February 10, 2021

Special Guest Speaker TODAY

We are thrilled to announce that Christina Koch, NASA astronaut and former United States Antarctic Program research associate, will be joining the Polar Seminar on Wednesday, Feb. 10, during first period. She will talk about her experiences working in harsh and remote conditions – from the South Pole to the International Space Station. The Artemis team  of astronauts has begun training and preparing for the first planned lunar mission since 1972.

Watch this short video, “Meet Artemis Team Member Christina Koch,” to introduce you to this remarkable speaker.

If you would like to attend the seminar, please email Lynn Reed as soon as possible and she will provide you with the Zoom link. Koch's talk will begin at about 8:50 a.m., and the Q&A will conclude at 9:55 a.m. We will record the event and posting it to Schoology afterwards.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-teacher conferences will be conducted virtually using the Zoom platform on Thursday, Feb. 11, from 4 until 7 p.m. Find a link to the Sign-up Genius form in the parent portal of PowerSchool. As always, you can email any teacher directly and set up a time to talk.

Fall Sports

Any student who plans to participate in fall sports must have the forms completed to participate. Please send forms to phawkins@gsgis.k12.va.us as a single file attachment, such as a DOC or PDF, that is named “Lastname, Firstname.” If you do not have a scanner at home, there are free scanning apps available for your phone, and newer iPhones include a built-in scanner in the “Notes” app. The start date for fall sports is Monday, Feb. 16. 

Re-Opening Update

Gov. Northam has called upon all public schools in the Commonwealth to begin returning students to campus by March 15. Over the next few days, the MLWGS admin team will review all of the guidelines mentioned in the Governor's statement and ensure that our instructional plan is updated and in compliance.

School Counseling

Reminder: The MLWGS senior counselors are pleased to present MLWGS’s annual College Kick-Off event for juniors and their families again this year. This virtual event will take place over three informative and inspiring sessions:

• Tuesday, Feb. 16 (12:30-1:30 p.m.): Navigating Naviance and other accounts (in support of college planning), presented by senior counselors Dr. Rachel Loving and Ms. Kim Forquer, as well as GRASP representative Mrs. Susan Teerlink and English teacher Mr. Ed Coleman

• Wednesday, Feb. 17 (10:15-11:30 a.m.): The College Search and an Introduction to Scholarships, Financial Aid, Honors Colleges, and Special Programs, featuring panelists from Old Dominion University, Howard University, and Northeastern University

• Thursday, Feb. 18 (10:15-11:30 a.m.): What Colleges are Looking For and an Introduction to the Application Process, featuring panelists from the University of Richmond, the College of William & Mary, and the University of Chicago

Shop with Scrip!

We have earned $1234.51 this year with our scrip program, close to our $1,500 goal! Help us reach it by doing your everyday shopping with scrip. Go to shopwithscip.com to shop. Our next plastic card order due date is February 21 at midnight. 

During Thank Scriping days on Feb. 18 and 19, a selection of retailers will give up to 19% back on e-certificate orders! Stock up on brands you regularly shop. Questions? Contact scrip@mlwgsptsa.org. We are also looking for a coordinator for next year, as current coordinator's son is graduating! Please reach out to the scrip email address if interested. It's a great way to get involved with the PTSA Board and meet new people while benefitting the school's fundraising efforts!

Support MLWGS at the 2021 Night of the Dragon!

Plans are shaping up in a wonderful way for the 2021 Night of the Dragon on April 24. Our beloved annual fundraising auction and gala will be virtual this year, so mark your calendars and make plans now to have a viewing party or just stay in, order from one of our partner restaurants, and enjoy!

Want to help us make the upcoming 19th Annual Night of the Dragon the best ever? Sure you do! Here are some great ways:

• Get registered as soon as we let you know the auction website goes live so you can preview all the great auction items. 

• Donate an item(s) or service for the live or silent auctions. Popular items include unique experiences hosted by MLWGS families and friends, vacation home rentals, one-of-a-kind items, local adventures—GET CREATIVE! To donate, contact Ginger O’Neil.
• 
  
• Become a sponsor. Individual and corporate sponsorships are a great way to support MLWGS and celebrate someone or promote your business to our community. Sponsorships are available at many levels (from $500 to $10,000) and the livestream format allows for some great new options for recognition. For sponsorships, contact Ginger O’Neil.

Attention: Seniors

The February 2021 Senior Newsletter has been uploaded to the MLWGS School Counseling website. This document features scholarships, announcements from colleges, contests, and multicultural opportunities, as well as an on-site admissions event with Mary Baldwin University that is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 12. Students and families are reminded that each issue includes a new list of scholarships; therefore, rereading previous issues and reviewing Naviance are suggested so that opportunities and deadlines are not missed. on the website, click on the link for “College Admissions Information” and then “Senior & Junior Newsletters." Seniors should also continue viewing posts on the “College Information for the Class of 2021” Schoology page.

