Week of November 4, 2014

A MESSAGE FROM THE FAMILY OF BEAR O’BRYAN



Dear MLWGS Students, Parents, Colleagues, Alumni and Friends:

Saturday night left me in awe. The depth of your feeling showed very clearly. Each detail, picture, and story evoked a smile or a tear. I can now add your memories to my own. The time and emotion invested by you to organize such an incredible display is an honor few receive.

Bear spoke of each of you often and felt pride in each accomplishment you experienced. Many times we discussed your amazing abilities and intellect. He knew he was privileged to be a part of your life. And Saturday night, you once again proved what exceptional individuals you are.

Because of you, he looked forward to every work day. Because of you, he kept his youth. Because of you, he had a purpose. In many ways, you introduced me to my brother. You gave Bear the greatest gift any person can receive – your trust.

Thank you for allowing us to share this night with his other family.

The Family of Bear O’Bryan




NIGHT OF THE DRAGON


The thirteenth annual “Night of the Dragon,” an exciting evening of live and silent auctions, delicious food and spirits, beautiful music, and enjoyable conversation, will be held on February 21, 2015 at the Hilton Hotel and Spa in Short Pump.

This event directly benefits the students of the Maggie L. Walker Governor's School by providing major funding for the PTSA, Academic Boosters, Athletic Boosters, Drama Boosters, Music Boosters, Visual Arts Boosters, and The Governor's School Foundation.

The auction offers a large variety of items and donations are actively being solicited now. Some of the best-selling items include weekend getaways at vacation homes, themed dinners, and unique tours of area attractions - especially those not normally accessible to the public.
Have a unique skill? Willing to offer lessons or a demo? Both are welcome. Can't think of anything to donate? Redeem credit card points for gift cards and donate the gift cards to the auction.

Donation forms are available on the event website, www.nightofthedragon.com. Just print out a form and return it to the auction box in Valenta Williams' office off the Bluestone Lobby. The deadline for donations to be included in this year's event is December 12, 2014.

Questions? Contact Karen Akens at karenakens@gmail.com.



REFLECTIONS CONTEST ENTRIES DEADLINE EXTENDED TO FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7


Please submit entries for the PTA 2014-15 Reflections Program. This year’s theme is "The world would be a better place if...”. Entries are accepted in the following categories -

  • Visual Arts,
  • Photography,
  • Dance Choreography,
  • Film Production,
  • Musical Competition, and
  • Literature.

Complete information is available at the Virginia PTA website (http://www.vapta.org/arts-in-education/reflections.html). Contact PTSA Reflections Chair, Uma Vissa (umavissa@gmail.com) with questions. This year's deadline for entry submission has been extended to Friday, November 7. Please give entry packets to Ms. Valenta Williams at the Front Office.



FOUNDATION ANNUAL FUND CAMPAIGN SUPPORTS STUDENTS



The Governor's School Foundation Annual Fund Campaign has begun. The first Annual Fund letter went out this past week. Please consider donating to the fund. The Annual Fund supports programs for students, grants for teacher continuing education and staff development, and facilities and technology support.

The Foundation supports classroom instruction, such as the recent Military History Class field trip to Annapolis and Baltimore. Included in the trip were visits to the Marine Corp Museum at Quantico, Fort McHenry, and historic battleships in Baltimore. After a tour of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, current students were also able to have a Question and Answer Session with alumna Gabi deLeon '13. Gabi is a current student at the Naval Academy.

So far this year, the Annual Fund Campaign has raised $75,040 for the school. As the Governor’s School Foundation begins its campaign, overall current parent participation is 15%. Parent participation by class is:

  • Seniors: 21%
  • Juniors: 16%
  • Sophomores: 15%
  • Freshmen: 4%

To donate to the Annual Fund online, go to http://www.governorsschoolfoundation.org/donate/



PARENTS NEEDED! MLWGS INFORMATIONAL PROGRAM FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS/FAMILIES



Remember the night prospective parents and students first came to MLWGS for an informational night and went to the break-out session where parents of current students gave them the inside scoop about what MLWGS was REALLY like? Well, now there’s an opportunity to be that parent! Please consider volunteering November 10, 11, or 12, from 6:30-8:30pm and share the awesome MLWGS experience with prospective students and families! Current parents only please. Contact Elizabeth Wong at mew.mailbox@gmail.com or Megan Rainey at mrainey@gsgis.k12.va.us.

Click HERE (http://www.signupgenius.com/go/508044ca4ae283-mlwgs1) to sign up now! Thank you!



SCRIP ORDERS DUE



The next SCRIP order due date is Thursday, November 13, and will be ready for pick-up the following Thursday, November 20. Please consider ordering SCRIP gift cards for favorite stores and restaurants while supporting MLWGS!

Remaining 2014 SCRIP dates:

  • Order November 13, pick up November 20
  • Order December 4, pick up December 11 (last delivery in 2014)

Order forms can be downloaded here under "Links" or picked up in Office 100. Orders are due on Thursdays in the SCRIP drop box located in Office 100 and delivered the following Thursday at lunchtime in Office 100. Delivery and pickup dates can also be found on the MLWGS online calendar. Be sure to check out the list of SCRIP retailers, which is constantly being updated.Questions? Please contact:

Patty Wood 804-364-9263 or scrippattyw@gmail.com
Patty Zeevi 804-784-2966 or scrippattyz@gmail.com



TWO STUDENTS HAVE WORK ACCEPTED

TO LIBRARY OF VIRGINIA



As the culmination of their historiography lessons in Mr. Wilkes’ advanced seminar, students complete an oral history project that requires they research, interview, record, and produce an oral history project on a living participant in an event of historical significance. Two of last year’s students recently learned their work had been accepted into the collections of the Library of Virginia.

Megan Keck chose to examine the integration of Charles City County Schools thorough the efforts of county resident, Richard Bowman. Mr. Bowman successfully filed suit in 1963 (Bowman v. School Board of Charles City), to rectify the inequities present in the county’s unique and segregated composition of white, African-American and Native American students.

Reed Canaan researched the journey of Martha Grattan, a MLWGS parent, who entered Washington and Lee University in 1985 as a member of the school’s first female class – a path that proved both controversial and challenging. Reed’s investigation involved close examination of school records opened to her by the library and archives at Washington and Lee. Her work was added to the Washington and Lee library in addition to the Library of Virginia.



FREEDOM OF CHOICE AT THE DRAGON'S LAIR



At The Dragon's Lair, you can cast your vote for your preferred writing instrument, available for just $2! One is available in metallic green with the MLWGS logo, the other comes in glossy black. However, they both write with the same easy-flowing black ink, so they're pretty much the same, which is by no means a thinly veiled allegory for our two major political parties.

Moving on! Come be a good community citizen and check out our wares every Tuesday and Friday during lunch, during Parent/Teacher conferences, or 24/7 at http://mlwgsdragons.weebly.com/. Cash and credit cards welcome. And remember: shop early, shop often.