ARE YOU A MEMBER OF THE PTSA?
It is a great deal at only $20.00 per family!
Wasn’t Fall Festival great? The PTSA paid for the set up and organization and all the proceeds went to the clubs. Last year, fall festival proceeds were $14,210.90! We had 232 families and teachers participating last school year. Imagine what we could do if we had 100% participation.
Sign up at this link: Join the PTSA
We would love to hear from members what programs you would like to see featured this year. Please send ideas to programs@mlwgsptsa.org
We had an amazing Fall Festival this year. It was one of the most successful years in raising money for the clubs and activities at Maggie L. Walker Governor's School. We wanted to thank the wonderful Silver Sponsors for this year's fest:
Virginia Cardiovascular Associates
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Citizens Climate Lobby
CCL empowers everyday people to work together on climate change solutions. Our supporters are organized in more than 400 local charters across the United States. Together we're building support in Congress for a national bipartisan solution to climate change.
MoranReevesConn, attorneys at Law
Moran, Reeves and Conn PC are dedicated to finding innovative solutions to their clients' complex legal needs. Moran, Reeves and Conn PC is comprised of attorneys who honed their craft practicing at prestigious national firms.
ATTENTION SENIOR PARENTS
The October issue of the Senior Newsletter was given to seniors last week and is available on the School Counseling Website!
All seniors should have already met with or be scheduled to meet with their senior counselor by the end of next week. Any seniors who have not yet done this should reach out directly to their counselor to schedule a meeting.
Teacher Recommendation Request forms are due at least two “school” weeks prior to the college/program deadline (breaks not included). Extra forms are in the School Counseling Office.
All Transcript Request Forms are due to counselors by 3:30 p.m. on November 15. Extra forms are in the School Counseling Office.
Our GRASP advisor, Susan Teerlink, is available to assist with financial aid information. Students and/or parents can sign up for an appointment in the School Counseling Office. Ms.Teerlink is at MLWGS on Mondays. You may also email Ms. Teerlink questions at mlwgs@grasp4virginia.com. Please be sure to check each college’s priority filing dates for the FAFSA and CSS Profile (if required). Filing dates may differ depending on the application deadline (Early Action, Early Decision, Regular Decision, etc.).
ATTENTION JUNIORS AND SENIORS!
National English Honor Society applications will be available on Monday, October 8 in Ms. Davis’ office. The application deadline to submit applications is Monday, October 29.
ATTENTION JUNIORS!
The Children's Museum Snow Queen Scholarship Application is available. To be a Snow Queen Candidate, you must:
-Be a high school junior girl
-Show a passion for working with children of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds
-Serve as a role for young girls through character and commitment to the museum's mission
-Exhibit balance between academics, community service and sports
-Have grades in good standing
-Submit two letters of recommendation: One from the school you are currently attending and one from another non-family member
-Be able to volunteer at least hours at CMoR's Snow Queen
Completed applications and 2 letters of recommendation must be received on or before 5:00 pm on Friday, November 2, 2018. Applications are available with Ms. Davis in counseling.
The Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) provides the following STEM opportunities. All of our programs are FREE to all Virginia students in grades 10-12.
-Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS) – Program for 10th grade students focusing on the missions flown or managed by NASA Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, with a Summer Academy program at NASA Wallops Flight Facility. http://vscs.spacegrant.org/
-Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) – Program for 11th or 12th grade students focusing on NASA’s human spaceflight missions and the Journey to Mars with an online course with a Summer Academy program at NASA Langley Research Center. Students can earn up to 4 free dual enrollment credits. http://vsgc.odu.edu/VASTS/
-Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) – Program for 11th or 12th grade students, VESSS is an interactive, on-line Earth System Science Course featuring NASA scientific research and data. The students can earn up to 5 transferable, free dual enrollment college credits and can also compete to attend a Summer Academy program at NASA Langley Research Center. http://www.vsgc.odu.edu/VESSS
The Society of Women Engineers at the University of Virginia invites high school sophomores, juniors and seniors to apply to our High School Visitation program on Saturday, November 17, 2018. The program gives young women a comprehensive look at the different engineering fields and UVA’s engineering curriculum through informative speakers, panels, lab tours, and hands-on design activities. The program is designed to benefit participants with all levels of engineering experience, but we particularly target those students who are not yet familiar with the field and may be interested in applying to engineering schools or pursuing a STEM career.
To apply, students should complete the HSV Fall 2018 Application which can be found on the UVA SWE Website (https://www.virginiaswe.org/hsv). This fall session particularly targets high school seniors, but sophomores and juniors can also apply. Students who have previously applied to HSV, are in the targeted grade level, and demonstrate a strong interest in engineering through their essay will receive priority acceptance and priority consideration for an overnight stay at UVA hosted by a SWE member.
The application must be completed online by 11:59 pm on Saturday, October 22, 2018.
ATTENTION SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS!
