Week of June 9, 2021

Textbook Return

School resources and text return takes place on Friday, June 11, from 8 a.m. to noon for students currently on virtual learning. Resources/texts will be returned to teacher classrooms or another designated location. A comprehensive list will be available at the bluestone lobby upon check-in. If a student cannot make it to campus on Friday, June 11, they should email their teachers to make alternative arrangements the following week. For clerical purposes, we strongly encourage drop-offs on June 11. All books or other materials must be returned no later than Friday, June 18. Students present on campus will return their books over the next few weeks through their normal class schedule.

Rising Seniors, Register for Boot Camp

College Boot Camp will return to a fully in-person event in August 2021. Interested students of the class of 2022 may register at this link AND must pay on the MLWGS website by Friday, June 11. Information about fee waivers, if needed, is included within the Sign-Up Genius.

Give a Timeless Gift to Your Grad!

The Governor’s School Foundation invites families of MLWGS seniors and graduates to purchase inscribed pavers to leave a lasting tribute at the school. Pavers are a great graduation gift from parents, grandparents, or anyone trying to find something special to give their favorite graduate(s). You can purchase either a bluestone paver inside the school lobby or a brick paver to be placed on the Lombardy Street walkway. All donated funds beyond the cost of the engraving are tax-deductible.

Orders must be received by July 1. The cost is:
* $500 for an exterior brick paver (up to 3 lines of text with 13 characters/spaces per line)
*$1,000 for a bluestone lobby paver (up to 3 lines of text with 13 characters/spaces per line)

Order online or contact Ginger O'Neil.

Year-End Scrip Report

Thanks to the MLWGS parents who helped raise $1,762.33 in doing their everyday shopping and gift giving with scrip gift cards, we exceeded our fundraising goal. Please continue to shop online over the summer, and look for details on next year's schedule in the back-to-school packets.

Athletics

Any student interested in athletics at Maggie Walker for 2021-2022 must email a Virginia High School League physical in PDF format ONLY to the following emails: phawkins@gsgis.k12.va.us and cturnbow@gsgis.k12.va.us. All try-out/start dates can be found here. 

Week of May 19, 2021

Baccalaureate Call for Photos

The PTSA is honored to present the 2021 Senior Baccalaureate Service featuring remarks from Richmond leaders and musical selections performed by fellow graduates and peers in a Smoke and Scales "Special Edition" on Wednesday, June 16. To help us create our video, we would like to feature seniors in their caps and gowns. Seniors, please upload your cap and gown photo by Monday, June 7, to Baccalaureate Cap and Gown Photos. For additional information, please contact Julie Hendricks (804.357.0935).

Scrip Orders Due Sunday

Don't forget to place your scrip gift card order by Sunday, May 23, for graduation gifts and your everyday shopping. Let those retailers give money back to MLWGS at no extra cost to you! Questions, or interested in volunteering next fall? Contact Laura Dysart at scrip@mlwgsptsa.org. Thanks to all of those who have supported the program this year – you helped raise $1,600 so far!

From the Counseling Department

 

On August 23-25, Dr. Loving and Ms. Forquer will host College Boot Camp for rising seniors. This optional, fee-based summer program is designed to provide students a space and time to complete their Common and/or Coalition Application (or other application of their choice) before the school year starts. Students should leave College Boot Camp with at least one essay in completed draft form.

The cost for this three-day program is $50. (Fee waivers are available.) To register, visit the same website where you pay your school fees/dues between May 7 and June 11. After submitting your payment, please commit to the morning session (9 a.m.-noon) or afternoon session (1-4 p.m.) here. The Counseling Department has received feedback that some students would like this event to be in-person; we will discuss this possibility in the week ahead and will provide an update.

If you haven't already checked out the latest Junior Newsletter, it can be found here. Juniors are also encouraged to keep reading posts on the "College Information for the Class of 2022" Schoology group.

