Week of February 28, 2018

Monty Python's SPAMALOT

presented by Maggie Walker Drama Club
Directed by Foster Solomon

Poster Credit: Nicoleta Gavris, Chesterfield '18

March 1,2, and 3 at 7:00 p.m.

**Half-price student night on Thursday, March 1**

Running for four sensational years on Broadway and the winner of three Tony Awards, including Best Musical, this legendary musical is lovingly ripped off from the film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Spamalot retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. Follow everyone’s favorite comic crusaders as they sing and dance their way to the biggest prize of all.

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

Tickets are $10 for students and $12 for adults. 

Half-price student tickets on Thursday, March 1 only ($5 per student ticket)

Purchase tickets at the door or online here (https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3334668).

Questions? Please contact maggiewalkerdrama@gmail.com.

MARCH 4 is the FINAL DAY TO ORDER YOUR TICKETS!

Sunday is the Final Day to Order Your Night of the Dragon Tickets! 

This Sunday, March 4, is the final day to order your tickets to the Dragon community's social event of the year. The 16th Annual Night of the Dragon, being held March 10 at the Hilton Short Pump, is going to be a wonderful evening of great conversation, delicious food, and exciting auction fun benefiting our amazing school. Auction prizes include 2 tickets to see Justin Timberlake in Washington, DC in January 2019, tickets to Broadway in Richmond, vacation stays in Snowshoe and on the Shenandoah River, a rooftop wine tasting in the Fan, and much, much more. Order your tickets today at www.nightofthedragon.com.

Gift Cards Wanted Now!  

Today is the last day to sign up to donate gift cards to support Night of the Dragon. The gift cards will be used to create some cool packages/baskets for the Silent Auction and the ever-popular Gift Card Bonanza during the Live Auction. Sign up today and be sure to deliver your gift card by the end of the week to the front office, attn: NOTD Gift Card Donations. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e054da8af229-gift

MARCH is YOUTH ART and MUSIC MONTH

This year, in addition to our regular month-long student art exhibition in the second floor hallway, various school music groups will also be performing throughout the evening of our opening event on Wednesday, March 14 from 5-7 p.m.  Student short films will also be shown in the auditorium.  The event is open to the public and refreshments will be provided. Please mark your calendar!

CONGRATULATIONS INDOOR TRACK!

The girls win their fifth state championship in a row!

Another state meet is in the books and the girls are coming home with another championship trophy. The senior girls are now one season away from winning every VHSL championship (Conference, Regional, and State) that they have competed in during their high school careers.

Mary Caroline Heinen (Richmond '20) won both the mile and 2 mile.
Morgan Ackley (Chesterfield '18) was the runner-up in the 1000 meter run.
Megan Lee (Chesterfield '18) was the runner-up in the 2 mile.
Taylor Hill (Richmond '18) was third in the 55 meter dash.

For the second consecutive year, the boys finished third.  After a great first day, the boys ran into two teams that had perfect second days; however, there were plenty of breakthrough All-State performances.

Great job by our coaching team of Jim Holdren, Deborah Snagg, Ryan Webb, and Robert Disse.

The Foundation's Annual Fund Campaign supports several categories of enhancements at MLWGS.  Funding from our clubs and activities category has already subsidized travel for Model UN (pictured), Model Congress, and the Young Republicans.  We are already committed to offsetting the cost of attending upcoming competitions for students involved with Debate, Forensics, and Quiz Bowl, among other non-travel-related funding commitments.

So far this year, the Foundation's 2017-18 Annual Fund Campaign has raised $249,662, which is 75% of our $330,000 goal.  26% of current parents have donated a total of $52,342.  In our strongest fundraising years, parent participation has reached 70%.  Help us get there this year!  Here is the parent participation by class as of February 21:

• Senior: 24%
• Junior: 30%
• Sophomore: 24%
• Freshmen: 24%

We are thrilled to share that the Governor's School Foundation has received a gift of $100,000 from Amishi Amin and Neil Amin ('96). The gift will be used to found the Shamin Hotels Speaker Series at MLWGS and to upgrade existing classroom space to create The Purnima Amin Physics and Robotics Design Center.  Read more in the Richmond Times Dispatch here.  And help us keep this momentum going by making a gift to the Foundation today!  Together, we can do more than ever to enrich the MLWGS experience for every student.