The High School Diplomats Program is now accepting applications for the 2019 High School Diplomats (HSD) program (July 24 - August 4) at Princeton University. We are a true scholarship opportunity (no costs or add-on fees) and our best students learn about HSD from their teachers and counselors. The online application is available on our website: www.highschooldiplomats.com until January 8, 2019 and all current sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply.
THERAPY DOGS VISITING OCTOBER 26TH!
Last spring, therapy dog teams from Caring Canines visited our school. The dogs were very popular and a request was made by students to have the dogs come to Maggie Walker for an additional visit. We have been able to accommodate this with the support of school staff and the help of Caring Canines. The dogs and their handlers will be visiting our school on October 26 and later in the spring. We’re excited about offering our students an additional opportunity to enjoy the animals.
Students must have a parent permission form to present to staff prior to entering the area where the dogs will be available (field weather permitting or the gym). A link for the form is attached to the document or students may pick up a copy in the counseling department. Questions? Contact Lisa Ebeling, School Psychologist, at lebeling@gsgis.k12.va.us or call at 354-6800, x 3260.
Click here for Dog Therapy Permission Form.
SCRIP FUNDRAISER
SCRIP fundraiser: Purchase gift cards and let those retailers give a percentage back to the Maggie Walker PTSA! First order due by noon on November 9.
Don’t you love the idea of shopping through retailers who will give money back to Maggie Walker? It costs you nothing extra! You can view all card options by going to https://www.scripzone.comcertificatelist.aspx. The first order will be due by noon on November 9, just in time for holiday gift cards, shopping, dining and traveling needs. Cards will be delivered the following week. Please think ahead of gift cards you may need for the holidays. Scrip cards can also be used in a variety of places you already shop for your everyday expenses. If you have a special order not listed on our order form but on the Scrip website, select the “other” option on the order form and list the store and denomination you want. Thanks for your support of our school community! If you are interested in the program, but have questions, feel free to contact Laura Dysart at 804-334-3509.
SCRIP Order form
WELLNESS INITIATIVES AT MLWGS
Mental/Emotional Health Initiatives at Maggie Walker
Our school is invested in supporting our students' emotional and social well-being. Interested in knowing about the programs that we have directed to that effort? Read all about it!
School staff at Maggie Walker have long recognized that our students have needs beyond the academic. In order for students to be well rounded and ready for life after high school, their social-emotional health must be supported as well. Maggie Walker has four counselors invested in supporting our students. Part-time school psychology services were added to the counseling department during the 2016/7 school year in order to make further assistance available to students.
Ever wonder what other mental wellness initiatives are at available at Maggie Walker? Here is an overview of the supports that are available this school year beyond individual counseling support:
· Fall 2018 – Implementation of the SOS Signs of Suicide Prevention Program through the 9th grade Health/PE classes. This program is designed to help our students recognize the characteristics of depression, how to support their peers, and to understand when to get adult support. This program includes a mental health wellness screening for students. A portal associated with the program has information and resources for our parents and will be available to all MLWGS parents. This class is offered during a lunch session for those students who took 9th grade PE online.
· October 2018 – Minding Your Mind presentation/CKG Foundation. Our freshman and seniors will hear a presentation by a certified, young adult speaker who has had experience with depression and/or anxiety. This is designed to educate students on common mental health conditions and works to destigmatize seeking treatment for these challenges.
· Fall 2019 /10th Graders – Personality and Career Inventory “Do What You Are.” This is designed to help our students learn about their personality, strengths, blind spots and more. It allows them to explore suitable careers and majors. This program is implemented by Joy Davis, school counselor and Lisa Ebeling, school psychologist.
· Winter 2019 – The SOS Second ACT Program will be implemented with the junior class. This extension of the SOS High School Program works to build the resiliency of our students. The program reviews the signs and symptoms of depression and suicide, while also prompting students to discuss substance use and other risky behaviors. Supporting material provides students with information on healthcare basics, as well as tips on seeking treatment, self-advocacy, and more. This is intended to help students with life skills needed after they leave high school.
· BC2M Club – This is a student-led club initiative that encourages teens to explore mental health topics in a safe and supportive environment. It provides a platform for our students to work with their peers to create a more educated and empathetic school community. Club sponsors are Tinsley Pollard, AP Psychology teacher and Lisa Ebeling, school psychologist.
· Stress Less, Laugh More Week – This is scheduled to take place in the spring before AP exams. The week is dedicated to decreasing stress and promoting fun. Last year’s activities included treats at lunch, a game day, and a visit from therapy dogs. A student committee works with Lisa Ebeling, school psychologist, and Paige Hawkins, Student Activities Director, to select the activities for the week.
· Peer Mentor Program – this program is designed to provide some of our freshman and sophomore students with personalized support from upper- classmen to help with the transition to Maggie Walker. This program is coordinated by Kierstin Streitel, school counselor and Lisa Ebeling, school psychologist.
