Smoke and Scales: Graduation

Showing posts with label Graduation. Show all posts

Week of May 5, 2021

Teacher Appreciation Week

May 3-7 is nationally recognized as Teacher Appreciation Week. The PTSA and school administration have several events planned for our teachers, but the one thing that teachers really love is when a student or a parent sends a personal note or email sharing their appreciation for what a specific teacher has done for them. If you are so led, please take the time this week to send a quick note to a teacher who made a difference. It will make their day!

PTSA Program: College to Career

Parents: how do you ensure your students graduate from college with the skills and experience for a viable career?

Join the PTSA’s spring program on Thursday, May 6, at 7:00 p.m. and find out! Jennifer McCluskey will lead a discussion on how students can ensure college leads to a career. She will cover the challenges college students face in both deciding on and preparing for a career, and offer parents some ideas on how to support their students through this process. This program ties into the workshop Jennifer is leading for seniors later on Wednesday, May 12. While this program is especially relevant to parents of seniors, all parents are welcome.

In addition to being mom to current students Teagan '21 and Lauren '23, Jennifer is a career coach at Capital One and former MLWGS teacher. Join us for a lively and interesting discussion.

Here’s the link for Thursday’s Zoom call: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88427092880?pwd=ekZQcGwzaXNIczIxNkgxSWp5RWE4UT09.

AP Testing

This past week a large volume of information was sent regarding the upcoming AP exams. If you missed it, this link will take you to what was sent out.

Baccalaureate Update

This year's Senior Baccalaureate Service will take on a new format. Due to the governor's executive order restricting social gatherings, the PTSA is no longer able to host this service as planned at Temple Beth El. However, we will honor the graduating class with a video baccalaureate service featuring remarks from Richmond area faith leaders and musical selections performed by fellow graduates. The PTSA will share this service through social media, offering seniors a keepsake video to help celebrate their hard work and achievements.

In addition, we would like to feature individual pictures of the seniors in their caps and gowns. To help us create our video, we need seniors to share individual pictures of themselves in their gap and gown by June 1. Please upload your photos here.

Graduation Update

Due to Friday, June 18, being designated by the Commonwealth of Virginia as the observed date for the Juneteenth Holiday, as well as the VHSL State Outdoor Track Championships taking place on that date, we are moving graduation for the Class of 2021 to Thursday, June 17, at 5:00 p.m. at Hovey Field on the campus of Virginia Union University. The rain date will be Sunday, June 20, at 1:00 p.m. at the same location.

If you have not picked up your cap and gown, you may stop by and pick it up from Mrs. Williams in the Bluestone Lobby daily until 3:15 p.m. If you are coming on campus after school, reach out to Ms. Sheppard to make arrangements.

Night of the Dragon Tally

The tally is in and with more than 10,000 bids on more than 236 items plus many generous donations, the Night of the Dragon raised just over $70,300 this year! This is great news because all proceeds go directly to support our students and teachers through the Foundation, booster groups, and the PTSA.

In addition to the financial support from the auction, the evening also provided a chance for many of us to get together for the first time in much too long. Heartfelt thanks to all of you who donated and participated and to the amazing NOTD Planning team—Kristi Turner, Anne and Brad Ewald, Jennifer Rector, and Mist Morton Clark—for making this reimagined event possible during such an unusual year.

Week of June 13, 2017

GRADUATION - THE FINAL REMINDERS!

Graduation Rehearsal:

Friday, June 16, 9:00 a.m., Altria Theater

6 N. Laurel Street

Graduation rehearsal is held at the Altria Theater. Parking for graduation is available at the VCU parking deck for a minimal fee (entrances are on Cherry and Laurel Streets.) Please adhere to posted street parking signs as ticketing and towing are strictly enforced. Seniors must arrive no later than 8:45 a.m. and report to the downstairs ballroom (enter through the Main Street entrance towards the rear of the building). Rehearsal will begin at 9:00 a.m. sharp. ANY STUDENT WHO MISSES REHEARSAL WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO WALK IN THE ACTUAL GRADUATION CEREMONY, so parents are asked to please work with your student to make sure he or she is on time. Practice is usually completed by 11:30 a.m. or so; but given that we will take as long as needed to perfect the process, please do not plan anything that requires your student to leave early or be gone by a certain time. This run-through is crucial to the success of the graduation ceremony.

