Week of June 10, 2020

LAST CALL: YEAR-END GRADING OPTIONS

For each Honors or Advanced Placement course, students may elect 1) the assigned grade according to our current grading scale (see quarter weighting below) and 2) a pass/fail grade (P = A-C; PS = D; F remains). All students keep their assigned grades (Option 1) unless they choose to “opt in” to pass/fail grades (Option 2) by completing the “Pass/Fail Opt-In Form” by Friday, June 12.

MAGGIE WALKER: Here is the link to the Pass/Fail Opt-in Form by June 12.

VCU: Students must complete this form. (Email the signed form to your school counselor by June 12.)

School counselor consultation is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED for the Honors/AP process and REQUIRED for the Dual Enrollment process. 

To reiterate, if you plan keep all assigned grades as currently listed in PowerSchool NO ACTION IS REQUIRED!

NEXT STEPS FOR SENIORS – CONGRATULATIONS!

CLICK HERE TO SEE WHERE THEY ARE HEADED!

VIRTUAL BACCALAUREATE COMING SUNDAY, JUNE 14

Seniors and their families and friends will still experience Baccalaureate this year. We will honor the graduating class with a video baccalaureate service featuring remarks from four Richmond area faith leaders and musical selections performed by fellow graduates. 

Please join us Sunday for the release of the MLWGS Senior Class Baccalaureate Video. The PTSA invites graduates, friends, and families to watch the ceremony online this Sunday, June 14. 

The link will be shared through a Smoke and Scales Special Edition Newsletter email that will be released Sunday. Please mark your calendars as we virtually gather as one MLWGS family celebrating the Class is 2020.






VIRTUAL SENIOR NIGHT

See Senior Night 2020 as captured on video by the skills of the senior class sponsor, Ms. Kerry Sheppard. Find the virtual senior night here.

CELESTIAL SENIOR ART SHOW A SUCCESS


Thank you for joining us for our annual Maggie L Walker Governor’s School senior art exhibit, titled Celestial. This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we held our global virtual opening on June 1. That evening, these young artists gave short talks and took questions.

If you missed the opening, the video of the event can be viewed here.
The artists included in this year’s exhibition are:

Max Goldkuhle (Hanover)
Marina Kapitanov (Chesterfield)
Natalie Kim (Chesterfield)
Maya Koehn-Wu (Hanover)
Eileen Morley (Chesterfield)
Mia Rodriguez (Chesterfield)
Amelia Seabury (Richmond)
Raina Tian (Henrico)
Lucy Wampler (Richmond)
Jacqueline Yu (Henrico)

Thanks to everyone who was able to join us. The online exhibition will run through the summer. Please help support these incredible students by exploring their individual pages and leaving comments and/or questions in the forms at the bottom of each of their pages.

RT-D NAMES MLWGS STUDENT SCHOLAR ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Congratulations to Mary Caroline Heinen (Richmond '20) for being designated this year’s Richmond Times-Dispatch Female Scholar Athlete of the Year! Sammy Finnegan (Hanover '20) was also a finalist. Way to go!





YEARBOOK RECEIVES EXCELLENT RATING


In a year of unexpected change, the yearbook staff rose to the challenge. The academic year 2018-19 MLWGS Yearbook just received a rating of “Excellent” by the Southern Interscholastic Press Association. Once again, students have demonstrated a commitment to journalistic accuracy and have showcased their creativity. Congrats to yearbook students and Mr. White, and a special shout-out and best wishes to the editor, Zelda Hinkle (Hanover '20)!

SMOKE AND SCALES WISHES YOU A SAFE AND HAPPY SUMMER!

Thank you to Christine Wampler (Richmond, Lucy Wampler '20), who has served as one of our Smoke and Scales editors for the last three years. We will miss her and wish her the best!

"See" you in the first 2020-2021 school year edition, scheduled for Wednesday, August 26; submission deadline is Sunday, August 23, 2020.

