Smoke and Scales: Kroger Reward Program

Showing posts with label Kroger Reward Program. Show all posts

Week of April 5, 2016

GOVERNOR'S SCHOOL FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES STAFF CHANGES

The Executive Officers and Board of the Governor’s School Foundation are pleased to announce the hiring of two new staff members.

Suzannah Stora will join the Foundation as Executive Director beginning on Monday, April 4. Suzannah brings a wealth of experience from her roles at several non-profit organizations and has participated in grant writing, development plan creation and execution, and fundraising.

Catherine Nicholas is the new fiscal assistant. She is a 2004 graduate of MLWGS, has actively supported the Foundation since 2010 as class agent, and has years of financial experience.

This is an exciting time for the Foundation moving forward in its work with the school, booster clubs, and PTSA to align and assist the school in achieving its strategic plan and benefit its students and staff.

The Board wishes to thank Laura Lewis for her work over the past 18 months as Interim Development Officer. Her service has enabled the Foundation to continue its mission and operations during the vacancy left by Hal Waller in 2014.

They also express their great appreciation to Eva Boegner for her many years of service as fiscal assistant. Eva played a key part in supporting many Foundation functions and providing the Treasurer and officers with relevant financial information.

All are welcome to stop by the Foundation and Alumni Office (room 225) to welcome Suzannah and Catherine and to learn more about how the Foundation supports MLWGS!

SCRIP AVAILABLE!

For SCRIP for the rest of this school year, the PTSA has decided to sell the remaining gift cards it has in stock, first come - first served, and to not take any more special orders. If you would like to purchase any gift cards, please email Karen at k.murtha@comcast.net or Lori at lori.bek@verizon.net and they will make arrangements to get you the cards. Our current stock includes

Arby's ($10),
Barnes and Noble ($10 and $25),
Build-a-Bear Workshop ($25),
Chili's ($25),
Coldstone Creamery ($10),
Food Lion ($25 and $100),
Lowe's ($25),
Martin's ($25 and $100),
Olive Garden ($25),
Outback Steakhouse ($25),
Panera ($10),
Red Robin ($10),
Starbuck's ($10 and $25),
Target ($25) and
Walmart ($25).

For many of these, we have multiple cards. Please think of supporting the PTSA by purchasing gift cards for end of year gifts for teachers and other occasions.

THANK YOU MAGGIE WALKER FAMILIES

Thanks to all of the 160 families who registered for the Kroger Community Rewards Program. This quarter alone you helped MLWGS earn $2,705.01 to support Maggie Walker students and programs. That takes MLWGS total for the year to $9,800.83 from Kroger stores alone.

This program runs year round, so MLWGS keeps earning cash right through the summer months. It’s not too late to sign up! Please use this link krogercommunityrewards.com and follow the directions. MLWGS school’s NPO number is 82125 or search using Maggie L Walker Governor’s School PTSA.

STUDENT RECOGNIZED AT METRO RICHMOND STEM FAIR

The Metro Richmond STEM Fair was this past weekend (March 19) at Clover Hill HS. Camille Yoke, (’16, Chesterfield) , was the only MLWGS student competing. Her teacher is Mr. Harold Houghton, Physics & Astronomy. Her project was called Antipodal Focusing of Asteroid Impacts (Constructive Interference of Seismic Surface Waves Antipodal to Crater Impact Sites on Terrestrial Bodies). Camille won an all expense paid trip to Phoenix, AZ, to compete in the Intel-ISEF (International Science and Engineering Fair) in May. She also was awarded the John B. Fenn Award given by the Metro Richmond STEM Fair for Outstanding Work on a Science Project that Best Embodies Innovation in Applied Science that Incorporates Trans-Disciplinary Research, the Naval Science Award - Office of Naval Research, the Air Force Certificate of Achievement for Outstanding Science or Engineering Fair project, and the Richmond Astronomical Society Certificate of Achievement for an Outstanding Science project.

Week of November 17, 2015

MLWGS DRAMA CLUB PRESENTS THE CRUCIBLE BY ARTHUR MILLER
and MLWGS STUDENT TICKETS ARE FREE!

