Week of February 5, 2020

PLEASE READ AND ACT! 

The need for an RN is on the MLWGS school board agenda for next school board meeting on February 20. In Virginia, ONLY a Licensed Registered Nurse (“RN”) can train medically unlicensed staff in emergency medication administration and treatments (i.e. recognizing symptoms of problems as well as administering medications such as insulin, EpiPens, etc). Having an RN at MLGWS is essential in the management of all types of student health challenges. Without an RN, MLWGS cannot properly manage the medical needs of its students. In Virginia, counseling and teaching are also nursing tasks that cannot be delegated (18VAC90-19-280. Nursing Tasks That Shall Not Be Delegated.). Because we lack access to an RN, there is no process at MLWGS in place to take care of the training of a student’s teachers. Please contact your MLWGS school board representative BEFORE February 20 to express our need for an RN at MLWGS. Please find your MLWGS school board representative and contact information here: Regional School Board

SCRIP DUE DATE FEBRUARY 14

The next Great Lakes Scrip gift card due date is next week, Friday, February 14. Consider doing some of your everyday shopping with gift cards or buy them for the NOTD Auction and let those retailers you already shop give back to MLWGS! Those enrolled can shop Scrip Now anytime and receive digital certificates instantly. To receive the enrollment code, or if you have questions, contact Laura. Go to shopwithscrip.com for a full list of retailers.

If anyone is interested in being a shadow Scrip coordinator for the 2020/2021 school year, with the idea that you would take over in 2021/2022 (current coordinator's child will be graduating that year), please contact Laura at scrip@mlwgsptsa.org. It's an easy way to get involved and raise some money for MLWGS PTSA!

UPCOMING EVENTS

• February 14: Valentine's Dance 7:30-10:30 p.m.
• February 15: Battle of the Brains: CBS TV 6 MLWGS v Goochland 10 a.m.
• February 24: Spring sports begin! Support our Baseball, Outdoor Track, Tennis, Soccer, and Softball teams! 
• February 27-29: MW Drama presents: The Addams Family Musical (various times)
• February 29: Night of the Dragon 2020: Quantum Leap 6:30 p.m.

MUSIC NEWS

The following students participated in Central Regional Orchestra at Atlee High School on January 24-25. 

• Chloe Biggs- violin (Henrico '23)
• Sean Fang- cello (Chesterfield '23)
• Ella Forlin- cello (Henrico '23)
• Sarah Hendricks- cello (Hanover '23)
• Mariam Jafari-Nassali- violin (Richmond '23)
• Mark Janssen- viola (Chesterfield '23)
• Shreyas Muthusamy- viola (Henrico '23)
• Abhishek Satpathy- cello (Henrico '23)
• William Taylor- cello (Henrico '23)

On January 25, six Maggie Walker students participated in VCU Jazz Day, an annual event where students compose, improvise, and perform a jazz concert in collaboration with VCU Jazz Faculty.

• Delaney Cotton (Hanover '21)
• Ryan Eklund (Richmond '22)
• Catherine Garrison (Hanover '22)
• Jessica Hendricks (Hanover '23)
• Helen Hopkins (Chesterfield '21)
• Vishnoy Vadakkancheri (Henrico '23)

On February 1, MW students performed with the 2020 District Band at Godwin High School. The District Band was conducted by Ryan Addair (composer, band director) and Stephen Bolstad (Director of Bands, James Madison University). 

• Ryan Eklund (Richmond '22)
• Helen Hopkins (Chesterfield '21)
• Devon Jebo (Henrico '22)
• Rahul Ramesh (Henrico '21)
• Amar Srinivasan (Chesterfield '22)
• Carson Wang (Henrico '23)

2020 Night of the Dragon tickets are now on sale! Purchase tickets online HERE. You can purchase tickets, sponsor a table, and enter seating requests in the special requests section. Don’t know who you would like to sit with? No worries. We will assign you to a table with other great folks so you can make new friends in the Dragon Family. Either way, be sure to order your tickets soon so you can be part of the fun! Tickets are selling fast and we do anticipate that we will sell out.

