Week of September 26, 2018

MIDDLE SCHOOL VISITS FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

Parent and student volunteers are needed for information sessions about Maggie Walker.  Prospective parents and students enjoy getting to know the real scoop on MLWGS that only you can provide.  As a middle school parent or student volunteer recruiter, your job is to arrive on time, support the MLWGS administrator on site, and help answer questions during the visit. Students can receive community service hours for volunteering!

Note: Richmond schools are scheduled during the day this year at the schools' request; only administrators will participate.

 Volunteer for Middle School Visits

ATHLETIC BOOSTERS MONTHLY MEETING

The Maggie L. Walker Athletic Boosters Club will hold a monthly Board Meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 2, in room 105.  Board Officers and Directors are expected to attend.  All Athletic Boosters members and anyone interested in becoming involved with Athletic Boosters are welcome to attend.  Anyone with questions may contact Athletic Boosters President Rich Schweiker at dukeschweikers@aol.com.

THE 22nd ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL! 

The 22nd annual MLWGS Fall Festival is scheduled for October 5, 2018. Each year, the PTSA puts on this exciting event which brings together MLWGS student clubs for an array of food, entertainment, and fun. In addition, parents and members of the community can support our student organizations by serving as a sponsor.

Sponsorships are available at the Silver ($250) and Gold ($500) levels. In recognition of your support, your company and business logos will be listed on the corporate sponsorship banner which is prominently featured at the festival. Additionally, all corporate sponsors can have a table at the festival should they wish to display and provide information on their company and services.

To become a sponsor or for more information email Kathleen Staley

The Maggie L. Walker Governor's School annual Fall Festival is a fantastic event for the whole school and the surrounding community. The festival is a great event with delicious food and live student performances. All proceeds raised benefit the participating student groups and help fund their activities for the year. It takes scores of parent volunteers to work before, during, and after to make this tradition a success year after year. Please sign up for a shift or two and assist us by lending items that we need, if you have them. Thanks so much for your help!

Fall Festival Volunteer Sign up

Questions? Please contact Ingrid Hale ikhale31@gmail.com or 315-415-7759 or Elizabeth Brady vabradys@gmail.com or 804-874-0923.

NEW MERCH AT THE DRAGON'S LAIR

Stop by and check our our new arrivals! We updated our MW Polo and Running Shorts and added a MW Zip-Up Hoodie. The store is open each Tuesday and Friday during lunch and for special events. Make sure you come see us at the Fall Festival on October 5. http://mlwgsdragons.ourspiritgear.com/

THERAPY DOGS ARE COMING BACK!

Therapy dogs and their handlers visited our school last spring during Stress Less, Laugh More Week. The dogs were a very popular attraction and a number of students requested a second visit. We were able to accommodate that with the support of Caring Canines and our administration. The therapy dogs will visit our school on October 26 during lunch. Permission forms signed by parents will be required in order to access the dogs. Look for those in mid-October. Questions? Call Lisa Ebeling, School Psychologist, x 3260 or email lebeling@gsgis.k12.va.us

As of September 21, 2018, the Foundation has raised $51,644 toward our 2018-19 goal of $350,000. We're happy to report that we have spent $48,185 on enhancements for the school since July 1. This includes providing funding for professional development and continuing education for 22 faculty members, $6,851 to support Dragons in financial need*, and offsetting class or club-related travel costs for 90 students- and we are just getting started! Support from current parents is a big part of what allows us to help make MLWGS a better place to teach and to learn. You can make a gift here. Thank you to everyone who has donated already! We could not do it without you.

*If you believe your student could benefit from student aid funding, please contact Dr. Wendy Ellis to discuss confidentially.

Week of September 19, 2018

SCHOOL PICTURE TIME! 

Wendell Powell will be taking underclass portraits on Monday, September 24 and Thursday, September 27, in Room 153. 

Students will be photographed during their English classes.

Retakes will be Monday, October 15.

The 22nd ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL: A GLOBAL CELEBRATION

Friday, October 5, 2018 4-8 p.m. 1000 N. Lombardy St., on the front lawn 

Interested in Performing at Fall Festival?

Curricular Groups (Jazz Band, Orchestra, Chorus, etc.) will have designated slots.

Limited time is available for other student groups.