From your co-editors:

Kimberly Lee (Megan Lee '18, Jacob Lee '21, Chesterfield) and Maggi Tinsley (Betsy Tinsley, Richmond '22)

Week of November 20, 2019

CONGRATULATIONS TO GIRLS AND BOYS CROSS COUNTRY! 

In their debut in VHSL Class 3, the Girls came in First and the Boys came in Third!  Mary Caroline Heinen (Richmond '20) raced to win her third First place finish in a row.

SCRIP

As you begin to think about your holiday shopping, we hope you will consider giving Scrip gift cards or shopping for gifts with them. The next and last order before winter break is due Friday, December 6 by noon. Cards will be delivered the following week before break. If using a check instead of credit card or Presto Pay, please make check out to MLWGS PTSA and deliver to the Scrip Box in room 100 (Valenta William's office) by the due date. Of course you can order Scrip Now anytime without waiting and receive them on your computer. Scrip Now products have an exclamation point icon when you click on the brand or an "S" on the retailer list. Go to shopwithscrip.com for a full list of retailers or to place an order. You can also still use paper order forms (attached).

This Thursday, November 21 is ThankScriping Day. If you have an account, you can earn up to 21% of your purchase for Maggie Walker with over 100 retailers on Scrip Now e-cards and reloads. This is a great time to give back A LOT to Maggie Walker at no extra cost to you on retailers you would already shop! Please look at what is offered on Thursday at www.shopwithscrip.com. It only happens three times a year and this is the biggest give back! 

If you haven't enrolled yet, please contact your coordinator, Laura Dysart at scrip@mlwgsptsa.org, for the enrollment code as this cannot be advertised on-line, or if you have any questions, Laura is happy to help. 

FREE FAFSA ASSISTANCE WITH GRASP

GRASP (GReat Aspirations Scholarship Program, Inc.) will hold its "Saturdays at the Library" FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) events this November 23, 2019 and January 18, 2020 from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. at the Richmond Public Main Library, 101 East Franklin Street. GRASP advisors will provide FREE college financial aid counseling and assistance with completing the FAFSA, by appointment. Call (804) 527-7772 to schedule your hour-long appointment. More information is available at the GRASP website www.grasp4va.org. See flyer here.

ATTENTION JUNIORS AND SENIORS!

National English Honor Society applications are available in a red folder outside of Ms. Cobb’s office in counseling. The application deadline to is Friday, December 6.

SUMMER PROGRAMS AVAILABLE

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMATS

The High School Diplomats Program is now accepting applications for the 2020 High School Diplomats (HSD) program (July 22-August 2) at Princeton University. We are a true scholarship opportunity (no costs or add-on fees) and our best students learn about HSD from their teachers and counselors. 

The online application is available until January 8, 2020 and all current sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply.

High School Diplomats

SUMMER RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS

Visual and Performing Arts Programs: areas of study include Dance, Theater, Visual Art, Instrumental Music, and Vocal Music. We can send a nominee for each area of study. Interested students must speak with their fine arts teacher.

Foreign Language Academies: full-immersion Academies in French, Spanish, and German; partial-immersion in Japanese and Latin. We are able to have one nominee from our school. If interested, please contact your language teacher.

Academic Programs: areas of study include Humanities, Mathematics, Science and Technology, Agriculture, Life Sciences and Medicine, Engineering (NASA- must be 16 by June 24, 2019), and Marine Science. Interested students should contact Ms. Davis in the counseling office.

VA Dept of Education Summer Programs

Week of November 14, 2018

RUSSIA TRIP

Onion domes! Caviar! Bears! All of this and much more will be there for your enjoyment on the 2019 MLWGS summer trip to Russia. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for our students to explore the natural and man-made riches of the world's most fascinating country. Visit St. Petersburg, Moscow, and the historic cities and towns of the Golden Ring, and experience the delights of Russian hospitality during our one-week home-stay in the Southern city of Rostov-on-the-Don. Meet, travel, and live with Russian high-school students who have been studying English for 8-10 years. Because all tours will be translated and our Russian hosts speak English, you do NOT need to know any Russian to get a tremendous amount out of this three-week trip! Be sure to attend the informational meeting (where free Russian candy will be there for the taking!) on Wednesday, November 14, at lunch in the Forum, or contact Mr. White mwhite@gsgis.k12.va.us for more information.

