Week of May 17, 2016

GOVERNOR'S SCHOOL FOUNDATION 2016 PARENT CLASS

ANNUAL FUND CHALLENGE!

This week, the Governor's School Foundation is excited to kick off the 2016 Parent Class Annual Fund Challenge! Through the Annual Fund, the Governor's School Foundation is able to directly support things 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 your continued commitment.  Be on the lookout for emails from parent representatives from your child's class. 

Here is a summary of parent participation to date:

Senior parents (2016)	30%
Junior Parents (2017)	41%
Sophomore parents (2018)	32%
Freshman Parents (2019)	37%

At this time, The Governor’s School Foundation have raised $239,916.58 towards its goal of $300,000.  To make a contribution online visit http://www.governorsschoolfoundation.org/donate/.  The Foundation looks forward to all that we can accomplish together during this exciting campaign!

REPRINTED GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE BEING DELIVERED TO MAGGIE WALKER THIS WEEK!

As soon as the reprinted announcements arrive, they will be distributed to all seniors who originally ordered them.  If any extras are delivered, they will be available for purchase for $2.00/each.  MLWGS apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.  Herff Jones and the printers have been working tirelessly to get everything corrected and delivered as quickly as possible.

If you have any questions, please contact Kerry Sheppard, graduation coordinator, at ksheppard@gsgis.k12.va.us or 804-354-6800 ext. 3304.

SENIOR SHOWCASE

Invitations have been mailed to parents. No need to RSVP. MLWGS looks forward to seeing you on June 1. Parking will be available in the James River Bus Parking Lot. 

MLWGS PROM

Saturday, May 21

The Junior/Senior Prom will be held on Saturday, May 21, from 8:00 – 11:00 p.m. at the Bolling Haxall House, located at 211 E Franklin St, Richmond, VA 23219.  Seniors are not charged admission, but each senior must pick up his/her complimentary ticket during ticket sales.  Junior and guest tickets are priced at $30.00.  If juniors or seniors plan on bringing a guest from outside the MLWGS community, they must submit a form, which can be found on ItsLearning or can be picked up in Ms. Valenta Williams’ office in room 100.  It is recommended that dinner reservations be made early enough so that students are able to arrive in time to enjoy the prom (This is particularly important if students plan to dine where meals can typically take over an hour and a half).  If you have questions, please contact the Class of 2017 Sponsor, Mike Brown, mbrown@gsgis.k12.va.us

ITALIAN NATIONAL CONTEST RESULTS

The results from the Italian National Contest are in. The following students were national placement winners.  Maggie L Walker Governor’s School is the only high school in Virginia that participates in the contest.

In the top 1% of the students across the nation (and among over 5,000 participants) the following students received a monetary award:

• For Italian Level I:  Parker DiPaolo (’17, Henrico) and Ana Mullian (’18, Richmond)
• For Italian Level II: Isabella Dulà (’18, Henrico)
• For Italian Level III: Isabella Ragazzi (’16, Richmond)

The following students earned Honorable Mention and will receive certificates for their achievement.

For Italian Level I (in alphabetical order):

• Andrew Datovech (’18, Hanover),
• Nicolas Ferree (’19, Chesterfield),
• Max Frankel (’17, Richmond),
• Dominic Gammino (’19, Richmond),
• Gordan Graham (’17, Henrico),
• Maelee Hearington (’18, Chesterfield),
• Frances Heller (’18, Richmond),
• Julie Hribar (’18, Chesterfield),
• Ankith Laichetty (’17, Henrico),
• Sarah Lott (’17, Chesterfield),
• Andrea Macedo (’16, Chesterfield),
• Sam McCormack (’17, Chesterfield),
• Amanda Mier (’17, Henrico),
• Caroline Nyfeler (’18, Richmond),
• Jackie O’Neil (’19, Chesterfield),
• Eder Rivas-Hernandez (’18, Richmond),
• Kallia Smith (’17, Chesterfield),
• Meha Srivastava (’18, Chesterfield),
• Kyle Stegmann (’17, Prince-George),
• Robert Zhang (’17, Henrico),
• Brianna Zimmerman (’17, Chesterfield)

For Level II (in alphabetical order):

• Darby Anderson (’16, Chesterfield),
• Emma Bilski (’16, Chesterfield),
• Ryan Buscaglia (’17, Chesterfield),
• Dolan Edinboro (’16, Henrico),
• Adaire Locke (’17, Richmond),
• Elizabeth Rosenbaum (’16, Goochland)

