Week of May 23, 2017

COLLEGE INFORMATION SESSION

FOR SOPHOMORES

On Friday, May 26 at 11:30 a.m. in the Forum, we will be holding a special information session for sophomores on the college admissions process.  Come learn about what you should be doing now to prepare for the road ahead!  The Senior Counselors, Penny Deck and Rachel Loving, will be presenting and answering your questions.  Take this opportunity to get a jumpstart and learn the ins and outs of the college admissions process.

Feel free to bring your lunch!

Parents: due to space issues this one is only for students but please encourage your sophomore to attend!

DRAGON CREATES WINNING DESIGN

Jordan Keller (’17, Richmond) created the winning design for the "VANS Customs" design contest. She did this work as part of her National Art Honor Society (NAHS) service requirement. The theme was “Technology in Design”; her interpretation appears in the image above.  

Through June 1, you can purchase your own pair of VANS with this awesome design - go here to learn more: https://www.vans.com/custom-shoes.html.

In addition to the amazing honor and the fact that her design will be “walking around” on shoes world-wide….VANS is sending MLWGS  $5,000.00 to support its Art Dept. and NAHS. 

MAGGIE WALKER’S ANNUAL TALENT SHOW, JUNE 2

The MLWGS Talent Show is scheduled for Friday, June 2 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium.

A wide variety of student talent will be showcased, from singing and dancing to piano duets. The event is free and open to the public. All parents and members of the community are invited to come support our talented students!

For the Director's blog go to http://mlwgs.com/category/directors_blog/.

For other MLWGS News go to http://mlwgs.com/mlwgs-news/.

For the Jabberwock, go to http://mlwgsjabberwock.com/.

Week of March 6, 2017

YOUTH ART MONTH

OPENING EXHIBIT THURSDAY

Youth Art Month highlights the wonderful and talented young artists at Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School. To help celebrate, MLWGS will be having its annual student art exhibition which opens Thursday, March 10 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in the 2nd floor main hallway at Maggie Walker.   Comments will take place at 6:00 p.m.  Students enrolled in Photography and other Visual Arts classes will have their artwork exhibited in this exhibition.    The show will run through March and the opening is open to the public.  We hope that you will be able to attend.  Light refreshments will be provided by the Visual Arts Boosters.  

SPRING PARENT COACHES MEETING TONIGHT

The Spring Parent Coaches Meeting will meet tonight, March 7, 2017 in the auditorium at 6:15 p.m. This is a makeup date from March 1, 2017 and a change of site.

All coaches and parents of spring athletes, this is a mandatory meeting  for all information regarding your student athletes participation in Spring sports.  For more information contact  Paige Hawkins at phawkins@gsgis.k12.va.us

THE NIGHT OF THE DRAGON WAS A HUGE SUCCESS

The Night of the Dragon Committee would like to thank everyone who made the evening a wonderful success - all our donors, sponsors, volunteers, talented entertainment, and of course all those who attended! More than $55,000 was raised to support our school!

If any winners still have merchandise or certificates to pick up, you should have received an email over the weekend. Please have your student (or you) come by the Foundation Office to pick up your envelopes and / or items.

WALKER MODEL CONGRESS HOSTS GOVERNOR McAULIFFE

Walker Model Congress, hosted by the Model Congress Club of Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School. Walker Model Congress is a unique learning experience in which students model the United States’ legislative process. Students engage in meaningful debate on issues prevalent in our country today, draft their own legislation pertaining to modern issues, and debate in committee. Furthermore, by engaging in debate with their counterparts, students develop and refine their speaking skills and increase their abilities in quick thinking, reasoning, and teamwork.

WMC was held February 10-11, 2017, and featured Keynote Speaker Governor Terry McAuliffe. For the complete set of pictures, go to http://mlwgs.com/scenes-from-wmc-february-10-11-2017/

Congratulations to Sponsor Ted Quinn and the students of Model Congress Club!

FIND YOUR CALM

DESIGNATED QUIET SPACES
FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS

Want to step away from the rush and rumble of your busy day?  There are now two designated comfy spaces at MLWGS to take a break from noise and chatter....

