Week of September 2, 2020

Welcome back, Dragons!

School starts next Tuesday, September 8, 2020.



Welcome to the first 2020-21 edition of Smoke and Scales.

Smoke and Scales is a weekly electronic newsletter. See instructions at the footer here to subscribe to weekly Smoke and Scales and to learn how to submit items.

Please note that the web version of Smoke and Scales contains MANY useful links in the column on the right side: all the booster organizations, Counseling Department, MLWGS school calendar, volunteer forms, link to AmazonSmile, shop with scrip online link, and so much more! Unfortunately, this list of links does not appear on mobile devices. These links are updated continuously. Please note them and use them often.

Because the 2020-21 school year will begin online and virtual, we are posting much of the information that you would have received in paper form in a back-to-school packet. That makes for a long newsletter, but you will want to read the WHOLE edition. There is a LOT of important information here.

This edition will be organized into FOUR main sections:

1. Letter from PTSA president and navigating MLWGS communications.

2. Fundraising information, PTSA membership, MLWGS Foundation, boosters, Dragon's Lair shop, scrip program, etc.

3. School forms: community service, library, student aid, free breakfast and lunch forms, etc.

4. Yearbook information: senior page, how to order, etc.

But WAIT!
Before you read on, there is ONE thing you and you child MUST do:
Parents AND students have forms to complete in their own PowerSchool portals, and they must be completed by Monday, September 14. Once you log into PowerSchool, fill out the E-Collect Forms on the left side of the home page.

Finally, if you want to be included in the student directory, please make sure you opt in. Details here.

Also, for new dragon families, if you have not been contacted by a parent ambassador, please email Kim Warren at warkim@gmail.com.

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1. PTSA and Communications 

On behalf of the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School (MLWGS) PTSA, I would like to welcome our new students and parents to the 2020-21 school year. To our returning families, welcome back! The 2020-21 school year will truly be unlike any other. As we start this special year during the time of COVID-19, please remember that our goal is to continue working together with the teachers and administration as we strive to develop and improve the student experience at MLWGS, one of the premiere public high schools in Virginia.

I encourage you to join the MLWGS PTSA. Your 2020-21 PTSA membership costs a nominal fee of $20 per family (or $30 if you have two or more students at MLWGS).

Please use the link above to donate online. You may also mail a check made out to MLWGS PTSA to 1000 N. Lombardy St., Richmond, VA 23220. Once we can return to school, contributions can be dropped off in the office of Ms. Valenta Williams, Room 100, which is near the Bluestone Lobby entrance.

The annual PTSA membership fee supports the student directory, teacher and staff appreciation gifts/events, and school/student support (hospitality, Fall Festival, landscaping). It also pays for your annual PTSA membership to the Virginia and National PTAs.

Feel free to contact me, or any of our PTSA officers or committee chairs, directly with questions or comments. We look forward to collaborating with you in the coming year as we make the education/lives of our students a priority, both in and out of the classroom.



Beth Simms
MLWGS PTSA President, 2020-21
president@mlwgsptsa.org

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Navigating the MLWGS website

The MLWGS website offers a tremendous amount of useful information.
Here are descriptions of some areas frequently visited by current MLWGS parents:

Homepage links at the top: 
· Director’s Blog (He sends an email with a link to these Sunday night updates.)
· School Calendar
· MLWGS News

Homepage links at the bottom:
· PowerSchool 

· Schoology 

· MLWGS Foundation (also linked under Community section)

· Pay Fees Online
· Smoke and Scales: School newsletter (current and archives); Includes lengthy list of links to frequently used resources along right side of screen in blog format

About > Faculty & Staff: Listing with email links (contact information for your student’s current teachers is also available in PowerSchool)

About > Lunch Service: Includes weekly menus and payment information

About > Transportation: Includes contact information for each district

Academics > Counseling: Extensive content for students and families, links to Naviance and College Board, copies of PTSA presentations under Parents tab

Co-Curricular: Information about athletics, academic teams, clubs/activities

Community > PTSA & Booster Groups: Information about events/programs and volunteer opportunities, contact information for PTSA and booster leaders

Community > School Advisory Council (SAC): Minutes from this cross-functional group of parents, teachers, students, alumni, and staff



2. Fundraising Information

How can you support Maggie Walker? Check out all the ways: PTSA membership, booster clubs, volunteering, use the scrip program, sign up for AmazonSmile and Kroger Community rewards, buy Maggie Walker merchandise at the Dragon's Lair!