CLASS UPDATES

Attention Senior Parents!

The November issue of the Senior Newsletter is now available! This newsletter contains important college and scholarship-related reminders and deadlines.

ALL transcript request forms are due to counselors by November 15 (regardless of when students are applying).  Seniors need to stop by the counseling office to verify the name that will be printed on their diploma. Students must sign off on their name by December 7. 

Attention Sophomores and Juniors! 

Pathways Flight Academies-The Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC), in partnership with the Commonwealth of Virginia, Liberty University, Averett University, and the Virginia Department of Aviation, is offering flight academies at no cost for high school students statewide. The Pathways Flight Academies will immerse students in learning to fly while discovering the range of exciting aviation career opportunities available. In order to apply, students must be 16 at the start of the academy, a US citizen, and a Virginia resident. Applications can be found at http://vsgc-net.odu.edu/pathways-flight-academies/. The deadline to apply is January 25, 2019.

Summer Residential Governor's School Programs for Sophomores and Juniors!

Visual and Performing Arts Programs- areas of study include Dance, Theatre, Visual Art, Instrumental Music, and Vocal Music. We can send a nominee for each area of study. Interested students must speak with their fine arts teacher.

Foreign Language Academies- full-immersion Academies in French, Spanish and German; partial-immersion in Japanese and Latin. We are able to have one nominee from our school. If interested, please contact your language teacher.

Academic Programs- areas of study include Humanities; Mathematics; Science and Technology; Agriculture; Life Sciences and Medicine; Engineering (NASA- must be 16 by June 24, 2019); Marine Science. Interested students should contact Ms. Davis in the counseling office.

Please see Ms. Davis or visit the website for more information. 

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/governors_school_programs/summer_residential/index.shtml 

The High School Diplomats Program is now accepting applications for the 2019 High School Diplomats (HSD) program (July 24 - August 4) at Princeton University. We are a true scholarship opportunity (no costs or add-on fees) and our best students learn about HSD from their teachers and counselors. The online application is available on our website: www.highschooldiplomats.com until January 8, 2019 and all current sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply.

Applications Are Open for the 2019 Bronfman Fellowship
Every year, twenty-six outstanding North American teenagers are selected as Bronfman Fellows. The highlight of the Fellowship is a free transformative and intellectually adventurous summer in Israel, where Fellows engage in thought-provoking study and conversation and make lifelong friends with a pluralistic group of peers. Our high-caliber educators focus on teaching a broad range of traditional and contemporary Jewish texts at a university level. Fellows encounter the land and people of Israel, study major issues in contemporary Jewish life, meet with some of today's most influential figures, and learn about themselves and each other. The Fellowship year continues with monthly virtual meetings and a seminar in the spring. Fellows continue their association with the Fellowship through our extraordinarily active, 1200+ alumni community. 
Applicants must be in 11th grade, self-identify as Jewish, and live in the U.S. or Canada. The deadline is November 30. Click here to apply.

Attention Students in 10th-12th Grade!

Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) provides STEM opportunities. All of our programs are FREE to all Virginia students. Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS)- Program for 10th grade students focusing on the missions flown or managed by NASA Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, with a Summer Academy program at NASA Wallops Flight Facility. http://vscs.spacegrant.org/

Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS)- Program for 11th or 12th grade students focusing on NASA’s human spaceflight missions and the Journey to Mars with an online course with a Summer Academy program at NASA Langley Research Center. Students can earn up to 4 free dual enrollment credits. http://vsgc.odu.edu/VASTS/

Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS)- Program for 11th or 12th grade students, VESSS is an interactive, on-line Earth System Science Course featuring NASA scientific research and data. The students can earn up to 5 transferable, free dual enrollment college credits and can also compete to attend a Summer Academy program at NASA Langley Research Center. http://www.vsgc.odu.edu/VESSS

Suicide Prevention Program

Our school is committed to supporting the social/emotional well-being of our students. That is done in a variety of ways and has included implementing the Signs of Suicide (SOS) Prevention Program through the 9th grade Health/PE classes. This program is designed to teach our freshmen that suicide can be prevented through treating mental health disorders such as depression. It encourages students to support one another but to also reach out to trusted adults if they have concerns about themselves or friends that may be at risk to self-harm.