Joys of Service on the MLWGS PTSA Board

by former MLWGS PTSA President Craig R. Martin

I avoided even attending the PTSA meetings for my twins all through their elementary and middle school years, much less participating somehow on the boards. I look back at the full scope of my daughter’s time in school (class of 2021 at MLWGS) and I regret the early days I missed. Fortunately, I became active on the MLWGS PTSA Board during her sophomore year when I was asked to be president for 2019-20. I was honored to be asked, and looking back at my three years on the Board, including coming on as President-Elect and serving on the membership committee this year, I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to serve the school and students in this way. I know I am biased, but it feels like the smartest and most active Parent-Teacher-Student Association board in Virginia (no disparagement to all the other PTSAs).

From personal experience, I have found being part of this group incredibly rewarding. I have learned so much more about Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School than I would have ever known had I not been part of this amazing team of truly remarkable board members. We have become family and I will be very sad to not be with them after this year once my daughter goes off to college. My fellow board members have taught me so much and I was humbled to serve on a team with so many folks much, much smarter than me!

So, why am I sharing this now? Because we need you! People like me who are leaving the MLWGS PTSA have opened up spots on the board. And, we want to make sure you were invited to join the team. Now as a MLWGS dad, I would especially like to invite other dads, men on the faculty, from administration and students to consider serving the school and the MLWGS community in this way. It’s always interesting when I reach out to other MLWGS fathers and the comment comes back that they are too busy to serve. I like to laugh and say, “the previous president to when I served, the current president and the president-elect are all working professionals with much more demanding jobs than I will ever have.” So, consider being a part.

Much like my friend Natalie Smith asked me years ago if I would be a part of the board, I am asking all of you. Will you join and serve? Trust me, like many meaningful things in life, I have personally received much more being on the team than I ever gave back. You won’t regret a minute of it. If interested, you can reach out to our committee lead at vbray@barlowresearch.com or email me. Thank you!

Week of September 19, 2018

SCHOOL PICTURE TIME! 

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

Students will be photographed during their English classes.

Retakes will be Monday, October 15.

The 22nd ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL: A GLOBAL CELEBRATION

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

Interested in Performing at Fall Festival?

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

Limited time is available for other student groups.

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

MW Fall Festival 2018 Entertainment Sign-Up

DEADLINE for signing up is this Friday, September 21.

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

Fall Festival Volunteer Sign up  

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

ATTENTION PARENTS OF JUNIORS AND SENIORS

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

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

PTSA Orientation Forms

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

Thank you for your time and support of the students! 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL VISITS FOR

PROSPECTIVE MLWGS STUDENTS 

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


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

Middle School Visits Volunteer Sign Up

ATTENTION SENIOR PARENTS

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

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

·         VA DAR Good Citizen

·         UVA: Jefferson Scholars

·         Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

·         Harry F. Byrd, Jr. Leadership Award

·         Davidson College: Belk Scholars

·         Interfaith Council Brother/Sisterhood Award

·         Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship Program

·         VA Tech: Pamplin Leaders Award

·         Virginia Interscholastic Athletic (VIAAA) Awards

·         VHSL Scholarships

·         Executive Women International Scholarship Program

·         Pogue Scholarship

·         Civitan International Honor Key

·         Rajan Scholarship

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

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

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

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

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

LIBRARY NEWS

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

                               Casual Seating at lunch in the Library

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

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

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

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

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

Help Restock the Gratitude Box

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

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

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

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

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

Wendy DeGroat, Librarian

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

Jake Zaslav (16) late show desk

Week of June 13, 2018

GRADUATION - THE FINAL REMINDERS!

Senior Picnic

Thursday, June 14 from 12-2 p.m.
Carillon Shelter at Byrd Park

The Senior Picnic is the first official alumni event for the Class of 2018; it is sponsored by the Governor's School Foundation and Alumni Office. The event will take place at the Carillon Shelter at Byrd Park, and students are asked to sign-up to bring desserts, drinks, paper goods, and chips. The Foundation will assist in providing the main meal. 

Any parent who wishes to help serve at this event, please contact class sponsors: 

Kerry Sheppard ksheppard@gsgis.k12.va.us 804-354-6800 ext. 3304 or Celie Boswell cboswell@gsgis.k12.va.us 804-354-6800 ext. 2366.

Baccalaureate Service 

Thursday, June 14 at 6:30 p.m.

Reveille United Methodist Church
4200 Cary Street Road

The Baccalaureate Service will be held at Reveille United Methodist Church, 4200 Cary Street Road. Parking is available behind the church. From the parking lot, follow the brick walkway to the sanctuary. Seniors are reminded to bring both cap and gown for the ceremony. Seniors report to gymnasium no later than 6:15 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact Julie Hendricks juliebhendricks@hotmail.com.


