Week of September 2, 2020

Welcome back, Dragons!

School starts next Tuesday, September 8, 2020.



Welcome to the first 2020-21 edition of Smoke and Scales.

Smoke and Scales is a weekly electronic newsletter. See instructions at the footer here to subscribe to weekly Smoke and Scales and to learn how to submit items.

Please note that the web version of Smoke and Scales contains MANY useful links in the column on the right side: all the booster organizations, Counseling Department, MLWGS school calendar, volunteer forms, link to AmazonSmile, shop with scrip online link, and so much more! Unfortunately, this list of links does not appear on mobile devices. These links are updated continuously. Please note them and use them often.

Because the 2020-21 school year will begin online and virtual, we are posting much of the information that you would have received in paper form in a back-to-school packet. That makes for a long newsletter, but you will want to read the WHOLE edition. There is a LOT of important information here.

This edition will be organized into FOUR main sections:

1. Letter from PTSA president and navigating MLWGS communications.

2. Fundraising information, PTSA membership, MLWGS Foundation, boosters, Dragon's Lair shop, scrip program, etc.

3. School forms: community service, library, student aid, free breakfast and lunch forms, etc.

4. Yearbook information: senior page, how to order, etc.

But WAIT!
Before you read on, there is ONE thing you and you child MUST do:
Parents AND students have forms to complete in their own PowerSchool portals, and they must be completed by Monday, September 14. Once you log into PowerSchool, fill out the E-Collect Forms on the left side of the home page.

Finally, if you want to be included in the student directory, please make sure you opt in. Details here.

Also, for new dragon families, if you have not been contacted by a parent ambassador, please email Kim Warren at warkim@gmail.com.

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1. PTSA and Communications 

On behalf of the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School (MLWGS) PTSA, I would like to welcome our new students and parents to the 2020-21 school year. To our returning families, welcome back! The 2020-21 school year will truly be unlike any other. As we start this special year during the time of COVID-19, please remember that our goal is to continue working together with the teachers and administration as we strive to develop and improve the student experience at MLWGS, one of the premiere public high schools in Virginia.

I encourage you to join the MLWGS PTSA. Your 2020-21 PTSA membership costs a nominal fee of $20 per family (or $30 if you have two or more students at MLWGS).

Please use the link above to donate online. You may also mail a check made out to MLWGS PTSA to 1000 N. Lombardy St., Richmond, VA 23220. Once we can return to school, contributions can be dropped off in the office of Ms. Valenta Williams, Room 100, which is near the Bluestone Lobby entrance.

The annual PTSA membership fee supports the student directory, teacher and staff appreciation gifts/events, and school/student support (hospitality, Fall Festival, landscaping). It also pays for your annual PTSA membership to the Virginia and National PTAs.

Feel free to contact me, or any of our PTSA officers or committee chairs, directly with questions or comments. We look forward to collaborating with you in the coming year as we make the education/lives of our students a priority, both in and out of the classroom.



Beth Simms
MLWGS PTSA President, 2020-21
president@mlwgsptsa.org

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Navigating the MLWGS website

The MLWGS website offers a tremendous amount of useful information.
Here are descriptions of some areas frequently visited by current MLWGS parents:

Homepage links at the top: 
· Director’s Blog (He sends an email with a link to these Sunday night updates.)
· School Calendar
· MLWGS News

Homepage links at the bottom:
· PowerSchool 

· Schoology 

· MLWGS Foundation (also linked under Community section)

· Pay Fees Online
· Smoke and Scales: School newsletter (current and archives); Includes lengthy list of links to frequently used resources along right side of screen in blog format

About > Faculty & Staff: Listing with email links (contact information for your student’s current teachers is also available in PowerSchool)

About > Lunch Service: Includes weekly menus and payment information

About > Transportation: Includes contact information for each district

Academics > Counseling: Extensive content for students and families, links to Naviance and College Board, copies of PTSA presentations under Parents tab

Co-Curricular: Information about athletics, academic teams, clubs/activities

Community > PTSA & Booster Groups: Information about events/programs and volunteer opportunities, contact information for PTSA and booster leaders

Community > School Advisory Council (SAC): Minutes from this cross-functional group of parents, teachers, students, alumni, and staff



2. Fundraising Information

How can you support Maggie Walker? Check out all the ways: PTSA membership, booster clubs, volunteering, use the scrip program, sign up for AmazonSmile and Kroger Community rewards, buy Maggie Walker merchandise at the Dragon's Lair!