This year’s NOTD items include long-time favorites and many exciting new items:

• Perennial favorite multi-course, in-home Italian Dinner for 10
• MLWGS 2020 graduation seating
• Vacation homes and adventure packages
• Rooftop wine tasting in the Fan
• Original art and one of a kind jewelry
• VIP “Behind the Ropes” tickets at the Dominion Classic
• College gear and class baskets
• Event tickets and unique outings
• And so much more!

NOTD FAQs

What happens during NOTD?
Everyone has loads of fun and we make lots of money to support our amazing school. The evening looks something like this:

• 6:30 p.m. Check-in begins
• 6:30-7:30 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres, complimentary welcome cocktail, cash bar, mingling
• 6:30-8:15 p.m. Auction items on display
• 7:30-8:15 p.m. Dinner buffet and carving stations open
• 8:15 p.m. Silent Auction ends
• 8:30 p.m. Welcome from Dr. Lowerre
• 8:45 p.m. Live Auction begins with Head and Tails
• 9 p.m. Dessert and coffee served
• 9:30 p.m. Student performance

Will I have fun even if I don’t know very many people at Maggie Walker yet?
ABSOLUTELY! There’s plenty of time to mingle and meet folks during the evening. And when dinner time comes, if you don’t request specific folks to sit with, we will do our best to assign you to a table with other parents from your students' class. It’s a great way to meet other Dragon parents.

What is the dress code?
The dress code is “festive.” Not a lot of help, right? The idea is for everyone to feel as special as the event is to our school but no need to special order a designer dress or dust off the tux- unless you want to! Wear whatever makes you feel ready to have some fun for a great cause, whether that’s a cocktail dress or your fave pants or anything in between. On second thought, wear what

makes you most want to bid lots of money on lots of items.

What does the money from NOTD support?
All proceeds for the Night of the Dragon support the students and faculty at MLWGS! Last year’s event yielded more than $70,000! Proceeds benefit the enhancement initiatives of the Governor’s School Foundation as well as the efforts of the Athletic, Music, Visual Arts, Drama Boosters, and the PTSA.

Is there parking available?
Yes, we have arranged for complimentary parking at 13 N. 5th Street- a lot adjacent to the John Marshall.

What is Heads and Tails?
It’s a fun, interactive coin toss game. Each person who has paid to play ($10 in advance or at the event) receives a set of beads to wear. At the beginning of the Live Auction, everyone with beads stands and places their hands on their head or their tail. The auctioneer then flips a coin. Anyone who guessed the coin toss correctly, as evidenced by where their hands are placed, remains standing. This continues until only one person is standing and wins the prize.

Will NOTD use mobile bidding again this year?
Yes, and we are very excited! Mobile bidding was a huge success last year and will be used again this year and in the future. Mobile bidding allows you to input your credit card into a secure system when you buy your tickets or at the event. No more check-out lines at the end of the evening. No more running from silent auction bid sheet to bid sheet. You can set your initial bid and a maximum bid on as many silent auction items as you like and the system will automatically adjust your bid in increments until your max is reached or you win; you can manually enter new bids each time you get a text that you’ve been outbid. You’ll be getting more easy-to-follow bidding info after ticket sales close. Special thanks to Dominion Energy for serving as our Mobile Bidding Sponsor.

Will drink tickets be pre-sold again this year?
No. Guests can use cash and credit cards at the John Marshall to purchase drinks so we will not be pre-selling drink tickets this year.

Week of January 22, 2020

REMINDER: MONDAY, JANUARY 27 IS A TEACHER WORK DAY

COURSE REGISTRATION ASSEMBLIES JANUARY 29-31

Lunchtime assemblies will be held for the underclasses in the auditorium on the following dates: 

• Juniors- Wednesday, January 29
• Sophomores- Thursday, January 30
• Freshmen- Friday, January 31

Students will be provided with materials, information, and options about their upcoming course registration on March 5.

