her experiences in New York as a member of GAC Visions.  The 15 member troupe traveled to New York for a spring tour, attending workshops and shows.  A highlight of the trip was performing at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem, N.Y.  “It was one of the most inspiring Visions trips we have taken,” shared Director Clif Jones.

As a sage senior in high school, I once considered myself quite cosmopolitan and urbane in my thinking.  Feeling breezy and independent, the sheer thought of traveling to New York City with 14 of my closest, and equally blasé, friends seemed like the perfect opportunity to showcase my newly acquired life skills.  In my mind, I likened this excursion as confirmation of the fact that I am ready for anything college has to offer.  And so, donning my finest apparel and stepping into a confident stride, I, along with my classmates, made my way towards the Brooklyn Diner for lunch.  This particular stop was significant because it was our first activity in the bustling city of Manhattan.  However, my air of sophistication melted away shortly after glancing at the “city’s best” menu.  Boasting a wide variety of $7.00 milkshakes and $22.00 turkey burgers, the bill of fare provoked a response that contradicted my original demeanor.  Feeling the ten-dollar bill burn shamelessly in my back pocket, the only thought that came to mind during this dark and hungry moment was “Mommy!”

With every new adventure, Vision members expect to encounter a number of new learning experiences that will establish residency in the back corners of our minds.  In this case, however, I am sure that our traveling troupe of triple threats will agree that an opportunity to learn something new presented itself with every city block we trekked.  From witnessing the classic acting style of Christopher Plummer in the Broadway smash, Inherit the Wind, to placing an order in 30 seconds at Ray’s Pizzeria in Times Square, each member of our group walked away from this trip with new tidbits of New York City knowledge under his or her belt.  Indeed, each student is more than happy to report his/her favorite moment in the capricious and colorful city.  Grant Scott (the not-so-rich man after his experience with the Brooklyn Diner) will be the first to describe his moment of choice as the time spent in Strawberry Fields and Central Park; whereas, Blake Harper would claim that learning the choreography behind “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” in a Broadway workshop stood out as the paramount part of the trip.  In contrast, Madison Asef will declare that her shopping expedition through Canal Street was unmatched; while, Andrew Caudill enjoyed capturing each minute of the trip on film as the most memorable.  Perhaps the most noteworthy opinion belongs to a first timer to the city.  Until this year, my mother, Sharon Lytle, had never stepped foot in New York, and I was interested to see what she thought of the Big Apple.  Candidly, she admitted that her favorite part of the trip was watching our responses to our experiences — the passion ignite in Kyle Nichols’ eyes as he watched Hairspray; the artsy model poses that Lindsay Jernigan and Corbin Aiken struck as Lauren Lindsley snapped yet another photo in the subway.  Indeed, our ‘bite’ out of the Big Apple was a precious learning experience that further added to our plethora of teenage knowledge, both on and off the campus of Greater Atlanta Christian.

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West Ham Football Comes to GAC

By: Troy Bendickson, Varsity Girls Head Soccer Coach

GAC Soccer has entered into a partnership with the West Ham United Football Club through West Ham USA.  The Club is working to replicate some of the things being done in the United Kingdom to develop soccer players here in the US.  “While championship soccer is vital to Greater Atlanta Christian School, the coming of West Ham as a partner is taking us to an entirely new level.  Not only our students, but all of Atlanta will feel the step-up that is taking place.  West Ham exemplifies the best in soccer—and we are proud to be associated with them,” shared GAC President, Dr. David Fincher.

GAC has entered this partnership to offer our facilities and to help evaluate potential players to play in the UK for the West Ham United Youth Academy.  Tony Carr, Director of the Youth Academy and Kay Cossington, coach of both the West Ham Professional Ladies’ Team and the England U19 Women’s National Team, sanctioned the school partnership by signing documents validating their partnership.  From a coaching perspective, having the coaches just watch our GAC players train really lifted the intensity of their efforts on the field.  The girls were especially excited to train in front of such a well recognized coach as Kay Cossington.

During their visit, members of The Academy invited senior soccer player, Sam Arthur to play with them in England this summer.  Sam shared, “It was a great experience to play in front of some of the most distinguished youth coaches in the world, knowing they have produced some of the most talented players in England.  It was a great privilege to have them on our campus.  I was extremely honored to have them invite me over to play in their Academy for a week, which I know is an honor only a few receive.”