Go to the Fall Festival Facebook page or click on this link! Submit ONE FORM per group.

MW Fall Festival 2018 Entertainment Sign-Up

DEADLINE for signing up is this Friday, September 21.

The Maggie L Walker Governor's School annual Fall Festival is a fantastic event for the whole school and the surrounding community. The festival is a great event with delicious food and live student performances.  All proceeds raised benefit the participating student groups and help fund their activities for the year.  It takes scores of parent volunteers to work before, during, and after to make this tradition a success year after year. Please sign up for a shift or two and assist us by lending items that we need, if you have them. Thanks so much for your help!    

Fall Festival Volunteer Sign up  

Questions? Please contact Ingrid Hale ikhale31@gmail.com or 315-415-7759  or Elizabeth Brady vabradys@gmail.com or 804-874-0923.

ATTENTION PARENTS OF JUNIORS AND SENIORS

The application for National Honor Society is now available online at National Honor Society Application. Applications must be submitted online by Tuesday, September 25 at 5:00 p.m. Applicants must be juniors or seniors with a 3.5 cumulative, weighted, not rounded GPA and must be on track in earning community service hours (70 for juniors and 105 for seniors). Members of NHS must commit to earning five additional NHS-related service hours per year of membership above and beyond graduation requirements in order to wear an NHS cord at graduation. Please see the application for additional instructions/requirements and membership obligations. 

Please contact the NHS Sponsors, Dr. Loving rloving@gsgis.k12.va.us and Ms. Streitel kstreitel@gsgis.k12.va.us with questions.

PTSA Orientation Forms

Hello Dragon families!  Interested in volunteering or helping with the Night of the Dragon? Be sure to send in your PTSA Volunteer and Auction forms found in your orientation packet.  You can also support the school through contributions to the Foundation Annual Fund, Booster Groups, and membership in the PTSA.  Use the envelope provided in the orientation packet.  Envelopes can be dropped off to the PTSA Dropbox in Reception, Room 100 – Main Office, Bluestone Lobby. 

Thank you for your time and support of the students! 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL VISITS FOR

PROSPECTIVE MLWGS STUDENTS 

Parent and student volunteers are needed for information sessions about Maggie Walker! Prospective parents and students really enjoy getting to know the real scoop on MLWGS that only you can provide.  As a middle school parent or student volunteer recruiter your job is to arrive on time, support the MLWGS administrator on site, and help answer questions during the visit. Students can receive community service hours for volunteering.


Please note that City of Richmond visits will be added when scheduled. 

Middle School Visits Volunteer Sign Up

ATTENTION SENIOR PARENTS

The September Senior Newsletter is now available on the School Counseling website. This newsletter contains important college and scholarship-related reminders and deadlines. Dr. Loving and Ms. Streitel met with all of the senior English classes last week to discuss important college information including how to request transcripts and recommendation letters, upcoming deadlines, etc., and distributed the first issue of the Senior Newsletter to students.

The In-House Selective Scholarship Application is open in Naviance and is due by 8 a.m. on October 1. Completion of this in-house application will make seniors eligible to be nominated for these specific scholarships by our MLWGS Scholarship Committee. Detailed information about each scholarship can be found on Naviance. Students chosen to be nominated for a scholarship will need to complete all scholarship application requirements by the specific scholarship deadline.

·         VA DAR Good Citizen

·         UVA: Jefferson Scholars

·         Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

·         Harry F. Byrd, Jr. Leadership Award

·         Davidson College: Belk Scholars

·         Interfaith Council Brother/Sisterhood Award

·         Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship Program

·         VA Tech: Pamplin Leaders Award

·         Virginia Interscholastic Athletic (VIAAA) Awards

·         VHSL Scholarships

·         Executive Women International Scholarship Program

·         Pogue Scholarship

·         Civitan International Honor Key

·         Rajan Scholarship

A description of all scholarship opportunities sent to MLWGS can be found on Naviance. Please note that this list is not exhaustive- students are still encouraged to do their own scholarship research.  See the “Scholarship and Financial Aid” page of the School Counseling website for tips. All deadlines listed in Naviance are subject to change- MLWGS is not always notified of annual date changes; therefore, it is important that students confirm all deadlines on the scholarship organization’s direct website. Please contact Kierstin Streitel in the School Counseling Office with any scholarship questions.

