Week of June 2, 2021

Senior Art Show Opens Friday

Please join us for the gala opening of the 2021 MLWGS Senior Art Exhibition: Enchanted at Artworks Gallery on Friday, June 4, at 6-9 p.m. The show, which is the capstone event of our visual arts program, highlights the collected works of 13 Maggie Walker seniors including Emma Lindley, Elizabeth Celentano, Azaria Mosby, Cooper Tsow, Ria Bakshi, Rylan Karjane, Shreya Malani, Ada Rigsby, Isabel Martin, Julianne Zielinski, Anika Kalluri, Grace Saunders, and Helen Hall. Come meet these amazing young artists and mingle with other Maggie Walker art lovers.

Due to COVID restrictions, there will be a staggered opening. Therefore, you must RSVP to attend the opening using this link: bit.ly/enchanted21. Artworks Gallery is located at 320 Hull Street (23224) in the Manchester area of downtown Richmond.
The show will continue through June 13.

Richmond Kickers Fundraiser for Class of 2024

This year’s freshman class reached out to the Richmond Kickers and arranged an awesome opportunity where the team will give the class 30% of each ticket sold through this website. Their class officers think that this is not only a great way to help the Class of ’24 generate funds, but also an excellent way for the MLWGS community to casually come together before the end of the school year. The tickets are for the match on Saturday, June 5.

Last Call for Baccalaureate Photos

The PTSA is honored to present the 2021 Senior Baccalaureate Service featuring remarks from Richmond leaders and musical selections performed by fellow graduates and peers in a Smoke and Scales "Special Edition" on Wednesday, June 16. To help us create our video, we would like to feature seniors in their caps and gowns. Seniors, please upload your cap and gown photo by Monday, June 7, to Baccalaureate Cap and Gown Photos. For additional information please contact Julie Hendricks (804-357-0935).

Calling All Volunteers!

The Maggie Walker PTSA is looking forward to the 2021-22 school year and has openings for a variety of board positions. This is a great way to connect with other parents, faculty and students in an important role while helping the MLWGS community.

Open positions include…

• Secretary
• SCRIP
• Middle School Outreach (2 positions, 1 shadow)
• G-Suite Administrator (Shadow)
• Fall Festival (2 positions)
• Homecoming Kick-off
• Staff Appreciation

Please reach out to Vicki Bray if you are interested in learning more about the open positions.

Scrip News

The MLWGS PTSA is excited to announce that the Great Lake Scrip program has raised $1,754 this school year (8/1/20-5/28/21), even with the challenges of Covid. Thank you to the families who have made a huge difference! The potential is huge and it's never too late to start doing some of your everyday shopping with Scrip and letting those retailers you already shop give money back to MLWGS at no extra cost to you. If you have had any trouble getting started, don't hesitate to contact your PTSA parent/scrip coordinator Laura Dysart. While we don't have any more plastic card due dates, you can shop e-certificates over the summer and receive them immediately!

Parent Annual Fund Competition Deadline Extended Until Friday! Support Your Class Now

Because May ended on a holiday, this year's competition to see which class has the highest participation rate in the MLWGS Foundation Annual Fund parent campaign has been extended through this Friday! As of last week, the juniors were leading the way in impressive fashion, so now's the time to get in on the action.

• Class of 2021: 23%
• Class of 2022: 33%
• Class of 2023: 27%
• Class of 2024: 22%

You can support your student(s)' class and our Dragons by making a donation today online.

The winning class gets bragging rights and a sweet treat from the Foundation! All donations support our wonderful Dragons, teachers, and alumni and are tax-deductible.

Counseling Announcements

Rising seniors:
Juniors and their parents/guardians were sent an e-mail on Friday, May 28, filled with announcements pertaining to the end of the school year. Here are a couple highlights:

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

-Juniors are invited to begin working on their brag sheet in Naviance. An optional parent questionnaire has also been released (under Surveys). These are not due until early September. Questions about Naviance? E-mail Ms. Forquer or Dr. Loving.

Graduating seniors:
Students, please check your MLWGS e-mail accounts for any messages that might have been delivered to you on Friday, May 28, requesting clarification about your college lists or senior survey responses. (These were only sent to select seniors.) Also, if you are offered a spot off a college waitlist, change your intended college, or receive additional scholarships as we end the school year, please update your senior counselor by e-mail.

