New Family Guide 2021-22 (Westminster 101)

All You Need to Know About the Wildcat Nation

NEW FAMILY GUIDE 2021-22

ALL IN FOR THE GREEN AND WHITE ALL IN FOR THE GREEN AND WHITE ALL IN FOR THE GREEN

All You Need to Know About the Wildcat Nation

It’s new. It’s exciting. It’s downright exhilarating!

Your Westminster experience starts now.

Show some CATitude and

GET YOUR WILDCAT ON.

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Join our more than 20,000 followers and check out our social hub at westminster.net/social. instagram.com/WestminsterATL twitter.com/WestminsterATL twitter.com/WestminsterATH For Wildcat Athletics facebook.com/WestminsterATL linkedin.com/school/the-westminster-schools

1424 West Paces Ferry Road, NW Atlanta, Georgia 30327 westminster.net | 404.355.8673

*Some photos taken prior to COVID-19

Your Wildcat Journey Begins 6 7 9 10 16

Letter from President Keith Evans Main School Phone Numbers Key Dates Preparing for School Online Resources and Communications

Now That You’re A Wildcat 22 24 25 26 28 32

Heads of School Summer Programs Campus Store Libraries and Innovation Spaces School Culture Campus Map

Show Your Wildcat Pride 36 38 40 42 44 46

The Arts Athletics Parent Involvement Community Westminster Words Checklist and Notes

Getting started ...step by step.

YOUR WILDCAT JOURNEY BEGINS

Welcome, Wildcats!

Dear New Wildcat Families, Thank you for placing your trust in Westminster, even at a time when most of your interactions with us have been digital. In these pages, you’ll find everything you need to get to know us. This “starter guide” shares some Wildcat wisdom to help you get acquainted with Westminster. On behalf of Wildcats everywhere, welcome.

Keith Evans President

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Give us a ring Main School Number 404-355-8673

Athletics 404-609-6258

Lower School Office 404-609-6299

Business Office 404-609-6243

Middle School Office 404-609-6281

Campus Store 404-609-6295

Upper School Office 404-609-6241

Security 404-367-8000

Admissions 404-609-6202

Summer Camps 404-367-7868

After School Kids (ASK!) 404-609-6387

Summer School 404-367-5178

YOUR WILDCAT JOURNEY BEGINS

What to do & When Now through mid-July, you’ll receive periodic emails outlining next steps and summer checklists from Admissions.

But for now, check out the major dates scheduled for the 2021-22 school year (in case you are a planner like most of us)!

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Key Dates August 2021

January 2022

August 11 (Wednesday) Orientation

January 3 (Monday) Classes Resume

August 12 (Thursday) First Day of School

January 17 (Monday) Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday – No School

September 2021

February 2022

September 6 (Monday) Labor Day

October 2021 October 11 (Monday) Fall Holiday October 12 (Tuesday) No School for Students, Faculty In-Service Day

November 2021 November 20-28 (Saturday-Sunday) Thanksgiving Break

December 2021 December 16 (Thursday) Last Day of School for Lower School and Middle School December 17 (Friday) Last Day of School for Upper School December 18-January 2 (Saturday-Sunday) Winter Break

February 21 (Monday) No School for Students, Faculty In-Service Day

March 2022 March 5-13 (Saturday-Sunday) Spring Break

April 2022 April 15-18 (Friday-Monday) Good Friday; Easter Holiday — No School

May 2022 May 14 (Saturday) Commencement (tentative pending AP exams) May 26 (Thursday) Last Day of School for All Students

June 2022 June 6 (Monday) Summer School and Summer Camps begin *The current schedule is subject to change.

Westminster recognizes other religious holidays in our programming and scheduling.

Visit westminster.net/calendar to view the School’s calendar. Events for the upcoming school year will be updated during the summer.

YOUR WILDCAT JOURNEY BEGINS

What else should I know?

WE’RE GLAD YOU ASKED!

Where do I find information online?

Wildcat Web is our password-protected portal on the Westminster website (westminster.net) where we store and communicate information intended only for current Westminster parents, students, faculty, and staff. You received your login information upon your child’s acceptance.