Find information on joining booster clubs on the volunteer form linked below, or contact the booster clubs by email:

Athletic Boosters - mwgsathletics@gmail.com
Drama Boosters - mlwgs.drama.boosters@gmail.com 

Music Boosters - slichtman1@yahoo.com
Visual Art Boosters - jhall@gsgis.k12.va.us

1. Volunteer Form (help the PTSA by indicating your interests).  

    You can also fill out your interests online here.
2. Dragon's Lair (school merchandise store)
3. Scrip and Back to School Announcement (raise money with gift cards)
4. Foundation and Boosters (Links to the MLWGS Foundation and booster groups)
5. Business Partners (Kroger and AmazonSmile)

The Dragons's Lair has a new website! Check it out at mlwgsdragonslair.com. The store will be open exclusively online as long as the school remains on a virtual learning platform. Take a look at our apparel, stickers, magnets and other MLWGS merchandise. PTSA memberships are also available for purchase. All orders will be available for pick up from the school. Use our comments page to let us know what you think of our new website and to sign up to volunteer. 

Great Lake Scrip Program:
Now more than ever, the MLWGS PTSA would love your support. when you do everyday shopping with Great Lake Scrip gift cards and e-certificates, a percentage goes directly to our PTSA. View this one-minute video to see how it works: Scrip Video. The new Raise Right app makes it easy to receive e-cards on your mobile device and shop on the spot. Go to shopwithscrip.com for more information and a list of more than 750 participating retailers. Let those stores and retailers give money to our school at no extra cost to you! Questions? Contact our MLWGS scrip coordinator, Laura Dysart, at scrip@mlwgsptsa.org.

3. School forms 

1. Freshman Honor Code Letter
2. Community Service Letter to Freshmen
3. Community Service Flier
4. Friends of the Library
5. Student Financial Aid Document
6. Free Breakfast and Lunch Form
7. 2020-2021 School Calendar



4. Yearbook information

1. Senior Information and Solicitation - This is for Senior PARENTS!
2. Senior Quote and Name Spelling
3. Yearbook Order Form
4. Yearbook Name Plate Icons
5. Yearbook Name Stamp Icons

Week of December 13, 2017

HOLIDAY SHOPPING AT THE DRAGON'S LAIR

Still looking for that perfect holiday gift? Make sure you stop by the Dragon's Lair this week. We have special store hours all week long. 

The school store will be open daily- December 11-14, during lunch 11:20 a.m.- 12:20 p.m. with extended hours 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Friday, December 15. 

Make sure to order the new MLWGS ornament!

Online orders only at  http://mlwgsdragons.ourspiritgear.com/

Ornaments will be delivered to the school store on Friday. 

Please arrange pick up on Friday before the end of school.

LEARN TO KNIT! GET COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS!

Do you want to learn how to make red knitted caps for babies in the NICU while earning community service hours?  Grab your size 8 or 9 knitting needles and join the Knitting Club on Thursday, December 14 in room 120 at 11:30 a.m. when Maggie Walker parent Winnie Brown will be on hand to teach anyone interested. Yarn will be provided for Knitting Club members; all others need to bring $3.  See Ms. Sheppard with any questions.

RETURN BOOKS AND CHECK OUT MORE!

Did you borrow library books for a project, paper, or anthology during the first nine weeks?  If you still have them, they are overdue. This week is a GREAT time to return them and check out MORE books for winter break!

Even if you do not have books to return, drop by the library and check out the “MAKE something, COOK something, DO something” display and borrow a book to read over break for either fun or inspiration.  

You will find books about tinkering, game design, Chinese Revolutionary Cooking, drawing dragons and manga, painting and collaging, lettering and stamping, book-making, steampunk clay projects, Arduino wearables, Star Wars Origami, crafts from recycled and up-cycled materials, The $100 Startup, and more! 

