Week of October 28, 2020

PSAT Reminder for Juniors Group Two 

(NOTE: Sophomores will be testing on January 26.)

Attention, juniors in the second half of the alphabet (and those who missed the first testing day) – PSAT testing is this Thursday, Oct. 29. Report to school ready to test by 8:40 a.m.

Make sure to:

• wear layers as some rooms are cold and others are warm.
• bring a #2 pencil and a graphing calculator (extra batteries if needed).
• pack a non-nut (for allergy reasons) snack.
• eat a big breakfast as testing may not finish until 1 p.m.

More info about testing can be found on the counseling website here.

If you aren’t planning on attending and haven’t informed us yet, please complete this survey.

Important: Students must wear masks at all times during testing and will be subject to temperature checks and health screening questions upon entry into building. Students may want to come as early as 8:15 to avoid lines.

Band and Chorus Offer Virtual Concerts

Celebrate the culmination of our band students’ hard work as they perform their first virtual concert. Comprised of about 60 students, the Maggie Walker Concert Band includes woodwinds, brass, and percussion players. The Zoom concert is this Thursday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m., and will last about 45 minutes. 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81596829483?pwd=eWl0MHZXczlaVUd4VEE5cTk3MGlQZz09

Meeting ID: 815 9682 9483
Passcode: DragonBand

And Maggie Walker's Chorus presents its fall concert via Zoom on Monday, Nov. 2, at 7 p.m. 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81234337987?pwd=YXljVlkveEVHTndreFdGSXFDYkduUT09

Meeting ID: 812 3433 7987
Passcode: 831394

How to Find the Student Directory

The MLWGS Student Directory has been moved to the Directory Information icon (yellow school bus) located within the left-side navigation menu on your student’s PowerSchool homepage. The current link will disappear next week. 

To access the MLWGS Student Directory from your phone:

1. Open your web browser and navigate to the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School website.

2. Click on the PowerSchool link located at the lower left and log in to PowerSchool.

3. Click on the tiny arrow (pointing to the right) at the top of the PowerSchool homepage. This will lead you to the navigation menu.

4. Scroll down and click on Directory Information (yellow school bus).

Start Your Holiday Shopping with Scrip

For every $50 you spend on scrip in October, you will be entered in a drawing to win up to $25 in gift cards of your choice. There are three more order due dates for plastic cards before the holiday break, so think ahead about your holiday shopping and dining. Due dates are 11/16, 12/7 and 12/14. Holiday shopping usually accounts for two-thirds of our annual income – please support this effort. You'd shop these retailers anyway, so let them give back to our school at no extra cost to you!

You can also purchase e-certificates for participating retailers any time and receive them immediately. To shop or enroll go to shopwithscrip.com. View our informational video or contact your coordinator and class of 2021 parent, Laura Dysart.

Drive In to the Movies!

On Friday, Nov. 6, MLWGS and the PTSA will host a Drive-In Movie Night in the student parking lot. In response to student surveys, we will offer a double feature: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off at 5:30 p.m. and Knives Out at 8 p.m.

Tickets are free and available to all students and faculty/staff through a Constant Contact link posted to Schoology class pages. Please sign up for one ticket per carload and be 100% sure you plan to attend. A DJ will provide music prior to both showings, pre-wrapped goodie bags will be distributed, and the Dragon’s Lair will have an outdoor booth for school swag purchases.

Tickets will be checked upon entering the student lot from Lombardy St. Security will then direct each car to a space. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to the showing. Restrooms and hand-washing stations will be available. At all times, masks must be worn while outside a vehicle, and proper social distancing must be maintained.

For more information, please contact Mr. Smith. We will attempt to reschedule in the case of inclement weather.

Yearbook Staff Requests Survey Responses

Do you live in Henrico County? If so, please complete this survey.

Do you live in Chesterfield County? If so, please complete this survey. 

Seniors! The yearbook staff wants your perspectives on Senior Sunrise. Please complete this survey.

Graduation Orders for Seniors

It’s time for seniors to order a cap and gown from Herff Jones. The cost for these items was included in senior fees, but now we need measurements. The link to collect this information was sent via Schoology and the Class of 2021 Facebook page. If you haven’t yet completed the form, please do so here. 

If you are interested in ordering any announcements or other graduation paraphernalia, learn more from from Herff Jones here. 

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Sheppard, the senior class sponsor.

