Week of February 19, 2020

PLEASE READ AND ACT TODAY

The need for an RN is on the MLWGS school board agenda for the next school board meeting on February 20. In Virginia, ONLY a Licensed Registered Nurse (“RN”) can train medically unlicensed staff in emergency medication administration and treatments (i.e. recognizing symptoms of problems as well as administering medications such as insulin, EpiPens, etc). Having an RN at MLWGS is essential in the management of all types of student health challenges. Without an RN, MLWGS cannot properly manage the medical needs of its students. In Virginia, counseling and teaching are also nursing tasks that cannot be delegated (18VAC90-19-280. Nursing Tasks That Shall Not Be Delegated.). Because we lack access to an RN, there is no process at MLWGS in place to take care of the training of a student’s teachers. Please contact your MLWGS school board representative TODAY, as the meeting is tomorrow to express our need for an RN at MLWGS. Please find your MLWGS school board representative and contact information here: Regional School Board

BACCALAUREATE LETTER AND SURVEY

Please read the LETTER from MLWGS PTSA President, Craig Martin regarding Baccalaureate.  We would then love to get your feedback through one of the surveys. Your responses are highly appreciated and valued and we would love to have your input by February 23.

Thank you to everyone who has given feedback related to the Baccalaureate event. Your input is extremely helpful. We will report back what is decided from our deliberations. I hope to see you all at The Night of the Dragon on February 29!

Parent survey

Student survey

MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS

SOS SECOND ACT

SOS Second Act is a mental health program that is being implemented by Lisa Ebeling, School Psychologist, for our juniors. SOS Second Act will be presented through the English classes starting on February 20. This program helps students to understand the signs of depression and potential suicidal thinking and provides information on how to support themselves or a peer when experiencing an emotional concern. This program is a designed as a booster for a similar program implemented to the students when they were freshmen. It reminds the juniors of the resources that they have available now and the ones that they can access when they have graduated from Maggie Walker. Questions?  Call Mrs. Ebeling at 354-6800, ext. 3260 or email her at lebeling@gsgis.k12.va.us.

WINTER GROUP OFFERING FOR PARENTS
Anxiety and stress are common issues seen with adolescents and these concerns can impact students at home as well as at school. Lisa Ebeling, MLWGS School Psychologist, is facilitating a group for parents on this very important topic. She will be coordinating the group with Jasmine Coleman who is a graduate student in the VCU Clinical Psychology Department. We will discuss the characteristics of anxiety along with practical ways that parents can support their children. The group will meet from 6-7:00 p.m. starting on Tuesday, February 25 and will run for four weeks. Please let Mrs. Ebeling know if you’re interested in the group and she will let you know the meeting location after verifying the number of participants. You can reach her at 354-6800, x 3260 or by email at lebeling@gsgis.k12.va.us

SPRING SPORTS

Spring Sports start February 24. Please check the school website for the VHSL physical form and dates/times/locations of tryouts.

Spring Coaches and Parents meeting is March 4 at 6:00 p.m. in the Forum. 

Physicals for the 2020-2021 School year will be performed May 18 at 3:30 p.m. in the athletic hallway. All forms need to be completed and signed by a parent or guardian to be seen. Click the link to sign up and the print off forms. We are not doing time slots this year- just sign up here, first come, first served. Please contact Christy Turnbow,ATC for any questions. 

MLWGS DRAMA PRESENTS: THE ADDAMS FAMILY

Inspired by the Charles Addams cartoons, THE ADDAMS FAMILY explores the most unthinkable nightmare ever faced by this spooky, kooky, and ooky family: Wednesday Addams falls in love with the sweet, smart, “normal”, Lucas Beineke. With secrets kept and potions concocted, both the Beineke and Addams family must attempt to accept their children’s love for one another even if it means breaking tradition. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.

TICKETS AND PERFORMANCES: February 27 and 28 at 7 p.m. and February 29 at 2 p.m. at the Maggie L. Walker High School auditorium, 1000 N. Lombardy Street, Richmond, VA 23220.

Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the door- cash or check only.