News from the Library: One Small Step Conversations Are Complete

Congratulations to the 40 Dragons who were among the first high school students in the nation to participate in One Small Step, a StoryCorps project that invites people with contrasting political views to engage in respectful, candid conversations about who they are and the experiences that have shaped them. Students discussed a wide range of topics while treating each other with respect, empathy, and compassion. 

Audio recordings of these conversations, which range from a half-hour to two hours, will be archived at the Library of Congress. Some students chose to set their recordings to private, while others chose to share them more openly. Here’s a link to one of the conversations, between junior Pooja Muthuraj and senior Elizabeth Celentano.

Call for 2021-22 Athletics

Any student interested in athletics at Maggie Walker for 2021-22 must have a VHSL physical in PDF format emailed to the following emails: phawkins@gsgis.k12.va.us AND cturnbow@gsgis.k12.va.us. All try-out/start dates can be found here.  

February 10, 2021

Special Guest Speaker TODAY

We are thrilled to announce that Christina Koch, NASA astronaut and former United States Antarctic Program research associate, will be joining the Polar Seminar on Wednesday, Feb. 10, during first period. She will talk about her experiences working in harsh and remote conditions – from the South Pole to the International Space Station. The Artemis team  of astronauts has begun training and preparing for the first planned lunar mission since 1972.

Watch this short video, “Meet Artemis Team Member Christina Koch,” to introduce you to this remarkable speaker.

If you would like to attend the seminar, please email Lynn Reed as soon as possible and she will provide you with the Zoom link. Koch's talk will begin at about 8:50 a.m., and the Q&A will conclude at 9:55 a.m. We will record the event and posting it to Schoology afterwards.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-teacher conferences will be conducted virtually using the Zoom platform on Thursday, Feb. 11, from 4 until 7 p.m. Find a link to the Sign-up Genius form in the parent portal of PowerSchool. As always, you can email any teacher directly and set up a time to talk.

Fall Sports

Any student who plans to participate in fall sports must have the forms completed to participate. Please send forms to phawkins@gsgis.k12.va.us as a single file attachment, such as a DOC or PDF, that is named “Lastname, Firstname.” If you do not have a scanner at home, there are free scanning apps available for your phone, and newer iPhones include a built-in scanner in the “Notes” app. The start date for fall sports is Monday, Feb. 16. 

Re-Opening Update

Gov. Northam has called upon all public schools in the Commonwealth to begin returning students to campus by March 15. Over the next few days, the MLWGS admin team will review all of the guidelines mentioned in the Governor's statement and ensure that our instructional plan is updated and in compliance.

School Counseling

Reminder: The MLWGS senior counselors are pleased to present MLWGS’s annual College Kick-Off event for juniors and their families again this year. This virtual event will take place over three informative and inspiring sessions:

• Tuesday, Feb. 16 (12:30-1:30 p.m.): Navigating Naviance and other accounts (in support of college planning), presented by senior counselors Dr. Rachel Loving and Ms. Kim Forquer, as well as GRASP representative Mrs. Susan Teerlink and English teacher Mr. Ed Coleman

• Wednesday, Feb. 17 (10:15-11:30 a.m.): The College Search and an Introduction to Scholarships, Financial Aid, Honors Colleges, and Special Programs, featuring panelists from Old Dominion University, Howard University, and Northeastern University

• Thursday, Feb. 18 (10:15-11:30 a.m.): What Colleges are Looking For and an Introduction to the Application Process, featuring panelists from the University of Richmond, the College of William & Mary, and the University of Chicago

Shop with Scrip!

We have earned $1234.51 this year with our scrip program, close to our $1,500 goal! Help us reach it by doing your everyday shopping with scrip. Go to shopwithscip.com to shop. Our next plastic card order due date is February 21 at midnight. 