Week of April 12, 2016

ALUMNI SHOWCASE 2016

The Governor's School Foundation is happy to report that Alumni Showcase 2016 was a great success!  More than 50 alumni volunteered to speak to current students about life after high school on Friday, March 25.

Software engineer Mica Swyers ('04) talked about her decision to leave liberal arts academia for a STEM job.  Austin Higgs ('09) discussed switching colleges and finding his way into a meaningful career supporting diversity and equal access at VCU.  Kyle Healy ('03), a producer for The Late Show, brought down the house in the auditorium talking comedy and Colbert.  Kia Jordan ('13), our youngest speaker, was an amazing representative for our recent graduates, poised and already dispensing valuable advice.  We hope that hearing the perspectives of all sorts of different alumni added to current students' sense that life is full of possibility no matter where the road leads!   Thanks to our incredible alumni for giving so much back with such enthusiasm!

This year's speakers also included Chris Fields-Johnson '99, Sarah Jennings '99, Angela Pirko '06, Loren Bushkar '00, Austin Higgs '09, Jennifer (Frankovich) Lovett '99, Sarah Stoneham '02, Henry Scott '07, Rebecca Wright '97, Karen Principe Setzer '99, Emily Muth '00, Mica Swyers '04, Tommy Nicholas '07, Michael Wysong '03, Nakeia Monte '02, Ayanna Jones '01, David Wein '00, Steven Lewis '02, Matt Newman '03, Jamey Stegmaier '99, Kristina Page '96, Kathleen Kostandin '07, Michael Reed '03, Sarah Eckman '03, Lanae Jones Holmes '96, Katie Houston '04, Devon Gray '06, Chris Somerville '99, Victoria Chiou '02, Nathan Conway '06, Sarah Workman, '96, Shelly Thiss '03, Amy Weiss '03, Kristen Lewis '03, Danny Yates '09, Allison Muth '02, Lauren Palmer Scott '05, Maryann James-Daley '00, Kia Jordan '13, Kyle Healy '03, Steve Bryant '95, Charles Martin '99, Alexander Muth '07, Catherine Nicholas '04, Alex Guzmán '07, Tim Wright '96, Giles Harnsberger '01, Alex Wiles '12, Liz White '00, Sarah Beck-Berman '05, Erin Ortiz '06, Jessica Escobedo '96, Mike & Sarah Moore '03, Ellen Nicholas '09, and Emily Thomason '07.

The Foundation sponsored the event. The 2016 Alumni Showcase Committee organized the event in conjunction with the Foundation and included Erin Ortiz '06 (chair), Khiem Tran '06, Amy Weiss '03, Bryce Lyle '99, and Catherine Nicholas '04.

So far this year, the Annual Fund Campaign has raised $205,960 for the school, which is 69% of the goal. Overall current parent participation is 28%, and here is the parent participation by class:

• Seniors:  28%
• Juniors:  35%
• Sophomores:  28%
• Freshmen:  33%

The Governor’s School Foundation’s Annual Fund Campaign supports programs for students, grants for teacher continuing education, special projects for facilities and equipment, and serves as the alumni office.

To donate online, please click here (http://www.governorsschoolfoundation.org/donate/).

MAY 4 GENERAL PTSA MEETING PRESENTATION

ON STRESS AND ANXIETY MANAGEMENT IN YOUTH

Parents, please join us for the final General PTSA meeting for the 2015-2016 school year.  The meeting will be hosted by Dr. Michael Southam-Gerow, a MLWGS parent, as he educates us on the important topic of “Stress and Anxiety Management in Youth.”  The meeting will be held on May 4 from 5:30-7:30 in the Auditorium at Maggie Walker.  There will be prepared remarks and time for Q&A.  This was a very insightful program last year and we specifically scheduled it for the evening time slot to allow for strong parent participation.

Dr. Michael Southam-Gerow is Associate Chair and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Psychology at VCU and the Co-Director of the Anxiety Clinic at VCU. He received his bachelor’s degree at the University of Michigan and his PhD at Temple University in Philadelphia.

PTSA ADVOCACY GOAL:

INCREASE STATE FUNDING OF MLWGS

MLWGS PTSA is dedicated to solving the chronic underfunding of MLWGS by lobbying the Governor and General Assembly to increase funding and correct inequities in the current state funding formula.

MLWGS PTSA needs new volunteers to join us!