If you forget your password, please click “Can’t access your account?” on the Wildcat Web login page.

When are student health forms due?

All student health data, including required athletics forms, must be completed and submitted through Magnus Health System

by July 1. Parents can access Magnus Health System in Wildcat Web by clicking the “Medical Profile” button under the “My Tools” sidebar.

Are there summer reading requirements for students?

Summer reading is required of all students.

Grade-specific lists will be shared in May. Summer reading books are available from online retailers, in many local bookstores

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and from the Smythe Gambrell Library (Lower School), the George Woodruff Library (Middle School), and the Carlyle Fraser Library (Upper School). The Westminster Campus Store also carries most summer reading books for Middle and Upper School.

What is the student dress code?

Students are expected to be well groomed and appropriately dressed for school on campus, at all on-campus school activities, and when representing the School off campus. Dress code policies for each academic division are outlined in the respective handbooks located in Wildcat Web.

When is the first day of school?

The first day of school for all students is Thursday, August 12. Orientation is Wednesday, August 11 for students in grades 1-12. Pre-first parents are invited to a parent orientation. In July, check out westminster.net/calendar for the first day of school schedule and special events planned that day.

When will class and homeroom assignments be available?

How does my child become eligible to participate in athletics?

Lower School classroom assignments will be posted in Wildcat Web just before the start of school.

The Athletics department will send an email in June with information about participation in athletics. All required forms for athletics must be uploaded to Magnus before Middle or Upper School students are allowed to participate in tryouts or practice for any sport.

Middle School homeroom assignments and class schedules will be provided at student orientation and posted in Wildcat Web on the first day of school.

Upper School advisement assignments and student schedules will be available at student orientation and in Wildcat Web.

All student health data, including required athletics forms, must be completed and submitted through Magnus Health System

by July 1. Parents can find these details in Wildcat Web under “Athletics.”

YOUR WILDCAT JOURNEY BEGINS

Stronger Together We call our COVID-19 response program Stronger Together. And that’s with good reason. Our entire community rallied together in 2020-21 to create and implement comprehensive safety protocols that helped Wildcats stay safe and healthy while being able to learn in person.

Our response has combined researchbased safety practices with resourceful teaching and learning strategies and innovative new technologies. Our COVID-19 testing program complements measures like mask wearing, to-go lunches, and outdoor music classes.

We continue to share information with our parent community regarding updated protocols through Wildcat Web. For now, you can see more about this year’s COVID-19 response on our Stronger Together webpage, westminster.net/covid-19.

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YOUR WILDCAT JOURNEY BEGINS

About the Schedule While the below offers some information about a typical arrival and dismissal, these times are subject to change slightly. Decisions regarding COVID-19 protocols for the upcoming year may affect how and when students are welcomed into their buildings.

You’ll find out more details about drop-off and pick-up routines before school begins in August.

Lower School Morning carpool runs every day 7:20–7:50 a.m.

Our youngest learners are dismissed earlier than children in second through fifth grades.

Monday through Thursday, pre-first dismissal is at 2:00 p.m., first grade dismissal is at 2:30 p.m., and second through fifth grades are dismissed at 3:15 p.m.

Lower Schoolers get a head start on the weekend Friday afternoons, when those dismissal times change to 1:00, 1:30, and 2:00 p.m.

Middle School Core class hours are 7:55 a.m.–3:10 p.m.

Office Hours are offered Monday through Thursday. Many students take advantage of this optional time to check in with teachers, ask further questions, or make up missed work. Supervised study hall runs Monday through Friday until 6:00 p.m.

On Wednesdays, students enjoy late arrival at 8:50 a.m. while teachers spend time on planning and professional development.

Upper School Core class hours are 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Office Hours are offered at various 30-minute times during and after school. Many students take advantage of this optional time to check in with teachers, ask further questions, or make up missed work.

On Wednesdays, students enjoy late arrival at 9:00 a.m. while teachers spend time on planning and professional development.

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How do drop-off and pick-up work at Westminster?

Parents should refer to back-to-school communications in August in the event there are updates to drop-off and pick-up locations. Lower and Middle School families will also receive information on how to set up an account with Pikmykid, a carpool dismissal app.