For Level III (in alphabetical order):

• Devon Bortz (’16, Richmond),
• Bailey Dunn ('19, Hanover),
• Willa King (’16, Richmond),
• Jack Miller (’16, Chesterfield),
• Zoe Nelson (’16, Chesterfield),
• Maria Tahamtani (’16, Hanover),
• Natalie Weinberg (’16, Chesterfield)

KOLOR ME KATIE 5K

The Kolor Me Katie 5K, in memory of Dragon Katie Anderson, is being held on May 21, 2016 at the Goochland YMCA. This year’s race benefits Connor’s Heroes Foundation and the Goochland YMCA Leaders’ Club. Last year’s inaugural race had around 300 runners and raised more than $7,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (last year’s beneficiary).

For more information about the upcoming race, please go to www.kolormekatie.com.

TECHNOLOGY STUDENT ASSOCIATION (TSA) STATE OF VIRGINIA CONFERENCE

Congratulations to MLWGS students Samarth Kishor (’17, Henrico), Parth Kotak (’17, Henrico), Anuj Kotak (’18, Henrico), and Panth Doshi (’17, Henrico) for their successful performances at this year’s Technology Student Association (TSA) State of Virginia conference. This year’s conference was held May 6 – 8 at the Richmond Convention Center. 

Samarth placed second in the state for Essays on Technology, and the Technology Bowl Team of Parth Kotak, Anuj Kotak and Panth Doshi placed first in their event.  These students are now eligible to compete at the National TSA Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, June 28 – July 2.

This year, more than 1900 middle and high school students from across Virginia attended, including students from TJ SciTech.  Other area high schools successfully represented at the conference include Deep Run, Highland Springs, Henrico, Glen Allen, Douglas Freeman, Varina, Matoaca and the Technical Centers of Richmond and Chesterfield.  The increased competition from STEM specialty centers and other schools joining the TSA has made it ever more difficult for our students. To finish in the top ten of their events is a real achievement. However, to place in the top two is remarkable!

The TSA is a national, non-profit organization of middle and high school students who are engaged in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).  The TSA fosters personal growth, leadership and opportunities in technology, innovation, design and engineering.  Members apply and integrate science, technology, engineering and mathematics concepts through co-curricular activities, competitions and related programs.  Nationwide, there are currently over 230,000 middle and high school student members.

BACCALAUREATE SERVICE

Thursday, June 16, 2016

6:30 p.m.

The Baccalaureate Service will be held at Reveille United Methodist Church, 4200 Cary Street Road. Sponsored by the MLWGS PTSA, the interfaith service begins at 6:30 p.m. and will last approximately one hour. Students are not required to attend, but this traditional and memorable event celebrates finishing one chapter in their lives and beginning the next. Families and friends of graduates are most welcome to attend.  The official invitation from the PTSA will arrive by mail in a couple of weeks.  Seniors are reminded to bring both cap and gown for the ceremony.  If you have any questions, please contact Susan Creasey at creaseys@verizon.net.

Week of May 10, 2016

STILL A CHANCE TO RUN IN THE KOLOR ME KATIE 5K

The Kolor Me Katie 5K, in memory of Dragon Katie Anderson, is being held on May 21, 2016 at the Goochland YMCA. This year’s race benefits Connor’s Heroes Foundation and the Goochland YMCA Leaders’ Club. Last year’s inaugural race had around 300 runners and raised more than $7,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (last year’s beneficiary).

For more information about the upcoming race, please go to www.kolormekatie.com.

For a moving account by Katie’s mother, Carolyn McKann, please see her recent piece in the Richmond Times Dispatch at

http://www.richmond.com/life/article_d5a067c4-3a76-57c4-bcca-586704a1db56.html

BACCALAUREATE SERVICE

Thursday, June 16, 2016, 6:30 p.m.

The Baccalaureate Service will be held at Reveille United Methodist Church, 4200 Cary Street Road. Sponsored by the MLWGS PTSA, the interfaith service begins at 6:30 p.m. and will last approximately one hour. Students are not required to attend, but this traditional and memorable event celebrates finishing one chapter in their lives and beginning the next. Families and friends of graduates are most welcome to attend.  The official invitation from the PTSA will arrive by mail in a couple of weeks.  Seniors are reminded to bring both cap and gown for the ceremony.  If you have any questions, please contact Susan Creasey at creaseys@verizon.net.

