Week of September 23, 2020

Back-to-School Night

Virtual Back-to-School Night Is Thursday, Sept. 24, at 6:30 p.m.

The MLWGS PTSA Back-to-School (BTS) meeting this year is going to look a little bit different. In lieu of an in-person BTS meeting, we have created a COVID-friendly narrated PowerPoint presentation that will be uploaded to the MLWGS homepage on Thursday, September 24, at 6:30 p.m. Google polls will also be uploaded to the homepage for the PTSA general membership to cast their votes for this year’s slate of officers, the budget, our annual audit, and updated bylaws. 

 

Feel free to view a non-narrated version of the MLWGS Back-to-School PowerPoint prior to Thursday night's narrated version: BTS PTSA PowerPoint.

BTS will begin on Zoom with an opening session with Dr. Lowerre. You can then view the narrated PTSA presentation. After these sessions, parents can explore five- to seven-minute pre-recorded faculty sessions for each of your student's classes. The link to access the opening session and the faculty recordings will be sent no later than Wednesday, Sept. 23, through a Powerschool email blast. Please ask your student for a copy of their schedule or go to Powerschool prior to the event.

School Directory Deadline Sept. 25

Every year, the Maggie Walker PTSA produces a directory with contact information for student families. The School Directory Committee wants to make sure we include the contact information you wish to share.

Due to new FERPA guidelines (VA HB1: legislation that restricts disclosure of certain student contact information without the written consent of the students/parents), MLWGS has an OPT-IN policy instead of an OPT-OUT policy. Unless you complete the Directory Information Permission Form by going to Ecollect Forms in PowerSchool, MLWGS will not share your data with the PTSA.
The PTSA has recently emailed School Directory Contact Information Questionnaires to allow you to see and/or change your directory information. If you have not heard from us, we likely do not have your correct email address, so please contact us at mlwgsptsadirectory@gmail.com to review or include your information.

Please email us no later than Friday, Sept. 25. We hope to have the School Directory posted to PowerSchool by Monday, Sept. 28.

Congratulations to Lexi Pasternak (Henrico '22) for her winning design submission for the 2020-21 School Directory cover (above). Her work was selected out of 13 student submissions and she will receive a $50 gift card for her winning design. 

First Great Lake Scrip Orders Due Monday

This year's first Great Lake Scrip orders must be placed by Monday, Sept. 28.
Please watch our new video that includes a step-by-step, hands-on overview of enrolling, shopping and payment options: SCRIP Video.

Due to COVID-19, the PTSA budget will be affected by a lack of income from in-person fundraising events. Now, more than ever, the PTSA wants you to join us in using the Great Lake Scrip Program by purchasing gift cards or e-cards for some of your everyday shopping. The PTSA receives a percentage back at no extra cost to you! Go to shopwithscrip.com to enroll and order (enrollment code is in your back-to-school packet). If paying by check, the check must be received by the order due date. Please either arrange a pick up with your coordinator or mail the check (made out to MLWGS PTSA) to:
Laura Dysart, 5021 Sylvan Rd., Richmond, VA 23225.
Questions? Contact Laura at scrip@mlwgsptsa.org. Thanks for your support!

Attention: Seniors

To learn from the senior counselors about college, scholarship, career, military, enrichment, and multicultural opportunities, please view the Senior Newsletter (Sept 2020 edition) on the School Counseling website ->College Admissions Information -> Senior Newsletters: Link here.

Students are encouraged to cross-reference this publication with their Naviance accounts and the individual programs’ websites for more details.

Attention: Sophomores and Juniors

PSAT 2020-2021 Covid-19 Schedule

The PSAT is a great practice opportunity for the SAT. In a typical year, we would proctor the PSAT to all sophomores and juniors in mid-October. But this isn’t a typical year! With school closed due to Covid-19, we have developed a testing plan that takes student safety into account while prioritizing testing access for our juniors. PSAT results for juniors are used for qualification purposes for National Merit Scholarship Programs.

Testing Schedule and Participation
The College Board is allowing schools extra flexibility this year, and has added two additional test sessions. We will test half of the juniors on Wednesday, Oct. 14 (juniors with last names A – Maz), and the other half on Thursday, Oct. 29 (juniors with last names Mc – Z). We have been assured that both groups will receive score reports at the same time in early December. Sophomores will take the test on Tuesday, Jan. 26, provided there are no changes in Virginia Covid-19 guidelines. Students in all sessions will sit at least six feet apart, wear masks, and be subject to temperature and Covid-19 screening upon entering the building.

We understand that some families may not feel comfortable with their students coming on campus. Students are not required to take the test. This is an optional activity based on family comfort levels with students entering the school building. It will help us with our planning if families could register for testing on this Google form. Any student taking the PSAT will be coded in attendance as "school excused" for the entire day and will be permitted to make up work without penalty.

Before the Test
PSAT Student Guides are available for pick-up in the Bluestone Lobby. The guides contain information about the tests as well as a full-length practice test. Students are encouraged to take the practice test before testing day. The guide information and practice tests are also available at www.collegeboard.org/psat, so there is no need to pick up a hard copy if that is not possible or convenient for families.

Test Day
The PSAT is a long test. Students should expect to be in school from 8:40 a.m. until about 12:45 p.m. Eat a big breakfast! Students may bring nut-free snacks, but due to the short breaks as per testing guidelines and Covid-19 concerns, there won’t be many opportunities to eat. Don’t forget #2 pencils, calculators, a mask and clothing layers for temperature variation.

