THE DRESS CHAPEL TALK WALK ACROSS FRESHMEN THE LAWN
GIRLS PREPARATORY SCHOOL to where YOU WANT go
OPENING DAY CAT-RAT
ROBOTICS TEAM WHAT WILL YOU CREATE IN THE MAKERSPACE?
JUNIOR FRESHMEN STUDENT COUNCIL ROBOTICS TEAM
CAT-RAT OPENING DAY MAY DAY
THE DRESS ORCHESTRA
CAT-RAT
TERPSICHORD
SPRING MUSICAL CAT-RAT DRESS
At Girls Preparatory School, we are proud that our students are:
Confident KIND READY CURIOUS
to speak up in class, raise their hands, make new friends, and stand up for themselves,
to themselves, their classmates, and others,
to learn more and try new things, and
to pursue their dreams!
In the pages ahead, you can enjoy activities and quizzes that will give you insight into your personality—what do you like and dislike?
Where do you shine?
We think the best way to figure out where you will fit in (and stand out!) is to learn more about who you are while also discovering what makes our school special. GPS is designed to provide the best environment for you to be YOU while making friends and learning from teachers and coaches who lift you up to become your best self!
Turn the page, get started, and have fun!
GPS was founded way back in 1906 by three women who wanted to provide a great education for girls just like you! Since the school has been around so long, there are lots of fun traditions you get to participate in during your time on campus!
Take the quiz below to find out which tradition at GPS you might enjoy most!
WHAT GPS tradition ARE YOU?
MY FAVORITE CLASS IN SCHOOL IS
Art
Math
Lunch
English
YOUR ANSWER
GETTING READY IN THE MORNINGS TAKES ME
At least 30 minutes—gotta do my hair! Less than 5 minutes—I like to roll out of bed and go.
Not too long—I’m eager to get to school to see my friends!
I try to prepare the night before so I don’t have to think too much in the morning.
YOUR ANSWER
IN MY FREE TIME I ENJOY
Spending as much time outside as possible.
Being part of a group, like a sports team or choir.
Hanging out with my friends.
Reading and writing.
YOUR ANSWER
I’D CONSIDER MY STYLE
Girly—I love dresses and skirts. Whatever’s clean!
Trendy—I love getting ideas from others!
Unique—I want to really show people who I am.
YOUR ANSWER
OTHERS MIGHT DESCRIBE ME AS
Energetic
Quiet Friendly
Trustworthy
YOUR ANSWER
WHEN IT COMES TO MEETING NEW PEOPLE
I let my personality shine!
I’m most comfortable around people I already know, but I am always excited to make new friends!
I can talk to anyone!
I let other people come to me first!
YOUR ANSWER
WHEN IT COMES TO GROUP PROJECTS
I like to take charge as a leader.
I’m most comfortable working out all the details to make it go smoothly.
I am happy to help others in my group who may be having a hard time.
I am the one taking notes.
YOUR ANSWER
WHEN I THINK ABOUT THE FUTURE, I COULD SEE MYSELF AS
An artist
An astronaut
The leader of my own company
A journalist or author
YOUR ANSWER
MOSTLY A s
May Day
May Day is a day designed to celebrate the senior class, but it’s a fun day for EVERYONE! Different grades can dance, and seniors get presented to their family and friends on Smith Courtyard.
MOSTLY B s
The Uniform
The GPS uniform has been around for more than 100 years (though it’s changed a bit since the early days)! Each grade has a class color for special occasions, but otherwise, you can wear whatever color you want each day!
MOSTLY C s
Cat-Rat
Cat-Rat is a fun program where you get paired up with a senior as a sixthgrader, so she can show you the ropes!
MOSTLY D s
Chapel Talk
At GPS, when you’re a senior, you get to give a speech in front of the WHOLE SCHOOL about ANYTHING you want! Your friends and family even cheer you on from the audience!
Cat-Rat
Just be yourself. Taylor Swift THERE
IS NO ONE BETTER.
Tear out this poster and hang it on your wall!
GPS true OR false? Bonus!
Complete the activity below to test your knowledge of GPS!
