Week of September 30, 2020

Report from the PTSA

Thank you for your participation in the MLWGS 2020 Virtual Back-to-School Night last week. All items on the ballot passed.

Great Lake Scrip News

Thanks to all who placed a September Scrip card order, we have already raised $95!

September purchasers will hear from Laura Dysart by the end of the week to arrange a card drop-off. You can shop scrip e-cards anytime and receive them on your mobile device/computer immediately. Go to shopwithscrip.com to enroll and shop. Need more details? Please view our brand new MLWGS Scrip Video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgFHBBU6NqY&feature=youtu.be, or contact Laura Dysart, your scrip coordinator, at scrip@mlwgsptsa.org. Look out for a special incentive for placing orders in October. Our next due date for plastic cards is Monday, Oct. 19. Let those retailers you already shop give back to MLWGS at no extra cost to you!

Student Handbook

This is a reminder that all students must review and complete a quiz on the 2020-21 Student Handbook. The deadline has been extended to TODAY, Wednesday, Sept. 30, and it is open-everything with unlimited attempts. The quiz is located at http://www.quia.com/quiz/5928160.html and the secret word is Dragons.

Keeping Your Zoom Updated

As Zoom adapts to having more schools as customers, they are rapidly releasing software updates, many of which enhance the features available when you participate in class meetings on Zoom. For instructions about how to keep your Zoom app updated to the current version, see this page from Zoom support. If you don’t have a Zoom account – which is not required to attend MLWGS Zoom class meetings – follow the third option in the video: go to the Zoom.us website and download the latest Zoom desktop client (an option you’ll find under Resources near the top right on their site).

Future Friends Gatherings for Freshmen

Co-hosted by your librarian, Ms. DeGroat, and Counseling Director, Mr. Zweerink, Future Friends Lunchtime Gatherings provide an opportunity for freshmen to meet other students in the Class of 2024. We will provide a discussion spark connected to The Walker Way, then you’ll be invited to a random breakout room with two or three other freshmen. These gatherings are on Mondays from 11:40 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. For the Zoom link, go to the Class of 2024 group in Schoology. Hope to see you there!

Foundation Staff Change

The Maggie Walker Governor's School Foundation is excited to announce that Ginger O'Neil became the Foundation's Executive Director on Monday, Sept. 28. Ginger has a long history of involvement at Maggie Walker as an auction volunteer, Foundation Board member, Foundation Chair, and parent. Please welcome Ginger to the Foundation!

The Foundation Board would like to thank Suzannah Stora for her work as Executive Director of the Foundation. We wish her well as she takes on her new job helping her three children manage school during COVID-19.

Week of May 6, 2020

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK 

May 4-8 is Teacher Appreciation Week nationally.  This has always been an important week at MLWGS to celebrate our outstanding faculty.  This year it is especially important to reflect on the courage, flexibility, and compassion that our teachers have shown through the current health crisis.  Please join me in expressing gratitude to our amazing teachers at Governor's School. 

Although difficult to appreciate our faculty while social distancing, consider getting creative:

• Record a message on their voicemail
• Send a picture holding a sign
• Email a virtual thank you card
• Record a poem, song, or dance to send

Be silly, think outside the box, and show your thanks this week.

Thank you for all your hard work and dedication!

LIBRARY NEWS

Taking The Good Road from Idea to Premiere

Thursday, May 7, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Join RVA film-maker (and president of the MLWGS PTSA) Craig Martin this Thursday as he shares insights from his journey to tell stories about the power of philanthropy around the globe in his show The Good Road, currently in its debut season on PBS. Access links to two episodes in Dragons Create (Code to join Schoology group: 7FBZ-NBKC-RQT23). Sign up to reserve your spot @ https://bit.ly/creativityandfilm

Mindfulness for Dragons this Month

Sign up @ https://bit.ly/mindfulness4dragons

Mindfulness for Writers
11:30 a.m.-Noon (Wednesdays through May 27)
Mindfulness practices and a writing prompt.