PTSA Advocacy also monitors the Regional School Board which governs MLWGS. This board includes a school board member from each participating school district and is advised by the district superintendents. We need parents to regularly attend MLWGS Regional School Board meetings (3rd Thursday of the month at 9 am). Information including minutes and budgets is on the school website www.mlwgs.com under the tabs “About” and “Regional School Board.”

The state lobbying effort is critical for 2016. The General Assembly has ordered the Virginia Department of Education to review Governor’s School funding by November 2016. MLWGS PTSA will continue to be active with this issue. The MLWGS PTSA will communicate its position to state budget decision makers; inform and rally support from the MLWGS community; and work with the EduPAC Club to coordinate the Legislative Coffee held annually in December and Capitol Day in February where students meet with state legislators.

The current PTSA Advocacy leaders have graduating or alumni children. Advocacy efforts need involvement from current MLWGS parents. Want to learn more? Contact Anne Hayes, annehayes@verizon.net or Laura O'Brien, prable@comcast.net.

A CLOSER LOOK: STATE FUNDING BACKGROUND

Maggie Walker PTSA volunteers have invested several years advocating for more equitable state funding for Governor’s Schools. Those efforts have paid off and are ongoing. After being excluded for years, Governor’s School teachers and staff are now explicitly included when the state provides matching dollars for salary increases. 

Thanks to the Governor and General Assembly, in FY17 and FY18, MLWGS will see a temporary increase in state funding of more than $300,000 a year. However, this is far short of the amount necessary to appropriately fund the school and address its many operational needs.

In December 2015, Governor McAuliffe’s proposed budget generously provided $3.9 million in additional funding for Governor’s Schools. Unfortunately, a closer examination of the Governor’s proposal revealed the funding distributions were not equitable for all 19 part-day and full-day Governor’s Schools on a per student, per course basis. The proposed funding formula did not account for the greater needs and costs of full-day Governor’s Schools. Given the longstanding underfunding of MLWGS and other full-day Governor’s Schools resulting in serious budget shortfalls, we raised concerns with the General Assembly about the proposed funding formula.

General Assembly members agreed with us regarding equity. Instead of supporting the Governor’s formula, they put forward a temporary formula that provides a 2.5% increase and extra $50 per course/per student for all Governor’s Schools and ordered a review of the state funding formula based on length of program day. There is hope the upcoming formula review due November 2016 will recognize actual costs of operating these programs and provide an appropriate increase in state funding for all Governor’s Schools. To ensure that happens, we need your help. Please consider volunteering with PTSA Advocacy.

MLWGS TEXTBOOK REVIEW PROCESS

MLWGS is currently undergoing the textbook adoption process for implementation in 2016-2017 for the following courses: Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics, Advanced Placement Human Geography, Advanced Placement Psychology, and Advanced Placement Biology.

MLWGS invites you to provide input on the potential textbooks for one or more of these courses. The public comment period for the textbooks under consideration is open through Thursday, May 19. The textbooks and evaluation forms will be displayed in the MLWGS library during this public comment period.

Please direct any questions that you may have regarding this process to Dr. Wendy Taylor Ellis at wellis@gsgis.k12.va.us.

DO YOU HAVE PHYSICS EXPERTISE?

Mr. Houghton, who teaches Physics, would like help from someone who understands electronics and would be willing to look over his lessons on voltage regulating op amps and the use of capacitors to filter noise. hhoughton@gsgis.k12.va.us.

MLWGS JUNIOR WINS DEAN'S LIST AWARD AT

CENTRAL VIRGINIA ROBOTICS COMPETITION

Congratulations to Panth Doshi (’17, Henrico) for winning the Dean's List Award at the Central Virginia robotics competition before Spring Break! This award celebrates outstanding student leaders whose passion for and effectiveness at attaining FIRST ideals is exemplary. Wish him luck as he advances to the Chesapeake District Championship on April 8-9, 2016.

CENTER FOR PUBLIC POLICY SYMPOSIUM

TERRORISM AND RADICALIZATION IN OPEN SOCIETY

Thursday, April 14, 3-5 p.m.

