Week of October 14, 2020

PSAT Reminder for Juniors

Attention, juniors in the first half of the alphabet – PSAT testing is this Wednesday, Oct. 14.

Report to school ready to test by 8:40 a.m. Students may want to come as early as 8:15 to avoid lines.

Make sure to

• wear layers, as some rooms are cold and others are warm.
• bring a #2 pencil and a graphing calculator (with extra batteries if needed).
• pack a nut-free (for allergy reasons) snack.
• 
  
  eat a big breakfast as testing may not finish until 1 p.m.

Find more info about testing on the counseling website here.

If you aren’t planning on attending and haven’t informed us yet, please complete this survey.

Important: Students must wear masks at all times during testing and will be subject to temperature checks and health screening questions upon entry.

PTSA Talk on COVID-19 and Student Health

Want to learn more about how to support your students through their first pandemic – and yours? Join the MLWGS Counseling Department and PTSA on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 6:30 p.m. for Helping Adolescents Cope during COVID-19, a candid online discussion led by Dr. Beth Heller, VCU Center for Psychological Services and Development; Lisa Ebeling, MLWGS psychologist; and Karl Zweerink, MLWGS counselor. The webinar will cover the impact on teens’ health as the pandemic persists, self-care practices, parent support ideas, school counseling support, and how to determine when professional mental health support is needed.

To participate, sign up here so we can send you the Zoom link, and take a minute or two to share you preferences for future parent meetings and discussion topics. It’s an important topic for unprecedented times – and definitely worth your time. We hope to see you there.

Great Lake Scrip Orders Due Monday, October 19

Thanks to all those who have used scrip to raise money for our PTSA by doing some of your everyday shopping with gift cards and e-certificates! Our next plastic-card due date is only a week away, so if you want to pay by check please plan your shopping ahead so your check will be received by the due date. You can also pay by linking your bank account (this is a safe, preferred method), or with a credit card. Shop for available e-certificates any time, no need to wait for the due date. Go to shopwithscrip.com to shop. Want more information? Please watch our PTSA scrip video or contact your scrip coordinator Laura at scrip@mlwgsptsa.org. 

Check payments should be made out to MLWGS PTSA and mailed to:
Laura Dysart, 5021 Sylvan Rd., Richmond, VA 23225. Or contact Laura to arrange a pick up. Thanks for your support!

AP Exam Ordering Information

Students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses should complete the AP Exam Ordering Form to indicate which AP tests you plan to take (or not take) in May. AP exams are $95 per exam.

In order to have an AP exam ordered for you, you must complete the following tasks by October 23, 2020:

1. Join the AP course(s) in your myAP.collegeboard.org account. Your teacher can help you if you have not already completed this task. (If you are self-studying for an exam, you will need to obtain an "exam only" code from Dr. Loving after your exam has been approved. NOTE: AP Statistics is pre-approved and Ms. Riles can provide the code.)
2. Complete this AP Exam Order Form and indicate all exams you wish to take or not take this year. (If you DO NOT intend to take one or more of your AP exams, you STILL DO need to complete this form so that we have a record that you wish for the school to NOT order an exam for you.)
3. Pay for your exams ($95 per exam) at https://osp.osmsinc.com/MLWGS. (The link can also be found on mlwgs.com by clicking "pay fees online.")

If you feel you might qualify for a fee waiver or fee reduction, please review the Fee Waiver/Reduction Application for income guidelines. Please complete and return this form to Dr. Loving at rloving@gsgis.k12.va.us by Monday, Oct. 19. Dr. Loving will be in touch about your request approval. Students who have submitted this form previously and have been approved do not need to apply again this year.

Friday, Oct. 23, is the deadline for “on-time” registration. A $10 per exam late fee will be applied between Oct. 24 and Nov. 12 for exams not paid for by Oct. 23. The College Board late fee of $40 will be instituted beginning Nov. 13. Friday, March 12, is the final deadline for all late AP exam orders; no additions can be made after this date.

For the 2020-21 academic year, the College Board has waived the cancellation fee for any student who decides not to take an exam in May. For planning purposes, the MLWGS deadline for cancelling an exam is April 13, 2021.

Friday, Jan. 15, is the deadline to apply for College Board accommodations for a documented disability. Please contact Ms. Cobb at jcobb@gsgis.k12.va.us no later than Jan. 11 to begin this process.