ATTENTION SENIOR PARENTS!

The January edition of the Senior Newsletter is now available. Please read thoroughly for important deadlines and updates.

Susan Teerlink, our GRASP Representative, is available to assist with financial aid information. Ms. Teerlink is here on Mondays and students and/or parents can sign up for an appointment in the School Counseling Office.

DISTRICT BAND NEWS




Ryan Eklund (Richmond '22), Helen Hopkins (Chesterfield '22), Devon Jebo  (Henrico '22), Rahul Ramesh (Henrico '21), Amar Srinivasan (Chesterfield '22), and Carson Wang (Henrico '23) were awarded positions in the 2020 district band. District band is a competitive auditioned ensemble that comprises of the best high school band students from Henrico, Richmond City, and Hanover. They will perform on February 1 at Hanover High School.





ATHLETIC BOOSTER COLLEGE BASKETS FOR NOTD

Every year, Athletic Boosters provides college baskets to auction off at Night of the Dragon. The money raised from the auction items support both Maggie Walker and our student athletes. Please consider donating a few items to your favorite Virginia college basket. Items can include: sweatshirts, T-shirts, glassware, banners, pajamas, blankets, stickers, trinkets - anything that supports your team! Donations are due February 7, 2020. Drop off or ship to 317 Lexington Road, RVA 23226, leave at school in the Auction box (labeled for Athletic Booster College Baskets) in Valenta Williams' office room 100, or we will come to you! Please also consider coming out to support the Auction on February 29, 2020- it's a great night. Thanks for supporting Maggie Walker! 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a054fa9a62b0-college




2-4-6-8—NOTD TICKET UPDATE! 

Night of the Dragon tickets are now on sale! Purchase tickets online HERE. You can purchase tickets, sponsor a table, and put in any seating requests. Don’t know who you would like to sit with? No worries. We will assign you to a table with other great folks so you can make new friends in the Dragon Family. Either way, be sure to order your tickets soon so you can be part of the fun!

This year’s NOTD items include long-time favorites and many exciting new items:

• Perennial favorite multi-course, in-home Italian Dinner for 10
• MLWGS 2020 graduation seating
• Vacation homes and adventure packages
• Rooftop wine tasting in the Fan
• Original art and one of a kind jewelry 
• VIP “Behind the Ropes” tickets at the Dominion Classic
• College gear and class baskets
• Event tickets and unique outings
• And so much more!

The Night of the Dragon Needs You!
The countdown is on until the February 29 (Leap Day!) Night of the Dragon Event—Quantum Leap! The NOTD committee is busy working on a myriad of details to make this year’s event a great success and YOU can help. We are looking for a handful of folks to join the Solicitations team. This is a short-term, low commitment task that simply involves reaching out to friends of Maggie Walker who have donated items in the past to and/or to new folks in your circles (friends, favorite businesses) who might be willing to donate items this year. For more info, contact Suzannah Stora or Ginger O’Neil.

Have an item, experience, vacation home, service, etc. that other Maggie Walker folks might be interested in? Contact Suzannah Stora about making your own auction donation to help support our wonderful school. Go Dragons!

NOTD FAQs
What happens during NOTD?
Everyone has loads of fun and we make lots of money to support our amazing school. The evening looks something like this:

6:30 p.m. Check-in begins
6:30-7:30 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, mingling
6:30-8:15 p.m. Auction items on display
7:30-8:15 p.m. Dinner buffet and carving stations open
8:15 p.m. Silent Auction ends
8:30 p.m. Welcome from Dr. Lowerre
8:45 p.m. Live Auction begins with Head and Tails
9 p.m.  Dessert and coffee served
9:45 p.m. Student Performance

Will I have fun even if I don’t know very many people at Maggie Walker yet?
ABSOLUTELY! There’s plenty of time to mingle and meet folks during the evening. And when dinner time comes, if you don’t request specific folks to sit with, we will do our best to assign you to a table with other parents from your students' class. It’s a great way to meet other Dragon parents.