VCU Student Commons Theater, 907 Floyd Ave, First Floor

In the modern world open societies are being confronted by a rising number of incidents of violent terrorism and the spreading radicalization of disenfranchised and disillusioned young people. The challenge is to address these problems in a society founded on principles of democracy and freedom. This symposium is intended to be an open, informative and constructive conversation to push the boundaries of how we think about and respond to terrorism and radicalization in open society. A panel of internationally renowned speakers and guests will present their experiences including:

Pete Simi – embedded fieldworker and author of the book American Swastika: Inside the White Power Movement's Hidden Spaces of Hate.

Frank Smyth – award-winning investigative reporter and executive director of Global Journalist Security

Scott Sayare – Parisian based American reporter and author of “The Charlie Hebdo I Know”(The Atlantic, January 11, 2015)

John Wyman – Supervisory Special Agent with the FBI and Terrorism Coordinator for the Richmond Joint Terrorism Task Force

Omar Abdullah – Iraqi Immigrant, translator, news analyst and VCU student

GRASP, A VIRGINIA COLLEGE ACCESS ORGANIZATION,

RECEIVES $30K GRANT FROM THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION 

SERVING RICHMOND AND CENTRAL VIRGINIA

Thanks to a $30,000 grant from The Community Foundation Serving Richmond and Central Virginia, GReat Aspirations Scholarship Program, Inc. (GRASP), a college access organization, can continue its financial aid services to students in central Virginia high schools during the 2016-2017 school year.

“GRASP is most appreciative of this generous support from The Community Foundation Serving Richmond and Central Virginia,” said Bettsy Heggie, GRASP CEO.  “It will allow us to continue helping central Virginia students take their next steps toward education after high school and the opportunity for a better future as a result of that education.”

GRASP, a Virginia non-profit, implements its services via advisors who provide free, confidential, one-on-one counseling to students seeking financial aid and scholarships for continuing education after high school – whether that is technical school, community college or a four-year university.

GRASP advisors now serve students and families in 76 Virginia schools, from the greater Richmond area, to Highland County in the west, to Lancaster County in the east, and to Sussex County in the south.  The highly trained, GRASP advisors are adept at navigating the maze of the college and post-secondary education financial aid process.  They also have a passion for helping today’s youth grasp infinite opportunities.

During the 2014-2015 academic year, GRASP advisors overall met with more than 6,800 students individually, helping them with a game plan for education after high school.  Additionally, GRASP awarded 124 Last Dollar scholarships totaling $125,000 to students, providing additional financial assistance toward their educational goals.

GRASP was co-founded in 1983 by Senator Walter Stosch and Dr. Ray Gargiulo.  GRASP advisors work one day per week at each school.  Appointments, which are free of charge, can be made through the schools’ counseling offices.  More information about GRASP is available at the website, www.grasp4va.org.

Week of March 22, 2016

FOUNDATION MAILING VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6

The MLWGS Foundation needs volunteer help in preparing a bulk mailing on Wednesday, April 6, starting at 8:30 a.m. in the MLWGS Boardroom. If you have a few hours to spare, please join us!

Foundation helpers will be preparing our third Annual Fund Letter mailing.  Coffee, snacks, and friendly conversation all served!

No RSVP necessary, but for questions or to be added to the Foundation's volunteer list for future bulk mailings, please contact Laura Lewis at laura.lewis@governorsschoolfoundation.org.

SCRIP

For SCRIP for the rest of this school year, the PTSA has decided to sell the remaining gift cards we have in stock, first come - first served, and to not take any more special orders. If you would like to purchase any gift cards, please email Karen at k.murtha@comcast.net or Lori at lori.bek@verizon.net and we will make arrangements to get you the cards. Our current stock includes Arby's ($10), Barnes and Noble ($10 and $25), Build-a-Bear Workshop ($25), Chili's ($25), Coldstone Creamery ($10), Food Lion ($25 and $100), Lowe's ($25), Martin's ($25 and $100), Olive Garden ($25), Outback Steakhouse ($25), Panera ($10), Red Robin ($10), Starbuck's ($10 and $25), Target ($25) and Walmart ($25). For many of these, the PTSA has multiple cards. Please think of supporting the PTSA by purchasing gift cards for end-of-year gifts for teachers and other occasions.

ATTENTION SENIOR PARENTS

The Mid-March Senior Newsletter is now available on the School Counseling Website (https://sites.google.com/a/gsgis.k12.va.us/mlw-school-counseling/2011-2012-newsletters). 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 and availability. Please contact Rachel Loving in the School Counseling Office with scholarship questions.