After the Test
Score reports for the October test dates will be available online in mid-December. Typically, the counseling department recommends that juniors register for a spring SAT or ACT date by visiting the testing agency websites. Sophomores and juniors in AP classes may wish to consider registering for SAT Subject Tests at the end of the year as appropriate (most colleges do not require SAT Subject Tests, so check the websites of colleges you're considering).

NOTE: Because all sophomores and juniors were charged a fee for PSATs, we will provide a refund to any junior or sophomore who is unable to test this year. If we are unable to test all sophomores due to a worsening of the public health situation, we will retain sophomore test fees and apply them to next year’s fees.

Review the Student Handbook

This is a reminder that all students must review and complete a quiz on the 2020-21 Student Handbook. The deadline has been extended to Wednesday, Sept. 30, and it is open everything with unlimited attempts. The quiz is located at

http://www.quia.com/quiz/5928160.html  (Secret Word= Dragons).

Drama Club Plans Fall Play

The show must go on! MLWGS Drama will present a virtual production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream Nov 19-21. Please join the Drama Club Schoology Group or email Mrs. Glatt (lglatt@gsgis.k12.va.us) for details on how to audition. The deadline to submit an audition video is Tuesday, Sept. 29.

Week of September 18, 2019

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT IS TOMORROW

September 19 6:30-9 p.m.

Important Notes: 

-Back to School Night is for parents and guardians. 

-Plan to arrive by 6:15 p.m. because school parking lots fill up quickly.
-Overflow parking is available at the James River Bus Company lot on Allen St. between Broad and Leigh and the Virginia Union C.K. lot on Leigh St. and Mozelle (directly across Leigh St. from MLWGS).
-Parents should report to the school auditorium no later than 6:30 p.m. for welcome and directions for the evening before reporting to 1st period.
-Students should fill in their schedule for parents to follow.
-Each class session will last for ten minutes and a bell will signal the transition to the next class. Parents will have five minutes between classes.
-Teachers will be providing specific information about their classes- not about individual students. 

-Parent-teacher conferences will take place on November 5 and 7 during which time parents may discuss their child’s individual progress.
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The Governor's School Foundation office (room 225 across from the auditorium) will be open tomorrow night during Back to School Night, and we invite you to stop by for a quick visit between classes. Grab a snack, meet Foundation staff, and learn a little bit more about how the Foundation is enhancing the educational experience for students at Maggie Walker!




ATTENTION SENIOR PARENTS

 

The September Senior Newsletter is now available on the school counseling website. This newsletter contains important college and scholarship-related reminders and deadlines. Dr. Loving and Ms. Streitel met with all of the senior English classes last week to discuss important college information including how to request transcripts and recommendation letters, upcoming deadlines, etc., and distributed the first issue of the Senior Newsletter to students.

A description of all scholarship opportunities sent to MLWGS can be found on Naviance. Please note that this list is not exhaustive- students are still encouraged to do their own scholarship research. All deadlines listed in Naviance are subject to change- MLWGS is not always notified of annual date changes; therefore, it is important that students confirm all deadlines on the scholarship organization’s direct website. Please contact Kierstin Streitel in the School Counseling Office with any scholarship questions.

Students interested in being nominated for the UVA Jefferson Scholars program, must sign-up in the Counseling Office (bulletin board outside of Ms. Streitel’s office) to indicate their interest by September 23. In order to be considered, their Brag Sheet must be completed in Naviance by this date as well. Students chosen as semifinalists will be asked to submit an essay, as well as interview before the MLWGS scholarship committee.

Teacher Recommendation Request forms are due by 3:30 p.m. on September 23 for any deadlines November 15 or earlier. All other 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.

A Transcript Request form is due to counselors by 3:30 p.m. on September 23 for any deadlines November 15 or earlier. A Transcript Request Form is due to counselors by 3:30 p.m. on November 15 for any deadlines November 16 or later. Extra forms are in the School Counseling Office.

Susan Teerlink, our GRASP Representative, is available to assist with financial aid information. Students and/or your parents can sign up for an appointment in the School Counseling Office. Ms. Teerlink will be at MLWGS on Mondays starting September 16. Seniors can begin filling out the FAFSA form on October 1! Visit https://fafsa.ed.gov/ for details.

Students are allowed four excused absences for college visits per year. Students must get and turn back in a pre-approval form to Ms. Bowman in advance. Students should let their teachers know ahead of time that they will be missing class and it is up to them to inquire about and complete any missed work.

FROM THE GUIDANCE COUNSELORS

1) AP Exam Registration (New Deadline and Process for 2019-2020)

Over the past week, students who are enrolled in an Advanced Placement course were given a handout outlining the registration process for AP Exams, which will be administered May 4-15, 2020. College Board has instituted new practices this year which include student access to online resources and a fall registration deadline, which will move our exam payment deadline up to October 25, 2019. The cost per AP exam is unchanged at $94 per exam.

The registration process for Advanced Placement exams has been simplified this year. We have eliminated the need for a third-party registration system, and students have already begun the registration process by “joining” the correct course section at the beginning of the school year through myap.collegeboard.org and entering a unique join code for each class section.