Graduation:

Friday, June 16, 3:00 p.m., Altria Theater

6 N. Laurel Street

Graduates must arrive at the downstairs ballroom by 2:00 p.m. For organizational reasons, this area is off limits to parents, relatives, and friends; we appreciate your understanding. Cap, gown, and tassel are the most important items for the day, but students are asked to dress appropriately: dark dress pants, collared shirt and tie for the young men, dresses or dark dress pants for the young women. Students may wear cords earned as part of their membership in our Honor Societies (as has been our custom). Students may wear one piece of additional pre-approved regalia which they have earned as a member of an enduring MLWGS organization. All pieces of regalia will be distributed by sponsors in the days leading up to graduation.

Perhaps the most important clothing decision for the day, however, is shoes. Dress shoes and socks or low-heeled dress shoes are the best choices; please, no “flip-flops” or athletic shoes. Additionally, decorations on mortarboards are absolutely prohibited. Note: The “collar” that comes with the graduation gown will not be used.

Doors to Altria Theater will open at 2:30 p.m. Guests should enter through the front doors and must have a ticket to attend graduation. Seating is not reserved. Handicap seating is available in multiple locations; please see one of the ushers at the door upon your arrival if you need this seating. Parking for graduation is available at the VCU parking deck for a minimal fee (entrances are on Cherry and Laurel Streets.) Please adhere to posted street parking signs as ticketing and towing are strictly enforced.

Photographs during the ceremony are only allowed from your seats. The Altria Theater will not permit us to spill into the aisles for this activity, and they enforce this quite seriously. However, Strawbridge Studios will be taking pictures of each individual student as he/she receives his/her diploma. This year, a proof picture will be mailed directly to each family and be accessible online along with ordering information.

NEXT STEPS FOR SENIORS

CLICK HERE TO SEE WHERE EVERYONE IS HEADED!

TECHNOLOGY REMINDER FOR GRADUATING SENIORS

All graduating seniors - please be advised that your MLWGS computer and email accounts will be disabled after June 30, 2017. Student data residing in school accounts should be transferred to a personal jump drive or other personal storage device, if desired, before that date.

Questions and/or concerns can be directed to Ms. Snagg or Mr. Bortz in room 114.

Congratulations and Best of Luck Class of 2017!

GET CONNECTED WITH THE GOVERNOR'S SCHOOL FOUNDATION

The Governor's School Foundation has an official Facebook page. We are using it to post updates on our enhancement grants, events, volunteers and volunteer opportunities, and alumni.

To see those updates, “like” the page here: https://www.facebook.com/MLWGSFoundation/

SERVICE OPPORTUNITY

A MLGWS alumna, Katie Houston (Class of 2004) has reached out to offer a community service opportunity to current students. She's volunteering heavily with an organization called ReEstablish Richmond, which works to help refugees acclimate and put down roots in the area.

They have a high need right now for volunteer tutors who are willing to help middle and elementary school students with English language skills and simple math skills (i.e. counting to 100). The kids can communicate verbally in English, but a lot of them are struggling with literacy, and their schools don't have the capacity to help them adequately.

Any interested students can contact Katie directly at kghouston05@gmail.com. She would really love to have Maggie Walker students involved with the organization and emphasized that if anyone is available to help soon, the need for tutors is pressing.

MAGGIE WALKER SPEAKS UP/

TEAM ELI 5K RACE TEAM

Sign up and join the Maggie Walker Speaks Up/Team Eli Speak Up 5K Race Team. Help us raise awareness of teenage mental health issues and remember Maggie Walker student Eli Greer. The race will be held in Byrd Park on Saturday, September 9th and is open to everyone. The online sign up deadline is August 31.

The SpeakUp5k race series serves as a primary vehicle to drive the SpeakUp message into the community in a powerful, positive, familial, and active way. The purpose of the race is for people and families to come together and “Speak Up” for those that are suffering, for those that are battling depression and anxiety, and to challenge people to visibly and vocally support one another. If you have questions contact Joshua Haueis at haueis2000@gmail.com or Coach Ryan Webb at rwebb@gsgis.k12.va.us.