While you are here, browse the book display about Russia and the one featuring books recently added to the library’s collection.

Hope to see you soon!

Wendy DeGroat, Librarian

Attention Sophomores and Juniors!

Each summer for over 30 years, the High School Diplomat Program has offered 40 American students a full scholarship to attend a 10-day cultural exchange program on the campus of Princeton University. All students that complete the program are then eligible to apply the following year for a 3-week program in Japan. For additional information and to apply, please visit http://www.highschooldiplomats.com/.

Attention Juniors!

The Cochrane Summer Economic Institute (CSEI) is an intensive four-week program open to all rising high school seniors from the greater Richmond area partners learning about the economy and entrepreneurship through a series of workshops by local business leaders and Collegiate faculty with an immersive group internship. Students commit to participating the last week of June and first three weeks of July and receive a $500 stipend. Please visit https://powelledfoundation.org/cochrane-summer-economic-institute/ for more information and to apply. The application deadline is February 8, 2018.

The Joint Science Education Project (JSEP) is a collaborative program implemented by the United States, Greenland, and Denmark that provides students a three week Arctic science field experience in Greenland. All student expenses for both programs are covered by a grant from the National Science Foundation. Interested students can find more information and the application at https://dickey.dartmouth.edu/environment/programs.

The editors would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year!  See you in 2018.

Our next edition will be January 3, 2018.  Please submit by Sunday, December 31, 2017.

Week of December 6, 2017

CLUB PHOTOS 

Club pictures will be taken for the yearbook starting Monday, December 4.  All pictures will be taken during lunch in the gym. Please check the schedules which are posted around the school on bright yellow sheets of paper.  See Mr. White if you have questions.





VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Governor's School alumna and Foundation volunteer Aliza Sterling (class of 2002) is seeking student volunteers to help the Bellevue Civic Association with their annual parade on MacArthur Avenue anywhere from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 9.  They will need the most volunteer help from 10:30 a.m.-noon.  The event benefits Toys for Tots.  Students who are interested should complete this google form and reach out to Aliza via email at aliza.sterling@gmail.com, including the word "volunteer" in the subject line.  Parents and/or students should feel free to reach out to Aliza with questions.  They need a lot of volunteer help and would love to have any MLWGS students who are interested and available on December 9!  Volunteers should sign up by December 7 so the organizers know how much help they can expect.






GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENT REMINDER

Don’t forget to go online and order your graduation announcements!  If you place your order after December 31, there will be an increase in cost.  To order your announcements, follow these steps:

1. www.vagrad.com

2. Type in “Maggie Walker” at the top

3. Choose “Shop Graduation Products”

You’ll immediately see all of the graduation package options, but you can scroll to the bottom and see “Shop individual products including cap and gown” – friendly reminder, you do NOT need to buy a cap and gown.  That cost was included in the senior class dues.

4. Select the item(s) you want.

Please e-mail or call Ms. Sheppard ksheppard@gsgis.k12.va.us / 804-354-6800 ext. 3304 if you have any questions.

ATTENTION SENIOR PARENTS

The December issue of the Senior Newsletter is now available! Please read for important upcoming deadlines.

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 website. Please contact Kierstin Streitel in the School Counseling Office with any scholarship questions.

Our GRASP advisor, Susan Teerlink, is available to assist with financial aid information. Students and/or parents can sign up for an appointment in the School Counseling Office. Ms. Teerlink is at MLWGS on Mondays. You may also email Ms. Teerlink questions at mlwgs@grasp4virginia.com. Please be sure to check each college’s priority filing dates for the FAFSA and CSS Profile (if required).

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THE 15TH ANNUAL NIGHT OF THE DRAGON! 

The 15th Annual Night of the Dragon--March Madness!--will be held Saturday, March 10, 2018, at the Hilton Richmond Hotel and Spa in Short Pump. 

This annual evening featuring food and spirits, a live and silent auction, great conversation, and amazing student entertainment; it is one of the social highlights of the year for Dragon parents, friends, alumni, and staff. As if that weren't enough, it's also the school's largest fundraiser- collectively benefiting the students at MLWGS by providing financial support to all booster groups, the PTSA, and the Governor’s School Foundation. 

