Week of November 11, 2020

College Financial Aid: Learn More

Interested in learning more about securing financial aid to help cover college costs? Of course you are! The 2020-2021 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has just opened, and we know that you have questions. This week's PTSA meeting on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 6:30 p.m. will focus on the topic of college financial aid. MLWGS senior counselors and GRASP financial aid advisor Susan Teerlink will host and Ms. Teerlink will provide important information regarding the financial aid application process, followed by Q & A. This meeting is open to all MLWGS parents, with a particular focus on parents of juniors and seniors. We hope to see you there!

Join the Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87964314397?pwd=WlAva21laEdVNmRIdDQ0bGNXYnMxUT09.

Chalk Day and Yoga on the Field This Friday 

Signups for our rescheduled Chalk Day and Yoga on the Field are open! On Friday, Nov. 13, Chalk Day will run 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Yoga will be 10-11 a.m. If you signed up previously for Chalk Day, you are still in the Signup Genius – no need to do anything unless adjusting or deleting your spot. A new signup for Yoga Day has been created. More details and signup at the links below. If it rains again, we’ll try one more time on Friday, Nov. 20. Contact Mr. Smith with any questions.

Chalk Day info and signup here.
Yoga on the Field info and signup here. 

Preparations for Athletics

We are currently evaluating the Virginia High School League guidelines for returning sports to the campus. As we do this, it is extremely important that, if you are planning on participating in athletics this year, you have completed the VHSL physical form prior to the beginning of MLWGS organized practices. Please visit to this link for forms and information.

Senior News

The November 2020 edition of the Senior Newsletter (Issue #3) has been posted to the MLWGS counseling website. It contains announcements from colleges, a list of virtual open houses and tours, and opportunities that are all-new; none of the scholarships listed from Issues #1 or #2 have been repeated. In addition, seniors are encouraged to consider two on-site admissions opportunities offered this month. One will be facilitated via Zoom by University of Mary Washington, and another will be sponsored locally (in two locations: Short Pump and North Chesterfield) by Longwood University. What a great opportunity for seniors to introduce themselves directly to a college representative and to get an admissions decision on-the-spot! For help with college applications or other concerns, Dr. Loving and Ms. Forquer are available via e-mail or in their walk-in office hours 3-3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday on Zoom.

Freshman Friendship Hike

Freshmen will have an in-person social opportunity during the Outdoors Club Freshman Friendship hike on Sunday, Nov. 15, at 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Details and permission slips are posted in the Schoology freshman class group. We have slots for up to 44 students. If demand exceeds capacity we may try to organize a second day the following weekend. Contact Mr. Zweerink in the counseling office if you have more questions.

Virtual Open Mics? Virtual Dance Parties? Both?

Vote on the Library’s Friday Fun Options

Starting Friday, Nov. 20, Ms. DeGroat will host a fun Friday lunchtime activity  open to students in any grade level. Would you attend or participate in an open-mic for poets, singers, and musicians? Would you attend a dance party with a student DJ and/or student dance teacher? Would you like to be a student DJ or dance teacher? Sign in to your GSGIS Google account and submit your vote by Thursday, Nov. 12, here.

Mindfulness Series for Students and Families

Are you looking for ways to improve your focus/concentration and/or bring a sense of calm to your day? Are you interested in learning more about mindfulness practices? Ms. DeGroat is certified in Koru Mindfulness, a program that was developed to serve students at Duke University and has since expanded. If you're interested in participating in a Koru-inspired four-session mindfulness series at 1 p.m. each Friday from Nov. 20 through Dec. 18 (skipping the week of Thanksgiving), please sign up here. The series involves one 1-hour session followed by three sessions lasting 45 minutes, with an optional 15-minute reflection time about mindfulness before each of those sessions. Students and family members attending with a student are welcome to participate. Email Ms. DeGroat if you have any questions. Deadline for sign-up is midnight on Tuesday, Nov. 17.

Scrip Holiday Incentive

For every $50 you spend on scrip between now and winter break, you will receive an entry for $50 worth of scrip cards of your choice! Plastic card orders are due this Monday, Nov. 16, and then Dec. 7 and 14 before break. Please take advantage of this opportunity to benefit the MLWGS PTSA with your everyday shopping, dining, and gift giving! You can also shop for e-certificates at any time instantly. While Laura Dysart and her crew of volunteers are truly happy to deliver cards to your doorstep during COVID times, scrip is offering delivery to your home for certain products for a small fee, the list of products is here, but you must order through the Raise Right app for this home delivery feature.