THE ROBERT E. AND JACQUELINE POGUE SCHOLARSHIP

APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

The Robert E. and Jacquelyn Pogue Scholarship annually recognizes a Maggie Walker senior by an award of $3,000 per year for the first two years of their college experience. Selection criteria includes demonstration of a strong interest in the study of history, government and politics, an ability to achieve in a well-rounded academic program, proven leadership ability, and a strong commitment to community service. Financial need will be considered, although it is not a primary factor. Part I of the application can be picked up in the Counseling Office beginning March 22, 2016. An information session for interested seniors will be held Wednesday, March 23 in the College Center (Counseling Office) during lunch starting at 11:40. Please turn in Part I of the application to Dr. Loving by April 11 at 12:30 p.m. Semi-finalists will be given Part II of the application which will be due April 28 at 3:30 p.m. Finalists will be interviewed on May 16.

MLWGS DEBATE TEAM WINS

CATHOLIC FORENSIC LEAGUE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

Public Forum Competitors and Faculty Sponsor Dan Brown

Congratulations to the MLWGS Debate team for Winning the Catholic Forensic League State Championship May 12 at Fluvanna County High School. In Public Forum Debate, George Moss (’16-Henrico) and Sreekar Kandlakunta (’16-Henrico) finished first, Andrew Bui (’17-Henrico) and Omar Karim (’17-Henrico) finished second, and Ryan Lucia (16-Hanover) and John Li (’16-Henrico) finished fourth. In Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Claire Mendelson (’16-Richmond) finished first, Sophia McCrimmon (’17-Hanover) finished second, and Dharaa Rathi (’17-Henrico) finished third.

Congratulations are also due to the Forensics program which finished second overall in the state championship. In Extemporaneous Speech Michael Benos (’16-Chesterfield) finished in 5th and Lawrence Jia (’19-Chesterfield) finished 4th. In Declamation Ananya Suram (’18-Henrico) finished 4th and Emily Ma (’18-Henrico) finished in 2nd. In Original Oratory Genna Markee (’17-Chesterfield) finished 2nd while Naomi Vickers (’17-Richmond) was the state champion in Oral Interpretation.

MLWGS STUDENT EARNS NATIONAL RECOGNITION IN

2016 SCHOLASTIC ART AND WRITING AWARDS

Emma Bilski (’16-Chesterfield) has earned national recognition in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards of 2016. Emma received a Gold Medal in the category of architecture for her set design of the Crucible. Her work has been identified by panels of creative professionals as one of the most talented young artists in the nation. This year, nearly 320,000 works of art and writing were submitted. Only the top 1% were recognized at the national level. Emma Bilski has been invited to attend a ceremony at the world-famous Carnegie Hall in New York on Thursday, June 2. Congratulations Emma!

MLWGS ORCHESTRA STUDENTS EARN SEATS IN

ALL-STATE BAND AND ORCHESTRA 

All-State Band and Orchestra auditions were held February 27 at James Madison University. Each year, the occasion brings the top instrumentalists in the state together based on eligibility gained through earning seats, also by audition, in district and regional band and orchestra events. At stake is a coveted seat in one of the top orchestras or bands in the state. It is widely considered the pinnacle achievement for high-school instrumentalists and the competition at this level is fierce.

MLWGS is proud to congratulate three outstanding students for earning seats in All State Band and Orchestra this year:

Charles Yang (‘17, Henrico), 15th-ranked flute

Willow Kwak (‘18, Henrico), 31st-ranked violin 

Rachel Zhao (‘18, Henrico), 9th-ranked cello

The All State Band and Orchestra event takes place April 7-9 at George Mason University.

ORCHESTRA ENSEMBLES EARN SUPERIOR RATINGS AT DISTRICT ORCHESTRA ASSESSMENT FESTIVAL

Congratulations to the Orchestra I and Orchestra II classes for both receiving the highest ratings of Superior from each of the four professional adjudicators at the District Orchestra Assessment Festival Thursday, March 10 at Hanover High School.

The ensembles prepared a program consisting of music selected from a list of pre-approved titles graded by level of difficulty (I-VI, VI being most difficult). Orchestra I performed grade IV material and Orchestra II performed grade V. Additionally, a sight-reading component rounded out the assessment.