Graduation Rehearsal Information

Friday, June 15 at 9:00 a.m.
Altria Theater
6 N. Laurel Street

Graduation rehearsal is held at the Altria Theater on June 15, 2017. Parking for graduation is available at the VCU parking deck for $10 (entrances are on Cherry and Laurel Streets). There are pay stations at the decks, but don't forget to print out a receipt. This will allow you to return later in the day for no additional charge. Please adhere to posted street parking signs as ticketing and towing are strictly enforced. Seniors must arrive no later than 8:45 a.m. and report to the downstairs ballroom (enter through the Main Street entrance towards the rear of the building). Rehearsal will begin at 9:00 a.m. sharp. ANY STUDENT WHO MISSES REHEARSAL WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO WALK IN THE ACTUAL GRADUATION CEREMONY, so parents are asked to please work with your student to make sure he or she is on time. Practice is usually completed by 11:30 a.m. or so, but given that we will take as long as needed to perfect the process, please do not plan anything that requires your student to leave early or be gone by a certain time. This run-through is crucial to the success of the graduation ceremony.


Graduation Information

Friday, June 15 at 3:00 p.m.
Altria Theater
6 N. Laurel Street

Graduates must arrive at the downstairs ballroom by 2:00 p.m. For organizational reasons, this area is off limits to parents, relatives, and friends; we appreciate your understanding. Cap, gown, and tassel are the most important items for the day, but students are asked to dress appropriately: dark dress pants, collared shirt and tie for the young men, dresses or dark dress pants for the young women. Students may wear cords earned as part of their membership in our Honor Societies (as has been our custom). Students may wear one piece of additional pre-approved regalia which they have earned as a member of an enduring MLWGS organization. All pieces of regalia will be distributed by sponsors in the days leading up to graduation.

Perhaps the most important clothing decision for the day, however, is shoes. Dress shoes and socks or low-heeled dress shoes are the best choices; please, no “flip-flops” or athletic shoes. Additionally, decorations on mortarboards are absolutely prohibited.

Doors to Altria Theater will open at 2:30 p.m. Guests should enter through the front doors and must have a ticket to attend graduation. Seating is not reserved. Handicap seating is available in multiple locations; please see one of the ushers at the door upon your arrival if you need this seating. Parking for graduation is available at the VCU parking deck for a minimal fee (entrances are on Cherry and Laurel Streets.) Please adhere to posted street parking signs as ticketing and towing are strictly enforced.

Photographs during the ceremony are only allowed from your seats. The Altria Theater will not permit us to spill into the aisles for this activity, and they enforce this quite seriously. Strawbridge Studios will be taking pictures of each individual student as he/she receives his/her diploma.

Graduation activities should conclude by 5:30 p.m.

Directions to and Parking Information for Altria Theater, 2018

NEXT STEPS FOR SENIORS- CONGRATULATIONS!!!

CLICK HERE to see WHERE THEY ARE HEADED

The Dragon's Lair will close for the summer on the last day of school, June 15.  Please stop by and grab your MLWGS gear in time for the summer break. In the event you need a sticker, a hoodie, or a Maggie Walker t-shirt, before we return in August, our online store will remain open all summer long! 

Dragon's Lair Spirit Store   

The Dragon's Lair sends a heartfelt thanks our all of our store volunteers, students, parents, and alumni who helped make this past year one of our best. Sales are up over 40% from last year and for this we say THANKS! We also wish all our of graduating seniors much happiness and success in their future endeavors. 

RESTOCK THE GRATITUDE BOX

When a student or teacher would like to brighten someone’s day with “Thank you,” or a kind, encouraging, celebratory, or empathetic note, they can grab a card from the library’s Gratitude Box or make their own card from the supplies they find there.

This has led to a happy problem: the MLWGS Library’s Gratitude Box is running low.

The “Restock the Box” supply drive runs through June 15 (or if you would prefer to drop supplies by MLWGS after graduation, you can do so until June 22).  Students seem especially fond of bright, hip looking designs.

If you would like to help restock the gratitude box, Ms. DeGroat will gladly accept the following: 

• Glue sticks 
• Construction paper 
• Colorful card stock 
• Blank cards 
• Thank you cards 
• Congratulations, Thinking of You, Happy Birthday, Get Well, and Sympathy cards 
• Scissors 

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

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The PTSA Board is seeking volunteers to either chair or co-chair next year’s Night of the Dragon auction.  The annual Night of the Dragon event is the PTSA’s major fundraiser from which proceeds support our Booster groups, the PTSA, and the MLWGS Foundation.  If you are willing to serve or would like further information, please contact Rachel Downey at downeyfamily5@verizon.net.

Smoke and Scales wish to thank Nancy Turnage (Mitch Turnage '18, Hanover) for her fours years in her role as Co-Editor.  She will be missed by her fellow Co-Editors!  Congratulations to you!

Christine Wampler (Lucy Wampler, '20, Richmond) and Kimberly Lee (Megan Lee '18, Jacob Lee '21, Chesterfield) will remain as co-editors next year.

SMOKE AND SCALES WISHES YOU A SAFE AND HAPPY SUMMER!

"See" you in the first 2018-2019 school year edition, scheduled for Wednesday, August 29; submission deadline is Sunday, August 26.