What is the dress code?
The dress code is “festive.” Not a lot of help, right? The idea is for everyone to feel as special as the event is to our school--but no need to special order a designer dress or dust off the tux--unless you want to! Wear whatever makes you feel ready to have some fun for a great cause, whether that’s a cocktail dress or your fave pants or anything in between. On second thought, wear what
makes you most want to bid lots of money on lots of items.

What Does the Money from NOTD Support?
All proceeds for the Night of the Dragon support the students and faculty at MLWGS! Last year’s event yielded more than $70,000! Proceeds benefit the enhancement initiatives of the Governor’s School Foundation as well as the efforts of the Athletic, Music, Visual Arts, Drama Boosters, and the PTSA.

Is There Parking Available?
Yes, we have arranged for complimentary parking at 13 N. 5th Street, a lot adjacent to the John Marshall.

What is Heads and Tails?
It’s a fun, interactive game coin toss game. Each person who has paid to play ($10 in advance or at the event) receives a set of beads to wear. At the beginning of the Live Auction, everyone with beads stands and places their hands on their head or their tail. The auctioneer then flips a coin. Anyone who guessed the coin toss correctly, as evidenced by where their hands are placed,
remains standing. And this continues until only one person is standing and wins the prize.

Will NOTD use mobile bidding again this year?
Yes, and we are very excited! Mobile bidding was a huge success last year and will be used again this year and in subsequent years. Mobile bidding allows you to input your credit card into a secure system when you buy your tickets or at the event. No more check-out lines at the end of the evening. No more running from silent auction bid sheet to bid sheet. You can set your initial bid and a maximum bid on as many silent auction items as you like and the system will automatically adjust your bid in increments until your max is reached or you win; you can manually enter new bids each time you get a text that you’ve been outbid. You’ll be getting more easy-to-follow bidding info after ticket sales close.

Will drink tickets be pre-sold again this year?
No. Because guests can use cash and credit cards at the John Marshall to purchase drinks, we will not be pre-selling drink tickets this year.

What about the UVA vs. Duke basketball game that evening?
We know we’ve got lots of basketball fans among us, including us, so we’ve reserved the Club Room at the John Marshall for great viewing of the game that evening, currently scheduled for 8 p.m. Mobile bidding means you can keep an eye on the game and continue your silent bidding. Anyone left unattended in the Ballroom during the Live Auction, which begins around 9 p.m, is encouraged, and granted permission to bid away!

2nd ANNUAL RUBIK'S CUBE EVENT 

The MLWGS Rubik’s Cube Club hosted its second World Cube Association (WCA) competition on January 18, 2020, attracting over 80 speed-solvers from multiple states testing their skills. This event was led by John Staley, Jacob Lee, Ryland Wilson, Ross George, and Uzair Bhatti as part of their club, which is sponsored by Mr. John Wilkes. Corey Sakowksi and Keaton Ellis, WCA delegates from Maryland, assisted in official matters.

The competition was a resounding success, and the organizers plan to hold another next year. The Rubik’s Cube Club would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the security and custodial staff, the Governor’s School Foundation, Mr. Wilkes, and the student and parent volunteers for all their help and support. Additionally, a dedicated group of MLWGS volunteers took time out of their weekend to make sure that the event ran smoothly and had efficient set-up and take-down

A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research.

Officers who organized this event (from left to right)

Uzair Bhatti (Chesterfield '21), Ross George (Hanover '21), Ryland Wilson (Hanover '21), John Staley (Hanover '21), John Wilkes (Faculty Advisor), Jacob Lee (Chesterfield '21).