During Thank Scriping days on Feb. 18 and 19, a selection of retailers will give up to 19% back on e-certificate orders! Stock up on brands you regularly shop. Questions? Contact scrip@mlwgsptsa.org. We are also looking for a coordinator for next year, as current coordinator's son is graduating! Please reach out to the scrip email address if interested. It's a great way to get involved with the PTSA Board and meet new people while benefitting the school's fundraising efforts!

Support MLWGS at the 2021 Night of the Dragon!

Plans are shaping up in a wonderful way for the 2021 Night of the Dragon on April 24. Our beloved annual fundraising auction and gala will be virtual this year, so mark your calendars and make plans now to have a viewing party or just stay in, order from one of our partner restaurants, and enjoy!

Want to help us make the upcoming 19th Annual Night of the Dragon the best ever? Sure you do! Here are some great ways:

• Get registered as soon as we let you know the auction website goes live so you can preview all the great auction items. 

• Donate an item(s) or service for the live or silent auctions. Popular items include unique experiences hosted by MLWGS families and friends, vacation home rentals, one-of-a-kind items, local adventures—GET CREATIVE! To donate, contact Ginger O’Neil.
• 
  
• Become a sponsor. Individual and corporate sponsorships are a great way to support MLWGS and celebrate someone or promote your business to our community. Sponsorships are available at many levels (from $500 to $10,000) and the livestream format allows for some great new options for recognition. For sponsorships, contact Ginger O’Neil.

Attention: Seniors

The February 2021 Senior Newsletter has been uploaded to the MLWGS School Counseling website. This document features scholarships, announcements from colleges, contests, and multicultural opportunities, as well as an on-site admissions event with Mary Baldwin University that is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 12. Students and families are reminded that each issue includes a new list of scholarships; therefore, rereading previous issues and reviewing Naviance are suggested so that opportunities and deadlines are not missed. on the website, click on the link for “College Admissions Information” and then “Senior & Junior Newsletters." Seniors should also continue viewing posts on the “College Information for the Class of 2021” Schoology page.

Joys of Service on the MLWGS PTSA Board

by former MLWGS PTSA President Craig R. Martin

I avoided even attending the PTSA meetings for my twins all through their elementary and middle school years, much less participating somehow on the boards. I look back at the full scope of my daughter’s time in school (class of 2021 at MLWGS) and I regret the early days I missed. Fortunately, I became active on the MLWGS PTSA Board during her sophomore year when I was asked to be president for 2019-20. I was honored to be asked, and looking back at my three years on the Board, including coming on as President-Elect and serving on the membership committee this year, I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to serve the school and students in this way. I know I am biased, but it feels like the smartest and most active Parent-Teacher-Student Association board in Virginia (no disparagement to all the other PTSAs).

From personal experience, I have found being part of this group incredibly rewarding. I have learned so much more about Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School than I would have ever known had I not been part of this amazing team of truly remarkable board members. We have become family and I will be very sad to not be with them after this year once my daughter goes off to college. My fellow board members have taught me so much and I was humbled to serve on a team with so many folks much, much smarter than me!

So, why am I sharing this now? Because we need you! People like me who are leaving the MLWGS PTSA have opened up spots on the board. And, we want to make sure you were invited to join the team. Now as a MLWGS dad, I would especially like to invite other dads, men on the faculty, from administration and students to consider serving the school and the MLWGS community in this way. It’s always interesting when I reach out to other MLWGS fathers and the comment comes back that they are too busy to serve. I like to laugh and say, “the previous president to when I served, the current president and the president-elect are all working professionals with much more demanding jobs than I will ever have.” So, consider being a part.

Much like my friend Natalie Smith asked me years ago if I would be a part of the board, I am asking all of you. Will you join and serve? Trust me, like many meaningful things in life, I have personally received much more being on the team than I ever gave back. You won’t regret a minute of it. If interested, you can reach out to our committee lead at vbray@barlowresearch.com or email me. Thank you!