Midday Mindfulness
11:30 a.m.-Noon (Thursdays through May 28)
Gather with classmates and Ms. DeGroat, Coach Hawkins, and Mrs. Ebeling for a variety of mindfulness practices.

New York Times 

The New York Times is offering free access through July 6 to high school students; however, in order to honor students' privacy, Ms. DeGroat will only upload the school email addresses of students who choose to OPT IN for this access. She will only share your school email address, not your name. Once she submits the MLWGS list, you will receive an email from the NY Times at your school email address inviting you to create a login.

Unfortunately, we have checked to see if the Wall Street Journal has a similar offer and they do not have free access.

Here are links to the offer, FAQs, and the NY Times Privacy Policy which you need to review before you opt in to this offer.
Offer description: https://www.nytimes.com/initiative/highschoolaccess
Offer FAQ's: https://help.nytimes.com/hc/en-us/articles/360041777211
Privacy Policy: https://www.nytimes.com/subscription/privacy-policy#/

If you'd like Ms. DeGroat to include you in the list of Dragons who'd like NYT access through July 6, please let her know by no later than 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 9 by completing the Google form @ https://bit.ly/nytimesfreeoffer

CUBE TO CURE

During this pandemic, Jacob Lee (Chesterfield '21), John Staley (Hanover '21), and Ryland Wilson (Hanover '21) (co-presidents of the Maggie L. Walker Governor's School Rubik's Cube Club) have been working hard at hosting an online cubing competition.

This will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2020, starting at 12:20 p.m. EDT.

The entry fee is $5 with proceeds benefiting Covid-19 relief efforts through Heart to Heart International. Prizes and raffle items are being provided by The Cubicle.

They are also making and selling Rubik's cube Masks.  You can order them here.

Cube to Cure information here.  Please share this with anyone that would be interested! Register Here

Thanks to all who participated in the virtual Day of the Dragon! It was a fun day of celebration for the Dragon community and we had an awesome response from parents, faculty, and alumni! We plan to leave the Instagram page of well wishes open throughout the rest of the school year and invite any who didn't have a chance yesterday to contribute a message of support to the class of 2020. You can write (or type) a note, record a video, draw something, sing a song--however you want to participate. Email your submissions here or tag the account on Instagram @tothemlwgsclassof2020.

We also want to thank Dragon families who supported the Foundation yesterday through the National Day of Giving. The work of the Foundation continues despite the school closures and your support will provide enhancements that will strengthen the MLWGS experience in the years ahead.

Week of January 22, 2020

REMINDER: MONDAY, JANUARY 27 IS A TEACHER WORK DAY

COURSE REGISTRATION ASSEMBLIES JANUARY 29-31

Lunchtime assemblies will be held for the underclasses in the auditorium on the following dates: 

• Juniors- Wednesday, January 29
• Sophomores- Thursday, January 30
• Freshmen- Friday, January 31

Students will be provided with materials, information, and options about their upcoming course registration on March 5.

ATTENTION SENIOR PARENTS!

The January edition of the Senior Newsletter is now available. Please read thoroughly for important deadlines and updates.

Susan Teerlink, our GRASP Representative, is available to assist with financial aid information. Ms. Teerlink is here on Mondays and students and/or parents can sign up for an appointment in the School Counseling Office.

DISTRICT BAND NEWS




Ryan Eklund (Richmond '22), Helen Hopkins (Chesterfield '22), Devon Jebo  (Henrico '22), Rahul Ramesh (Henrico '21), Amar Srinivasan (Chesterfield '22), and Carson Wang (Henrico '23) were awarded positions in the 2020 district band. District band is a competitive auditioned ensemble that comprises of the best high school band students from Henrico, Richmond City, and Hanover. They will perform on February 1 at Hanover High School.