Students will receive an AP Exam Order Form in early October, which will allow them to confirm which exams they plan to take or not take. Beginning November 15, changing the testing decision will come with a $40 add/drop fee.

AP exam fees must be paid for before we order exams. A fee waiver or reduction is available for families that meet certain guidelines but must be approved in advance. Please see your counselor by Monday, October 21 to inquire about a fee waiver or fee reduction.

In October, students/parents will follow these steps to complete the registration, payment, and confirmation process:

1) Complete the AP Exam Order Form (distributed via AP classrooms in early October).

2) Select your payment method: Check (made out to “MLWGS”), cash, or online payment at https://osp.osmsinc.com/MLWGS (convenience fee applies).

3) Turn in your AP Exam Order form the Counseling Office between 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., October 21-25. Students should attach their payment or online payment receipt to their AP Exam Order form. A member of the counseling team will review the order form and payment with each student.

Anyone who has not completed these steps by November 14 will have their exam preference changed from “yes” to “no” in the College Board system. This can be fixed within a certain time frame, but College Board will charge an additional fee of $40.

Here are the important dates:
-September 13: All students enrolled in AP courses should have “joined” the correct course section on the College Board system at myap.collegeboard.org.
-October 15: The online payment system through the MLWGS website opens.
-October 21-25: AP Fee and Receipt Collection (11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.): All students must turn in a copy of their AP Exam Order Form with their payment (cash/check) or online payment receipt.
-Beginning October 28- November 14: A late fee of $10 per exam will be charged.
-Beginning November 15: Students who have not returned their AP Exam

-Order Form and paid will be marked as “not testing” and exams will not be ordered. At that time, the College Board will institute a $40 add/drop fee for any changes for our exam order.
-March 13: The last day College Board will allow an exam to be added, even with the extra fee.
-April 13: Last day to cancel an exam and receive a $54 refund (less the College Board $40 cancellation fee). Requests for refunds after this date will not be honored.

You should plan to take and pay for all of your AP exams unless you know that all of the colleges on your list will not take the AP credit for a particular course. You have until April 13 to make a final determination on cancelling an exam for a particular course.

If you receive accommodations for a documented disability and have not yet had them approved by College Board, the deadline to submit this paperwork for 2020 AP Exams is January 17. Contact Ms. Cobb at jcobb@gsgis.k12.va.us.

Questions? Please see Dr. Loving, AP Coordinator, in the Counseling Office or email her at rloving@gsgis.k12.va.us.

2) The College Visit Season Has Begun!

Over 100 colleges and universities are scheduled to visit students at MLWGS over the course of the fall. Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors are encouraged to attend these visit sessions for colleges that interest them and learn more about other schools of which they are not familiar. During these visits, admissions representatives will review the programs offered at their school as well as answer questions about the admissions process and any other topics. Smaller colleges are often hoping to get to know some of their prospective students personally and may provide their contact information for follow up questions. We have tried to arrange college visits for 11:30 a.m. (lunchtime) whenever possible and most of them will take place in the Counseling Office. For any college visit that is NOT offered during lunch time (most are), students MUST complete a Green College Meeting Pass and have it signed by a teacher PRIOR to the class they would miss. The college meeting passes are located on Ms. Hicks’ desk in the Counseling Office lobby.

Students can view a complete list of the colleges that will be visiting in Naviance, on the class pages in Schoology or on the hard-copy spreadsheet outside the College Office. Students can view/sign up for a college visit in Naviance under the “colleges” tab and under “college visits” at the bottom of the screen. Click “show more” to see the complete list of visits and click “register” next to any sessions you plan to attend. The student (not parent) must be logged in to register. Registering is not mandatory, but extremely helpful for finding the appropriately sized space. Students can also sign up to be a “College Ambassador” and usher a college representative up to the Counseling Office. Students can visit the class pages in Schoology to sign up and prevent a college representative from getting lost in the building and make a great college connection too!

3) The National Honor Society application is now open for Juniors and Seniors!

The application for National Honor Society is now available online at National Honor Society 2019 Application. Applications must be submitted online by Monday, September 23 at 5:00 p.m. Applicants must be juniors or seniors with a 3.5 cumulative, weighted, unrounded GPA and must be on track in earning community service hours (70 for juniors and 105 for seniors). Community service hours must be entered into x2vol AND "verified" by the application deadline, so please follow up with your supervisors if need be. Members of NHS must commit to earning five additional NHS-related service hours per year of membership above and beyond graduation requirements. Please see the application for additional application instructions/requirements and membership obligations.

Please contact the NHS Sponsors, Dr. Loving and Ms. Streitel with questions.





SCRIP- ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A $20 GIFT CARD!

Enroll in the brand new Great Lake Scrip Program by September 27 and be entered in a raffle to win one of three $20.00 gift cards to a participating retailer of your choice. This is the NO EXTRA COST TO YOU fundraiser from the MLWGS PTSA! Buy gift cards for stores you already shop, and a percentage will go directly to the MLWGS PTSA. Go to www.shopwithscrip.com to enroll, for more information, and for a full list of over 750 participating retailers. The MLWGS enrollment code is C43669E564L28. Our first order due date is Friday, October 4. You can order Scrip Now cards anytime with a credit card or if you are enrolled in Presto Pay.

