Week of February 24, 2021

TODAY! Black History Month Assembly

SAC and students have organized a mandatory, school-wide Black History Month Assembly for students on Wednesday, Feb. 24, during 5th period. The event features information from the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, African American poetry performed by the Slam Poetry Club, and a keynote presentation from Faithe Norrell, whose children are the great-grandchildren of Maggie Walker. She will discuss the 13th, 14th, 15th Amendments, Reconstruction, systemic racism, and modern-day social injustices. A special assembly bell schedule has been created, and 5th period teachers will usher students to the webinar from 12:20-1:30 p.m. 

Here is Wednesday's Assembly Bell Schedule:

• Block 1: 8:40-9:15 a.m. (75 minutes) normal
• Block 2: 10:10-11:25 a.m. (75 minutes) normal
• Lunch 11:25 a.m.-12 p.m. (35 minutes) shortened
• Block 5: 12-12:20 p.m. (attendance taken)
• Assembly: 12:20-1:29 p.m.
• Block 5: 1:30-2 p.m. (50 minutes total) shortened
• Block 7: 2:10-3 p.m. (50 minutes) shortened

Re-Opening Survey

If you have not already completed the Return to School Survey, please use this link to do so ASAP.

One Small Step Deadline TODAY

Participate in One Small Step! The MLWGS Library has partnered with the national One Small Step initiative from StoryCorps to organize conversations between Dragons with contrasting political perspectives. MLWGS and Trinity Episcopal are the first two high schools in the nation to partner with One Small Step. Four workshops with Ms. DeGroat will help prepare you for these conversations.

To participate, sign up by Wednesday, Feb. 24. For the sign-up link and to learn more about this exciting opportunity, watch this intro video.

Intro to One Small Step @ MLWGS Check out a video I made via Loom www.loom.com

Last Week for Registration Counseling

Attention freshman and sophomore families, make sure your student has signed up for a course registration meeting with Mr. Zweerink or Ms. Cobb. This week is the last full week of meetings before students register for classes next week on Thursday, March 4,  through the Powerschool portal.

• Freshman signups
• Sophomore signups

Juniors with questions about next year’s schedule may sign up for a 15-minute “12th Grade Scheduling Chat” with their senior counselor to be held this week . SignUp Genius links are posted in the Resources section of the “College Information for the Class of 2022” Schoology page. Day #3 of College Kick-Off has been rescheduled to Thursday, Feb. 25, from 10:15-11:30 a.m. due to last week’s bad weather, and individual Junior College Meetings will run in March and April.

GRASP and FAFSA

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

Appointments are available at 6-8 p.m. on Wednesdays and 2-4 p.m. on Saturdays. Call 804-923-0059 to make your appointment! 

Athletic Boosters Update

Even though no one has had the opportunity to work out in the Maggie Walker Fitness Center, that doesn’t mean that nothing has been happening there. We’ve been putting the funds that YOU have donated to the Athletic Boosters to work! We have replaced all the bikes, and purchased two new treadmills and one new elliptical machine. There are now six stationary bicycles, three elliptical machines and six treadmills. These additions mean that all equipment is now either brand-new or less than a year old.

We have also partnered with the Maggie Walker Art Club to brighten the space. Under the supervision of Jeff Hall, the NAHS Mural Team has created some great designs and are currently painting them during asynchronous learning Fridays.  We hope that once everyone returns to in-person learning, we can have some sort of ribbon-cutting to show off the Fitness Center! This is only one example of how your Athletic Booster donations are getting put to work for your students and the faculty. We’ve purchased equipment for sports teams, purchased video equipment and have another large project in flight that will impact one of the outdoor sports areas as well.

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 April 15, 2020

2020-21 MLWGS SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL  

Looking for student and parent volunteers! The MLWGS School Advisory Council (SAC) currently has both student and parent openings for the 2020-2021 school year. To learn more about the SAC, please visit THIS LINK.

