Westminster words

ASK! (After School Kids!) Westminster’s Lower School after-school program that extends the school day for an additional fee. 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, groups, and teams incorporate “Cats” in their nicknames. The WiredCats are the School’s robotics team, the StageCats are the Westminster Players, and the KickCats are our soccer teams, just to name a few.

Catbackers Westminster’s all-sports booster organization that 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 educators 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 year to reflect on, celebrate, and be inspired by Christian teachings and values.

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

Dress-Up Days Days when students are expected to dress in more formal attire, typically for a religious service or awards ceremony.

Family Service Days Weekend events organized by PAWS and the Glenn Institute that offer families the opportunity to serve the community together.

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 the Middle and Upper Schools who serve as advocates and resources for students regarding academic, social, and extracurricular activities.

Grandparents and Special

Friends Day A half-day event when grandparents or special friends join students at school. Alternates yearly between the Lower and Middle Schools. The Middle School will host for the 2023–24 school year.

JanTerm An intensive, three-week period 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.

Love. Challenge. Lead. Change

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

Lynx An all-school yearbook created by Upper School students under the guidance of faculty advisors.

MayATL An opportunity in the final days of the school year for Middle School students to take a mini-elective designed to engage their curiosity and interests beyond the standard curriculum. This experiential learning opportunity transcends classroom walls and connects to the broader Atlanta community.

PAWS The 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.

PAWSinLS The Parents Association of The Westminster Schools in the Lower School, a service organization that supports Lower School administration and faculty by sponsoring ageappropriate 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 community picnic dinner for students, parents, faculty, and friends before a home varsity football game.

The Westminster Fund Our 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 Our student broadcast program that captures and reports events happening around campus and exposes students to broadcast journalism.

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.

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

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.

But ... don’t step on the seal in front of Pressly Hall —at least until you are a senior!