Upper School Good drop-off and pick-up locations for Upper School students include Hawkins Hall and Turner Gym.

Does Westminster offer carpool groups?

Lower School Every child in the Lower School has an assigned, individual carpool dismissal in conjunction with our carpool dismissal app, Pikmykid. The school provides carpool numbers for new students, and these numbers should be clearly displayed in the upper right-hand corner (passenger side) of the front windshield.

A parent-organized afternoon carpool group is typically available to parents of Middle School and Upper School students who live within certain geographic areas and neighborhoods. These shuttles are neither sponsored nor administered by Westminster or by PAWS. Details are shared in back-to-school communications such as the Weekly Parent Update.

Middle School The Middle School uses Pikmykid to help make dismissals safer and more efficient.

The two main Middle School drop-off/ pick-up locations are the upper location behind Robinson Hall (West Paces Ferry Road entrance) and a lower location, Ellis Circle, which is located behind Broyles Arts Center (West Wesley Road entrance).

Families with students in both Lower School and Middle School may elect to use Lower School Carpool B. Be sure to tell your child when and where he/she will be picked up each afternoon.

If your neighborhood is not served by an existing shuttle, a new shuttle can be established for your area if there is sufficient demand.

Please note: For 2020-21 school year, this offering was not available due to safety protocols.

YOUR WILDCAT JOURNEY BEGINS

Connect Online Wildcat Web

Forms and Checklists

A special place just for you to stay in the know! Wildcat Web is our passwordprotected portal on the Westminster website (westminster.net) where we store and communicate information intended only for Westminster parents, students, faculty, and staff.

Here’s what you’ll find on the “New Family Resource Center” now and in the coming weeks:

Parents, you received your login information upon your child’s acceptance.

If you forget your password, please click “Can’t access your account?” on the Wildcat Web login page.

New Parent Portal in Wildcat Web Access helpful information like forms and documents you’ll need as new members of the Westminster community in the “New Family Resource Center.” Information for the 2021-22 school year will be posted periodically between April and June.

To access the “New Family Resource Center,” visit westminster.net and click on “Wildcat Web” in the top navigation bar.

Once you log in to Wildcat Web, click on the green “New Family Resource Center” button.

• • • • •

Forms to read and sign Student health policies and forms Course registration information Course offerings Summer checklists

Please call Admissions at 404-609-6202 if you need more information about getting started in Wildcat Web.

Online Directory The online Westminster directory lives within Wildcat Web and includes contact information for all students and their families, faculty, staff, and administration.

Access to the online directory will be provided in mid-July. Connect with IT Services at help@westminster.net with any questions you may have.

Please note: The online Westminster directory is for school use only and is not to be used for mail, email, or telephone solicitations.

Check out westminster.net to explore the school calendar, athletics teams, social media platforms, and news and events.

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Parents, in mid-July you’ll receive extended access to the Parent Portal in Wildcat Web. Here, you’ll get the full picture and gain access to the online directory.

This is what you’ll see starting the first week of school: • • • •

What’s for lunch?

What does your family’s week look like?

Who is teaching your child’s class?

Class lists and more!

Fifth through twelfth graders will receive their own Wildcat Web login credentials at the start of school.

YOUR WILDCAT JOURNEY BEGINS

Stay Up-To-Date Back-To-School Communications A couple of weeks before school begins, you’ll receive The Year Ahead, an e-newsletter that includes everything you need to know or do to prepare for the first week of school, including important event dates. You will also receive a special mailing from the Parent Association of The Westminster Schools (PAWS), which will include details of how to get involved in school life through our parent association, as well as the coveted Westminster car decals!

Weekly Parent Updates (WPU) All parents receive the Weekly Parent Update email every Thursday during the school year, except during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring breaks. Read the update every week for important announcements, a calendar of upcoming events, service opportunities, links to lunch menus, and other timely information.

Classroom Communications Lower School Each week, teachers give you a peek at school life with photos, curriculum information, and classroom-specific announcements through SeeSaw. Details will be provided at orientation meetings.