“Straight superior ratings are naturally the benchmark we work to achieve and we’re thrilled and proud to celebrate,” says orchestra director, Karl von Klein. “But the greater takeaway transcends a rating. It’s the shared experience we enjoy by creating art together, for ourselves first and foremost, and the constructive criticism we use from the judges to elevate our ability to control the expression we are capable of conveying through our instruments.”

MLWGS ROBOTICS TEAM COMPETES IN VIRGINIA SOUTHWEST DISTRICT

This past weekend, the Maggie Walker Robotics Team, FRC Team 422, competed at the Virginia Southwest District Competition. By competition end, the team was awarded the Industrial Design award which celebrates form and function in an efficiently designed machine that effectively addresses the game challenge. Team 422 was also semifinalists of the game competition, along with their robot, Paragon!

The team is pictured with the Industrial Design Award.

LADIES NIGHT OUT

It’s not too late to purchase your ticket for the very popular Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School Ladies’ Night Out.  This year we are celebrating "Under The Tuscan Moon” in the Italian-style courtyard of the beautifully restored 2710 Monument Avenue home of alumni parents, Julie and Paul Weissend. Join other MLWGS moms, female faculty, and woman friends of MLWGS for some antipasti, wine, soft drinks and desserts on Wednesday, May 18 from 7:00-10:00 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person and benefit the PTSA. Feel free to buy a ticket for a teacher too! Contact Yvette Conte at contefamily5@msn.com or 804-647-5289 for ticket information.

Week of February 3, 2015

Night of the Dragon--Tickets available only one more week!

Don't miss the chance to attend the 13th Annual Night of the Dragon Auction on Saturday, February 21. Tickets are selling quickly for an expected sell-out crowd again this year at this fabulous fundraiser that benefits the entire school. Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis and there are no ticket sales at the door.

The inventory of auction items includes weekend getaways to the beach and the mountains, several gourmet dinners, more than a dozen themed gift baskets along with unique jewelry, sports memorabilia, and plenty of items to help parents and MLWGS supporters show dragon spirit!  The catalog should be online within the next week!

All ticket purchases are online this year - purchase your tickets at www.nightofthedragon.com. Please buy tickets as soon as possible - but no later than the RSVP deadline which is Friday February 6. Remember to pre-purchase drink tickets at the discounted rate of $6 each, and heads/tails tickets along with event tickets. 

Can't attend this year? Watch for the opportunity to "Buy It Now" on nearly 100 items in our "Buy It Now" online event which will be available at www.nightofthedragon.com two weeks before the event!

For more information on the Night of the Dragon Auction, check out the event website: www.nightofthedragon.com. For questions, please contact Karen Akens, Night of the Dragon 2015 Administrative Co-Chair, at nightofthedragon15@gmail.com

FOUNDATION SUPPORTS CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION

For Fine Arts Department Chair Jeff “Coach” Hall, one of the challenges of teaching art is keeping up with the latest trends and techniques of the profession, especially in digital art or, as it is often referred to, “new media.”  Think of traditional sculpture or painting but add in engineering, programming, and computer science.  In addition to keeping up with the techniques, having access to the equipment is an additional obstacle.

However, thanks to a grant from the Governor’s School Foundation, the art department now has access to both the training and equipment for “new media” via HackRVA.  HackRVA is a local maker space located in nearby Scott’s Addition.  Their website declares “You provide the enthusiasm and we provide the tools and community.” The Foundation-funded membership provides access to everything from networking to woodworking programming to robotics.  Students in the digital art class designed sculptures that were printed on HackRVA’s 3D printers. 

Contributions to the Foundation Annual Fund help bring cutting-edge technology and teaching to MLWGS students.  So far this year, the Annual Fund Campaign has raised $224,755 for the school. Overall current parent participation is 29%, and here is the parent participation by class:

• Seniors: 36%
• Juniors: 29%
• Sophomores: 38%
• Freshmen: 18%

To donate online, please click here.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled for February 12  from 4 -7 p.m.  Dr. McGee is sending out an email this week with links to Signup Genius for conference registration.  If you do not receive the email by Friday, February 6, please email kzweerink@gsgis.k12.va.us or mrainey@gsgis.k12.va.us for the link.

Attention Senior Parents!

The February Senior Newsletter is now available on the School Counseling Website. This newsletter contains college-related reminders and a listing of scholarships with approaching deadlines. The newsletter was distributed to students in their English classes last week. Scholarship information for seniors is also available on the School Counseling website and in Naviance. 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.

