Week of September 23, 2020

Back-to-School Night

Virtual Back-to-School Night Is Thursday, Sept. 24, at 6:30 p.m.

The MLWGS PTSA Back-to-School (BTS) meeting this year is going to look a little bit different. In lieu of an in-person BTS meeting, we have created a COVID-friendly narrated PowerPoint presentation that will be uploaded to the MLWGS homepage on Thursday, September 24, at 6:30 p.m. Google polls will also be uploaded to the homepage for the PTSA general membership to cast their votes for this year’s slate of officers, the budget, our annual audit, and updated bylaws. 

 

Feel free to view a non-narrated version of the MLWGS Back-to-School PowerPoint prior to Thursday night's narrated version: BTS PTSA PowerPoint.

BTS will begin on Zoom with an opening session with Dr. Lowerre. You can then view the narrated PTSA presentation. After these sessions, parents can explore five- to seven-minute pre-recorded faculty sessions for each of your student's classes. The link to access the opening session and the faculty recordings will be sent no later than Wednesday, Sept. 23, through a Powerschool email blast. Please ask your student for a copy of their schedule or go to Powerschool prior to the event.

School Directory Deadline Sept. 25

Every year, the Maggie Walker PTSA produces a directory with contact information for student families. The School Directory Committee wants to make sure we include the contact information you wish to share.

Due to new FERPA guidelines (VA HB1: legislation that restricts disclosure of certain student contact information without the written consent of the students/parents), MLWGS has an OPT-IN policy instead of an OPT-OUT policy. Unless you complete the Directory Information Permission Form by going to Ecollect Forms in PowerSchool, MLWGS will not share your data with the PTSA.
The PTSA has recently emailed School Directory Contact Information Questionnaires to allow you to see and/or change your directory information. If you have not heard from us, we likely do not have your correct email address, so please contact us at mlwgsptsadirectory@gmail.com to review or include your information.

Please email us no later than Friday, Sept. 25. We hope to have the School Directory posted to PowerSchool by Monday, Sept. 28.

Congratulations to Lexi Pasternak (Henrico '22) for her winning design submission for the 2020-21 School Directory cover (above). Her work was selected out of 13 student submissions and she will receive a $50 gift card for her winning design. 

First Great Lake Scrip Orders Due Monday

This year's first Great Lake Scrip orders must be placed by Monday, Sept. 28.
Please watch our new video that includes a step-by-step, hands-on overview of enrolling, shopping and payment options: SCRIP Video.

Due to COVID-19, the PTSA budget will be affected by a lack of income from in-person fundraising events. Now, more than ever, the PTSA wants you to join us in using the Great Lake Scrip Program by purchasing gift cards or e-cards for some of your everyday shopping. The PTSA receives a percentage back at no extra cost to you! Go to shopwithscrip.com to enroll and order (enrollment code is in your back-to-school packet). If paying by check, the check must be received by the order due date. Please either arrange a pick up with your coordinator or mail the check (made out to MLWGS PTSA) to:
Laura Dysart, 5021 Sylvan Rd., Richmond, VA 23225.
Questions? Contact Laura at scrip@mlwgsptsa.org. Thanks for your support!

Attention: Seniors

To learn from the senior counselors about college, scholarship, career, military, enrichment, and multicultural opportunities, please view the Senior Newsletter (Sept 2020 edition) on the School Counseling website ->College Admissions Information -> Senior Newsletters: Link here.

Students are encouraged to cross-reference this publication with their Naviance accounts and the individual programs’ websites for more details.

Attention: Sophomores and Juniors

PSAT 2020-2021 Covid-19 Schedule

The PSAT is a great practice opportunity for the SAT. In a typical year, we would proctor the PSAT to all sophomores and juniors in mid-October. But this isn’t a typical year! With school closed due to Covid-19, we have developed a testing plan that takes student safety into account while prioritizing testing access for our juniors. PSAT results for juniors are used for qualification purposes for National Merit Scholarship Programs.

Testing Schedule and Participation
The College Board is allowing schools extra flexibility this year, and has added two additional test sessions. We will test half of the juniors on Wednesday, Oct. 14 (juniors with last names A – Maz), and the other half on Thursday, Oct. 29 (juniors with last names Mc – Z). We have been assured that both groups will receive score reports at the same time in early December. Sophomores will take the test on Tuesday, Jan. 26, provided there are no changes in Virginia Covid-19 guidelines. Students in all sessions will sit at least six feet apart, wear masks, and be subject to temperature and Covid-19 screening upon entering the building.

