Showing posts with label PTA Reflections. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PTA Reflections. Show all posts

Week of August 30, 2016

SAVE THE DATE!

Fall Festival Friday, October 7, 4-8 p.m.

Come one, come all to the 20th annual MLWGS Fall Festival! It is the one event of the year sponsored by the PTSA to directly showcase and 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, which include crafts, games, entrees, desserts and drinks. 

Be sure to “Like” the Fall Festival Page on Facebook to get the latest information about what is planned and what volunteer opportunities exist (www.facebook.com/MLWGSFallFestival).

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 7 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 will be posted on the Facebook Page and in future editions of Smoke and Scales.




PTA REFLECTIONS CHAIR NEEDED


The Maggie Walker PTSA is looking for someone to chair the Reflections Program this fall. Experience would be helpful as a lot has to happen in September and October to make this a successful program! If you have experience, or are a fast learner with good organizational skills, please consider chairing this event as it will not happen without a Reflections Chair. If you are interested, please contact Debbie Taminger at debtaminger@gmail.com.




FOR OTHER ...


Week of March 31, 2015

MLWGS Business Partnerships

Thank you to the 113 MLWGS families who have signed up for the Kroger Community Rewards Program.  From December 1, 2014 to February 28, 2015, our school community earned $2,530.15 by doing their regular grocery shopping.  Halfway through the program year, MLWGS PTSA has already raised almost $6,000 for the school. 

It’s not too late to sign up and help out.

Register your Kroger Plus card online at  krogercommunityrewards.com:

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


Prefer Martin’s? Register for A+ School Rewards.  To register your card, change the school or add a school (up to 2):

  • Log on to www.martinsfoods.com/aplus and designate our school ID #03112 using your BONUSCARD.
  • Or send your Last Name, Phone Number and the 11-digit BONUSCARD number (starting with 48) to mlwgspartners@gmail.com and we will do it for you.

And don’t forget: Target – Take Charge of Education:

  • Go to www.target.com/tcoe.  Enter your Redcard number and follow the directions. Our school account is 104517.  






Student Aid Fund

Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School’s supporting resources enable MLWGS students to engage in curricular and co- and extra-curricular opportunities beyond that which are typically available in high school.  Such opportunities include an expansive slate of dual-enrollment university and AP courses; AP assessments; local, state, national, and international learning experiences; notable speakers; contemporary equipment and technology; athletic support, etc.

MLWGS is especially proud to offer such opportunities to each student based on their own interests and without regard to ability to pay.  For more information, please contact MLWGS Director, Dr. Jeff McGee jmcgee@gsgis.k12.va.us; our Assistant Director for Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Wendy Ellis wellis@gsgis.k12.va.us or your child’s counselor:  Grade 9, Mr. Karl Zweerink (Coordinator) kzweerink@gsgis.k12.va.us, Grade 10 and 11, Ms. Joy Davis joy.davis@gsgis.k12.va.us; Grade 12 (Last Name A-L) Ms. Penny Deck pdeck@gsgis.k12.va.us; Grade 12 (Last Name M-Z) Dr. Rachel Loving rloving@gsgis.k12.va.us.




Attention Seniors

On Wednesday, April 1 during lunch, senior class officers and Ms. Sheppard will be providing information about graduation and other senior-related events in a brief mandatory class meeting in the auditorium. 








MLWGS PLANNING GRANDPARENT'S DAY

MLWGS grandparents and special friends of the family, including aunts, uncles, godparents, and neighbors, are invited to attend the fourth annual Grandparents' Day on Friday, April 17.  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 and friends, even if they may not be able to attend, so that the Foundation may send them a formal invitation. Please send information to:


Feel free to contact Laura Lewis or Eva Boegner at the Governor’s School Foundation office with any questions: (804) 354-1566.




Physicals for Student Athletes

The Athletic Department will be having 2015-2016 physicals, through Virginia Commonwealth University, on June 4 2015 from 4-6 p.m. for $25 in the MLWGS clinic.  Please stop by Ms. Hawkins’ office for a physical form or download one from VHSL.org.  To schedule a physical, please stop by and sign up on the Athletic Training Room door, room 146.




MUSIC BOOSTERS MEETING – APRIL 1

The MLWGS MUSIC BOOSTERS will meet on Wednesday, April 1, at 6:00 p.m. in the Music Room…Early this month due to Spring Break!  All music parents are invited to attend.

Please contact Leslie Hausser, Music Boosters President, at  lahmeems@comcast.net with any questions.