Sign up at: https://www.raceit.com/Register/groups/jointeam.aspx?event=39039

SMOKE AND SCALES WISHES YOU A SAFE AND HAPPY SUMMER!

"See" you in the first 2017 - 2018 school year edition, scheduled for Wednesday, August 30; submission deadline is Sunday, August 27.

Week of October 18, 2016

HOLLYWOOD THEME FOR HOMECOMING

A Hollywood-themed homecoming dance, complete with a red carpet and popcorn bar, has been planned for October 22 from 7:00-11:00 p.m. in the commons. Tickets will be $10 and can be purchased the week of the dance during lunch. Thank you to Douglas and Jill Hinckley, MLWGS parents and owners of Wendell Powell Studio, for offering to take pictures at the homecoming dance as a gift to the students. Wendell Powell Studio has been providing Richmond and the surrounding areas with excellence in photography since 1942.

THE MEAN BIRD FOOD TRUCK WILL BE AT HOMECOMING GAME ON OCTOBER 19

The Mean BirdFood Truck, owned and operated by Maggie Walker Alumni Mike and Sarah Moore, will be at the Homecoming Field Hockey Game on Wednesday, October 19! 10% of the proceeds from the food truck will be donated to the Athletic Association. At Mean Bird, Mike and Sarah take their chicken seriously! Each piece of their craft fried chicken is dry rubbed with a house mix of herbs and seasoning before sitting for 24 hours. It is then hand breaded and fried to order. Mike and Sarah offer a “Veggie Bird” as well, which is made from scratch using fresh vegetables, whole grains, and seasoning. This vegan-friendly dish is also then breaded and fried to order. At the Homecoming Game, Mean Bird will be offering these two favorites as well as some other items made using fresh and local ingredients. The truck will be parked at the end of the field, inside the gate, from 5:00 - 9:00. If the games are postponed due to weather, the food truck will be cancelled.

The JV Field Hockey game starts at 5:30 and the Varsity Game starts at 7:00. Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for students not wearing a Green Machine T-Shirt. Students wearing a Green Machine T-Shirt will get in for free and will be given a free popsicle until supplies run out! Please come out, cheer on our school, and support the Athletic Association by ordering delicious fresh and local food!

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FALL FESTIVAL WAS A HUGE SUCCESS

On Friday, October 7, hundreds of people from the MLWGS and surrounding community came to enjoy the 20th Annual Fall Festival despite the threat of rain! This year was one of the best all-around Fall Festivals ever, raising more than $15,000 for MLWGS clubs and organizations! It was truly an international affair! Twenty different groups and individuals performed on the fabulous stage lent to us by Henrico Recreation and Parks. The entertainment line-up was one of the best ever, providing the crowds with a wide variety of acts. There were more than 60 different booths, offering a wide variety of activities and food for all! Thank you to everyone who attended and supported our wonderful clubs and organizations! Additional thanks to the 100+ folks who volunteered and/or lent items!

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY FOR GOVERNORS SCHOOL FOUNDATION

Hello parents! The Governor's School Foundation would love your help! On Wednesday, October 26, at 9:00 a.m., the Foundation will be doing our Fall Annual Fund letter mailing and need parent volunteers to help us stuff letters.

Please contact Suzannah Stora at sstora@governorsschoolfoundation.org if you are able to volunteer.

PSAT DAY IS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19

All 9th, 10th and 11th graders will take the PSAT in the morning while 12th graders will be participating in college and transition-related activities in the auditorium.

The PSAT is a great practice opportunity for the SAT. For 11th graders, the PSAT results are used for qualification purposes for National Merit Scholarship Programs.

The counseling department distributed PSAT Student Guides to all test-takers during lunch time assemblies during the week of Monday September 26. The guides contain information about the tests as well as a full-length practice test. Students are encouraged to take the practice test before testing day. More information about the PSAT can be found at www.collegeboard.org/psat.