Link to useful short videos:
What is Scrip and How Does it Work? https://shop.shopwithscrip.com/Support/videos/scrip-explained

Scrip Now and Enrolling in On-line Payment: https://shop.shopwithscrip.com/Support/videos/family-ordering

Questions? Contact your PTSA SCRIP Coordinator.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE FALL FESTIVAL 2019!


The 2019 MLWGS the Fall Festival is scheduled for Friday, October 4. The Fall Festival is a wonderful time for all students and their families to get together, enjoy food and activity booths, listen to live music, get to know each other better, and have fun! The booths are student run and a fundraiser for the clubs. The festival showcases and funds the clubs and activities that enrich the student experience at MLWGS. Sign-ups for the booths are done by the clubs in conjunction with the club sponsor.

Parent volunteers enable the festival to operate. Sign-ups for parent volunteers for different roles at festival time will come out shortly. In the meantime, parent volunteers are needed for the organizing committee. Two types of committee volunteer positions are needed: organizing committee volunteer and day of full day volunteer. The full day volunteer is a new sub-group set up this year to enable parents who would like to participate on the committee but have limited time availability.

Parent who are interested in volunteering please reach out to Gopal Bhagavatula
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The PTSA is seeking Dragon community families and businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities for this wonderful event that showcases MLWGS many student organizations.  The PTSA has two ways you can provide support:

Dragon Community Sponsorship- $50 recommended sponsorship
Current MLWGS families, alumni, grandparents, and friends 

Corporate Sponsorship- $250 recommended sponsorship
Sponsorships are tax-deductible and often eligible for matching fund
donations from employers. Sponsorships can conveniently be made
online at http://www.mlwgsfoundation.org/donate/ or you may
forward a check to Suzannah Stora, made payable to the Governor’s
School Foundation (please note Fall Festival Sponsor in memo section of
your check).

All Sponsors will be recognized in the Fall Festival Times distributed at the event.  Thank you for your support.  We are looking forward to seeing everyone at the Fall Festival on October 4!





FALL FESTIVAL ENTERTAINMENT REQUESTS


Interested in Performing at Fall Festival?

School Curricular Groups (Jazz Band, Orchestra, Chorus, etc.) will have designated slots.

Limited time is available for other groups. Submit ONE FORM per performer, or per group.

Online Link to sign up

DEADLINE for signing up is Wednesday, September 25.

Questions? Please contact: Jessica Lai Perez 804-295-2432 or Susan Warner 804-347-4624.

FALL FEST Entertainment Flyer




PARENT WELCOME COFFEES

Looking to connect with fellow MLWGS parents? The Governor's School Foundation will be hosting two parent welcome coffees, Tuesday, September 24 and Thursday, October 24 from 8- 9:00 a.m. in room 153 (the classroom directly outside of the Bluestone lobby). Stop by when you come for drop off and enjoy a quick cup of coffee and a nibble with fellow MLWGS parents. Feel free to contact Suzannah Stora, Executive Director of the Governor's School Foundation should you have any questions. We hope to see you there!

Week of September 20, 2017

ATHLETIC BOOSTERS CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

The Maggie Walker Athletic Boosters Club has formed several committees and is looking for additional volunteers to serve on the committees. The committees will be making recommendations for consideration by the Athletic Boosters Board. The committees and the Board will be working with Activities Director Paige Hawkins. Serving on one of the committees is a great way for parents to get involved at the school and support our student-athletes. Brief descriptions of the committees are provided below. Please contact Athletic Boosters President Rich Schweiker at dukeschweikers@aol.com to your express interest in serving on one of the committees or to get more information.

Facilities Assessment - Assess both off-site and on-site facilities for each sport.

Regional School Board Funding Assessment - Assess to what extent the increased funding from the Regional School Board is sufficiently covering Athletic Department operating expenses.

Equipment Assessment - Assess current equipment needs of all teams.

Membership - Consider ways to promote involvement and increase membership.

Athlete Recognition - Consider ways to improve the recognition of our student-athletes.

Advocacy - Advocate for athletic interests within and outside the school.

Governance - Review organizational documents and recommend changes; and develop plan and process for recruitment and training of new officers and directors.





MAD KINGS! SAVAGE QUEENS! KNIGHTS AND DRAGONS! TROPHIES! TRAVEL!

Come to room 111 at lunch on Thursday, September 21, to learn more about the exciting world of Dragon Chess! All are welcome, no chess experience required.





DID YOU KNOW MLWGS IS CLASSIFIED AS A "PROGRAM" AND NOT A HIGH SCHOOL?


PTSA Advocacy invites all interested parents to a meeting September 26 from 7:00-8:30 PM in room 153 to hear how Maggie Walker is funded by the state and the localities who send students to this school. As a “stand-alone school district” learn about the board that oversees Maggie Walker, and the complexities of maintaining an all-inclusive curriculum, building and grounds for gifted high school students from 12 localities. Hear the differences between a comprehensive high school and a program, and how the three full day Governor’s Schools (MLWGS , Appomattox Regional, and Thomas Jefferson Science and Technology) are trying to provide the best possible well-rounded high school experience for your talented student. Understand how the school can lose or gain funding and how parents can speak up. Learn about our annual MLWGS Legislative Breakfast and Capital Day; both activities provide an opportunity for our students to interact with senators and delegates at school and on Capital Square.