Click here to view the May 2021 AP Exam Schedule.

See this AP Ordering Information document for complete details. 

Concert Band to Hold Virtual Concert

Celebrate the culmination of MLWGS band students’ hard work as they perform their first virtual concert. Comprised of about 60 students, the Maggie Walker Concert Band includes woodwinds, brass, and percussion players. The concert will be on a scheduled Zoom call on Thursday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m., and will last about 45 minutes. We look forward to sharing our music with you!

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81596829483?pwd=eWl0MHZXczlaVUd4VEE5cTk3MGlQZz09

Meeting ID: 815 9682 9483
Passcode: DragonBand

Week of October 7, 2020

PTSA Offers Talk on COVID-19 and Your Student's Health

Want to learn more about how to support your students through their first pandemic – and yours? Join the MLWGS Counseling Department and PTSA on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 6:30 p.m. for Helping Adolescents Cope during COVID-19, a candid online discussion led by Dr. Beth Heller, VCU Center for Psychological Services and Development; Lisa Ebeling, MLWGS psychologist; and Karl Zweerink, MLWGS counselor. The webinar will cover the impact on teens’ health as the pandemic persists, self-care practices, parent support ideas, school counseling support, and how to determine when professional mental health support is needed.

To participate, sign up here so we can send you the Zoom link, and take a minute or two to share you preferences for future parent meetings and discussion topics. It’s an important topic for unprecedented times – and definitely worth your time. We hope to see you there.

Shop for a Chance to Win Free Scrip Gift Cards! 

Thanks to all the families who supported our scrip program in September! We had 27 new enrollees, and earned $165.87 in rebates between our orders and on-line shopping. Even the smallest order makes a difference.

October Incentive: For every $50 you spend on online orders, or by our October due date, you will receive one entry for a raffle to win up to $25 of scrip cards of your choice. The next plastic card due date (bulk shipped; volunteers will deliver the following week): Monday, October 19.

It's easy once you get started, but if you have detail questions, please watch our VIDEO TUTORIAL HERE. Or Contact Laura Dysart, your scrip coordinator and Class of 2021 mom, at scrip@mlwgsptsa.org.

2020-21 MLWGS Directory Now Available Online

Artwork by Lexi Pasternak (Henrico, '22)

In an effort to be more environmentally friendly and to reduce costs, MLWGS now publishes the student directory online in PowerSchool. Please read the directions below to learn to access the directory from your computer and from your mobile device.

How to Access the Student Directory:

1. Open your web browser. (You must choose the browser because the directory cannot currently be accessed via the PowerSchool app.)

2. Navigate to the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School website at https://mlwgs.com.

3. Click on the PowerSchool link located near the bottom left-hand side of the page.

4. Log in to PowerSchool.

5. Click on MLWGS Student Directory link located at the top of the parent portal home page.

6. You will find a PDF that contains the 2020-21 Parent and Student Directory and a
2020-21 Student Distribution Map (helps identify carpool opportunities), which is located near the end of the directory document. Save the directory to your computer or print it, if desired.

If you have any questions regarding your contact information, please contact Megan Perez.

GRASP Advisor Available for FAFSA Assistance

GRASP (www.grasp4va.org), a career and college access organization, encourages seniors to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as a first step toward postsecondary education/training goals. The updated FAFSA for high school seniors is now available. Millions of students who are eligible for aid fail to file the FAFSA each year, leaving “money on the table” that could support their postsecondary education. GRASP advisors assist students and their families with FAFSA completion, virtually and free of charge.

Although many school buildings are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, GRASP’s financial aid advising services are available virtually throughout the academic year. Email GRASP at advising@grasp4va.org or call 804-923-0059 for assistance, or contact our GRASP advisor, Susan Teerlink. Currently, because students are not allowed in schools, Susan is doing virtual appointments via the GoogleMeet platform. 

Available meeting times are currently:

Tuesdays 11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 12:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Wednesdays 11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12 p.m., and 12:30 p.m.

Families can sign up for more than one appointment if they want more than 30 minutes. To schedule an appointment, email Susan at mlwgs@grasp4va.org. She will send a list of open appointments. Once the family chooses a time, she will send a GoogleMeet link and list of things to have ready for the appointment.

