Week of March 22, 2016

FOUNDATION MAILING VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6

The MLWGS Foundation needs volunteer help in preparing a bulk mailing on Wednesday, April 6, starting at 8:30 a.m. in the MLWGS Boardroom. If you have a few hours to spare, please join us!

Foundation helpers will be preparing our third Annual Fund Letter mailing.  Coffee, snacks, and friendly conversation all served!

No RSVP necessary, but for questions or to be added to the Foundation's volunteer list for future bulk mailings, please contact Laura Lewis at laura.lewis@governorsschoolfoundation.org.

SCRIP

For SCRIP for the rest of this school year, the PTSA has decided to sell the remaining gift cards we have 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 we 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, the PTSA has multiple cards. Please think of supporting the PTSA by purchasing gift cards for end-of-year gifts for teachers and other occasions.

ATTENTION SENIOR PARENTS

The Mid-March 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 last 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.

THE ROBERT E. AND JACQUELINE POGUE SCHOLARSHIP

APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

The Robert E. and Jacquelyn Pogue Scholarship annually recognizes a Maggie Walker senior by an award of $3,000 per year for the first two years of their college experience. Selection criteria includes demonstration of a strong interest in the study of history, government and politics, an ability to achieve in a well-rounded academic program, proven leadership ability, and a strong commitment to community service. Financial need will be considered, although it is not a primary factor. Part I of the application can be picked up in the Counseling Office beginning March 22, 2016. An information session for interested seniors will be held Wednesday, March 23 in the College Center (Counseling Office) during lunch starting at 11:40. Please turn in Part I of the application to Dr. Loving by April 11 at 12:30 p.m. Semi-finalists will be given Part II of the application which will be due April 28 at 3:30 p.m. Finalists will be interviewed on May 16.

MLWGS DEBATE TEAM WINS

CATHOLIC FORENSIC LEAGUE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

Public Forum Competitors and Faculty Sponsor Dan Brown

Congratulations to the MLWGS Debate team for Winning the Catholic Forensic League State Championship May 12 at Fluvanna County High School. In Public Forum Debate, George Moss (’16-Henrico) and Sreekar Kandlakunta (’16-Henrico) finished first, Andrew Bui (’17-Henrico) and Omar Karim (’17-Henrico) finished second, and Ryan Lucia (16-Hanover) and John Li (’16-Henrico) finished fourth. In Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Claire Mendelson (’16-Richmond) finished first, Sophia McCrimmon (’17-Hanover) finished second, and Dharaa Rathi (’17-Henrico) finished third.

Congratulations are also due to the Forensics program which finished second overall in the state championship. In Extemporaneous Speech Michael Benos (’16-Chesterfield) finished in 5th and Lawrence Jia (’19-Chesterfield) finished 4th. In Declamation Ananya Suram (’18-Henrico) finished 4th and Emily Ma (’18-Henrico) finished in 2nd. In Original Oratory Genna Markee (’17-Chesterfield) finished 2nd while Naomi Vickers (’17-Richmond) was the state champion in Oral Interpretation.

MLWGS STUDENT EARNS NATIONAL RECOGNITION IN

2016 SCHOLASTIC ART AND WRITING AWARDS

Emma Bilski (’16-Chesterfield) has earned national recognition in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards of 2016. Emma received a Gold Medal in the category of architecture for her set design of the Crucible. Her work has been identified by panels of creative professionals as one of the most talented young artists in the nation. This year, nearly 320,000 works of art and writing were submitted. Only the top 1% were recognized at the national level. Emma Bilski has been invited to attend a ceremony at the world-famous Carnegie Hall in New York on Thursday, June 2. Congratulations Emma!

MLWGS ORCHESTRA STUDENTS EARN SEATS IN

ALL-STATE BAND AND ORCHESTRA 

All-State Band and Orchestra auditions were held February 27 at James Madison University. Each year, the occasion brings the top instrumentalists in the state together based on eligibility gained through earning seats, also by audition, in district and regional band and orchestra events. At stake is a coveted seat in one of the top orchestras or bands in the state. It is widely considered the pinnacle achievement for high-school instrumentalists and the competition at this level is fierce.

MLWGS is proud to congratulate three outstanding students for earning seats in All State Band and Orchestra this year:

Charles Yang (‘17, Henrico), 15th-ranked flute

Willow Kwak (‘18, Henrico), 31st-ranked violin 

Rachel Zhao (‘18, Henrico), 9th-ranked cello

The All State Band and Orchestra event takes place April 7-9 at George Mason University.