MLWGS Student writers recognized





Dragon Becomes Eagle Scout


Congratulations to Jack Downey ('15, Richmond) on attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Jack is a member of BSA Troop 436, sponsored by St. Bridget Catholic Church. MLWGS alumni and T436 Eagle Scouts Danny Yates (MLWGS '09), Thomas Howard (MLWGS '09), and Johnny Mac Yates (MLWGS '13) are especially proud of Jack's achievement. Well done, Jack!




2015 REFLECTIONS WINNERS ANNOUNCED

The Richmond District PTA Arts in Education awards ceremony was held on March 15, 2015. The 2015 winners of the PTSA Reflections contest from MLWGS at Richmond District level include:

  • Photography: Margaret Graham (’15, Petersburg)  Award of Excellence
  • Musical Composition: Alexander Will ('17, Hanover) – Award of Merit
  • Visual Arts: Elizabeth Benos (’17, Chesterfield)  - Award of Excellence
  • Literature: Megan Lee ('18, Chesterfield) – Outstanding Interpretation

In Literature Category, Megan Lee also won ‘Award of Merit” at the Virginia State Level.

This year’s theme was "The world would be a better place if...”. The PTA Reflections program is an annual, nation-wide contest that encourages students on all grade levels to create original work based on a particular theme.

The theme for 2015-16 PTA Reflections contest will be “Let Your Imagination Fly.”




This Day in Art History


March 31, 1506, Rome, Italy - Michaelangelo leaves his home but is chased down by an assistant, who hands him a small rope satchel containing his lunch, a few paintbrushes, extra sandals, his smartphone and earbuds.  Relieved that he won't have to spend his day without his tunes, Michaelangelo immortalizes the pivotal moment in his work that day.

For just $12, you can have your own MLWGS drawstring bag, made of durable nylon in green, white and black.  Come by The Dragon's Lair and fill your bag with goodies on Tuesdays and Fridays during lunch and during special after-school events.  Browse 24/7 at mlwgsdragons.weebly.com.  Cash and checks only, please.





CLASS/SCA OFFICER ELECTIONS SCHEDULE

Beginning Wednesday, March 18Pick up candidate forms outside Room 330.

Friday, April 3Signature and verification forms due to Mr. White (Room 330) by 3:30 p.m. Candidates may begin campaigning as soon as they get their forms in: Posters must be signed by an administrator or your class sponsor BEFORE posting.

Friday, April 17All speeches due to Mr. White for review by 3:30 p.m. Candidates may submit speeches before this date but MUST supply their email addresses with the speeches so Mr. White can let them know if their speech has been approved. All speeches will be approved or returned (in person or electronically) for editing by the end of the day on Monday, April 20. Candidates are not required to give speeches, but candidates who fail to comply with the procedures for speech submission, review and approval will not be permitted to speak. Maximum speech length depends on number of candidates speaking; the time limit, which will be announced, is usually 2-3 minutes.

Wednesday, April 22Necessary edits must be resubmitted to Mr. White by 3:30 p.m., along with the candidates’ email addresses. (Approved speeches are good to go.) Mr. White will respond by email as soon as possible.

Monday, April 27 (lunch)Class officer candidate speechesSee the SCA bulletin board outside the Forum for speech lengths, which will depend on the number of candidates.
            Rising Seniors/Class of 2016: Commons
            Rising Juniors/Class of 2017: Gym
            Rising Sophomores/Class of 2018: Auditorium

Tuesday, April 28 (lunch)SCA officer candidate speeches in the AUDITORIUM. See the SCA bulletin board outside the Forum for speech lengths, which will depend on the number of candidates.

Tues, April 28-Wed, April 29Online voting for all positions, starting at 4 p.m. on Tuesday and concluding at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday; results to be announced on Thursday, April 30. Voting instructions will be announced and posted throughout the school.

Thursday-Friday, April 30-May 1Online run-off elections (if necessary), starting at 4 p.m. on Thursday and concluding at 11:59 p.m. on Friday; results announced on Monday, May 4.

Monday, May 4Second round of online run-off elections (if needed), starting at 4 p.m. on Monday and concluding at 11:59 p. m. on Monday night; results announced on Tuesday, May 5.

Friday, May 8Remove all campaign posters, flyers and other materials no later than 3:30 p.m. Candidates who fail to comply will be referred to administrators.

Week of November 4, 2014

A MESSAGE FROM THE FAMILY OF BEAR O’BRYAN



Dear MLWGS Students, Parents, Colleagues, Alumni and Friends:

Saturday night left me in awe. The depth of your feeling showed very clearly. Each detail, picture, and story evoked a smile or a tear. I can now add your memories to my own. The time and emotion invested by you to organize such an incredible display is an honor few receive.

Bear spoke of each of you often and felt pride in each accomplishment you experienced. Many times we discussed your amazing abilities and intellect. He knew he was privileged to be a part of your life. And Saturday night, you once again proved what exceptional individuals you are.