Week of April 28, 2015

NOMINATE A SPECIAL MLWGS VOLUNTEER!

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

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

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

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

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

STUDENT TRAVEL OPPORTUNITY

International/Interdisciplinary trip To Costa Rica

An Informational Meeting will be held on Wednesday April 29 at 6:00 p.m. in Room 153. Individuals who are interested, but unable to attend should contact Mr. David Barnes at dbarnes@gsgis.k12.va.us or 354-6800 ext. 3060 with any questions. More information is also available at  http://www.eftours.com/1713827WP .

MLWGS students have an exciting opportunity to participate in the international/interdisciplinary trip to Costa Rica during Spring Break 2016. MLWGS has chosen to offer this opportunity because of Costa Rica’s unique history, vibrant culture, and robust ecological diversity. Students will spend nine days exploring the ecology, geology, history, and culture of Costa Rica. In Tortuguero students will discover eleven different habitats, including nesting ground for sea turtles. Then students will enjoy a unique perspective of the rainforest while whitewater rafting and zip-lining in Sarapiqui. The next stop will be the Arenal region, where students will study volcanic geology. The Arenal volcano serves as a watershed for the lake, powers the hot springs, and supports the majestic La Fortuna waterfall. The final destination is Guanacaste, where students can explore Pacific beaches. They will also visit a cloud forest and snorkel in a marine ecosystem. Of course, they will also have some free time to experience local culture.

           

MLWGS has chosen to work with Education First (EF), an accredited international travel company, because they are a leader in international education, with more than 45 years of experience in 50 countries. EF will provide transportation, accommodations, food, insurance, and an experienced tour guide. The tentative cost of the trip is $2635 plus $80 for tips.

PTSA PROGRAMMING – ETHICS PRO AND MW SENIOR TEAM UP!

Raising Children to be Ethical Leaders

Tuesday May 5, 2015 • 5:30 p.m. in the MW Auditorium

Local author Linda Fisher Thornton will discuss ethical leadership, the morals and principles inherent to good business practices, and raising children to reflect these values. Senior Reed Canaan, student chairperson of Maggie Walker’s honor council, will discuss the important role of the honor council at Maggie Walker and introduce Ms. Thornton.

The author of  7 Lenses: Learning the Principles and Practices of Ethical Leadership, Ms. Thornton is a leadership consultant who teaches ethics at University of Richmond, and speaks and writes about the future of ethical leadership.   

Attention Senior Parents!

The May Senior Newsletter is now available on the SchoolCounseling Website. This newsletter contains college-related reminders and a listing of scholarships with approaching deadlines. The latest newsletter was distributed to students in their English classes last week.

Scholarship information for seniors is also available on the School Counseling website (https://sites.google.com/a/gsgis.k12.va.us/mlw-school-counseling/college-admissions-information-1/scholarships-financial-aid) and in Naviance (https://connection.naviance.com/mlwgs). Contact your child’s counselor if you would like to view the Naviance scholarship database and need your registration code. Scholarships are still being added to this database on a monthly basis, most with direct links to the applications. Hard-copy applications are scanned and attached to the scholarship description as a PDF. Please note that all deadlines posted on Naviance or in the Newsletter are subject to change as organizations are still sending us updated information for this school year. Check the organization’s website for the most current information. Please contact Rachel Loving in the School Counseling Office with scholarship questions.

REMINDERS FOR SENIORS

Cap and Gown Distribution

Caps, gowns, and pre-ordered announcements were available for seniors to pick up this week.  If any senior did not swing by the downstairs commons, they can see Ms. Sheppard in room 330 to collect his or her order. 

Extra Announcements

A very limited supply of additional graduation announcements is available for seniors who need them. See Ms. Sheppard in room 330 to purchase extras while supplies last.  Each announcement with envelope is $1.35.

Graduation Tickets

Thirteen graduation tickets were distributed to seniors along with their caps and gowns this week.  Please make sure to keep the envelope of tickets in a safe place. Due to the seating capacity of the theatre, there is a limited number of tickets. Ms. Sheppard may not be able to replace lost tickets. 