Students must be rising juniors, have no honor code violations, a minimum GPA of 3.3, show a demonstrated commitment to MLWGS, and be willing to serve a 2-year term. If interested, please contact Mr. Dan Brown who will send you an application. Any parent PTSA member may be on SAC (except for current PTSA Board members); parents serve a 3-year term. If you are interested in becoming a parent member, would like to nominate someone, or would like to learn more, please contact Karen Townsend. SAC is requesting to receive all expressions of interest no later than Friday, April 17.

SENIOR SURVEY IS OPEN

The senior survey is now available on Naviance and must be completed by 

May 6 as a part of the official check-out process. This survey will give the senior counselors information about each student’s post-graduation plans, which is critical so that we know where to send your transcript in June. We still plan to recognize seniors in some way for the scholarships you have received (even if you are turning them down in some cases), so the survey will ask you for that information as well. We find this information helpful so that we can stay abreast of institutions’ awarding trends. To access the survey, students should go to Naviance and click the senior survey link under “About Me.” When completed, select “Save and Finish.” If a student changes his/her college decision or receives a scholarship after submitting the form, please notify his/her senior counselor by e-mail. Please contact Dr. Loving if you have any questions.

ATTENTION JUNIORS: COLLEGE APPLICATION BOOT CAMP

Registration for College Application Boot Camp is open as of April 16! Emails with instructions were sent to juniors and parents at the start of registration.

The mission of College Boot Camp is to provide rising seniors the space and time to complete their Common Application and/or Coalition Application (and/or other application of their choice) before the start of the school year. Boot Camp will be held from August 24-26, 2020. Morning (9 a.m.-12 p.m.) and afternoon (1-4 p.m.) sessions will be offered. College Boot Camp is an optional fee-based workshop led by the senior counselors. The cost of Boot Camp is $55 and this fee will not be collected until August. Fee waivers are available if paying for Boot Camp would be an obstacle. Please email Kierstin Streitel with any questions or to request a fee waiver. Registration will close on May 31. Registration operates on a “first come, first served” basis, so if you are interested in attending, please register as soon as possible.

The MLWGS Senior Counselors will provide a structured curriculum over three, three-hour sessions with specific tips and personal assistance at every step. College Boot Camp is designed to walk students through each section of the Common Application and/or Coalition Application and provide them with the resources to complete each section during the program. A guest speaker will address the essay specifically, and the students should leave the Boot Camp with their Common App primary essay (or other essay of their choice) in a completed draft form. There will be some group discussion, peer editing, quiet individual work time, and one-on-one consultations. The Boot Camp will also touch on college-specific supplements and popular institutional applications. Topics can be adjusted based on the needs of the group.

We are very hopeful that we will be able to come together as a group for Boot Camp in August; however, if that is not the case, we will be making adjustments in order to still provide Boot Camp via video conference, etc. In the event that we need to switch formats, the cost of the program will be lowered. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

We can't wait to see you all again in person!

MLWGS Senior Counselors

GRASP ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE

Class of 2020 high school seniors have been dealt a major blow by the upheaval of traditional senior year events caused by the COVID-19 impact. For many of these seniors, college plans that once seemed certain are now in limbo, in part, because of the current financial uncertainty of their lives. Figuring out the next steps to achieve their college goals is daunting but doable, and GRASP (www.grasp4va.org), a Virginia career/college access non-profit organization, is available NOW to provide assistance, hope and encouragement needed to ensure career and college access for all, especially during these uncertain times.

GRASP services, which are free of charge, include assistance with FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) completion, assistance with understanding financial aid award letters, as well as assistance with the process for requesting Professional Judgement for financial aid adjustments if the family income situation has changed. Despite today’s obstacles, GRASP is available and ready to provide hope and to guide students to the educational paths that will allow them to forge fulfilling lives.