Week of January 27, 2021

Scrip E-Shopping

While our next order isn't due until Sunday, Feb. 21, you can shop for e-certificates and receive them immediately! Some of the scrip retailers will even ship directly to your home for a small fee if you order through the Raise Right app: Amazon, Starbucks, Walmart, Home Depot, Target, Lowe's and 244 others! Go to shopwithscrip.com or your Raise Right app to shop. Contact your scrip coordinator at scrip@mlwgsptsa.org with any questions.

We have raised $1,102 this year, and are close to our $1,500 goal! The PTSA is also looking for a scrip coordinator for this fall, as the current coordinator's son is graduating. Please contact scrip@mlwgsptsa.org for more information.

Attention Returning 2021-22 Students

Save the date – Thursday, January 28!

School counselors will lead grade-level assemblies THIS Thursday on course registration for the coming year. Parents are welcome to attend. The assemblies will be recorded for those who are unable to attend.

Rising 10th graders (current freshmen) will meet at 10 a.m., rising 11th graders will meet at 11 a.m., and rising 12th graders will meet at 12 noon.

During February, students will receive information from teachers and many will meet with counselors about course offerings and recommendations. Actual course registration will occur virtually through the PowerSchool portal on Thursday, March 4. Links to resources and helpful information will be shared soon.

School Counseling

Seniors: Check our the latest Senior Newsletter from your counselors!


Juniors:

Save the date(s)! The MLWGS senior counselors are pleased to present MLWGS’s annual College Kick-Off event for juniors and their families again this year. This virtual event will take place over three informative and inspiring sessions:

• Tuesday, Feb. 16 (12:30-1:30 p.m.): Navigating Naviance and other accounts (in support of college planning), presented by senior counselors Dr. Rachel Loving and Ms. Kim Forquer, as well as GRASP representative Mrs. Susan Teerlink and English teacher Mr. Ed Coleman.
• Wednesday, Feb. 17 (10:15-11:30 a.m.): The College Search and an Introduction to Scholarships, Financial Aid, Honors Colleges, and Special Programs, featuring panelists from Old Dominion University, Howard University, and Northeastern University.
• Thursday, Feb. 18 (10:15-11:30 a.m.): What Colleges are Looking For and an Introduction to the Application Process, featuring panelists from the University of Richmond, the College of William & Mary, and the University of Chicago.

Juniors will be excused from class to attend, and Zoom links will be available to parents and guardians who also wish to join in this webinar. More information will be shared in early February.

"Fall" Sports

If you are interested in playing a fall sport that will begin on Monday, Feb. 15, visit the MLWGS Athletics webpage for the required forms you must complete and email to phawkins@gsgis.k12.va.us prior to the start date. Please include the interested sport (cross country, field hockey, golf, volleyball) in the subject line in the email.

Week of November 11, 2020

College Financial Aid: Learn More

Interested in learning more about securing financial aid to help cover college costs? Of course you are! The 2020-2021 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has just opened, and we know that you have questions. This week's PTSA meeting on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 6:30 p.m. will focus on the topic of college financial aid. MLWGS senior counselors and GRASP financial aid advisor Susan Teerlink will host and Ms. Teerlink will provide important information regarding the financial aid application process, followed by Q & A. This meeting is open to all MLWGS parents, with a particular focus on parents of juniors and seniors. We hope to see you there!

Join the Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87964314397?pwd=WlAva21laEdVNmRIdDQ0bGNXYnMxUT09.

Chalk Day and Yoga on the Field This Friday 

Signups for our rescheduled Chalk Day and Yoga on the Field are open! On Friday, Nov. 13, Chalk Day will run 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Yoga will be 10-11 a.m. If you signed up previously for Chalk Day, you are still in the Signup Genius – no need to do anything unless adjusting or deleting your spot. A new signup for Yoga Day has been created. More details and signup at the links below. If it rains again, we’ll try one more time on Friday, Nov. 20. Contact Mr. Smith with any questions.

Chalk Day info and signup here.
Yoga on the Field info and signup here. 