AUDITION TO PERFORM AT MLWGS GRADUATION

Showcasing MLWGS Senior musical talent is an important tradition at Senior Recognition Night and graduation.  For example, vocalists are needed to sing The Star-Spangled Banner.  Additional performers or performance groups (instrumental or vocal) are sought for both events. Any MLWGS senior or group of seniors interested in auditioning must sign up for a time slot by May 12 on the list outside the Forum.  Final decisions will be made by a committee of faculty members and the class officers.   Note: All students intending to perform must be present at auditions and are required to perform their intended piece for graduation or Senior Night. Auditions will occur on Monday, May 16 and Tuesday, May 17 after school.

Questions? Contact Ms. Sheppard (ksheppard@gsgis.k12.va.us or 804-354-6800 ext. 3304)

MLWGS TECH PLAN

The technology integration team has been hard at work this year developing its three-year technology plan for Maggie Walker Governor’s School.  

Several months ago, the team collected substantial feedback (more than 300 survey responses!) from students, teachers, staff, and parents on use of technology at MLWGS.  These responses were compiled into a number of common themes and form the basis of the draft technology plan with high-level “goals" and more specific “objectives" for each goal.

The next step for the team is to come up with specific “strategies” or “initiatives” that will help to meet each objective and also create “measurements” to track progress. 

Because technology is an increasingly important aspect of our lives and educational environment, the team wants to be as inclusive as possible in getting a variety of perspectives for the technology plan!

Request of Parents, students, and members of the Maggie L. Walker community:  if you have an interest in the use of technology at Maggie Walker, please review the draft plan by clicking on the link to the  draft technology goals and objectives [http://bit.ly/20bst3y] and share any suggestions on potential strategies and measurements for the plan’s objectives (or feedback on the objectives themselves!) 

The best way to provide feedback is to email both Jeff Hall (at jhall@gsgis.k12.va.us) and copy Eric Lowell, who is helping to compile the results (at Eric.Lowell@bus.utexas.edu).  Please provide your thoughts by May 17.

Thank you for your input and valuable time.

Jeff Hall

Coordinator of Instructional Technology

Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School

Eric Lowell

Proud parent and helper

Link to draft technology goals and objectives:  http://bit.ly/20bst3y

2016 NIGHT OF THE DRAGON AUCTION

The bills have been paid, the checks sent to the booster groups, and the down payment for next year’s auction is ready to go!  Thanks to all donors, volunteers, bidders and winners for a very successful 2016 auction.  It was a wonderful evening and a generous outpouring of support for MLWGS. This year, through your gracious donations and winning bids the auction committee was able to provide more than $54,000 to the boosters, PTSA. and Foundation. Thanks again and we look forward to hosting another outstanding auction next year; mark the date February 25, 2017!

VOTE MLWGS IN USA TODAY'S

2015-16 America's Best Athletic Program

Who has the best athletic program in the country?  USA TODAY High School Sports is giving the fans the opportunity to decide.  The next installment of the “America’s Best” contest series will be the 2015-16 America’s Best Athletic Program.

The contest will take place over a 10-month period (August – June), where schools from each state, including Washington D.C., that have won a state championship in the past three academic years (2012-15) in a state sanctioned sport will compete for the best athletic program in the country.  States will be rolled out in groups of three (3) in two-week increments over the 10-month period.

To vote you must be at least 13 years old to vote. There is no limit to the number of times a person can vote as long as the Best Athletic Program Rules are followed.

The athletic department of the winning school will receive $2,500. Second place will receive $1,500 and third place will receive $500. All 10 finalists will receive banners for their schools.

http://contest.usatodayhss.com/vote/best-athletic-program-virginia/round-1/va/17583

http://contest.usatodayhss.com/vote/2015-16-americas-best-athletic-program

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Lucy Dacas
Photo Courtesy of Style Weekly

Style Weekly cover story on MLWGS alum Lucy Dacus     <http://www.styleweekly.com/richmond/from-maggie-walker-to-national-indie-darling-richmonds-lucy-dacus-makes-an-early-mark/Content?oid=2326876>

Latest Issue of the Jabberwock <http://mlwgsjabberwock.com/>

Week of March 8, 2016

YOUTH ART MONTH

Youth Art Month is when MLWGS takes time to highlight the wonderful and talented young artists at Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School. To celebrate, MLWGS will be having its annual student art exhibition which opens Thursday, March 10 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the 2nd floor main hallway at Maggie Walker. Students enrolled in Photography and other Visual Arts classes will have a piece 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.  