We understand that some families may not feel comfortable with their students coming on campus. Students are not required to take the test. This is an optional activity based on family comfort levels with students entering the school building. It will help us with our planning if families could register for testing on this Google form. Any student taking the PSAT will be coded in attendance as "school excused" for the entire day and will be permitted to make up work without penalty.

Before the Test
PSAT Student Guides are available for pick-up in the Bluestone Lobby. The guides contain information about the tests as well as a full-length practice test. Students are encouraged to take the practice test before testing day. The guide information and practice tests are also available at www.collegeboard.org/psat, so there is no need to pick up a hard copy if that is not possible or convenient for families.

Test Day
The PSAT is a long test. Students should expect to be in school from 8:40 a.m. until about 12:45 p.m. Eat a big breakfast! Students may bring nut-free snacks, but due to the short breaks as per testing guidelines and Covid-19 concerns, there won’t be many opportunities to eat. Don’t forget #2 pencils, calculators, a mask and clothing layers for temperature variation.

After the Test
Score reports for the October test dates will be available online in mid-December. Typically, the counseling department recommends that juniors register for a spring SAT or ACT date by visiting the testing agency websites. Sophomores and juniors in AP classes may wish to consider registering for SAT Subject Tests at the end of the year as appropriate (most colleges do not require SAT Subject Tests, so check the websites of colleges you're considering).

NOTE: Because all sophomores and juniors were charged a fee for PSATs, we will provide a refund to any junior or sophomore who is unable to test this year. If we are unable to test all sophomores due to a worsening of the public health situation, we will retain sophomore test fees and apply them to next year’s fees.

Review the Student Handbook

This is a reminder that all students must review and complete a quiz on the 2020-21 Student Handbook. The deadline has been extended to Wednesday, Sept. 30, and it is open everything with unlimited attempts. The quiz is located at

http://www.quia.com/quiz/5928160.html  (Secret Word= Dragons).

Drama Club Plans Fall Play

The show must go on! MLWGS Drama will present a virtual production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream Nov 19-21. Please join the Drama Club Schoology Group or email Mrs. Glatt (lglatt@gsgis.k12.va.us) for details on how to audition. The deadline to submit an audition video is Tuesday, Sept. 29.

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 

Week of November 8, 2017

COOKIE DONATIONS NEEDED BY THURSDAY

Do you remember the night you and your student came to the Maggie Walker information session?  Do you remember how hungry you were by the time it was over?   Do you know how many cookies we serve each night? About 1000! Well, now is your chance to help others relive your experience! 

The PTSA Student Hospitality Committee will be collecting packaged cookies to use on November 13, 14, and 15 at the Prospective Student Night events.

We will be collecting your donations on Thursday, November 9 from 8-8:45 a.m. in the Concession stand just off the Bluestone lobby.

Just send donations in with your student or stop by yourself. Unfortunately we cannot accept home-baked goods, but any other packaged treat is fine.  

Please sign up using this link: Cookies!

Any questions? Contact Laura Carr 804-543-6498 or dabneyj.carr@comcast.net

GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Herff Jones will be collecting orders for graduation announcements on Wednesday, November 8 and Thursday, November 9 in the first floor commons during lunch.  This will be the only time Herff Jones collects these orders in the building.  You may contact the vendor directly, but all orders need to be placed before January 1 in order to ensure delivery in April.  There is no guarantee that there will be extra announcements available to order/purchase second semester.  

Please contact Ms. Sheppard if you have questions  ksheppard@gsgis.k12.va.us or 804-354-6800 ext. 3304.

MAGGIE WALKER DRAMA CLUB

Poster Credit: Nicoleta Gavris, Chesterfield '18

Maggie Walker Drama Club presents:

An Ideal Husband

A Comedy by Oscar Wilde

Directed by Foster Solomon

November 9,10, and 11 at 7:00 pm

An Ideal Husband is an 1895 comedic stage play by Oscar Wilde which revolves around blackmail and political corruption, and touches on the themes of public and private honor. An instant success at its debut, the play continues to delight audiences over one hundred years later.

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 $5 for students and $10 for adults.  Purchase tickets at the door or online here http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2709002.

Questions? Please contact maggiewalkerdrama@gmail.com.

SCRIP

The first holiday order for gift cards is due this Friday, November 10. Sponsored by the MLWGS PTSA, SCRIP is holiday fundraiser that allows parents and other school supporters to purchase gift cards for themselves, friends, and loved ones to favorite stores, services, and restaurants with MLWGS receiving a percentage of the sale. The gift cards are worth their full face value and cost nothing extra. Gift cards make great stocking stuffers and teacher gifts and are easily mailed to family and friends without the hassle and shipping costs of other holiday presents.