Preparations for Athletics

We are currently evaluating the Virginia High School League guidelines for returning sports to the campus. As we do this, it is extremely important that, if you are planning on participating in athletics this year, you have completed the VHSL physical form prior to the beginning of MLWGS organized practices. Please visit to this link for forms and information.

Senior News

The November 2020 edition of the Senior Newsletter (Issue #3) has been posted to the MLWGS counseling website. It contains announcements from colleges, a list of virtual open houses and tours, and opportunities that are all-new; none of the scholarships listed from Issues #1 or #2 have been repeated. In addition, seniors are encouraged to consider two on-site admissions opportunities offered this month. One will be facilitated via Zoom by University of Mary Washington, and another will be sponsored locally (in two locations: Short Pump and North Chesterfield) by Longwood University. What a great opportunity for seniors to introduce themselves directly to a college representative and to get an admissions decision on-the-spot! For help with college applications or other concerns, Dr. Loving and Ms. Forquer are available via e-mail or in their walk-in office hours 3-3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday on Zoom.

Freshman Friendship Hike

Freshmen will have an in-person social opportunity during the Outdoors Club Freshman Friendship hike on Sunday, Nov. 15, at 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Details and permission slips are posted in the Schoology freshman class group. We have slots for up to 44 students. If demand exceeds capacity we may try to organize a second day the following weekend. Contact Mr. Zweerink in the counseling office if you have more questions.

Virtual Open Mics? Virtual Dance Parties? Both?

Vote on the Library’s Friday Fun Options

Starting Friday, Nov. 20, Ms. DeGroat will host a fun Friday lunchtime activity  open to students in any grade level. Would you attend or participate in an open-mic for poets, singers, and musicians? Would you attend a dance party with a student DJ and/or student dance teacher? Would you like to be a student DJ or dance teacher? Sign in to your GSGIS Google account and submit your vote by Thursday, Nov. 12, here.

Mindfulness Series for Students and Families

Are you looking for ways to improve your focus/concentration and/or bring a sense of calm to your day? Are you interested in learning more about mindfulness practices? Ms. DeGroat is certified in Koru Mindfulness, a program that was developed to serve students at Duke University and has since expanded. If you're interested in participating in a Koru-inspired four-session mindfulness series at 1 p.m. each Friday from Nov. 20 through Dec. 18 (skipping the week of Thanksgiving), please sign up here. The series involves one 1-hour session followed by three sessions lasting 45 minutes, with an optional 15-minute reflection time about mindfulness before each of those sessions. Students and family members attending with a student are welcome to participate. Email Ms. DeGroat if you have any questions. Deadline for sign-up is midnight on Tuesday, Nov. 17.

Scrip Holiday Incentive

For every $50 you spend on scrip between now and winter break, you will receive an entry for $50 worth of scrip cards of your choice! Plastic card orders are due this Monday, Nov. 16, and then Dec. 7 and 14 before break. Please take advantage of this opportunity to benefit the MLWGS PTSA with your everyday shopping, dining, and gift giving! You can also shop for e-certificates at any time instantly. While Laura Dysart and her crew of volunteers are truly happy to deliver cards to your doorstep during COVID times, scrip is offering delivery to your home for certain products for a small fee, the list of products is here, but you must order through the Raise Right app for this home delivery feature.

Questions? Contact Laura Dysart.

Night of the Dragon Volunteer Opportunities

Planning for our annual Night of the Dragon auction is underway. Things will look a little different this year but the goal will remain the same: to create a fun evening that benefits our students by supporting the MLWGS Foundation and Booster groups. Mark your calendar now for Saturday, April 24.

Details are still in the works and we are looking for folks interested in joining the planning team. We need volunteers with all sorts of skills; techies, creatives, askers, photographers, writers, designers, drivers, task doers, you name it. If you think you might like to join the fun, contact Foundation Executive Director Ginger O'Neil for more details about how you might get plugged in.

New parents, be on the lookout for info about this event. We encourage you to take part in this incredible Governor's School tradition!