Although the COVID-19 virus has disrupted in-person GRASP services, our FAFSA/financial aid services are available by email (pfeyerabend@grasp4va.org) and by phone (804-527-7741). For students who have already worked with a GRASP advisor this academic year, invitations are being sent to participate in a texting option for assistance. Please contact us if you need assistance with your post-secondary education plans. There is hope for your future!

DRAGONS WIN SABR ANALYTICS FOR A FOURTH TIME

For the fourth year in a row, a team representing MLWGS garnered first-place honors at the SABR Analytics Diamond Dollars Case Competition in Phoenix, AZ. This contest pits students from colleges across the country against each other in an analytic major league baseball operations decision — the type of decision a team’s general manager and staff face over the course of a season. The first-place team consisted of MLWGS alums Tom Blue (’19), Nicolas Ferree (’19), Dom Gammino (’19) and David Winters (’19).

This competition was held on March 13-15, 2020.

Congratulations to Mr. Benesh, team sponsor, for your dedication to this program.

MW WINS GOVERNOR'S CHALLENGE 

The Virginia Governor’s Challenge is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their economic literacy while competing with other students across the state. Teams of three to four students in two divisions complete online exams that may qualify them for exciting championship competition.

Due to school closings, the in-person state championship event was canceled. Winners were determined using the online competition scores only.

VIRGINIA STATE WINNER IN THE DAVID RICARDO DIVISION

Maggie Walker Governor’s School, Richmond City, Teacher: Allison Anthony

Students: Ronit Jain (Henrico '22), Michael Kish (Henrico '22), Abhay Duggirala (Henrico '22), Sam Lichtman (Henrico '22)

DOE Region #1 Winner

Maggie Walker Governor’s School, Richmond City, Teacher: Allison Anthony

Students: Ronit Jain, Michael Kish, Abhay Duggirala, Sam Lichtman

Week of January 8, 2020

ATHLETIC BOOSTERS MONTHLY MEETING

The Maggie L. Walker Athletic Boosters Club will hold its monthly Board Meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, January 13 in room 105. All members and anyone interested in becoming involved with Athletic Boosters are welcome to attend.

SCRIP UPDATE

Scrip family rebates have earned $922.40 so far for the MLWGS PTSA just by families doing their shopping and gift giving with Scrip gift cards. Thank you to all those that have participated! The next Scrip order due date is January 17 for physical cards. You can shop for digital certificates any time with Scrip Now at www.shopwithscrip.com. If you haven't yet enrolled in the program or have questions, contact Laura Dysart at scrip@mlwgsptsa.org for the enrollment code (we are unable to post the enrollment code on-line). Think about using Scrip if you will be purchasing any gift cards for class auction baskets, and for your every day shopping and dining! Our family needed a new dryer over the holidays, and we used Scrip to purchase through Lowe's. If you are ever in the market, consider using Scrip! 

SPECIAL NOTE: If you are planning on donating gift cards to the Night of the Dragon auction, buy them with SCRIP! That's even MORE money for MW!





FREE FAFSA ASSISTANCE THROUGH GRASP

GRASP (GReat Aspirations Scholarship Program, Inc.) will hold their next FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) event on Saturday, January 18, 2020 from 10 a.m.- 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 JUNIOR PARENTS

Please save the date for Tuesday, February 4 at 9:30 a.m. for the College Kick-Off event led by the Counseling Department. More information, including a list of college representatives, will be coming later in January. This event is mandatory for students and parents are encouraged to attend.





ATTENTION SOPHOMORE PARENTS

Please save the date for Tuesday, February 4 at 1:30 p.m. for the College Jump-Start event led by the Counseling Department. More information, including a list of college representatives, will be coming later in January. This event is mandatory for students and parents are welcome to attend. This program is for sophomores only; however, parents of freshman are also welcome to attend if they wish to do so.

SAVE THE DATE FOR 2020 NOTD- FEBRUARY 29- QUANTUM LEAP!

The Night of the Dragon Auction is one of the highlights each year for Dragon parents (past and present), staff, and alumni.  This year’s NOTD will take place on Leap Day, February 29, 2020! 