Be sure to mark your calendar now and stay tuned for information about how you can join in the fun by reserving your tickets for this incredible event!

Help Make Night of the Dragon a Success!

The Night of the Dragon committee is looking for volunteers and auction donations from individuals and businesses.

Have you got something you can donate to help support our amazing school (and get a tax deduction for 2017 if you donate by December 31)? We need 375 auction items to help us reach our goals for fun and fundraising.

We are looking for all sorts of items- sports packages, trips, vacation homes, hotels, restaurants, gift baskets, spirits, services, you name it. The deadline for donations to be included in this year's event is January 12, 2018.

Not sure what to donate? Last year's catalogue 2017 Night of the Dragon Catalogue is still online to provide ideas but feel free to think of something new and unique too.  

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

Week of November 29, 2017

TEEN WORKSHOP

Henrico County is offering a series of workshops with the purpose of helping teens navigate a variety of potential challenges. This event will be held at Hermitage High School on November 30 from 5:30-8:15 p.m.  These workshops are free but it is requested that participants register in advance if possible.  

Please email Lisa Ebeling, MLWGS School Psychologist at lebeling@gsgis.k12.va.us with any questions. 


Event flyer


ORDER SCRIP TODAY

The final holiday order for SCRIP gift cards is due next Monday, December 4. Sponsored by the MLWGS PTSA, SCRIP is holiday fundraiser that allows parents and other school supporters to purchase gift cards for themselves, friends, and loved ones to favorite stores, services, and restaurants with MLWGS receiving a percentage of the sale. The gift cards are worth their full face value and cost nothing extra. Gift cards make the best stocking stuffers and great teacher gifts. They are also easily mailed to out of town family and friends without the hassle and shipping costs of other holiday presents.

Order forms can be downloaded HERE or accessed on the MLWGS website by going to "Community" and then choosing the "PTSA and Booster Groups" option. Drop off completed orders with a check made out to the MLWGS PTSA in the SCRIP drop box located in Office 100 off of the Bluestone lobby. For a complete list of retailers (in and outside of Richmond) and denominations, you can go to http://www.unitedscrip.com and click on "Our Retailers." 

This order will be delivered before winter break. 

Questions?  Contact Lori Bekenstein at 364-7026 or 543-2376 or lori.bek@verizon.net

MLWGS PTSA MEETING 

Please join us at next week's General PTSA meeting on Monday, December 4 at 5:30 p.m. in room 153. This meeting will be hosted by Les Cook, who has taken over the coordination of Maggie Walker's unique Senior Seminar and Mentorship Program. Senior Seminars and Mentorships provide opportunities for MLWGS students to explore areas of personal interest while completing their senior research requirement. Senior year might seem far away, but parents of underclassmen are encouraged to attend, as learning about these programs now allows more time to consider the best way for your student to utilize them. Mr. Cook will present information about the program and answer parents' questions. The meeting is open to all parents and will last approximately one hour. We hope to see you on Monday! 

Week of November 22, 2017

FRESHMEN PARENTS

Our school is committed to the social-emotional well-being of our students.  As part of our efforts to support students, our school psychologist, Lisa Ebeling, will be doing lessons for 9^th graders on depression awareness and suicide prevention using the Signs of Suicide Prevention Program.  This program is listed on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices.  The program has been implemented in over 10,000 schools since it was developed in 2001.  Be on the lookout for a letter to come home before Thanksgiving break with more information about the SOS Program.  

Time to check out the Dragon's Lair and stock up on your cold weather apparel. Everyone needs a Maggie Walker sweatshirt or hoodie to keep the chill away. Also make sure you check out our winter beanie and warm cozy socks. Visit the school store either during lunch on Tuesdays and Fridays or anytime at our online store at  http://mlwgsdragons.ourspiritgear.com/.

Week of November 15, 2017

CONGRATULATIONS CROSS COUNTRY TEAMS! 

