Week of November 6, 2019

SENIOR REMINDER: ORDER ANNOUNCEMENTS 











Herff Jones returns to MLWGS on November 6 and 7 (during lunch in the downstairs commons area) to accept orders and payment for graduation announcements and other graduation paraphernalia. These two dates will be the only time their representative is in the building. If you forget or wish to order online, visit: www.herffjones.com. Please remember to place your order by December 31 to ensure delivery and avoid an up-charge. Don’t forget…seniors have already paid for their caps and gowns. This was included in their student fees, so no need to worry! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ms. Sheppard or 804-354-6800 ext. 3304.





SCRIP ORDERS DUE THIS FRIDAY


Great Lake Scrip Orders are due THIS Friday, November 8 by noon. You can place your orders on-line or with the attached paper form (a full list of retailers can be found at shopwithscrip.com and you can write in any not on the form). If you pay by check, make sure the check is payable to MLWGS PTSA and reaches the PTSA Scrip Box in room 100 (Valenta William's office) by Friday at noon. It's not too early to start thinking about holiday shopping, travel, and dining plans! Plastic cards need to be ordered either on November 8 or December 6 to receive them before our December break. Cards are delivered the week after the order due date. Of course, you can shop Scrip Now digital gift cards anytime to benefit MLWGS. 

Questions? Contact your PTSA Scrip Coordinator at scrip@mlwgsptsa.org. To order or enroll, go to shopwithscrip.com The MLWGS enrollment code is: C43669E564L28. Let those retailers you already shop give back to MLWGS at no extra cost to you!

Also, there is a ONE day deal on November 21! Earn rebates up to 21% on e-gift cards and reloads.






MLWGS Drama presents: Almost, Maine


Poster credit: Malina Gavris (Chesterfield '20)

Almost, Maine

by John Cariani

Directed by Leigh Glatt

November 7, 8, and 9 at 7:00 pm

Welcome to Almost, Maine, a place that's so far north, it's almost not in the United States. It's almost in Canada. And it's not quite a town, because its residents never got around to getting organized- so it almost doesn't exist. One cold, clear, winter night, as the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, the residents of Almost, Maine, find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal and the hearts mend- almost- in this delightful midwinter night's dream. The show runs Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, November 7-9, at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are $7 for students and $12 for adults and may be purchased at the door or online at https://mlwgs-am.brownpapertickets.com/.

OPENING NIGHT SPECIAL: Everyone can enjoy student pricing on opening night, Thursday, November 7.

Questions? Please contact maggiewalkerdrama@gmail.com.





MLWGS COMMUNITY SERVICE FAIR THIS FRIDAY


Maggie Walker requires 140 hours of community service by the 3rd quarter of every student’s senior year. Each year the school holds a community service fair to help bring organizations and students together. The fair is this Friday, November 8.

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.-noon), the Fair will be open to all interested students.

The following wonderful organizations are planning to attend: Governor’s School Foundation, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Courts for Kids, RampsRVA, Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation, The Doorways, VCU Health, Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, and Sylvia’s Sisters.




VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR INFORMATION FORUMS




Information Forums will be held on November 11, 12 and 13. Prospective students and parents can meet teachers and students, ask questions, tour the building, and receive an overview of the program and extracurricular activities.

We need volunteers to provide refreshments, help with setup and clean up, and answer questions from prospective students/parents.

Please sign up to either donate cookies and brownies or to help on any of the three nights. All food must be store bought and nut free due to allergies.

Thank you to everyone who has either signed up to help with your time or with cookies donations. We still need more goodies! Last year, the PTSA Hospitality Committee served about one thousand cookies a night!

We will be collecting your donations this Friday, November 8 from 8-9 a.m. in the Bluestone lobby. You can drop off your donations or send them in with your student.

Contact Kim Nguyen for further information.

Prospective Student Night Signup

ATTENTION FRESHMEN PARENTS

Please join the Maggie Walker Class of 2023FACEBOOK parent group to keep you updated on Class of 2023 information. Simply log into Facebook, search for "MLWGS Class of 2023 Parents" and request to join the group. Alternatively, the link will take you directly to the group where you may request to be added.

 




ORCHESTRA NEWS









Congratulations to Minji Cho (Chesterfield '21) who will perform with the All National Orchestra this coming weekend in Orlando, FL. Also, congratulations to Mira Eisenhauer (Henrico '21), Emma Chun (Henrico '20), Sam Lichtman (Henrico '22), Eric Qian (Chesterfield '22), and Joshua Yoo (Chesterfield '22) who will be performing with Senior Regional Orchestra this weekend in Lynchburg, VA.