The MLWGS Drama Club will be performing The Crucible this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:00 p.m. each night (November 19, 20 and 21). Tickets may be purchased at the door or online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2406230. Tickets are $8 for non-MLWGS students and $10 for adults.

This wonderful opportunity for MLWGS students to see the show for free is made possible due to the incredible generosity of an anonymous drama supporter. MLWGS and the Drama Club are so grateful for this gift that opens up the show to the entire student body.

The Crucible is produced by Carol Piersol and directed by Matt Polson. Matt also directed last year's shows, Into the Woods and You Can't Take it With You, and MLWGS is so fortunate to have his leadership once again. Please join us as MLWGS Drama looks forward to entertaining you!

Questions? Please contact maggiewalkerdrama@gmail.com.

BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR THANKSGIVING TURKEY ...

don’t forget to register your Kroger and Martin’s cards.

For Kroger Community Rewards, register at krogercommunityrewards.com and click on Sign In/Renew and follow the instructions. The school number is 82125 (or you can look it up under Maggie Walker). Even if you did this last year, it has to be done again. If you are one of the 138 parents who have signed up this year, we thank you.

You can also take the Kroger bar code to your local store and have customer service scan it to participate in the Plus Card for Education, which gets the school free supplies. This is NOT the same as the Community Rewards program, but you can do both.

For Martin’s A+ School rewards log on to www.martinsfood.com/aplus and designate our school ID 23112. Despite the instructions in last week’s Smoke & Scales, you actually DO have to sign up again this year since the MLWGS school number has changed.

This year is also the last one for Target’s Take Charge of Education, so let’s get the most we can out of it. Go to www.target.com/tcoe and enter your Redcard number. The school number is 104517.

Although it’s a pain to register annually, these programs brought in more than $8,000 last year. The Kroger program is particularly generous. It’s all money that goes to the school and MLWGS students, so please take the time to register.

STUDENT COUNSELING DEPARTMENT OFFERING SESSIONS

The School Counseling Department is offering weekly support groups for students who may be feeling overwhelmed this time of year. The sessions will be led by Cindy Barnes, a veteran school counselor and licensed professional counselor. Ninth through eleventh-graders will meet to explore the ways they respond to academic demands and the stresses of everyday life. Using Affect Theory students will find some ways to reduce their response to stress and increase their sense of accomplishment.

For Maggie Walker seniors, the college admissions season typically brings with it increased student stress. To this end, the School Counseling Department will be offering a dedicated counseling group for interested seniors on stress management.

If students are interested in attending either of these groups, please have them let their school counselor know so that the School Counseling Department can organize the sessions. We hope to start these sessions this week so please let us know this week if possible.

THE GOVERNOR'S SCHOOL RICHMOND ALUMNI PRESENT
SECOND ANNUAL PAT TAYLOR TEACHING AWARD LECTURE

Celie Boswell: "Rainbows have no Fences"

Thursday, November 19, at 5:30 p.m. in the Forum

Have you ever tried boerewors, a traditional South African sausage spiced with coriander? How about biltong, a dried meat similar to jerky? Come discover the flavors of South African fare on Thursday, November 19, when English teacher Celie Boswell presents Rainbows have no Fences, chronicling her travels this past summer to South Africa and Swaziland. These South African favorites will be served along with other dishes that will seem both exotic and familiar to your palate. Along with food and stunning photos, Celie will share tales of traveling with her family in modern day South Africa and Swaziland. The reception begins at 5:30 in the Forum, followed by Celie’s presentation at 6:00.

The Governor’s School Foundation sponsors the Patricia E. Taylor Teaching Award for International Experiences, which provides a cash grant of up to $7,500 to a MLWGS teacher for a summer international travel experience that will have a direct impact upon his or her classroom instruction. For more information on the Taylor Teaching Award, please contact Laura Lewis in the Foundation office at (804) 354-1566 or Laura.Lewis@GovernorsSchoolFoundation.org. To donate to the Governor’s School Foundation, click here.