Drama Club Sponsor, Leigh Glatt and the Maggie L. Walker Drama Department are thrilled to announce their production of the high school version of the Broadway musical THE ADDAMS FAMILY, directed by our very own English teacher Leigh Glatt, Producer Devon E. Mattys, Musical Director Shellie Johnson, Choreographer Daniel Hurt, Set Designer Mercedes Schaum, Technical Director Matt Osier, and Set Construction Lead Dan Giorgis. This show features a talented cast and phenomenal technical crew of Maggie Walker students.

RIGHTS and RECOGNITION: The Addams Family is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide, 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036.

Book by MARSHALL BRICKMAN and RICK ELICE, Music and Lyrics by ANDREW LIPPA, Based on Characters Created by CHARLES ADDAMS.



MUSIC BOOSTERS FUNDRAISER DINNER

Come enjoy an Italian dinner provided by Joe's Inn with music provided by Maggie Walker musicians on Wednesday, March 4 from 5:15-6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria and Commons. MLWGS student meal price is $6.00 and guests are $10.00 each. Vegetarian options available. All proceeds go to the MLWGS Music Boosters. Directly following the dinner, stay and enjoy the Youth Art and Music Celebration from 6:30-8:00 p.m., including student artwork exhibitions and musical performances.

Online payment options to be announced shortly!

COURSE SELECTION FOR 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR

Course selection for next year is underway! The Counseling Department held grade-level assemblies during the last week of January with students regarding course options for next year. During the month of February, counselors are meeting with students to discuss academic plans and distribute course registration forms to bring home to parents. In addition, teachers are discussing course options and sequencing in their departments with students. On Friday February 14, Course Catalogs were distributed during 8th period.

Course registration will take place on March 5 during 2nd period. Students must have their Course Registration Form completed with all signatures at that time, as well as, the three VCU forms if registering for VCU Dual Enrollment classes (rising juniors and seniors only). Students are allowed to submit a schedule change request up until the end of this school year, though some classes may fill up based on initial registration requests.

Parents can find specific details about course registration and course options on the school counseling page on course scheduling.


PERISA ASHAR FINALIST FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

Perisa Ashar (Henrico '21) is one of five Distinguished Finalists for the Prudential Spirit of Community awards. She is member of Henrico County 4-H and started STEMinate- coding, robotics, and chemistry workshops for elementary and middle school students. She has started several fundraisers, volunteers for organizations like the Richmond Peace Center, Women of Connections Ministry, MathScience Innovation Center, and Chippenham Hospital. She also won the Virginia State and National Women in Technology Aspirations in Computing Award. 

Link to Prudential Spirit of Community Award State Honorees and information.

Week of May 9, 2018

PHYSICALS AVAILABLE AT THE MW CLINIC!

Do you need a sports physical for the upcoming year? 

Please come to the MW Clinic on June 14, 2018.  Please report at 3:30 p.m.; all physicals will be finished by 5 p.m. The cost is $25 and will be first come, first served.



ATTENTION SENIOR PARENTS

The last edition of the Senior Newsletter is now available! Please remind your senior that as part of their check out process, the Senior Survey is due by Friday, May 11. Please contact Kierstin Streitel in the School Counseling Office with any questions.

Strawbridge Studios was at MLWGS on Thursday, May 3 to take the Senior Class Group Photo. If you did not order a copy, it is not too late. You can go to www.strawbridgestudios.com and order prints online.

Showcasing MLWGS Senior musical talent is an important tradition at Senior Recognition Night and graduation. Vocalists are needed to sing The Star Spangled Banner; additional performers or performance groups (instrumental or vocal) are sought for both events. Students should begin preparing if they would like to audition. Any MLWGS senior or group of seniors interested in auditioning must sign up for a time slot by May 18 on the bulletin board outside the Forum.

Auditions will be held on Monday, May 21 and Wednesday, May 23 after school. Final decisions will be made by a committee of faculty members and the class officers. Note: All students intending to perform must be present at auditions and are required to perform their intended piece for graduation or Senior Night.