Foundation Seeks Volunteer

The MLWGS Foundation is looking for a consistent, long-term volunteer, 2-4 hours per week, to assist primarily with data entry and related tasks in our CRM, eTapestry. Previous database experience is preferred, but we can train the right person who wants to provide valuable support to the foundation in its mission to enhance the educational experience of all MLWGS students. If you are interested or want to learn more, email foundation Executive Director Ginger O'Neil.

Week of March 3, 2015

Lee Smith Coming to MLWGS March 4

Lee Smith was born in 1944 in Grundy, Virginia. Growing up in the Appalachian Mountains of southwestern Virginia, she developed a love for writing. After spending her last two years of high school at St. Catherine's School in Richmond, Smith enrolled at Hollins College in Roanoke. During her senior year there, Smith submitted an early draft of The Last Day the Dog Bushes Bloomed to a school contest. That book would later become Smith's first published work of fiction. Since then, she has published fifteen novels and four collections of short stories, and has received eight major writing awards including the Sidney Lanier Prize for Southern Literature in 2013. Her latest novel, Guests on Earth, takes place at Highland Mental Hospital in Asheville, N.C., between the years 1936-1948. Told from the point of view of patient Evalina Toussaint, daughter of a New Orleans exotic dancer, the novel explores the buildup to the 1948 fire which lead to the death of nine women, including Zelda Fitzgerald.  Learn more when Lee Smith herself visits MLWGS on March 4.

ARE COLLEGE COSTS WEIGHING HEAVY ON YOUR MIND?

Save the date for this PTSA program 

Paying for College 101:

Applications, Financial Aid, Merit Scholarships, and More 

March 18, 2015 • 8:00 a.m.  

Featuring Susan Teerlink,

MLWGS’s GRASP advisor

Susan has been coaching families through this important (and tedious) process for nine years. She has filled out hundreds of FAFSA forms with parents and students – and her own daughters. She works one-on-one with many MLWGS juniors and seniors, but she’s ready to share her wisdom with all MLWGS parents. Don’t miss this chance to get an overview of the process in a familiar environment – before you jump in with both feet. 

Stop by room 153, the outside classroom near the Bluestone Lobby entrance before work or after you drop off your student.

UPCOMING SCRIP ORDER DUE MARCH 5

The next Scrip order due date is Thursday, March 5. Orders will be ready for pick-up the following Thursday, March 12. Please consider ordering SCRIP gift cards for favorite stores and restaurants while supporting Maggie Walker!

Order forms can be downloaded here under "Links" or picked up in Office 100. Orders are due on Thursdays in the SCRIP drop box located in Office 100 and are delivered the following Thursday at lunchtime in Office 100. Delivery and pickup dates can also be found on the MLWGS online calendar. Be sure to check out the list of SCRIP retailers, which is regularly being updated.

Questions? Please contact:
Patty Wood 804-364-9263 or scrippattyw@gmail.com
Patty Zeevi 804-784-2966 or scrippattyz@gmail.com

YOUTH ART MONTH

March is Youth Art Month where MLWGS takes time to celebrate the wonderful and talented young artist and raise awareness of the importance of the arts in our culture.  The exhibition opens Friday March 6 from 6 – 7 p.m., in the 2nd floor main hallway at MLWGS.   Students enrolled in Digital Art, Photography, or Visual Arts classes will have a work exhibited in the annual student art exhibition.  The show will run through March.   All are welcome to attend.  Light refreshments will be provided by the Visual Arts Boosters.  

Coaches – Parents Spring Sports Meeting 

Thursday March 5

The Spring Sports Coaches – Parents meeting will be Thursday, March 5 at 6 p.m. in the third floor Forum.  We will hear from the Athletic Director, and then break up into individual sport meetings.  MLWGS teams have done extremely well this year and MLWGS is expecting a great spring season.  Come meet the coaches and hear about MLWGS student athletes’ spring conference schedules and competition.

Go Dragons!

SEND A SHOUT OUT TO YOUR FAVORITE THESPIAN!

MLWGS Drama presents, Into the Woods, March 12-14 and YOU can send a Shout Out to your favorite cast or crew member.  Shout Outs are a special place in the program where people can place notes to the cast and crew offering special wishes or words of thanks and encouragement.

Example: “Sally, we’re so proud of you! Break a leg! Love, Grandma and Grandpa Jones” or: “Mike, you’re the best!! It’s been fun! Your friend, Ellie”.