Find information on joining booster clubs on the volunteer form linked below, or contact the booster clubs by email:

Athletic Boosters - mwgsathletics@gmail.com
Drama Boosters - mlwgs.drama.boosters@gmail.com 

Music Boosters - slichtman1@yahoo.com
Visual Art Boosters - jhall@gsgis.k12.va.us

1. Volunteer Form (help the PTSA by indicating your interests).  

    You can also fill out your interests online here.
2. Dragon's Lair (school merchandise store)
3. Scrip and Back to School Announcement (raise money with gift cards)
4. Foundation and Boosters (Links to the MLWGS Foundation and booster groups)
5. Business Partners (Kroger and AmazonSmile)

The Dragons's Lair has a new website! Check it out at mlwgsdragonslair.com. The store will be open exclusively online as long as the school remains on a virtual learning platform. Take a look at our apparel, stickers, magnets and other MLWGS merchandise. PTSA memberships are also available for purchase. All orders will be available for pick up from the school. Use our comments page to let us know what you think of our new website and to sign up to volunteer. 

Great Lake Scrip Program:
Now more than ever, the MLWGS PTSA would love your support. when you do everyday shopping with Great Lake Scrip gift cards and e-certificates, a percentage goes directly to our PTSA. View this one-minute video to see how it works: Scrip Video. The new Raise Right app makes it easy to receive e-cards on your mobile device and shop on the spot. Go to shopwithscrip.com for more information and a list of more than 750 participating retailers. Let those stores and retailers give money to our school at no extra cost to you! Questions? Contact our MLWGS scrip coordinator, Laura Dysart, at scrip@mlwgsptsa.org.

3. School forms 

1. Freshman Honor Code Letter
2. Community Service Letter to Freshmen
3. Community Service Flier
4. Friends of the Library
5. Student Financial Aid Document
6. Free Breakfast and Lunch Form
7. 2020-2021 School Calendar



4. Yearbook information

1. Senior Information and Solicitation - This is for Senior PARENTS!
2. Senior Quote and Name Spelling
3. Yearbook Order Form
4. Yearbook Name Plate Icons
5. Yearbook Name Stamp Icons

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 30, 2014

Fall Festival is Friday, October 10, 4-8pm (rain date October 17)

Sharing is Caring: Lend an Item – or a Hand!

On Friday, October 10, the front lawn and drive of MLWGS will be transformed into a Global Celebration, with four full hours of entertainment, activities and eating opportunities. To make the festival happen, the MLWGS community is asked to lend (or give) various essential items, such as pop-up tents and wheeled coolers.  

Please mark items to be returned with name, e-mail address or cell phone number, and colorful duct tape.

Additionally, organizers need assistance with set-up during the day and breaking down the stage after the music ends. For students looking for community service hours, stage breakdown is a great way to earn them! 

For an up-to-date list of what’s most needed, visit the MLWGS Fall Festival Sign Up Genius page:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0444AAAE2DA5F58-mlwgs/20184676.

Questions? Contact Samantha Mier, MWFallFestvolunteers@gmail.com, (804) 754-0905.

Kid Zone returns!

After a successful debut at last year’s Fall Festival, this year’s MLWGS Fall Festival will see the return of the Kid Zone, a special area devoted to children ages 10 and younger.

In the Kid Zone, mini-Dragons will be able to play games, make a fall ornament and other crafts, including a paper lantern courtesy of InLight Richmond. Back by popular demand, Nutzy, the mascot of the Richmond Flying Squirrels, plans to visit the festival for a second year. Look for Nutzy to roam the school grounds 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Avoid the lines…Purchase festival tickets in advance!

As a reminder: All purchases at the fall festival will require tickets sold by the PTSA. There are two ways to obtain tickets: stand in line at the festival, or purchase them in advance, using the following form:https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bx4f6ZhqrWcYSXFDRzlWZkF0OEk/edit?usp=sharing.

Tickets will also be sold at school during lunch October 7 and 8. All tickets will be picked up at the festival; no tickets will be distributed early.

Be sure to check our Facebook page for updates:  www.facebook.com/MLWGSFallFestival.

MUSIC BOOSTERS MEETING – OCTOBER 8^TH
ACADEMIC BOOSTERS NEWSLETTER AVAILABLE

• The Freshman Music Parents meeting will be held in conjunction with the next MLWGS Music Boosters meeting on Wednesday, October 8^th at 6pm in the Music Room; all interested parents are invited to attend.
• The Academic Boosters newsletter is now available. Click HERE to read all about it!

October Senior Newsletter Now Available

Attention Senior Parents and Guardians! The October 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 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 the student’s counselor to receive a registration code to view the Naviance scholarship database. 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 MLWGS 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 all Class of 2015 parents/guardians!

The senior class is running a carnival-themed Fall Festival booth this year, featuring the Duck Pond game.  The prize for selecting a winning duck is a $5 or $10 gift card.  The Class of 2015 needs help!  Please send in $5 and/or $10 gift cards to various restaurants and stores with students by Thursday, October 9th.  The class officers expect the booth to be very popular, so all gift cards are much appreciated!  Cards can be turned in to any class officer or Ms. Sheppard. 