Celebrate Your Grad & Leave Your Mark!

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

Orders must be received by July 1. The cost is:
* $500 for an exterior brick paver 

    (up to 3 lines of text with 13 characters/spaces per line)
*$1,000 for a bluestone lobby paver 

    (up to 3 lines of text with 13 characters/spaces per line)

Order online or contact Ginger O'Neil.

Week of May 19, 2021

Baccalaureate Call for Photos

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

Scrip Orders Due Sunday

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

From the Counseling Department

 

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

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

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

News from the Library: One Small Step Conversations Are Complete

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

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

Call for 2021-22 Athletics

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

Week of March 31, 2021

Annual Fund Competition

The Class of 2022 continues to lead the Parent Annual Fund Competition. You can make an annual fund donation to support your student's class here. All donations of any amount count toward the class participation percentage, and the winning class gets a yummy prize. All contributions directly support our amazing Dragons and teachers.

Night of the Dragon Registration Is Live

Register today (why wait?) for our wonderful Night of the Dragon Reimagined.

This year’s auction items include: sailing on the Chesapeake; stays in Wintergreen, Snowshoe, and OBX; reserved graduation seating; a day on the James; one-of-a-kind art and jewelry; themed baskets of all kinds; gift cards to local venues, shops, wineries, and more; a kegerator; private tours of U. Va. and Hollywood Cemetery; wine and spirits; and much, much more.

Be sure to register today so you don’t miss out on updates as items become available to preview, and when the link goes live to order dinner-to-go from Perch or East Coast Provisions. Enjoy an easy evening of fun benefiting our wonderful Dragons by ordering in for Saturday, April 24! The first 75 orders include a free specialty cocktail, thanks to Belle Isle Moonshine.

Gift Card Bonanza

The Foundation is collecting gift cards for this year’s Night of the Dragon auction. Please consider supporting our scrip program or local businesses by purchasing a gift card(s) to donate, or donate cards you have but don’t see yourself using. Gift cards (and other donations) can be put into the box marked Auction in the main office off the Bluestone Lobby or delivered to the Foundation Office any time between now and April 15 (extended deadline). Go Dragons!

Contact Ginger O’Neil with questions or for more information about NOTD 2021.

Help Out with Scrip

It's not too late to purchase gift cards for your class baskets for our Night of the Dragon auction. Pick a card related to your class theme, and it will be delivered to your room parents prior to the auction. Let me know that is your intent, and I'll let your room parent know it's coming, and follow up with you.

Our next order date is Sunday, April 18, but you can shop for e-certificates and receive them immediately. Be thinking of Mother's Day and graduation gifts!

Interested in getting more involved with the PTSA Board and meeting more Dragon families? We are creating a Scrip Team for Fall 2021. Monthly tasks can be as simple as sorting gift cards into family orders, handing orders out to students at school, or promoting our program and orders! Contact Laura Dysart for more information. Thank you!

Counseling Class Newsletters Available

The MLWGS counseling department recently posted two new newsletters on Schoology and the school counseling website:

• Countdown to Spring Break edition of the Junior Newsletter
• March 2021 Junior Newsletter

Week of February 24, 2021

TODAY! Black History Month Assembly

SAC and students have organized a mandatory, school-wide Black History Month Assembly for students on Wednesday, Feb. 24, during 5th period. The event features information from the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, African American poetry performed by the Slam Poetry Club, and a keynote presentation from Faithe Norrell, whose children are the great-grandchildren of Maggie Walker. She will discuss the 13th, 14th, 15th Amendments, Reconstruction, systemic racism, and modern-day social injustices. A special assembly bell schedule has been created, and 5th period teachers will usher students to the webinar from 12:20-1:30 p.m. 

Here is Wednesday's Assembly Bell Schedule:

• Block 1: 8:40-9:15 a.m. (75 minutes) normal
• Block 2: 10:10-11:25 a.m. (75 minutes) normal
• Lunch 11:25 a.m.-12 p.m. (35 minutes) shortened
• Block 5: 12-12:20 p.m. (attendance taken)
• Assembly: 12:20-1:29 p.m.
• Block 5: 1:30-2 p.m. (50 minutes total) shortened
• Block 7: 2:10-3 p.m. (50 minutes) shortened

Re-Opening Survey

If you have not already completed the Return to School Survey, please use this link to do so ASAP.