Week of October 25, 2016

SUBSCRIBE TO SMOKE AND SCALES

To receive Smoke and Scales via email on Tuesday mornings, subscribe at the top right of this page:

1. Enter your email address in the “Follow by Email” block,
2. Complete the verification from the Feedburner popup, and
3. Confirm via the email you will receive at the submitted address.

MINDFUL MONDAYS

One Monday per month beginning in October, Upper-School Counselor Alex Peavey will offer Mindful Mondays, free of charge, to any interested Richmond-area teenagers at the Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation in the Gayton Crossing Shopping Center. Teens will learn mindfulness-based strategies for navigating through the everyday stressors that arise in life, and they will also learn mindfulness practices that can help with sleep, relaxation and overall well-being. Sessions will be October 17, November 17, December 12, January 9 and February 13 from 7-8 p.m. Teens can attend as many or as few sessions as they like, but please register: http://www.ckgfoundation.org/mindfulmondays

ATTENTION JUNIORS AND SENIORS

National English Honor Society applications are available in the blue folder outside Ms. Davis’ office. To be eligible, students must have a 3.75 cumulative English GPA. Applications are due to Ms. Davis by Friday, October 28.

PTSA POWERPOINT

By popular request, click here to visit the Maggie L. Walker Counseling website and view the Powerpoint presentation from the October 17 PTSA meeting regarding FAFSA and college financing.

FREE FAFSA ASSISTANCE THROUGH GRASP

GRASP (GReat Aspirations Scholarship Program, Inc.) will hold its Saturdays at the Library FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) events on November 5, 2016, and January 28 and February 11, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Richmond Public Main Library, 101 East Franklin Street.  GRASP advisors will provide FREE college financial aid counseling and assistance with completing the FAFSA, by appointment.  Call (804) 527-7772 to schedule your hour-long appointment.  More information is available at the GRASP website, www.grasp4va.org.

ATTENTION ATHLETES

The Winter Athletic Parent and Coaches meeting will be November 21, 2016 in the Forum at 6:00 p.m.

ATTENTION TALENTED YOUNG SINGERS, DANCERS, MUSICIANS, ACTORS, AND SPOKEN WORD ARTISTS

It's time to audition for Richmond Youth Peace Project's
Generation Dream 2017

This February, the Richmond Youth Peace Project (RYPP), will present Generation Dream 2017, our annual tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  For more than a decade RYPP--the Peace Center's program for teens--has showcased talented young people from throughout central Virginia in performances promoting peace, nonviolence and social justice.  As anyone who has attended one of our previous shows will tell you, the performance is always inspirational and uplifting.  This winter's first show is scheduled for Friday, February 3, 7 p.m., at the Richmond Public Library's downtown branch, as a First Friday event.  We plan to schedule at least one additional show later in the month. 

Auditions are required for new performers.  We are seeking musical groups, singers, dancers, actors and spoken word artists.  Performers need not be available for both shows dates in order to participate.  All performances should in some way reflect Dr. King's message of peace, nonviolence and social justice.  We encourage performers to consider current issues, both local and global, as they make their selections.  Students will also earn community service credits for participating in the show.  For information, or to schedule an audition, email rypp@rpec.org.

Video of previous performances can be viewed on the Peace Center's YouTube Channel  https://www.youtube.com/user/RichmondPeace

Stories about last year's shows:

http://ideastations.org/radio/news/generation-dream-performing-art-peace-and-justice

http://www.richmond.com/news/local/ashland/article_c60188bc-a92e-5552-93e8-80609e7028e3.html

COOKIE DONATIONS NEEDED - MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!

Do you remember the night you and your student came to the Maggie Walker information session?  Do you remember how hungry you were by the time it was over? Do you remember the inviting and delicious reception that followed the event?  Well, now is your chance to help others relive your experience!  The PTSA Hospitality Committee will be collecting packaged cookies to use on November 14, 15 and 16 at the Prospective Student Night events.

