Week of May 13, 2020

ATTENTION SENIORS

Interested in performing for graduation or Senior Night? We are looking for singers (groups or soloists) and/or musicians. In order to be considered for one of these two events, you will need to record yourself/yourselves performing something appropriate for the event. If you have a group who would like to perform together, there are numerous platforms that will allow you to virtually produce your audition:

Zoom, FacebookLive, YouTubeLive, GoogleHangouts, GoogleMeet, Facebook,Messenger, Webex, GoToMeeting,  FreeConference, or Join.me

Most of these have restrictions on the number of participants. While they could work for smaller choruses, they may not work for larger ones.

In order to be considered, please submit your audition using THIS LINK by May 15. The class officers and I will then work through the performances and select the ones to be included in one of the events.

Please remember, that we need someone or a group to perform the National Anthem for both events.

Don’t forget to sign up to write comments about your fellow seniors! We are collecting these for our Senior Night, and we need your help!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15w9bsz_SfVO_OB_hZP2WbhmF_v0OPwzicc0oqJFr5RM/edit?usp=sharing

Thank you for your efforts! I know this is not the graduation or Senior Night we imagined, but your contributions will help make our versions of these events special. Please reach out to your class officers or Ms. Sheppard if you have any questions! 

JOIN AUTHOR KAREN CHASE!

Join Richmond author Karen A. Chase on May 21 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Zoom for an engaging talk about her award-winning novel Carrying Independence. During the QA she invites questions about her novel, the writing process, and her recent webinar How to Research Women Like a Historical Novelist. Readers, history buffs, writers, researchers, teachers, parents, and genealogists are encouraged to attend this event! Sign up HERE

NEHS members who attend earn 1 hour.

SUMMER CLASS INFORMATION

Because many families have had summer plans altered by Covid 19, the Maggie Walker counseling department has seen an increase in requests for online summer Economics and Personal Finance classes. We have increased the course enrollment maximums to 200 students so that more students may register for the classes.

If you are interested in enrolling in these free summer online courses, please do Send an email to your counselor by May 22.

• current freshmen: kzweerink@gsgis.k12.va.us 
• current sophomores: jcobb@gsgis.k12.va.us 

Make sure to specify whether you would like both classes for this summer (most students take both classes if their schedules permit). 

Please do not send an email to register for these classes if you already requested the classes previously. You can double check your registration status by going through the Powerschool portal and clicking on the Class Registration icon. Economics and Personal Finance classes are listed separately in the Alternate Hours Requested list. If you see the courses listed here you are registered and will be getting an email from the instructor Ms. Hamilton sometime in late May/early June when the class begins. 

The classes will be filled in the order of requests. Please note: these courses are not available for incoming students. Rising 9th graders may wish to consider taking these courses through their home school division if the student is eager to complete the requirement ahead of schedule.

Dates for the classes are available on the school website summer assignments page. Students may be able to start the economics class in early June once rosters are set up but the minimum pacing will not begin until June 15. Please note that in order to accommodate the increased demand, grade updates and transfers of the current course grade from Virtual Virginia to PowerSchool for parent updates will occur only at the interim or halfway point of each quarter’s course progress and the final grade for each quarter. However, students can always see their current updated grade in the Virtual Virginia Portal and can certainly share that progress with their parent or guardian. In a fast paced online course, it is important that students keep up with due dates for lessons and assessments. Late penalties of 10% deduction per day will automatically be applied to late completions.

SPELLING THE DREAM 

We are happy to share that the world premiere of the documentary Spelling the Dream will be on Netflix on May 23. This is a documentary that follows one of our students, Tejas Muthusamy (Henrico '21) and three other spellers through their spelling journey. The spelling bee has been cancelled this year, so this would be a good watch for bee enthusiasts!