SPEAK UP AT THE BUDGET TOWN HALL

December 2, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Did you know that for FY16 participating school divisions will pay almost $700 less annually per pupil for the education of MLWGS students than they paid in FY09? Over that same time period, healthcare costs alone for MLWGS employees have more than doubled. What is not being funded by the school now that should be included in the budget? Have you ever looked at the old copyright dates on some of MLWGS’s students' textbooks? Heard complaints about technology issues? Did you write a big check for dual enrollment fees, workbooks, or a trip required for an instructional class? How about the suggested participation donation of $150 per sport? Would you like to see these issues or others addressed in the budget?

The annual budget process for MLWGS is starting. Last year, parents and students spoke up about the need for a new activity bus and textbooks. Guess what? The activity bus was replaced as well as textbooks for a few of the classes that need them. The Regional School Board will listen, it just needs your input. Come to the Budget Town Hall on Wed., December 2, 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the MLWGS Auditorium. Speakers need to signup in advance by contacting Barbara Marshall at bmarshall@gsgis.k12.va.us no later than 10:00 a.m. on December 2. Questions? Contact Anne Hayes, MLWGS PTSA Advocacy Chair at annehayes@verizon.net.

SUMMER RESIDENTIAL GOVERNOR'S SCHOOLS
FOR SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS

Applications are now available for the Summer Residential Governor’s Schools. These programs provide opportunities for gifted high school students to explore professional and university environments through mentorships and academic enrichment.

For academic and mentorship programs, information and applications can be found at http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/governors_school_programs/summer_residential/

For the foreign language academies, information and applications can be found at

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/foreign_language/language_academies/index.shtml.

Please see Ms. Davis for additional information about the application process and deadlines.

ATTENTION SENIOR PARENTS

The November Senior Newsletter is now available on the School Counseling Website (https://sites.google.com/a/gsgis.k12.va.us/mlw-school-counseling/2011-2012-newsletters). This newsletter contains college-related reminders and a listing of scholarships with approaching deadlines. The latest newsletter was distributed to students in their English classes earlier this week. Scholarship information for seniors is also available on the School Counseling website (https://sites.google.com/a/gsgis.k12.va.us/mlw-school-counseling/college-admissions-information-1/scholarships-financial-aid) and in Naviance (https://connection.naviance.com/mlwgs). Contact your child’s counselor if you would like to view the Naviance scholarship database and need your registration code. Scholarships are still being added to this database on a monthly basis, most with direct links to the applications. Hard-copy applications are scanned and attached to the scholarship description as a PDF. Please note that all deadlines posted on Naviance or in the Newsletter are subject to change as organizations are still sending us updated information for this school year. Check the organization’s website for the most current information and availability. Please contact Rachel Loving in the School Counseling Office with scholarship questions.

GOVERNOR McAULIFFE SEEKS NOMINATIONS
FOR VOLUNTEERISM AWARDS

“On behalf of the Department of Education, I am pleased to announce that Governor Terence R. McAuliffe is seeking nominations for the 2016 Governor’s Volunteerism and Community Service Awards. The awards recognize the outstanding efforts of Virginia’s volunteers. Nominations are open to small businesses, corporations, community groups, individuals and families that exemplify extraordinary volunteerism and community service.

I encourage you to consider nominating an individual, family, parent, or organization that is making a positive impact in your school community. Awards will be presented in individual and group categories, including youth, senior and adult volunteers, faith-based organizations, families that volunteer together, community organizations, small businesses and corporations.

This year’s winners will be honored this spring during an awards ceremony in Richmond. For more information or to nominate a person or group, click here or call (804) 726-7918,1-800-638-3839 FREE or e-mail volunteerism@dss.virginia.gov. The deadline for nominations is December 16, 2015 at 5:00 p.m.http://www.doe.virginia.gov/administrators/superintendents_memos/2015/274-15.shtml”

Signed,

Barbara Marshall, Executive Assistant and

Regional School Board Clerk

LEARNING ABROAD SYMPOSIUM AT UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND

For those students contemplating studying internationally during college, University of Richmond invites you to a "Learning Abroad Symposium" featuring the experiences of nine student speakers across six continents. With projects from the Scottish Parliament to genetic counseling in Peru, these students and their insights will inspire your next step into the world!