MLWGS lanyards are essential gear!

What's on a lanyard?  Keys? Library card? ID? Mini-sharpie in a favorite color? Picture of a dog? Small thermometer? Flashlight? USB Drive? Emergency ketchup?  What, no lanyard?  How do you get anything done?

Get the durable green Walker lanyard with easy access metal clip any Tuesday or Friday at The Dragon's Lair, open during lunch and after-school special events. Cash and Checks only. Visit http://mlwgsdragons.weebly.com/index.html to see the complete line of Dragon merchandise.

Week of September 9, 2014

MLWGS PTSA Back-to-School Night

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Join the MLWGS PTSA for Back-to-School Night on September 11, 2014, at 6:30pm. Be sure to arrive early. Program details and overflow parking information can be found HERE.




Academic Boosters Seeks Parent Reps and Volunteers

The Academic Teams Boosters Club is recruiting parent reps and volunteers for the various academic teams it supports. A passion for the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School and its students is the only requirement. The Academic Teams Boosters Club supports the broad range of activities of the MLWGS Academic Teams by providing the teams with monetary and volunteer support to attend programs and competitions near and far at local, state, national, and international levels. MLWGS Academic Teams include

• Academic Quiz Bowl (BoB Squad),
• Academic WorldQuest,
• Chess,
• Debate,
• Forensics,
• Future Problem Solvers,
• History Bowl,
• LifeSmarts,
• Model Congress,
• Model UN,
• Robotics, and the
• Technology Student Association.

Parents interested in participating and volunteering should contact Bill Benos at bbenos@williamsmullen.com.

Proposed Fall Meeting Schedule:

• Thursday, September 11, 2014 – 5:30 PM (Before Back-to-School Night)
• Monday, October 6, 2014 – 6:00 PM (Before the PTSA Meeting which starts at 7:00 PM)
• Monday, November 17, 2014 – 6:00 PM (Before the PTSA Meeting which starts at7:00 PM)
• Monday, December 8, 2014 – 4:00 PM (Before the Foundation Meeting which starts at 5:00 PM) (Tentative)

MLWGS Music Boosters Meeting – September 10TH

The MLWGS Music Boosters will meet on Wednesday, September 10th, at 6:00 p.m. in the Music Room. Interested parents should attend the meeting. The Freshman Music Parent Meeting will be held in October.
Please contact Leslie Hausser, MLWGS Music Boosters President at lahmeems@comcast.net with any questions.







Green means Go! To the Dragon's Lair

“It's not easy being green” said Rana pipiens once upon a time. But without it there wouldn’t be envy, dollar bills or cruciferous vegetables. Get into the green groove at the Dragon's Lair with the *new* Maggie Walker sweatshirt, now just $18.

Follow the crowds to the Dragon's Lair every Tuesday and Friday during lunch, and before/during/after Back to School night on Thursday, September 11, this week. Browse 24/7 at mlwgsdragons.weebly.com; greenbacks and checks gladly accepted at the store.

Varkey GEMS Foundation Global Teacher Award

Nominate a MLWGS Teacher for the Varkey GEMS Foundation $1,000,000 Global Teacher Prize. Deadline October 5, 2014.

The Varkey GEMS Foundation launched the Global Teacher Prize to celebrate the best teachers around the world, those who inspire their students and the communities around them. The Global Teacher Award seeks to do for education what the Nobel Prize has done for science, literature, and peace. The focus is to uplift the valuable contributions that teachers make every day to establish a flourishing global society. Click HERE to nominate a MLWGS teacher today.




“Running for Katie”

Katie Anderson, a MLWGS Dragon, lost her battle with leukemia and passed away last March. Her mother, Carolyn McKann, will be running a marathon in her daughter’s memory on November 9 in Athens, Greece. Her goal is to raise $10,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. To learn more about Mrs. McKann’s efforts or make a donation, visit her webpage HERE.




Two MLWGS Students participate in 2014 VCU Medical Science Internship Program

Two MLWGS students, Aman Kapadia (Chesterfield,’15) and Purnima Ghosh (Henrico, ’15) were accepted into the selective VCU Medical Science Internship Program (MSIP). VCU MSIP, a six-week summer program (June 23 through August 1), provides high-school students the opportunity to work in a research lab at VCU with a scientist. Students have a chance to shadow doctors including neurosurgeons, orthopoedic surgeons, and pediatricians in the MCV hospital.

Kapadia worked with Shobha Ghosh, PhD, assisting with her project "Diet versus de novo synthesized cholesterol - Role in development of cardiovascular disease." Ghosh worked with Ramesh Natarajan, PhD, on his "The role of Vitamin C supplementation on wound healing."