ORCHESTRA ENSEMBLES EARN SUPERIOR RATINGS AT DISTRICT ORCHESTRA ASSESSMENT FESTIVAL

Congratulations to the Orchestra I and Orchestra II classes for both receiving the highest ratings of Superior from each of the four professional adjudicators at the District Orchestra Assessment Festival Thursday, March 10 at Hanover High School.

The ensembles prepared a program consisting of music selected from a list of pre-approved titles graded by level of difficulty (I-VI, VI being most difficult). Orchestra I performed grade IV material and Orchestra II performed grade V. Additionally, a sight-reading component rounded out the assessment.

“Straight superior ratings are naturally the benchmark we work to achieve and we’re thrilled and proud to celebrate,” says orchestra director, Karl von Klein. “But the greater takeaway transcends a rating. It’s the shared experience we enjoy by creating art together, for ourselves first and foremost, and the constructive criticism we use from the judges to elevate our ability to control the expression we are capable of conveying through our instruments.”

MLWGS ROBOTICS TEAM COMPETES IN VIRGINIA SOUTHWEST DISTRICT

This past weekend, the Maggie Walker Robotics Team, FRC Team 422, competed at the Virginia Southwest District Competition. By competition end, the team was awarded the Industrial Design award which celebrates form and function in an efficiently designed machine that effectively addresses the game challenge. Team 422 was also semifinalists of the game competition, along with their robot, Paragon!

The team is pictured with the Industrial Design Award.

LADIES NIGHT OUT

It’s not too late to purchase your ticket for the very popular Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School Ladies’ Night Out.  This year we are celebrating "Under The Tuscan Moon” in the Italian-style courtyard of the beautifully restored 2710 Monument Avenue home of alumni parents, Julie and Paul Weissend. Join other MLWGS moms, female faculty, and woman friends of MLWGS for some antipasti, wine, soft drinks and desserts on Wednesday, May 18 from 7:00-10:00 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person and benefit the PTSA. Feel free to buy a ticket for a teacher too! Contact Yvette Conte at contefamily5@msn.com or 804-647-5289 for ticket information.

Week of March 15, 2016

CALLING ALL SHUTTERBUGS!

The Governor’s School Foundation Marketing committee is looking for a parent or two who enjoy taking pictures at occasional events.  All that’s required is a good camera and your interest!

The next event where you could make a contribution is the upcoming Alumni Showcase, being held at MLWGS on Friday, March 25.  Grandparent’s Day on April 15 and the Incoming Freshman Parent Orientation on May 25 also could benefit from your skills.

Interested?  Contact Marketing Committee Chair Lillie Wauford at lrwauford@comcast.net.

FIFTH ANNUAL GRANDPARENTS' DAY

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

ALUMNI SHOWCASE, MARCH 25

The 2016 Alumni Showcase is fast approaching!  On Friday, March 25, about 50 alumni will return to the school to give presentations to current students on life after high school graduation.  This biennial event has been a huge hit with both speakers and students in the past, and we're so excited about this year's speakers.  They include the head of a financial tech startup, a foreign service officer, a producer for The Late Show, and a managing librarian in DC Public Libraries, along with so many other fantastic alums.  Please come to one of our four sessions of presentations throughout the school day if you'd like to see a sampling!

ATTENTION SENIOR PARENTS

The March Senior Newsletter is now available on the School Counseling Website (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3DE6JFmuM3LeDlqU1ZfaWNDM1k/view). 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 last 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.

LADIES NIGHT OUT

It’s not too late to purchase your ticket for the very popular Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School Ladies’ Night Out.  This year we are celebrating "Under The Tuscan Moon” in the Italian-style courtyard of the beautifully restored 2710 Monument Avenue home of alumni parents, Julie and Paul Weissend. Join other MLWGS moms, female faculty, and woman friends of MLWGS for some antipasti, wine, soft drinks and desserts on Wednesday, May 18 from 7:00-10:00 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person and benefit the PTSA. Feel free to buy a ticket for a teacher too! Contact Yvette Conte at contefamily5@msn.com or 804-647-5289 for ticket information.

GOT STRESS?  

HAVE 6TH-BLOCK STUDY HALL? 

YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO REGISTER TO LEARN

KORU MINDFULNESS!

The 7th-block Koru Mindfulness class is halfway finished, but registration for the 6th-block class is open through March 17.