JENNIFER TODD: 2018-19 BOYS TENNIS COACH OF THE YEAR


Jennifer Todd: second to the left with the 2018-19 Championship Team

Jennifer Todd, Science department faculty, has been selected by the Virginia High School League as the 2018-19 Boys Tennis Coach of the Year! The selection to receive this prestigious honor is based upon Jenn’s positive work with the athletes in our program. Congratulations!

VHSL will submit Coach Todd to the National Federation of State High School Associations for further honors at the sectional and national levels.  The VHSL sends its most sincere congratulations! They wish Coach Todd and our athletes continued success in the seasons ahead.




PERISA ASHAR: VA DELEGATE FOR GLOBAL YOUTH INSTITUTE- THE WORLD FOOD PRIZE 














Perisa receiving certificate from 2016 World Food Prize Laureate, Dr. Howarth Bouis.

Junior Perisa Ashar wins Virginia Delegate Position and represents Virginia at The Global Youth Institute of World Food Prize.

Perisa Ashar won the Virginia delegate position to represent the State at Global Youth Institute of World Food Prize, in Des Moines, Iowa. She presented her research on “South Sudan Food Insecurity: Problems and Solutions” in a round table conference to 200 other students from 12 countries, and global leaders such as the 2016 World Food Prize Laureate, Dr. Howarth Bouis, who pioneered the concept of biofortification of crops to prevent micronutrient malnutrition. Perisa researched the political mileu, climate, and causes of food shortage in South Sudan and possible geo-political and scientific solutions at regional and global level. Each year, the World Food Prize Youth Institute convenes around the World Food Day, October 16, and chosen student delegates present their findings with international experts and their peers, connect with other students from around the world, tour cutting-edge industrial and research facilities, and take part in symposium discussions with global leaders in science, industry, and policy in order to explore and solve local, national, and global hunger and food security issues.

Perisa also interacted and attended the Borlaugue Symposium led by World Food Prize Laureates, former U.S. Ambassadors of several countries (Thailand, Senegal, Uganda, Colombia), and world leaders such as the former president of Nigeria, the President of Democratic Republic of Congo, and humanitarian leaders from over 65 countries. In addition, Perisa also attended the ceremony in which the 2019 World Food Prize Laureate, Mr. Simon Groot was awarded the Food Laureate Prize by Mr. Kenneth Quinn (President of World Food Prize and Former Ambassador to Cambodia).

The World Food Prize is an international award recognizing the achievements of individuals who have advanced human development by improving the quality, quantity, or availability of food in the world. It was conceived by 1970 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Norman Borlaugh, and strives for the supply of nutritious food to all people and to fight global hunger and starvation with the theme of Pax Agricultura or Peace Through Agriculture.

Perisa with 2019 World Food Prize Laureate, Mr. Simon Groot, and the President of World Food Prize and Former Ambassador to Cambodia , Mr. Kenneth Quinn.







The Foundation Annual Fund parent competition is well underway! Each year Dragon parents battle it out to see which class has the highest parent percentage of Foundation Annual Fund supporters. And remember this year the class with the highest parent percentage will receive a student ice cream party at the end of the school year! Help the Foundation meet its goal of raising $330,000 before the end of the school year.

Totals to date are as follows:
Senior Parents (2020) 20%
Junior Parents (2021) 15%
Sophomore Parents (2022) 23%
Freshman Parents (2023) 22%

The Governor's School Foundation Annual Fund makes a huge impact on all students at MLWGS by directly supporting activities like academic competitions and student travel, as well as new technology and student financial assistance. The support of our parents is critical in these efforts and we are most grateful for your continued commitment. Make your contribution now.

We look forward to all that we can accomplish together for MLWGS!

Week of October 30, 2019

GET READY FOR GRADUATION 2020

Herff Jones will taking measurements for graduation caps and gowns today Wednesday, October 30 during lunch in the auditorium.  Ordering information for announcements and other graduation paraphernalia will also be available. It can be tough to anticipate how many announcements to order with graduation still eight months away, but order now to ensure you will have enough! Herff Jones will return November 6 and 7 (during lunch in the downstairs commons area) to accept orders and payments. You are also welcome to order your announcements online www.herffjones.com. Just make sure to order before January 1 to avoid an increase in the price. Don’t forget that seniors have already paid for their caps and gowns. This was included in their student fees, so no need to worry! 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ms. Sheppard or 804-354-6800 ext. 3304.