YOU HAVE ASSIGNED SEATS AT LUNCH. ..................................................................................................
OR FALSE
EACH GRADE HAS ITS OWN CLASS COLOR UNIFORM. .......................................................................... TRUE OR FALSE
YOU CAN JOIN ANY CLUB YOU WANT. ..................................................................................................... TRUE OR FALSE
EACH GRADE HAS A CLASS RETREAT. ...................................................................................................... TRUE OR FALSE
IT’S COMMON TO SEE GIRLS SINGING AND DANCING ON THE FRONT LAWN. .................................
EVERYONE TAKES THE SAME CLASSES. ...................................................................................................
EVERYONE TAKES DANCE IN SIXTH GRADE. ...........................................................................................
OR FALSE
OR
OR FALSE
EVERYONE PLAYS A SPORT IN MIDDLE SCHOOL. .................................................................................. TRUE OR FALSE
SCHOOL STARTS LATE ON WEDNESDAYS. ...............................................................................................
TEACHERS ARE ALWAYS WILLING TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS OR OFFER EXTRA HELP. ..............
CLASS SIZES ARE BIG, SO TEACHERS DON’T KNOW YOU BY NAME. ....................................................
HELP CLASS IS OFFERED ALMOST EVERY DAY. .......................................................................................
OR FALSE
OR FALSE
OR FALSE
OR
I can’t wait to be a Cat and meet my Rat. Cat-Rat is my favorite tradition at GPS! I love my Cat so much and see her a lot.”
- Karen Kal ’28
ORCHESTRA MODEL UN
SPORTS TEAM
MUSICAL
GIRLS PREPARATORY SCHOOL at FALL
CLUBS TRY NEW THINGS
KALEIDOSCOPE
SPRING PLAY
ROBOTICS TEAM
MAKERSPACE TERPSICHORD
SPORTS TEAM COMMUNITY
MODEL UN ORCHESTRA
G-FORCE
SPRING PLAY CLUBS MOTION MAKERS IN THE PARTNERSHIPS COMMUNITY
STUDENT COUNCIL TUCKER FELLOWS PARTNERSHIPS SPRING
MOTION MAKERS
FALL MUSICAL
In middle school at GPS, you can try anything you want! Whether it’s a club, a sport, or an after-school activity, there’s nothing holding you back! Trying new things is a great way to figure out what you like and what you don’t.
Follow the arrow of the answer you agree with more to see which after-school activity you might enjoy at GPS!
WHAT GPS ACTIVITY should you try?
I enjoy figuring out how things work.
Oh yeah!
I like the idea of trying something brand new.
Not really...
I’d rather stick to what I know.
I can go either way.
I can see myself being a YouTube influencer someday. I love spending time outdoors.
Umm... that would be a no. I wanna soak up the sun!
My friends would consider me pretty competitive.
Ehh, not really. I’m more of an indoors-y person.
Oh yeah, the camera loves me!
I like to dance.
If you don’t try, you’ll never know!
Depends on the activity.
A little healthy competition is all in good fun!
Math and science interest me.
Art class is where I thrive.
On the weekends you’ll find me:
Not so much...
I’m a dancing queen!
2 + 2 = Yes!
ROBOTICS TEAM
Watching my favorite TV show or movie.
Being on stage sounds exciting to me.
Learning the newest technology. Stage? More like field!
The middle school robotics team is available to anyone and teaches you all about teamwork, programming, and technology!
Cheering on my favorite team.
SPORTS TEAM
In middle school at GPS, there are 12 sports available to try!
I was born to be a star!
MUSICAL OR PLAY
Performed with our brother school, McCallie, the middle school musical and play are great after-school options! Plus, if you’re not interested in performing, you can always help backstage.
Middle School Sports
Leave something
Dolly Parton IN EVERY DAY. GOOD
Tear out this poster and hang it on your wall!
TRY NEW THINGS challenge!
TRY A NEW SNACK.
HELP OUT WITH A NEW CHORE.
INVITE A NEW FRIEND TO HANG OUT.
Trying new things can be a challenge, but we know you’re up for it! In the coming weeks, see how many of these options below you can accomplish. Be sure to mark them off once you’re done, so you can see all the progress you’ve made!