Questions? Contact Laura Dysart.

Night of the Dragon Volunteer Opportunities

Planning for our annual Night of the Dragon auction is underway. Things will look a little different this year but the goal will remain the same: to create a fun evening that benefits our students by supporting the MLWGS Foundation and Booster groups. Mark your calendar now for Saturday, April 24.

Details are still in the works and we are looking for folks interested in joining the planning team. We need volunteers with all sorts of skills; techies, creatives, askers, photographers, writers, designers, drivers, task doers, you name it. If you think you might like to join the fun, contact Foundation Executive Director Ginger O'Neil for more details about how you might get plugged in.

New parents, be on the lookout for info about this event. We encourage you to take part in this incredible Governor's School tradition!

Week of October 7, 2020

PTSA Offers Talk on COVID-19 and Your Student's Health

Want to learn more about how to support your students through their first pandemic – and yours? Join the MLWGS Counseling Department and PTSA on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 6:30 p.m. for Helping Adolescents Cope during COVID-19, a candid online discussion led by Dr. Beth Heller, VCU Center for Psychological Services and Development; Lisa Ebeling, MLWGS psychologist; and Karl Zweerink, MLWGS counselor. The webinar will cover the impact on teens’ health as the pandemic persists, self-care practices, parent support ideas, school counseling support, and how to determine when professional mental health support is needed.

To participate, sign up here so we can send you the Zoom link, and take a minute or two to share you preferences for future parent meetings and discussion topics. It’s an important topic for unprecedented times – and definitely worth your time. We hope to see you there.

Shop for a Chance to Win Free Scrip Gift Cards! 

Thanks to all the families who supported our scrip program in September! We had 27 new enrollees, and earned $165.87 in rebates between our orders and on-line shopping. Even the smallest order makes a difference.

October Incentive: For every $50 you spend on online orders, or by our October due date, you will receive one entry for a raffle to win up to $25 of scrip cards of your choice. The next plastic card due date (bulk shipped; volunteers will deliver the following week): Monday, October 19.

It's easy once you get started, but if you have detail questions, please watch our VIDEO TUTORIAL HERE. Or Contact Laura Dysart, your scrip coordinator and Class of 2021 mom, at scrip@mlwgsptsa.org.

2020-21 MLWGS Directory Now Available Online

Artwork by Lexi Pasternak (Henrico, '22)

In an effort to be more environmentally friendly and to reduce costs, MLWGS now publishes the student directory online in PowerSchool. Please read the directions below to learn to access the directory from your computer and from your mobile device.

How to Access the Student Directory:

1. Open your web browser. (You must choose the browser because the directory cannot currently be accessed via the PowerSchool app.)

2. Navigate to the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School website at https://mlwgs.com.

3. Click on the PowerSchool link located near the bottom left-hand side of the page.

4. Log in to PowerSchool.

5. Click on MLWGS Student Directory link located at the top of the parent portal home page.

6. You will find a PDF that contains the 2020-21 Parent and Student Directory and a
2020-21 Student Distribution Map (helps identify carpool opportunities), which is located near the end of the directory document. Save the directory to your computer or print it, if desired.

If you have any questions regarding your contact information, please contact Megan Perez.

GRASP Advisor Available for FAFSA Assistance

GRASP (www.grasp4va.org), a career and college access organization, encourages seniors to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as a first step toward postsecondary education/training goals. The updated FAFSA for high school seniors is now available. Millions of students who are eligible for aid fail to file the FAFSA each year, leaving “money on the table” that could support their postsecondary education. GRASP advisors assist students and their families with FAFSA completion, virtually and free of charge.

Although many school buildings are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, GRASP’s financial aid advising services are available virtually throughout the academic year. Email GRASP at advising@grasp4va.org or call 804-923-0059 for assistance, or contact our GRASP advisor, Susan Teerlink. Currently, because students are not allowed in schools, Susan is doing virtual appointments via the GoogleMeet platform. 

Available meeting times are currently:

Tuesdays 11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 12:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Wednesdays 11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12 p.m., and 12:30 p.m.