VISUAL ART BOOSTERS EVENT

This Friday, November 1, the Fine Arts Department and Visual Arts Boosters is hosting our annual Fall Art Walk event in conjunction with Richmond’s First Fridays. Every first Friday of the month, local art galleries open their doors for the evening.

To begin the evening, our wonderful Visual Arts Boosters are hosting a reception from 6-7 p.m. in room 153 outside of the Bluestone Lobby. Please join us for snacks and fellowship prior to heading out to the galleries. If you are willing to help out with food for the reception, please sign up HERE

We will give everyone maps of the galleries and Coach Hall will take anyone who would like to join him around to some specific exhibitions.

To help avoid parking around the galleries, we will have a school bus which will run a circuit from the Main St. galleries to Broad St. and then back to school. The bus will continue this circuit throughout the evening until the last pickup at 9:30 p.m. This way, you may stay for as long (or as short) as you like. Details will be discussed that evening.

If you’ve never had the opportunity to participate in a First Fridays Art Walk - or even if you have - we’d love to see you at our event! All are welcome (students, parents, family members, and faculty)!

Additional details can be found here: http://www.maggiewalkervab.org

Thanks again and we hope to see you and your young artists at this event. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Jeff Hall




PTSA GENERAL MEETING: COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID 

PTSA General Meeting Monday, November 4 8-9 a.m.

The 2020-2021 FAFSA is now open, and we know that you have questions! Please plan to attend the next Maggie Walker General PTSA event on Monday, November 4th at 8 a.m. in room 153 (just inside the front doors, on the left). 

MLWGS Senior Counselors and Susan Teerlink, GRASP Financial Aid advisor, will host the meeting. Ms. Teerlink will provide important information regarding the financial aid application process, followed by Q&A. This meeting is open to all MLWGS parents, with a particular focus on parents of Juniors and Seniors. The meeting will end by 9 a.m., in time to attend parent meeting about mentorships/senior seminar in the auditorium. Make it a twofer! We hope to see you on Monday.

Maggie L. Walker Drama presents:  Almost, Maine

Poster Credit: Malina Gavris (Chesterfield '20)

Almost, Maine

by John Cariani

Directed by Leigh Glatt

November 7, 8, and 9 at 7:00 pm

Welcome to Almost, Maine, a place that's so far north, it's almost not in the United States. It's almost in Canada. And it's not quite a town, because its residents never got around to getting organized- so it almost doesn't exist. One cold, clear, winter night, as the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, the residents of Almost, Maine, find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend- almost- in this delightful midwinter night's dream. The show runs Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, November 7-9, at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are $7 for students and $12 for adults and may be purchased at the door or online at https://mlwgs-am.brownpapertickets.com/.

OPENING NIGHT SPECIAL: Everyone can enjoy student pricing on opening night, Thursday, November 7.

Questions? Please contact maggiewalkerdrama@gmail.com.





SCRIP

Two more order due dates before the holiday break! Due dates are November 8 and December 6. Of course you can shop Scrip Now products anytime for your every day or holiday gift shopping! Great Lake Scrip offers some great gift cards for as little as $10.00 that make great holiday presents such as Starbucks, Krispy Kreme, Dunkin Donuts, Panera, Chipotle, Barnes and Noble, Bath and Body Works, Baskin Robbins, Taco Bell, Wendy's, Burger King, Cold Stone Creamery, Sweet Frog, as well as a selection of movie theaters.  Many of your children's favorite clothing stores are Scrip retailers as well, and they have big rebates! Let those retailers you already shop give back to Maggie Walker at no extra cost to you! 

To enroll or shop go to: shopwithscrip.com. Enrollment code: C43669E564L28. 

Questions? Contact your Scrip Coordinator at scrip@mlwgsptsa.org.





VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR INFORMATION FORUMS

Information Forums will be held on November 11, 12 and 13. Prospective students and parents can meet teachers and students, ask questions, tour the building, and receive an overview of the program and extracurricular activities. 

We need volunteers to provide refreshments, help with setup and clean up, and answer questions from prospective students/parents.

Please sign up to either donate cookies and brownies or to help on any of the three nights. All food must be store bought and nut free due to allergies.

Contact Kim Nguyen for further information.

Prospective Student Night Signup

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.