PROJECT ENGAGERVA

As recently featured on CBS News and in the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Project EngageRVA is a nonprofit recently founded by four juniors, Ria Bakshi (Henrico), Bella Grace Finck (Goochland), Justin Goldman (Chesterfield), and Shreya Malani (Henrico) for the dual purposes of engaging and enriching elementary-age children and raising money for the fight against COVID-19.

Due to these financially uncertain times and to reach and serve those most in need, ALL CLASSES ARE FREE. NO DONATION IS EXPECTED OR EVER SOLICITED; however, those in a position to make a donation of any amount are welcomed with great appreciation. 100% of the net proceeds (net only by Zoom and website for instruction and hosting fees) are donated to the Central Virginia COVID-19 Response Fund. Project EngageRVA has raised over $1,000 and received over 150 registrations in their first two weeks!

The reason Project EngageRVA chose the elementary age group is because they fear these girls and boys are feeling especially lost and isolated. Unlike older kids, most of them don't have phones with which to connect with their friends for comfort and distraction. Project EngageRVA'S teaching model is fun and game-based with the primary goal of engaging participants in happy enrichment and fostering a sense of community. No quizzes! No tests! No papers! The course roster now includes:

• Book Club (three levels by grade)
• Trivia Games
• Quick Math (three levels by grade)
• Youth Yoga

Courses will be added wherever there is interest! MLWGS students who wish to teach as Project EngageRVA's reach grows should contact the founders. 

Week of January 24, 2017

MLWGS STUDENTS TO PERFORM AT NIGHT OF THE DRAGON

The Night of the Dragon, on February 25, 2017, promises to be a fun-filled night!

Besides having the opportunity to bid on some wonderful items while socializing with friends, those that attend will also enjoy some fabulous entertainment provided by Maggie Walker Students!

As of now, there will be two very talented groups performing! The drama students will be presenting music from the upcoming Spring Musical Pippin! The MLWGS’s cappella troupe, The Deadbeats, will also perform. Buy your tickets now at www.nightofthedragon.com/tickets, because you won’t want to miss hearing these talented students!

REMINDER:  PERSONAL FINANCE COURSE STARTS FEBRUARY 2

Attention all students taking the online Personal Finance course during second semester: Please check ItsLearning and make sure you have the course in your courses list. Any student that wishes to complete Personal Finance second semester but does not see the course in ItsLearning should check with their guidance counselor to make sure you are registered for the course. Due dates will begin February 2 and announcements about an informational meeting for students will be posted in the ItsLearning course page.

Please email Crista Ellis (cellis@gsgis.k12.va.us) if you have any questions.

NEW SEMINAR/MENTORSHIP COORDINATOR

MLWGS is pleased to introduce Les Cook as its new Seminar/Mentorship Coordinator.  Mr. Cook holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology and a Master’s in Administration and Supervision from the University of Virginia.  He has served as an educator in the state of Virginia for the past 20 years.  Mr. Cook began his teaching career at Patrick Henry High School in Hanover County, where he served as a Biology teacher for sixteen years and an assistant principal for three years.  He spent the next year and a half as the Director of the Hanover Regional Governor’s School for Career and Technical Advancement and the Specialty Center Coordinator at Hanover High School.  Mr. Cook is now extremely excited to have the opportunity to work with the students at the Maggie Walker Governor’s School as the Seminar and Mentorship Coordinator.

Les Cook has been working closely with Ms. Parker over the last two weeks to ensure a smooth transition as he takes over the coordinator position.  Feel free to contact Mr. Cook (tcook@gsgis.k12.va.us) if you require any assistance in the Mentorship Program or the Seminar Courses.

JUNIOR PARENTS: COLLEGE KICKOFF – FEBRUARY 7

Attention Junior Parents! Please mark your calendars for Tuesday, February 7 from 12:45-2:45 for Counseling Department’s College Kickoff Program. This is a program for 11th grade students only and attendance is mandatory. Junior parents are invited to attend! College representatives from public, private, in-state and out-of-state institutions will be available until 3:30 to answer parents’ specific questions at the meet-and-greet sponsored by the PTSA.