YEARBOOK PICTURES - FRESHMEN, SOPHOMORES, JUNIORS



Underclass Yearbook portraits will be shot by Strawbridge Studios at school on Wednesday and Thursday, September 20-21. Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors will travel to the Black Box with their English classes.

So if they have English on an odd day, they’ll be photographed on Wednesday; if even, on Thursday. Those wishing to order pictures must visit Ms. Bowman in Attendance or Mr. White in Room 330 to pick up an order form. All orders must be prepaid and brought to the photographer on the appropriate Picture Day. (Makeups will be on Nov. 2.) Please contact Michael White at mwhite@gsgis.k12.va.us if you have questions.





BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT



This Thursday, September 21 is Back to School Night. The evening program begins at 6:30pm in the auditorium. Please allow extra time for parking. Student schedules, maps and information were sent home with students on Tuesday, September 19.





SCHOOL STORE IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS




Don't hide our pride. The Dragon's Lair is stocked and ready with your spirit gear. Visit us on Tuesdays and Fridays during lunch and for special events. Can't wait? Visit our online store:mlwgsdragons.ourspiritgear.com. Clubs and sports teams: let us help you design and market your spirit items.





DECIPHER HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS AND EARN COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS

The Maggie Walker Library will be hosting monthly Transcribe-a-thons this year in partnership with the Library of Virginia’s Transcribe project, a crowdsourced transcription project “documenting over 400 years of Virginia history, people, and culture.”

This is the perfect opportunity for students to dive into the Library of Virginia’s collections AND earn community service hours right here at MLWGS. “From peace to wartime, court records to letters home, and conspiracies to political statements, there will be something for everyone.”

If you’re interested, mark your calendars AND stop by the MW Library to reserve your spot for a training session with Sonya Coleman, Digital Collections Specialist for the Library of Virginia, on Thursday, September 21, from 3:45pm to 4:45pm.

She’ll give an overview of Transcribe, the types of historical documents in need of transcription, and tips for transcription, then participants will dive into the archives and start decoding documents. She’ll also have free LVA bling!

In October through May of this school year, Ms. DeGroat will host a Transcribe-a-thon in the library after school on the second Wednesday of each month (October through May) from 3:30-5pm. There will also be an opportunity to transcribe at designated tables in the library during lunch the next day.

For enthusiastic volunteers, LVA holds similar events each month hosted by HandsOnRVA, and volunteers with a Transcribe account can decode documents from home too.

If you have questions, stop by the library or email Ms. DeGroat at wdegroat@gsgis.k12.va.us.





YEARBOOK STAFF SEEKS SUMMER PICTURES FROM STUDENTS



The Yearbook staff would LOVE to see your pictures-- of summer fun, jobs, community service, hobbies, or anything else you've been up to.

Please go to http://www.hjeshare.com/eShare/?code=MLWGS and upload your pictures.

Questions? Email Mr. White at mwhite@gsgis.k12.va.us.

We look forward to seeing how you spend your time!





SUPPORT CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS AT THE FALL FESTIVAL ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6TH!



Come one; come all to the 21st annual MLWGS Fall Festival! It is an international event sponsored by the PTSA to directly showcase and financially support MLWGS student organizations! Held on the front steps and lawn of the school facing Lombardy Street, the Fall Festival offers a wide variety of activities, entertainment, and food.

The Festival is open to all- current students, their families, younger siblings, former students and families, neighborhood residents, and friends of the school!

There is no admittance charged for the festival and all the entertainment, provided by our very talented students is free! Tickets are sold to purchase all items for sale- crafts, games, entrees, desserts, drinks, and more!

Be sure to “Like” the Fall Festival Page on Facebook to get the latest information about what is planned and what volunteer opportunities exist (www.facebook.com/MLWGSFallFestival).

Sponsorship needed - Deadline Wednesday, September 27th!
To keep costs down – and keep more money in the coffers of MLWGS student organizations- the MLWGS PTSA is looking for corporate or individual sponsors. The goal this year is $2000. Each year our Fall Festival grows, and with that growth new tables and tents are purchased. Funds from sponsors go to purchasing these items. Gold sponsorship entails a donation of $500 and Silver Sponsors donate $250. Smaller donations are also accepted and greatly appreciated. If you would like to make a donation, please email Kathy Staley at Kathleen.staley@comcast.net.


Volunteers Wanted!
The Festival relies on volunteers to help with the many jobs including set up, booth support, PTSA drink sales, crowd control, ticket sales and counting, and tear down. Parent support is critical to the success of the Festival and students can earn community service hours. Parent volunteers will be needed on October 6 starting at 9 a.m. before the Festival for setup, during the Festival, and afterwards for clean up. The PTSA also needs to borrow some items to help keep the cost down. More information about volunteering and donating items is posted on the Fall Festival Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/MLWGSFallFestival) and will be posted next week in Smoke and Scales.

Pre-Purchase Tickets!
Last year lines to buy tickets were long, but picking up pre-ordered tickets was fast and easy! The Committee strongly encourages everyone to pre-order tickets using the form below! Although we recommend 15-20 tickets per student, just 10 tickets will buy a good meal and pay for a one or two of activities or some yummy treats. Also remember, except for Dragon's Lair, booths only accept tickets and only cash are accepted for tickets the day of the festival!