The evening includes live and silent auctions, dinner, drinks, student entertainment, Heads and Tails, and more. This fun-filled event is also MLWGS’ single largest annual fundraising event.

Here’s how you can help make the upcoming 18th Annual Night of the Dragon the best ever!

● Save the Date and get your TICKETS today! 

● Donate an item(s) for the live or silent auctions. Popular items include unique experiences hosted by MLWGS families and friends, event tickets, vacation home rentals, artwork, local adventures—GET CREATIVE! To donate or help solicit, contact Suzannah Stora. 

● Become a Sponsor. Individual and corporate sponsorships are available at many levels. For Sponsorships, contact Suzannah Stora.

● Lend a Hand. If you want to help with putting on this amazing event, contact Ginger O’Neil about committee options. 

Stay tuned for more information about this wonderful event in the coming weeks!




REMINDER ON HOW TO ACCESS THE STUDENT DIRECTORY

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 on how to access the directory from your computer and from your mobile device.

ACCESS THE DIRECTORY FROM A COMPUTER
1. Open up your web browser.
2. Navigate to the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School website.
3. Click on the Power School link located towards the bottom left-hand side of the page.
4. Login to PowerSchool.
5. Click on Directory Information (School bus icon) located in the Navigation panel on the left.
6. Three links will be listed:

2019- 2020 Parent and Student Directory
2019 -2020 Student Distribution map (helps identify carpool opportunities)
Add/Change form to update your contact information.

Feel free to save the Directory to your computer or print it, if desired.

ACCESS THE DIRECTORY FROM A MOBILE DEVICE
1. Open your web browser (it does not currently work on the Power School app).
2. Navigate to the Maggie L. Walker Governor's School website.
3. Click on the Power School link located towards the bottom left-hand side of the page.
4. Login to PowerSchool.
5. On the main page, you will see your student's name in the upper left-hand corner.
6. Under your student's name, there will be two arrows- one up arrow and one side arrow. Click on the side arrow.
7. A navigation windowpane will open, scroll down and click on Directory Information (School bus icon).
8. Three links will be listed:

2019- 2020 Parent and Student Directory
2019 -2020 Student Distribution map (helps identify carpool opportunities)
Add/Change form to update your contact information

Once you have successfully opened the directory on your phone, it can be bookmarked or saved to your mobile device.

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

Week of November 20, 2019

CONGRATULATIONS TO GIRLS AND BOYS CROSS COUNTRY! 

In their debut in VHSL Class 3, the Girls came in First and the Boys came in Third!  Mary Caroline Heinen (Richmond '20) raced to win her third First place finish in a row.

SCRIP

As you begin to think about your holiday shopping, we hope you will consider giving Scrip gift cards or shopping for gifts with them. The next and last order before winter break is due Friday, December 6 by noon. Cards will be delivered the following week before break. If using a check instead of credit card or Presto Pay, please make check out to MLWGS PTSA and deliver to the Scrip Box in room 100 (Valenta William's office) by the due date. Of course you can order Scrip Now anytime without waiting and receive them on your computer. Scrip Now products have an exclamation point icon when you click on the brand or an "S" on the retailer list. Go to shopwithscrip.com for a full list of retailers or to place an order. You can also still use paper order forms (attached).

This Thursday, November 21 is ThankScriping Day. If you have an account, you can earn up to 21% of your purchase for Maggie Walker with over 100 retailers on Scrip Now e-cards and reloads. This is a great time to give back A LOT to Maggie Walker at no extra cost to you on retailers you would already shop! Please look at what is offered on Thursday at www.shopwithscrip.com. It only happens three times a year and this is the biggest give back! 

If you haven't enrolled yet, please contact your coordinator, Laura Dysart at scrip@mlwgsptsa.org, for the enrollment code as this cannot be advertised on-line, or if you have any questions, Laura is happy to help. 

