Week of March 24, 2021

Return-to-School Update

This week we had about 275 students return to school, about 38% of our student population. If you previously chose to remain home and want to return, just send Dr. Lowerre or Mr. Smith an email and we can make it happen. Transportation may take up to a week to set up if it required.

Spring Sports

If your student is planning to play a spring sport, there will be a meeting on Thursday, March 25, at 6 p.m. via Zoom. Please have your student check their Schoology class page for the link or contact phawkins@gsgis.k12.va.us.

Welcome Back, Dragons! 

The Dragon's Lair hopes to open on Tuesdays and Thursdays but we need volunteers to help staff the school store. The store will open during lunch, 11:20 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. New volunteers will be trained on the job by veteran volunteers. If you have an hour, this is a great way to meet MLWGS students. For more information, please contact the PTSA Dragon's Lair Coordinator, Julie Hendricks.

PSAT for Sophomores

The PSAT 10 for sophomores will take place on Friday, April 16, at 9 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Families will be responsible for transportation. Please go to the counseling department link for schedules, links to test information, and test day reminders. This is an optional activity based on family comfort levels with students entering the school building under current Covid-19 guidelines. The PSAT 10 is not required and is a practice for the PSATs students take in fall of junior year. There are no make-up opportunities for this test. It will help us with our planning if families could register for testing by visiting https://forms.gle/gjFMvSF8qWkhjUrp7. All sophomores need to complete this form so that we know you are coming! Please contact Ms. Cobb if you have questions.

Scrip Update

Congratulations to Angela Tee for winning the March Scrip drawing! 

Our next order due date is Wednesday, April 21. We have raised $1,480 out of our $1,500 goal; we are so close! Time to start thinking about graduations and Mother's Day! You can also order scrip e-cards any time and receive them immediately. I was in Target today and ordered an e-certificate on my phone in less than one minute. The cashier then scanned my phone to pay. So easy, and MLWGS benefitted.

We are also still looking for volunteers to distribute cards at school to families once a month beginning next September. It's fun to spend a little time in school with the students. Contact Laura Dysart if interested or if you have any questions about the Scrip Program. Thanks for your support!

Scholastic Art Medal Winner

Congratulations to junior Devyn Powers, who received a Gold Medal in the National Scholastic Art Awards. Additionally, her work was also chosen as an American Visions Medal Award winner (the equivalent to "best in show").

Devyn is the first Maggie L. Walker Governor's School student to receive this honor at the national level. Normally, the exhibition would be held in New York and the awards ceremony would be held at Carnegie Hall. Please join me in congratulating her on this outstanding national award.

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 November 24, 2020

Order Scrip Now!

There are two more December order due dates before winter break through Great Lake Scrip. Help the MLWGS PTSA raise money doing your everyday and holiday shopping at no extra cost to you! Our last two order due dates before break are 12/7 and 12/14 for all of those last-minute shopping and dining needs. Restaurants and clothing stores tend to have big rebates. Cards will be delivered to you by the end of the week purchased. Go to shopwithscrip.com to shop. 

If you plan to pay by check, the check must be made out to MLWGS PTSA and received by the due date. You can also pay by linked bank account or credit card. Or shop for e-certificates and receive them instantly! Don't miss this opportunity to contribute to our school. We have already raised more than $600 since August 1 with just a small percentage of our families shopping. Questions? Contact Laura Dysart, or view our informational video. 

And Shop the Dragon's Lair

MLWGS face masks are now available in the Dragon's Lair. These are adjustable and washable. Please check the store often as we are getting in new and updated items often. Thank you!

Zoom Lecture Explores Banker Maggie L. Walker

On the evening of Tuesday, Jan. 12, the MW Library will host 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. Dr. Garrett-Scott teaches at the University of Mississippi. If her name sounds familiar, you may have read the Wall Street Journal article about Maggie Walker a couple months ago that mentioned Banking on Freedom. A free reading guide for the book is available from Columbia University Press. MLWGS students, parents, faculty, staff, and alumni welcome! Registration link below. If you have any questions about this special event, please email Ms. DeGroat.

Date: Tuesday, January 12th, 2021

Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Cost: FREE (registration required)

Reserve your spot here. 

 

Double the Impact of Your Foundation Gift

The MLWGS Foundation is thrilled that once again this year a generous MLWGS family has offered to match all Foundation Annual Fund gifts up to $5,000 on Giving Tuesday. This makes December 1 the perfect day to make your annual fund gift.

Mark your calendar and make your 2020-2021 annual fund gift online or by check (mailed to the Foundation) on DECEMBER 1!

A special thanks to our anonymous donors who are making this challenge possible and to all of you who support our students and staff through your Foundation giving!