Because of you, he looked forward to every work day. Because of you, he kept his youth. Because of you, he had a purpose. In many ways, you introduced me to my brother. You gave Bear the greatest gift any person can receive – your trust.

Thank you for allowing us to share this night with his other family.

The Family of Bear O’Bryan




NIGHT OF THE DRAGON


The thirteenth annual “Night of the Dragon,” an exciting evening of live and silent auctions, delicious food and spirits, beautiful music, and enjoyable conversation, will be held on February 21, 2015 at the Hilton Hotel and Spa in Short Pump.

This event directly benefits the students of the Maggie L. Walker Governor's School by providing major funding for the PTSA, Academic Boosters, Athletic Boosters, Drama Boosters, Music Boosters, Visual Arts Boosters, and The Governor's School Foundation.

The auction offers a large variety of items and donations are actively being solicited now. Some of the best-selling items include weekend getaways at vacation homes, themed dinners, and unique tours of area attractions - especially those not normally accessible to the public.
Have a unique skill? Willing to offer lessons or a demo? Both are welcome. Can't think of anything to donate? Redeem credit card points for gift cards and donate the gift cards to the auction.

Donation forms are available on the event website, www.nightofthedragon.com. Just print out a form and return it to the auction box in Valenta Williams' office off the Bluestone Lobby. The deadline for donations to be included in this year's event is December 12, 2014.

Questions? Contact Karen Akens at karenakens@gmail.com.



REFLECTIONS CONTEST ENTRIES DEADLINE EXTENDED TO FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7


Please submit entries for the PTA 2014-15 Reflections Program. This year’s theme is "The world would be a better place if...”. Entries are accepted in the following categories -

  • Visual Arts,
  • Photography,
  • Dance Choreography,
  • Film Production,
  • Musical Competition, and
  • Literature.

Complete information is available at the Virginia PTA website (http://www.vapta.org/arts-in-education/reflections.html). Contact PTSA Reflections Chair, Uma Vissa (umavissa@gmail.com) with questions. This year's deadline for entry submission has been extended to Friday, November 7. Please give entry packets to Ms. Valenta Williams at the Front Office.



FOUNDATION ANNUAL FUND CAMPAIGN SUPPORTS STUDENTS



The Governor's School Foundation Annual Fund Campaign has begun. The first Annual Fund letter went out this past week. Please consider donating to the fund. The Annual Fund supports programs for students, grants for teacher continuing education and staff development, and facilities and technology support.

The Foundation supports classroom instruction, such as the recent Military History Class field trip to Annapolis and Baltimore. Included in the trip were visits to the Marine Corp Museum at Quantico, Fort McHenry, and historic battleships in Baltimore. After a tour of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, current students were also able to have a Question and Answer Session with alumna Gabi deLeon '13. Gabi is a current student at the Naval Academy.

So far this year, the Annual Fund Campaign has raised $75,040 for the school. As the Governor’s School Foundation begins its campaign, overall current parent participation is 15%. Parent participation by class is:

  • Seniors: 21%
  • Juniors: 16%
  • Sophomores: 15%
  • Freshmen: 4%

To donate to the Annual Fund online, go to http://www.governorsschoolfoundation.org/donate/



PARENTS NEEDED! MLWGS INFORMATIONAL PROGRAM FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS/FAMILIES



Remember the night prospective parents and students first came to MLWGS for an informational night and went to the break-out session where parents of current students gave them the inside scoop about what MLWGS was REALLY like? Well, now there’s an opportunity to be that parent! Please consider volunteering November 10, 11, or 12, from 6:30-8:30pm and share the awesome MLWGS experience with prospective students and families! Current parents only please. Contact Elizabeth Wong at mew.mailbox@gmail.com or Megan Rainey at mrainey@gsgis.k12.va.us.

Click HERE (http://www.signupgenius.com/go/508044ca4ae283-mlwgs1) to sign up now! Thank you!



SCRIP ORDERS DUE



The next SCRIP order due date is Thursday, November 13, and will be ready for pick-up the following Thursday, November 20. Please consider ordering SCRIP gift cards for favorite stores and restaurants while supporting MLWGS!

Remaining 2014 SCRIP dates:

  • Order November 13, pick up November 20
  • Order December 4, pick up December 11 (last delivery in 2014)

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 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 constantly being updated.Questions? Please contact:

Patty Wood 804-364-9263 or scrippattyw@gmail.com
Patty Zeevi 804-784-2966 or scrippattyz@gmail.com



TWO STUDENTS HAVE WORK ACCEPTED

TO LIBRARY OF VIRGINIA



As the culmination of their historiography lessons in Mr. Wilkes’ advanced seminar, students complete an oral history project that requires they research, interview, record, and produce an oral history project on a living participant in an event of historical significance. Two of last year’s students recently learned their work had been accepted into the collections of the Library of Virginia.