Teacher Recommendation Request forms are due by 3:30 p.m. on September 21 for any deadlines November 1 or earlier.  

All other Teacher Recommendation Request forms are due at least two “school” weeks prior to the college/program deadline (breaks not included). Extra forms are in the School Counseling Office.

A Transcript Request form is due to counselors by 3:30 p.m. on October 1 for any deadlines November 15 or earlier. A Transcript Request Form is due to counselors by 3:30 p.m. on November 15 for any deadlines November 16 or later. Extra forms are in the School Counseling Office.

Students are allowed four excused absences for college visits per year. Students must get and turn back in a pre-approval form to Ms. Bowman in advance. Students should let their teachers know ahead of time that they will be missing class and it is up to them to inquire about and complete any missed work.

LIBRARY NEWS

Many contribute to give the library a fresh look for the new school year!

                               Casual Seating at lunch in the Library

Based on valuable feedback from student focus groups held in the spring (which involved students from all grade levels and from across many school districts), the library has a fresh look. Stop by on Back to School Night to take a look!

There are the same number of computers, tables, chairs, and bookcases, but they’ve been rearranged. To complement existing favorites like the Gratitude Box (free cards) and Creativity and Calm supplies (e.g., origami paper, coloring books), enhancements include:

• A new casual seating area with a bright rug, BackJack chairs, and lap desks
• More than double the mobile-device charging capacity with 32 outlets and 12 USB ports
• A project assembly table

Aesthetically, the new arrangement feels more spacious and open, has green accent columns, and will soon have two wall quotes.

Abundant thanks to the Governors School Foundation for their grant, Gene Roland and Troy Mitchell (for LOTS of work, including shifting the bookcases), Max Smith and Wendy Ellis (for their admin support), David Bortz and Deborah Snagg (for their tech advice and support), Lisa Williams (for her design advice), Jeff Hall (for two student paintings), Megan Hahn and Harrison DeLuca (who moved a lot of books), Amy Maxey (for authorizing community service hours for Harrison and Megan), and most of all, to the students in the focus groups who each drew a map of what they wanted to see in the library. Their creativity and candor expanded my vision of what I imagined possible within the library’s existing space.

Help Restock the Gratitude Box

When a dragon would like to brighten someone’s day with a “Thank you,” or an encouraging, celebratory, or empathetic note, they can select a free card from the library’s Gratitude Box.

If you have extra cards, construction paper, or glue cluttering your house (please do not go out and buy any), Ms. DeGroat will gladly accept the following:

• Thank You or Blank cards (the top choices)
• Congratulations or Thinking of You cards (the next tier of popularity)
• Birthday cards
• Get Well and Sympathy cards
• Construction paper (for students who prefer to make their own cards)
• Glue

Contemporary artsy or simple designs and solid-color cards are the most popular if you happen to have them. Since we already have plenty of holiday cards, please do not send those.

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

Wendy DeGroat, Librarian

As of September 12, 2018, the Foundation has raised $18,378 toward our 2018-19 goal of $350,000.  You probably know that the vast majority of the Foundation's programming serves current MLWGS students and faculty, but we also act as the school's alumni office.  Keeping up with our alumni is one of the best parts of the job.  If you want to see some of what our alumni are up to now, you can check or like the MLWGS Foundation Facebook page or check our website.  Recently, we profiled Jake Zaslav ('16), who spent his summer interning at The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and shared a week's worth of alumni news featuring a bestselling author, a Yale MBA student, an indie music rising star, a chef, and an Emmy-winning comedian.  All of our programming for and about alumni is supported by the 2018-19 Annual Fund (click here to donate).  Thank you to everyone who has given already this year!  We couldn't do what we do without you.

Jake Zaslav (16) late show desk

Week of September 27, 2017

NINE DAYS UNTIL THE FALL FESTIVAL!

Come one, come all to the 21st annual MLWGS Fall Festival on October 6 from 4-8:00 p.m! It is an international event sponsored by the PTSA to directly showcase and financially support MLWGS student organizations! Held on the front steps and lawn of the school facing Lombardy Street, the Fall Festival offers a wide variety of activities, entertainment, and food.

The Festival is open to all- current students, their families, younger siblings, former students and families, neighborhood residents, and friends of the school!