One Small Step Deadline TODAY

Participate in One Small Step! The MLWGS Library has partnered with the national One Small Step initiative from StoryCorps to organize conversations between Dragons with contrasting political perspectives. MLWGS and Trinity Episcopal are the first two high schools in the nation to partner with One Small Step. Four workshops with Ms. DeGroat will help prepare you for these conversations.

To participate, sign up by Wednesday, Feb. 24. For the sign-up link and to learn more about this exciting opportunity, watch this intro video.

Intro to One Small Step @ MLWGS Check out a video I made via Loom www.loom.com

Last Week for Registration Counseling

Attention freshman and sophomore families, make sure your student has signed up for a course registration meeting with Mr. Zweerink or Ms. Cobb. This week is the last full week of meetings before students register for classes next week on Thursday, March 4,  through the Powerschool portal.

• Freshman signups
• Sophomore signups

Juniors with questions about next year’s schedule may sign up for a 15-minute “12th Grade Scheduling Chat” with their senior counselor to be held this week . SignUp Genius links are posted in the Resources section of the “College Information for the Class of 2022” Schoology page. Day #3 of College Kick-Off has been rescheduled to Thursday, Feb. 25, from 10:15-11:30 a.m. due to last week’s bad weather, and individual Junior College Meetings will run in March and April.

GRASP and FAFSA

GRASP, a career and college access organization, encourages high school seniors to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as a first step toward their postsecondary education/training goals. Millions of students who are eligible for aid fail to file the FAFSA each year, leaving “money on the table” that could be supporting their postsecondary education. GRASP Advisors can assist students and families with FAFSA completion, virtually and free of charge.

Appointments are available at 6-8 p.m. on Wednesdays and 2-4 p.m. on Saturdays. Call 804-923-0059 to make your appointment! 

Athletic Boosters Update

Even though no one has had the opportunity to work out in the Maggie Walker Fitness Center, that doesn’t mean that nothing has been happening there. We’ve been putting the funds that YOU have donated to the Athletic Boosters to work! We have replaced all the bikes, and purchased two new treadmills and one new elliptical machine. There are now six stationary bicycles, three elliptical machines and six treadmills. These additions mean that all equipment is now either brand-new or less than a year old.

We have also partnered with the Maggie Walker Art Club to brighten the space. Under the supervision of Jeff Hall, the NAHS Mural Team has created some great designs and are currently painting them during asynchronous learning Fridays.  We hope that once everyone returns to in-person learning, we can have some sort of ribbon-cutting to show off the Fitness Center! This is only one example of how your Athletic Booster donations are getting put to work for your students and the faculty. We’ve purchased equipment for sports teams, purchased video equipment and have another large project in flight that will impact one of the outdoor sports areas as well.

Week of February 3, 2021

Let's Play a Game!

Need a break after the end of the semester? On Friday, Feb. 5, from 7-9 p.m., enjoy a Virtual Game Night! Each grade will have a separate Zoom link operated by the class officers, and a list of fun online games will be provided. Bring your friends, choose a breakout room, and have some virtual fun!

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-Teacher conferences will be conducted virtually using the Zoom platform on Thursday, Feb. 11, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. A link to the Sign-up Genius form will go live in the parent portal of PowerSchool on Thursday, Feb. 4, at 12 Noon. 

With a limited number of conference slots available for each teacher, we respectfully request that you refrain from signing up for a conference if your child is doing well in the class and you have no pressing need to speak to the teacher. We want to reserve time for families that have a more immediate need for a conference. As always, you can email any teacher directly and set up a time to talk.

LLS Student of the Year Candidates Offer Events

Jackson and Caraline Kennedy, Student Of The Year candidates for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), are leading Team Kick It and are honoring family friends who have battled AML and lymphoma cancer. Their two fundraising events are open to Maggie Walker families:

• Sunday, Feb. 7—a Zoom HIIT workout with Zingfit at 9 a.m. (sign up on the Mindbody app, search for Zingfit and the LLS charity class)–$10 donation, women only.
• Sunday, Feb. 21—a Cut-a-Thon with Mango salon, Gayton Crossing location, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., with a suggested $10 donation for a haircut, AND restaurant night at Chianti’s Italian Restaurant from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., also in Gayton Crossing.