Post card invitations were mailed to all junior parents last week. Junior parents should begin to receive email correspondence from the senior counselors, Rachel Loving and Penny Deck, via Naviance. Please contact Rachel Loving (rloving@gsgis.k12.va.us) if you have questions about the College Kickoff event.

FIND YOUR CALM

Want to upgrade your CQ (calm quotient)?

Find your calm by taking a Mindfulness and Calm class during second semester.  Classes will be open to students who have a study hall during 1st, 5th, 6th, and 8th blocks.

What’s mindfulness? It’s the practice of bringing full attention to what’s happening in the present moment without judgment.  Among other benefits, it can be a powerful way to reduce stress, and improve focus and productivity. This MLWGS class follows the curriculum of a program called Koru Mindfulness developed to support the wellbeing of high-achieving students at Duke University.

The class, which meets just four times, equips students with a variety of ways to apply mindfulness in their daily lives, including breath awareness, mindful walking, and mindful eating. Ms. DeGroat, the librarian for MLWGS, is a certified Koru Mindfulness instructor and will be facilitating the classes.

There will be nothing to read or watch for homework, but students will be expected to…

• Commit to attend all four class meetings (75-minutes each) held during their study block.
• Practice the skills learned each week, keeping a brief log of their practice.
• Complete brief pre and post-program surveys.

A minimum of four participants will be needed to hold a class. The maximum number of students in a class is twelve.

Specific dates for each study-block class are as follows:

• 1st block: Wednesdays, Feb. 15 & 22, Mar. 1 & 8
• 5th block: Wednesdays, Feb. 15 & 22, Mar. 1 & 8
• 6th block: Thursdays, Feb. 16 & 23, Mar. 9 & 16
• 8th block: Thursdays, Feb. 16 & 23, Mar. 9 & 16

The sign-up period for each class will close two days before the first class meeting.  Classes without at least four participants will be canceled.

If you’re interested, see Ms. DeGroat in the library or sign up online at http://bit.ly/mlwgscalm

GENDER AND CULTURE IN THE MIDDLE EAST/NORTH AFRICA (MENA) SEMINAR!

FUTURE LEADERS FORUM FOR YOUNG WOMEN

Capital One is proud to offer the 13th annual Future Leaders Forum for Young Women on Saturday, March 18. For more than a decade, the Forum has helped young women begin their personal leadership discovery journey by teaching them how to tap into their inner strengths and challenging them to make positive changes in their lives and in their communities. They also have access to Capital One associate mentors who offer guidance and advice, serve as role models for leadership, and facilitate small group discussions. The registration form is available here: Future Leaders Forum for Young Women Registration Form. The registration deadline is Friday, March 3, 2017.

ATTENTION JUNIORS!

The Coolidge Scholarship is a full-ride scholarship that covers a student's tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years of undergraduate study along with leadership training. This opportunity is for all high school juniors. All applications must be completed online and are due by February 22, 2017. For applications and additional information, please visit Coolidgescholars.org. 

DIRECTOR'S SEARCH UPDATE

The chair of the search committee, Michael Gill, Superintendent of Schools for Hanover County, reports that the committee has received significant interest in the position of Director of the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School since the position was first advertised in December 2016.  In an effort to recruit the best qualified applicants, the advertisement for the position will continue to appear this month in various publications, such as the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Education Week, AASPA, and SchoolSpring; it is also advertised with the Virginia Department of Education.  Applications will continue to be accepted into February.  Subsequently, interviews will be scheduled with the best-qualified applicants.