Week of April 14, 2015

Grandparents and Special Friends Day Reminder

MLWGS hopes your students’ grandparents and special friends will be joining us this Friday, April 17, for Grandparents and Special Friends Day! 

Students with grandparents and/or special friends attending the event are invited to join us for a reception beginning at 3:00 p.m.  Please remind your child to stop by the Foundation office, room 225, to pick up a permission slip to be excused from class.  Only students whose grandparents have RSVP’d for the event will be allowed to get a permission slip.

Lastly, please remind the grandparents and special friends that a shuttle bus will be available to travel between the James River Bus Lines parking lot and the school.

MLWGS looks forward to meeting all grandparents and special friends!

Please join the Governor's School Foundation for their last mailing of the year, Wednesday, April 29!

The Governor's School Foundation needs volunteer help in preparing the final mailing of the year on Wednesday, April 29, starting at 9:00 a.m. in the MLWGS Boardroom. This last postcard mailing usually goes pretty quickly, so if you have a couple hours to spare, please join us! It is a great time to meet up with other parents to have coffee and great conversation!

No RSVP is necessary, but for questions or to be added to the Foundation's volunteer list for future bulk mailings, please contact Laura Lewis at 354-1566 or Laura.Lewis@GovernorsSchoolFoundation.org.

Thanks!

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK AT MLWGS – MAY 4-8

Calling All MLWGS Families

Show an Outpouring of Appreciation for our Faculty and Staff
Send in $10 Gift Cards

The MLWGS PTSA is calling all parents to send in one, two, three or more $10 gift cards so during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4-8, MLWGS can show its genuine appreciation to MLWGS teachers for all they do.

Please purchase $10 gift cards from Kroger, Target, Martin’s, Barnes and Noble or Starbucks, then bring (or send with your student) the gift cards to Room 100 (Mrs. Valenta Williams’ office, which is to the right through the Bluestone lobby entrance). There will be a drop box labeled TEACHER APPRECIATION GIFT CARDS for the cards. 

These gifts of $10 gift cards are a terrific way to show collective appreciation and support for the amazing faculty and staff at Maggie Walker. The cards will be given to the faculty and staff at the Teacher Appreciation event on Thursday, May 7.

Deadline to send in gift cards is Friday, May 1.  The cards will be presented to the teachers and staff as a gift from all parents and students of MLWGS; no individual names of families who donated gift cards will be provided. During Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4-8, parents and students are also encouraged to send a personal note or email to faculty and staff expressing support and appreciation of their dedication to MLWGS students.

Please see the link below if to participate in other Teacher Appreciation Week events hosted by the PTSA.

Maggie Walker Teacher Appreciation Week donations needed!

Counseling Department Offerings!

Attention students:  The counseling department will be offering small group counseling for students interested in further exploring the following topics.  Most likely groups will meet during lunch.  Please see a counselor during the week after break to sign up!

Stress! Stress! Stress!  So much to do!  So little time!  Join other students to explore the ways you respond to the stresses of everyday life and those extra ones deadlines an active life imposes.  Using Affect Theory let’s find some ways to reduce your response to stress and increase your sense of accomplishment.

Who am I?  What are my interests?  What do I want to do with my life after college?  Ah, let’s explore the possibilities based on an inventory similar to the Myers Briggs.   Ultimately, you will decide what is best for you but some exploration will inform your process.

Worried about someone’s substance abuse?  No one ever means to become an abuser.  We won’t “fix” anyone, but you can learn about the signs, symptoms and stages in the addiction process and how to take care of yourself in the presence of someone who seems to be getting in “harm’s way.”

Attention Class of 2015!

Here are some senior events coming up in the next two weeks.