Donations can also be made to the Team Kick It campaign page.

Fall Sports

All students who are interested in playing a fall sport that will begin on Monday, Feb. 15, should visit mlwgs.com co-curricular tab for the required forms to be completed and emailed to phawkins@gsgis.k12.va.us prior to the start date. Please include the interested sport in the subject line in the email.

All boys interested in trying out for Boys Volleyball needs to contact head coach Connor Dixon.

All girls interested in trying out for Girls Volleyball needs to contact the head coach Tony Dee. 

Counselors Offer Drop-In Support Hours

The Counseling Department is well aware of the challenges that virtual education has placed on schools and families. Many are feeling increasing stress as issues around the pandemic continue. In an effort to provide increased support for students and parents, the MLWGS counseling department is offering additional hours of service during the week from 4 to 6 p.m. Cindy Barnes, School Counselor, will be available for drop in hours on Mondays and Tuesdays. Lisa Ebeling, School Psychologist, will be available on Wednesdays. When you access the session, you will be placed in the waiting room and admitted when Ms. Barnes and Mrs. Ebeling are finished with a prior meeting. Questions? Please contact Ms. Barnes or Mrs. Ebeling.

Lisa Ebeling is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88595978093?pwd=YlJRRG9TWndaN2JCS0p4VDFRUTNEQT09

Meeting ID: 885 9597 8093

Passcode: 222573

Cindy B is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84999331619?pwd=a2ZGb29oMG9ycVFNMXJmbmViRUQyZz09 

Meeting ID: 849 9933 1619 

Passcode: 116197 

Walker Way Forum

Parents know the challenges that their children have experienced this past year. Our students have been affected by the pandemic in myriad ways, with virtual education presenting the biggest impact for many. Our nation has dealt with racial justice issues and a difficult political climate. It can be hard for students to remain hopeful when they are dealing with these tough circumstances. Exposure to strong and positive role models offers one way of lifting people up during tough times, and so we have developed of the Walker Way Forum. 

This speaking series is designed around the four pillars of the Walker Way: courage, compassion, community, and collaboration. Our first forum will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 10, at 11:30 a.m. Robert Dortch of the Robins Foundation will speak on the pillar of community. Mr. Dortch is a well-respected leader in the Metro Richmond area and a talented speaker. It is our hope that exposure to someone who exemplifies the values reflected in our school mission can provide students with a sense of renewed optimism during this challenging time. Questions? Please email Lisa Ebeling, School Psychologist.

Attention, Juniors

Find the end-of-semester newsletter here.

Dragon's Lair New Gear!

As classes remain virtual, check out all the gear in the Dragon's Lair online store. New this month: Sweatpants. They will keep you comfortable and warm whether attending outdoor track practices or sitting through your daily Zoom classes. We have all the must-haves: hoodies, T-shirts, masks, stickers and so much more. Orders are usually available for pick-up from school within three days,  or we can ship your order directly to you. No better way to support the MLWGS PTSA – order today!

Middle-School Art Contest

Spread the word! The MLWGS Fine Arts Department is excited to announce an open call for entry for all middle school art students from our 12 participating school divisions. We invite all middle school art students to create a two-dimensional piece of artwork based on or representing one ​of the four pillars of the ‘Walker Way’: Courage, Compassion, Community, and Collaboration. The artwork can be made with any medium and can be any size. There will be one winner in four categories, based on these four pillars. Winners will receive a Plaza Art gift card, be featured on our Maggie Walker Art Club Instagram account, and will receive special placement in an online gallery for this virtual exhibition. Entries will be accepted through Friday, Feb. 12. Photographs of the artwork can be submitted by emailing them to jhall@gsgis.k12.va.us. Winners will be announced on Feb. 26, 2021 via our virtual opening of the online exhibition.

Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School recently established the ‘Walker Way’ initiative. The Walker Way is based on the four pillars of Courage, Compassion, Community, and Collaboration. These pillars were exemplified by our school’s namesake, Maggie Lena Walker.