ATHLETIC BOOSTER COLLEGE BASKETS FOR NOTD

Every year, Athletic Boosters provides college baskets to auction off at Night of the Dragon. The money raised from the auction items support both Maggie Walker and our student athletes. Please consider donating a few items to your favorite Virginia college basket. Items can include: sweatshirts, T-shirts, glassware, banners, pajamas, blankets, stickers, trinkets - anything that supports your team! Donations are due February 7, 2020. Drop off or ship to 317 Lexington Road, RVA 23226, leave at school in the Auction box (labeled for Athletic Booster College Baskets) in Valenta Williams' office room 100, or we will come to you! Please also consider coming out to support the Auction on February 29, 2020- it's a great night. Thanks for supporting Maggie Walker! 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a054fa9a62b0-college




2-4-6-8—NOTD TICKET UPDATE! 

Night of the Dragon tickets are now on sale! Purchase tickets online HERE. You can purchase tickets, sponsor a table, and put in any seating requests. Don’t know who you would like to sit with? No worries. We will assign you to a table with other great folks so you can make new friends in the Dragon Family. Either way, be sure to order your tickets soon so you can be part of the fun!

This year’s NOTD items include long-time favorites and many exciting new items:

• Perennial favorite multi-course, in-home Italian Dinner for 10
• MLWGS 2020 graduation seating
• Vacation homes and adventure packages
• Rooftop wine tasting in the Fan
• Original art and one of a kind jewelry 
• VIP “Behind the Ropes” tickets at the Dominion Classic
• College gear and class baskets
• Event tickets and unique outings
• And so much more!

The Night of the Dragon Needs You!
The countdown is on until the February 29 (Leap Day!) Night of the Dragon Event—Quantum Leap! The NOTD committee is busy working on a myriad of details to make this year’s event a great success and YOU can help. We are looking for a handful of folks to join the Solicitations team. This is a short-term, low commitment task that simply involves reaching out to friends of Maggie Walker who have donated items in the past to and/or to new folks in your circles (friends, favorite businesses) who might be willing to donate items this year. For more info, contact Suzannah Stora or Ginger O’Neil.

Have an item, experience, vacation home, service, etc. that other Maggie Walker folks might be interested in? Contact Suzannah Stora about making your own auction donation to help support our wonderful school. Go Dragons!

NOTD FAQs
What happens during NOTD?
Everyone has loads of fun and we make lots of money to support our amazing school. The evening looks something like this:

6:30 p.m. Check-in begins
6:30-7:30 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, mingling
6:30-8:15 p.m. Auction items on display
7:30-8:15 p.m. Dinner buffet and carving stations open
8:15 p.m. Silent Auction ends
8:30 p.m. Welcome from Dr. Lowerre
8:45 p.m. Live Auction begins with Head and Tails
9 p.m.  Dessert and coffee served
9:45 p.m. Student Performance

Will I have fun even if I don’t know very many people at Maggie Walker yet?
ABSOLUTELY! There’s plenty of time to mingle and meet folks during the evening. And when dinner time comes, if you don’t request specific folks to sit with, we will do our best to assign you to a table with other parents from your students' class. It’s a great way to meet other Dragon parents.

What is the dress code?
The dress code is “festive.” Not a lot of help, right? The idea is for everyone to feel as special as the event is to our school--but no need to special order a designer dress or dust off the tux--unless you want to! Wear whatever makes you feel ready to have some fun for a great cause, whether that’s a cocktail dress or your fave pants or anything in between. On second thought, wear what
makes you most want to bid lots of money on lots of items.

What Does the Money from NOTD Support?
All proceeds for the Night of the Dragon support the students and faculty at MLWGS! Last year’s event yielded more than $70,000! Proceeds benefit the enhancement initiatives of the Governor’s School Foundation as well as the efforts of the Athletic, Music, Visual Arts, Drama Boosters, and the PTSA.

Is There Parking Available?
Yes, we have arranged for complimentary parking at 13 N. 5th Street, a lot adjacent to the John Marshall.