Tuesday, November 17 at 4 p.m., Carole Weinstein International Center, International Commons

RICHMOND WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL HOSTS RIBAL AL-ASSAD

Founder and Director of the Organization for
Democracy and Freedom in Syria

Exiled from his native Syria as a child, Ribal al-Assad is an unusual critic of the Syrian regime. He is a leading global campaigner for democracy, freedom, and human rights in Syria and the Middle East, and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s first cousin. al-Assad is a leading authority on Syrian politics and how the current conflict is shaped by regional and geopolitical dynamics.

Free to students but registration is required.
Business Casual Attire
November 17 at 5:45 p.m., Jefferson Hotel - The Empire Room

Week of November 10, 2015

THE GOVERNOR'S SCHOOL RICHMOND ALUMNI PRESENT THE SECOND ANNUAL PAT TAYLOR TEACHING AWARD LECTURE

Celie Boswell: Rainbows have no Fences

Thursday, November 19, at 5:30 p.m. in the Forum

Please join us on Thursday, November 19, when English teacher Celie Boswell presents Rainbows have no Fences, chronicling her travels this past summer to South Africa and Swaziland. Along with stunning photos, Celie will share tales of South Africa’s unsurpassed beauty amidst the remnants of Apartheid, her safari in Kruger National Park, and her visit to the Fontein Social Care Center, an AIDS orphanage in Mbabane, Swaziland. The lecture will be preceded by a reception with traditional South African food beginning at 5:30.

PETITION DELIVERED: THANK YOU!

NEXT STEP: JOIN US ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER

Thanks to all who signed the petition asking Governor McAuliffe to Fix Funding for Governor's Schools. Our efforts continue to ensure the VA Dept. of Education's $3.6 million budget request makes it into the Governor's budget in December and stays there when the General Assembly reconvenes in January. To receive further advocacy updates and show your support, follow us on Twitter and Like us on Facebook.

The photo above represents the delivery of the petition with 4,156 signatures to Jennie O'Holleran, Senior Policy Advisor to the Governor (left). Laura O'Brien, MLWGS PTSA representative is in the middle. Rebecca Phillips, Director of Southwest Virginia Governor's School and Chair of the 19 Academic-Year Governor's School Directors is on the right.

SHOP, SCAN, and EARN MONEY FOR MLWGS

KROGER AND MARTINS

MALALA WRITING CONTEST

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMATS PROGRAM

AIU's High School Diplomats is a 12-day international exchange program in which American students get the opportunity to live with a Japanese roommate and 39 other American-Japanese roommate pairs at Princeton University. The intent of the program is in order to exchange culture and promote diplomacy, and is fun, prestigious, and entirely free. Those interested in international affairs, global awareness, or experiencing new and foreign cultures ought to apply now at highschooldiplomats.com. Those seeking more information should contact Oliver Shen at oliver.shen0@gmail.com in regards to any questions or concerns.

THERE IS A CHAIR WAITING FOR YOU AT REGIONAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS

Even though important decisions about MLWGS, including budget and policies, are made at these meetings each month, few parents come. That needs to change. MLWGS is managed by a Regional School Board consisting of one local School Board member from each of the 12 participating school divisions. The Steering Committing, comprised of the Superintendents from the 12 participating school districts, also attends. For the past several years, a few MLWGS PTSA parents have been coming to these meetings and participating in the public comment period as needed, but more parents, particularly those of underclassmen, need to get involved. Come learn what's happening at MLWGS and voice your concerns. Just be sure to sign up in advance to speak. Mark your calendar with the following upcoming meeting dates:

Thursday, November 12, 2015
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Thursday, January 21, 2016 (followed by Budget Work Session)

Meetings take place at 9:00 am in Room 153 near the Bluestone entrance. Additional information including public comment protocol, agendas and minutes can be found at http://mlwgs.com/welcome-to-mlwgs/regional-school-board/meetings-agendas-and-minutes/ If you want to learn more about MLWGS funding and governance, please contact PTSA Advocacy Chair Anne Hayes at annehayes@verizon.net.