START READING A NONFICTION BOOK. SET A NEW GOAL FOR THE YEAR.
TRY A NEW VEGETABLE.
TRY A NEW LOOK. MAKE A CRAFT.
ORGANIZE YOUR CLOSET IN A NEW WAY. MAKE SOMETHING NEW IN THE KITCHEN.
TRY A NEW SPORT. WRITE A POEM.
TAKE A NEW ROUTE ON A WALK WITH YOUR FAMILY.
VOLUNTEER AT A LOCAL ORGANIZATION.
TRY A NEW CARD GAME. LISTEN TO A NEW SONG.
I’ve never been someone who was super interested in the arts, but theater was my favorite class because the teacher made it so much fun. It was really a great experience !”
- Molly Ransom ’27
DAYS
FOOTBALL GAMES
HAVE A BLAST
GIRLS
At GPS, we believe in having fun inside AND outside of the classroom. That’s why we get together with our brother school, McCallie, as much as possible for activities and socials! Just because GPS is an all-girls school doesn’t mean you never see boys.
In middle school at GPS, there are tons of fun coordinate events with McCallie! See if you can find some of the activities in the word search below.
HOW MANY
coordinate events
WILL YOU ATTEND?
BARN DANCE
FIELD DAY
FOOTBALL GAMES
PEP RALLY
COMMUNITY
DODGEBALL
COORDINATE CHOIR
TALENT SHOW
THEATER
CoordinateProgram
DON'T BE
AFRAID.
BE FOCUSED. BE DETERMINED. BE HOPEFUL.
Be
MICHELLE OBAMA Empowered.
Tear out this poster and hang it on your wall!
WHAT’S THE
difference?
Is better at handling the complexities of reading and writing
Is better at creating pictures and charts
Is half-developed at age 15 and fully developed at 30
Is half-developed at age 11 and fully developed at 22
Do you know the difference between girl brains and boy brains? Try to place these facts in the correct blanks, then check the answer key to see if you are right!
Hippocampus is larger, which allows for more memory storage and increases their learning advantage
Has 6.5x more information processing matter
I loved GPS because every day I could rely on the fact that I would learn something and I would make new memories. My answer to ‘Why GPS?’ is ‘Why not GPS?’ If you can’t answer that question, then you’re destined to be here.”
- Morgan Summerlin ’23
FACT #6
FACT #1
FACT #4
FACT #5
MATCH YOUR DRESS COLOR TO YOUR MOOD
WHICH CLUB WILL YOU JOIN?
EXPLORE INDEPENDENCE GIRLS PREPARATORY SCHOOL at ON THE FIELD OR IN THE STANDS?
THE FIELD
STANDS?
WHAT’S YOUR TALENT? ON STAGE OR BEHIND THE SCENES? PIZZA, TOFU, OR BOTH?
STUDY ON THE PATIO OR IN THE LIBRARY?
MATCH TO
MATCH YOUR TO YOUR LET YOUR LOCKER SHOWCASE YOUR STYLE YOUR WHAT WILL YOU CREATE IN THE MAKERSPACE?
WHICH CLUB WILL YOU JOIN? WILL YOU CREATE MAKERSPACE? WHAT’S WILL YOU JOIN? PIZZA, TOFU, OR BOTH? WHAT’S YOUR TALENT? WHERE WILL YOU HANG YOU HANG OUT? WHICH CLUB
At GPS, we believe you’ve earned more independence than you had in elementary school. You’re growing up after all! Say goodbye to walking in line from class to class and hello to choosing your own lunch!
Choose the answers that you identify with most, then add them all up to see which category describes you best!
How independent ARE YOU?
1 I PICK OUT MY OWN OUTFITS.
Never Sometimes Always
2 I SET THE TABLE.
Never Sometimes Always
3 I PREPARE MY OWN BREAKFAST.
Never Sometimes Always
4 I DO MY HOMEWORK WITHOUT BEING REMINDED.
Never Sometimes Always
5 I SHAKE HANDS WHEN I MEET NEW PEOPLE.
Never Sometimes Always
6 I TAKE CARE OF A PET.
Never Sometimes Always
7 I ENJOY SPENDING TIME ALONE.
Never Sometimes Always
8 I CLEAN MY ROOM WITHOUT BEING ASKED.
Never Sometimes Always
MOSTLY NEVER
You may not be the most independent gal yet, but that’s totally OK! That’s what middle school is all about! Consider stepping out of your comfort zone every once in a while to try something on your own.