What is Heads and Tails?
It’s a fun, interactive game coin toss game. Each person who has paid to play ($10 in advance or at the event) receives a set of beads to wear. At the beginning of the Live Auction, everyone with beads stands and places their hands on their head or their tail. The auctioneer then flips a coin. Anyone who guessed the coin toss correctly, as evidenced by where their hands are placed,
remains standing. And this continues until only one person is standing and wins the prize.

Will NOTD use mobile bidding again this year?
Yes, and we are very excited! Mobile bidding was a huge success last year and will be used again this year and in subsequent years. Mobile bidding allows you to input your credit card into a secure system when you buy your tickets or at the event. No more check-out lines at the end of the evening. No more running from silent auction bid sheet to bid sheet. You can set your initial bid and a maximum bid on as many silent auction items as you like and the system will automatically adjust your bid in increments until your max is reached or you win; you can manually enter new bids each time you get a text that you’ve been outbid. You’ll be getting more easy-to-follow bidding info after ticket sales close.

Will drink tickets be pre-sold again this year?
No. Because guests can use cash and credit cards at the John Marshall to purchase drinks, we will not be pre-selling drink tickets this year.

What about the UVA vs. Duke basketball game that evening?
We know we’ve got lots of basketball fans among us, including us, so we’ve reserved the Club Room at the John Marshall for great viewing of the game that evening, currently scheduled for 8 p.m. Mobile bidding means you can keep an eye on the game and continue your silent bidding. Anyone left unattended in the Ballroom during the Live Auction, which begins around 9 p.m, is encouraged, and granted permission to bid away!

2nd ANNUAL RUBIK'S CUBE EVENT 

The MLWGS Rubik’s Cube Club hosted its second World Cube Association (WCA) competition on January 18, 2020, attracting over 80 speed-solvers from multiple states testing their skills. This event was led by John Staley, Jacob Lee, Ryland Wilson, Ross George, and Uzair Bhatti as part of their club, which is sponsored by Mr. John Wilkes. Corey Sakowksi and Keaton Ellis, WCA delegates from Maryland, assisted in official matters.

The competition was a resounding success, and the organizers plan to hold another next year. The Rubik’s Cube Club would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the security and custodial staff, the Governor’s School Foundation, Mr. Wilkes, and the student and parent volunteers for all their help and support. Additionally, a dedicated group of MLWGS volunteers took time out of their weekend to make sure that the event ran smoothly and had efficient set-up and take-down

A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research.

Officers who organized this event (from left to right)

Uzair Bhatti (Chesterfield '21), Ross George (Hanover '21), Ryland Wilson (Hanover '21), John Staley (Hanover '21), John Wilkes (Faculty Advisor), Jacob Lee (Chesterfield '21).

Dragon parents continue to battle it out to see which class has the highest parent percentage of Foundation Annual Fund supporters and the competition is fierce! Remember this year the class with the highest parent percentage will receive a student ice cream party at the end of the school year! Help the Foundation meet its goal of raising $330,000 before the end of the school year.

Totals to date are as follows:

Senior Parents (2020) 31%
Junior Parents (2021) 28%
Sophomore Parents (2022) 36%
Freshman Parents (2023) 36% 

The Governor's School Foundation Annual Fund makes a huge impact on all students at MLWGS by directly supporting activities like academic competitions and student travel, as well as new technology, and student financial assistance. The support of our parents is critical in these efforts and we are most grateful for your continued commitment. Make your contribution now.

We look forward to all that we can accomplish together for MLWGS!

Week of November 27, 2019

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

PTSA MEETING DECEMBER 2

Please join us on December 2 at 6 p.m. in room 153! You don't have to be a board member to participate.  If you can't attend in person, we do have a call in option available:

Conference Dial-in Number: (605) 475-4000
Participant Access Code:191682#

SCRIP HOLIDAY NEWS

The last order due date for physical cards before winter break is Friday, December 6. Cards will be available for pick up the following week. The very good news is that for orders placed on December 5 and 6 only, there will be no Scrip fee for using a credit card to shop all 750 plus brands! Please take advantage of this limited time offer to do your holiday shopping. Some retailers are offering $5 and $10 cards in December as well. You can also pay by check made payable to MLWGS PTSA which must be received in the PTSA Scrip Box in room 100 (Valenta William's office) on the due date or with Presto Pay. Hard copy of the order form is available here.