Senior Class Group Photo

On Wednesday, April 29 , seniors will pose for a group photo on the front steps of the school during lunch.  Caps and Gowns must be worn.   Student who want to order a copy of the photo taken should bring $15.00 on Wednesday to give directly to Lifetouch.   Portrait information along with an order form will be available in the senior commons starting this Friday.  See Ms. Sheppard in room 330 with any questions. 

Community Service Hours

Don’t forget…community service hours are due by Monday, May 18.  Contact Ms. Parker with any questions or concerns. 

MLWGS (Required) Summer Reading Books

Just how white was that whale? 

You can find out this summer in Chapter 42 of Melville's Moby Dick!  Please remember that the PTSA is taking orders for the  MLWGS required summer reading selections.  The titles are available at a discounted, tax-free price - - convenient for families, a benefit to MLWGS, and best of all, those books will get into eager hands before the summer begins (certainly a bonus in getting started on the tale of the whale)!

Order forms will be distributed to rising Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors, and the form can also be downloaded here on the MLWGS home page.  (Please make sure that you are looking at the 2015 form; last year's was inadvertently attached to last week's article.)

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

MLWGS PTSA SLATE OF OFFICERS

The MLWGS PTSA is presents the 2015-2016 Slate of Officers.  Come out to the PTSA general meeting (Raising Children to be Ethical Leaders) on May 5, 2015, 5:30 p.m. to vote!

o President – Peggy Feldmann

o President-Elect – George Nyfeler

o Secretary – Paula Chambers

o Treasurer – David Bortz

o VP Finance – WR Gay

o VP Membership – Yvette Conte

o VP Events – Debbie Taminger

CALLING ALL MLWGS FAMILIES
Show an Outpouring of Appreciation for MLWGS Faculty and Staff

Send in $10 Gift Cards by May 1, 2015!

The MLWGS PTSA is asking all parents to send in one, two, three or more $10 gift cards so during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4-8, MLWGS can show its genuine appreciation to MLWGS teachers for all they do.

Please purchase $10 gift cards from Kroger, Target, Martin’s, Barnes and Noble or Starbucks, then bring (or send with your student) the gift cards to Room 100 (Mrs. Valenta Williams’ office, which is to the right through the Bluestone lobby entrance). There will be a drop box labeled TEACHER APPRECIATION GIFT CARDS for the cards. 

These gifts of $10 gift cards are a terrific way to show collective appreciation and support for the amazing faculty and staff at Maggie Walker. The cards will be given to the faculty and staff at the Teacher Appreciation event on Thursday, May 7.  

Deadline to send in gift cards is Friday, May 1.  The cards will be presented to the teachers and staff as a gift from all parents and students of MLWGS; no individual names of families who donated gift cards will be provided. During Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4-8, parents and students are also encouraged to send a personal note or email to faculty and staff expressing support and appreciation of their dedication to MLWGS students.

MUSIC IN BLOOM AT SPRING CONCERTS!

Spring Chorus/Orchestra Concert  will be held Wednesday, April 29 at 7:00 p.m. in the Auditorium.

Spring Jazz Concert will be held Friday, May 1 at 7:00 p.m. in the Auditorium.

Receptions will immediately follow each concert in the MLWGS Commons.

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

TALKING WITH TEENS ABOUT STRESS MANAGEMENT

The National PTA has a webinar on stress and high school students for which MLWGS parents can register.

When: Thursday May 7

Time: 7 p.m.

High school can be some of the best years of a student's life, but it can also prove to be stressful. The American Psychological Association's (APA) 2013 Stress in America survey shows that 13-17 year olds are experiencing stress levels higher than they consider to be healthy. Pressure to do well on test scores, get into college and fit in with peers can become overwhelming.

Chronic stress can even lead to negative impacts on overall health. Parents can help ensure that your teen uses healthy coping mechanisms to manage their stress levels.

Join National PTA and the American Psychological Association (APA) on Thurs., May 7 at 7 p.m. ET for an important conversation on how parents can help teens manage stress and stay healthy.

Board certified clinical psychologist Dr. David Palmiter will be presenting on the factors that cause teens stress and provide some strategies for stress management. Dr. Palmiter will be answering questions from attendees at the end of the presentation.

Register here to participate in the conversation.