FREE FAFSA ASSISTANCE WITH GRASP

GRASP (GReat Aspirations Scholarship Program, Inc.) will hold its "Saturdays at the Library" FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) events this November 23, 2019 and January 18, 2020 from 10 a.m.- 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. See flyer here.

ATTENTION JUNIORS AND SENIORS!

National English Honor Society applications are available in a red folder outside of Ms. Cobb’s office in counseling. The application deadline to is Friday, December 6.

SUMMER PROGRAMS AVAILABLE

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMATS

The High School Diplomats Program is now accepting applications for the 2020 High School Diplomats (HSD) program (July 22-August 2) at Princeton University. We are a true scholarship opportunity (no costs or add-on fees) and our best students learn about HSD from their teachers and counselors. 

The online application is available until January 8, 2020 and all current sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply.

High School Diplomats

SUMMER RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS

Visual and Performing Arts Programs: areas of study include Dance, Theater, Visual Art, Instrumental Music, and Vocal Music. We can send a nominee for each area of study. Interested students must speak with their fine arts teacher.

Foreign Language Academies: full-immersion Academies in French, Spanish, and German; partial-immersion in Japanese and Latin. We are able to have one nominee from our school. If interested, please contact your language teacher.

Academic Programs: areas of study include Humanities, Mathematics, Science and Technology, Agriculture, Life Sciences and Medicine, Engineering (NASA- must be 16 by June 24, 2019), and Marine Science. Interested students should contact Ms. Davis in the counseling office.

VA Dept of Education Summer Programs

Week of October 30, 2019

GET READY FOR GRADUATION 2020

Herff Jones will taking measurements for graduation caps and gowns today Wednesday, October 30 during lunch in the auditorium.  Ordering information for announcements and other graduation paraphernalia will also be available. 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 6 and 7 (during lunch in the downstairs commons area) to accept orders and payments. You are also welcome to order your announcements online www.herffjones.com. Just make sure to order before January 1 to avoid an increase in the price. Don’t forget that seniors have already paid for their caps and gowns. This was included in their student fees, so no need to worry! 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ms. Sheppard or 804-354-6800 ext. 3304.

VISUAL ART BOOSTERS EVENT

This Friday, November 1, the Fine Arts Department and Visual Arts Boosters is hosting our annual Fall Art Walk event in conjunction with Richmond’s First Fridays. Every first Friday of the month, local art galleries open their doors for the evening.

To begin the evening, our wonderful Visual Arts Boosters are hosting a reception from 6-7 p.m. in room 153 outside of the Bluestone Lobby. Please join us for snacks and fellowship prior to heading out to the galleries. If you are willing to help out with food for the reception, please sign up HERE

We will give everyone maps of the galleries and Coach Hall will take anyone who would like to join him around to some specific exhibitions.

To help avoid parking around the galleries, we will have a school bus which will run a circuit from the Main St. galleries to Broad St. and then back to school. The bus will continue this circuit throughout the evening until the last pickup at 9:30 p.m. This way, you may stay for as long (or as short) as you like. Details will be discussed that evening.

If you’ve never had the opportunity to participate in a First Fridays Art Walk - or even if you have - we’d love to see you at our event! All are welcome (students, parents, family members, and faculty)!

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

Thanks again and we hope to see you and your young artists at this event. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Jeff Hall




PTSA GENERAL MEETING: COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID 

PTSA General Meeting Monday, November 4 8-9 a.m.

The 2020-2021 FAFSA is now open, and we know that you have questions! Please plan to attend the next Maggie Walker General PTSA event on Monday, November 4th at 8 a.m. in room 153 (just inside the front doors, on the left). 

MLWGS Senior Counselors and Susan Teerlink, GRASP Financial Aid advisor, will host the meeting. 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. The meeting will end by 9 a.m., in time to attend parent meeting about mentorships/senior seminar in the auditorium. Make it a twofer! We hope to see you on Monday.