Middle School Grade chairs play a primary role in communication between home and

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school. They are in regular contact with homeroom advisors and teachers and guide parents through the multiple layers of support available at Westminster.

Contact information for grade chairs is available in the “Middle School Dashboard” on Wildcat Web beginning in August. Students receive daily announcements with information about clubs, tryouts, service projects, and more!

Upper School Students and parents are encouraged to reach out to classroom teachers with questions about specific classes. Advisors and grade chairs are also available to support parents and students with additional questions or concerns.

Students access assignments and other important academic information through Schoology, the Upper School learning management system. Students also get announcements about activities happening on campus on a weekly basis.

Westminster Magazine Westminster Magazine includes feature stories, campus activities, sports roundups, and alumni news. You’ll receive one via mail in the fall and spring.

See recent issues online at westminster.net/magazine.

In the event of a weather-related closing, delayed opening, or other emergency, Westminster utilizes an automated rapid alert system to send voice, text, and email notifications to our community.

All new parents will be automatically enrolled in the system before the start of the school year. Parents of Upper School students will have the option to add their child’s phone number by updating their Wildcat Web profile. Go to the Parent Portal and select “Update My Profile.”

Get to know our favorite quirks and traditions

NOW THAT YOU’RE A WILDCAT

Meet the Heads of School Head of Lower School

f rom ite book hicka r o v a f His aC is Chick d o o h d il ch oo m!

B oo m B

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Whit McKnight joined the Westminster family to teach third grade and serve as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator in 2005. In 2014, Whit became the Head of Lower School.

He reshaped both the curriculum and layout of Love Hall, introducing an innovative schedule and curriculum that ultimately led to the construction of the Innovation Village and Playscape, a playground inspired and partially designed by Love Hall’s very own students. Whit began his career with Teach for America and previously taught elementary school in Newark, New Jersey, and Washington, DC. In 2017, Whit was named one of Atlanta’s 40 Under 40 by the Atlanta Business Chronicle. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Odyssey Atlanta and is also a member of Leadership Atlanta’s Class of 2018 and the 100 Black Men of America Atlanta Chapter Class of 2020. Most importantly, he is the parent of Whitcliff ’27.

Head of Middle School Danette Morton arrived in July 2012 and calls Westminster “a community with a beautiful soul–a community with foremost regard for children and learning, and a clear commitment to its own future.” Danette served previously as Head of the Upper School at Summit School in WinstonSalem, North Carolina. She holds a BA in Economics from Duke University and her Masters in Middle School Education from Lesley University.

Danette and her husband, Kevin, are parents to Chelsea ’23, Bristol ’29, and Noah.

Sh e fin ds joy in the simple things, like placin g the fin al piece in a challen gin g jigsaw puzzle!

Head of Upper School

Her favorite authors are Margaret Atwood an d Isabel Allende!

Dr. Chanley Small ’87 is serving as Interim Head of Upper School for the 2021-22 school year. An alum of Westminster, a long-serving teacher, and a leader in the Upper School, she holds degrees from Brown, Stanford, and Emory. Before becoming a member of the Westminster faculty in 2008, she worked as a professor and researcher in epidemiology at Emory. She chaired our science department for five years, launched and led the Upper School JanTerm program in its first three years, and took on her current academic leadership role as Upper School Academic Dean in 2017. Chanley and her husband, Michael, are the parents of three children.

YOUR WILDCAT JOURNEY BEGINS

Summer Programs Summer Camps

Summer School

Kick off your child’s Westminster experience at our Summer Camps!

Children ages 3-18 enjoy sports, computers, sewing, theater, and almost anything else under the sun at our traditional day camp, specialty camps, and sports camps. Check westminster.net/summer for availability and to register.

Summer School gives students the opportunity to design their learning path by offering academic courses that complement their school year experience.

Students enjoy a personalized learning environment with outstanding faculty.

Most Summer School courses are open to Westminster and non-Westminster students. Learn more at westminster.net/summer-school.

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Gear Up! Get your Westminster spirit wear, school supplies, and gift items at the Campus Store.

It’s the hot spot for Middle and Upper School students to buy snacks, too!

The store is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. throughout the school year and is located in the lower level of Scott Hall.