There is no admittance charged for the festival and all the entertainment, provided by our very talented students is free! Tickets are sold to purchase all items for sale- crafts, games, entrees, desserts, drinks, and more!

Be sure to “Like” the Fall Festival Page on Facebook to get the latest information about what is planned and what volunteer opportunities exist MLWGS Fall Festival Facebook.

Sponsorships needed - Deadline Wednesday, September 27!
To keep costs down- and keep more money in the coffers of MLWGS student organizations- the MLWGS PTSA is looking for corporate or individual sponsors. The goal this year is $2000. Each year our Fall Festival grows, and with that growth new tables and tents are purchased. Funds from sponsors go to purchasing these items. Gold sponsorship is a donation of $500 and Silver Sponsors donate $250. Smaller donations are also accepted and greatly appreciated. If you would like to make a donation, please email Kathy Staley at Kathleen.staley@comcast.net.

Thanks to the generosity of the following sponsors, we are almost at our goal of $2000.

GOLD SPONSORS
Patient First

SILVER SPONSORS
Louise W. Reed, CPA, PC

MLWGS Parents in support of ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation
Spectrum Wise College consulting for students with ASD/Asperger's

SENIOR CLASS BOOTH SPONSOR
Nyfeler Associates

If your organization would like to become a sponsor, the deadline is quickly approaching!

We need you to volunteer! The Festival relies on volunteers to help with the many jobs including set up, booth support, PTSA drink sales, crowd control, ticket sales and counting, and tear down. Parent support is critical to the success of the Festival and students can earn community service hours. Parent volunteers will be needed on October 6 starting at 9 a.m. before the Festival for setup, during the Festival, and afterwards for clean up. The PTSA also needs to borrow some items to help keep the cost down. More information about volunteering and donating items is posted on the Fall Festival Facebook Page MLWGS Fall Festival Facebook and will be posted next week in Smoke and Scales.


Pre-purchase Tickets! Last year lines to buy tickets were long, but picking up pre-ordered tickets was fast and easy! The Committee strongly encourages everyone to pre-order tickets using the form below! Although we recommend 15-20 tickets per student, 10 tickets will buy a good meal and pay for a one or two of activities or yummy treats. Also remember, except for Dragon's Lair, booths only accept tickets and only cash is accepted for tickets the day of the festival!

Ticket Order Form

MIDDLE SCHOOL VISITS

Remember going to information night in middle school to learn about Maggie Walker? If you or your student would be interested in sharing your Maggie Walker experience with future Dragons and their parents, please consider signing up for Middle School visits. MW administrators visit with many of the area middle schools and would love to add parent and student perspectives. No presentation skills needed, just have to show up and be ready to talk one-on-one to parents and students about Maggie Walker! 

www.SignUpGenius.com/go/70A054FAAAE2C7-volunteers

CHECK OUT MLWGS GEAR

Finding it difficult to stop by the Dragon's Lair on Tuesdays or Fridays during lunch? Then you need to check out the Dragon's Lair online store: mlwgsdragons.ourspiritgear.com. The Dragon's Lair will also have a booth at the October 6, Fall Festival. Make sure you stop by and pick up a new cellphone card carrier, sling bag, long sleeve tee shirt, and more.




HOMECOMING PICNIC

There is more than one way to keep up with the Governor's School Foundation. You can either like our Facebook page to see regular updates or check our website. You will see posts about our alumni, like recent Fulbright recipient Eileen Wang ('12), Spelman College junior Bre'Anna Vinson ('15), and attorney Kate Lipper Garabedian ('99), who is running for office this November. You will also see posts about the enhancement grants we fund every year, and our events for alumni and parents. We are looking forward to a great year, so we hope you will stay tuned!

ATTENTION SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS

Do you want to learn more about Japanese language and culture? Make new friends from across the nation and around the world? Spend part of your summer at Princeton University? Have the best 10 days of your life? Then apply to the High School Diplomats cultural exchange program! All current sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply. This is a truly unique and unforgettable experience. Participants share American culture and learn about Japanese culture through festivals, discussions, and classes (don’t worry- there are no grades involved and you don’t have to know any Japanese). They also get to room with a Japanese student and form a lifelong, cross-cultural bond.