If you are not yet enrolled in Scrip, but want to do some holiday shopping, please contact your Scrip Coordinator, Laura Dysart at scrip@mlwgsptsa.org for the enrollment code. We can no longer post the enrollment code on-line. Go to shopwithscrip.com to see all available retailers or to shop. 

Thanks to all those who have used Scrip to support Maggie Walker. We have already raised $500 in family shopping rebates!





PARENTS OF JUNIORS

Senior Seminar and Mentorship registration information can be found in your student’s Schoology account (in the “Senior Seminar/Mentorship Application Information” group in the resources section). This includes the PowerPoint presentations used at student and parent sessions, handouts, seminar proposals, and the mentorship application. Please look at this information with your student as you help in the decision-making process. The online registration survey will be open until December 9 at 3:15 p.m. The paper Mentorship Application is also due by December 9 at 3:15 p.m. If you have any questions about the registration and application process, please contact Mr. Cook.

AUDITIONS FOR THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL

Auditions for The Addams Family musical will be by appointment from 3:30-6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10 and Wednesday, December 11. Callbacks will be held from 3:30-6:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 12. Audition sign ups will go live Monday, December 2.

CAFETERIA GRAB AND GO LUNCH PILOT

After evaluation of the food service survey that was issued earlier this year where we asked you for your feedback to improve this program, Serve1 is launching a pilot program of pre-ordered boxed lunches called “Grab and Go.” The concept should help reduce lunch lines for students allowing them more time to eat and socialize with friends. Boxes will be labeled by name and placed in a specific area of the cafeteria that does not run through the regular line. The pilot will run the entire month of December and will be evaluated in January.

During this pilot, only cold foods will be available for pre-order to include salads and sandwiches with sides. Attached is a form to print and complete. Submit a completed form to cafeteria personnel by 12:30 p.m. each Friday for lunch the following week. Complete your order for 1-5 days and total the amount due. Payment is due when the order is placed with acceptable payment forms of cash, debit, or MLWGS cash cards.

Use the attached order form or students can pick up extra copies to complete from Reception in room 100. The lunch order form will also be found on the ‘Co-Curricular and Curricular and Activities Fee Payment’ page of this website.

Grab and Go lunches December 2-6: Order due to cafeteria by November 26

Grab and Go lunches December 9-13: Order due to cafeteria by December 6

Grab and Go lunches December 16-20: Order due to cafeteria by December 13

Orders not picked up for any reason will be discarded and cannot be refunded or credited.

BONUS: During this pilot, Wednesday mornings will be smoothie days. More information coming in December.

ORCHESTRA NEWS

Congratulations to the following students who made it into Central Regional Orchestra this past weekend. They will be participating in the event in February 2020.

Chloe Biggs- Violin (Chesterfield '23)
Mariam Jafari-Nassali- Violin (Richmond '23)
Annabel Tang- Violin (Henrico '23)
Shreyas Muthusamy- Viola (Henrico '23)
Mark Janssen- Viola (Chesterfield '23)
Drew Rivas- Viola (Chesterfield '23)
Sarah Hendricks- Cello (Hanover '23)
Abhishek Satpathy-Cello (Henrico '23)
Ella Folin- Cello (Henrico '23)
Sean Fang- Cello (Chesterfield '23)
Will Taylor- Cello (Henrico '23)

THE CUBE IS BACK! 

The MLWGS Cube Club will hold their second annual Cube Speed Competition on Saturday, January 18, 2020. This will be held in the Gymnasium.

See the World Cube Association link for details.

Registration is now open and will close Tuesday, January 14, 2020, 7:00 PM EST, or sooner if participant limit is met.  This event fills up fast! Register soon!




SAVE THE DATE! 2020 NOTD- SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2020!