Feel free to reach out to Executive Director Ginger O’Neil about the Foundation’s work any time. We wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

Week of September 2, 2020

Welcome back, Dragons!

School starts next Tuesday, September 8, 2020.



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

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

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

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

This edition will be organized into FOUR main sections:

1. Letter from PTSA president and navigating MLWGS communications.

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

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

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

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

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

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

.......................................................................................

1. PTSA and Communications 

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

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

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

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

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



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

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Navigating the MLWGS website

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

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

Homepage links at the bottom:
· PowerSchool 

· Schoology 

· MLWGS Foundation (also linked under Community section)

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

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

About > Lunch Service: Includes weekly menus and payment information

About > Transportation: Includes contact information for each district

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

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

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

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



2. Fundraising Information

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. School forms 

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



4. Yearbook information

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

Week of March 4, 2020

REMINDER: SPRING FORWARD 

Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, March 8.

SPRING ATHLETICS MEETING CHANGE TODAY

Attention all spring Dragon sport families! Due to several teams still to be determined, we are canceling/postponing our meeting for this Wednesday, March 4 at 6:15 p.m.  If your student plays Tennis or Baseball, we will still meet today in room 105 at 5:45 p.m. If you have questions contact Paige Hawkins at 358-6961.

YOUTH ART AND MUSIC MONTH KICKS OFF TONIGHT!

Poster by Tina Le (Henrico '21)

March is when we take time to highlight the talented young artists and musicians at Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School. To help celebrate Youth Art and Music Month, we will be having our annual student art exhibition! Each student in art and photography classes will have work on display. Additionally, there will be student music groups performing throughout the evening as well as films by our digital video students showcased in the auditorium.

Youth Art and Music Month opens tonight, March 4. The event runs from 6:30-8:30 p.m. with remarks at 6:30 p.m. in the school auditorium. This event is free and open to the public and light refreshments will be provided so please bring your entire family.

Also, the Dragon's Lair will be open from 5-7 p.m.! 
Pick up a new t-shirt or sweatshirt to wear to spring sports! 




SCRIP

Earn money for MLWGS while shopping at no extra cost to you! 

Scrip orders for plastic cards are due Friday, March 6 (e-certificates can be purchased anytime with Scrip Now). Go to www.shopwithscrip.com to place an order. If paying by check, please make checks payable to MLWGS PTSA with Scrip in the memo and deliver to Room 100. Thank you for supporting the MLWGS PTSA! Questions? scrip@mlwgsptsa.org.

ATHLETIC BOOSTERS MONTHLY MEETING




The Maggie L. Walker Athletic Boosters Club will hold its monthly Board Meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, March 9 in room 105. All members of Athletic Boosters and anyone interested in becoming involved with Athletic Boosters are welcome to attend.





GENERAL PTSA MEETING MARCH 12

At the next general meeting, the topic will be student loans.

Student loans are a common consideration for students and parents who are figuring out how best to pay for college, but the student loan process can be confusing. Scott Kemp, Student Loan Advocate for the State Council for Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV), will join us at our next PTSA meeting on Thursday, March 12 from 8-9 a.m. in room 153. Scott will walk through the loan process and share smart strategies for student loan borrowers. Stop by and learn how to make your borrowing strategies pay off. All parents are welcome – this information is helpful for any age student.





TSA SOUTH CENTRAL REGIONAL FAIR A SUCCESS

The Dragons had a great showing at the TSA South Central Regional Fair last Saturday. Maggie Walker teams and students finished in the top three in the following events:

Music Production 1st Place: Jacob Lee (Chesterfield '21) and Senthil Meyyappan (Henrico '21)

Music Production 2nd Place: Kapil Iyer (Henrico '21) and Jaeson Martin (Henrico '21)

Extemporaneous Presentation 3rd Place: Senthil Meyyappan

Photographic Technology 2nd Place: Kapil Iyer

Prepared Presentation 3rd Place: Amar Srinivasan (Chesterfield '22)

Debating Technological Issues 1st Place: Ryland Wilson (Hanover '21) and John Staley (Hanover '21)

Special congratulations to Senthil Meyyappan and Pooja Muthuraj (Henrico '22), who were elected as regional officers. Senthil will serve as Vice President and Pooja will serve as Historian. Congratulations to everyone who competed!

Thank you to our faculty sponsor, Mr. Zach Zelenak, for advising this club in his first year as MLWGS staff.

Week of December 18, 2019

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

The next edition of Smoke and Scales will be published January 8, 2020.

The deadline for submissions will be Sunday, January 5 by 4 p.m.

Be safe and enjoy your winter break! "See" you in the New Year!