Week of September 29, 2015

OCTOBER 14 IS PSAT DAY

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

For 9th and 10th-graders, the PSAT is primarily a practice test for the SAT. For 11th-graders, the PSAT results are used for qualification purposes for the National Merit Scholarship Programs.

There are major changes to the questions and format of the PSAT and SAT tests this year. Students will be receiving an “Official Student Guide to the PSAT/NMSQT“ this week during lunch-time assemblies. The assembly for juniors will be held on Monday September 28 and the assembly for freshmen and sophomores will take place on Wednesday October 1. In addition to providing general information about the PSAT, the guides have specific information about test questions and contain 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. Counselors will distribute score reports to students in mid-December through lunch-time, grade-level assemblies. Juniors will need to register for SATs and ACTs on their own by going to www.collegeboard.org or www.actstudent.org.

Juniors have the option to take the current SAT in December or January, or the new version starting in March. Students may want to consider taking the current version of the SAT to see how well they do on it. Also, the score reports for the March SAT will be delayed until May because it is the first administration of the new test. Please note that colleges will not be able to “super-score” (selecting the higher scores for the different sections) between the current version and the new version of the SATs. In addition, the ACT is given several times in the year and is always an option for students as well.

Sophomores and Juniors in AP classes will be reminded to register for SAT Subject tests if appropriate.

Please visit the MLWGS school counseling website for more important information about college admissions testing at https://sites.google.com/a/gsgis.k12.va.us/mlw-school-counseling/college-admissions-information-1/test-preparation

FALL FESTIVAL SUPPORTS MLWGS COMMUNITY

As part of Maggie Walker’s community engagement efforts, and a primary goal of this year’s SCA, school supplies for Carver Elementary will be collected during the Fall Festival. Although any item is appreciated, the following items are especially appreciated as they are contributed less often and used at a greater rate:

dry erase markers
black and white composition notebooks
wide-loose leaf paper
K and 1st-grade writing tablets
crayons
glue sticks
glue bottles
3-ring binders
hand sanitizer
paper towels
liquid hand soap

Items maybe dropped off at the Community Engagement Booth during the Festival.

VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED FOR FALL FESTIVAL

The MLWGS PTSA would like to thank all the many people who have signed up to volunteer or to lend items to the Fall Festival! The success of the Festival is dependent on Volunteers! However, there are still lots of opportunities to help out! Please use the following link to find out how you can help support MLWGS clubs and organizations:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0444aaae2da5f58-2015

ORDER TICKETS IN ADVANCE TO AVOID LINES

Have you ordered your Fall Festival Tickets yet? If not, please use the following link to order in advance and save time in line!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7m6Y9lAknnQLTBhVE4tR09TUVk/view?usp=sharing

WELCOME BACK FROM THE GOVERNOR'S SCHOOL FOUNDATION

The Governor's School Foundation would like to welcome all new and returning faculty, students, and families back for the new school year! For those of you who may not be familiar with the Foundation, it is a non-profit established to support the students and faculty of the Maggie Walker Governor’s School. In the 2014-15 fiscal year, the Foundation raised more than $357,000 to help enhance the educational experiences of MLWGS students, assist in sending teachers to workshops, conferences and graduate programs, provide student aid, and enhance technology in the school. Additionally, the Foundation serves as the MLWGS Alumni Office, helping more than 3000 alumni stay in touch with their alma mater. Over 28% of our alumni and 52% of current parents supported the Foundation last year.

Look for articles in Smoke & Scales over the course of the school year for stories of enhancements the Foundation was able to provide for Governor’s School students and faculty.

Questions about the Governor's School Foundation? Feel free to reach out to Laura Lewis, Interim Development Officer, at 354-1566 or laura.lewis@governorsschoolfoundation.org. And next time you are at school, stop by the office in Room 251!