On November 11, 2017 at the Great Meadow Park in The Plains, VA, both Maggie Walker Boys and Girls Cross Country Teams won their FIFTH 2A state cross country championships in a row.  

The following made all States.  

Left to Right: Mimi Kemp (Richmond, 2021), Mary Caroline Heinen (Richmond, 2020), Megan Lee (Chesterfield, 2018), Adam Sachs (Henrico, 2019), Daniel Van De Putte (Richmond, 2018).

In addition, Mary Caroline Heinen (second from the left, Richmond, 2020) ran in for first place for the girls meet.

NIGHT of the DRAGON AUCTION- March 10, 2018

2018 Auction Planning

The 2018 MLWGS Auction Committee is getting underway!  The kickoff meeting for Night of the Dragon volunteers will be November 16 at 7 p.m.  It takes a number of people to plan and execute our biggest, one night fundraising event.  As in the past, these funds help the school send academic teams to competitions, support all athletic teams, provide instruments and sheet music for the music department, allow the school to have wonderful drama and art programs, and much more.

This year, we are in need of a graphic artist for the program and website, a team for arranging baskets, adults to help supervise set-up the day of the auction, and a number of positions that can be done from home.  Please come to room 153 at 7 p.m. on November 16 if you would like to help plan the event. 

2018 Auction Acquirers

Are you one of those people who can ask anyone for a donation?  We have two super acquirers and are looking for a few more.  Even if you are not a super acquirer and would like to help but do not know how, please come to room 153 on November 20 at 7:30 p.m.  We have lists of teachers who consistently support the auction, local businesses close to school, past donations, and generous donors.  The auction typically has over 300 items.  Please help make the 2018 Night of the Dragon at the Short Pump Hilton on March 10, 2018 a huge success for the school and for your student.

2018 Auction Donors

Do you have something to donate to the auction?  We are looking for beach houses, beautiful art, fun getaways, and special items that will make competitors bid high.  If so, please fill out the AUCTION FORM and return it via email auctionmlwgs@gmail.com or by turning it into the PTSA box in room 100, Bluestone entrance. 

COMMUNITY SERVICE FAIR! 

The Community Service Fair will be held on November 17. Although it is designed to bring students and organizations together, parents may attend as well. Parents are invited to attend from 10:30-10:50 a.m.  The Freshman Class is being split into two groups with the first group attending from 10:50-11:10 a.m. and the second group attending from 11:10-11:30 a.m.  During lunch (11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m.), the Fair will be open to all interested students.

We are excited that the following organizations will be attending: Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation, Courts for Kids, The Doorways, HandsOn Greater Richmond, Housing Families First, James River Association, Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, Maggie L. Walker National Historical Site, Richmond Peace Education Center/Richmond Youth Peace Project, RAMPS, RVAccess, and Sylvia’s Sister. 

NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL NOVEL WRITING MONTH

Author Barry Will, father of MLWGS alumni Xander Will (2017), and illustrator Ashton Leigh Will joined Lisa Williams’ Creative Writing class on November 1 to discuss their newest fantasy mystery novel, The Long-Lost Troll, as well as engage class members in a variety of writing exercises as part of National Novel Writing Month. Barry has been a published author since 2005 and has written twenty strategy guides for video games across a wide range of genres.

In addition, Valutivity Press donated copies of The Long-Lost Troll and its predecessor, A Fine Basket of Fish, to MLWGS.  Librarian Wendy DeGroat will make them available for circulation in the near future.

FOCUSING ON THE FUTURE CONFERENCE

The William and Mary Center for Gifted Education's 2018 Focusing on the Future Conference will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2018 from 8:45 a.m.–3:00 p.m. The event will expose high-ability learners in grades 6–12 to career opportunities in various professional fields. Separate sessions will be held for parents, guardians, and counselors that will provide them with strategies and techniques to assist students with academic and career planning.

The event will be held at William and Mary’s School of Education, located at 301 Monticello Avenue, Williamsburg, VA 23185. All students must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or group chaperone. All participants must register for the event; the registration deadline is January 12, 2018.

Additional information and the conference application are available on the Center for Gifted Education’s website: http://education.wm.edu/centers/cfge/precollegiate/future/index.php.