·       The Mindfulness and Calm space for students (located in the Counseling suite) has groovy bean bag chairs, mindfulness coloring books, and more.  As an added touch, you’ll find a thoughtful quote on the board that a student writes there at the beginning of each day.

·       The Mindfulness and Calm space for teachers (236) has soft armchairs, mindfulness coloring books, and more.  There’s also a bookcase for a teacher book exchange. Just like the Little Free Libraries that have popped up around RVA, this is a free exchange: give one, take one.  Consider contributing a recently published book in great condition that you’d like to share.

To nurture calm, these rooms are intended as silent spaces, so please choose a different location for conversations. With quiet in mind, if you’d like to listen to music or audio recordings, please use earbuds or headphones (each room is equipped with headphones that you can borrow for this purpose).

If you’re interested in mindfulness-related recordings, you might choose a track from the library’s Mindfulness and Calm playlist on Soundcloud from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, or check out one of the apps listed on the library’s Mindfulness and Calm page.

The Mindfulness Committee would like to thank Lisa Williams for her assistance in designing the teacher space and Troy Mitchell for painting two of the walls a serene blue.  Advanced thanks to the Art Honor Society who may be adding a mural to the student space by the end of the school year.

LAW QUALIFIES VIRGINIA OF POETRY OUT LOUD

Left to right:  Laney Yoo, Sarah Law

Congratulations go to Sarah Law (‘17, Chesterfield) for making it to the Virginia Finals of Poetry Out Loud. Sarah qualified by winning second place in the regional competition on February 6. First-place winner, Laney Yoo (St. Catherine’s), will also compete. The Virginia Commission for the Arts, in partnership with WCVE- Community Idea Stations, will host the state competition on Friday, March 10 at the WCVE studio. They will be recording the state championship. If Sarah wins, she will go on to Washington, DC in April for the final national event. Break a leg, Sarah!

FOR OTHER NEWS….

Check out the MLWGS News:  http://mlwgs.com/category/news/.

Peruse the latest issue of The Jabberwock:  https://mlwgsjabberwock.com/

Or, read the Director’s blog:  http://mlwgs.com/directors-blog/

Week of January 3, 2017

NIGHT OF THE DRAGON

DEADLINE APPROACHING SOON!!

The deadline for donations for the Night of the Dragon is January 7, 2017! As of Winter Break, the Auction Committee had not received the number of donations we usually have by mid-December. Please consider donating an item or a service to the Night of the Dragon!! Donations can be received from individuals or businesses and are tax-deductible! The Auction Committee is looking for sports packages, trips (vacation homes, hotels, restaurants, etc.), baskets, spirits, etc. - anything people will desire enough to bid up the price! Have something great to donate! Last year's catalog is also still online at www.nightofthedragon.com to provide ideas for donations. 

If you are interested in making a donation or have questions, please contact Peggy Feldmann at auctionmlwgs@gmail.com or 804-353-4533.

SUBSCRIBE TO SMOKE AND SCALES

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1. Enter your email address in the “Follow by Email” block,
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WANT TO KNOW THE STUDENT NEWS?

Check out the latest issue of the Jabberwock ….

https://mlwgsjabberwock.com/

FOR OTHER MLWGS NEWS IN THE NEW YEAR...

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

SMOKE AND SCALES SEEKS CO-EDITOR FOR 2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR

Want to donate your time and skill set to Maggie L. Walker Governor's School from the comfort of your home or office?  One of our editors has a graduating Dragon, so Smoke and Scales is seeking a co-editor for the 2017-2018 school year.  Smoke and Scales is published weekly with the exception of summer, winter, and spring breaks.

This co-editor would:

1. Compile article blocks submitted via email each week.
2. Organize article blocks and edit accordingly.
3. Submit draft to co-editor for online publication.
4. Proof online draft prior to publication.

The co-editor must possess strong writing, organizing, fact-checking, proofreading, and communication skills.  This commitment requires approximately 2 hours per week.

If interested, please contact Smoke and Scales at smokeandscales@gmail.com and provide a brief summary of your experience as well as the graduation year of your MLWGS student; to provide some continuity, Smoke and Scales particularly welcomes applicants with students in their first or second year at MLWGS.  If you have questions or want to discuss the position further, please contact smokeandscales@gmail.com.