Maggie L. Walker Drama presents:  Almost, Maine

Poster Credit: Malina Gavris (Chesterfield '20)

Almost, Maine

by John Cariani

Directed by Leigh Glatt

November 7, 8, and 9 at 7:00 pm

Welcome to Almost, Maine, a place that's so far north, it's almost not in the United States. It's almost in Canada. And it's not quite a town, because its residents never got around to getting organized- so it almost doesn't exist. One cold, clear, winter night, as the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, the residents of Almost, Maine, find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend- almost- in this delightful midwinter night's dream. The show runs Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, November 7-9, at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are $7 for students and $12 for adults and may be purchased at the door or online at https://mlwgs-am.brownpapertickets.com/.

OPENING NIGHT SPECIAL: Everyone can enjoy student pricing on opening night, Thursday, November 7.

Questions? Please contact maggiewalkerdrama@gmail.com.





SCRIP

Two more order due dates before the holiday break! Due dates are November 8 and December 6. Of course you can shop Scrip Now products anytime for your every day or holiday gift shopping! Great Lake Scrip offers some great gift cards for as little as $10.00 that make great holiday presents such as Starbucks, Krispy Kreme, Dunkin Donuts, Panera, Chipotle, Barnes and Noble, Bath and Body Works, Baskin Robbins, Taco Bell, Wendy's, Burger King, Cold Stone Creamery, Sweet Frog, as well as a selection of movie theaters.  Many of your children's favorite clothing stores are Scrip retailers as well, and they have big rebates! Let those retailers you already shop give back to Maggie Walker at no extra cost to you! 

To enroll or shop go to: shopwithscrip.com. Enrollment code: C43669E564L28. 

Questions? Contact your Scrip Coordinator at scrip@mlwgsptsa.org.





VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR INFORMATION FORUMS

Information Forums will be held on November 11, 12 and 13. Prospective students and parents can meet teachers and students, ask questions, tour the building, and receive an overview of the program and extracurricular activities. 

We need volunteers to provide refreshments, help with setup and clean up, and answer questions from prospective students/parents.

Please sign up to either donate cookies and brownies or to help on any of the three nights. All food must be store bought and nut free due to allergies.

Contact Kim Nguyen for further information.

Prospective Student Night Signup

Week of October 31, 2018

FALL ART WALK 

On Friday, November 2, the Fine Arts Department and Visual Arts Boosters is hosting our annual Fall Art Walk, in conjunction with Richmond’s First Fridays (when the art galleries on Broad and Main are all open). One objective of the art curriculum is to have the students “be aware of and participate in the local arts community."  To help avoid parking around the galleries, we will have a bus which will run a circuit from the Main St. galleries to Broad St. and back to school. The bus will continue this circuit throughout the evening until the last pickup at 9:30 p.m.

If you’ve never had the opportunity to participate in a First Fridays Art Walk- or even if you have- we’d love to see you at our event! It’s always a very fun evening. All are welcome (students, parents, family members, and faculty).

When: November 2, 2018 6:00-9:30 p.m.

Where: Meet in the adjunct classroom (room 153, outside the Bluestone Lobby) to enjoy snacks and refreshments prior to heading to the galleries. Link to the SignUp for the reception.

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

MAGGIE WALKER PRESENTS HAMLET

Poster Credit: Malina Gavris, Chesterfield '20

Maggie Walker Drama presents William Shakespeare's Hamlet

Directed by Foster Solomon

November 8, 9, and 10 at 7:00 pm

Interested in a royal world of spying, madness, and murder? Fascinated with soap opera family tensions? Curious about a depressed and love-struck moody teenager properly known as the Prince of Denmark? If so, please join us along with the supernatural to experience Maggie Walker Drama’s Production of Hamlet! The show runs Thursday, November 8 through Saturday, November 10 at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults and may be purchased at the door.

We hope to see you at the show! Questions? Please contact maggiewalkerdrama@gmail.com.





GET READY FOR GRADUATION 2019!