Senior Survey via Naviance –
April 14 through May 8

The senior survey will be available on Naviance starting April 14 and must be completed by May 8 as a part of the official check-out process.  This survey will give the senior counselors information about each student’s post-graduation plans.  The final college decision each senior reports will be used in the graduation program, and the scholarships accepted will be reported in the Senior Awards Assembly program.  To access the survey, go to Naviance and click the senior survey link to the left under "About Me."  When complete, select "Save and I am finished" on the survey, and also mark it "Complete" on the Naviance Checklist.  If a student changes his/her college decision or receives a scholarship after submitting the form, please notify his/her senior counselor in person or by e-mail.  A brief demonstration and question/answer session about this survey will be provided during AP “Bubblefest” on Tuesday, April 21 and Wednesday, April 22.  Please contact Ms. Deck or Dr. Loving with questions.

AP Exam “Bubblefest” – Tuesday, April 21, 11:40 a.m., Auditorium

Any senior who has registered to take an AP exam in May is required to attend Bubblefest hosted by the school counselors during lunch on April 21.  Any senior absent on Tuesday may attend the underclassmen session on Wednesday. 

Caps, Gowns, and Announcements

Wednesday and Thursday, April 22 and 23, during Lunch

Caps, gowns, announcements, and other items ordered from Herff-Jones will be distributed on April 22 and 23 in the student commons during lunch.  If a student does not pick up his/her order at that time, s/he should contact Ms. Sheppard (class sponsor/graduation coordinator) in Room 330.   Questions about or problems with the order placed should go directly to Herff-Jones directl at 804-598-0971.  Additional announcements are available for purchase ($1.35 each); students who need to order extras or who forgot to place an order should contact Ms. Sheppard by email (ksheppard@gsgis.k12.va.us) or by phone (354-6800 ext. 3304). 

Senior Graduation Ticket Distribution

Wednesday and Thursday, April 22 and 23, during Lunch

Please note that these are tickets for admission to the graduation exercises and are not the announcements you would have ordered from Herff-Jones.  Anyone planning to come watch a graduate receive their diploma must have a ticket to gain entrance into the theater.  Ms. Sheppard will be at a table in the student commons (next to the Herff-Jones tables) where seniors can pick up their tickets.   Each student will receive 13 tickets, and more tickets may be available on a case-by-case basis.  If tickets are lost, they are not replaceable.  Please keep them in a safe place until June 15. 

Why read Moby Dick?

On Thursday, April 23, during lunch in the auditorium, Associate Professor Les Harrison from the VCU Department of English will answer the basic but very important question “Why read Moby Dick?”  He will also discuss author Herman Melville’s life and experiences in the whaling business.  No food is allowed in the auditorium, so students will have to eat lunch before or after the presentation.  You don’t want to miss it!

Note: Moby Dick is the only summer reading for American Literature students and is one of two selections for AP Language and Composition students

Physicals for Student Athletes

The Athletic Department will be having 2014-2015 physicals, through Virginia Commonwealth University, on June 4 2015 from 4-6 p.m. for $25 in the MLWGS clinic.  Please stop by Ms. Hawkins’ office for a physical form or download one from VHSL.org.  To schedule a physical, please stop by and sign up on the Athletic Training Room door, room 146.

PTSA PROGRAMMING ALERT!

Raising Children to be Ethical Leaders

May 5, 2015 • 5:30 p.m. in the MW Auditorium

Local author Linda Fisher Thornton will discuss ethical leadership, the morals and principles inherent to good business practices, and raising gifted children to reflect these values.  Senior Reed Canaan, student chairperson of Maggie Walker’s honor council, will discuss the role of the honor council and introduce Ms. Thornton.  


The author of “7 Lenses: Learning the Principles and Practices of Ethical Leadership,” Ms. Thornton is a leadership consultant who teaches ethics at University of Richmond, and speaks and writes about the future of ethical leadership.

Week of March 31, 2015

MLWGS Business Partnerships

Thank you to the 113 MLWGS families who have signed up for the Kroger Community Rewards Program.  From December 1, 2014 to February 28, 2015, our school community earned $2,530.15 by doing their regular grocery shopping.  Halfway through the program year, MLWGS PTSA has already raised almost $6,000 for the school. 

It’s not too late to sign up and help out.