Ticket Order Form





KEEP UP WITH THE GOVERNOR'S SCHOOL FOUNDATION

There's more than one way to keep up with the Governor's School Foundation. You can like our Facebook page to see regular updates, or check our website whenever you're curious about what we're up to. You'll see posts about our alumni, like recent Fulbright recipient Eileen Wang ('12), Spelman College junior Bre'Anna Vinson ('15), and attorney Kate Lipper Garabedian ('99), who is running for office this November. You'll also see posts about the enhancement grants we fund every year, and our events for alumni and parents. We're looking forward to a great year, so we hope you'll stay tuned!






PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

Attention Sophomores!
Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS) is a program 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. The VSCS program features two key elements: 1.) an on-line science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning experience featuring five modules; and 2.) a seven-day residential Summer Academy at NASA Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, VA where selected scholars will learn first-hand from NASA professionals about cutting edge technologies and missions. Please visit http://vscs.spacegrant.org/ for additional information and application. The deadline for student applications is November 12, 2017.


Attention Parents of Juniors and Seniors!
The application for National Honor Society is now available online at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdEgxHPEutVoAC_eh3i1toaTIjL-vpwoMim7wWT8YCXrQNWsA/viewform. Applications must be submitted online by Monday, September 25 at 5:00 pm. Applicants must be juniors or seniors with a 3.5 cumulative, weighted GPA and must be on track in earning community service hours (70 for juniors and 105 for seniors). Members of NHS must commit to earning five additional NHS-related service hours per year of membership above and beyond graduation requirements. Please see the application for additional application instructions/requirements and membership obligations.


Attention Juniors and Seniors!
The Society of Women Engineers at the University of Virginia invites high school juniors and seniors to apply to our High School Visitation program on Saturday, November 18, 2017. The program gives young women a comprehensive look at engineering fields and UVA’s engineering curriculum through informative speakers 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 2017 Application which can be found here. 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.

The attached flier provides more information about the event and instructions on how to apply online through our website.

The application must be completed online by 11:59 pm on Saturday, October 21st, 2017.


Opportunities for Juniors and Seniors!
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 seven modules and a final project to be completed from November 2017 through May 2018 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. Additional information and application can be found at http://vsgc.odu.edu/VASTS/. The deadline for student applications is November 12, 2017.

Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) is an interactive, on-line Earth System Science Course featuring NASA scientific research and data. The course is offered for dual enrollment college credit (statewide through TNCC) for high school juniors and seniors in the Spring semester 2018. VESSS will have two components. The first component is an online sixteen-week course running from December through April. The second component is a residential NASA Summer Academy at NASA Langley Research Center for students who perform well in the course. Additional information and application can be found at http://vsgc.odu.edu/VESSS/. The deadline for student applications is November 12, 2017.





ATTENTION SENIOR PARENTS!

The September Senior Newsletter is now available on the School Counseling website. This newsletter contains important college and scholarship-related reminders and deadlines. Dr. Loving and Ms. Streitel met with all of the senior English classes this week to discuss important college information including how to request transcripts and recommendation letters, upcoming deadlines, etc., and distributed the first issue of the Senior Newsletter to students.

The In-House Selective Scholarship Application is open in Naviance and is due by midnight on October 1st. Completion of this in-house application will make seniors eligible to be nominated for these specific scholarships by our MLWGS Scholarship Committee. Detailed information about each scholarship can be found on Naviance. Students chosen to be nominated for a scholarship will need to complete all scholarship application requirements by the specific scholarship deadline.

· Washington University St. Louis: Danforth Scholars Program
· VA DAR Good Citizen
· UVA: Jefferson Scholars
· Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
· Harry F. Byrd, Jr. Leadership Award
· Davidson College: Belk Scholars
· Interfaith Council Brother/Sisterhood Award
· Comcast Leaders & Achievers Scholarship Program
· VA Tech: Pamplin Leaders Award
· Virginia Interscholastic Athletic (VIAAA) Awards
· VHSL Scholarships
· Executive Women International Scholarship Program
· Pogue Scholarship (requires an additional application available in March)
· Civitan International Honor Key

A description of all scholarship opportunities sent to MLWGS can be found on Naviance. Please note that this list is not exhaustive- students are still encouraged to do their own scholarship research. See the “Scholarship and Financial Aid” page of the School Counseling website for tips. All deadlines listed in Naviance are subject to change- MLWGS is not always notified of annual date changes; therefore, it is important that students confirm all deadlines on the scholarship organization’s direct website. Please contact Kierstin Streitel in the School Counseling Office with any scholarship questions.

Teacher Recommendation Request forms are due by 3:30pm on September 22nd for any deadlines November 1st or earlier. All other Teacher Recommendation Request forms are due at least two “school” weeks prior to the college/program deadline (winter break not included). Extra forms are in the School Counseling Office.

A Transcript Request form is due to counselors by 3:30pm on October 2nd for any deadlines November 15th or earlier. A Transcript Request Form is due to counselors by 3:30pm on November 15th for any deadlines November 16th or later. Extra forms are in the School Counseling Office.

Students are allowed four excused absences for college visits per year. Students must get and turn back in a pre-approval form to Ms. Bowman in advance. Students should let their teachers know ahead of time that they will be missing class and it is up to them to inquire about and complete any missed work.