MLWGS DRAMA CLUB PRESENTS 2015 SPRING ONE-ACTS FESTIVAL

An Evening of Student-Directed Short Plays

The One-Acts Festival will be held Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 30 - May 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the Black Box Theater. This year’s festival includes five student-directed short plays. Tickets will be available at the door for $5. Please join us for the following productions:

A Human Write directed by Taylor Hawkins ('15, Chesterfield)

Variations on the Death of Trotsky directed by John Libby ('16, Hanover)

Red Nose Floppy Shoes directed by Emma Bilski ('16, Chesterfield)

What If I Told You directed & written by Genna Markee ('17, Chesterfield)

Admissions directed by Shannon Colson ('17, Henrico) and Naomi Vickers ('17, Richmond)

SUPER SUMMER STICKER STOCKUP!

Hear that?  It's your summer calling.  Calling you to fun, adventures and perhaps even travel to far-off-lands.  Leave your MLWGS mark this summer (only with permission, of course) with one of our many bumper stickers.  They're a bargain at $1 apiece, or buy 10 for $10 - 'cause you just never know where or when opportunity will strike.

For the best in Dragons apparel, gifts, accessories and more, stop by The Dragon's Lair every Tuesday and Friday during lunch, and during special after-school events.  Browse anytime at mlwgsdragons.weebly.com.  Cash and checks are always welcome, from sea to Holy See.

Week of April 21, 2015

PTSA Programming – Ethics Pro and MLWGS Senior Team Up!

Raising Children to be Ethical Leaders

May 5, 2015 • 5:30 p.m. MLWGS Auditorium

Local author Linda Fisher Thornton will discuss ethical leadership, the morals and principles inherent to good business practices, and raising children to reflect these values. Senior Reed Canaan (Henrico), student chairperson of Maggie Walker’s honor council, will discuss the important role of the honor council at Maggie Walker and introduce Ms. Thornton.

The author of  7 Lenses: Learning the Principles and Practices of Ethical Leadership, Ms. Thornton is a leadership consultant who teaches ethics at University of Richmond, and speaks and writes about the future of ethical leadership.   

Good Luck, We the People Team!

The Governor’s School Foundation wants to wish the MLWGS We the People team good luck in the national tournament this weekend!  Along with their teacher, Sam Ulmschneider ’02, the twenty-four member team travels to George Mason University and the U.S. Capitol to compete against teams from around the country. 

This is the seventeenth time since 1998 that the Governor’s School team has won the state championship and competed in the national tournament.

The Governor’s School Foundation is pleased to support our We the People team, along with the following corporate sponsors:  the New Market Foundation, the MeadWestvaco Foundation, Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP, and Tailored Touches.

PLEASE JOIN THE GOVERNOR'S SCHOOL FOUNDATION FOR ITS LAST MAILING OF THE YEAR, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29

The Governor's School Foundation needs volunteer help in preparing the final mailing of the year on Wednesday, April 29, starting at 9:00 a.m. in the MLWGS Boardroom. This last postcard mailing usually goes pretty quickly, so if you have a couple hours to spare, please join us! It is a great time to meet up with other parents to have coffee and great conversation!

No RSVP is necessary, but for questions or to be added to the Foundation's volunteer list for future bulk mailings, please contact Laura Lewis at 354-1566 or Laura.Lewis@GovernorsSchoolFoundation.org.

Thanks!

MLWGS Drama Club Presents 2015 SPRING ONE-ACTS FESTIVAL

An Evening of Student-Directed Short Plays

The One-Acts Festival will be held Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, April 30 - May 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the Black Box Theater. This year’s festival includes five student-directed short plays. Tickets will be available at the door for $5. Please join us for the following productions:

• A Human Write directed by Taylor Hawkins ('15, Chesterfield)
• Variations on the Death of Trotsky directed by John Libby ('16, Hanover)
• Red Nose Floppy Shoes directed by Emma Bilski ('16, Chesterfield)
• What If I Told You directed and written by Genna Markee ('17, Chesterfield)
• Admissions directed by Shannon Colson ('17, Henrico) and Naomi Vickers ('17, Richmond)