Shout Outs are $10 each ($5 for students placing a Shout Out) and should be limited to 20 words or less. All proceeds benefit the MLWGS Drama Program.

Click here (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bx4f6ZhqrWcYUWN2Y1d5QzdwTHc/view?usp=sharing) for the form.  Completed forms can be returned to the green Drama Box in Room 100 or mailed to: Drama Boosters, 4303 Hanover Ave., Richmond, VA 23221.  If you have any questions, please call Jewel Caven at 938-8249 or email:  cavenfamily@gmail.com. Deadline is Thursday March 5.

Dragons Sing at All-District Chorus

Congratulations to Hannah Polaski (Richmond, '17), Evan Heiter (Hanover, '16), and Erin Turbeville (Chesterfield, '16) for a fantastic All-District Chorus weekend! They were selected from more than 1,200 auditions from the Richmond area and spent the two days singing with the area¹s best musicians. Evan Heiter was also selected to represent the district in All-Virginia Chorus!

Tickets still available for

Guys’ Night Out and Ladies’ Night Out

Attention all MLWGS parents – don’t miss out on great opportunities to connect with old friends and make some new!  Tickets are still available for Guys’ Night Out and Ladies’ Night Out.

March 27, March Madness: Guys’ Night Out — Buy Your Tickets Now!

A limited number of tickets are available for March Madness: Guys’ Night Out.  This will be a fun evening watching the NCAA Basketball Tournament with other MLWGS fathers, teachers and friends of MLWGS. Tickets are $35.  Buy one for yourself and a teacher/faculty member.  You’ll enjoy pizza, beer, and watching two games in the Sweet 16 round.  Guys’ Night Out is Friday, March 27 at the home of Bob and Liz Blue (parents of John Blue, Class of 2017). Tipoff is 7 p.m.  Space is limited to the first 50 tickets sold.  All proceeds support the Athletic Boosters.  To reserve your spot, email David Poole (father of Tucker Collins, Class of 2016) at dpoole4@gmail.com.

May 20, Salad Days: Ladies’ Night Out — Buy Your Tickets Now!

Come enjoy your "Salad Days" with MLWGS moms and female faculty and staff at the annual PTSA Ladies’ Night Out. This year’s theme is a Shakespearean expression referring to a youthful time of idealism and innocence!  We will be serving hearty salads along with bread, desserts, wine, and soft drinks at this event open to all female parents, staff, and friends of MLWGS. Last year 85 women attended this lovely evening, talking and eating with old and new friends. This year Ladies’ Night Out will take place on Wednesday, May 20 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the home of Mary Michael and Rich Schweiker (parents of Claire, Class of 2016 and Richard, Class of 2014) in historic Windsor Farms. Tickets cost $35. Consider buying tickets for MLWGS teachers too! To purchase your ticket for this PTSA fundraiser, email Kristin Lyons (Mom of Matthew, Class of 2017 and Hannah, Class of 2014) at clyons1@comcast.net or Yvette Conte (Mom of Julia, Class of 2017, Lucy, Class of 2014, and Michael, Class of 2012)  at contefamily5@msn.com.

The Write Stuff at The Dragon's Lair

Want to change your writing style?  Or perhaps you're ready to make your mark on the world? (On paper, of course, not on walls.)  The Dragon's Lair has your choice of precision manuscript implements, available in vibrant metallic dragon green or midnight-of-your-soul poetic black (http://mlwgsdragons.weebly.com/new-pens.html).  And at the March Madness price, you can afford to change your style multiple times daily.

These deals, and many more, are available at our March Madness sale, every Tuesday and Friday.  We have many items more than 50% off, but once they're gone, so are the discounts! Come shop during the upcoming Spring Drama productions, before the show and during intermission. Click (http://mlwgsdragons.weebly.com/) to see our complete selection of spirit merchandise. Cash and checks welcomed.

EARLY S&S DEADLINE ANNOUNCEMENT!

The submission deadline for the Tuesday, March 10 edition of Smoke and Scales will be TODAY, 5 p.m. (Tuesday, March 3).  This is an early deadline for the March 10 edition only.  Submissions received after 5 p.m. on March 3 will appear in the Tuesday, March 17 edition of Smoke and Scales.

Thanks from your S&S editors!

Week of December 16, 2014

PTSA ADVOCACY UPDATE:  BUDGET CHALLENGES CONTINUE FOR MLWGS

The next meeting of the MLWGS Regional School Board is this Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 9am in Room 153. Please attend. Here is more information about the Board including links to Thursday’s agenda and past minutes. The MLWGS Regional School Board is responsible for approving the budget.