Dragon parents continue to battle it out to see which class has the highest parent percentage of Foundation Annual Fund supporters and the competition is fierce! Remember this year the class with the highest parent percentage will receive a student ice cream party at the end of the school year! Help the Foundation meet its goal of raising $330,000 before the end of the school year.

Totals to date are as follows:

Senior Parents (2020) 31%
Junior Parents (2021) 28%
Sophomore Parents (2022) 36%
Freshman Parents (2023) 36% 

The Governor's School Foundation Annual Fund makes a huge impact on all students at MLWGS by directly supporting activities like academic competitions and student travel, as well as new technology, and student financial assistance. The support of our parents is critical in these efforts and we are most grateful for your continued commitment. Make your contribution now.

We look forward to all that we can accomplish together for MLWGS!

Week of February 6, 2019

The Envelope Please . . .

This year's Night of the Dragon auction and dinner theme is "Live from the Red Carpet" and the deadline to buy tickets is THIS SUNDAY, February 10!

Tickets are available at https://one.bidpal.net/dragonauction/welcome

We have a fun-filled evening set with truly amazing auction items, including one-of-a-kind adventures and getaways, themed gift baskets, jewelry, art, event tickets, wine tastings, home decor, and much, much more.

Make your plans today to spend a wonderful night mingling with other Dragon parents, teachers, and friends in support of our amazing students and school!

College Themed Basket at the auction!

AP EXAM INFORMATION 

Attention Parents of Advanced Placement Participants!

AP Exam Registration and Fee Collection Information

A handout with this information along with an AP Bulletin from the College Board was distributed to all AP students through their AP classes last week.

Registration for Advanced Placement exams will begin February 1, 2019 using the online system Total Registration. Registration will take only a few minutes and can be completed from any computer with internet access. You will be asked to create a login account so that you will have the ability to reprint your confirmation ticket and add or delete exams, if necessary.

Follow these steps to complete the registration, payment, and confirmation process:

1) Register for the tests you plan to take at www.TotalRegistration.net/AP/471851
2) Select your payment method: Check (made out to “MLWGS”), cash, or online payment at https://osp.osmsinc.com/MLWGS (convenience fee applies)
3) Turn in your confirmation ticket to the Counseling Office during the designated times between February 20-22. Students should attach their payment or online payment receipt to their confirmation ticket. A member of the counseling team will review the registration form and payment with each student.

When registering through Total Registration please be sure to select all of your exams and the appropriate teachers. If everything is correct, click "Confirm your Registration." This will record your registration and display the confirmation page or “ticket”. When you reach the confirmation ticket, print two copies, one for your records and the other to return to school with your payment or online payment receipt. The Counseling Office will collect these items between 11:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. on February 20, 21, and 22. This year, students will have the option to pay fees through the MLWGS payment system or turn in a check or cash by the same date and time. Each AP exam costs $94.00 and must be paid for before we order exams. A fee waiver or reduction is available for families that meet certain guidelines but must be approved in advance. Please see your counselor by Friday, February 15 to inquire about a fee waiver.

Here are the important dates: 
February 1- Online registration begins
February 22- Online registration ends
February 20-22- AP Fee and Receipt Collection (11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.): All students must turn in a copy of the confirmation ticket with their payment/receipt. Students should use lunch or an afternoon study hall to come to pay their fees or turn in a receipt.
After 3:30 p.m. on February 22, a late fee of $10 per exam will be charged.
March 8- Exams will be ordered. If you forgot to order an exam an additional fee of up to $55 extra per exam may apply after this date (exam availability not guaranteed). This is the last day to cancel an exam and receive a refund of $84 ($10 administrative fee).
April 23- Last day to cancel an exam and receive a $69 refund ($25 administrative fee as exams will have been ordered). Requests for refunds after this date will not be honored.

Attention Seniors! If you know which college you will be attending in the fall, please carefully review the college's AP credit policy to determine if the college will accept AP credit for the program in which you are enrolling.