All Westminster students may charge items at the Campus Store. Monthly bills are sent to the parent responsible. Please be sure to communicate any financial limits or budgets to your child.

Visit the online store at

store.westminster.net

NOW THAT YOU’RE A WILDCAT

Old School & New School WE’VE GOT IT ALL!

Some of us are book people, plain and simple. We love the feel and smell of words on paper. If that’s you, we’ve got you covered! Within every division, there are also dedicated innovation spaces.

Our innovation spaces are where you can build a robot or walk through molecules in virtual reality. Then, maybe you can write a book about it.

Our Libraries E. Smythe Gambrell Library Did you know the E. Smythe Gambrell Library is the largest Lower School library in the country? It’s easy for a Lower Schooler to get lost in a good book–we have more than 38,000 to choose from!

Our enclosed “story well” is the perfect setting for class story time. Families are welcome to check out books during the school year and during summer hours.

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The George W. Woodruff Library The George W. Woodruff Library serves Westminster’s Middle Schoolers. The 6,000-square-foot library provides lots of space for reading, research, group and individual study, instruction in library skills, and library volunteer work. The general collection includes access to 10,000 print volumes and nearly 400 ebooks in our online library. Wildcats also use this space for supervised study hall Monday through Friday. In a safe, quiet environment, Middle Schoolers can get ahead on homework, review the day’s material, or simply relax and read a book.

Students may drop in after an activity and stay until 6:00 p.m.

Carlyle Fraser Library The Upper School’s Carlyle Fraser Library houses 28,710 volumes, including 3,240 volumes in The Donn M. Gaebelein Christian Scholarship Collection. Across three stories, the library offers silent study space, breakout rooms for group work, and casual reading spots. It’s also a hub for research and academic support!

Our Innovation Spaces Design Thinking Labs Stacked high with supplies from popsicle sticks to circuit boards, our Lower School Design Thinking Labs are a place where young learners create, collaborate, and innovate. Our Design Thinking curriculum emphasizes empathy and curiosity–and it’s a lot of fun!

The Roberto C. Goizueta Innovation Lab The 3,400-square-foot innovation space serves as a catalyst for the Middle School’s comprehensive STEAM initiative.

It’s a malleable workshop in Clarkson Hall with rows and rows of hand tools, a laser cutter, 3D printer, sewing machines,

a variety of saws and drills, and towering stacks of scrap wood, cardboard, and other building materials. This hub is a place where students learn more deeply about any subject they might be studying.

The Roberto C. Goizueta Innovation Hub Inside Hawkins Hall, Upper Schoolers become creators in The Roberto C. Goizueta Innovation Hub. Anchoring that space, The Roberto C. Goizueta Catalyst Lab is a place where students have the tools and faculty support to dream big and innovate. Students learn across the spectrum of Design Thinking, computing, coding, and more!

NOW THAT YOU’RE A WILDCAT

Wildcat Treasures THINGS WE REALLY, REALLY LOVE!

Our Mission Statement Westminster is a Christian, independent day school for boys and girls which seeks to develop the whole person for college and for life through excellent education.

Our Motto And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. [Luke 2:52]

School Colors

substance and practice of other religions and seeks to support and encourage students of all faiths, beliefs, cultures, and backgrounds. We welcome and learn from community members of many different religious traditions. We believe that such inclusion and respect for the dignity of all people is at the heart of Christianity. These manifestations of a thriving and vibrant community produce lifelong learners who lead with compassion and integrity.

Forest green and white are the School’s official colors. You’ll see some spring green, too!

School Seal

Campus Traditions

Meaning and Significance The sun is a Messianic symbol of Christ. This symbol is based on a phrase in Malachi 4:2, “But unto you that fear my name shall the sun of righteousness arise with healing in its wings…” The monogram represents the first three letters of the name “Jesus” in Greek, with Gothic style letters. The circle surrounding the monogram represents eternity. The rays indicate glory. The seal, then, represents the fact that Jesus, as the eternal sun of righteousness, is the heart and center of the School.

Our youngest Wildcats parade around the quad in their finest Halloween wear.