Based on student input, the start-date was delayed, and the four-session Tune-in Tuesday class will now be held from 12:25-1:40 p.m. (6th block) on the following dates:

• Tuesday, March 22
• Tuesday, April 5
• Tuesday, April 12
• Tuesday, April 19

Mindfulness is the practice of bringing full attention to what’s happening in the present moment without judgment.  Among other benefits, it can be a powerful way to reduce stress and improve focus and productivity. This particular pilot teaches the Koru Mindfulness program, a mindfulness program developed by Holly Rogers, M.D., and Margaret Maytan, M.D., and offered to undergraduate and graduate students at Duke University.

Since this pilot test will provide valuable feedback which will be of benefit to MLWGS in planning additional related programs, approval has been granted for students to earn five to twelve community service hours for participating. This opportunity to earn community service for participation only applies to pilot sessions and not to regular programs that may be offered in future school years.

The minimum threshold of four students has already been reached for the 6th-block session and a maximum of 14 students may sign up.

There will be nothing to read or watch for homework, but students will be expected to…

• Commit to attend all four 75-minute sessions (see specific dates below) during their study block.
• Practice the skills learned each week, keeping a brief log of their practice.
• Complete brief pre and post-program surveys.

If you’re interested and you can commit to these expectations, please sign up online @ http://bit.ly/korupilot.

If you have questions, please see Ms. DeGroat in the library.

MECH TECH DRAGONS TAKE SILVER!

Congratulations to the FRC Team 422 Mech Tech Dragons robotics team for winning the silver award in the 2016 Fed Ex Innovation Challenge. Great digital short films directed by Grant Coppedge (’16, Richmond) and edited by Jack Scheibe (’16, Chesterfield) can be seen on twitter.com/FRC422. The team won $3000 and a roboRIO controller and a Dell Aleinware laptop. Good luck to the team in the upcoming competitions.

Week of May 5, 2015

Foundation Supports Music Program

Orchestra teacher Karl von Klein had a problem with the layout of his classroom.  Columns in the music room blocked some students’ views, and they were unable to see the dry erase boards at the front of the classroom. That problem has now been solved, with the installation of two HDTV monitors mounted on those same formerly problematic columns. 

With funding from a Foundation Enhancement Grant, Mr. von Klein was able to purchase not only the HDTVs, but also an iPad Air and Apple TV. The music room is now a high-tech learning space, with capabilities far beyond just the two monitors.  Wireless projection of audio/visual content allows music students to learn in an entirely new way.

For instance, Karl recently wrote to us: “Using the iPad camera as a video recorder…I can now show the students anything the camera sees on the TVs. I can show their parts on the conductor’s score and how it functions with other parts…I don’t have to waste time copying a rhythm to the board; I can show it to the whole class instantly, further preserving valuable rehearsal time.” 

Without generous support of the Governor’s School Foundation, classroom enhancements such as this one would be a dream, not a reality.

Your contributions to the Foundation Annual Fund help bring cutting-edge technology and teaching to MLWGS students.  So far this year, the Annual Fund Campaign has raised $276,732 for the school. Overall current parent participation is 43%, and here is the parent participation by class:

• Seniors: 42%
• Juniors: 38%
• Sophomores: 49%
• Freshmen: 46%

NOMINATE A SPECIAL MLWGS VOLUNTEER!

The PTSA will be honoring two very special MLWGS volunteers at the MLWGS End-of-Year Volunteer event hosted by the Governor's School Foundation on Tuesday, May 26, 2015.

For each award, the PTSA is seeking nominations for outstanding parent volunteers who offer their time to PTSA, Booster groups, the Foundation, or in any other school-support capacity. 

The MLWGS relies heavily on the support of so many, and there are countless ways for volunteers to get involved. Therefore the PTSA has created two uniquely different awards: The Green Dragon Award for a visible and active member of the volunteer community; and The Dragon’s Lair Award for the person who works behind the scenes, not necessarily in a leadership role.

Any member of the MLWGS community may nominate a volunteer (no more than one nomination per award please). Awards will be determined based upon nominations received. 

Please submit nominations to mew.mailbox@gmail.com no later than Friday, May 22, 2015. Thank you for taking the time to vote!

MLWGS (Required) Summer Reading Books

A book, a book.  My kingdom for a [summer reading] book!

It's easy for you and King Richard to get your summer reading books.  The PTSA is taking orders for the MLWGS required summer reading selections.  The titles are available at a discounted, tax-free price - - convenient for families, a benefit to MLWGS, and best of all, those books will get into eager hands before the summer begins (certainly a bonus in getting started on the tale of the whale)!