STUDENT Travel Opportunity

International/Interdisciplinary trip To Costa Rica

MLWGS students have an exciting opportunity to participate in the international/interdisciplinary trip to Costa Rica during Spring Break 2016. MLWGS has chosen to offer this opportunity because of Costa Rica’s unique history, vibrant culture, and robust ecological diversity. Students will spend nine days exploring the ecology, geology, history, and culture of Costa Rica. In Tortuguero students will discover eleven different habitats, including nesting ground for sea turtles. Then students will enjoy a unique perspective of the rainforest while whitewater rafting and zip-lining in Sarapiqui. The next stop will be the Arenal region, where students will study volcanic geology. The Arenal volcano serves as a watershed for the lake, powers the hot springs, and supports the majestic La Fortuna waterfall. The final destination is Guanacaste, where students can explore Pacific beaches. They will also visit a cloud forest and snorkel in a marine ecosystem. Of course, they will also have some free time to experience local culture.

           

MLWGS has chosen to work with Education First (EF), an accredited international travel company, because it is a leader in international education, with more than 45 years of experience in 50 countries. EF will provide transportation, accommodations, food, insurance, and an experienced tour guide. The tentative cost of the trip is $2635 plus $80 for tips.

  

Questions can be directed to David Barnes at dbarnes@gsgis.k12.va.us, or 354-6800 ex 3060. More information is also available at http://www.eftours.com/1713827WP .

MLWGS (Required) Summer Reading Books

There is no frigate like a book . . . . 

Emily Dickinson was absolutely right!  The PTSA is taking orders for the Maggie Walker required summer reading selections.  The titles are available at a discounted, tax-free price - - convenient for families, a benefit to MLWGS, and best of all, those books will get into eager hands before the summer begins (certainly a bonus in getting started on the tale of the whale)!

Order forms will be distributed to rising Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors, and the form can also be downloaded here on the MLWGS home page.

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

Calling All MLWGS Families:  Show an Outpouring of Appreciation for MLWGS Faculty and Staff

Send in $10 Gift Cards by May 1, 2015!

The MLWGS PTSA is asking all parents to send in one, two, three or more $10 gift cards so during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4-8, MLWGS can show its genuine appreciation to MLWGS teachers for all they do.

Please purchase $10 gift cards from Kroger, Target, Martin’s, Barnes and Noble or Starbucks, then bring (or send with your student) the gift cards to Room 100 (Mrs. Valenta Williams’ office, which is to the right through the Bluestone lobby entrance). There will be a drop box labeled TEACHER APPRECIATION GIFT CARDS for the cards. 

These gifts of $10 gift cards are a terrific way to show collective appreciation and support for the amazing faculty and staff at Maggie Walker. The cards will be given to the faculty and staff at the Teacher Appreciation event on Thursday, May 7.  

Deadline to send in gift cards is Friday, May 1.  The cards will be presented to the teachers and staff as a gift from all parents and students of MLWGS; no individual names of families who donated gift cards will be provided. During Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4-8, parents and students are also encouraged to send a personal note or email to faculty and staff expressing support and appreciation of their dedication to MLWGS students.

ATTENTION CLASS OF 2015!

Here are some senior events coming up in the next two weeks.

Senior Survey via Naviance
April 14 through May 8

The senior survey will be available on Naviance starting April 14 and must be completed by May 8 as a part of the official check-out process.  This survey will give the senior counselors information about each student’s post-graduation plans.  The final college decision each senior reports will be used in the graduation program, and the scholarships accepted will be reported in the Senior Awards Assembly program.  To access the survey, go to Naviance and click the senior survey link to the left under "About Me."  When complete, select "Save and I am finished" on the survey, and also mark it "Complete" on the Naviance Checklist.  If a student changes his/her college decision or receives a scholarship after submitting the form, please notify his/her senior counselor in person or by e-mail.  A brief demonstration and question/answer session about this survey will be provided during AP “Bubblefest” on Tuesday, April 21 and Wednesday, April 22.  Please contact Ms. Deck or Dr. Loving with questions.

Caps, Gowns, and Announcements

Wednesday and Thursday, April 22 and 23, during Lunch

Caps, gowns, announcements, and other items ordered from Herff-Jones will be distributed on April 22 and 23 in the student commons during lunch.  If a student does not pick up his/her order at that time, s/he should contact Ms. Sheppard (class sponsor/graduation coordinator) in Room 330.   Questions about or problems with the order placed should go directly to Herff-Jones directl at  804-598-0971.  Additional announcements are available for purchase ($1.35 each); students who need to order extras or who forgot to place an order should contact Ms. Sheppard by email (ksheppard@gsgis.k12.va.us) or by phone (354-6800 ext. 3304). 