SENIOR PORTRAITS



Due to overwhelming demand, in-school senior portraits have MOVED to Monday, October 9. New, additional time slots are now available. Seniors wishing to be photographed should sign up outside Room 330. Seniors' time slots from the old October 11 sheet have been preserved, EXCEPT for those who signed up between 12 and 12:30, or after 3:00 p.m. Those seniors have new time slots, so those students should find their names on the brand new list. Seniors who cannot make their assigned time slot may change it or swap with a classmate. See Mr. White mwhite@gsgis.k12.va.us if you have any questions. These free portraits are tux and drape only; additional poses, outfits and backgrounds involve fees.

If you’d rather be photographed for your formal Yearbook portrait at another studio, be sure that your portraits adhere to the following specifications:

a. formal dress (tux or drape)
b. "midnight blue" or other standard, dark blue or black background
c. photo should be head and shoulders, with the bottom of frame hitting mid-chest level. Any size from Strawbridge [2-15/16" x 2-3/16" OR 2-3/16" x 1-5/8" OR 1-15/16" x 1-7/16"] is fine.

Photos from other studios are due no later than Friday, November 17. If we do not have your picture by November 17, you risk exclusion from the senior section. Please give Mr. White a copy of the photo if it is NOT the contracted school photographer. Digital images must be at least 300 dpi and can be emailed tomwhite@gsgis.k12.va.us or delivered on a CD or flash drive to Mr. White. If you email an image, please send a separate email to follow up to make sure we received the email. (We may need to provide a different email address for larger images.)

Week of September 20, 2016

SAVE THE DATE!

September 22 is Back-to-School Night.  The evening program begins at 6:30 p.m.
Student schedules, maps and more information will be sent home with students earlier in the week.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS ASSEMBLY

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

The Maggie L. Walker Health & Physical Education and Counseling Departments in conjunction with our student-led Mental Health and Disabilities Awareness club will hold a school-wide Mental Health Awareness Assembly on Friday, September 30.  

The assembly will feature a speaker from “Minding Your Mind,” a national prevention-based program that educates teens by initiating conversations regarding mental health.   Speakers are young adults who have struggled with mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, and give educational talks to reduce the stigma of seeking help.  This program is being supported by the locally based Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation, which works with area public and private high schools to implement “Minding Your Mind.”  

Additionally, in the weeks following the assembly, professional staff from the Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation and MLWGS will facilitate an optional eight-session interactive Peer Support Curriculum.  Students can attend one or more of these sessions as interested (sign-up for sessions will occur after the assembly). This curriculum covers the following topics:  stress, anxiety and depression, substance abuse, negative and positive coping skills, active listening, mindfulness, and establishing boundaries.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child attending the assembly, please contact either Paige Hawkins (Health/ P.E., ext. 1440) or Karl Zweerink (Counseling Department, ext. 3210).  This activity was planned as part of MLWGS’ strategic initiative to “develop a systematic approach to support social, emotional, physical, intellectual, and mental health needs of our gifted students.”

DEADLINES ARE APPROACHING FOR

20TH ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL!

The 20th Annual Fall Festival will be held October 7 (rain date October 14). This family friendly annual festival celebrates MLWGS’s international focus while offering clubs and organizations a lively and enjoyable way to raise funds. The deadline to register for both Entertainment and Booths is Friday, September 23! 

To register to perform, go on line at: http://goo.gl/forms/RCCxIS4MyU.

To register to host a booth, Class and Club Sponsors should go on line at: http://goo.gl/forms/mu6Cs6vRvK. 

The deadline for Corporate Sponsorship is Wednesday, September 28! Corporate Sponsorship will help pay for new LED lights for the stage and other electrical and safety improvements which can be reused every year! The Fall Festival is pleased to announce the following Corporate Sponsors as of Thursday, September 15: Gold Sponsors are Patient First and ASHBY. Silver Sponsors are Short Pump Dental, Short Pump Realty, Nyfeler Associates, and Fan District Association! 

If your company is interested in supporting MLWGS clubs and activities as well, please contact Debbie Taminger at debtaminger@gmail.com.

Finally, the deadline for pre-ordering tickets is Wednesday, October 5. With the exception of the Dragons’ Lair Booth, only tickets will be accepted at the Fall Festival. (The Dragon’s Lair will take tickets, cash, checks and credit cards.). Tickets will also be available for purchase at the Festival, and tickets are not refundable. Unused tickets can be donated to the booth of your choice during the festival hours. To pre-order tickets, go on line at: 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kBZPwdbyQS2SuAoBVQtlYRxlOWv3zMPElG1OmnkG9lM/edit?usp=sharing

CALLING PARENTS AND STUDENTS!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR PHONE-A-THON!

The Governor's School Foundation is looking for parents and students to participate in the Governor's School Foundation Fall Phone-a-thon! Please join us during the evenings of Tuesday, September 27 and/or Wednesday, September 28, at MLWGS to reach out to fellow current and alumni parents and other donors.

Students can earn up to six hours of community service! 

Dinner will be provided at 6:00 p.m., followed by a brief training session.  Calling will follow and will conclude each night at 9:00 p.m. Come for one or both nights and help raise the funds that enhance the Governor's School experience for MLWGS students and teachers.

Last year’s phone-a-thons raised more than $58,000 in gifts and pledges for the school, so this is an extremely important part of the Foundation Annual Fund Campaign. 