STUDENT ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Hugh O’Brian Youth
Leadership Seminar Program

The Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) Seminar Program is offering one slot for a Sophomore from MLWGS to attend its state-wide seminar in the spring. Interested students should submit a 75 to 100-word essay to Ms. Davis describing the most rewarding and challenging aspect of being a leader in their school and community. The deadline for submission is October 30. More information about the program is available at www.hoby.org.

National English Honor Society

The English Department is pleased to invite Juniors and Seniors to apply for admission to the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School Chapter of the National English Honor Society.

To be eligible, students must have completed four semesters of core English credits with an un-weighted GPA of 3.75.

To apply, please pick up an application from Ms. Davis (counseling office). Applications and the membership fee must be received no later than Friday, October 16.

National Honor Society applications are now available. If your child would like to be considered for the National Honor Society (NHS) please encourage him or her to complete an application and return it to Rachel Loving, School Counselor and NHS Sponsor by Monday, October 5. Candidates must have a 3.5 cumulative GPA and demonstrate the qualities of scholarship, leadership, and service. Candidates will be notified of acceptance by October 9 and an induction ceremony will take place later that month. Please contact Rachel Loving with questions at rloving@gsgis.k12.va.us.

The Society of Women Engineers at the University of Virginia invites high school seniors and juniors to apply for a place in its High School Visitation program, taking place Saturday, November 14, 2015. The program gives young women a comprehensive look at engineering fields and at UVA’s engineering curriculum through informative speakers and hands-on design activities. The program is designed to benefit participants with all levels of engineering experience, but it particularly targets those students who are not yet familiar with the field but may be interested in applying to engineering schools or pursuing a STEM career. Applications are available at http://www.virginiaswe.org. Applications are due by October 23.

Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) is a NASA-based program for 11th-grade students who are interested in aerospace-related science, technology, engineering and/or math (STEM). Applications and additional information can be found at http://vasts.spacegrant.org. The application deadline is November 8.

Virginia Earth Systems Science Scholars (VESSS) is a NASA-based program for 11th and 12th-grade students who are interested in Earth Systems Science-related science, technology, engineering and/or math (STEM). This course focuses on Earth Systems Science and the NASA mission that help study these topics. Applications and additional information can be found at https://spacegrant.net/apps/?pk=sss and are due by November 8.

Virginia Space Coast Scholars is a NASA-based STEM program for 10th-grade students who are interested in NASA’s space and Earth and airborne science-related missions managed or flown by NASA Wallops Flight Facility. 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. Additional information and applications can be found at http://vscs.spacegrant.org/. Applications are due by November 8.

THANK YOU MLWGS PARENTS

MLWGS’s quarterly Kroger Community Rewards payment for the quarter ending on August 31, 2015 is $1,989.64. That’s more free money that goes to help the school’s programs.

A quick reminder to those who participated last year--registration has to be renewed annually.

To renew:

Sign in using your email and password.
Click on View Reward Details – In the Account Summary page scroll to Community Rewards at the bottom.
Type in 82125 or Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School and click to update.

For those of you who haven’t signed up yet:

Click on “SignIn/Renew” then click on “SIGN UP TODAY” in the “New Customer?” box.
Sign up by entering your zip code, clicking on your favorite store, entering your email address, creating a password and agreeing to the terms and conditions.
You will get a link by email – click on this link.
Click on “My Account” and use your email address and password to proceed.
Click on “Edit Kroger Community Rewards” information and input your Kroger Plus card number from your card. Update or confirm your information.
Enter the school NPO number 82125 or Maggie L Walker Governor’s School PTSA, select the school from the list and click on “Confirm”. The school name should appear at the right side of the page.

You still get all of your Kroger discounts and fuel points, and MLWGS gets a share of the money set aside to support community organizations.

KEEP UP WITH STUDENT EVENTS (AND ALL THINGS DRAGON) ...

For this week's issue, check out the new Jabberwock website.