Seniors don their class T-shirts to slide in the mud. These annual traditions and more are some of the most joyous Westminster moments.

Christian Mission We are guided by Jesus’ teaching to love and serve and are inspired to reflect these values in our school community, programs, and priorities. These values also lead us to be open to all traditions and people. As an inclusive Christian school, Westminster honors the

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The Westminster seal is our most cherished symbol.

In wisdom, stature, love for man, and grace from God above.

We give our arms, our hearts, our minds, our alma mater’s goal to find.

WESTMINSTER, PRAISE WE THEE. WESTMINSTER, PRAISE WE THEE. And as we leave these halls behind, these friendships of our youth, We breathe our prayer of gratitude; we forward go with faith renewed.

WESTMINSTER, LOVE WE THEE. WESTMINSTER, LOVE WE THEE. The words to our alma mater were written by David T. Lauderdale Jr., a beloved English teacher, college counselor, and coach for 25 years, beginning in 1953.

NOW THAT YOU’RE A WILDCAT

Your Mascot Super Strength

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Brain 2 Power

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4 Westminster Swag Sturdy Foundation 5

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School Spirit

Hi! I’m the Westminster Wildcat!

You’ll see me around campus and at special events. Flex your school spirit when you see me!

I support ALL teams and groups by being YOUR biggest fan! School spirit is not only for sports — it’s for everyone at Westminster!

NOW THAT YOU’RE A WILDCAT

Explore Campus Find out what happens where with our interactive campus map at westminster.net/campus-map, featuring a wayfinding tool to show walkable, ADAcompliant pathways between any two locations on campus as well as turn-by-turn driving directions.

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Askew Hall

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Tennis Courts

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Pressly Hall

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Lloyd Stadium and Cody Field

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Campbell Hall

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Hawkins Hall

Thompson Stadium and Community Plaza

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Broyles Arts Center

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Kent Field

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Clarkson Hall

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Summer Camp

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Scott Hall

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President’s Home

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Robinson Hall

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Front Gate

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Love Hall

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Back Gate

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After School Kids (ASK!)

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Parking Deck

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Turner Gym

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Westminster Center (coming fall 2021)

Pardon Our Progress!

Westminster’s physical spaces have continued to evolve since the School’s founding in 1951. Learn about campus planning and construction progress at westminster.net/campus-plan.

This is the Wildcat Nation! Our 180 acres are home to plentiful trees, a rich history, and a student experience like no other!

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H RT NO DE SI

Hover your mobile device over this QR code to use our campus map!

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Places to go and things to do

SHOW YOUR WILDCAT PRIDE

In the Spotlight!

The Arts Get involved at Westminster through the arts! From pre-first through twelfth grade, the visual and performing arts are designed to help our students develop skills to observe and interpret the world.

Our students’ work is impressive, but it’s actually the process of creativity we value the most. Through the arts, students build far-reaching cultural literacy, creative confidence, and skills of self-expression.

The School offers a full range of experiences to encourage actors, artists, dancers, and musicians to discover their talent in performing arts, communication and oratorical arts, and visual arts!

We hope you and your family will enjoy our free arts events–there are more than 50 exhibits, plays, concerts, and interactive experiences every year to choose from!

Visit westminster.net/arts/events-exhibits to view the calendar of art exhibitions and performing arts events.

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Handel’s Messiah first appeared at Westminster in 1957 with the singing of the “Hallelujah Chorus.” Since 1985, this annual performance has become a Wildcat tradition. Without a doubt, it’s a team effort. Parents, alumni, and faculty are invited to join our chorus and orchestra, making Messiah a cherished Christmas celebration for many Wildcat families.

SHOW YOUR WILDCAT PRIDE

Dive right in!

Athletics Our athletics program is an essential part of Westminster’s mission to prepare students for life beyond their school years. Student-athletes are challenged to become leaders, and it shows: with more than 290 state championships, the Wildcats are the most awarded athletic program in Georgia.

With three-quarters of our Upper School and Middle School students participating, athletics are also a big part of school life.

We hope you’ll don your green and white often to cheer for the Cats from the stands! Spirit nights throughout the year are a great time to meet new friends while catching the sports action.