Local and state underfunding of MLWGS persists. Local funding for MLWGS students has dropped more than 10% over the past five years. VRS and healthcare costs have increased substantially. Outdated textbooks, inadequate technology equipment and staffing, aging facilities, added costs due to VHSL 2A travel, increased teacher workloads, noncompetitive salaries, and reductions in field trips and course offerings continue to be major challenges for the school. The Regional School Board’s upcoming decision on a long-term capital improvement contract may further deplete school reserves (savings).

At the state level, PTSA Advocacy is also pursuing a revision of the state funding formula for all Governor’s  Schools. Here is a recent Governor’s School funding study conducted by the Secretary of Education which finds that funding for Governor’s Schools is not based on any specific staffing or cost standard that relates to best practice or actual cost of the program.

Interested in learning more?  Please contact PTSA Advocacy Co-Chairs Marianne Macon,mnmacon@gmail.com or Laura O’Brien, prable@comcast.net. 

PSAT SCORES DELAYED

The MLWGS Counseling Department is still awaiting receipt of PSAT score reports.  On Friday December 12, the College Board stated that MLWGS PSAT score results were still being processed and had not yet been shipped.  MLWGS is aware that some other area schools have received their score reports.   College Board has indicated that score reports are shipped out in batches and that MLWGS’s could be sent with a batch in the middle of the week of December 15.  Unfortunately, this means it is unlikely that PSAT score results will be available before the winter break.  If the scores do arrive before break begins, the counseling department will prioritize score distribution to juniors so that they may begin preparing for SATs over winter break.  Otherwise, scores will be distributed during lunchtime assemblies in January.

WINTER CHORUS/ORCHESTRA CONCERT

The Winter Choral/Orchestra Concert will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, December 17 at 7:00 p.m. in the Auditorium. The cost to attend is cost is $5 at the door. Concert reception immediately follows the performance. Please plan to attend.

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

VOTE FOR MLWGS STUDENT FOR SNOW QUEEN

Reshini Premaratne (’16, Henrico) was chosen as a finalist in the running for the Richmond Snow Queen. Now, she needs the help of the MLWGS community. Please click on the link below and scroll down to the "VOTE NOW!" button to choose Reshini as the next Snow Queen. If she garners the most votes, Reshini will become the Richmond Snow Queen and a representative of Maggie Walker in the community. Voting ends on December 24th, so please vote and share the link! It is an easy way to support a MLWGS dragon and her endeavors! Here is the link: www.c-mor.org/snow-queen-main.

ACADEMIC BOOSTERS NEWSLETTER

The latest newsletter is available HERE!

MLWGS STUDENT WINS RSYO COMPETITION

Congratulations to Zachary King ('15, Hanover) for winning the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition with his performance of the first movement of the Carl Stamitz Clarinet Concerto in B-Flat Minor No. 3.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING CAN HELP MLWGS TOO

Just a quick reminder before doing that last-minute shopping don't forget to register with the following stores to earn cash for our school.  It’s easy, doesn’t cost anything, and still gives the same discounts and offers that keep you shopping. 

Kroger’s Community Rewards  

Register your Kroger Plus card online at  krogercommunityrewards.com

*If you use a phone number at the register call 800-576-4377 - Option 4 to get your Kroger Plus number.

Martin’s  A+ School Rewards

To register your card, change the school or add a school (up to 2):

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

Target – Take Charge of Education

Go to www.target.com/tcoe.  Enter your Redcard number and follow the directions. Our school account is104517. 

Amazon Smile – Supports MLWGS Athletic Boosters

Go to smile.amazon.com from your computer or smartphone and follow the directions from there.

Questions/Problems? – email mlwgspartners@gmail.com.

YEARBOOK NEWS

LAST CHANCE TO PURCHASE YEARBOOK

Friday, December 19, is the last day to purchase a 2015 yearbook for $50! After the 19th, the price will go up to $55, where it will stay for the rest of the school year. Yearbook order forms may be obtained outside Room 121. You can also order online at www.yearbookordercenter.com. Find our school’s name or type in our job number (14632) to place a credit-card order for no extra charge!