Students are reminded to bring #2 pencils and calculators for testing. The College Board does not allow makeup testing for the PSATs so it is important that students arrive at school on time.

Score reports will be available online in mid-December and paper copies will be available and distributed in January during lunch-time grade-level assemblies. Juniors will be encouraged to register for an SAT or ACT date in the Spring by visiting the testing agency websites. Sophomores and Juniors in AP classes will be reminded to register for SAT Subject tests as appropriate.

BACCALAUREATE COORDINATOR NEEDED

Every year before Senior Graduation a wonderful Baccalaureate service is held to honor MLWGS graduating seniors. Last year this non-denominational celebration had a Father, a Pastor, and a Rabbi as speakers. However, this incredible event can only be held if we have someone to coordinate it! The PTSA has a book that explains everything that has to happen to make this event a success, including contact information of past speakers! Although the location and speakers have to be approved by the school, the coordinator will have flexibility in organizing this event! Although a senior parent is welcome to chair, we would prefer a freshman, sophomore or junior parent so the senior parent can relax and enjoy this special event with their child. If you who would be interested in chairing this amazing celebration of our seniors, please contact Debbie Taminger at debtaminger@gmail.com to learn more about it!

GET READY FOR GRADUATION 2017

Herff Jones will be stopping by Thursday, October 27 (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 9 and 10 (during lunch in the downstairs commons area) to accept orders and payments. 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 Kerry Sheppard, ksheppard@gsgis.k12.va.us or (804) 354-6800 ext. 3304.

STUDENTS RECOGNIZED BY MUSIC HONOR SOCIETY

The National Association for Music Education’s Tri-M Music Honor Society hosted an induction ceremony on September 28, for 15 new students and 10 continuing members. The ceremony also recognized the students who will serve as MLWGS Chapter’s officers:

Sarah Grace Lott (’17, Chesterfield), Co-President
Clara Giorgis (’17, Hanover) Co-President
John Kelley (’17, Chesterfield), Social Media Chair
Willow Kwak (’18, Henrico), Treasurer
Elizabeth Gillette (’17, Chesterfield), Secretary

Tri-M recognized those outstanding music students who will work together both in the school and their community as leaders providing music education and advocacy through public performances and service projects. New members include:

Aashri Aggarwal (’19, Henrico)
Corrine Burch (’17, Henrico)
Oliver Fisk (’19, Richmond)
Jack Hendricks (’19, Hanover)
Vanessa Johnson (’17, Henrico)
Emma Jones (’17, Chesterfield)
Ashton Longo (’19, Richmond)
Elizabeth McFadden (’19, Henrico)
Owen Peck (‘18, Richmond)
Taha Shaikh (’19, Henrico)
Anisha Sharma (’18, Henrico)
Mackenzie Shearer (’19, Chesterfield)
Olivia Schultz-Patterson (’17, Richmond)
Kathryn Vail-Rhodes (’19, Hanover)
Rachel Zhao (’18, Henrico)

Continuing members:

Commodore Brower (’18, Richmond)
William Kang (’17, Chesterfield)
Andrew Shin (’18, Henrico)
Oliver Southam-Gerow (’17, Richmond)
Alexander Will (’17, Hanover).

ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES

High School Diplomats is a free 10-day cultural exchange program at Princeton University for sophomores and juniors. Applications will be available from October 1st-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 30th, 2016.
Visit http://vscs.spacegrant.org/ for application and more information.

GET THE STUDENT NEWS!

The latest issue of the Jabberwock, the MLWGS student newspaper, is available here:

http://mlwgsjabberwock.com/

Week of June 14, 2016

NEXT STEPS FOR THE CLASS OF 2016

See where the graduates are headed here.

SENIORS! SENIORS! SENIORS!

Senior “Check Out” Forms and Senior Financial Obligations

The “check out” form was given to students after APs. Each student is responsible for collecting the required signatures and returning the form to the School Counseling Office by Wednesday, June 15. Outstanding MLWGS obligations must be paid to Mrs. Crystal Charity in the main office (in room 213) prior to 3:00 p.m. on June 15. NOTE: All teachers’ signatures need to be obtained before going to Mrs. Charity because she takes all monies from each student for all obligations (lost or damaged book fines, etc.) and writes one receipt for him/her.