We will be collecting your donations on Friday November 11 from 8-8:45 in the Concession stand just off the Blue Stone lobby.

Just send donations in with your student, or stop by yourself. Unfortunately we can’t accept home-baked goods, but any other packaged treat is fine.

Any questions? Call (543-6498) or email (dabneyj.carr@comcast.net) Laura Carr

ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

High School Diplomats is a free 10-day cultural exchange program at Princeton University for sophomores and juniors. Applications will be available from October 1-January 8, 2017. Please visit www.highschooldiplomats.com for more information and to apply to the program. 

The Virginia Space Grant Consortium would like to share the following information about the following FREE NASA-related programs for Virginia's high school students interested in STEM:

For high school juniors, Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) is an interactive online learning course with a space mission design and human space flight theme, culminating in a one-week residential Summer Academy at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton for those students who qualify. Offered at no cost to the student, VASTS consists of eight modules and a final project to be completed from November 2016 through May 2017 under the guidance of licensed master educators. Based on success in the online coursework, students may be selected to attend a Summer Academy where they interact with NASA scientists, engineers and technologists to design a human mission to Mars.  For program information and application, please visit http://vasts.spacegrant.org. The deadline for student applications is October 30, 2016. 

For high school juniors and seniors, Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) is an interactive, on-line Earth System Science Course featuring NASA scientific research and data. The course will be offered for dual enrollment college credit (statewide through TNCC) for high school juniors and seniors beginning in spring semester 2017. Please direct students or other faculty to the website for program information and application, http://vsgc.odu.edu/VESSS/. The deadline for student applications is October 30, 2016.

The Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS) is a program for sophomores focusing on the earth and airborne science, engineering, and technology integral to current missions at NASA Wallops Flight Facility and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport. This dynamic (and FREE) program, designed by the Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC), inspires students who possess technical and/or scientific interests and are motivated to learn about the many different opportunities that NASA offers.

• FREE Program for 10th Grade Students
• Online modules covering NASA aircraft, balloon, and sounding rocket missions launched or managed at Wallops Flight Facility
• Online course runs from December 2016 through April 2017
• Highly successful students will be selected for a week long Summer Academy at NASA Wallops Flight Facility (Chincoteague, VA)

The deadline for student applications is October 30, 2016.

http://vscs.spacegrant.org/ for application and more information 

Week of June 7, 2016

DRAGON ATHLETICS TOP USA TODAY POLL

Walker Athletic Director Paige Hawkins is elated MLWGS won the USA Today America’s Best Athletic Program Poll! With the support of the MLWGS community, the Dragons take first place in the 2015-2016 Best Athletic Program with 121,949 votes. Thank you Maggie Walker students, parents, faculty and other supporters; MLWGS couldn't have done this without you.

http://usatodayhss.com/2016/maggie-walker-va-wins-fan-vote-for-americas-best-athletic-program#sthash.W9PIt6Kx.2URoLAol.gbpl&st_refDomain=www.facebook.com&st_refQuery=/

GOVERNOR'S SCHOOL ANNUAL FUND CHALLENGE

The Governor's School Foundation 2016 Parent Class Annual Fund Challenge is well underway! At this time, thanks to the generosity of MLWGS parents and alumni, the Governor’s School Foundation has raised $273,222 towards its Annual Fund goal of $300,000!  The Foundation is very close to meeting its goal, but cannot do it without you.  

Through the Annual Fund, the Governor's School Foundation is able to directly support enrichment opportunities like academic competitions, student travel, as well as new technology, and student aid.  The support of MLWGS parents is critical in these efforts and the Foundation is most grateful for this continued commitment.  

There is still plenty of time to make a contribution to the 2016 Annual Fund. Consider making an Annual Fund gift in honor of a Dragon’s favorite teacher.  Just make a note of that tribute in the notes field when contributing to the Annual Fund online at http://www.governorsschoolfoundation.org/donate/ or contact the Foundation directly at 804.354.1566.  