YEARBOOK ADS STILL AVAILABLE

It’s not too late to buy a Senior Ad in the Yearbook to honor a beloved MLWGS graduate! Ads may be purchased to cover a full page ($220), 1/2-page ($140), or 1/4-page ($80). Please make checks payable to MLWGS. To purchase a Senior Ad, please email Yearbook Adviser Michael White (mwhite@gsgis.k12.va.us), and he will send the specs. The deadline for submission is Friday, January 23, 2015. A check can hold the spot now, but the MLWGS Yearbook will need all materials by January 23. Order now while there’s still space!

CLUB PICTURES SCHEDULE

Club sponsors:  please inform clubs of the date and time of the picture and encourage full participation. Club sponsors are strongly encouraged but not required to attend; attendance can help prevent interlopers, so please be there, if at all possible.

If a club is not on this list, then it is not an official, active club, according to the MLWGS administration. Please address concerns to Coach Hawkins or Mr. Tharp if a club was inadvertently left off this list.

• All photos will be shot on the bleachers in the gym at lunch.
• Please be prompt.
• Club members MAY but are NOT REQUIRED to bring signs indicating club identity.
• In the event of school cancellation due to inclement weather, ANY DAYS MISSED WILL BE RESCHEDULED. For example, if we’re out of school on Monday, January 5, then that day’s clubs will be rescheduled, but the clubs scheduled for Tuesday, January 6, will KEEP THEIR DATE AND TIMES.

Monday, December 15

Note: There will be NO PSAT meeting today, so these photos will proceed as normal.

11:40: English NHS

11:45: Spanish Club & Honor Society

11:50: Peer Mentors

11:55: Russian Club & SLAVA: Russian Honor Society

12:00: Academic Quiz Bowl

12:05: Club Asia

12:10: Chinese NHS

Tuesday, December 16

Note: Today’s PSAT meeting is for JUNIORS only and will likely be over by 11:45, so these photos will proceed as planned.

11:40: Chess

11:45: Freshman AND Sophomore Class Officers (separate)

11:50: Debate

11:55: SCA officers AND Honor Council (separate)

12:00: Young Democrats AND Young Republicans (separate, obviously)

12:05: Forensics

12:10: Junior AND Senior Class Officers (separate)

Wednesday, December 17

Note: There will be NO PSAT meeting today, so these photos will proceed as normal.

11:40: Key Club

11:45: ASL Club & Honor Society

11:50: TSA

11:55: Japanese Club & Honor Society

12:00: Lifesmarts

12:05: Latin/Classical Club & Honor Society

12:10: Jabberwock

Thursday, December 18

Note: There will be NO PSAT meeting today, so these photos will proceed as normal.

11:40: French Club & Honor Society

11:45: Math Contest

11:50: German Club & Honor Society

11:55: Math Modeling

12:00: Italian Club & Honor Society

12:05: History Bowl

12:10: SADD

If the PSAT meetings are held in January, any affected days will be moved to January 20 or 21. Announcements will be made.

Monday, January 5

11:40: Science NHS

11:45: Fine Arts Club & Honor Society

11:50: Tri-M Music Honor Society

11:55: Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society

12:00: Robotics

12:05: NHS-Seniors

12:10: Model UN

Tuesday, January 6

11:40: We the People

11:45: NHS-Juniors

11:50: Thomas Jefferson History NHS

11:55: Civics Society AND B-Movie (separate)

12:00: Environmental Club

12:05: SECSEE 350 AND Esoterica (separate)

12:10: Peer Helpers

Wednesday, January 7

11:40: Model Government/Princeton Model Congress

11:45: USB and Hacky Sack (separate)

11:50: Arabic

11:55: EDM and NeuroPsi (separate)

12:00: Appalachian Heritage Music

12:05: Earth & Mind AND Dodgeball  (separate)

12:10: EduPac

Thursday, January 8

11:40: Culinary AND Deadbeats (separate)

11:45: Drama Club & ITS

11:50: FBLA and Futsal (separate)

11:55: FCS and Investment (separate)

12:00: Future Medical Professionals

12:05: Modern Dance AND Origami (separate)

12:10: Red Cross

Monday, January 12

11:40: Foreign Affairs AND Future Problem Solvers (separate)

11:45: Katie’s Company

11:50: Music Orchard AND Global Citizen Corps (separate)

11:55: Green Machine

12:00: International Dance AND Ping-Pong (separate)

12:05: Gender/Sexual Minority Alliance

12:10: Programming AND Project Happy Face (separate)

Tuesday, January 13

11:40: HOLA and Voice International (separate)

11:45: Mu Upsilon Sigma

11:50: Olde School Ballistics and SAGE (separate)