MOSTLY SOMETIMES
You’re well on your way to being Miss Independent! It sounds like you’ve started stepping up in many situations, and your time in middle school at GPS will help you grow your independence even more!
MOSTLY ALWAYS
You are about as independent as they come! You like facing challenges and growing—some of the best traits of our own students at GPS! Keep up the good work, but never feel like you can’t ask for help when you need it.
GPS pushes you to try new things and be your very best, whether it be in classes, music and arts, or athletics. It provides opportunities and support no matter what you’re interested in.”
- Meghan Boehm ’23
Hands-On Learning
SUCCESS
IS LIKING YOURSELF, LIKING WHAT YOU DO, AND LIKING HOW YOU DO IT.
MAYA ANGELOU
Bonus!
Tear out this poster and hang it on your wall!
the story! COMPLETE
Fill in the paragraph below with your own words or have a friend or family member pick words without seeing the text, then read it out loud for even more fun!
I CAN’T BELIEVE TOMORROW IS MY FIRST DAY AT GPS! I’VE DECIDED
TO WEAR MY ________________ UNIFORM AND PAIR IT WITH MY ________________
COLOR
ACCESSORY
TO SHOW OFF MY STYLE. I DON’T KNOW MY LOCKER MATE YET, BUT
I PLAN TO INTRODUCE MYSELF BY SAYING ________________. MY FIRST
CLASS IS ________________. I HOPE MY TEACHER IS ________________! AT LUNCH
SCHOOL SUBJECT
GREETING ADJECTIVE
I CAN’T WAIT TO TRY THE ________________. I HEAR IT’S DELICIOUS! AFTER
FOOD
SCHOOL I’M EXCITED TO TRY MY HAND AT ________________!
ACTIVITY
IN STUCO
LUNCH MAKE NEW BUT KEEP THE OLD GIRLS PREPARATORY SCHOOL at FRIENDS IN CLASS IN THEATER IN THE MAKERSPACE ON THE STAGE ON THE SWIM TEAM IN TUCKER
IN STUDENT FORUMS
ON THE FIELD IN TERPSICHORD ON THE ROWING TEAM
RIVER FELLOWS
TERPSICHORD THEATER IN PIC ON THE IN THEATER
COURT TEAM ON THE FIELD STUCO IN THE IN STUDENT IN TUCKER RIVER FELLOWS THE ART STUDIO IN CLASS IN THE MAKERSPACE
At GPS, we believe in the power of sisterhood. We lift each other up and support each others’ dreams. You might say we’re each others’ biggest cheerleaders!
Mark the statements that you agree with. Then add up all of your picks to see which color you checked the most!
new GPS friends? WHERE WILL YOU MEET
I ALWAYS PICK ”DARE” WHEN PLAYING TRUTH OR DARE.
I’M USUALLY UP FOR AN ADVENTURE—AS LONG AS I KNOW THE DETAILS BEFOREHAND.
I HAVE LOTS OF INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL. I LIKE TO STICK TO A SCHEDULE.
I’D TRY ROCK CLIMBING— BUT INDOORS, NOT ON A ROCKY CLIFF!
I LOVE TRYING NEW FOODS.
I RAISE MY HAND IN CLASS.
TALKING TO A NEW PERSON MAKES ME A LITTLE NERVOUS.
I ENJOY GROUP PROJECTS.
I BELIEVE THAT PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT.
I’D LOVE TO TURN THE THING I LOVE MOST INTO A JOB SOMEDAY!
I LIKE TALKING TO OTHERS ABOUT WHAT I’VE LEARNED.
MY WEEKENDS ARE ALWAYS PRETTY BUSY.
I THINK IT’S COOL WHEN OTHERS HAVE THE SAME INTERESTS AS I DO.