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

http://mlwgs.com/senior-check-out-forms-senior-financial-obligations-due-on-or-before-wednesday-june-15th/

Graduation Rehearsal

Friday, June 17, 9:00 a.m., Altria Theater, 6 N. Laurel Street

Graduation rehearsal is held at the Altria Theater. Parking for graduation is available at the VCU parking deck for a minimal fee (entrances are on Cherry and Laurel Streets.) Please adhere to posted street parking signs as ticketing and towing are strictly enforced. Seniors must arrive no later than 8:45 a.m. and report to the downstairs ballroom (enter through the Main Street entrance towards the rear of the building). Rehearsal will begin at 9:00 a.m. sharp. ANY STUDENT WHO MISSES REHEARSAL WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO WALK IN THE ACTUAL GRADUATION CEREMONY. Parents are asked to please work with their student to make sure he or she is on time. Practice is usually completed by 11:30 a.m. or so; but given that rehearsal will take as long as needed to perfect the process, please do not plan anything that requires a student to leave early or be gone by a certain time. This run-through is crucial to the success of the graduation ceremony.

Please note: Graduation regalia will be distributed at the end of the rehearsal.

Graduation!

Friday, June 17, 3:00 p.m., Altria Theater, 6 N. Laurel Street

Graduates must arrive at the downstairs ballroom by 2:00 p.m. For organizational reasons, this area is off limits to parents, relatives, and friends; MLWGS appreciates your understanding. Cap, gown, and tassel are the most important items for the day, but students are asked to dress appropriately: dark dress pants, collared shirt and tie for the young men, dresses for the young women. Students may wear cords earned as part of their membership in our Honor Societies (as has been MLWGS’s custom). Students may wear one piece of additional pre-approved regalia which they have earned as a member of an enduring MLWGS organization.

Perhaps the most important clothing decision for the day, however, is shoes. Dress shoes and socks for the boys and low-heeled dress shoes for the girls are the best choices; please, no “flip-flops” or athletic shoes. Additionally, decorations on mortarboards are absolutely prohibited. Note: The “collar” that comes with the graduation gown will not be used.

Doors to Altria Theater will open at 2:30 p.m. Guests should enter through the front doors and must have a ticket to attend graduation. Seating is not reserved. Handicap seating is available in multiple locations; please see one of the ushers at the door upon arrival if this seating is needed. Parking for graduation is available at the VCU parking deck for a minimal fee (entrances are on Cherry and Laurel Streets.) Please adhere to posted street parking signs as ticketing and towing are strictly enforced. Parking and directions may be found here.

Maggie Walker Governor's School Class of 2016 graduation is being photographed by Lifetouch. Photos may be found at www.events.lifetouch.com approximately 10 days after the ceremony.

A proof of your student receiving their diploma should be mailed to you along with ordering instructions. If you have any questions regarding the photographs, please contact Lifetouch directly at http://contact.lifetouch.com/

Last but certainly not least, a brief reception for students and their families will be held immediately after graduation in the downstairs ballroom of Altria Theater. Graduation activities should conclude by 6:00 p.m.

SCHEDULES 2016-2017

Student class schedules were distributed to all returning students on Wednesday June 8. Any students who wish to request a schedule change must submit a change request to the school counseling office by this Friday (June 17). Please contact your School Counselor if you have any questions.

SUBSCRIBE TO SMOKE AND SCALES

Beginning with the 2016-2017 school year, Smoke and Scales will not be using Constant Contact, the e-marketing product that is currently used, to blast your email inbox every Tuesday morning in the wee hours. Don’t worry though! You can still receive Smoke and Scales every Tuesday by subscribing to the newsletter by email. How? At the top of this page on the right-hand side is a “Follow by Email” subscription option. Simply enter your email address, hit submit, and you’re subscribed!