Families can sign up for more than one appointment if they want more than 30 minutes. To schedule an appointment, email Susan at mlwgs@grasp4va.org. She will send a list of open appointments. Once the family chooses a time, she will send a GoogleMeet link and list of things to have ready for the appointment.

Week of November 1, 2017

FALL ART WALK 

                                      

On November 3, the Art Department is hosting its annual Fall Art Walk, in conjunction with Richmond’s First Fridays (every first Friday of the month, Richmond, VA’s best art galleries open new shows and their doors to artists, fans, and friends). Additionally, this year Richmond’s InLight Festival is taking place on Broad Street as well (organized by 1708 Gallery, InLight Richmond is a free, public exhibition of light-based art and performances.)

One objective of the art curriculum is to have the students “be aware of and participate in the local arts community” and this is a great way to meet that objective. If you have never had the opportunity to participate in a First Fridays Art Walk (or even if you have) we would love to see you at our event! It is always a very fun evening.

When: November 3, 2017 6:00- 9:00 p.m.

Where: Meet in the adjunct classroom (room 153- outside the Bluestone Lobby) to enjoy snacks and refreshments.

Additional details can be found here: http://www.maggiewalkervab.org

COOKIE DONATIONS NEEDED - MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW

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. at 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 543-6498 or dabneyj.carr@comcast.net

NATIONAL ENGLISH HONOR SOCIETY 

The English Department is pleased to invite juniors and seniors to apply for admission to the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School Chapter of the National English Honor Society.  Our chapter seeks to confer distinction on students who have demonstrated high achievement in the study of the English language and literature.

The qualifying GPA for this organization includes only grades in English or English-related courses (i.e., drama, journalism, creative writing, etc.).  To be eligible, you must have completed four semesters of core English credits with an un-weighted GPA of 3.75.  One-time membership fees of $25 include national and chapter dues, plus honor cord to be worn at graduation.  Members are required to perform at least 2 hours of community service in one of the society’s sponsored service activities each year.

To apply, please pick up an application from Ms. Davis (counseling office).  Applications must be received by Friday, November 3.





FAFSA AND FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION

GRASP (GReat Aspirations Scholarship Program, Inc.) is holding several FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) completion and financial aid information events during the upcoming months that are FREE and open to the public.  Below are the dates, locations, and contact information for making appointments.

1) FAFSA Completion Event and Financial Aid Assistance- Belmont Library (Richmond)
-Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m.  

Call (804) 527-7772 for appointment or visit library on Wednesdays at that time.

2) FAFSA Completion events – Richmond Public Library, Main Branch

-Saturday, November 18, 10 am – 4 pm

-Saturday, January 27, 10 am – 4 pm

Call (804) 527-7772 to make appointment

3) Financial Aid 101 (information) Session

-Wednesday, November 1, 7-8 pm – Gayton Library (Henrico County)

Additional financial aid information is available at the GRASP website www.grasp4va.org.

See attached Flyers: GRASP Event, GRASP at Belmont

GET READY FOR GRADUATION 2018!

   

Herff Jones will be onsite Thursday, November 2 during lunch in the auditorium to collect measurements for graduation caps and gowns.  They will also be providing ordering information for announcements and other graduation paraphernalia.  It can be tough to anticipate how many announcements to order with graduation still eight months away, but order now to ensure you will have enough!  Herff Jones will return November 8 and 9 during lunch in the downstairs commons area to accept orders and payments.  Don’t forget- seniors have already paid for their caps and gowns in their student fees.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ms. Sheppard ksheppard@gsgis.k12.va.us or 804-354-6800 ext 3304. 

Week of January 17, 2017

NIGHT OF THE DRAGON INVITATIONS HAVE BEEN MAILED!

Saturday February 25, Short Pump Hilton, 6-11 p.m.

Go to www.nightofthedragon.com/tickets to purchase tickets, drink tickets and Heads or Tails Raffle tickets online.

Event tickets are $60 per person and must be purchased in advance no later than February 11, 2017. All tickets include reserved table seating. Do want to sit with someone?  We will gladly attempt to accommodate your seating preference.  Just let us know in the comment section. 

For ticket information or other questions, please contact Amy Patina at abpatina@comcast.net.

The catalog will be online in mid-February but here is a sample of our wonderful “Getaway” items to plan your bidding.   