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

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 when they become available after winter break.
• 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 for committee options.

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






Dragon parents continue to battle it out to see which class has the highest parent percentage of Foundation Annual Fund supporters and the competition is fierce! Remember this year the class with the highest parent percentage will receive a student ice cream party at the end of the school year! Help the Foundation meet its goal of raising $330,000 before the end of the school year.

Totals to date are as follows:

Senior Parents (2020) 26%
Junior Parents (2021) 23%
Sophomore Parents (2022) 28%
Freshman Parents (2023) 27%

The Governor's School Foundation Annual Fund makes a huge impact on all students at MLWGS by directly supporting activities like academic competitions and student travel, as well as new technology, and student financial assistance. The support of our parents is critical in these efforts and we are most grateful for your continued commitment. Make your contribution now.

We look forward to all that we can accomplish together for MLWGS!

Week of November 6, 2019

SENIOR REMINDER: ORDER ANNOUNCEMENTS 











Herff Jones returns to MLWGS on November 6 and 7 (during lunch in the downstairs commons area) to accept orders and payment for graduation announcements and other graduation paraphernalia. These two dates will be the only time their representative is in the building. If you forget or wish to order online, visit: www.herffjones.com. Please remember to place your order by December 31 to ensure delivery and avoid an up-charge. 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 or 804-354-6800 ext. 3304.





SCRIP ORDERS DUE THIS FRIDAY


Great Lake Scrip Orders are due THIS Friday, November 8 by noon. You can place your orders on-line or with the attached paper form (a full list of retailers can be found at shopwithscrip.com and you can write in any not on the form). If you pay by check, make sure the check is payable to MLWGS PTSA and reaches the PTSA Scrip Box in room 100 (Valenta William's office) by Friday at noon. It's not too early to start thinking about holiday shopping, travel, and dining plans! Plastic cards need to be ordered either on November 8 or December 6 to receive them before our December break. Cards are delivered the week after the order due date. Of course, you can shop Scrip Now digital gift cards anytime to benefit MLWGS. 

Questions? Contact your PTSA Scrip Coordinator at scrip@mlwgsptsa.org. To order or enroll, go to shopwithscrip.com The MLWGS enrollment code is: C43669E564L28. Let those retailers you already shop give back to MLWGS at no extra cost to you!

Also, there is a ONE day deal on November 21! Earn rebates up to 21% on e-gift cards and reloads.






MLWGS 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.





MLWGS COMMUNITY SERVICE FAIR THIS FRIDAY


Maggie Walker requires 140 hours of community service by the 3rd quarter of every student’s senior year. Each year the school holds a community service fair to help bring organizations and students together. The fair is this Friday, November 8.

The Freshman Class is being split into two groups with the first group attending from 10:50-11:10 a.m. and the second group attending from 11:10-11:30 a.m. During lunch (11:30 a.m.-noon), the Fair will be open to all interested students.

The following wonderful organizations are planning to attend: Governor’s School Foundation, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Courts for Kids, RampsRVA, Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation, The Doorways, VCU Health, Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, and Sylvia’s Sisters.




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.

Thank you to everyone who has either signed up to help with your time or with cookies donations. We still need more goodies! Last year, the PTSA Hospitality Committee served about one thousand cookies a night!

We will be collecting your donations this Friday, November 8 from 8-9 a.m. in the Bluestone lobby. You can drop off your donations or send them in with your student.

Contact Kim Nguyen for further information.

Prospective Student Night Signup

ATTENTION FRESHMEN PARENTS

Please join the Maggie Walker Class of 2023FACEBOOK parent group to keep you updated on Class of 2023 information. Simply log into Facebook, search for "MLWGS Class of 2023 Parents" and request to join the group. Alternatively, the link will take you directly to the group where you may request to be added.