For the latest student-produced campus news, videos, and live athletics games, check out WCAT! Learn more at westminster.net/school-life/wcat.

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CatFish. HoopCats. KickCats. Huh? You’ll hear all kinds of takes on the word “Wildcat” around campus. Our athletic teams—and many of our student clubs— use cat-themed nicknames. Why be a robotics team when you could be the WiredCats, after all? Of course, there’s one nickname that unites us all: Wildcats!

SHOW YOUR WILDCAT PRIDE

Parent Involvement Support the School and get to know other families through our parent organizations!

PAWS (Parents Association of The Westminster Schools) PAWS is a service organization that includes all Westminster parents at our school. When you join the school community, you automatically become a member of this organization, and you are welcome and encouraged to participate in PAWS meetings, activities, and events throughout the school year.

Check out the “PAWS” resource page in Wildcat Web in the fall for information about getting involved in the life of the School through the many activities and events that PAWS organizes during the year, including service projects, parent enrichment programs, and gradelevel socials.

PAWSinLS hosts Parent Coffee & Conversation meetings where parents are invited to learn about relevant topics and upcoming events. PAWSinLS Room Representatives serve each classroom to help parents navigate through information and coordinate classroom-specific activities. Check out the “PAWSinLS” resource page in Wildcat Web this fall for more information.

Catbackers Westminster’s all-sports booster organization, Catbackers, communicates the latest sports news, helps build school spirit, and provides volunteer opportunities in support of the athletics program. Working side-by-side for a shift in a concession stand is a great way to get to know fellow parents, and many volunteers from all divisions are needed! Learn more at westminster.net/catbackers.

PAWSinLS (PAWS in the Lower School) PAWS in the Lower School is a service organization that supports the Lower School administration and faculty by sponsoring age-appropriate activities, events, and service opportunities that enrich the experience in Love Hall.

All parents of Lower School students are members of PAWSinLS and are encouraged to volunteer in Lower School activities.

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a ys are alw s t n e r a p !

W il d ca t o len d a h a n d t g w illin

SHOW YOUR WILDCAT PRIDE

A Community That Cares Service Opportunities

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Westminster’s Glenn Institute for Philanthropy and Service Learning facilitates opportunities for students to authentically engage with the Atlanta community to become informed, actively engaged citizens. In the fall, learn more about Westminster’s service philosophy and opportunities on the “Glenn Institute” resource page.

Westminster strives to be an inclusive community that provides each of its members with a deep sense of belonging.

Led by a team of diversity, equity, and inclusion coordinators in each division, students and families are invited to participate in affinity groups, educational opportunities, and more. The School renewed its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in 2020, adopting a series of action steps to help focus our work in support of an inclusive School culture that fully celebrates each person in our community. Visit the “Wildcats for Equity” page on westminster.net for updates and highlights.

Philanthropy at Westminster A rich history of philanthropic support from our community is one of the driving factors of Westminster’s unique student experience. Nearly a quarter of the School’s annual operations are funded through gifts to the annual Westminster Fund and The Westminster Endowment— and every single student benefits!

Every family is encouraged to support Westminster in a way that is meaningful to them each year.

Th e Altern a tive Gif t Fair is TH E plac e to sh o p for h olid ay gif ts w ith a p urpose!

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SHOW YOUR WILDCAT PRIDE

Westminster Words ASK! (After School Kids!) Westminster’s

Lower School after-school program that extends the school day for an additional charge. Parents have the option of registering their child for one to five days per week in any or all of the three sessions during the school year.

Cats Short for “Wildcats.” Many clubs,

year to reflect, celebrate, and be inspired

by Christian teachings and values.

Class Rotation Night An evening when Middle School and Upper School parents follow student schedules for brief class periods to meet teachers who discuss course goals.

groups, and teams incorporate “Cats” in their nicknames. The WiredCats are the School’s robotics team, the CoopCats are the Lower Schoolers who take care of the chickens at Love Hall, and the KickCats are our soccer teams, just to name a few.