Attention Junior Parents!

You are invited to attend the College Kickoff program for Juniors on February 10 at 12:45 p.m. See invitation below! Postcard (below) and email invitations have also been sent. Please contact Rachel Loving (rloving@gsgis.k12.va.us, x3211) or Penny Deck (pdeck@gsgis.k12.va.us, x3240) with questions.

Senior counselor caseloads for the Class of 2016: Last names A-Le, Ms. Deck; Last names Li-Z, Dr. Loving

MLWGS Valentine’s Day Dance

It’s that time already! Each year, the Sophomore Class hosts the MLWGS Valentine’s Day Dance and this year is no different.  The dance will be held at school on Friday, February 13 from 7-10 p.m. The dance is open to all MLWGS students and their dates, if they choose to bring one.  Tickets for the dance will be sold during school next week.  Tickets must be purchased by the end of the lunch on Friday February 13 as they will NOT be sold at the door.  Again, tickets will NOT be sold at the door.  The ticket price has not yet been set, but will likely be $10 or less.  The dress code is casual this year.  If students plan to bring a guest who is not a student at MLWGS, a form must be completed in advance and requires a signature from an official at the guest’s school. Forms can be found in Room 100.

Parents are needed to help out with this event.  Please see the sign up genius below.  If you volunteer to send in snacks, please ask your student to leave them in Mike Brown’s office. Snacks and non-perishables can be brought in on either Thursday or Friday, the 12^th and the 13^th.   Please also send in any brown grocery bags those in to Mr. Brown’s office as well.  They will be used to store student coats during the dance. 

As always, thanks for your support!

Sally Schultz and Cathy Temple

Sophomore Class Parent Reps

www.SignUpGenius.con/go/60B0C4CADAC2CA02-valentines

MLWGS Blood Drive

MLWGS will hold a Blood Drive on Friday, February 6, 2015 between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. in Rooms 104 and 105. Please sign-up with Mr. Blanton for an appointment time to donate. Walk-ins are also welcome. Prepare for your donation by eating well and staying hydrated. Please bring an ID to your donation appointment.

Every participant will receive a coupon for Outback Steakhouse!

*All students ages 16 and 17 MUST have a signed parental consent form to donate and all MUST have ID.

MLWGS Parents Love Robotics!

As the Mech Tech Dragons continue their hard work on this year’s robot, a past parent’s testimonial on the rewards of the long hours put in by students and parents provides insight into the value of this program:

My son Wil Thomason (’12 Chesterfield) has benefited greatly from his commitment to Team 422.  As a UVa student majoring in Computer Science and Mathematics, his team experience has been integral to his decisions and choices in college and graduate school, in teaching and research positions, in internships, and in development of his future goals.  FIRST Robotics contributed to his confidence and expertise which has led to opportunities with Microsoft, Google, and Palantir, to name a few.   Thank you!  David Thomason

MLWGS Students Perform in Virginia Dance Festival

Four MLWGS students will be performing with the Richmond Ballet Ensemble in the 16^th Annual Virginia Dance Festival Saturday February 7 to benefit Children’s Hospital Foundation.  Annika Basch (’15, Richmond), Samantha McCoy (’15, Richmond), Catherine Gilfoyle (’16, Richmond), and Samantha Grossman ('18, Richmond) will perform at both the 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. shows at Altria Theater (formally the Landmark Theater).

The event will feature more than 300 dancers performing traditional and cultural dances as well as a silent auction.  Tickets may be purchased at Etix.com.

Get Lost at The Dragon's Lair

Well, with the end of exams, we turn our attention to that next major academic milestone:  SPRING BREAK!!  And the staff of the Dragon's Lair stand prepared to help you avoid the embarrassment that plagues spring breakers for years - - no, not 'should-have-thought-twice' selfies posted to Facebook.  Worse than that: Misplaced luggage. Just think, instead of watching luggage circle the baggage claim carousel, you can immediately spot your MLWGS-tagged baggage as soon as it comes down the chute.  And then it's goodbye airport, hello sweaty cab ride.

Come get tagged every Tuesday and Thursday during lunch at The Dragon's Lair and during special after-school events. Check out our entire selection of apparel, accessories, gifts and more at http://mlwgsdragons.weebly.com/.  Cash and checks are always welcome.