LAST ISSUE OF SMOKE AND SCALES FOR SCHOOL YEAR

This issue is the last Smoke and Scales for the 2015-2016 school year. The first issue of Smoke and Scales for 2016-2017 will be published on Tuesday, August 30, and then every Tuesday morning during the school year (except for school vacation weeks). The deadline for the first issue is Friday, August 26 at 4:00 p.m. Subsequent deadlines are every Friday at 4:00 p.m. for the following Tuesday's issue.

Please consult the submission guidelines (see link at the bottom of S&S) for more information regarding file types and images.

Thank you for your support during this year. Have a safe and happy summer. We look forward helping inform the MLWGS community next year!

Week of June 7, 2016

DRAGON ATHLETICS TOP USA TODAY POLL

Walker Athletic Director Paige Hawkins is elated MLWGS won the USA Today America’s Best Athletic Program Poll! With the support of the MLWGS community, the Dragons take first place in the 2015-2016 Best Athletic Program with 121,949 votes. Thank you Maggie Walker students, parents, faculty and other supporters; MLWGS couldn't have done this without you.

http://usatodayhss.com/2016/maggie-walker-va-wins-fan-vote-for-americas-best-athletic-program#sthash.W9PIt6Kx.2URoLAol.gbpl&st_refDomain=www.facebook.com&st_refQuery=/

GOVERNOR'S SCHOOL ANNUAL FUND CHALLENGE

The Governor's School Foundation 2016 Parent Class Annual Fund Challenge is well underway! At this time, thanks to the generosity of MLWGS parents and alumni, the Governor’s School Foundation has raised $273,222 towards its Annual Fund goal of $300,000! The Foundation is very close to meeting its goal, but cannot do it without you.

Through the Annual Fund, the Governor's School Foundation is able to directly support enrichment opportunities like academic competitions, student travel, as well as new technology, and student aid. The support of MLWGS parents is critical in these efforts and the Foundation is most grateful for this continued commitment.

There is still plenty of time to make a contribution to the 2016 Annual Fund. Consider making an Annual Fund gift in honor of a Dragon’s favorite teacher. Just make a note of that tribute in the notes field when contributing to the Annual Fund online at http://www.governorsschoolfoundation.org/donate/ or contact the Foundation directly at 804.354.1566.

The Foundation looks forward to all that can be accomplished together during this exciting campaign!

SENIORS! SENIORS! SENIORS!

Graduation Ticket Pick-up

Graduation tickets may be picked up the week of June 6 during lunch from Ms. Sheppard in room 330. Please note that these are tickets for admission to the graduation exercises and are not the announcements ordered from Herff-Jones. Anyone planning to come watch a graduate receive their diploma must have a ticket to gain entrance into the theater. Each student will receive 13 tickets, and more tickets may be available on a case-by-case basis. If tickets are lost, they are not replaceable. Please keep them in a safe place until June 17.

Senior Recognition Night

Wednesday, June 8, 7:00 p.m., Auditorium

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

Graduation Rehearsal

Friday, June 17, 9:00 a.m., Altria Theater, 6 N. Laurel Street

Graduation rehearsal is held at the Altria Theater. Parking for graduation is available at the VCU parking deck for a minimal fee (entrances are on Cherry and Laurel Streets.) Please adhere to posted street parking signs as ticketing and towing are strictly enforced. Seniors must arrive no later than 8:45 a.m. and report to the downstairs ballroom (enter through the Main Street entrance towards the rear of the building). Rehearsal will begin at 9:00 a.m. sharp. ANY STUDENT WHO MISSES REHEARSAL WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO WALK IN THE ACTUAL GRADUATION CEREMONY. Parents are asked to please work with their student to make sure he or she is on time. Practice is usually completed by 11:30 a.m. or so; but given that rehearsal will take as long as needed to perfect the process, please do not plan anything that requires a student to leave early or be gone by a certain time. This run-through is crucial to the success of the graduation ceremony.

Please note: Graduation regalia will be distributed at the end of the rehearsal.

Graduation!

Friday, June 17, 3:00 p.m., Altria Theater, 6 N. Laurel Street

Doors to Altria Theater will open at 2:30 p.m. Guests should enter through the front doors and must have a ticket to attend graduation. Seating is not reserved. Handicap seating is available in multiple locations; please see one of the ushers at the door upon arrival if this seating is needed. Parking for graduation is available at the VCU parking deck for a minimal fee (entrances are on Cherry and Laurel Streets.) Please adhere to posted street parking signs as ticketing and towing are strictly enforced.