Register your Kroger Plus card online at  krogercommunityrewards.com:

• Click on “Sign In/Renew”  then click on “SIGN UP TODAY” in the “New Customer?” box.
• Sign up by entering your zip code, clicking on your favorite store, entering your email address, creating a password and agreeing to the terms and conditions.
• You will get a link by email – click on this link.
• Click on “My Account” and use your email address and password to proceed.
• Click on “Edit Kroger Community Rewards” information and enter your Kroger Plus card number from your card.  Update or confirm your information.
• Enter the school NPO number 82125 or Maggie L Walker Governor’s School PTSA, select the school from the list and click on “Confirm.” The school name should appear at the right side of the page.

Prefer Martin’s? Register for A+ School Rewards.  To register your card, change the school or add a school (up to 2):

• Log on to www.martinsfoods.com/aplus and designate our school ID #03112 using your BONUSCARD.
• Or send your Last Name, Phone Number and the 11-digit BONUSCARD number (starting with 48) to mlwgspartners@gmail.com and we will do it for you.

And don’t forget: Target – Take Charge of Education:

• Go to www.target.com/tcoe.  Enter your Redcard number and follow the directions. Our school account is 104517.  

Student Aid Fund

Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School’s supporting resources enable MLWGS students to engage in curricular and co- and extra-curricular opportunities beyond that which are typically available in high school.  Such opportunities include an expansive slate of dual-enrollment university and AP courses; AP assessments; local, state, national, and international learning experiences; notable speakers; contemporary equipment and technology; athletic support, etc.

MLWGS is especially proud to offer such opportunities to each student based on their own interests and without regard to ability to pay.  For more information, please contact MLWGS Director, Dr. Jeff McGee jmcgee@gsgis.k12.va.us; our Assistant Director for Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Wendy Ellis wellis@gsgis.k12.va.us or your child’s counselor:  Grade 9, Mr. Karl Zweerink (Coordinator) kzweerink@gsgis.k12.va.us, Grade 10 and 11, Ms. Joy Davis joy.davis@gsgis.k12.va.us; Grade 12 (Last Name A-L) Ms. Penny Deck pdeck@gsgis.k12.va.us; Grade 12 (Last Name M-Z) Dr. Rachel Loving rloving@gsgis.k12.va.us.

Attention Seniors

On Wednesday, April 1 during lunch, senior class officers and Ms. Sheppard will be providing information about graduation and other senior-related events in a brief mandatory class meeting in the auditorium. 

MLWGS PLANNING GRANDPARENT'S DAY

MLWGS grandparents and special friends of the family, including aunts, uncles, godparents, and neighbors, are invited to attend the fourth annual Grandparents' Day on Friday, April 17.  This popular event, sponsored by the Governor's School Foundation, will run from 2:00 – 3:45 p.m. All attendees will be invited to hear a presentation about the school, take a short tour of the building, and attend a reception with their grandchildren.

Please send in the names and addresses of student grandparents and special family and friends, even if they may not be able to attend, so that the Foundation may send them a formal invitation. Please send information to:

http://goo.gl/forms/M8SvkLZmU2

Feel free to contact Laura Lewis or Eva Boegner at the Governor’s School Foundation office with any questions: (804) 354-1566.

Physicals for Student Athletes

The Athletic Department will be having 2015-2016 physicals, through Virginia Commonwealth University, on June 4 2015 from 4-6 p.m. for $25 in the MLWGS clinic.  Please stop by Ms. Hawkins’ office for a physical form or download one from VHSL.org.  To schedule a physical, please stop by and sign up on the Athletic Training Room door, room 146.

MUSIC BOOSTERS MEETING – APRIL 1

The MLWGS MUSIC BOOSTERS will meet on Wednesday, April 1, at 6:00 p.m. in the Music Room…Early this month due to Spring Break!  All music parents are invited to attend.

Please contact Leslie Hausser, Music Boosters President, at  lahmeems@comcast.net with any questions.

MLWGS Student writers recognized

Dragon Becomes Eagle Scout

Congratulations to Jack Downey ('15, Richmond) on attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Jack is a member of BSA Troop 436, sponsored by St. Bridget Catholic Church. MLWGS alumni and T436 Eagle Scouts Danny Yates (MLWGS '09), Thomas Howard (MLWGS '09), and Johnny Mac Yates (MLWGS '13) are especially proud of Jack's achievement. Well done, Jack!