Week of November 29, 2016

HELP RESTOCK THE GRATITUDE BOX  

TWO WEEKS LEFT!  

When a student or teacher would like to brighten someone’s day with “Thank you,” or a kind, encouraging, celebratory, or empathetic note, they can grab a card from the library’s Gratitude Box.

This has led to a happy problem: the MLWGS Library’s Gratitude Box is running low. 

The “Restock the Box” supply drive runs through December 9.  Thanks to all who’ve sent supplies already. They’re already in use.

If you’d like to help restock the gratitude box too, Ms. DeGroat will gladly accept the following:

• Thank You, Congratulations, Thinking of You, Happy Birthday, Get Well, & Sympathy cards (students seem especially fond of bright, hip looking designs)
• Blank note cards
• Colorful card stock
• Decorative writing paper
• Decorative cut scissors
• Handmade paper
• Stickers
• Glue sticks

Your contribution helps support a culture of caring at MLWGS.  Thank you!

WANT TO KNOW THE STUDENT NEWS?

Check out the latest issue of the Jabberwock ….

SUBSCRIBE TO SMOKE AND SCALES

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

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

ALUMNI LUNCH

The Governor's School Foundation Alumni Steering Committee will be putting on the first Alumni Lunch on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 in the Commons during the student lunch period.  Attorney Faith Alejandro ('01), CPA Karen Setzer ('99), and HOME’s (Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia) Director of Fair Housing Alex Guzmán ('07) will be answering student questions and giving advice about how to pursue a career in their fields.

PTSA MEETING MONDAY DECEMBER 5

Please attend the General PTSA meeting on Monday December 5 in room 153 at MLWGS.  The meeting will start at 8:00 a.m. with about 30 minutes of prepared remarks from Maggie Walker’s own Ms. Sharon Parker, followed by a Q&A session.  

The topic will be Senior Seminars / Senior Mentorships and will be geared toward parents of Freshmen and Sophomores (although everyone is invited) to provide an introduction to this unique program with the hope that parents will have more time to consider how their student can take advantage of this opportunity in the best way possible.

Senior Seminars and Mentorships provide wonderful opportunities for students to explore areas of personal interest and complete their senior research requirement.

Whether participating in a seminar or a mentorship, students engage in field-based research, create a product, write a research paper, and present at Senior Showcase. Students earn two VCU credits (pass/fail) in Research Methods upon successful completion of all requirements of the Senior Seminar/Mentorship Program.

http://mlwgs.com/academic-overview/mentorships/

Week of November 22, 2016

ALUMNI LUNCH

The Governor's School Foundation Alumni Steering Committee will be putting on the first Alumni Lunch on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 in the Commons during the student lunch period.  Attorney Faith Alejandro ('01), CPA Karen Setzer ('99), and HOME’s (Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia) Director of Fair Housing Alex Guzmán ('07) will be answering student questions and giving advice about how to pursue a career in their fields.

PTSA MEETING MONDAY DECEMBER 5

Please attend the General PTSA meeting on Monday December 5 in room 153 at MLWGS.  The meeting will start at 8:00 a.m. with about 30 minutes of prepared remarks from Maggie Walker’s own Ms. Sharon Parker, followed by a Q&A session.  

The topic will be Senior Seminars / Senior Mentorships and will be geared toward parents of Freshmen and Sophomores (although everyone is invited) to provide an introduction to this unique program with the hope that parents will have more time to consider how their student can take advantage of this opportunity in the best way possible.

Senior Seminars and Mentorships provide wonderful opportunities for students to explore areas of personal interest and complete their senior research requirement.

Whether participating in a seminar or a mentorship, students engage in field-based research, create a product, write a research paper, and present at Senior Showcase. Students earn two VCU credits (pass/fail) in Research Methods upon successful completion of all requirements of the Senior Seminar/Mentorship Program.

http://mlwgs.com/academic-overview/mentorships/

SENIORS, SENIORS, SENIORS

It’s not too late to order Class of 2017 graduation announcements!  Herff Jones is still accepting orders online. Go to www.vagrad.com and place your order by December 31 to guarantee an April delivery.  There are several other graduation-related items for sale, but don’t forget that the cost for cap and gown was included in your student’s senior fees.  No need to pay or order these a second time.  Please contact Kerry Sheppard, the MLWGS graduation coordinator, at ksheppard@gsgis.k12.va.us OR 804-354-6800 ext. 3304. 