Photographs during the ceremony are only allowed from attendee’s seats. The Altria Theater will not permit audience members to spill into the aisles for this activity, and they enforce this restriction quite seriously. However, Lifetouch will be taking pictures of each individual student as he/she receives his/her diploma. This year, a proof picture will be mailed directly to each family and be accessible online along with ordering information.

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Week of October 27, 2015

FIRST FRIDAYS ART WALK

The Visual Arts Boosters (VAB) is hosting its first event of the year -- the First Fridays Art Walk on Friday, November 6 at 5:30 p.m. The evening will begin with food, fellowship, and a brief VAB meeting at Maggie Walker in Room 153. Students who were selected to participate in the MLWGS pARTnership with Studio Two Three will be sharing their experience with the group. The meeting will follow with an evening of viewing some of the best art in RVA. As a part of this event, VAB provides a bus that will transport parents and students to the First Fridays Art Walk on Broad St. and Main St. -- http://rvafirstfridays.com.

Friday November 6 will be the 8th anniversary of this event at Maggie Walker! If you've never been to First Friday's it's a great experience for all ages (especially if you don't have to drive and park). More information on the VAB website: http://www.maggiewalkervab.org/fall-art-walk.html

Friends and family welcome!

GET READY FOR GRADUATION 2016

Herff Jones will be stopping by Wednesday’s senior class meeting (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 on Wednesday, November 4 (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, so no need to worry! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Kerry Sheppard -ksheppard@gsgis.k12.va.us or (804) 354-6800 ext. 3304.

NIGHT OF THE DRAGON DONATIONS WELCOME

The 14th Annual Night of the Dragon auction will be held Saturday, February 27, 2016 at the Hilton Hotel & Spa at Short Pump. This annual event is the largest fundraiser of the year and collectively benefits the students at MLWGS through activities provided by all of the booster groups, the PTSA, and the Governor’s School Foundation. The solicitation committee is collecting donations of auction items.

Have something great to donate? A donation form is available here. Print out a form and return it to the PTSA box in Valenta Williams' office off the Bluestone Lobby or email to auctionmlwgs@gmail.com. Last year's catalog is still online at www.nightofthedragon.com to provide ideas for donations. The deadline for donations to be included in this year's event is December 18, 2015. Have more questions? Please contact Peggy Feldmann at pafeldm@aol.com or 804-353-4533.

GLOBAL SPEAKERS BUREAU

Maggie Walker students are eager to change the world and our globally engaged families can help.

Can you give an hour to speak to a language, global studies, science, or government class about your experiences? In that short time, you can make a ‘world’ of difference. The School Advisory Council’s International Committee is assembling a database of parent and community presenters who are willing to share their expertise in:

Language fluency and colloquial conversation
Living and working in a foreign country
Traveling abroad for business or recreation
Working collaboratively on business or social projects across the globe
Conducting international business in person or via communications technology

If you, your business, or a friend can help broaden our students’ horizons, please contact Kristi McCullough at mckristilin@gmail.com or (804) 598-9674 and become a global resource today!

SCRIP ORDERS

The next SCRIP order due date is today and will be ready for pick up next Wednesday, November 4. Please consider ordering SCRIP gift cards for your favorite stores and restaurants while supporting MLWGS.

Remaining 2015 SCRIP dates:

Order due November 10, delivery November 17
Order due December 1, delivery December 8 (last delivery in 2015)

Questions? Contact Karen Murtha at k.murtha@comcast.net or Lori Bekenstein at lori.bek@verizon.net.

DRAGON’S LAIR OPEN DURING PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES

The Dragon’s Lair will be open from 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. on November 3 during parent/teacher conferences. The Dragaon’s Lair is looking for volunteers, so please consider helping out before or after your conferences. Sign up here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e044caaac2d6-teacher.

REMINDER –The Dragon’s Lair is now open the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month from 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. Please stop by on your way into work.