 




ORCHESTRA NEWS









Congratulations to Minji Cho (Chesterfield '21) who will perform with the All National Orchestra this coming weekend in Orlando, FL. Also, congratulations to Mira Eisenhauer (Henrico '21), Emma Chun (Henrico '20), Sam Lichtman (Henrico '22), Eric Qian (Chesterfield '22), and Joshua Yoo (Chesterfield '22) who will be performing with Senior Regional Orchestra this weekend in Lynchburg, VA.





JENNIFER TODD: 2018-19 BOYS TENNIS COACH OF THE YEAR


Jennifer Todd: second to the left with the 2018-19 Championship Team

Jennifer Todd, Science department faculty, has been selected by the Virginia High School League as the 2018-19 Boys Tennis Coach of the Year! The selection to receive this prestigious honor is based upon Jenn’s positive work with the athletes in our program. Congratulations!

VHSL will submit Coach Todd to the National Federation of State High School Associations for further honors at the sectional and national levels.  The VHSL sends its most sincere congratulations! They wish Coach Todd and our athletes continued success in the seasons ahead.




PERISA ASHAR: VA DELEGATE FOR GLOBAL YOUTH INSTITUTE- THE WORLD FOOD PRIZE 














Perisa receiving certificate from 2016 World Food Prize Laureate, Dr. Howarth Bouis.

Junior Perisa Ashar wins Virginia Delegate Position and represents Virginia at The Global Youth Institute of World Food Prize.

Perisa Ashar won the Virginia delegate position to represent the State at Global Youth Institute of World Food Prize, in Des Moines, Iowa. She presented her research on “South Sudan Food Insecurity: Problems and Solutions” in a round table conference to 200 other students from 12 countries, and global leaders such as the 2016 World Food Prize Laureate, Dr. Howarth Bouis, who pioneered the concept of biofortification of crops to prevent micronutrient malnutrition. Perisa researched the political mileu, climate, and causes of food shortage in South Sudan and possible geo-political and scientific solutions at regional and global level. Each year, the World Food Prize Youth Institute convenes around the World Food Day, October 16, and chosen student delegates present their findings with international experts and their peers, connect with other students from around the world, tour cutting-edge industrial and research facilities, and take part in symposium discussions with global leaders in science, industry, and policy in order to explore and solve local, national, and global hunger and food security issues.

Perisa also interacted and attended the Borlaugue Symposium led by World Food Prize Laureates, former U.S. Ambassadors of several countries (Thailand, Senegal, Uganda, Colombia), and world leaders such as the former president of Nigeria, the President of Democratic Republic of Congo, and humanitarian leaders from over 65 countries. In addition, Perisa also attended the ceremony in which the 2019 World Food Prize Laureate, Mr. Simon Groot was awarded the Food Laureate Prize by Mr. Kenneth Quinn (President of World Food Prize and Former Ambassador to Cambodia).

The World Food Prize is an international award recognizing the achievements of individuals who have advanced human development by improving the quality, quantity, or availability of food in the world. It was conceived by 1970 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Norman Borlaugh, and strives for the supply of nutritious food to all people and to fight global hunger and starvation with the theme of Pax Agricultura or Peace Through Agriculture.

Perisa with 2019 World Food Prize Laureate, Mr. Simon Groot, and the President of World Food Prize and Former Ambassador to Cambodia , Mr. Kenneth Quinn.







The Foundation Annual Fund parent competition is well underway! Each year Dragon parents battle it out to see which class has the highest parent percentage of Foundation Annual Fund supporters. And remember this year the class with the highest parent percentage will receive a student ice cream party at the end of the school year! Help the Foundation meet its goal of raising $330,000 before the end of the school year.

Totals to date are as follows:
Senior Parents (2020) 20%
Junior Parents (2021) 15%
Sophomore Parents (2022) 23%
Freshman Parents (2023) 22%

The Governor's School Foundation Annual Fund makes a huge impact on all students at MLWGS by directly supporting activities like academic competitions and student travel, as well as new technology and student financial assistance. The support of our parents is critical in these efforts and we are most grateful for your continued commitment. Make your contribution now.

We look forward to all that we can accomplish together for MLWGS!