Another component of the SOS Program that we added last year is the parent portal. This site has information on the SOS Program and mental health topics that can be of use to all parents. It provides information about national resources that are available. Parents can complete an anonymous depression screening on their child to help determine if there is a need to connect with a mental health professional. We are choosing to make this available to all MLWGS parents and not just our 9th grade parents. Questions? Call Lisa Ebeling, School Psychologist at 354-6800, ext. 3260 or your child’s school counselor. The link and sign on information for the parent portal is as follows:

Login: http://sossignsofsuicide.org

User Name: mlwgs-par

Password: EbelingDragon2017

THANKS FOR RESTOCKING THE GRATITUDE BOX! 

Abundant gratitude from Ms. DeGroat to all parents and teachers who contributed spare cards to restock the library’s gratitude box! It is now filled again with a fresh selection of colorful, appealing blank, thank you, friendship, birthday, get well, sympathy, and thinking of you cards! There are more cards in the drawer near the creativity and calm cabinet, as well as paper, stickers, and fancy scissors for students who prefer to design their own cards. Thank you for supporting a culture of kindness, compassion, and gratitude at MLWGS.

WALKATHON FOR BRAIN TUMOR RESEARCH

Once again, I find myself shouting out the virtues of our students.  The picture that you see is just a few of the students who participated in the first and very worthwhile event on Saturday, November 3.  

This was a Walkathon for Brain tumor research.  Our students walked/ran and worked this event.  They also contributed to the donation which was earmarked for research into the oligodendroglioma tumor, a slow growing tumor that my daughter has been battling for 11 years.  We have a student body that steps up and delivers all the time.  I am so proud of them and all the support at Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School.

Susan Hefty

TRI-M INDUCTIONS 

On Wednesday, November 7, Maggie Walker’s Tri-M Music Honor Society induction 11 new members:

Minji Cho (Chesterfield, 2021)
William Davis (Chesterfield, 2021)
Mira Eisenhauer (Henrico, 2021)
Helen Hopkins (Chesterfield, 2021)
Varun Mandgi (Richmond, 2021)
Kyra Murphy (Henrico, 2021)
Rahul Ramesh (Henrico, 2021)
Keriann Slayton (Hanover, 2021)
Lily Walsh (Henrico, 2021)
Noah Welenteychik (Henrico, 2021)
Daniel Xue (Chesterfield, 2020)


Tri-M is an honor society recognizing secondary music students for their musical ability, academic excellence, school involvement, and community service. Congratulations to these students for their achievement and their continued commitment to music at MLWGS!

Nick Merillat
MLWGS Band Director

CONGRATULATIONS TO BOYS AND GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY! 

2018 MLWGS BOYS Cross Country 2A first place champs

2018 MLWGS Girls Cross Country 2A second place champs

On Friday November 9, on a rain flooded, mud covered field at The Great Meadow Event Park in Warrenton the Maggie Walker Boys' Cross Country team made history. Lead by senior Adam Sachs's (Henrico, 2019) 2nd place individual finish and bolstered by 3 additional top 15, All-State finishes from juniors Ben Neuwirth (5th-Henrico, 2020), Carter Morgan (7th – Henrico, 2020) and Nathaniel Gregory (14th -Hanover, 2019) the boys were dominant en route to their 6th consecutive VHSL 2A State Championship. This victory breaks the long standing mark of 5 consecutive team titles that the boys equaled last year. As the school moves from group 2A to group 3A next year, they will leave their 2A competition having won every Cross Country State Championship contest during their time.