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Celebrate Junior High

By: Dr. Misty Overman, Junior High Principal

Top Five Blessings in Junior High:

1. Our Lord, who gives us life.
2. Our students, who bring us joy and a reason to work.
3. Our teachers, who work so hard to provide the best for their students.
4. Our parents, who send us their students and support us in many ways.
5. Our community, who pays attention to the wonderful things our students do.

Accomplishments to celebrate at the close of the year:

• Seventy three students qualified to take the SAT/ACT for the Duke Tip Program.  Of the 69 who took the test, 22 scored higher than 50% of juniors and seniors nationwide.  Two students, Amanda Nabors and Keaton Stewart qualified for Grand Recognition at Duke University this summer.
• A record number of students received academic awards this year.  From Honor Roll and President’s List, to subject level medals and certificates, our students excelled in many ways.
• The Junior High successfully participated in band performances, choral concerts, orchestra performances, plays, a talent show, and a dance team this year.  In addition, many works of visual art have been enjoyed in the Junior High lobby.
• Our students served others in many ways.  Activities included food drives, math-a-thons, recycling, walk-a-thons, fund raising, working in nursing homes, writing soldiers, and many other wonderful projects.
• Science Olympiad, Robotics, and Book Blast were activities in which the students excelled in and enjoyed.
• Chapel – WOW!
• Our Junior High athletic teams dominated their “region”.  Whether it was in the pool, on the court, or on the field, our kids were champions.  In a win or even a loss, our Junior High students always represented their school and their Lord!

While we celebrate this year’s work and accomplishments, we are already looking toward next year.  A new ‘hands on’ science class, even more technology, deeper spiritual activities including a Junior High mission trip, are just a few of the things on the horizon.  Our prayers are with you this summer.

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Junior High Book Blast

By: Jill Morris, Director of Community Relations

On April 20th, Dr. Fincher visited the Book Blast Club for their final quiz show emceed by GAC Junior Alan Blinder.  The goal of this group, led by Media Specialist Bonnie Baker and Drama teacher Heather Byars, has been to encourage reading and to associate fun with reading books.  Each team of 4 students read a list of 40 books each.  In a final competition of their comprehension, three winners emerged, Christine Kammu, Mandy Goode and Soyoung Kim, all six graders.  Each winner received a $50 gift certificate.  This year The Book Blast Club included 43 students and they anticipate an even greater number of participants next year.  Students wishing to be involved are encouraged to sign up in early February.

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Summer Reading...for Parents

 By: Norma Miller, Elementary Principal       

Just as we require our students to read during the summer, I would like to encourage our parents to read an outstanding book on child rearing.  The Blessings of a Skinned Knee, by Dr. Wendy Mogel, is one of the finest and most challenging books on parenting to emerge in recent years.  It is a treasure filled book, with practical and useful information for parents and educators.

Dr. Mogel’s thoughtful observations consistently illuminate and reassure.  She teaches parents how to raise a child who not only feels good about him/herself, but how to also raise a child to be a good person.  The elementary faculty will be reading this book over the summer and we invite you to join us!

Other suggested books on child development include:

• Finding the Heart of the Child: Essays on Children, Families and Schools, by Edward M. Hallowell and Michael Thompson,
• Your Child’s Growing Mind: A Practical Guide to Brain Development and Learning from Birth to Adolescence, by Jane M. Healy,
• The Moral Intelligence of Children: How to Raise a Moral Child, by Robert Coles.

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Thank you, Mrs. Coker!

 By: Terri Williams, Elementary Administrative Assistant   
 

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What Makes Children Successful?

 By: Rhonda Hawkins, Early Childhood Principal

As my first year as Village Principal comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on how quickly the year has flown by.  It has been a wonderful year filled with precious children who love to laugh, sing, hug, explore, learn, and simply enjoy life.  They have reminded me that life is filled with wonder, awe, surprises, and simple joys.

While young children are enjoying life, parents can be anxious and concerned about the future.  We all want the best for our children, but knowing how to achieve that can be scary and uncertain.  One of the questions I hear over and over is, “What do I need to be doing to help my child be successful?”  Unfortunately, society has dictated that children need to be “pushed” faster and harder.