DRAGONS MAKE CENTRAL REGIONAL ORCHESTRA AND DISTRICT BAND

Congratulations to the following students for auditioning and earning seats in the Central Regional Orchestra:

Madi Leonard (‘20, Chesterfield), B Orchestra, Cello, seat 1

Christopher Walker (‘20, Richmond) A Orchestra, Cello, seat 7

Kylie Williams (’20, Chesterfield), A Orchestra, Cello, seat 2

Congratulations to the following students for auditioning and earning seats in District Band:

Jack Hendricks (’19 Hanover), Symphonic Band, Trombone, seat 1 

Aidan Kessinger (’20, Chesterfield), Symphonic Band, Bassoon, seat 3

Grace May (‘20, Hanover) Concert Band, Clarinet, seat 10

Mo Nkosi (’20 Chesterfield), Concert Band, Oboe, seat 4

Kevin Ren (’20 Chesterfield), Symphonic Band, Flute, seat 4

Taha Shaikh (’19, Henrico), Concert Band, Bass Clarinet, seat 2

Daniel Xue (’20, Chesterfield), Concert Band, Tuba, seat 5

Week of September 6, 2016

MLWGS FALL FESTIVAL SEEKS CORPORATE SPONSORS! 

Fall Festival is about fun, but it is also the major fundraiser for school clubs and organizations! The students have a chance to reach a wide audience and be creative in how they compete for attention, and tickets, by offering a variety of entertainment and food! The MLWGS PTSA makes Fall Festival possible by underwriting the expenses that come along with such a massive undertaking. Last year corporate sponsorships from Midlothian Behavioral Health Associates, Virginia Family Physicians, Patient First, Finance for Churches, Nyfeler Associates, Short Pump Dental, Natural Awakenings, Commonwealth Primary Care, and Laxmi Palace made it possible for the Fall Festival Committee to cover more of the yearly costs and to purchase items like tents and chaffing stands that can be used yearly by the Festival.

This year the Fall Festival hopes to reduce the amount of money charged to the clubs and organizations for participating in the festival, thereby increasing the amount of money they make, while also continuing to concentrate on safety and fun!

The Fall Festival is offering two levels of Corporate Sponsorship - Gold for $500 and Silver for $250! All donations are tax-deductible as the PTSA is a non-profit. All sponsors will receive the following:

1. Inclusion as a sponsor in at least two online articles in Smoke and Scales. One article will appear before the Festival and one after. Smoke and Scales is the weekly newsletter of the MLWGS PTSA and is distributed widely within the MLWGS community and to numerous external supporters.
2. Mention on the Fall Festival Facebook Page.
3. Four announcements during the Festival. Approximately 1500 - 2000 people attend the festival each year! 
4. Placard on Stand at Fall Festival Stage with Logo. Gold Sponsors will have larger logos at the top of the placard.

Please contact Debbie Taminger, debtaminger@gmail.com, with suggestions for businesses that would be willing to offer a corporate sponsorship. The deadline is Wednesday, September 28, but businesses will be promoted as sponsors as they sign up! 

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES THIS FALL

On Monday, September 26, the Richmond World Affairs Council will be hosting Farahnaz Ispahani, the author of the recently released book Purifying The Land of The Pure: Religious Minorities in Pakistan.  Isphani has served as a scholar at the National Endowment for Democracy in Washington, D.C. as well as at the Woodrow Wilson Center.  Prior to that, she served as a Member of Parliament and Media Advisor to the President of Pakistan from 2008-2012. This event will be held at the Jefferson Hotel and is free to students.  Click here for more info and to register:  http://www.richmondworldaffairs.org/our-events/religious-minorities-under-attack-the-story-of-pakistan/.

The Richmond Forum Scholars program is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for five of the region’s highest achieving and most impressive high school juniors to volunteer behind the scenes at America's most respected speaker series.  Applications are now being accepted for the upcoming 2016-2017 season. The Forum Scholars will have the unique and rare opportunity to interact directly with national and international speakers by playing important roles in the success of each Richmond Forum program evening.  Applications are due on September 30, 2016.   More information and the application can be found at https://richmondforum.org/forum-scholars.aspx.