11:55: Photography

12:00: Richmonds of the World AND Satire (separate)

12:05: SAT Prep Club AND Didgeridoo (separate)

12:10: Poetry AND Frisbee (separate)

Wednesday, January 14

11:40: Student Pugwash

11:45: Chorus

11:50: Young Libertarians/Students for Liberty

11:55: Jazz Band

12:00: RAMPS

12:05: Orchestra

12:10: Backgammon AND Dragons for Vets (separate)

Thursday, January 15

11:40: Young Writers Association AND Literary Magazine (separate)

11:45: Dance Team

11:50: Equestrian Riding AND Invisible Children (separate)

11:55: Newtowne Tutoring

12:00: Random Acts of Kindness AND Habitat for Humanity (separate)

12:05: Science Fiction AND Write Thing to Do (separate)

12:10: Knitting

Monday, January 19: NO SCHOOL

Tuesday, January 20 and Wednesday, January 21

POTENTIAL MAKE-UP PICTURES (due to PSAT rescheduling)

ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Summer Residential Governor’s Schools for Sophomores and Juniors

Applications are now available for the Summer Residential Governor’s Schools. These programs provide opportunities for gifted high school students to explore professional and university environments through mentorships and academic enrichment. Information and applications can be found at http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/governors_school_programs/summer_residential/ for academic and mentorship programs, and http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/foreign_language/language_academies/index.shtml for the foreign language academies. Please see Ms. Davis for additional information about application process and deadlines.

VCU Programs and Opportunities

After-school Program:
Project ACEe - pre-health focus on medicine, academic skills and prep

• Eligibility: Current Juniors and Seniors
• Program Duration: Fridays, starting January - April
• Application Requirements: Online application with personal statement, official transcript, 1 letter of recommendation from science teacher and 1 letter from guidance counselor:  due 12/12/14

Non-Residential Summer Programs:
Open to a variety of grade levels, each program focuses on a specific career field, offering hands-on instruction & information about preparing for these fields now.

• Dental Career Exploration (9, 10, 11, 12 grade), 
• Dental Hygiene Career Exploration (11 & 12 grade),
• Physical Therapy Career Exploration (10, 11, 12 grade)

The High School Diplomats (HSD) program brings American high school students together at Princeton University for a 10-day cultural and educational exchange program with students from Japan. Current sophomores and juniors are encouraged to apply and Japanese language familiarity/experience is not a pre-requisite. For more information about HSD, please visit www.highschooldiplomats.com. Application deadline is January 7, 2015.

The Cochrane Summer Economics Institute is a five-week work/study program for rising high school seniors. The program provides an introduction to economics, business, networking, and a variety of job/career choices through a combination of classroom work, community service, and internship experience. Applications will be available at www.powellinfo.org starting on December 1, 2014. Application and essay must be submitted by January 16, 2015.

DRAGON’S LAIR

‘Tis holiday season

So let us be lyrical!

We’ll change up our sales pitch

(But maintain the satirical).

If gifts you should need

For neighbors or cousins

Come drop by the Lair

We have a few (dozens).

From sweatshirts warm

To pajama pants snuggly

In our spirit apparel

You’ll look sharp, not ugly.

And gifts and accessories

And tchotchkes and bling

All kinds of drink tumblers

Ornaments on green string

Pens, pins and totes!

Stretchy swim caps!

Take your school to the pool

And do a few laps.

Dragon Shirts! Comfy Jackets!

Smart Ties! Cool Gym Shorts!

Our staff will assist you

With all types and sorts

Of purchases which –

By the time you are done –

Will finish your shopping

Before others’ve begun.

So swing by on Tuesday

Or Friday at lunch,

And these special hours

To help your time crunch:

Monday 12/15 8pm - after the winter concert

Wednesday 12/17 8pm - after the winter concert

Thursday 12/19 ALL DAY BLITZ - shop til you drop!   8:30 - 3:30

(Yeah, like I’m gonna try and rhyme all of that.  As if.)

Check our stuff on the web

Mlwgsdragons.weebly.com

Checks and cash are all welcome

If you need some, ask mom.

I’m through with this rhyming.

No more, this I swear.

So Happy Chrismahanakwanzaa!

From The Dragon’s Lair!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM SMOKE AND SCALES!

Next edition is Tuesday, January 6, 2015.

Submit all articles to smokeandscales@gmail.com by COB Friday, January 2.

See you in 2015!