CONSIDER SCRIP FOR HOLIDAY GIFTS

Last opportunity to place holiday gift card orders! More than 400 DIFFERENT retailers from ALL OVER the country from which to choose! Gift cards to retail stores, hotels, gas stations, catalogues, and restaurants make great holiday gifts AND make money for the PTSA at no cost to you! Make sure your order is in the SCRIP box in Valenta Williams' first floor office Room #100 by 2 p.m. on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29. Cards will be delivered December 6/7. Order forms are in the SCRIP box in Office #100 or you can download a form on the MLWGS website by selecting "Support" and then "PTSA and Booster Groups." A full list of available gift cards and denominations is available at www.unitedscrip.com by clicking on "Retailers" and then "Retailers and Concepts List". If you see something you want on the master list that isn't on our Maggie Walker order form, write it in and we can get it for you. 

Questions? Please contact:  Lori Bekenstein at lori.bek@verizon.net

MLWGS STUDENT YOUNGARTS FINALIST

Maggie Walker Art 5 student, Andrea Medina ('17, Chesterfield), has been selected as a 2017 YoungArts Finalist in Visual Arts. Selected from the largest pool of applicants to date, Medina has been recognized for her outstanding artistic achievements and joins 691 of the nation’s most promising young visual and performing artists from 40 states across the literary, visual, design and performing arts.

Winners receive awards, including cash prizes of up to $10,000, opportunities to participate in YoungArts programs nationwide and engage with renowned mentors, and guidance in taking important steps toward achieving their artistic goals. A complete list of the 2017 Winners, all 15 -18 years old or in grades 10 -12, is available online at http://youngarts.org/winners.

“YoungArts is thrilled to announce our 2017 Winners, all of whom represent the very best of the next generation of artists in this country,” stated Carolina García Jayaram, YoungArts’ President & Chief Executive Officer. “As we welcome new Finalists to Miami each January, and engage hundreds of Winners nationwide through our Regional Programs thereafter, it becomes increasingly clear how much this organization has grown—and continues to grow—into an astounding network of emerging and professional artists, and one with global reverberations. I look forward to meeting this year’s Winners and seeing how they flourish as members of the artistic community. Congratulations to all.”

Selected through a blind adjudication process conducted by an independent panel of highly accomplished artists, the 2017 Winners represent the top 8.67% of applications. Of this year’s 691 Winners, some have been awarded for excellence in multiple disciplines at various levels. Altogether, 713 awards have been attributed: 166 have been named Finalists, the organization’s highest honor.

As a Finalist, Medina will attend the 36th annual National YoungArts Week in Miami from January 8 to 15, 2017, which aims to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration and community while offering participants the guidance needed to prepare for the next stage of their artistic development. During the intensive, week-long and all-inclusive program, artists across 10 disciplines participate in master classes and workshops with internationally recognized leaders in their field

Throughout the week, finalists’ work will be further adjudicated to determine additional award levels.

In addition to National YoungArts Week, the organization is the exclusive nominating agency for the U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts, a high honor extended to a select group of Finalists annually. YoungArts nominates 60 YoungArts Winners each year to the White House-appointed Commission on Presidential Scholars, 20 of whom are selected to become U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts.

NEWS YOU CAN USE….

…can be found in the latest issue of the Jabberwock http://mlwgsjabberwock.com/

Week of November 8, 2016

HELP RESTOCK THE GRATITUDE BOX

When a student or teacher would like to brighten someone’s day with “Thank you,” or a kind, encouraging, celebratory, or empathetic note, they can grab a card from the library’s Gratitude Box.

This has led to a happy problem: the MLWGS Library’s Gratitude Box is running low. 

If you’d like to help restock the box, Ms. DeGroat will gladly accept the following:

·         Thank You, Congratulations, Thinking of You, Happy Birthday, Get Well, & Sympathy cards

·         Blank note cards

·         Colorful card stock

·         Decorative writing paper

·         Decorative cut scissors

·         Handmade paper

·         Fun stickers

“Restock the Box” contributions are encouraged November 9 through December 9.  Donated supplies help support a culture of caring at MLWGS and can either be left with Ms. Williams, or brought directly to Ms. DeGroat. Thank you!