2015 REFLECTIONS WINNERS ANNOUNCED

The Richmond District PTA Arts in Education awards ceremony was held on March 15, 2015. The 2015 winners of the PTSA Reflections contest from MLWGS at Richmond District level include:

• Photography: Margaret Graham (’15, Petersburg) – Award of Excellence
• Musical Composition: Alexander Will ('17, Hanover) – Award of Merit
• Visual Arts: Elizabeth Benos (’17, Chesterfield)  - Award of Excellence
• Literature: Megan Lee ('18, Chesterfield) – Outstanding Interpretation

In Literature Category, Megan Lee also won ‘Award of Merit” at the Virginia State Level.

This year’s theme was "The world would be a better place if...”. The PTA Reflections program is an annual, nation-wide contest that encourages students on all grade levels to create original work based on a particular theme.

The theme for 2015-16 PTA Reflections contest will be “Let Your Imagination Fly.”

This Day in Art History

March 31, 1506, Rome, Italy - Michaelangelo leaves his home but is chased down by an assistant, who hands him a small rope satchel containing his lunch, a few paintbrushes, extra sandals, his smartphone and earbuds.  Relieved that he won't have to spend his day without his tunes, Michaelangelo immortalizes the pivotal moment in his work that day.

For just $12, you can have your own MLWGS drawstring bag, made of durable nylon in green, white and black.  Come by The Dragon's Lair and fill your bag with goodies on Tuesdays and Fridays during lunch and during special after-school events.  Browse 24/7 at mlwgsdragons.weebly.com.  Cash and checks only, please.

CLASS/SCA OFFICER ELECTIONS SCHEDULE

Beginning Wednesday, March 18: Pick up candidate forms outside Room 330.

Friday, April 3: Signature and verification forms due to Mr. White (Room 330) by 3:30 p.m. Candidates may begin campaigning as soon as they get their forms in: Posters must be signed by an administrator or your class sponsor BEFORE posting.

Friday, April 17: All speeches due to Mr. White for review by 3:30 p.m. Candidates may submit speeches before this date but MUST supply their email addresses with the speeches so Mr. White can let them know if their speech has been approved. All speeches will be approved or returned (in person or electronically) for editing by the end of the day on Monday, April 20. Candidates are not required to give speeches, but candidates who fail to comply with the procedures for speech submission, review and approval will not be permitted to speak. Maximum speech length depends on number of candidates speaking; the time limit, which will be announced, is usually 2-3 minutes.

Wednesday, April 22: Necessary edits must be resubmitted to Mr. White by 3:30 p.m., along with the candidates’ email addresses. (Approved speeches are good to go.) Mr. White will respond by email as soon as possible.

Monday, April 27 (lunch): Class officer candidate speeches. See the SCA bulletin board outside the Forum for speech lengths, which will depend on the number of candidates.

            Rising Seniors/Class of 2016: Commons

            Rising Juniors/Class of 2017: Gym

            Rising Sophomores/Class of 2018: Auditorium

Tuesday, April 28 (lunch): SCA officer candidate speeches in the AUDITORIUM. See the SCA bulletin board outside the Forum for speech lengths, which will depend on the number of candidates.

Tues, April 28-Wed, April 29: Online voting for all positions, starting at 4 p.m. on Tuesday and concluding at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday; results to be announced on Thursday, April 30. Voting instructions will be announced and posted throughout the school.

Thursday-Friday, April 30-May 1: Online run-off elections (if necessary), starting at 4 p.m. on Thursday and concluding at 11:59 p.m. on Friday; results announced on Monday, May 4.

Monday, May 4: Second round of online run-off elections (if needed), starting at 4 p.m. on Monday and concluding at 11:59 p. m. on Monday night; results announced on Tuesday, May 5.

Friday, May 8: Remove all campaign posters, flyers and other materials no later than 3:30 p.m. Candidates who fail to comply will be referred to administrators.