Megan Keck chose to examine the integration of Charles City County Schools thorough the efforts of county resident, Richard Bowman. Mr. Bowman successfully filed suit in 1963 (Bowman v. School Board of Charles City), to rectify the inequities present in the county’s unique and segregated composition of white, African-American and Native American students.

Reed Canaan researched the journey of Martha Grattan, a MLWGS parent, who entered Washington and Lee University in 1985 as a member of the school’s first female class – a path that proved both controversial and challenging. Reed’s investigation involved close examination of school records opened to her by the library and archives at Washington and Lee. Her work was added to the Washington and Lee library in addition to the Library of Virginia.



FREEDOM OF CHOICE AT THE DRAGON'S LAIR



At The Dragon's Lair, you can cast your vote for your preferred writing instrument, available for just $2! One is available in metallic green with the MLWGS logo, the other comes in glossy black. However, they both write with the same easy-flowing black ink, so they're pretty much the same, which is by no means a thinly veiled allegory for our two major political parties.

Moving on! Come be a good community citizen and check out our wares every Tuesday and Friday during lunch, during Parent/Teacher conferences, or 24/7 at http://mlwgsdragons.weebly.com/. Cash and credit cards welcome. And remember: shop early, shop often.


Week of October 28, 2014

PEP RALLY AND FIELD DAY FRIDAY OCTOBER 31

Pep Rally and Field Day, including commons decoration, will be held on Friday, October 31. That Friday will also be a class colors dress-up day (for points!). Class presidents are asked to recruit classmates to participate in the events.

The Pep Rally will start at 1pm, with Field Day festivities following (outside, weather permitting) immediately afterward, probably about 2pm. At the end of the day, the Spirit Stick will be awarded to the winning class. In the event of rain or polar vortex, an abbreviated field day will be held in the gym; detailed schedules for the afternoon are available from Mr. White.



REFLECTIONS CONTEST ENTRIES DUE NOVEMBER 3

Please submit entries for the PTA 2014-15 Reflections Program. This year’s theme is "The world would be a better place if...”. Entries are accepted in the following categories -
  • Visual Arts,
  • Photography,
  • Dance Choreography,
  • Film Production,
  • Musical Competition, and
  • Literature.

Complete information is available at the Virginia PTA website (http://www.vapta.org/arts-in-education/reflections.html). Contact PTSA Reflections Chair, Uma Vissa (umavissa@gmail.com) with questions. This year's deadline for entry submission is Monday, November 3. Please give entry packets to Ms. Valenta Williams at the Front Office.



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

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

The Children's Museum is offering the Snow Queen Scholarship opportunity for interested high-school junior young ladiesThe purpose of the Snow Queen is to serve as a role model for young girls exemplifying internal beauty and character while reflecting and celebrating the museum’s commitment to inspiring creativity and individuality. The Snow Queen duties include a 25-hour community service obligation. Interested students can pick up an application packet from Ms. Davis in the Counseling Department or visit www.ChildrensMuseumofRichmond.org. Applications must be submitted to the Children's Museum on or before Friday, November 7th.

The High School Diplomats (HSD) program brings American high school students together at Princeton University for a ten-day cultural and educational exchange program with students from Japan. Current sophomores and juniors are encouraged to apply and Japanese language familiarity/experience is not a pre-requisite. For more information about HSD, please visit www.highschooldiplomats.com. Application deadline is January 7, 2015.

The Cochrane Summer Economics Institute is a five-week work/study program for rising high-school seniors. The program provides an introduction to economics, business, networking, and a variety of job/career choices through a combination of classroom work, community service, and internship experience. Starting on December 1, applications will be available at www.powellinfo.org. Application and essay must be submitted by January 16, 2015.


MLWGS MUSIC WEBSITE



To learn more about  MLWGS Music Program, check out their website at






SHARKS, JETS, AND DRAGONS, OH MY.

 

Boy, boy, crazy boy - stay loose boy!  Breeze it, buzz it, easy does it, turn off the juice boy! Something’s coming, no wait - it's already here - and available at The Dragon's Lair.

Show your true affiliations with this lightweight zip hoodie with oversize dragon emblem on the back. Available in sizes XS to XL, it's just $30, and perfect when you want to Feel Pretty at the Mambo Tonight.

Show your colors every Tuesday and Friday during lunch and during special after-school events. Check out our full selection online (http://mlwgsdragons.weebly.com/).  Cash and checks welcome. This is America, after all.