ATTENTION ALL 1ST SEMESTER ECONOMICS ONLINE STUDENTS

Please check your ItsLearning course home page for instructions concerning training and how to start the course. All new students need to attend a training session during the first week of school. See ItsLearning to select and register for a training session. If you do not see a course for Economics listed in your ItsLearning, please contact your guidance counselor to register for the course. Other questions can be directed to Crista Ellis (cellis@gsgis.k12.va.us).

FOR OTHER ...

Check out http://mlwgs.com/mlwgs-news/

Week of June 2, 2015

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE

2015 VOLUNTEER-OF-THE-YEAR AWARD WINNERS!

The MLWGS PTSA has awarded the following volunteer-of-the-year awards:

Green Dragon Award for being visible and active members of the volunteer community was awarded to Karen Akens, Chair, Auction Committee and Laura O'Brien, Co-Chair, Advocacy Committee.

Dragon’s Lair Award for being the person who works behind the scenes, not necessarily in a leadership role was awarded to Julie Miller, Chair, Teacher Appreciation.

Attention all Summer

Economics and Personal Finance Students

Tuesday, June 2 is the LAST chance to complete training for the summer course. Students must have completed the questionnaire, the welcome module with the comprehension check, and have their syllabus and honor forms signed to turn in on their training day. Failure to complete these items and attend a training session will result in the student being dropped from the summer course and if a junior, the student will be required to complete the course during the 2015-16 school year. See Crista Ellis (cellis@gsgis.k12.va.us) have any questions.

ACADEMIC BOOSTERS SEEK VOLUNTEERS

Academic Boosters is looking for individuals with a desire to serve as parent representatives for MLWGS various academic teams and as volunteers to assist teams and their faculty sponsors with fund-raising and volunteer activities for the upcoming academic year.  The only requirement is a passion for the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School and its students!  MLWGS academic teams include Academic Quiz Bowl (BOB squad), Academic WorldQuest, Chess, Debate, Forensics, Future Problem Solvers (FPS), History Bowl, LifeSmarts, Model Congress, Model UN, Robotics, and the Technology Students Association (TSA).  The Academic Boosters meet monthly, and parent representatives also work closely with their respective teams throughout the year.  Please contact chair Bill Benos at bbenos@williamsmullen.com for more information about the teams and the opportunities to volunteer.

MUSIC BOOSTERS ANNOUNCEMENT

The MLWGS Music Boosters will meet Wednesday, June 3, at 6:00 p.m. in the Music Room.  This is the final meeting of the school year.  Please make every effort to attend!

Please contact Leslie Hausser , Music Boosters President, at lahmeems@comcast.net, with any questions.

MLWGS Library

Community Service Opportunity for 2015/2016

Do you have a study block on your schedule for next school year?  Would you like to learn skills that could help you land a job in a public or college library?

Consider applying for a library assistant position!

Since this role will include tasks typical of library assistant positions (e.g. covering new books, shelving books, etc.), being a library assistant at MLWGS may give you an edge if you seek a work-study assignment or part-time work in a library. In addition, a special facet of this role at MLWGS will be for each library assistant to adopt a section of the collection that interests them (e.g. psychology, economics, poetry). They will then care for their adopted section by familiarizing themselves with the materials, highlighting books as their “staff picks” (as you often see in bookstores), and making recommendations for new books and/or suggestions about books that should be withdrawn. Library assistants may also propose special projects related to their adopted section, such as facilitating a book discussion, designing a book display, or organizing a related activity during lunch or after school.  Similar to student ambassadors, they may earn community service for any hours during which they are actively engaged in completing library assistant duties.

Through an application and interview process, Ms. DeGroat will select a small team of three to six students for the 2015-2016 school year.

If you have questions about this opportunity or would like an application, please see Ms. DeGroat in the library.  Applications from current 9^th, 10^th, and 11^th-grade students are due by June 11, 2015.

Baccalaureate

The MLWGS Class of 2015 Baccalaureate will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2015, 6:30 p.m., at Congregation Beth Ahabah, 1111 W. Franklin St., Richmond, VA 23220.  Seniors and their family are invited to take a moment to reflect on their years at MLWGS and look forward to their future.  