· Small group support/Winter 2019– Our school psychologist partners with a therapist from the VCU Anxiety Clinic to provide targeted support to students. This includes topics on time management, stress reducing strategies, and building executive functioning skills.
· Mindfulness Room – available during the school year for students in need of a short-term respite space. This room is in our school counseling area.
· Mental Health Resources – available on the Maggie Walker website through the school counseling department. Our school psychologist is also available to assist parents with finding therapy supports in their area.
· Library - Our librarian, Wendy DeGroat, has resources on reducing stress for our students. These can be accessed at http://bit.ly/mindfulnessandcalm. Ms. DeGroat also has stress-reducing activities available at the library’s Creativity and Calm station. Ms. DeGroat is a certified Koru Mindfulness teacher and instructs students on Mindfulness in 10th grade PE and AP psychology classes.
Did you know that her bank building, the St. Luke’s Building, has just been named to the National Register of Historic Places? This is a great honor and opens up some avenues of funding for restoration. See the bottom of the NPS list.
SCRIP Order form
Mental/Emotional Health Initiatives at Maggie Walker
Our school is invested in supporting our students' emotional and social well-being. Interested in knowing about the programs that we have directed to that effort? Read all about it!
School staff at Maggie Walker have long recognized that our students have needs beyond the academic. In order for students to be well rounded and ready for life after high school, their social-emotional health must be supported as well. Maggie Walker has four counselors invested in supporting our students. Part-time school psychology services were added to the counseling department during the 2016/7 school year in order to make further assistance available to students.
Ever wonder what other mental wellness initiatives are at available at Maggie Walker? Here is an overview of the supports that are available this school year beyond individual counseling support:
· Fall 2018 – Implementation of the SOS Signs of Suicide Prevention Program through the 9th grade Health/PE classes. This program is designed to help our students recognize the characteristics of depression, how to support their peers, and to understand when to get adult support. This program includes a mental health wellness screening for students. A portal associated with the program has information and resources for our parents and will be available to all MLWGS parents. This class is offered during a lunch session for those students who took 9th grade PE online.
· October 2018 – Minding Your Mind presentation/CKG Foundation. Our freshman and seniors will hear a presentation by a certified, young adult speaker who has had experience with depression and/or anxiety. This is designed to educate students on common mental health conditions and works to destigmatize seeking treatment for these challenges.
· Fall 2019 /10th Graders – Personality and Career Inventory “Do What You Are.” This is designed to help our students learn about their personality, strengths, blind spots and more. It allows them to explore suitable careers and majors. This program is implemented by Joy Davis, school counselor and Lisa Ebeling, school psychologist.
· Winter 2019 – The SOS Second ACT Program will be implemented with the junior class. This extension of the SOS High School Program works to build the resiliency of our students. The program reviews the signs and symptoms of depression and suicide, while also prompting students to discuss substance use and other risky behaviors. Supporting material provides students with information on healthcare basics, as well as tips on seeking treatment, self-advocacy, and more. This is intended to help students with life skills needed after they leave high school.
· BC2M Club – This is a student-led club initiative that encourages teens to explore mental health topics in a safe and supportive environment. It provides a platform for our students to work with their peers to create a more educated and empathetic school community. Club sponsors are Tinsley Pollard, AP Psychology teacher and Lisa Ebeling, school psychologist.
· Stress Less, Laugh More Week – This is scheduled to take place in the spring before AP exams. The week is dedicated to decreasing stress and promoting fun. Last year’s activities included treats at lunch, a game day, and a visit from therapy dogs. A student committee works with Lisa Ebeling, school psychologist, and Paige Hawkins, Student Activities Director, to select the activities for the week.
· Peer Mentor Program – this program is designed to provide some of our freshman and sophomore students with personalized support from upper- classmen to help with the transition to Maggie Walker. This program is coordinated by Kierstin Streitel, school counselor and Lisa Ebeling, school psychologist.
· Small group support/Winter 2019– Our school psychologist partners with a therapist from the VCU Anxiety Clinic to provide targeted support to students. This includes topics on time management, stress reducing strategies, and building executive functioning skills.
· Mindfulness Room – available during the school year for students in need of a short-term respite space. This room is in our school counseling area.
· Mental Health Resources – available on the Maggie Walker website through the school counseling department. Our school psychologist is also available to assist parents with finding therapy supports in their area.
· Library - Our librarian, Wendy DeGroat, has resources on reducing stress for our students. These can be accessed at http://bit.ly/mindfulnessandcalm. Ms. DeGroat also has stress-reducing activities available at the library’s Creativity and Calm station. Ms. DeGroat is a certified Koru Mindfulness teacher and instructs students on Mindfulness in 10th grade PE and AP psychology classes.
MAGGIE L. WALKER AND HER LEGACY
Did you know that her bank building, the St. Luke’s Building, has just been named to the National Register of Historic Places? This is a great honor and opens up some avenues of funding for restoration. See the bottom of the NPS list.
