Showing posts with label Summer Reading. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Summer Reading. Show all posts

Week of May 5, 2015

Foundation Supports Music Program


Orchestra teacher Karl von Klein had a problem with the layout of his classroom.  Columns in the music room blocked some students’ views, and they were unable to see the dry erase boards at the front of the classroom. That problem has now been solved, with the installation of two HDTV monitors mounted on those same formerly problematic columns. 

With funding from a Foundation Enhancement Grant, Mr. von Klein was able to purchase not only the HDTVs, but also an iPad Air and Apple TV. The music room is now a high-tech learning space, with capabilities far beyond just the two monitors.  Wireless projection of audio/visual content allows music students to learn in an entirely new way.

For instance, Karl recently wrote to us: “Using the iPad camera as a video recorder…I can now show the students anything the camera sees on the TVs. I can show their parts on the conductor’s score and how it functions with other parts…I don’t have to waste time copying a rhythm to the board; I can show it to the whole class instantly, further preserving valuable rehearsal time.” 

Without generous support of the Governor’s School Foundation, classroom enhancements such as this one would be a dream, not a reality.

Your 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 $276,732 for the school. Overall current parent participation is 43%, and here is the parent participation by class:

• Seniors: 42%
• Juniors: 38%
• Sophomores: 49%
• Freshmen: 46%




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 on Tuesday, 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!



MLWGS (Required) Summer Reading Books

A book, a book.  My kingdom for a [summer reading] book!

It's easy for you and King Richard to get your summer reading books.  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 is available on this page under "Links", to the right.

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.  If you need financial assistance in obtaining any of the required titles, please 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.




Ladies’ Night Out: Salad Days —
Last Chance to Buy Tickets!

Come enjoy your "Salad Days" with MLWGS moms and female faculty and staff at the annual PTSA Ladies’ Night Out. This year’s theme is a Shakespearean expression referring to a youthful time of idealism and innocence!  The evening will feature hearty salads along with bread, desserts, wine, and soft drinks at this event open to all female parents, staff, and friends of MLWGS. Last year 85 women attended this lovely evening, talking and eating with old and new friends.  This year Ladies’ Night Out will take place on Wednesday, May 20 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the home of Mary Michael and Rich Schweiker (parents of Richard and Claire) in historic Windsor Farms. Tickets cost $35. We encourage you to buy tickets for MLWGS teachers too! To purchase your ticket to this PTSA fundraiser, contact Kristin Lyons at clyons1@comcast.net or Yvette Conte at contefamily5@msn.com.




ATTENTION SENIORS

Senior Group Photo
A group photo of seniors in their caps and gowns was taken on Wednesday, April 29.  If you did not get a chance to purchase a copy, it’s not too late.  Lifetouch will link a copy of this photo to the other photos that will be taken at the graduation ceremony.  The cost will still be $15.  Contact Ms. Sheppard (804-354-6800 ext. 3304 or ksheppard@gsgis.k12.va.us) with any questions.

Community Service Hours:  Due by Monday, May 18, 3:30 p.m.
Completion of 140 community service hours is a requirement for graduation (see the MLWGS student handbook).  Students may confirm their community service hours in PowerSchool. Please see Ms. Valenta Williams in room 100 if there are any discrepancies. All seniors must turn in any remaining hours they have earned no later than May 18. 

Music Performance Auditions 
May 19 & 20, 3:20 – 4:30 p.m., Auditorium
Showcasing MLWGS Senior musical talent is an important tradition at Senior Recognition Night and graduation.  For example, vocalists are needed to sing The Star Spangled Banner.  Additional performers or performance groups (instrumental or vocal) are sought for both events.   Students should begin preparing now if they would like to audition.   Any MLWGS senior or group of seniors interested in auditioning must sign up for a time slot by May 15 on the list outside the Forum.  Final decisions will be made by a committee of faculty members and the class officers.   Note: All students intending to perform must be present at auditions and are required to perform their intended piece for graduation or Senior Night.




LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF HYDRATION

Water. When you've got it, life is good. When you don't...well, just look at the American southwest. Today's moral of the story is STAY HYDRATED, PEOPLE. Your body will thank you, not to mention you can excuse yourself from most classes for a few minutes at a time throughout the day. Keep on top of your water intake with this uberstylish green and black bottle with gleaming steel accents.  All yours for a mere $8 - - priced with the people in mind!

In between trips to the water fountain, stop by The Dragon's Lair Tuesdays and Fridays during lunch and celebrate your economic freedom with our rows upon rows of gifts, accessories and MLWGS apparel.  Shop anytime at our website.  Checks and cold hard cash accepted.  'Murica.




DON'T MISS THE FINAL PTSA PROGRAM -
TONIGHT 5:30 IN THE AUDITORIUM!


Local author and educator Linda Fisher Thornton discusses ethics and our children with a special introduction from senior Reed Canaan (Henrico), student chair of the Maggie Walker Honor Council. The final PTSA program of the year should last about an hour. 









My Final CHESS Tournament
Written by Isaac Steincamp (’15, Chesterfield)

The MLWGS Chess Team shows their winnings from an eventful weekend in Columbus.
Never in my eleven years of playing chess have I seen a group more motivated to improve than the MLWGS Chess Team. This year I coached the team on Tuesdays after school in Room 111 (we still meet), and throughout the year, each player improved significantly. Furthermore, the members of this club really were passionate about working with younger players in the Greater Richmond area. On top of practices, each of the members of our club made an effort to volunteer at our free chess clinics throughout the year, or our other chess events we ran throughout the year. In my time at Maggie Walker, Chess Club has been the most impressive student run club I’ve seen, and has emerged has a major staple of the Richmond Chess Community.

To read the full post, click HERE.




MAGGIE WALKER STUDENTS PLACE SECOND IN NATIONAL CONSTITUTIONAL COMPETITION

The Governor’s School Foundation is pleased to congratulate the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School We the People Team, which placed second in the nation in The Citizen and the Constitution National Finals, which took place Monday, April 27 in Washington, DC. The 2015 competition marks the 9th time MLWGS has finished in the top three since 2003 (2011 and 2003 National Champions). Additionally, Walker’s Unit 1 won the prestigious Magna Carta Award for the highest score in the nation on the Magna Carta question.

The National Finals marked the end of months of study and hard-won first place finishes at the district level and state level for the team.

The Walker We the People team is fortunate to receive support from the Governor’s School Foundation and particular support from corporate sponsors the New Market Foundation, the MeadWestvaco Foundation, Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP, Tailored Touches, and Geoff McDonald and Associates.

The Maggie Walker We the People team is coached by Social Studies teacher and alumnus Sam Ulmschneider '02. Please join us in congratulating Sam and the entire We the People team!


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.