Speakers include Rabbi Dovid Asher, Keneseth Beth Israel; Mister Vijay Ramnarain, Hindu Center of Virginia; Father Matt Kiehl, and Imam Ammar Amonette, Islamic Center of Virginia.

Graduates should arrive no later than 6:00 p.m. and bring their caps and gowns.

MLWGS Class of 2015 Baccalaureate:

Volunteers Needed

The MLWGS Class of 2015 Baccalaureate will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2015, 6:30 p.m., at Congregation Beth Ahabah, 1111 W. Franklin St., Richmond, VA 23220.  A few volunteers are needed to make this event special for the MLWGS graduates.  Please arrive no later than 5:45 p.m. and check in with the Volunteer Coordinator located in the downstairs assembly room.  Thank you in advance for your willingness to help!!!  Questions? Contact Samantha at sdmier@verizon.net.

Click here to sign up! www.SignUpGenius.com/go/508044CA4AE283-mlwgs2

REMINDERS FOR SENIORS

Senior Recognition Night

Thursday, June 4, 7:00 p.m., Auditorium

This is the night the MLWGS community comes together to honor the many contributions and memories of graduating seniors.  The highlight of the evening for the students is always the Senior Slide Show, and it is a great opportunity for students to get a sense of what the last four years have looked like inside MLWGS halls.   Students should arrive by 6:30 for the line-up wearing professional/business attire; caps and gowns are NOT worn for this event.

Senior Awards Assembly

Friday, June 5, 12:55 p.m., Auditorium

This assembly allows community organizations to distinguish senior recipients of scholarships/awards.   Parents will be notified in advance if their child will be recognized.

Senior Exams

Monday-Wednesday, June 8– 10

Check with your student about which exams he or she will be required to take.  All exams and any outstanding coursework need to be completed by June 10 in order for a student to walk at graduation.  Note that June 10 is also an early dismissal day.

Senior “Check Out” Forms and Senior Financial Obligations 

Due on or before Wednesday, June 10

The “check out” form will be given to students after APs are over.  Each student is responsible for collecting the required signatures and returning the form to the School Counseling Office by Wednesday, June 10.  Outstanding MLWGS obligations must be paid to Mrs. Crystal Charity in the main office prior to 3:00 p.m. on June 11.  NOTE:  All teachers’ signatures need to be obtained before going to Mrs. Charity because she takes all monies from each student for all obligations (lost or damaged book fines, etc.) and writes one receipt for him/her. 

Seniors who have unpaid financial obligations and/or who have not returned the check-out form will not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony.  Any outstanding VCU library fines must be paid directly to the VCU library.  If the latter applies to your student, a paid receipt from the VCU library should be turned in to Mrs. Zona Hicks in the School Counseling Office to clear the account. 

Welcome, Parents of the Class of 2019!

A local power outage on Thursday, May 28, which left the MLWGS building dark and traffic snarled, wasn’t enough to deter approximately 150 excited parents of the incoming freshman class from attending the Incoming Freshman Parent Orientation.  Power was restored just in time for Dr. Jeff McGee to welcome the parents of the class of 2019 to Maggie Walker.  Peggy Feldmann, PTSA President, provided an overview of the PTSA and Booster groups, and representative from Fall Festival, Night of the Dragon, and Foundation encouraged the new Dragon parents to get involved in our community.  The evening continued with a reception in the Commons, where parents could mingle, purchase spirit wear at the Dragon’s Lair, and learn more about various activities.

This was the fourth year for this annual event, which was co-sponsored by the MLWGS PTSA and the Governor's School Foundation.

So far this year, the Foundation's Annual Fund Campaign has raised $333,611for the school. Overall current parent participation stands at 52%, and the parent participation by class is:

• Seniors: 44%
• Juniors: 48%
• Sophomores: 58%
• Freshmen: 54%

The Governor’s School Foundation’s Annual Fund Campaign supports programs for students, grants for teacher continuing education, and special projects for facilities and equipment. To donate online, please click here.

