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 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.

Week of November 8, 2017

COOKIE DONATIONS NEEDED BY THURSDAY

Do you remember the night you and your student came to the Maggie Walker information session?  Do you remember how hungry you were by the time it was over?   Do you know how many cookies we serve each night? About 1000! Well, now is your chance to help others relive your experience! 

The PTSA Student Hospitality Committee will be collecting packaged cookies to use on November 13, 14, and 15 at the Prospective Student Night events.

We will be collecting your donations on Thursday, November 9 from 8-8:45 a.m. in the Concession stand just off the Bluestone lobby.

Just send donations in with your student or stop by yourself. Unfortunately we cannot accept home-baked goods, but any other packaged treat is fine.  

Please sign up using this link: Cookies!

Any questions? Contact Laura Carr 804-543-6498 or dabneyj.carr@comcast.net

GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Herff Jones will be collecting orders for graduation announcements on Wednesday, November 8 and Thursday, November 9 in the first floor commons during lunch.  This will be the only time Herff Jones collects these orders in the building.  You may contact the vendor directly, but all orders need to be placed before January 1 in order to ensure delivery in April.  There is no guarantee that there will be extra announcements available to order/purchase second semester.  

Please contact Ms. Sheppard if you have questions  ksheppard@gsgis.k12.va.us or 804-354-6800 ext. 3304.

MAGGIE WALKER DRAMA CLUB

Poster Credit: Nicoleta Gavris, Chesterfield '18

Maggie Walker Drama Club presents:

An Ideal Husband

A Comedy by Oscar Wilde

Directed by Foster Solomon

November 9,10, and 11 at 7:00 pm

An Ideal Husband is an 1895 comedic stage play by Oscar Wilde which revolves around blackmail and political corruption, and touches on the themes of public and private honor. An instant success at its debut, the play continues to delight audiences over one hundred years later.

So many students have worked hard to bring this production to the Maggie Walker stage.  We hope to see you at the show!

Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults.  Purchase tickets at the door or online here http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2709002.

Questions? Please contact maggiewalkerdrama@gmail.com.

SCRIP

The first holiday order for gift cards is due this Friday, November 10. 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 great stocking stuffers and teacher gifts and are easily mailed to 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 first order will be delivered before the Thanksgiving holiday break. 

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

CONGRATULATIONS CROSS COUNTRY TEAMS! 

Region 2A champs!  On November 1 at Pole Green Park, the MLWGS XC team won their fifth straight regional meet! 

They go to States on November 11 at Great Meadows in The Plains, VA. 

Go Dragons!

Left to Right: Andrea Macedo (Chesterfield 2018), Megan Lee (Chesterfield 2018), Kathryn Ellis  (Richmond 2020), Frances Heller (Richmond 2018), Mary Caroline Heinen (Richmond 2020), Josie Martin  (Richmond 2018), Mimi Kemp (Richmond 2021).

Left to Right: Ben Neuwirth (Henrico 2020), Nathan Gregory (Hanover 2019), Daniel Van De  Putte  (Richmond 2018), Joe Paul (Prince George 2018), Carter Morgan (Henrico 2020), Richard  Zhai (Henrico 2020).

COMMUNITY SERVICE FAIR

Parents are Invited to the Community Service Fair on Friday, November 17!

Maggie Walker requires 140 hours of community service by the third quarter of every student’s senior year. Each year, the school holds a community service fair to help bring organizations and students together. This year the date of the fair was changed from Freshman Orientation in August to November so that all students would have a chance to attend if interested. 

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.

The following wonderful organizations are planning to attend: Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation, Courts for Kids, The Doorways, HandsOn Greater Richmond, James River Association, Lewis Ginger Botanical Gardens, Maggie L. Walker National Historical Site, Richmond Peace Education Center/Richmond Youth Peace Project, RAMPS, RVAccess, and Sylvia’s Sister. 

If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Taminger at debtaminger@gmail.com

ATTENTION SENIOR PARENTS!

The November issue of the Senior Newsletter is now available! Please read it for important upcoming deadlines for colleges and scholarships.

All seniors should have scheduled a meeting with their senior counselor by now. If not, they need to come see them as soon as possible to discuss. All transcript request forms are due to counselors by November 15.  If students need to make a change to their form after November 15, they should contact their counselor.

Teacher Recommendation Request forms are due at least two “school” weeks prior to the college/program deadline (breaks not included).

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.

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.

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. 

A special shout out to Rob Galgano for being this year’s first donor (a wonderful painting by a local artist) at school!

MIDDLE EAST and NORTH AFRICA SEMINAR

The Gender and Culture in the Middle East and North Africa Senior Seminar students invite you for a night of fun and festivities at the MLWGS Winter Holiday Bazaar. The event takes place on Friday, December 8 from 5-8 p.m. There will be games for children, vendors, food (for purchase), free hot cocoa, and a fun time to be had by all.  All proceeds will help support students’ travel to Morocco over spring break for experiential learning.

Donation Amounts:

13 years and older  = $10

12 to 6 years old = $5

Children 5 and under = Free

The holidays are just around the corner. Plan to visit the Dragon's Lair for the perfect gift.  The Dragon's Lair is open every Tuesday and Friday during lunch or visit the online store: mlwgsdragons.ourspiritgear.com.