SOL WRITING TESTS

All sophomores will be taking the SOL Writing Tests in two parts during the week of March 14.  On Monday and Tuesday, tenth graders will take the multiple-choice section of the test during English classes.  On Wednesday and Thursday, students will take the writing portion during English classes.  Because the writing portion of the test may take longer than a full class period, sophomores in periods 7 and 8 English classes will need to start the writing prompt during periods 5 and 6.  They will be excused from their regular 5th and 6th period classes.  Makeup testing will take place on Friday morning of the same week.

All other End of Course SOL tests will be held during the last two weeks in May.  MLWGS SOL testing occurs in the following courses:  biology, chemistry, geometry, Algebra II, 11th-grade English (Reading test), Global Studies 10 (World History), and US and VA History.  SOL practice questions are available at the Virginia Department of Education website: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/practice_items/index.shtml

(Note: You may need to update Java on your computer and use Internet Explorer or Firefox.)

If you have any questions regarding SOLs, please contact Karl Zweerink in the school counseling office at kzweerink@gsgis.k12.va.us.

WANT TO GET THE WORD OUT?

Advertise in the Jabberwock,

Maggie Walker’s student-run newspaper!

Our student body is very diverse, and as informed consumers, it is interested in supporting local businesses. The Jabberwock reaches a wide audience; a print copy of the paper is published every other week, and is distributed free of charge to the school’s students, faculty, and staff. Additionally, a new website (http://www.mlwgsjabberwock.com) is updated regularly and visited by students, teachers, parents, and alumni.

There are several different types and sizes of advertisements available to purchase. Check out the options at http://bit.ly/1Pj4uNF, and purchase an advertisement here: http://bit.ly/1Nku6nw. 

In advertising with the Jabberwock, you are not only making a good business decision but you are also supporting a program that offers students journalistic training and career options. With your support and business, the MLWGS school newspaper can continue to thrive and expand, both in print and online. If you have any questions, please contact Claire Mendelson, Editor-in-Chief, at cmendelson6@gmail.com.

MLWGS GRANDPARENTS' DAY, FRIDAY, APRIL 15

MLWGS grandparents and special friends of the family, including aunts, uncles, godparents, and neighbors, are invited to attend the fifth annual Grandparents' Day on Friday, April 15.  This popular event, sponsored by the Governor's School Foundation, will run from 2:00 – 3:45 p.m. All attendees will be invited to hear a presentation about the school, take a short tour of the building, and attend a reception with their grandchildren.

Please send in the names and addresses of student grandparents and special family friends, even if they may not be able to attend, so that the Foundation may send them a formal invitation. Click here to reach the registration form: http://goo.gl/forms/UZZIzUVpL5.

Feel free to contact the Foundation office at (804)354-1566 with any questions.  Or, write to us at: Events@GovernorsSchoolFoundation.org.

KOLOR ME KATIE 5K

The Kolor Me Katie 5K, in memory of Dragon Katie Anderson, is being held on May 21, 2016 at the Goochland YMCA. This year’s race benefits Connor’s Heroes Foundation and the Goochland YMCA Leaders’ Club. Last year’s inaugural race had around 300 runners and raised more than $7,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (last year’s beneficiary).

For more information about the upcoming race, please go to www.kolormekatie.com.

RELEVANCE RISING STUDENTS WILL TRAVEL TO GUATEMALA

Will Provide Services to the Village of Tzununá

Relevance Rising (RR) is a class dedicated to the study of non-profit organizations and has been involved with an international service project for the community center and library of Tzununá, Guatemala for several years. Through this project, students learn to develop understanding and the skills necessary to interact with peoples of a different culture. In September 2015, the current class began fundraising with bake sales, coin drives, door decorating, salsa sales, etc., with all proceeds going to support the Tzununá library project. This year students will take with them in late March over $4,500 in donations. This marks the class’s fifth trip to the region and a total over the years of contributions of approximately $20,000 in monies and materials. Their donations have covered the cost of land to house the library, engineer and architect designs, building materials and various resources such as computers to be used by the children of the village. However, the project is still $10,000 short.

  

Trip expenses are funded by the MLWGS students themselves, along with the gracious help and support of the Governor’s School Foundation.

To contribute to this effort, donations can be made at gofundme.com/relevancerising16 or checks can be sent payable to MLWGS, Attention Stephanie Welles, 1000 N. Lombardy St., Richmond, VA  23220.