• Riverfront Home - Spend a week away from home on the Corrotoman River (just off of the Rappahannock). 
• Enchanted House near Urbanna on the Rappahannock – Dinner and a one-night stay for up to 6 adults in the home gracing the cover of BaySplash magazine
• Shenandoah River Barn - Enjoy a one-week stay at this 100-year old converted barn located in Page County on the south fork of the Shenandoah River
• Weekend in Charlottesville – Friday to Sunday stay in 3-bedroom/4-bath cottage 3-minute walk to the Lawn and 10-minute walk to the stadium, any weekend except graduation weekend and March 17-19

NOMINATE A TEACHER!

Nominate an outstanding K-12 public school teacher for the Virginia Lottery Super Teacher Award, and they could win $2,000 cash and $2,000 from The Supply Room Companies for classroom supplies.  Help us celebrate our 10th year of recognizing amazing teachers across the Commonwealth by nominating your Super Teacher now!

http://www.vasuperteacher.com/
Please consider nominating a deserving Maggie Walker teacher.

JUNIOR PARENTS: SAVE THE DATE – 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.

ATTENTION SENIOR PARENTS!

The January Senior Newsletter is now available on the School Counseling Website (https://sites.google.com/a/gsgis.k12.va.us/mlw-school-counseling/2011-2012-newsletters). This newsletter contains college-related reminders and a listing of scholarships with approaching deadlines. The latest newsletter was distributed to students in their English classes last week. Scholarship information for seniors is also available on the School Counseling website (https://sites.google.com/a/gsgis.k12.va.us/mlw-school-counseling/college-admissions-information-1/scholarships-financial-aid) and in Naviance (https://connection.naviance.com/mlwgs). Contact your child’s counselor if you would like to view the Naviance scholarship database and need your registration code. Scholarships are still being added to this database on a monthly basis, most with direct links to the applications. Hard-copy applications are scanned and attached to the scholarship description as a PDF. Please note that all deadlines posted on Naviance or in the Newsletter are subject to change as organizations are still sending us updated information for this school year. Check the organization’s website for the most current information. Please contact Rachel Loving in the School Counseling Office with scholarship questions.

FREE FAFSA ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE THROUGH GRASP

(GReat Aspirations Scholarship Program, Inc.)

GRASP (GReat Aspirations Scholarship Program, Inc.) is holding several FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)/financial aid events in January and February that are FREE and open to the public.  Below are the dates, locations, and contact information for scheduling appointments.

January 18, 2017 – Varina Library (1875 New Market Rd, Henrico, 23231); 6-9 p.m.; sign up online (http://bit.ly/2hVntPY) or call the library: (804) 501-1980).

January 28, 2017 – “Saturday at the Library” at Richmond Public Main Library (101 E. Franklin St., Richmond  23219); 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; call: (804) 527-7772.

February 11, 2017 – “Saturday at the Library” at Richmond Public Main Library (101 E. Franklin St., Richmond  23219); 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; call: (804) 527-7772.

Additional financial aid information is available at the GRASP website, www.grasp4va.org.

Week of January 10, 2017

UPDATE ON THE NIGHT OF THE DRAGON

The next meeting for the Night of the Dragon Planning Committee is Thursday, January 12 at 5:30. This will be our annual Postcard Labeling Party! Although it isn’t really a party, it is a great opportunity to help label 3600+ postcards!! If a lot of people show up, it goes quickly! It is also a great chance to meet other parents, learn more about the Night of the Dragon, and support our school!! 

The committee would also like to thank all the volunteers who have been working hard at getting donations for the Auction. Items are starting to come in at a pretty good pace now, so due to the late surge, the deadline for accepting items has been moved to January 12! The committee is very excited about some of our new offerings this year! 

Mark your calendar for February 25, when these new items, as well as many favorites from previous years, will be up for grabs at the Night of the Dragon Auction and Dinner!

NOMINATE A TEACHER!

Nominate an outstanding K-12 public school teacher for the Virginia Lottery Super Teacher Award, and they could win $2,000 cash and $2,000 from The Supply Room Companies for classroom supplies.  Help us celebrate our 10th year of recognizing amazing teachers across the Commonwealth by nominating your Super Teacher now!

http://www.vasuperteacher.com/
Please consider nominating a deserving Maggie Walker teacher.