Senior Graduation Ticket Distribution

Wednesday and Thursday, April 22 and 23, during Lunch

Please note that these are tickets for admission to the graduation exercises and are not the announcements you would have ordered from Herff-Jones.  Anyone planning to come watch a graduate receive their diploma must have a ticket to gain entrance into the theater.  Ms. Sheppard will be at a table in the student commons (next to the Herff-Jones tables) where seniors can pick up their tickets.   Each student will receive 13 tickets, and more tickets may be available on a case-by-case basis.  If tickets are lost, they are not replaceable.  Please keep them in a safe place until June 15. 

Senior Group Photo
Wednesday, April 29, 11:50 a.m.

A group photograph will be taken of all seniors in their caps and gowns standing proudly on the front steps of Maggie Walker.  This panorama style photograph measures approximately 10”x30”, and the cost is $15.00.   Approximately a week before the photograph is taken, order forms will be placed in the senior commons for any student interested in purchasing a copy of the photo.   Students need to remember to bring their caps and gowns that day.

Week of April 14, 2015

Grandparents and Special Friends Day Reminder

MLWGS hopes your students’ grandparents and special friends will be joining us this Friday, April 17, for Grandparents and Special Friends Day! 

Students with grandparents and/or special friends attending the event are invited to join us for a reception beginning at 3:00 p.m.  Please remind your child to stop by the Foundation office, room 225, to pick up a permission slip to be excused from class.  Only students whose grandparents have RSVP’d for the event will be allowed to get a permission slip.

Lastly, please remind the grandparents and special friends that a shuttle bus will be available to travel between the James River Bus Lines parking lot and the school.

MLWGS looks forward to meeting all grandparents and special friends!

Please join the Governor's School Foundation for their last mailing of the year, Wednesday, April 29!

The Governor's School Foundation needs volunteer help in preparing the final mailing of the year on Wednesday, April 29, starting at 9:00 a.m. in the MLWGS Boardroom. This last postcard mailing usually goes pretty quickly, so if you have a couple hours to spare, please join us! It is a great time to meet up with other parents to have coffee and great conversation!

No RSVP is necessary, but for questions or to be added to the Foundation's volunteer list for future bulk mailings, please contact Laura Lewis at 354-1566 or Laura.Lewis@GovernorsSchoolFoundation.org.

Thanks!

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK AT MLWGS – MAY 4-8

Calling All MLWGS Families

Show an Outpouring of Appreciation for our Faculty and Staff
Send in $10 Gift Cards

The MLWGS PTSA is calling all parents to send in one, two, three or more $10 gift cards so during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4-8, MLWGS can show its genuine appreciation to MLWGS teachers for all they do.

Please purchase $10 gift cards from Kroger, Target, Martin’s, Barnes and Noble or Starbucks, then bring (or send with your student) the gift cards to Room 100 (Mrs. Valenta Williams’ office, which is to the right through the Bluestone lobby entrance). There will be a drop box labeled TEACHER APPRECIATION GIFT CARDS for the cards. 

These gifts of $10 gift cards are a terrific way to show collective appreciation and support for the amazing faculty and staff at Maggie Walker. The cards will be given to the faculty and staff at the Teacher Appreciation event on Thursday, May 7.

Deadline to send in gift cards is Friday, May 1.  The cards will be presented to the teachers and staff as a gift from all parents and students of MLWGS; no individual names of families who donated gift cards will be provided. During Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4-8, parents and students are also encouraged to send a personal note or email to faculty and staff expressing support and appreciation of their dedication to MLWGS students.

Please see the link below if to participate in other Teacher Appreciation Week events hosted by the PTSA.

Maggie Walker Teacher Appreciation Week donations needed!

Counseling Department Offerings!

Attention students:  The counseling department will be offering small group counseling for students interested in further exploring the following topics.  Most likely groups will meet during lunch.  Please see a counselor during the week after break to sign up!

Stress! Stress! Stress!  So much to do!  So little time!  Join other students to explore the ways you respond to the stresses of everyday life and those extra ones deadlines an active life imposes.  Using Affect Theory let’s find some ways to reduce your response to stress and increase your sense of accomplishment.