• Courage refers to the demonstration of fortitude, persistence, and integrity when confronting challenges. It is a vital strength, requiring determination. Our students are problem-solvers who aren’t afraid to face a challenge head-on
• Compassion is possessing a sense of empathy for the struggles of others and a willingness to serve. We emphasize the importance of caring for the people around us and working to make circumstances better for others.
• Community means understanding and embracing differences, but also acknowledging and celebrating the connectedness of the human experience. Having students from many different counties and backgrounds, Maggie L. Walker students emphasize the importance of creating a community in which people can connect and collaborate while in school and in their communities.
• Collaboration is harmoniously working together and using critical thinking skills to achieve a common goal. When everyone contributes and works towards solutions, wonderful things can be accomplished. We must all listen and work together to hear from different perspectives in order to best address a problem or a goal.

RULES

• Participating students must be of middle-school age and reside in and/or attend school at any one of the 12 feeder school divisions to Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School.
• Work of all two-dimensional media is accepted.
• The work should represent or be based on one of the following “Walker Way” pillars: Courage, Compassion, Community, or Collaboration.
• Photographs of the artwork can be submitted by emailing them to jhall@gsgis.k12.va.us. You will receive a reply email confirming receipt of your submission and an invitation to the opening Zoom meeting.
• Make sure to include the student name, grade level, school, and art teacher.
• Submission should be received no later than midnight on Feb. 12.

Week of January 27, 2021

Scrip E-Shopping

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

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

Attention Returning 2021-22 Students

Save the date – Thursday, January 28!

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

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

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

School Counseling

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


Juniors:

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

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

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

"Fall" Sports

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

Week of January 6, 2021

Happy New Year and welcome back to school!

Counseling: Sophomores and Juniors

Ms. Ebeling, school psychologist, and Ms. Cobb, sophomore and junior counselor, announce a virtual classroom guidance opportunity for sophomore and junior students using Naviance: Naviance Family Connection, a web-based school counseling tool designed to assist students, parents, and counselors. Naviance contains several helpful advising tools that students can use during their four years of high school (see the MLWGS counseling website for details). During January, students can participate in a virtual lesson using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and a Career Interest Inventory.

Students may attend one of four sessions offered on Fridays, Jan. 15, 22, and 29, by registering here. The deadline to register is Friday, Jan. 8. Contact Ms. Cobb if you have questions.

Counseling: Juniors and Parents of Juniors

Soon juniors will meet with counselors to discuss their academic schedules for their senior year. One major decision they must make involves the Senior Seminar Program. At Maggie Walker, each senior must either enroll in a seminar class or apply to complete a mentorship to fulfill the senior seminar requirement. Information regarding this program and the selection process can be found on Schoology. Each junior has been admitted to a Schoology group called “The Senior Seminar/Mentorship Decision.” All juniors and their parents should visit this Schoology group to learn more about the Senior Seminar Program. This Schoology group provides descriptions of the seminar courses, mentorship application information, and deadlines for the decision-making process. If you have questions after visiting Schoology, please email Les Cook, the senior seminar/mentorship coordinator. The deadline for making the decision and ranking seminars is Monday, Jan. 18.

Attention, Seniors!

Senior yearbook ads are due on Friday, Jan. 15. Please contact yearbook adviser Mr. White for further questions.

Scrip Still Sells

Don't forget to start or continue shopping with scrip so the PTSA can reach its scrip fundraising goal. So far this year, Great Lake Scrip has raised $1,058 for the MLWGS PTSA after shipping and incentives, with just 22 families participating. We hope to reach our goal of at least $1,500 before the school year ends. Please keep shopping! Even the smallest of rebates for your shopping and dining will add up by the end of the year. Look at the list of retailers and consider where your everyday shopping overlaps! Questions? Contact Laura Dysart.

ALSO: Scrip needs a new PTSA Board Volunteer in Fall 2021

Have you been thinking you'd like to get more involved with MLWGS? Serving on the PTSA Board is a great way to get to know other MLWGS families while also helping the school and its programming. Laura Dysart's son is graduating, so we are looking for a new scrip coordinator. It is not a difficult program to manage, and there is a well developed work plan in place. Responsibilities include advertising through school media sources, placing monthly orders, and coordinating deliveries. Contact Laura for more information or to just talk more about what's involved. 