PSAT SCORES

Attention Students and Parents

PSAT score reports will be distributed to 9th, 10th and 11th-graders during lunch time assemblies on Tuesday, January 10 and Wednesday, January 11.  Counselors will provide students with information on how to interpret score reports and how to utilize Khan Academy to help them prepare for the SAT.   In December, the College Board sent emails to students that contained information on how to view their PSAT scores online. The emails were sent to the email addresses students indicated on their registration forms when they took the test back in October. The email provides an access code as well as directions on how to create a College Board account. If students did not receive an email from the College Board, the score reports given out at school will contain access codes which will enable students to create accounts and access resources.

JUNIOR PARENTS: SAVE THE DATE – 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.

ATTENTION SENIOR PARENTS!

The January Senior Newsletter is now available on the School Counseling Website (https://sites.google.com/a/gsgis.k12.va.us/mlw-school-counseling/2011-2012-newsletters). This newsletter contains college-related reminders and a listing of scholarships with approaching deadlines. The latest newsletter was distributed to students in their English classes last week. Scholarship information for seniors is also available on the School Counseling website (https://sites.google.com/a/gsgis.k12.va.us/mlw-school-counseling/college-admissions-information-1/scholarships-financial-aid) and in Naviance (https://connection.naviance.com/mlwgs). Contact your child’s counselor if you would like to view the Naviance scholarship database and need your registration code. Scholarships are still being added to this database on a monthly basis, most with direct links to the applications. Hard-copy applications are scanned and attached to the scholarship description as a PDF. Please note that all deadlines posted on Naviance or in the Newsletter are subject to change as organizations are still sending us updated information for this school year. Check the organization’s website for the most current information. Please contact Rachel Loving in the School Counseling Office with scholarship questions.

FREE FAFSA ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE THROUGH GRASP

(GReat Aspirations Scholarship Program, Inc.)

GRASP (GReat Aspirations Scholarship Program, Inc.) is holding several FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)/financial aid events in January and February that are FREE and open to the public.  Below are the dates, locations, and contact information for scheduling appointments.

January 12, 2017 - Fairfield Library (1001 N Laburnum Ave, Richmond, 23223); 6-9 p.m.; sign up online (http://bit.ly/2iUHRlO) or call the library: (804) 501-1930.

January 18, 2017 – Varina Library (1875 New Market Rd, Henrico, 23231); 6-9 p.m.; sign up online (http://bit.ly/2hVntPY) or call the library: (804) 501-1980).

January 28, 2017 – “Saturday at the Library” at Richmond Public Main Library (101 E. Franklin St., Richmond  23219); 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; call: (804) 527-7772.

February 11, 2017 – “Saturday at the Library” at Richmond Public Main Library (101 E. Franklin St., Richmond  23219); 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; call: (804) 527-7772.

Additional financial aid information is available at the GRASP website, www.grasp4va.org.

Week of October 25, 2016

SUBSCRIBE TO SMOKE AND SCALES

To receive Smoke and Scales via email on Tuesday mornings, subscribe at the top right of this page:

1. Enter your email address in the “Follow by Email” block,
2. Complete the verification from the Feedburner popup, and
3. Confirm via the email you will receive at the submitted address.

MINDFUL MONDAYS

One Monday per month beginning in October, Upper-School Counselor Alex Peavey will offer Mindful Mondays, free of charge, to any interested Richmond-area teenagers at the Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation in the Gayton Crossing Shopping Center. Teens will learn mindfulness-based strategies for navigating through the everyday stressors that arise in life, and they will also learn mindfulness practices that can help with sleep, relaxation and overall well-being. Sessions will be October 17, November 17, December 12, January 9 and February 13 from 7-8 p.m. Teens can attend as many or as few sessions as they like, but please register: http://www.ckgfoundation.org/mindfulmondays

ATTENTION JUNIORS AND SENIORS

National English Honor Society applications are available in the blue folder outside Ms. Davis’ office. To be eligible, students must have a 3.75 cumulative English GPA. Applications are due to Ms. Davis by Friday, October 28.

PTSA POWERPOINT

By popular request, click here to visit the Maggie L. Walker Counseling website and view the Powerpoint presentation from the October 17 PTSA meeting regarding FAFSA and college financing.

FREE FAFSA ASSISTANCE THROUGH GRASP

GRASP (GReat Aspirations Scholarship Program, Inc.) will hold its Saturdays at the Library FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) events on November 5, 2016, and January 28 and February 11, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Richmond Public Main Library, 101 East Franklin Street.  GRASP advisors will provide FREE college financial aid counseling and assistance with completing the FAFSA, by appointment.  Call (804) 527-7772 to schedule your hour-long appointment.  More information is available at the GRASP website, www.grasp4va.org.