Who am I?  What are my interests?  What do I want to do with my life after college?  Ah, let’s explore the possibilities based on an inventory similar to the Myers Briggs.   Ultimately, you will decide what is best for you but some exploration will inform your process.

Worried about someone’s substance abuse?  No one ever means to become an abuser.  We won’t “fix” anyone, but you can learn about the signs, symptoms and stages in the addiction process and how to take care of yourself in the presence of someone who seems to be getting in “harm’s way.”

Attention Class of 2015!

Here are some senior events coming up in the next two weeks.

Senior Survey via Naviance –
April 14 through May 8

The senior survey will be available on Naviance starting April 14 and must be completed by May 8 as a part of the official check-out process.  This survey will give the senior counselors information about each student’s post-graduation plans.  The final college decision each senior reports will be used in the graduation program, and the scholarships accepted will be reported in the Senior Awards Assembly program.  To access the survey, go to Naviance and click the senior survey link to the left under "About Me."  When complete, select "Save and I am finished" on the survey, and also mark it "Complete" on the Naviance Checklist.  If a student changes his/her college decision or receives a scholarship after submitting the form, please notify his/her senior counselor in person or by e-mail.  A brief demonstration and question/answer session about this survey will be provided during AP “Bubblefest” on Tuesday, April 21 and Wednesday, April 22.  Please contact Ms. Deck or Dr. Loving with questions.

AP Exam “Bubblefest” – Tuesday, April 21, 11:40 a.m., Auditorium

Any senior who has registered to take an AP exam in May is required to attend Bubblefest hosted by the school counselors during lunch on April 21.  Any senior absent on Tuesday may attend the underclassmen session on Wednesday. 

Caps, Gowns, and Announcements

Wednesday and Thursday, April 22 and 23, during Lunch

Caps, gowns, announcements, and other items ordered from Herff-Jones will be distributed on April 22 and 23 in the student commons during lunch.  If a student does not pick up his/her order at that time, s/he should contact Ms. Sheppard (class sponsor/graduation coordinator) in Room 330.   Questions about or problems with the order placed should go directly to Herff-Jones directl at 804-598-0971.  Additional announcements are available for purchase ($1.35 each); students who need to order extras or who forgot to place an order should contact Ms. Sheppard by email (ksheppard@gsgis.k12.va.us) or by phone (354-6800 ext. 3304). 

Senior Graduation Ticket Distribution

Wednesday and Thursday, April 22 and 23, during Lunch

Please note that these are tickets for admission to the graduation exercises and are not the announcements you would have ordered from Herff-Jones.  Anyone planning to come watch a graduate receive their diploma must have a ticket to gain entrance into the theater.  Ms. Sheppard will be at a table in the student commons (next to the Herff-Jones tables) where seniors can pick up their tickets.   Each student will receive 13 tickets, and more tickets may be available on a case-by-case basis.  If tickets are lost, they are not replaceable.  Please keep them in a safe place until June 15. 

Why read Moby Dick?

On Thursday, April 23, during lunch in the auditorium, Associate Professor Les Harrison from the VCU Department of English will answer the basic but very important question “Why read Moby Dick?”  He will also discuss author Herman Melville’s life and experiences in the whaling business.  No food is allowed in the auditorium, so students will have to eat lunch before or after the presentation.  You don’t want to miss it!

Note: Moby Dick is the only summer reading for American Literature students and is one of two selections for AP Language and Composition students

Physicals for Student Athletes

The Athletic Department will be having 2014-2015 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.

PTSA PROGRAMMING ALERT!

Raising Children to be Ethical Leaders

May 5, 2015 • 5:30 p.m. in the MW Auditorium

Local author Linda Fisher Thornton will discuss ethical leadership, the morals and principles inherent to good business practices, and raising gifted children to reflect these values.  Senior Reed Canaan, student chairperson of Maggie Walker’s honor council, will discuss the role of the honor council and introduce Ms. Thornton.  


The author of “7 Lenses: Learning the Principles and Practices of Ethical Leadership,” Ms. Thornton is a leadership consultant who teaches ethics at University of Richmond, and speaks and writes about the future of ethical leadership.