Week of May 12, 2015

NOW IS THE TIME TO FIX

GOVERNOR'S SCHOOL STATE FUNDING

MLWGS PTSA Advocacy is asking the entire school community to help with our request for more state funding and a revised funding formula for Academic-Year Governor's Schools. We need a strong showing of support. Please sign the petition.

Sign the petition by clicking here: (https://www.change.org/p/gov-mcauliffe-please-fix-funding-for-virginia-s-governor-s-schools)

Help get as many signatures as we can! Ask your friends, neighbors, parents, etc., to sign. Share it. Tweet it. Post it. Email it.

Facebook: Search for "Fix Funding for Virginia's Governor's Schools". Then Like our page. Please SHARE our first post which is pinned at the top of the page. Also, tag and add your Governor's School friends to our group page. Please use this hashtag: #fixgovschoolfunding

Twitter: Tweet this: Fix VA Governor's Schools funding. Sign petition asking for Gov. McAulliffe to help http://tinyurl.com/m3obvg3 Pls RT #fixgovschoolfunding

Instagram: Help us get the word out on Instagram too. Post about Governor's Schools and include the link to the petition. Please use this hashtag: #fixgovschoolfunding.

Art Teacher Kori MosLEy

Inspired by New Orleans NAEA Conference

One way in which the Governor’s School Foundation supports MLWGS teachers is through Enhancement Grants that help them attend conferences and workshops.  This past March, art teacher Kori Mosley attended the National Art Education Association convention in New Orleans, thanks in part to a grant from the Foundation.  An except from the thank-you note we received from Kori demonstrates the value our teachers receive from opportunities such as this:

“I am returning to Maggie Walker rejuvenated and excited about ways to incorporate and share what I have learned.  Of particular interest to me were the sessions that focused on the ways that art education crosses beyond the borders of the art room and supports students by teaching a way of thinking that makes connections between the classroom walls that typically separate content areas.”

With your help, we can continue to enhance the educational experience of our gifted students, support faculty education, and acquire innovative technology.  Please consider joining your fellow parents, our alumni and other friends by making a tax-deductible donation to the Governor’s School Foundation at:  www.GovernorsSchoolFoundation.org/donate. 

No gift is too small to make a difference!

So far this year, the Foundations Annual Fund campaign has raised $285,070 for the school.  Overall parent participation stands at 43%.

MUSIC BOOSTERS ANNOUNCEMENT

May 13 Meeting Cancelled

The MLWGS Music Booster meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, has been CANCELLED.  The next regular meeting will be Wednesday, June 3, at 6:00 p.m. in the Music Room.

Please contact Leslie Hausser , Music Boosters President, at lahmeems@comcast.net, with any questions.

ECONOMICS AND PERSONAL FINANCE

Attention all students and parents of students who wish to take Economics and Personal Finance over the summer!

Students who registered for the course at the 2015-2016 registration in February should already see the course in Its Learning as a new tab and should be following the instructions for finalizing their registration. Those instructions are posted in a bulletin in MLWGS Its Learning  on the course dashboard. Any students who still wish to sign up for the summer Economics and Personal Finance but do not see a new tab for the course in Its Learning should contact Karl Zweernik as soon as possible to register for the course. The deadline for registering is June 1. ALL RISING JUNIORS must complete this course before the end of your junior year so any current sophomore who has not yet completed the course and who is not signed up for the 2015 summer session or the 2015-16 school year session should contact Mr. Zweernik as soon as possible. Questions concerning the course should be directed to Crista Ellis at cellis@gsgis.k12.va.us.

MLWGS Girls Varsity Soccer off to a good start

Claire O'Brien ('15, Henrico) takes the ball down the line.