HELP RESTOCK LIBRARY'S GRATITUDE DRAWER

Two years ago, the MLWGS Library started making supplies available to students and teachers for spreading gratitude at MLWGS and beyond. You can help re-stock its gratitude supplies by donating extras of any of the following that you have on hand:

Blank note cards (with envelopes)
“Thank-you” cards (with envelopes)
Colored paper
Decorative printer paper
Stickers, glitter, or glue
Colored pencils, magic markers (incl. Sharpies), or pens

Thank you in advance for your contributions!

Sincerely,

Wendy DeGroat

Librarian, MLWGS

Week of October 14, 2014

Greg "Bear" O'Bryan, August 20, 1947 - October 11, 2014

The MLWGS community suddenly lost Greg (Bear) O’Bryan to a natural cause. Bear’s unassuming nature, brilliant intellect, and caring demeanor combined to offer students a truly unique learning experience in the “Bear Cave”. From making themes embedded in great literature relevant to students, to building quilts and personal anthologies, to sharing examples of his work as a talented artist, Bear helped students find their voice in unanticipated ways. He will be missed.

PSAT Day is Wednesday October 15

All 9^th, 10^th and 11^th graders will take the PSAT on the morning of Wednesday October 15, while 12^th graders will be participate in college and transition-related activities in the auditorium.

The PSAT is a wonderful practice opportunity for the SAT. For 11^th 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 29th. 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.

Counselors will distribute score reports to students in mid-December through lunch-time grade-level assemblies. Juniors will be encouraged to register for an SAT date in the Spring by using www.collegeboard.org. Sophomores and Juniors in AP classes will be reminded to register for SAT Subject tests if appropriate.

MLWGS Foundation Welcomes Interim Development Officer

The Governor’s School Foundation would like to welcome Laura Lewis as the interim Development Officer. Laura is a Maggie Walker alumni parent who has volunteered extensively with both the Foundation and PTSA. She brings a commitment to furthering the mission of the Maggie Walker Governor’s School and the Foundation to her position. When visiting the school, please stop by the Foundation office and meet Laura. Laura can also be reached at laura.lewis@governorsschoolfoundation.org.

Foundation Mailing Volunteers Needed Wednesday, October 22

The MLWGS Foundation needs volunteer help in preparing a bulk mailing on Wednesday, October 22, starting at 9:00 am in the MLWGS Boardroom. Foundation helpers will be preparing the first Annual Fund Letter mailing.

Those with a couple hours to spare might consider volunteering.
No RSVP necessary, but for questions or to be added to the Foundation's volunteer list for future bulk mailings, please contact Eva Boegner at eva.boegner@governorsschoolfoundation.org.

Academic Enrichment Program Opportunities; Deadlines Approaching

VCU Dental Scholars is a great after-school program for high-school students interested in dentistry as a potential health career. Participants will meet Wednesday evenings from 5-630pm at the VCU School of Dentistry for study skills enhancements and great hands-on activities in the lab! The VCU Dental Scholars deadline is next Friday, October 17. Please visit the website to apply and for additional information.

Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) is a NASA-based program for 11th grade students interested in aerospace-related science, technology, engineering and/or math. The course focuses on space mission design and human space flight. This interactive online learning course can led to a one-week residential Sumner Academy at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton for qualified students. Interested students can visit http://www.vasts.spacegrant.org for more information. Application deadline is November 2, 2014.

Virginia Space Coast Scholars is a NASA-based STEM program for 10th grade students interested in NASA's space and Earth and airborne science-related missions. This free program features two key elements: 1) and online science, technology, engineering and math learning experience; and 2) a seven-day residential Summer Academy at NASA Wallops Flight Facility. Interested students can visit http://vscs.spacegrant.org for more information. Application deadline is November 2, 2014.

Kroger Community Reward Program

Thanks to everyone who signed up for the Martins A+ School Rewards program. Store receipts will reflect the monthly points within the next week or two.

Kroger’s Community Rewards earns even more cash for the school

How to sign up?

Customers using their phone number at the register should call 800-576-4377 - Option 4 to get their Kroger Plus number.

To enroll, simply follow the instructions below:

 Click on “Sign In/Renew” then click on “SIGN UP TODAY” in the “New Customer?” box.