The Foundation looks forward to all that can be accomplished together during this exciting campaign!

SENIORS!  SENIORS!  SENIORS!

Graduation Ticket Pick-up

Graduation tickets may be picked up the week of June 6 during lunch from Ms. Sheppard in room 330. Please note that these are tickets for admission to the graduation exercises and are not the announcements ordered from Herff-Jones.  Anyone planning to come watch a graduate receive their diploma must have a ticket to gain entrance into the theater. 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 17.  

Senior Recognition Night

Wednesday, June 8, 7:00 p.m., Auditorium

This is the night the MLWGS community comes together to honor the many contributions and memories of its graduating seniors.  The highlight of the evening for the students is always the Senior Slide Show, and it is a great opportunity to get a sense of what the last four years have looked like inside MLWGS’s halls.   Students should arrive by 6:30 for the line-up wearing professional/business attire; caps and gowns are NOT worn for this event.

Graduation Rehearsal

Friday, June 17, 9:00 a.m., Altria Theater, 6 N. Laurel Street

Graduation rehearsal is held at the Altria Theater.  Parking for graduation is available at the VCU parking deck for a minimal fee (entrances are on Cherry and Laurel Streets.)   Please adhere to posted street parking signs as ticketing and towing are strictly enforced. Seniors must arrive no later than 8:45 a.m. and report to the downstairs ballroom (enter through the Main Street entrance towards the rear of the building).  Rehearsal will begin at 9:00 a.m. sharp.  ANY STUDENT WHO MISSES REHEARSAL WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO WALK IN THE ACTUAL GRADUATION CEREMONY. Parents are asked to please work with their student to make sure he or she is on time.  Practice is usually completed by 11:30 a.m. or so; but given that rehearsal will take as long as needed to perfect the process, please do not plan anything that requires a student to leave early or be gone by a certain time.  This run-through is crucial to the success of the graduation ceremony. 

Please note:  Graduation regalia will be distributed at the end of the rehearsal.

Graduation!

Friday, June 17, 3:00 p.m., Altria Theater, 6 N. Laurel Street 

Graduates must arrive at the downstairs ballroom by 2:00 p.m.  For organizational reasons, this area is off limits to parents, relatives, and friends; MLWGS appreciates your understanding.  Cap, gown, and tassel are the most important items for the day, but students are asked to dress appropriately:  dark dress pants, collared shirt and tie for the young men, dresses for the young women.  Students may wear cords earned as part of their membership in our Honor Societies (as has been MLWGS’s custom).  Students may wear one piece of additional pre-approved regalia which they have earned as a member of an enduring MLWGS organization. 

Perhaps the most important clothing decision for the day, however, is shoes.  Dress shoes and socks for the boys and low-heeled dress shoes for the girls are the best choices; please, no “flip-flops” or athletic shoes.  Additionally, decorations on mortarboards are absolutely prohibited.  Note:  The “collar” that comes with the graduation gown will not be used.

Doors to Altria Theater will open at 2:30 p.m.  Guests should enter through the front doors and must have a ticket to attend graduation.  Seating is not reserved.  Handicap seating is available in multiple locations; please see one of the ushers at the door upon arrival if this seating is needed.  Parking for graduation is available at the VCU parking deck for a minimal fee (entrances are on Cherry and Laurel Streets.)   Please adhere to posted street parking signs as ticketing and towing are strictly enforced.

Photographs during the ceremony are only allowed from attendee’s seats.  The Altria Theater will not permit audience members to spill into the aisles for this activity, and they enforce this restriction quite seriously.  However, Lifetouch will be taking pictures of each individual student as he/she receives his/her diploma.  This year, a proof picture will be mailed directly to each family and be accessible online along with ordering information. 

Last but certainly not least, a brief reception for students and their families will be held immediately after graduation in the downstairs ballroom of Altria Theater.  Graduation activities should conclude by 6:00 p.m.

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