Please contact the Foundation Executive Director, Suzannah Stora at sstora@governorsschoolfoundation.org or stop by the Foundation Office (across from the auditorium) to sign up. 

ATTENTION SENIOR PARENTS

The September Senior Newsletter is now available on the School Counseling Website (https://sites.google.com/a/gsgis.k12.va.us/mlw-school-counseling/2011-2012-newsletters). This newsletter contains college-related reminders and a listing of scholarships with approaching deadlines. The latest newsletter was distributed to students in their English classes last week. Scholarship information for seniors is also available on the School Counseling website (https://sites.google.com/a/gsgis.k12.va.us/mlw-school-counseling/college-admissions-information-1/scholarships-financial-aid) and in Naviance (https://connection.naviance.com/mlwgs).

Contact your child’s counselor if you would like to view the Naviance scholarship database and need your registration code. Scholarships are still being added to this database on a monthly basis, most with direct links to the applications. Hard-copy applications are scanned and attached to the scholarship description as a PDF. Please note that all deadlines posted on Naviance or in the Newsletter are subject to change as organizations are still sending updated information for this school year. Check the organization’s website for the most current information. Please contact Rachel Loving in the School Counseling Office with scholarship questions.

ATTENTION JUNIOR AND SENIOR PARENTS!

National Honor Society applications are now available. If a student would like to be considered for the National Honor Society (NHS) please encourage him or her to complete an application and return it to Rachel Loving, School Counselor and NHS Sponsor by Friday, September 30, 2016. Candidates must be a junior or a senior, have a 3.5 cumulative GPA, and demonstrate the qualities of scholarship, leadership, and service. A complete list of qualifications is available on the application. Candidates will be notified of acceptance by October 7 and an induction ceremony will take place later that month. Juniors and seniors will receive a copy of the application via email and a hard copy is also available in the Counseling Office. Please contact Rachel Loving with questions at rloving@gsgis.k12.va.us.

TRIP TO SPAIN

There will be an important meeting for any student interested in a trip to Spain in 2017. The meeting will be held on Thursday, September 29 at 6:30 p.m. in room 335.  Parents and students are welcome.  Steve Ross, Susan Hefty, and Bob Jenkins will discuss the upcoming trip.

TRAINING GROUPS FOR HIGH SCHOOL-AGE STUDENTS

WITH ADD/ADHD AND THEIR PARENTS

VCU is offering free training groups for high school age students with ADD/ADHD and their parents. The groups focus on teaching parents and high school age adolescents strategies to promote adolescent autonomy, increase academic success, and reduce parent/adolescent conflict. Session topics include improving the use of organization/ time-management skills and communication strategies. As part of enrolling in the groups, participants will receive $50 for their time and effort, and a free mental health evaluation and report. The next group will be run in October and slots for participation are filled on a first come first serve basis. Please contact Efren Velazquez at 804-828-4254 or velazquezea@vcu.edu for more information.

MAGGIE WALKER GARDEN CLUB

AWARDED $750 FROM KEEP VIRGINIA BEAUTIFUL

Davis Coffey leads the MLWGS Garden Club. This past summer, Davis wrote and submitted a grant request to the “Keep Virginia Beautiful” 30 Grants in 30 Days Program.  “Keep Virginia Beautiful” awarded 45 applicants $500 to $1000 and, thanks to Davis, MLWGS was one of the recipients, receiving $750 for the Garden Club.  

The Keep Virginia Beautiful mission is to "engage and unite Virginians to improve our natural and scenic environment through five impact areas:  Litter Prevention, Waste Reduction, Recycling, Beautification, and Environmental Education." Davis began the garden club this past spring.  Together with more than 40 National Honor Society members, the club cleared land near the tennis courts and built several raised garden beds. Davis plans to use the award money to build five additional raised beds that will contain vegetables, flowers, and herbs. The garden club also hopes to host several fundraising opportunities throughout the year to help cover the expense of ongoing management and care of the garden. Several wish list items include building a trellis and planting several flowering shrubs that will invite insects to the area and promote pollination. The goal of the club is to create a sustainable garden producing fruits and vegetable that will be shared not only in our school but also within our community.

For more information on the Garden Club, please contact Davis Coffey or Mrs. Edgerton, Garden Club sponsor.

http://keepvirginiabeautiful.org/2016/06/30/richmond-school-plants-30-thirty/

LATEST ISSUE OF MLWGS JABBERWOCK

Want the student news? Check out the latest issue of the MLWGS Jabberwock here:  http://mlwgsjabberwock.com/.

DRAGON’S LAIR ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Dragon’s Lair would like to remind MLWGS friends and family that the store is open regularly on Tuesdays and Fridays during the lunch hour.  Prefer to stop by on the way to work?  No problem!  We also open up for convenient morning shopping the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month from 8 to 9 a.m.  Checkout is quick and easy as we’re all electronic now! 

Visit the store to see our newest items pictured above - more to come soon. 

• Bow Ties with a new design
• Holiday Ornaments
• Flannel Pants with a new design
• We’re also looking into a new blanket, polo shirt, sweat pants, ladies tee, tervis cup, stadium seat, flag, and alumni shirt.

Shoot us an email and tell us what you’d like to see offered in The Lair – mlwgsdragons@gmail.com.  We’ll be placing orders for Fall Festival within the next two weeks. 

More announcements coming soon!