Order forms will be distributed to rising Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors, and the form is available on this page under "Links", to the right.

Orders are due by Tuesday, May 19.  Please leave them in Valenta Williams’s office off the Bluestone Lobby.  Make checks payable to MLWGS PTSA.  The books will be distributed to students through the English Department.  If you need financial assistance in obtaining any of the required titles, please contact Karl Zweerink at 354-6800, ext. 3210, kzweerink@gsgis.k12.va.us.  For questions or more information, please contact Susan Creasey at creaseys@verizon.net.

Ladies’ Night Out: Salad Days —

Last Chance to Buy Tickets!

Come enjoy your "Salad Days" with MLWGS moms and female faculty and staff at the annual PTSA Ladies’ Night Out. This year’s theme is a Shakespearean expression referring to a youthful time of idealism and innocence!  The evening will feature hearty salads along with bread, desserts, wine, and soft drinks at this event open to all female parents, staff, and friends of MLWGS. Last year 85 women attended this lovely evening, talking and eating with old and new friends.  This year Ladies’ Night Out will take place on Wednesday, May 20 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the home of Mary Michael and Rich Schweiker (parents of Richard and Claire) in historic Windsor Farms. Tickets cost $35. We encourage you to buy tickets for MLWGS teachers too! To purchase your ticket to this PTSA fundraiser, contact Kristin Lyons at clyons1@comcast.net or Yvette Conte at contefamily5@msn.com.

ATTENTION SENIORS

Senior Group Photo

A group photo of seniors in their caps and gowns was taken on Wednesday, April 29.  If you did not get a chance to purchase a copy, it’s not too late.  Lifetouch will link a copy of this photo to the other photos that will be taken at the graduation ceremony.  The cost will still be $15.  Contact Ms. Sheppard (804-354-6800 ext. 3304 or ksheppard@gsgis.k12.va.us) with any questions.

Community Service Hours:  Due by Monday, May 18, 3:30 p.m.

Completion of 140 community service hours is a requirement for graduation (see the MLWGS student handbook).  Students may confirm their community service hours in PowerSchool. Please see Ms. Valenta Williams in room 100 if there are any discrepancies. All seniors must turn in any remaining hours they have earned no later than May 18. 

Music Performance Auditions 

May 19 & 20, 3:20 – 4:30 p.m., Auditorium

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.   Students should begin preparing now if they would like to audition.   Any MLWGS senior or group of seniors interested in auditioning must sign up for a time slot by May 15 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.

LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF HYDRATION

Water. When you've got it, life is good. When you don't...well, just look at the American southwest. Today's moral of the story is STAY HYDRATED, PEOPLE. Your body will thank you, not to mention you can excuse yourself from most classes for a few minutes at a time throughout the day. Keep on top of your water intake with this uberstylish green and black bottle with gleaming steel accents.  All yours for a mere $8 - - priced with the people in mind!

In between trips to the water fountain, stop by The Dragon's Lair Tuesdays and Fridays during lunch and celebrate your economic freedom with our rows upon rows of gifts, accessories and MLWGS apparel.  Shop anytime at our website.  Checks and cold hard cash accepted.  'Murica.

DON'T MISS THE FINAL PTSA PROGRAM -

TONIGHT 5:30 IN THE AUDITORIUM!

Local author and educator Linda Fisher Thornton discusses ethics and our children with a special introduction from senior Reed Canaan (Henrico), student chair of the Maggie Walker Honor Council. The final PTSA program of the year should last about an hour. 

My Final CHESS Tournament

Written by Isaac Steincamp (’15, Chesterfield)

The MLWGS Chess Team shows their winnings from an eventful weekend in Columbus.

Never in my eleven years of playing chess have I seen a group more motivated to improve than the MLWGS Chess Team. This year I coached the team on Tuesdays after school in Room 111 (we still meet), and throughout the year, each player improved significantly. Furthermore, the members of this club really were passionate about working with younger players in the Greater Richmond area. On top of practices, each of the members of our club made an effort to volunteer at our free chess clinics throughout the year, or our other chess events we ran throughout the year. In my time at Maggie Walker, Chess Club has been the most impressive student run club I’ve seen, and has emerged has a major staple of the Richmond Chess Community.

To read the full post, click HERE.

MAGGIE WALKER STUDENTS PLACE SECOND IN NATIONAL CONSTITUTIONAL COMPETITION

The Governor’s School Foundation is pleased to congratulate the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School We the People Team, which placed second in the nation in The Citizen and the Constitution National Finals, which took place Monday, April 27 in Washington, DC. The 2015 competition marks the 9th time MLWGS has finished in the top three since 2003 (2011 and 2003 National Champions). Additionally, Walker’s Unit 1 won the prestigious Magna Carta Award for the highest score in the nation on the Magna Carta question.

