Although the new eight-day rotation of classes may have brought a little confusion and some lost students (and teachers) during the first few weeks of school, everyone seems to be enjoying the new GPS schedule. The lack of bells to signify class starts and stops has been especially welcome, as both faculty and students remark on the more relaxed atmosphere. A remodeled lounge in the Upper School is open for Chapel Talk receptions that have featured flowers, photo boards, and theme décor, as well as a menu of light bites and refreshments for friends and family.
In addition to the new students acclimating to the GPS classroom are several new part-time and full-time faculty and coaches. Their degrees are from Williams College, The University of Alabama, Cambridge University, UTK, Hollins College, Agnes Scott, Berry College and Princeton. Their interests range from golf and Sudoku to biking and blogging about new recipes.
In the classroom are Catherine Kelly, English; Colleen Cogan, French; Sarah Jackson, history; Pai-Lei Chen, Mandarin Chinese; Louise ”Weesie” Glendenning Cook ’94, History of the New Testament; and Brianne Roddy, Spanish. Ms. Cook and Ms. Roddy, who were part-time faculty last year, have added new responsibilities, and Ms. Cook continues as the GPS community service coordinator.
Jayne Maupin, three-time golf All-American, is the new coach for the varsity and Middle School golf teams. Anders Swanson, an All-Ivy League rower in college, will lead the crew program.