However, I want to share several thoughts from Dr. Edward Hallowell, M.D.  His message, “The Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness” is one of hope and assurance that you, as parents, are doing what is best for your child.  Below are key points from his message:

• Create a warm and richly connected childhood, a childhood in which your child feels a part of something great and wonderful.  Research has proven that a connected childhood is the single most protective and formative force in creating happy, confident, strong adults.
• Grades, prizes, trophies, SAT scores, and admission to an elite college do not predict future happiness or success.  The attitudes developed while growing up are the most powerful predictors.  Research shows that confidence, positive self-regard, optimism, enthusiasm, resourcefulness, an inclination to work hard and to take responsibility for one’s actions, and a desire to connect positively with others predict future happiness and success.
• The biggest mistake good parents make is that they do too much for their kids.  They give them too much, they protect them too much, they fight their battles for them, they can’t say no, and they say yes too much.
• The single best advice for a parent is to enjoy your children.  If you enjoy your children, it is almost certain you are doing it right.  Have fun with your kids!

The following is Dr. Hallowell’s five-step method of raising children that maximizes the chances for confident, happy, creative, responsible, and strong adults:

1. Connect – to family, to friends, to school, to pets, to nature, and to God.
2. Play – any activity that engages the imagination is play.  These should be activities that light up the brain such as shooting a basket, singing, solving a math problem, etc.  Play is the highest form of mental activity.
3. Practice – once a child finds an activity that lights up his brain, he wants to do it over and over again.  Practice that emerges out of play lays down habits of discipline that last.
4. Mastery – As you practice, you get better.  You make progress.  That’s mastery.
5. Recognition – As you make progress, others notice.  That’s recognition.

Early Childhood Principal Rhonda Hawkins speaks to GAC parents.

These days, when kids are pressured, overbooked, distracted, and tempted by so much, it is extremely important that children feel connected.  With the summer months before us, I will miss each of these children dearly.  I will miss their hugs and their shouting, “Mrs. Hawkins!”  But, I do pray that you will spend time this summer just connecting!  I love all of you and thank you for a wonderful year.

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Applause & Accolades

Congratulations for the following Academic Achievements:

• The GAC Jazz Band for receiving straight Superior ratings at the GMEA District 13 Jazz Festival on April 26th at Jackson County High School.  They performed along with several other jazz groups from the Atlanta area.  This was GAC’s first showing at the event.
• The Varsity Debate Team of sophomores Fayzan Rab and Rishi Singhal, who competed in the Richard B. Russell All-State Tournament.  Fayzan and Rishi won the first two matches in GAC school history at this tournament, defeating teams from Fayette County and Cairo, Georgia.
• Alan Blinder upon his selection into the Candler Youth Theological Initiative Academy.  Alan was chosen from applicants nationwide as part of this select group of 52 students.  The residential summer program is held at the Emory University Candler School of Theology and will provide an in depth study of religion and its relation to public issues.  Alan will be the first student ever from GAC to participate in this elite program in its 15 year history.

• Jonathan Edwards who represented GAC at the GMEA District 13 Beginning Band Clinic on May 5th at George Walton Academy.  Jonathon performed with 200 other 6th grade band students from the Atlanta area.

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Spartan Sports

The Boys’ Soccer team captured the AA State Soccer title.  With 17 straight wins and a season record of 21-2, Coach Thom Jacquet couldn’t have been prouder to accept the trophy after a 4-2 win over Providence Christian Academy.  “It was magic tonight,” shared Coach Jacquet after the game.

Sam Arthur is Gwinnett Player of the Year in soccer. Chris Thomas, Matt Wolfe and Eric
Fletcher were also honored by the Goal Club.

The Girls’ Golf team won their first state championship with a nine-stroke victory –
finishing undefeated and winning five
tournament titles. This was the first Gwinnett
County golf team to win the state tournament.

 

The Boys’ Track team for their 2nd
place finish at the state track meet.

Hunter Treadaway was recognized for scoring the highest
number of points for any individual in track class AA
and earning two state championships in hurtle events.

D’Nay Daniels as a 2006-07 NCSAA Girls’ Varsity Basketball All-American Finalist.  This awardrecognizes young women in basketball for their outstanding achievements in athletics, academics and community leadership.