GSMUN XIX: WAKE THE NATIONS, MARCH 11-12, 2016

Maggie Walker’s 19th annual Model United Nations conference, GSMUN, will take place on March 11-12, 2016.  The event, consisting of 22 independent committees, expects to bring in delegates from 30+ schools across Virginia and Maryland.  Over 600 middle and high school students will debate policy issues ranging from the role of the aristocracy in 14th century Japan to the ethics of modern stem-cell research. 

GSMUN strives to promote awareness of international issues in our community.  Headed by a student Secretariat, GSMUN is also dedicated to raising money for global charities.  Model United Nations students from all grade levels participate in school fundraisers, culminating in conference donations and merchandise sales during the weekend of GSMUN.  This year, GSMUN XIX will raise money for One Hundred Pounds of Hope, an organization that provides education and emergency relief to the people of Cambodia.  Already, the students have coordinated three bake sales, candy gram sales, and a benefit concert featuring international cuisine and student performers. 

The theme of this year’s conference is Wake the Nations.  Much of the current leadership team has participated in Model UN all four years at Maggie Walker, and several even attended GSMUN as middle schoolers.  If you have any questions or would like to volunteer at the event, contact John Metz (gsmun.secgen@gmail.com) or Mr. Smith (msmith@gsgis.k12.va.us) for more details!

SAVE THE DATE—PTSA MEETINGS

 Please “Save the Date” so that you are able to attend the upcoming General PTSA meeting at MLWGS.  PTSA meetings are open to parents of all students, but will be particularly beneficial for parents of Freshman and Sophomores.

• March 16 at 8:00 a.m. in Room 153 – Dr. Loving and Ms. Deck will provide an overview of the College prep and application process at MLWGS.

PUBLIC HEARING FOR INPUT MARCH 17

A public hearing is scheduled on March 17, 2016 at the conclusion of the Regional School Board meeting (approximately 10:00 am) for comments on the proposed 2017 Fiscal Year budget and proposed 15-year Capital Plan.  Click here for links to both the budget and the plan.

2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR LEADERSHIP POSITIONS OPEN

Two leadership positions are available for the academic year 2016-2017:

1.  Network Manager (IRC80731)
2.  Coordinator of Administration (IRC80756)

Because of the highly specialized nature of these positions, their recruitment and application process is being managed by Henrico Public Schools.

Week of March 1, 2016

WANT TO GET THE WORD OUT?

Advertise in the Jabberwock,

Maggie Walker’s student-run newspaper!

Our student body is very diverse, and as informed consumers, it is interested in supporting local businesses. The Jabberwock reaches a wide audience; a print copy of the paper is published every other week, and is distributed free of charge to the school’s students, faculty, and staff. Additionally, a new website (http://www.mlwgsjabberwock.com) is updated regularly and visited by students, teachers, parents, and alumni.

There are several different types and sizes of advertisements available to purchase. Check out the options at http://bit.ly/1Pj4uNF, and purchase an advertisement here: http://bit.ly/1Nku6nw.

In advertising with the Jabberwock, you are not only making a good business decision but you are also supporting a program that offers students journalistic training and career options. With your support and business, the MLWGS school newspaper can continue to thrive and expand, both in print and online. If you have any questions, please contact Claire Mendelson, Editor-in-Chief, at cmendelson6@gmail.com.

MLWGS GRANDPARENTS' DAY, FRIDAY, APRIL 15

MLWGS grandparents and special friends of the family, including aunts, uncles, godparents, and neighbors, are invited to attend the fifth annual Grandparents' Day on Friday, April 15.  This popular event, sponsored by the Governor's School Foundation, will run from 2:00 – 3:45 p.m. All attendees will be invited to hear a presentation about the school, take a short tour of the building, and attend a reception with their grandchildren.

Please send in the names and addresses of student grandparents and special family friends, even if they may not be able to attend, so that the Foundation may send them a formal invitation. Click here to reach the registration form: http://goo.gl/forms/UZZIzUVpL5.

Feel free to contact the Foundation office at (804)354-1566 with any questions.  Or, write to us at: Events@GovernorsSchoolFoundation.org.

RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (RIFF)

March 3-6

With more than 21 countries represented in festival submissions, the RIFF Official Selection consists of a diverse range of films (features and shorts), music videos, web series and screenplays of all genres -- all while providing a fun atmosphere for patrons and talent from around the globe.

This year’s festival will be held Thursday, March 3, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.  through Sunday, March 6, 2016 at 11:30 p.m.  at the The Byrd Theatre & Bow Tie Cinemas. For more information see

http://rvafilmfestival.com/2016-films/.