On the girls' side, Mary Caroline Heinen (Richmond, 2020) left little doubt in her defense of her 2A individual title, winning by nearly 90 seconds. Sophomore Mimi Kemp (Richmond, 2021) added a 2nd top 10 finish (6th) but it wasn't enough to hold off an incredibly strong team from Clarke County. The girls did not go down without a fight though as the teams 3rd, 4th, and 5th finishers (Kathleen Russo- Chesterfield, 2021), Madelyn Campbell – Chesterfield, 2022), and Josie Greer – Richmond, 2020), all ran the fastest 5k times of their lives. The team was a very secure 2nd place, and will add a 6th and final piece of XC hardware to the 5 State Titles already resting in the trophy cases in Richmond.

REGIONAL SCHOOL BOARD AND SUPERINTENDENTS LUNCHEON 

Beginning Friday, November 3 and continuing through Friday, November 9, the Dragons of Maggie Walker Governor’s School dined with their division superintendent and/or division school board member(s) during their lunch block in the school conference room/boardroom.

Students were asked to share ideas or any concerns they encounter on an everyday basis on this campus. The students, representing twelve divisions, enjoyed a box lunch prepared by local vendors.

The Dragons responded impressively and discussed a wide variety of topics that included their insights on the MW admission process and what the divisions could do differently to better prepare students for Maggie Walker. Mrs. Ogburn, Henrico School Board, remarked that her group shared perceptions from their middle school years telling her they felt isolated in a specific group, whereas here at MW, there is no group distinction and all student peers are equal learners. She added, the students stated they felt they fit in more at MW.

The luncheons allowed the superintendents and school board members to hear directly from their students. It was also a great opportunity for students to listen to the opinions of other classmates.

The MLWGS Regional School Board is very grateful to the students who generously participated in this series of luncheons.

View photos here:

https://mlwgs.com/regional-school-board-members-superintendents-lunch-with-mw-students/ 

EXCITING NEWS FROM THE MATH-ART SENIOR SEMINAR

During the first 9 weeks, students were encouraged to submit their work to the curated exhibit at the 2019 Joint Math Meetings, to be held January 18-20 in Baltimore, MD. This is essentially the U.S. edition of the international Bridges conference exhibit, and is put together by the same people.

Derek Chen (Henrico, 2019), Virginia (Ginny) Fielding (Chesterfield, 2019),  and Pallavi Natarajan (Henrico, 2020) are the first three MW students to have work accepted to this exhibit. Ryan Webb (Math teacher, MLWGS) also had work accepted as well.

2019 NIGHT OF THE DRAGON 

Roll Out the Red Carpet for the 2019 Night of the Dragon-
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019!

The Night of the Dragon Auction is one of the highlights each year for Dragon parents (past and present), staff, and alumni.  The evening includes live and silent auctions, dinner, drinks, student entertainment, Heads and Tails, and more.  This fun-filled event is also MLWGS’ single largest annual fundraising event.

Here’s how you can help make the upcoming 17^th Annual Night of the Dragon the best ever! 

·Save the Date  and get your tickets when they become available.

·Donate an item(s) for the Live or Silent Auctions. Popular items include unique experiences hosted by MLWGS families and friends, event tickets, vacation home rentals, artwork, local adventures—GET CREATIVE! To donate or help solicit, contact Liz Blue eeablue@gmail.com

·Become a Sponsor. Individual and corporate sponsorships are available at many levels. For sponsorships, contact Suzannah Stora. sstora@mlwgsfoundation.org

·Lend a Hand. If you want to help with putting on this amazing event, contact Ginger O’Neil gingeroneil@gmail.com about committee options.

Stay tuned for more information about this wonderful event in the coming weeks! 

Week of November 15, 2017

CONGRATULATIONS CROSS COUNTRY TEAMS! 

On November 11, 2017 at the Great Meadow Park in The Plains, VA, both Maggie Walker Boys and Girls Cross Country Teams won their FIFTH 2A state cross country championships in a row.  

The following made all States.  