Zoom Lecture Explores Maggie Walker

On Tuesday, Jan. 12, the MW Library hosts a Zoom talk by historian Dr. Shennette Garrett-Scott, author of Banking on Freedom, a book in the Columbia Studies in the History of U.S. Capitalism series that features Maggie L. Walker. A free reading guide for the book is available from Columbia University Press. MLWGS students, parents, faculty, staff, and alumni welcome! Registration link below. Email Ms. DeGroat if you have questions.

Date: Tuesday, Jan. 12    Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Cost: FREE (registration required)    Reserve your spot here. 

Welcome Our New Registrar

Welcome to Mr. Lucas Veale, our new registrar in school counseling. You may recognize him as one of our soccer coaches. We welcome him to the MLWGS family!

Week of October 7, 2020

PTSA Offers Talk on COVID-19 and Your Student's Health

Want to learn more about how to support your students through their first pandemic – and yours? Join the MLWGS Counseling Department and PTSA on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 6:30 p.m. for Helping Adolescents Cope during COVID-19, a candid online discussion led by Dr. Beth Heller, VCU Center for Psychological Services and Development; Lisa Ebeling, MLWGS psychologist; and Karl Zweerink, MLWGS counselor. The webinar will cover the impact on teens’ health as the pandemic persists, self-care practices, parent support ideas, school counseling support, and how to determine when professional mental health support is needed.

To participate, sign up here so we can send you the Zoom link, and take a minute or two to share you preferences for future parent meetings and discussion topics. It’s an important topic for unprecedented times – and definitely worth your time. We hope to see you there.

Shop for a Chance to Win Free Scrip Gift Cards! 

Thanks to all the families who supported our scrip program in September! We had 27 new enrollees, and earned $165.87 in rebates between our orders and on-line shopping. Even the smallest order makes a difference.

October Incentive: For every $50 you spend on online orders, or by our October due date, you will receive one entry for a raffle to win up to $25 of scrip cards of your choice. The next plastic card due date (bulk shipped; volunteers will deliver the following week): Monday, October 19.

It's easy once you get started, but if you have detail questions, please watch our VIDEO TUTORIAL HERE. Or Contact Laura Dysart, your scrip coordinator and Class of 2021 mom, at scrip@mlwgsptsa.org.

2020-21 MLWGS Directory Now Available Online

Artwork by Lexi Pasternak (Henrico, '22)

In an effort to be more environmentally friendly and to reduce costs, MLWGS now publishes the student directory online in PowerSchool. Please read the directions below to learn to access the directory from your computer and from your mobile device.

How to Access the Student Directory:

1. Open your web browser. (You must choose the browser because the directory cannot currently be accessed via the PowerSchool app.)

2. Navigate to the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School website at https://mlwgs.com.

3. Click on the PowerSchool link located near the bottom left-hand side of the page.

4. Log in to PowerSchool.

5. Click on MLWGS Student Directory link located at the top of the parent portal home page.

6. You will find a PDF that contains the 2020-21 Parent and Student Directory and a
2020-21 Student Distribution Map (helps identify carpool opportunities), which is located near the end of the directory document. Save the directory to your computer or print it, if desired.

If you have any questions regarding your contact information, please contact Megan Perez.

GRASP Advisor Available for FAFSA Assistance

GRASP (www.grasp4va.org), a career and college access organization, encourages seniors to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as a first step toward postsecondary education/training goals. The updated FAFSA for high school seniors is now available. Millions of students who are eligible for aid fail to file the FAFSA each year, leaving “money on the table” that could support their postsecondary education. GRASP advisors assist students and their families with FAFSA completion, virtually and free of charge.

Although many school buildings are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, GRASP’s financial aid advising services are available virtually throughout the academic year. Email GRASP at advising@grasp4va.org or call 804-923-0059 for assistance, or contact our GRASP advisor, Susan Teerlink. Currently, because students are not allowed in schools, Susan is doing virtual appointments via the GoogleMeet platform. 

Available meeting times are currently:

Tuesdays 11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 12:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Wednesdays 11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12 p.m., and 12:30 p.m.

Families can sign up for more than one appointment if they want more than 30 minutes. To schedule an appointment, email Susan at mlwgs@grasp4va.org. She will send a list of open appointments. Once the family chooses a time, she will send a GoogleMeet link and list of things to have ready for the appointment.