I ALWAYS MAKE SURE TO FINISH MY HOMEWORK.
ROLLERCOASTERS ARE MY FAVORITE ATTRACTION AT AN AMUSEMENT PARK.
MOSTLY LIGHT ORANGE
In Class
You’ll have lots of opportunities to meet new friends in your classes, so be sure to say hi to the person sitting next to you. You never know where you’ll meet your new best friend.
MOSTLY MEDIUM ORANGE
In Sports
Nothing bonds you faster than finding a teammate you can count on. Playing sports is a great way to get to know someone who has your back. High-fives all around!
MOSTLY DARK ORANGE
In Clubs
There are so many clubs at GPS, the only problem will be deciding which ones to join. The best part is you can try new clubs each year. Be sure to jump in and have fun as you discover new ideas.
Sisterhood
WHEN WOMEN HELP OTHER WOMEN. KASIA GOSPOS things happen Amazing
This That? OR Bonus!
Tear out this poster and hang it on your wall!
DOGS
ICE CREAM
EARLY BIRD
LUNCH
BOOKS
OUTSPOKEN
DRESS UP
INDOORS
SALTY
DANCE
SERIOUS WORLD TRAVELER
CATS
COOKIES
NIGHT OWL
RECESS
SING SILLY HOMEBODY OR
MOVIES
QUIET
DRESS CASUAL OUTDOORS
SWEET
Sometimes the best way to make new friends is to see what you have in common! Using the list below, play This or That with someone you don’t know very well, and see what you learn about them!
GPS to me is literally a sisterhood; the bond we all share is unmatched. By coming to school every day, I got to see some of my best friends and got to be in an environment where I knew I was loved, supported, and accepted. Sisterhood is why I chose GPS.”
- Louisa Bohner ’22
ROBOTS
GREEN SCREEN
VIRTUAL REALITY
3D PRINTING DRONES
BECOME OF TECH
GIRLS PREPARATORY SCHOOL at THE QUEEN LABS
STUDIO
COMPUTER LAB GREEN SCREEN ROBOTS
THE MAKERSPACE
PODCAST STUDIO
3D PRINTING
RECORDING BOOTH STEM DRONES
VIRTUAL REALITY STEM
GREEN SCREEN
ROBOTS COMPUTER LABS
Technology is your friend at GPS! In sixth grade you get your own laptop. But beyond that, our makerspace is full of awesome tech gadgets you can enjoy in clubs and class activities!
Choose the answers you relate to most, then add up how many you have of each letter and see which GPS Makerspace activity suits you best!
PICK AN EMOJI:
YOUR ANSWER
PICK A QUOTE:
“Creativity is contagious.”
—Albert Einstein
“Dare to dream, then decide to do.”
—Annette White
“Wonder is the beginning of wisdom.”
—Socrates
“Mistakes are proof that you’re trying.”
—Jennifer Lim
YOUR ANSWER
PICK A FONT:
I lIke thIs font. I like this font.
I like this font. I like this font.
YOUR ANSWER
makerspace activity
WHICH ARE YOU?
PICK A COLOR:
Purple
Silver
Green
Red
YOUR ANSWER
PICK A SNACK:
Pretzels
Cheese + Crackers
Popcorn
Apple
YOUR ANSWER
PICK A GPS CLUB:
Art Club
Improv Club
Girls Who Code Club
Environmental Club
YOUR ANSWER
PICK A DESTINATION:
Atlanta, Georgia
Nashville, Tennessee Birmingham, Alabama
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
YOUR ANSWER
PICK A LAPTOP STICKER:
IF YOU DON'T SEE A CLEAR PATH FOR WHAT YOU WANT, SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO MINDY KALING make it yourself.
Tear out this poster and hang it on your wall!
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning a bit more about yourself and our wonderful school through the activities in this viewbook! At GPS, we believe middle school is a time to discover who you are and who you want to be, try new things, figure out what you love most, and grow in your confidence and independence.
In the year ahead, we hope to see you and your family on campus to show you around. Our students are always excited to see new faces and share their stories of what they love about attending an all-girls school!