 Sign up by entering zip code, identifying appropriate store, entering email address, creating a password and agreeing to the terms and conditions.

 After this step, Kroger will send a link by email – click on this link.

 Click on “My Account” and use the registered email address and password to proceed.

 Click on “Edit Kroger Community Rewards” information and enter the Kroger Plus card number; update or confirm information.

 Enter the school NPO number 82125 or Maggie L Walker Governor’s School PTSA, select the school from the list and click on “Confirm”. The school name should appear at the right side of the page.

Subsequently, simply swipe your Kroger Plus card or enter your phone number.

Problems or questions? Contact MLWGSPartners@gmail.com

Ketchup with Fashion at The Dragon's Lair

Three eternal truths:

1) Fish and visitors stink in three days,
2) a closed mouth gathers no foot, and
3) to dragons, humans are little more than french fries.

Turn heads while turning a phrase in this *new* spirit wear t-shirt from The Dragon's Lair. Short sleeved, light green and 100% comfy cotton makes it a good choice for any season.

Come see the latest in fashion, accessories, and condiments every Tuesday and Friday during lunch and during special after school events. Check out the entire line of apparel and gifts 24/7 at the Dragon’s Lair website (http://mlwgsdragons.weebly.com/). Bring cash, bring checks, and hold the mayo.

MLWGS Receives Wells Fargo Cup for 2013-14 Athletics

MLWGS was among the schools that claimed a top spot in Virginia High School League athletic competition for the 2013-14 school year winning the coveted Wells Fargo Cup. First awarded in 1990, the Wells Fargo Cup goes to the school in each group classification (Groups 1A through 6A) that has achieved the best overall record in VHSL state-level competition in 27 sports – the state champions’ state champion.

MLWGS won the cup for the first time, taking the athletic honors in Group 2A with 485 points. The Dragons were a model of consistency throughout the year scoring 100 points in the fall; 195 points in the winter and 190 points in the spring.

Cups are presented for athletic and academic activities to the top school in each of the League’s enrollment groups. The winner of the Wells Fargo Cup is determined by a point system based on performance in state-championship events. Points are awarded for all sanctioned sports in the following manner:

First place 50 Fifth place 30

Second place 45 Sixth place 25

Third place 40 Seventh place 20

Fourth place 35 Eighth place 15

In the event of a tie, the schools received an equal number of points based on the number of schools that tie and the number schools that finish higher in the standings. Schools earning the League’s Sportsmanship, Ethics and Integrity Award earn 50 points each.

“We congratulate all the schools who competed in this year’s VHSL championship events,” said Ken Tilley, VHSL executive director. “We especially congratulate the best of the best and we thank Wells Fargo for supporting this important recognition.” The Wells Fargo Cup athletic and academic winners will be recognized during VHSL Day at a University of Virginia football game this fall in Charlottesville.

MLWGS Golf Team District Champions

Maggie Walker District Champion Team - from left, Ben McGuigan ('17, Henrico), Michael Patina ('17, Hanover), John Li ('16, Henrico), Brandon Shaw ('15, Henrico), Thomas Snead ('16, New Kent), and Robbie Crawford ('15, Hanover).

The Maggie Walker Golf Team ended a great golf season by being crowned District Champions on September 24, 2014. The team went on to compete in the Regional Tournament on October 13, 2014 where they fell short by only four strokes of making it to states, but still had a strong third place finish! Additionally, senior Brandon Shaw ('15, Henrico) was named to the All-Regional Team. Congratulations Dragons!

MLWGS Alumna Wins Marathon National Championship

Esther Erb (MLWGS 2004) won the women's division of the 33rd annual Twin Cities Marathon in 2:34:01. She also won the USA Women’s Marathon Championship; entitling her to run for the USA in the 2015 World Championships in Beijing. Most recently, Erb claimed the first ever United States Marathon National Championship in 2:34:00. For full coverage of the national championship, see the coverage here:

http://www.usatf.org/News/Erb-and-Pennel-claim-first-U-S--titles-at-USATF-Ma.aspx