Order forms can be downloaded HERE or accessed on the MLWGS website by going to "Community" and then choosing the "PTSA and Booster Groups" option. Drop off completed orders with a check made out to the MLWGS PTSA in the SCRIP drop box located in Office 100 off of the Bluestone lobby. For a complete list of retailers (in and outside of Richmond) and denominations, you can go to http://www.unitedscrip.com and click on "Our Retailers." 

This first order will be delivered before the Thanksgiving holiday break. 

Questions?  Contact Lori Bekenstein at 364-7026 or 543-2376 or lori.bek@verizon.net

CONGRATULATIONS CROSS COUNTRY TEAMS! 

Region 2A champs!  On November 1 at Pole Green Park, the MLWGS XC team won their fifth straight regional meet! 

They go to States on November 11 at Great Meadows in The Plains, VA. 

Go Dragons!

Left to Right: Andrea Macedo (Chesterfield 2018), Megan Lee (Chesterfield 2018), Kathryn Ellis  (Richmond 2020), Frances Heller (Richmond 2018), Mary Caroline Heinen (Richmond 2020), Josie Martin  (Richmond 2018), Mimi Kemp (Richmond 2021).

Left to Right: Ben Neuwirth (Henrico 2020), Nathan Gregory (Hanover 2019), Daniel Van De  Putte  (Richmond 2018), Joe Paul (Prince George 2018), Carter Morgan (Henrico 2020), Richard  Zhai (Henrico 2020).

COMMUNITY SERVICE FAIR

Parents are Invited to the Community Service Fair on Friday, November 17!

Maggie Walker requires 140 hours of community service by the third quarter of every student’s senior year. Each year, the school holds a community service fair to help bring organizations and students together. This year the date of the fair was changed from Freshman Orientation in August to November so that all students would have a chance to attend if interested. 

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.

The following wonderful organizations are planning to attend: Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation, Courts for Kids, The Doorways, HandsOn Greater Richmond, James River Association, Lewis Ginger Botanical Gardens, Maggie L. Walker National Historical Site, Richmond Peace Education Center/Richmond Youth Peace Project, RAMPS, RVAccess, and Sylvia’s Sister. 

If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Taminger at debtaminger@gmail.com

ATTENTION SENIOR PARENTS!

The November issue of the Senior Newsletter is now available! Please read it for important upcoming deadlines for colleges and scholarships.

All seniors should have scheduled a meeting with their senior counselor by now. If not, they need to come see them as soon as possible to discuss. All transcript request forms are due to counselors by November 15.  If students need to make a change to their form after November 15, they should contact their counselor.

Teacher Recommendation Request forms are due at least two “school” weeks prior to the college/program deadline (breaks not included).

A description of all scholarship opportunities sent to MLWGS can be found on Naviance. Please note that this list is not exhaustive; students are still encouraged to do their own scholarship research. See the “Scholarship and Financial Aid” page of the School Counseling website for tips. All deadlines listed in Naviance are subject to change- MLWGS is not always notified of annual date changes; therefore, it is important that students confirm all deadlines on the scholarship organization’s direct website. Please contact Kierstin Streitel in the School Counseling Office with any scholarship questions.

Our GRASP advisor, Susan Teerlink, is available to assist with financial aid information. Students and/or parents can sign up for an appointment in the School Counseling Office. Ms.Teerlink is at MLWGS on Mondays. You may also email Ms. Teerlink questions at mlwgs@grasp4virginia.com. Please be sure to check each college’s priority filing dates for the FAFSA and CSS Profile if required.

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. 

A special shout out to Rob Galgano for being this year’s first donor (a wonderful painting by a local artist) at school!

MIDDLE EAST and NORTH AFRICA SEMINAR

The Gender and Culture in the Middle East and North Africa Senior Seminar students invite you for a night of fun and festivities at the MLWGS Winter Holiday Bazaar. The event takes place on Friday, December 8 from 5-8 p.m. There will be games for children, vendors, food (for purchase), free hot cocoa, and a fun time to be had by all.  All proceeds will help support students’ travel to Morocco over spring break for experiential learning.

Donation Amounts:

13 years and older  = $10

12 to 6 years old = $5

Children 5 and under = Free

The holidays are just around the corner. Plan to visit the Dragon's Lair for the perfect gift.  The Dragon's Lair is open every Tuesday and Friday during lunch or visit the online store: mlwgsdragons.ourspiritgear.com.