THE NIGHT OF THE DRAGON IS NOT ONLY A PARTY,

BUT A HUGE FUNDRAISER FOR MAGGIE WALKER!

The Fifteenth Annual Night of the Dragon Auction is Saturday evening, February 25, 2017 at the Short Pump Hilton Hotel and Spa. It promises to be an exciting evening of live and silent auctions, delicious food and spirits, beautiful music, and enjoyable conversation! This event directly benefits the students of the Maggie L. Walker Governor's School by providing major funding for the PTSA, Academic Boosters, Athletic Boosters, Drama Boosters, Music Boosters, Visual Arts Boosters and the Governor’s School Foundation.

Although students help out with the event, providing entertainment and support, the event is meant to be a fun night out for Maggie Walker parents, friends, alumni and staff! Tickets are sold in advance to attend, and wonderful items are donated by individuals and local businesses for auction. The Night of the Dragon Auction Committee is already hard at work planning for this year’s festivities. However, they cannot succeed without a lot of volunteers - and donations! Learn how you can help support this important event by coming to the next auction committee meeting, Wednesday November 9, at 5:30 p.m. in room 153.

If you have any questions, please email auctionmlwgs@gmail.com or call Peggy Feldmann at 804-517-8957. 

MAGGIE WALKER DRAMA CLUB PRESENTS

THE TRAGEDY OF JULIUS CAESAR

by William Shakespeare and directed by Foster Solomon

November 17, 18 & 19 at 7:00 p.m.

Julius Caesar is one of the several plays written by Shakespeare based on true events from Roman history. Although the title is Julius Caesar, Caesar is not the most visible character in its action, appearing alive in only three scenes. Marcus Brutus speaks more than four times as many lines, and the central psychological drama of the play focuses on Brutus’ struggle between the conflicting demands of honor, patriotism, and friendship. 

This cast of 29 students is one of MLWGS’s largest casts ever, but there are even more students involved in the tech and stage crew.  Together, all have worked hard to bring this production to the Maggie Walker stage.  We hope to see you at the show!

Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults.  Purchase tickets online here (http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2709002) or at the door.

Questions? Please contact maggiewalkerdrama@gmail.com.

GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENTS

Herff Jones will be collecting orders for graduation announcements on Wednesday, November 9 and Thursday, November 10 in the first floor commons during lunch.  This will be the only time Herff Jones collects these orders in the building.  You may contact the vendor directly, but all orders need to be placed before January 1 in order to ensure delivery in April.  There is no guarantee that there will be extra announcements available to order/purchase second semester.  Please contact Ms. Sheppard if you have questions - ksheppard@gsgis.k12.va.us or 804-354-6800 ext. 3304.

NEW ITEMS!!  VISIT THE DRAGON’S LAIR

The Dragon’s Lair is overflowing with new designs!  By request, The Lair brought back some favorites with a new twist.  Stop by the store to pick up the newly designed and much softer Flannel Pants, a new handcrafted Pewter Keychain (or make it an Ornament with included ribbon), a Bow Tie to match last year’s Neck Tie design, MLWGS’s first Alumni Tee, or a large and comfy Blanket with logo stitching and carrying strap.

Also, back by popular demand – STICKERS!!!!  Medium sized, round logo stickers are now back in stock.  Thank you for your patience while The Lair secured a new vendor.  Another favorite, the Large Pewter Ornament, is restocked and just in time for the coming holidays.  This is a perfect gift for Freshmen and graduating Seniors. 

The Dragon’s Lair volunteers look forward to seeing you on Tuesdays/Fridays during lunch (11:30-12:30) and the 1stand 3rd Wednesday mornings of the month from 8am-9am.  Stay tuned for announcements on upcoming Holiday hours!

THE JABBERWOCK

Latest student news in The Jabberwock can be found here http://mlwgsjabberwock.com/.

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! 

SUBSCRIBE TO SMOKE AND SCALES

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

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

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.

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

http://mlwgsjabberwock.com/