The online application can be found at www.highschooldiplomats.com and is currently open. The deadline for application submission is January 8, 2018. Selected applicants will be notified by mid-February to schedule an interview. Interviews (in-person or Skype depending on location) will take place between late February and March. Final application status will be given by mid-April 2017. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Celine Zapolski, the American Director of the program. She can be reached at (571) 234-5072 or celinezapolski@highschooldiplomats.com.

SENIOR PORTRAITS
Due to overwhelming demand, in-school senior portraits have MOVED to Monday, October 9. New, additional time slots are now available. Seniors wishing to be photographed should sign up outside Room 330. Seniors' time slots from the old October 11 sheet have been preserved, EXCEPT for those who signed up between 12 and 12:30 or after 3:00 p.m. Those seniors have new time slots, so please check the new list. Seniors who cannot make their assigned time slot may change it or swap with a classmate. See Mr. White mwhite@gsgis.k12.va.us if you have any questions. These free portraits are tux and drape only; additional poses, outfits and backgrounds involve fees.

If you would rather be photographed for your formal yearbook portrait at another studio, be sure that your portraits adhere to the following specifications:

a. formal dress (tux or drape)
b. "midnight blue" or other standard, dark blue or black background
c. photo should be head and shoulders, with the bottom of frame hitting mid-chest level. Any size from Strawbridge [2-15/16" x 2-3/16" OR 2-3/16" x 1-5/8" OR 1-15/16" x 1-7/16"] is fine.

Photos from other studios are due no later than Friday, November 17. If we do not have your picture by November 17, you risk exclusion from the senior section. Please give Mr. White a copy of the photo if it is NOT the contracted school photographer. Digital images must be at least 300 dpi and can be emailed tomwhite@gsgis.k12.va.us or delivered on a CD or flash drive to Mr. White. If you email an image, please send a separate email to follow up to make sure we received the email as we may need to provide a different email address for larger images.

ATTENTION SENIOR PARENTS

The September Senior Newsletter is available on the School Counseling website. This newsletter contains important college and scholarship-related reminders and deadlines.

The In-House Selective Scholarship Application is open in Naviance and is due by midnight on October 1.  Completion of this in-house application will make seniors eligible to be nominated for these specific scholarships by our MLWGS Scholarship Committee. Detailed information about each scholarship can be found on Naviance. Students chosen to be nominated for a scholarship will need to complete all scholarship application requirements by the specific scholarship deadline.

· Washington University St. Louis: Danforth Scholars Program

· VA DAR Good Citizen

· UVA: Jefferson Scholars

· Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

· Harry F. Byrd, Jr. Leadership Award

· Davidson College: Belk Scholars

· Interfaith Council Brother/Sisterhood Award

· Comcast Leaders & Achievers Scholarship Program

· VA Tech: Pamplin Leaders Award

· Virginia Interscholastic Athletic (VIAAA) Awards

· VHSL Scholarships

· Executive Women International Scholarship Program

· Pogue Scholarship (requires an additional application available in March)

· Civitan International Honor Key

A description of all scholarship opportunities sent to MLWGS can be found on Naviance. Please note that this list is not exhaustive- students are still encouraged to do their own scholarship research. See the “Scholarship and Financial Aid” page of the School Counseling website for tips. All deadlines listed in Naviance are subject to change- MLWGS is not always notified of annual date changes; therefore, it is important that students confirm all deadlines on the scholarship organization’s direct website. Please contact Kierstin Streitel in the School Counseling Office with any scholarship questions.

Teacher Recommendation Request forms are due at least two “school” weeks prior to the college/program deadline (winter break not included). Extra forms are in the School Counseling Office.

A Transcript Request form is due to counselors by 3:30pm on October 2nd for any deadlines November 15 or earlier. A Transcript Request Form is due to counselors by 3:30pm on November 15th for any deadlines November 16 or later. Extra forms are in the School Counseling Office.

Students are allowed four excused absences for college visits per year. Students must get and turn in a pre-approval form to Ms. Bowman in advance. Students should let their teachers know ahead of time that they will be missing class and it is up to them to inquire about and complete any missed work.

The Liberty University Helms School of Government invites interested students to attend College for a Weekend (CFAW) Open House on Friday, September 29 from 2:30-5:30pm. To register: http://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?PID=16415