If you receive accommodations for a documented disability and have not yet had them approved by CollegeBoard, the deadline to submit this paperwork for 2019 AP Exams is February 22nd. Contact Ms. Davis Cobb at joy.davis@gsgis.k12.va.us.

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

REMINDERS:
· You may need to arrange transportation for afternoon AP exams. Exams in the afternoon will not begin prior to 12:00 p.m. and may not be over before 3:30 p.m. Plan accordingly.

· Exam pre-administration sessions (Bubblefest) will be held on April 23 (seniors) and 24 (juniors, sophomores, and freshmen) in the auditorium during lunch. You must attend a pre-administration session in order to take AP exams.





ORDER SCRIP TODAY

Scrip is a great way to financially support the MLWGS PTA at no extra cost to you. Simply purchase gift cards from stores you already shop (grocery, gas, pharmacy, restaurants) and the retailers give a percentage of your purchase back to the school.

Don’t forget to consider spring break travel expenses including gas, hotel, and restaurants. For a full list of retailers by category, go to https://www.scripzone.com/certificatelist.aspx. Simply submit the attached order form with a check by March 1 to the office, and you will receive your cards before Spring Break. If you spend money at stores such as Target, CVS, Walgreens, Starbucks, Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, Lowes, and many clothing stores and restaurants (from discount to high end), consider checking to see if there is a Scrip card to meet your shopping needs and benefit Maggie Walker at the same time! Questions? Contact Laura Dysart at lauradysart@verizon.net.

Click for Scrip Order Form





COURSE REGISTRATION FOR NEXT YEAR COMING SOON



Returning students received course registration materials during assemblies last week. For your convenience, we have decided to send out Narrated PowerPoints on course registration information and course offerings in place of an evening program. Of course, if parents have further questions, they may contact either their child’s counselor or teacher for specific information about course options.

Over the next several weeks, teachers will inform students of department course offerings and sequencing. Counselors will meet with all students to complete Course Registration Worksheets which are to be brought home and shared with parents to help complete the Course Registration Form. Students will need to have the Course Registration Form and VCU Dual Enrollment Forms completed and signed including teacher approval for advanced classes in order to register for classes on March 7 during 2nd period. If students do not have required teacher and parent signatures on these forms, students will not be permitted to register for classes.

Student course request changes will be considered through the Spring semester. The deadline for submitting course request changes is June 14.

ANGST- FREE MOVIE SCREENING

It is estimated that one in five adults suffers from anxiety; this mental health condition affects adolescents as well. Angst is a 56 minute film that explores anxiety, its causes, effects, and what we can do about it. The filmmakers’ goal is to have a global conversation and raise awareness around anxiety. Angst features candid interviews with kids and young adults who suffer, or have suffered, from anxiety and what they’ve learned about it. The film includes discussions with mental health experts about the causes of anxiety and its sociological effects, as well as help, resources and tools. 

https://angstmovie.com/about/ There is a free screening at the Byrd Theater on March 24 and requires advance registration. http://byrdtheatre.com/

From the desk of Lisa Ebeling, MLWGS School Psychologist

VCU JAZZ DAY

On Saturday, January 26, MLWGS students Varun Mandgi (Richmond '21), Keriann Slayton (Hanover '21), and Delaney Cotton (Hanover '21) participated in VCU Jazz Day. This event, which attracted student musicians from around Virginia, gave students the opportunity to work with world-class musicians, perform in a jazz combo, and even write their own jazz charts. Students were selected to participate in this event based on their exceptional desire and strong ability to pursue the craft of jazz improvisation.

DISTRICT BAND NEWS

Between Thursday and Saturday, Maggie Walker students Ryan Eklund (Richmond '22), Grace May (Hanover '20), Rahul Ramesh (Henrico '21), and Kevin Ren (Chesterfield '20) participated in District Band at Deep Run High School. Rahul, Kevin, and Ryan performed with the symphonic band under the baton of Dr. Terry Austin, Director of Bands at VCU. Grace performed with the concert band, directed by the former director of Bluestone High School, Ricky Allgood. Kevin and Rahul placed first chair in their ensemble, and are eligible for All-Virginia Band auditions later this month. Congratulations to these student musicians for their accomplishments!