The National Finals marked the end of months of study and hard-won first place finishes at the district level and state level for the team.

The Walker We the People team is fortunate to receive support from the Governor’s School Foundation and particular support from corporate sponsors the New Market Foundation, the MeadWestvaco Foundation, Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP, Tailored Touches, and Geoff McDonald and Associates.

The Maggie Walker We the People team is coached by Social Studies teacher and alumnus Sam Ulmschneider '02. Please join us in congratulating Sam and the entire We the People team!

http://www.civiced.org/programs/wtp

Week of March 3, 2015

Lee Smith Coming to MLWGS March 4

Lee Smith was born in 1944 in Grundy, Virginia. Growing up in the Appalachian Mountains of southwestern Virginia, she developed a love for writing. After spending her last two years of high school at St. Catherine's School in Richmond, Smith enrolled at Hollins College in Roanoke. During her senior year there, Smith submitted an early draft of The Last Day the Dog Bushes Bloomed to a school contest. That book would later become Smith's first published work of fiction. Since then, she has published fifteen novels and four collections of short stories, and has received eight major writing awards including the Sidney Lanier Prize for Southern Literature in 2013. Her latest novel, Guests on Earth, takes place at Highland Mental Hospital in Asheville, N.C., between the years 1936-1948. Told from the point of view of patient Evalina Toussaint, daughter of a New Orleans exotic dancer, the novel explores the buildup to the 1948 fire which lead to the death of nine women, including Zelda Fitzgerald.  Learn more when Lee Smith herself visits MLWGS on March 4.

ARE COLLEGE COSTS WEIGHING HEAVY ON YOUR MIND?

Save the date for this PTSA program 

Paying for College 101:

Applications, Financial Aid, Merit Scholarships, and More 

March 18, 2015 • 8:00 a.m.  

Featuring Susan Teerlink,

MLWGS’s GRASP advisor

Susan has been coaching families through this important (and tedious) process for nine years. She has filled out hundreds of FAFSA forms with parents and students – and her own daughters. She works one-on-one with many MLWGS juniors and seniors, but she’s ready to share her wisdom with all MLWGS parents. Don’t miss this chance to get an overview of the process in a familiar environment – before you jump in with both feet. 

Stop by room 153, the outside classroom near the Bluestone Lobby entrance before work or after you drop off your student.

UPCOMING SCRIP ORDER DUE MARCH 5

The next Scrip order due date is Thursday, March 5. Orders will be ready for pick-up the following Thursday, March 12. Please consider ordering SCRIP gift cards for favorite stores and restaurants while supporting Maggie Walker!

Order forms can be downloaded here under "Links" or picked up in Office 100. Orders are due on Thursdays in the SCRIP drop box located in Office 100 and are delivered the following Thursday at lunchtime in Office 100. Delivery and pickup dates can also be found on the MLWGS online calendar. Be sure to check out the list of SCRIP retailers, which is regularly being updated.

Questions? Please contact:
Patty Wood 804-364-9263 or scrippattyw@gmail.com
Patty Zeevi 804-784-2966 or scrippattyz@gmail.com

YOUTH ART MONTH

March is Youth Art Month where MLWGS takes time to celebrate the wonderful and talented young artist and raise awareness of the importance of the arts in our culture.  The exhibition opens Friday March 6 from 6 – 7 p.m., in the 2nd floor main hallway at MLWGS.   Students enrolled in Digital Art, Photography, or Visual Arts classes will have a work exhibited in the annual student art exhibition.  The show will run through March.   All are welcome to attend.  Light refreshments will be provided by the Visual Arts Boosters.  

Coaches – Parents Spring Sports Meeting 

Thursday March 5

The Spring Sports Coaches – Parents meeting will be Thursday, March 5 at 6 p.m. in the third floor Forum.  We will hear from the Athletic Director, and then break up into individual sport meetings.  MLWGS teams have done extremely well this year and MLWGS is expecting a great spring season.  Come meet the coaches and hear about MLWGS student athletes’ spring conference schedules and competition.

Go Dragons!

SEND A SHOUT OUT TO YOUR FAVORITE THESPIAN!

MLWGS Drama presents, Into the Woods, March 12-14 and YOU can send a Shout Out to your favorite cast or crew member.  Shout Outs are a special place in the program where people can place notes to the cast and crew offering special wishes or words of thanks and encouragement.