ATTENTION ATHLETES

The Winter Athletic Parent and Coaches meeting will be November 21, 2016 in the Forum at 6:00 p.m.

ATTENTION TALENTED YOUNG SINGERS, DANCERS, MUSICIANS, ACTORS, AND SPOKEN WORD ARTISTS

It's time to audition for Richmond Youth Peace Project's
Generation Dream 2017

This February, the Richmond Youth Peace Project (RYPP), will present Generation Dream 2017, our annual tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  For more than a decade RYPP--the Peace Center's program for teens--has showcased talented young people from throughout central Virginia in performances promoting peace, nonviolence and social justice.  As anyone who has attended one of our previous shows will tell you, the performance is always inspirational and uplifting.  This winter's first show is scheduled for Friday, February 3, 7 p.m., at the Richmond Public Library's downtown branch, as a First Friday event.  We plan to schedule at least one additional show later in the month. 

Auditions are required for new performers.  We are seeking musical groups, singers, dancers, actors and spoken word artists.  Performers need not be available for both shows dates in order to participate.  All performances should in some way reflect Dr. King's message of peace, nonviolence and social justice.  We encourage performers to consider current issues, both local and global, as they make their selections.  Students will also earn community service credits for participating in the show.  For information, or to schedule an audition, email rypp@rpec.org.

Video of previous performances can be viewed on the Peace Center's YouTube Channel  https://www.youtube.com/user/RichmondPeace

Stories about last year's shows:

http://ideastations.org/radio/news/generation-dream-performing-art-peace-and-justice

http://www.richmond.com/news/local/ashland/article_c60188bc-a92e-5552-93e8-80609e7028e3.html

COOKIE DONATIONS NEEDED - MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!

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 remember the inviting and delicious reception that followed the event?  Well, now is your chance to help others relive your experience!  The PTSA Hospitality Committee will be collecting packaged cookies to use on November 14, 15 and 16 at the Prospective Student Night events.

We will be collecting your donations on Friday November 11 from 8-8:45 in the Concession stand just off the Blue Stone lobby.

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

Any questions? Call (543-6498) or email (dabneyj.carr@comcast.net) Laura Carr

ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

High School Diplomats is a free 10-day cultural exchange program at Princeton University for sophomores and juniors. Applications will be available from October 1-January 8, 2017. Please visit www.highschooldiplomats.com for more information and to apply to the program. 

The Virginia Space Grant Consortium would like to share the following information about the following FREE NASA-related programs for Virginia's high school students interested in STEM:

For high school juniors, Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) is an interactive online learning course with a space mission design and human space flight theme, culminating in a one-week residential Summer Academy at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton for those students who qualify. Offered at no cost to the student, VASTS consists of eight modules and a final project to be completed from November 2016 through May 2017 under the guidance of licensed master educators. Based on success in the online coursework, students may be selected to attend a Summer Academy where they interact with NASA scientists, engineers and technologists to design a human mission to Mars.  For program information and application, please visit http://vasts.spacegrant.org. The deadline for student applications is October 30, 2016. 

For high school juniors and seniors, Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) is an interactive, on-line Earth System Science Course featuring NASA scientific research and data. The course will be offered for dual enrollment college credit (statewide through TNCC) for high school juniors and seniors beginning in spring semester 2017. Please direct students or other faculty to the website for program information and application, http://vsgc.odu.edu/VESSS/. The deadline for student applications is October 30, 2016.

The Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS) is a program for sophomores focusing on the earth and airborne science, engineering, and technology integral to current missions at NASA Wallops Flight Facility and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport. This dynamic (and FREE) program, designed by the Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC), inspires students who possess technical and/or scientific interests and are motivated to learn about the many different opportunities that NASA offers.

• FREE Program for 10th Grade Students
• Online modules covering NASA aircraft, balloon, and sounding rocket missions launched or managed at Wallops Flight Facility
• Online course runs from December 2016 through April 2017
• Highly successful students will be selected for a week long Summer Academy at NASA Wallops Flight Facility (Chincoteague, VA)

The deadline for student applications is October 30, 2016.

http://vscs.spacegrant.org/ for application and more information