Week of February 21, 2018

AP EXAM REGISTRATION FOR 2018

Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School students will be registering for AP exams online using Total Registration.  Registration will take only a few minutes and can be completed from any computer with internet access.  You will be asked to create a login account so that you will have the ability to reprint your confirmation ticket and add or delete exams, if necessary. To register for AP Exams, please visit www.TotalRegistration.net/AP/471851 When filling out the online form please be sure to select all of your exams and the appropriate teachers. If everything is correct, click "Confirm your Registration". This will record your registration and display the confirmation page.  When you reach the confirmation page, print two copies- one for your records and the other to return to school with your payment. Each AP exam costs $94.00 and must be paid before we order exams. A fee reduction is available for families that meet federal guidelines but must be approved in advance.  A letter from a parent documenting financial need is required.  Please see Dr. Loving in the School Counseling office by Friday, February 16 to inquire about a fee waiver. Here are the important dates: February 1 -Online registration begins February 23 -Online registration ends February 20-23 – AP Fees (cash or check) will be collected in the School Counseling Office (see payment schedule below) during lunch and afternoon blocks.  Students should use lunch or their study hall to come to pay their fees.   Note:  After 3:30 p.m. on February 23, a late fee of $10 will be charged. March 9 – Last day to cancel an exam and receive a refund of $84 ($10 administrative fee) April 24 – Last day to cancel an exam and receive a $69 refund ($25 administrative fee as exams will have been ordered).  Requests for refunds after this date will not be honored.  Remember, you must present both your registration form and complete payment.  Checks should be made out to “MLW Governor’s School”. February 20 -  Seniors - lunch, 6th and 8th block February 21 -  Juniors - lunch, 5th and 7th block February 22 -  Freshmen and Sophomores - lunch, 6th and 8th block February 23 -  Any remaining students - lunch and all afternoon blocks Attention Seniors!  If you know which college you will be attending in the fall, please carefully review the college's AP credit policy to determine if the college will accept AP credit for the program in which you are enrolling.  Questions?  Please see Dr. Loving in the Counseling office or email her at rloving@gsgis.k12.va.us

REMINDERS: 

You may need to arrange transportation for afternoon AP exams.  Exams in the afternoon will not begin prior to 12:00 p.m. and may not be over before 3:30 p.m.  Plan accordingly.

Exam pre-administration sessions (Bubblefest) will be held April 24  for seniors and April 25 for juniors, sophomores, and freshmen in the auditorium during lunch.  You must attend a pre-administration session in order to take AP exams. 

Monty Python's SPAMALOT

presented by Maggie Walker Drama Club
Directed by Foster Solomon

Poster Credit: Nicoleta Gavris, Chesterfield '18

March 1,2, and 3 at 7:00 p.m.

**Half-price student night on Thursday, March 1**

Running for four sensational years on Broadway and the winner of three Tony Awards, including Best Musical, this legendary musical is lovingly ripped off from the film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Spamalot retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. Follow everyone’s favorite comic crusaders as they sing and dance their way to the biggest prize of all.

So many students have worked hard to bring this production to the Maggie Walker stage.  We hope to see you at the show!

Tickets are $10 for students and $12 for adults. 

Half-price student tickets on Thursday, March 1 only ($5 per student ticket)

Purchase tickets at the door or online here (https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3334668).

Questions? Please contact maggiewalkerdrama@gmail.com.

2-4-6-8—DRAGON MADNESS TICKET UPDATE! 