Herff Jones stopped by on Tuesday, October 30 (during lunch in the auditorium) to collect measurements for graduation caps and gowns. They also provided 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 7 and 8 (during lunch in the downstairs commons area) to accept orders and payments (you may also choose to order online: www.herffjones.com). Don’t forget…seniors have already paid for their caps and gowns. This was included in their student fees, so no need to worry! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ms. Sheppard (ksheppard@gsgis.k12.va.us or 804-354-6800 ext. 3304).

ICELAND TRIP

For those unable to attend the MLWGS Iceland 2019 parent/student information session on Tuesday, October 30, information packets are available, upon request, from MLWGS Science faculty Tom Boyle and Mr. Barnes.

Settled by Vikings in the late 9th century, the land of “fire and ice” provides a unique opportunity for students to learn about and personally experience Icelandic history, culture, customs, geography, geology, geothermal power production, and flora and fauna. Trip sponsors from the Maggie Walker faculty and a representative from the educational tour company Worldstrides will be present to provide information about the tour and answer questions.

The trip is scheduled for June 22-26, 2019.

For questions about the meeting, email Mr. Tom Boyle at tboyle@gsgis.k12.va.us, or David Barnes dbarnes@gsgis.k12.va.us.

FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION

Free FAFSA assistance available 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 17, 2018 and January 19, 2019 from 10 am to 4 pm 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.

SCRIP FUNDRAISER

Scrip Gift Card Fundraiser orders are due on November 9 by 3:00 p.m. to Room 100.

Do you ever shop or give gift cards from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Chipotle, CVS, Panera Bread, Lands End, Lowe’s, Shutterfly, Starbucks, Petco, Subway, Target, or Walmart? These are just a very small number of retailers willing to give Maggie Walker money if you purchase their gift card for your own use or as a gift. 

The full list of retailers can be found at SCRIP Retailers. Order forms can be obtained two ways: downloaded below or picked up in Office 100. Orders need to be delivered to the PTSA Scrip Box in Room 100 by November 9, or mailed to Laura Dysart, 5021 Sylvan Road, Richmond, VA 23225. Consider your upcoming holiday gift needs. It’s a great way to support your school at no extra cost to you. Let those retailer support your children’s school! Confused? Want to know more? Contact Laura Dysart at lauradysart@verizon.net.

SCRIP order form

FALL FESTIVAL WAS A SUCCESS! 

A big THANK YOU to all our volunteers who helped make this year's Fall Festival another great success! We had over 100 parents volunteer their time, labor and supplies and couldn't have done it without your help. Thank you for making Maggie Walker a wonderful community!

Over $17,000 was raised with booth sales generating $15,145 for 49 clubs involved in the festival.

Thanks also to the Richmond City Police, MLWGS administration, MLWGS security and facilities personnel.

Thank you from the Fall Festival committee and PTSA:

Gopal Bhagavatula, Kathleen Staley, Dena Neuwirth, Dia Flora, Jennifer DiMattio, Gloria Amoako, David Hanzlik, Mike Winters, Michelle Hobbs, Deepthi Kalluri, Raquel Watson, Elizabeth Brady, Ingrid Hale, Susan Warner, Jessica Lai Perez, Nathan Beck, Harsh Purohit, Kristi Turner, Amy Franco, Julie Abse, Martha Kapitanov, Izola Coleman, Paige Hawkins, Suzannah Stora, Knaide Green, Spencer Smith, Christine Pimblett, and Sarah Van Dam

As of October 25, 2018, the MLWGS Foundation has raised $73,114 toward our 2018-19 goal of $350,000. Thanks so much to everyone who has given so far this year! You're making everything we do for MLWGS students and faculty possible. So far in 2018-19, we've spent $61,000 to provide 70 enhancement grants, on top of contributing $80,000 toward the track renovation. And there's so much more to come! You can see more about what we do on our Facebook page or on our website. Make your gift to the 2018-19 Annual Fund to support all our enhancement grant programming.