KOLOR ME KATIE 5K

The Kolor Me Katie 5K, in memory of Dragon Katie Anderson, is being held on May 21, 2016 at the Goochland YMCA. This year’s race benefits Connor’s Heroes Foundation and the Goochland YMCA Leaders’ Club. Last year’s inaugural race had around 300 runners and raised more than $7,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (last year’s beneficiary).

For more information about the upcoming race, please go to www.kolormekatie.com.

SPRING COACHES MEETING

Spring Coaches meeting will be at today, Tuesday, March 1, at 6:30 p.m. in the Forum on the 3^rd floor of the school.  This meeting will is mandatory for all Spring sports parents to meet the coaches and athletic trainer and states that all teams will be reviewing team rules and expectations.

RELEVANCE RISING STUDENTS WILL TRAVEL TO GUATEMALA

Will Provide Services to the Village of Tzununá

Relevance Rising (RR) is a class dedicated to the study of non-profit organizations and has been involved with an international service project for the community center and library of Tzununá, Guatemala for several years. Through this project, students learn to develop understanding and the skills necessary to interact with peoples of a different culture. In September 2015, the current class began fundraising with bake sales, coin drives, door decorating, salsa sales, etc., with all proceeds going to support the Tzununá library project. This year students will take with them in late March over $4,500 in donations. This marks the class’s fifth trip to the region and a total over the years of contributions of approximately $20,000 in monies and materials. Their donations have covered the cost of land to house the library, engineer and architect designs, building materials and various resources such as computers to be used by the children of the village. However, the project is still $10,000 short.

  

Trip expenses are funded by the MLWGS students themselves, along with the gracious help and support of the Governor’s School Foundation.

To contribute to this effort, donations can be made at gofundme.com/relevancerising16 or checks can be sent payable to MLWGS, Attention Stephanie Welles, 1000 N. Lombardy St., Richmond, VA  23220.

MLWGS DRAMA CLUB PRESENTS

URINETOWN, THE MUSICAL

March 3, 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m.

Come out and enjoy this hysterical musical!  In a Gotham-like city, a terrible water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought, has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public amenities, regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity's most basic needs. Amid the people, a hero decides he's had enough, and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom! Tickets are $10 for students/$12 for adults and can be purchased at the door or online here: (http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2511397)

GSMUN XIX: WAKE THE NATIONS, MARCH 11-12, 2016

Maggie Walker’s 19th annual Model United Nations conference, GSMUN, will take place on March 11-12, 2016.  The event, consisting of 22 independent committees, expects to bring in delegates from 30+ schools across Virginia and Maryland.  Over 600 middle and high school students will debate policy issues ranging from the role of the aristocracy in 14th century Japan to the ethics of modern stem-cell research. 

GSMUN strives to promote awareness of international issues in our community.  Headed by a student Secretariat, GSMUN is also dedicated to raising money for global charities.  Model United Nations students from all grade levels participate in school fundraisers, culminating in conference donations and merchandise sales during the weekend of GSMUN.  This year, GSMUN XIX will raise money for One Hundred Pounds of Hope, an organization that provides education and emergency relief to the people of Cambodia.  Already, the students have coordinated three bake sales, candy gram sales, and a benefit concert featuring international cuisine and student performers. 

The theme of this year’s conference is Wake the Nations.  Much of the current leadership team has participated in Model UN all four years at Maggie Walker, and several even attended GSMUN as middle schoolers.  If you have any questions or would like to volunteer at the event, contact John Metz (gsmun.secgen@gmail.com) or Mr. Smith (msmith@gsgis.k12.va.us) for more details!

NEW PRODUCTS IN THE DRAGON’S LAIR!

The Dragon’s Lair would like to announce the arrival of four new products!  Please stop by the store to see these great items in person.  The Lair is open during lunch on Tuesdays and Fridays as well as the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month from 8 a.m.-9 a.m.  These Wednesday hours are intended to offer additional convenience for working parents to stop by on the way to work.  We hope to see you at the Lair soon!

• Power Bank                $15
• Thumb Drive               $6
• Crew Socks                $15
• Baseball Cap – GREEN  $12

SAVE THE DATE—PTSA MEETINGS

 Please “Save the Date” so that you are able to attend the upcoming General PTSA meeting at MLWGS.  PTSA meetings are open to parents of all students, but will be particularly beneficial for parents of Freshman and Sophomores.

• March 16 at 8:00 a.m. in the Auditorium (this may change) – Dr. Loving and Ms. Deck will provide an overview of the College prep and application process at MLWGS.