Kristin Crute and Madeline Barker were named in the Gwinnett Goal Club A-AAAA All-County Team. his distinction comes from a vote of all the A-AAAA soccer coaches in Gwinnett County. This is KristinCrute's second All-County selection. Kristin Frederickson was named Gwinnett Goal Club A-AAAA Scholar Athlete for GACS. Kristin is a Junior Captain who carries a 4.24 GPA.

GAC golfers Katie Patrino, Lindsay Adams, and Caitlin Pisciotta for being named the AJC Gwinnett News High School Female Golfers of the Year.

Congratulations to the following baseball players for being honored at the Gwinnett County Dugout Club: Patrick Savage - 1st team All-County; Taylor Wood - 2nd team All-County; Mark Edwards - Team of the Month for March; Landon Bennett and Lee Chapple - Team of the Month for April; Hunter Montgomery - Academic All-County; Dillon Geraghty - Scott McIntyre Hustle and Attitude Award.

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What is Happening in Your PTO?

By: Kevin and Melanie Langsett, PTO Co-Presidents

Ambassador Program for New GAC Families:
As we look forward to the upcoming school year, we will see many new families coming to GAC.  The PTO, together with the Principals and the Admissions Office, is in the second year of a school-wide program called the Ambassador Program.  This program is designed to welcome new families to GAC.  Current GAC families and students volunteer to be matched with new families/students to acquaint these new families with GAC, answering questions and being a friend.

If you’d like more information on the Ambassador Program, please email PTO@greateratlantachristian.org or call 770-243-2000.  Steffanie Garner will be happy to put you in contact with the proper Ambassador Coordinator.

WOW!  Look what the PTO did this year!
In support of the PTO’s efforts to foster and link the GAC community of parents, students, and teachers, we have:

• Organized programs for parents:  Junior High Forums, Heart to Heart Forum for the Village, Love & Logic Parenting Series, Junior and Senior High Talent Shows, “Play IT Safe” Internet Safety Awareness Program, “Train the Trainer” Parent/Driver Education Program, and “Road Wise” Teen Driver Seminar.

• Sponsored events for students:  Ambassador Program, Internet Safety Chapel Program “Play IT Safe”, Teen Driving Chapel Program “It Won’t Happen To Me,” Village Pumpkin Patch and Hay ride, Breakfast for Junior High, Spiritual Renewal Day, Project Graduation, and Mini Grants for class room enhancements.

• Awarded funds for teachers:  $12,310.00 for 17 Mini Grants that will be used by over 45 teachers.  This year’s Mini Grants benefit every school and range from technological enhancements that measure the understanding of students through a computerized “Personal Response System,” to learning materials supplementing a new reading program, to science specimens, math lab components and equipment.

Thank you, Thank you, and Thank you
We look forward to your membership in PTO for the 2007-2008 school year.  Please know that the PTO is only funded by your membership.  Many thanks from your entire PTO Board.  We have greatly appreciated your support this school year and look forward to a busy and blessed 2007-08.

See you on Registration Day – just weeks away.

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Parents and Teachers Together

By: Sarah Davis, Sponsor PATT

For many years PATT has sponsored meetings for parents and teachers and the community with expert speakers in the fields of Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.  Thank you to all who have supported us with donations and attendance.  The PATT will not be continuing after this school year. PATT will be donating the balance of $1,200 that remains in our account at the end of the 2006-07 school year to Academic Support to help fund the new Reading Coach program for Elementary and Early Childhood, and Assistive Technology for Senior High.

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Magazine Sale Begins Soon

By: Bill Burton, Administrative Vice President

The annual magazine sale will be here in the early fall.  Be aware that the magazine publishers will be sending numerous mailings, urging you and your customers to renew by mail well before the expiration dates for your subscriptions.  They cleverly leave the impression that the subscriptions are very close to expiring, when in actuality, there are often several months left.  The publishers do this as they prefer receiving the entire amount for subscriptions rather than sharing it with schools.  Please alert your customers to discard these mailings and save their renewals for our magazine sale.  The key to success in the sale is starting early this summer to make your contacts.  Sales packets will be available at the school by the end of July for the “early birds” to get a fast start.

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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 2007-08 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.

2007-08 At A Glance

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.