                                                           

By popular demand, we are now accepting RESERVED SEATING REQUESTS FOR GROUPS OF ALL SIZES  for the Night of the Dragon auction. If you have folks you want to sit with during this fun-filled evening, buy your tickets before February 24 at www.nightofthedragon.com and list the names of everyone in your party on the order form. Don’t have a group? No worries. We will assign you to a table with other great people so you can make new friends in the Dragon Family. Either way, be sure to order your tickets soon so you can be part of the fun!

This year’s NOTD items include:

-2 tickets to see Justin Timberlake in Washington, DC in January 2019
-Tickets to Broadway in Richmond’s Dirty Dancing
-Vacation stays in Snowshoe and on the Shenandoah River
-Rooftop Wine Tasting in the Fan
-Dinner by Dr. Lowerre and much, much more! 

FROM THE COUNSELING DEPARTMENT

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 the Signs of Suicide Prevention Program (SOS Program) through the Health/PE classes. This program, which has been in place since 2002,  is designed to teach students 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 that friends may be at risk to self-harm.

Maggie Walker was able to add a new component this year with the addition of a part-time school psychologist in the counseling department.  Each 9^th grade student that participated in the SOS Program completed an individual depression screening.  This allowed our counseling staff to connect with students who showed signs of depression and to help parents as needed to link up with outside resources.

Another new component that we are adding to our SOS Program is the parent portal.  This site has information on the SOS Program and mental health topics that are 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- not just our 9^th grade parents.  

Questions?  Call Lisa Ebeling, School Psychologist at 354-6800, ext. 3260 or your child’s school counselor.

Login:  http://sossignsofsuicide.org

User Name:  mlwgs-par

Password:  EbelingDragon2017





BUDGET REVIEW

The Regional School Board is accepting input via online comments on the FY19 MLWGS Proposed Operating Budget here through April 12.  Approval for this budget will be requested April 19.

http://mlwgs.com/the-fy19-operating-budget-proposal-is-open-for-public-review-and-comment/

MUSIC NEWS 

Maggie Walker music students earned seats through auditions and participated in Central Regional Orchestra February 2-3, 2018 at Manchester High School. 

From left to right:

Mira Eisenhauer (Henrico, 2021), A Orchestra, Cello, seat 7

Amanda Perez (Henrico, 2021), A Orchestra, Violin 2, seat 14 

Ananya Shah (Henrico, 2021), A Orchestra, Violin 1, seat 12

Viggy Bankuru (Chesterfield, 2021), A Orchestra, Violin 1, seat 11

Adhvikaa Ambikapathi-Revathi (Henrico, 2021), B Orchestra, Viola, seat 4

Shannen Amoako (Chesterfield, 2021), B Orchestra, Violin 2, seat 9

Maggie Walker music students earned seats through auditions and  participated in District Band February 1-3, 2018 at Deep Run High School.

From left to right:

Kevin Ren (Chesterfield, 2020), Symphonic Band, 8th Flute

Daphne Pang (Henrico, 2021), Symphonic Band, 10th Flute

Emmy Li (Chesterfield, 2021), Concert Band, 19th Clarinet 

Grace May (Hanover, 2020), Symphonic Band, 14th Clarinet

Rahul Ramesh (Henrico, 2021), Concert Band, 1st Bassoon

There’s nothing like spreading joy through the community with music, and no better way than with jazz on Mardi Gras. The Maggie Walker Jazz Band classes celebrated the holiday with the residents of The Towers Retirement and Assisted Living Community by performing a set of New Orleans style jazz February 13, 2018.

ITALIAN III CLASS SERVICE PROJECT 



The Italian III class had quite a service project accomplishment.  The students baked cookies and put them together with 'goodies' for a 'cookie-gram' on Valentine's day and the profits from the sale of the cookie-gram endeavor were used to purchase stuffed animals and other toys for 70 of the children at the Children's Hospital at VCU medical facilities.  One of our students took the Valentine's Day surprises to the children.  

It was a lot of work but all heartfelt and I am so very proud of them.
- Susan Hefty