HOLIDAY SHOPPING AT THE DRAGON'S LAIR




It's that time of year- time to grab your Dragon gear! Apparel, key tags, thumb drives, winter hats, coffee mugs, insulated tumblers, ornaments, sling bags, totes, magnets, stickers, and so much more. We have the perfect holiday gift to please any MLWGS student, parent, faculty member, or alum. The Dragon's Lair is open every Tuesday and Friday during lunch or visit the online store: mlwgsdragons.ourspiritgear.com.

Special pre-break hours: December 16-20 (all week Monday through Friday this week) open during lunchtime hour (11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.).

WINTER CONCERT THIS THURSDAY

The orchestras, bands, and chorus invite you to celebrate the holidays with our annual winter concert on Thursday, December 19, at 7:00 p.m. The spectacular musicians at Maggie Walker are putting on a show you will not want to miss! Selections include “A Mad Russian’s Christmas,” “Christmas at the Movies,” “A Holiday Sing-Along,” and more!





VOTE FOR SNOW QUEEN 2020 CANDIDATE 


Perisa Ashar (Henrico '21) is a finalist competing for the award of Snow Queen 2020, sponsored by the Children’s Museum of Virginia. Each year, the Snow Queen Award is open to qualified applicants from area schools based on academics, leadership, extra-curricular activities, service, and volunteer work within their community, and to those who have inspired children to learn.

Perisa is the only Dragon student competing in this contest at this stage. The final stage of selection for Snow Queen 2020 is based on public voting from November 29- December 24; you can vote daily until December 24. The MLWGS community can support Perisa Ashar by voting for her at the following link and sharing it with your friends and family. 


INFORMATION AND VOTING

CLASS OF 2020 NEWS


Don’t forget to go online and order your graduation announcements! If you place your order after December 31, there will be an increase in cost. To order your announcements, follow these steps:

www.vagrad.com
Type in “Maggie Walker” at the top
Choose “Shop Graduation Products”

You’ll immediately see all of the graduation package options, but you can scroll to the bottom and see “Shop individual products including cap and gown” – friendly reminder, you do NOT need to buy a cap and gown. That cost was included in the senior class dues. Select the item(s) you want.

If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to the MLWGS graduation coordinator, Kerry Sheppard.

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

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.






PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED JANUARY 8

Save the Date! The Governor's School Foundation is looking for volunteers to help mail out Night of the Dragon postcards, Wednesday, January 8. We will get started around 9:00 a.m. in room 228 across from the Foundation office; please feel free to stop by anytime throughout the morning as your schedule permits. This is a fun opportunity to meet some other parents and to help support the work of the Governor's School Foundation, Boosters groups, and PTSA!

Please EMAIL US to let us if you are able to participate.





LIBRARY NEWS: AUTHOR KAREN CHASE VISITING MLWGS 

Thanks to the support of Lisa Williams and our National English Honor Society members, the MW Library will be co-sponsoring an author visit and discussion in the winter/spring of 2020 along with a writing contest and other activities centered on Carrying Independence, a historical novel by local author Karen Chase.

Another local writer donated the funds necessary for our school to receive the gift of 25 copies of the novel (one copy for the library’s collection and a classroom set of 24 for current and later use). I am SO grateful for all this goodness and look forward to sharing this reading experience with students, teachers, and parents! I anticipate that you will enjoy the ways in which Ms. Chase’s well-researched and engaging novel brings the Revolutionary War to life.

How you can get a copy:

1. Drop by the library to check out a copy in person.
2. Prefer Kindle reading? From now through December 31, you can purchase the e-book edition for just 99 cents https://www.amazon.com/Carrying-Independence-Founding-Documents-Novel-Book-ebook/dp/B07QCHNFX9
3. Borrow a copy from Henrico or Richmond Public Libraries

For more information or if you have questions, please contact Ms. DeGroat in the library. 




MLWGS ART STUDENTS AT THE SMITHSONIAN

Over one hundred MLWGS Art and Photography students toured several of the art museums in Washington D.C. on December 6. Students visited the National Gallery of Art, the Hirshhorn Museum, the American Art Museum, and the National Portrait Gallery. Photography students also took this opportunity to photograph the unique environment and architecture of this historic city. By experiencing these works of art in person, art students were able to gain a much deeper appreciation of the technique, color, and scale of these masterpieces. Special thanks to the Governor’s School Foundation for their support which helped reduce the cost for all students. 

BOYS VOLLEYBALL NEWS

The Virginia High School League 2019 Class 4 all-state boys volleyball teams have been selected. Congratulations to Maggie Walker’s Grant Collier (Chesterfield '20) and Charlie Unice (Henrico '21) chosen for the 1st team, and Tyler Pimblett (Hanover '20) 2nd team.