Example: “Sally, we’re so proud of you! Break a leg! Love, Grandma and Grandpa Jones” or: “Mike, you’re the best!! It’s been fun! Your friend, Ellie”.

Shout Outs are $10 each ($5 for students placing a Shout Out) and should be limited to 20 words or less. All proceeds benefit the MLWGS Drama Program.

Click here (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bx4f6ZhqrWcYUWN2Y1d5QzdwTHc/view?usp=sharing) for the form.  Completed forms can be returned to the green Drama Box in Room 100 or mailed to: Drama Boosters, 4303 Hanover Ave., Richmond, VA 23221.  If you have any questions, please call Jewel Caven at 938-8249 or email:  cavenfamily@gmail.com. Deadline is Thursday March 5.

Dragons Sing at All-District Chorus

Congratulations to Hannah Polaski (Richmond, '17), Evan Heiter (Hanover, '16), and Erin Turbeville (Chesterfield, '16) for a fantastic All-District Chorus weekend! They were selected from more than 1,200 auditions from the Richmond area and spent the two days singing with the area¹s best musicians. Evan Heiter was also selected to represent the district in All-Virginia Chorus!

Tickets still available for

Guys’ Night Out and Ladies’ Night Out

Attention all MLWGS parents – don’t miss out on great opportunities to connect with old friends and make some new!  Tickets are still available for Guys’ Night Out and Ladies’ Night Out.

March 27, March Madness: Guys’ Night Out — Buy Your Tickets Now!

A limited number of tickets are available for March Madness: Guys’ Night Out.  This will be a fun evening watching the NCAA Basketball Tournament with other MLWGS fathers, teachers and friends of MLWGS. Tickets are $35.  Buy one for yourself and a teacher/faculty member.  You’ll enjoy pizza, beer, and watching two games in the Sweet 16 round.  Guys’ Night Out is Friday, March 27 at the home of Bob and Liz Blue (parents of John Blue, Class of 2017). Tipoff is 7 p.m.  Space is limited to the first 50 tickets sold.  All proceeds support the Athletic Boosters.  To reserve your spot, email David Poole (father of Tucker Collins, Class of 2016) at dpoole4@gmail.com.

May 20, Salad Days: Ladies’ Night Out — Buy Your Tickets Now!

Come enjoy your "Salad Days" with MLWGS moms and female faculty and staff at the annual PTSA Ladies’ Night Out. This year’s theme is a Shakespearean expression referring to a youthful time of idealism and innocence!  We will be serving hearty salads along with bread, desserts, wine, and soft drinks at this event open to all female parents, staff, and friends of MLWGS. Last year 85 women attended this lovely evening, talking and eating with old and new friends. This year Ladies’ Night Out will take place on Wednesday, May 20 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the home of Mary Michael and Rich Schweiker (parents of Claire, Class of 2016 and Richard, Class of 2014) in historic Windsor Farms. Tickets cost $35. Consider buying tickets for MLWGS teachers too! To purchase your ticket for this PTSA fundraiser, email Kristin Lyons (Mom of Matthew, Class of 2017 and Hannah, Class of 2014) at clyons1@comcast.net or Yvette Conte (Mom of Julia, Class of 2017, Lucy, Class of 2014, and Michael, Class of 2012)  at contefamily5@msn.com.

The Write Stuff at The Dragon's Lair

Want to change your writing style?  Or perhaps you're ready to make your mark on the world? (On paper, of course, not on walls.)  The Dragon's Lair has your choice of precision manuscript implements, available in vibrant metallic dragon green or midnight-of-your-soul poetic black (http://mlwgsdragons.weebly.com/new-pens.html).  And at the March Madness price, you can afford to change your style multiple times daily.

These deals, and many more, are available at our March Madness sale, every Tuesday and Friday.  We have many items more than 50% off, but once they're gone, so are the discounts! Come shop during the upcoming Spring Drama productions, before the show and during intermission. Click (http://mlwgsdragons.weebly.com/) to see our complete selection of spirit merchandise. Cash and checks welcomed.

EARLY S&S DEADLINE ANNOUNCEMENT!

The submission deadline for the Tuesday, March 10 edition of Smoke and Scales will be TODAY, 5 p.m. (Tuesday, March 3).  This is an early deadline for the March 10 edition only.  Submissions received after 5 p.m. on March 3 will appear in the Tuesday, March 17 edition of Smoke and Scales.

Thanks from your S&S editors!