Cluck Hall A chicken coop adjacent to

Catbackers Westminster’s all-sports

Dress-up Days Days when students are

booster organization that communicates the latest sports news, helps build school spirit, and provides volunteer opportunities in support of the athletics program. Participation is open to anyone with an interest in Westminster athletics.

CATapult A yearlong leadership program for students in fifth grade that seeks to develop students as empathetic, engaged citizens.

Center for Teaching A center dedicated to all aspects of professional growth for our faculty and those from other schools who participate in the center’s activities.

Christian Emphasis Week An

opportunity for students and faculty to pause in the middle of the busy school

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the Lower School playground that houses hens hatched at Westminster. Children care for the animals and sell fresh eggs, using the proceeds to “take care of our chickens and do good deeds.” expected to dress in more formal attire, typically for a religious service or awards ceremony.

Family Service Days Weekend events

that offer families the opportunity to serve the community together organized by PAWS and the Glenn Institute.

The Glenn Institute Established in 2003

through the generosity of Tom ’65 and Lou Glenn, the Glenn Institute for Philanthropy and Service Learning sponsors programs and experiences to enable students, parents, faculty, staff, and alumni to make meaningful contributions to society.

Grade Chairs Grade-level advisors in Middle School and Upper School who serve as advocates and resources for students regarding academic, social, and extracurricular activities.

Grandparents and Special Friends Day A half-day event in the fall

when grandparents or special friends join students at school. Alternates yearly between Lower School and Middle School. Middle School will host for the 2021-22 school year.

JanTerm An intensive, three-week

course of study allowing Upper School students to focus on a single topic in great depth and at an accelerated pace. This immersive learning experience offers unique, hands-on experiences in the classroom as well as off-campus field trips and opportunities for overnight travel.

PAWSinLS Parents Association of The

Westminster Schools in the Lower School, a service organization that supports Lower School administration and faculty by sponsoring age-appropriate activities, events, and service opportunities that enrich the experience in Love Hall. All parents of Lower School students are members of PAWSinLS.

Pigskin Picnic A picnic supper

(organized by PAWS and Catbackers) for students, parents, faculty, and friends before a home varsity football game.

The Westminster Fund Annual fund

campaign that runs from July 1 to June 30.

Gifts enhance the day-to-day experiences of our students inside and outside the classroom. Your family is encouraged to participate at a level meaningful to you.

WCAT Student broadcast program that

Love. Challenge. Lead. Change

captures and reports events happening around campus and exposes students to broadcast journalism.

Westminster extends Christian love to all. Our students are nurtured by challenge. Wildcats lead with their hearts and minds. They have the power to change the world.

WelcomeCats Families who serve as a helpful connection and resource during the new Wildcat onboarding experience. WelcomeCats are perfect for answering questions about school life and getting acquainted with the Westminster community.

These four words communicate what is at the heart of Westminster.

Lynx An all-school yearbook created

by Upper School students under the guidance of faculty advisors.

PAWS Parents Association of

The Westminster Schools, a service organization for all parents. When you join the school community, you automatically become a member of this organization and are welcome to participate in PAWS meetings, activities, and events.

Wellness and Leadership A ninth grade transition program that develops skills and student understanding of health, wellness, and leadership.

WestFest Our all-school spring music festival hosted by PAWS. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, family, and friends to relax and enjoy food truck fare and live music from our talented performers.

10 WESTMINSTER OPPORTUNITIES NOT TO MISS Take a selfie with the Wildcat mascot and share using #westminstagram Attend the annual Pigskin Picnic and enjoy an action-packed varsity football game at Thompson Stadium Get your paws dirty and volunteer at a Family Service Day Soak in art and innovation with friends at the Innovation Fair Applaud the Westminster Players and Junior Players during a musical or play Walk (or run!) the Paul A. Koshewa Cross Country Trail (just not during a cross country meet...)

Shop the Alternative Gift Fair to support meaningful causes in Atlanta Attend Handel’s Messiah and join in song and celebration of the holiday season Roar for the Wildcats as they win a state championship

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But...don’t step on the seal in front of Pressly Hall (legend says you won’t graduate if you do!)

ALL IN FOR THE GREEN AND WHITE ALL IN FOR THE GREEN AND WHITE ALL IN FOR THE GREEN