Building off returning players from last year's AA State Finalists with the addition of some new faces, Maggie Walker's Girls Varsity Soccer is off to a strong start this season, with two recent wins against King William and a heart-breaking 0-1 loss to Deep Run in the past two weeks.

NOMINATE A SPECIAL MLWGS VOLUNTEER!

The PTSA will be honoring two very special MLWGS volunteers at the MLWGS End-of-Year Volunteer event hosted by the Governor's School Foundation on Tuesday, May 26, 2015.

For each award, the PTSA is seeking nominations for outstanding parent volunteers who offer their time to PTSA, Booster groups, the Foundation, or in any other school-support capacity. 

The MLWGS relies heavily on the support of so many, and there are countless ways for volunteers to get involved. Therefore the PTSA has created two uniquely different awards: The Green Dragon Award for a visible and active member of the volunteer community; and The Dragon’s Lair Award for the person who works behind the scenes, not necessarily in a leadership role.

Any member of the MLWGS community may nominate a volunteer (no more than one nomination per award please). Awards will be determined based upon nominations received. 

Please submit nominations to mew.mailbox@gmail.com no later than Friday, May 22, 2015. Thank you for taking the time to vote!

Attention Seniors!

Community Service Hours:  Due by Monday, May 18, 3:30 p.m.

Completion of 140 community service hours is a requirement for graduation (see the MLWGS student handbook).  Students may confirm their community service hours in PowerSchool. Please see Ms. Valenta Williams in room 100 if there are any discrepancies. All seniors must turn in any remaining hours they have earned no later than May 18. 

Music Performance Auditions: 

May 19 & 20, 3:40 – 4:40 p.m., Auditorium

Showcasing MLWGS Senior musical talent is an important tradition at Senior Recognition Night and graduation.  For example, vocalists are needed to sing The Star Spangled Banner.  Additional performers or performance groups (instrumental or vocal) are sought for both events.   Students should begin preparing now if they would like to audition.   Any MLWGS senior or group of seniors interested in auditioning must sign up for a time slot by May 15 on the list outside the Forum.  Final decisions will be made by a committee of faculty members and the class officers.   Note: All students intending to perform must be present at auditions and are required to perform their intended piece for graduation or Senior Night.

COSTA RICA TRIP – SPRING BREAK 2016

You Can Enroll now at http://www.eftours.com/1713827WP

Price includes:

• Air fare
• Ground transportation
• Accommodations
• Meals
• Full-time tour guides
• Insurance
• Activities

Students will spend 9 days exploring the ecology, geology, history, and culture of Costa Rica. In Tortuguero students will discover 11 different habitats, including nesting ground for sea turtles. Then students will enjoy a unique perspective of the rainforest while whitewater rafting and zip-lining in Sarapiqui. The next stop will be the Arenal region, where students will study volcanic geology. The Arenal volcano serves as a watershed for the lake, powers the hot springs, and supports the majestic La Fortuna waterfall. The final destination is Guanacaste, where students can explore Pacific beaches. They will also visit a cloud forest and snorkel in a marine ecosystem. Of course, they will also have some free time to experience local culture. The cost of the trip is $2635. For more information contact Mr. David Barnes at dbarnes@gsgis.k12.va.us, or 354-6800 ex 3060, or visit http://www.eftours.com/1713827WP .

SUPPORT THE NEXT GENERATION OF VISUAL ARTISTS

Where would we be without art?  Well, we wouldn't have words like cart, part, and arthroscopy, but that's beside the point.  The world would be a dull and dreary place without visual arts, or the artists who produce these works.  You can easily support MLWGS' budding Rembrandts, Calders, and Warhols by purchasing a pack of these student-designed notecards and envelopes.  It's just $10, and all proceeds go to support Visual Art Boosters.

Come by The Dragon's Lair for these and a full spectrum of clothing, gifts and accessories in your favorite hues of green.  We're open every Tuesday and Friday during lunch and during special after-school events.  Cash and checks welcome; browse 24/7 at our website (mlwgsdragons.weebly.com).