Left to Right: Mimi Kemp (Richmond, 2021), Mary Caroline Heinen (Richmond, 2020), Megan Lee (Chesterfield, 2018), Adam Sachs (Henrico, 2019), Daniel Van De Putte (Richmond, 2018).

In addition, Mary Caroline Heinen (second from the left, Richmond, 2020) ran in for first place for the girls meet.

NIGHT of the DRAGON AUCTION- March 10, 2018

2018 Auction Planning

The 2018 MLWGS Auction Committee is getting underway!  The kickoff meeting for Night of the Dragon volunteers will be November 16 at 7 p.m.  It takes a number of people to plan and execute our biggest, one night fundraising event.  As in the past, these funds help the school send academic teams to competitions, support all athletic teams, provide instruments and sheet music for the music department, allow the school to have wonderful drama and art programs, and much more.

This year, we are in need of a graphic artist for the program and website, a team for arranging baskets, adults to help supervise set-up the day of the auction, and a number of positions that can be done from home.  Please come to room 153 at 7 p.m. on November 16 if you would like to help plan the event. 

2018 Auction Acquirers

Are you one of those people who can ask anyone for a donation?  We have two super acquirers and are looking for a few more.  Even if you are not a super acquirer and would like to help but do not know how, please come to room 153 on November 20 at 7:30 p.m.  We have lists of teachers who consistently support the auction, local businesses close to school, past donations, and generous donors.  The auction typically has over 300 items.  Please help make the 2018 Night of the Dragon at the Short Pump Hilton on March 10, 2018 a huge success for the school and for your student.

2018 Auction Donors

Do you have something to donate to the auction?  We are looking for beach houses, beautiful art, fun getaways, and special items that will make competitors bid high.  If so, please fill out the AUCTION FORM and return it via email auctionmlwgs@gmail.com or by turning it into the PTSA box in room 100, Bluestone entrance. 

COMMUNITY SERVICE FAIR! 

The Community Service Fair will be held on November 17. Although it is designed to bring students and organizations together, parents may attend as well. Parents are invited to attend from 10:30-10:50 a.m.  The Freshman Class is being split into two groups with the first group attending from 10:50-11:10 a.m. and the second group attending from 11:10-11:30 a.m.  During lunch (11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m.), the Fair will be open to all interested students.

We are excited that the following organizations will be attending: Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation, Courts for Kids, The Doorways, HandsOn Greater Richmond, Housing Families First, James River Association, Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, Maggie L. Walker National Historical Site, Richmond Peace Education Center/Richmond Youth Peace Project, RAMPS, RVAccess, and Sylvia’s Sister. 

NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL NOVEL WRITING MONTH

Author Barry Will, father of MLWGS alumni Xander Will (2017), and illustrator Ashton Leigh Will joined Lisa Williams’ Creative Writing class on November 1 to discuss their newest fantasy mystery novel, The Long-Lost Troll, as well as engage class members in a variety of writing exercises as part of National Novel Writing Month. Barry has been a published author since 2005 and has written twenty strategy guides for video games across a wide range of genres.

In addition, Valutivity Press donated copies of The Long-Lost Troll and its predecessor, A Fine Basket of Fish, to MLWGS.  Librarian Wendy DeGroat will make them available for circulation in the near future.

FOCUSING ON THE FUTURE CONFERENCE

The William and Mary Center for Gifted Education's 2018 Focusing on the Future Conference will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2018 from 8:45 a.m.–3:00 p.m. The event will expose high-ability learners in grades 6–12 to career opportunities in various professional fields. Separate sessions will be held for parents, guardians, and counselors that will provide them with strategies and techniques to assist students with academic and career planning.

The event will be held at William and Mary’s School of Education, located at 301 Monticello Avenue, Williamsburg, VA 23185. All students must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or group chaperone. All participants must register for the event; the registration deadline is January 12, 2018.

Additional information and the conference application are available on the Center for Gifted Education’s website: http://education.wm.edu/centers/cfge/precollegiate/future/index.php.