Week of October 9, 2019

FALL FESTIVAL UPDATE

Thank you MLWGS community for a great Fall Festival last Friday.  A big THANK YOU to all our volunteers who helped make this year’s Fall Festival another great success! We had over 100 parents volunteer their time, labor, and supplies and we couldn’t have done it without your help. Thank you for making Maggie Walker a wonderful community. Over $12,000 was raised for the MLWGS clubs to fund their activities!

Thanks also to the Richmond City Police, MLWGS administration, security, and facilities personnel from the PTSA- Craig Martin and Christina Murray.  

Thanks to all of the volunteers:
Gopal Bhagavatula, Dena Neuwirth, Dia Flora, Laura Goodman, Jody Schorr, Susan Cave, Kimber Crumlish, Gloria Amoako, Mike and Carla Winters, Kathleen Staley, Susan Warner, Jessica Lai Perez, Harsh Purohit, Kristi Turner, Amy Franco, Suzanne Lamberth, Martha Kapitanov, Izola Coleman, Paige Hawkins, Suzannah Stora, Kaya Lee, Evan Wolff, and the day of festival Lead volunteers: Amanda Yanovich, Vidya Subramaniam, Dana Starkes, Tonya Kern, John Ringer, and Jay Logan.
_______________________________________________________________

There was a great turnout for the mural dedication and signage unveiling at the Fall Festival. Mr. Doyle Sapp, the Superintendent of the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site and Richmond Battlefield Park gave a talk. Dr. Johnny Mickens, Maggie Walker’s great grandson spoke about how much the project meant to his family and Maurice Hopkins discussed how the alumni appreciated being included in the project. Dr. Mickens said that the project was a sign of love and respect for his great grandmother and helped created a bridge between the old and new school.  The event was covered by NBC12 and was seen on the 11 p.m. news with a rerun the next day. The link will be posted once it becomes available. 

HOMECOMING KICKOFF EVENT

Kick off Homecoming on October 14 from 5-8:00 p.m. with field hockey and volleyball.  Carytown Burgers and Fries and RVA New York Style food trucks will be at the chain link fence parking area near the field. This event is the only time folks are allowed to take food into the gym. 

THERAPY DOGS VISITING OCTOBER 15

Therapy dogs from Caring Canines have been visiting our school since the spring of 2018. These visits are coordinated by the Counseling Department and are very popular with our students. The dogs and their handlers will be visiting our school on October 15 and will come again in the spring.

Students must have a parent permission form to present to staff prior to entering the area where the dogs will be available (either the field or the gym depending on the weather). Students may also pick up a copy in the Counseling department. Questions? Contact Lisa Ebeling, School Psychologist, at lebeling@gsgis.k12.va.us or 354-6800 x 3260.





ATHLETIC BOOSTERS MONTHLY MEETING 




The Maggie L. Walker Athletic Boosters Club will hold its monthly Board Meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15 in room 105. All members of Athletic Boosters and anyone interested in becoming involved with Athletic Boosters are welcome to attend. 





STRESS MANAGEMENT GROUP FOR STUDENTS



Stress is something that every high school student experiences and there are effective ways to manage it. Lisa Ebeling, MLWGS School Psychologist, and Natalie Finn from the VCU Anxiety Clinic are pairing together to run a small group on dealing effectively with this common issue. Students will be given the opportunity to learn and practice stress management techniques. They will be also be able to learn new ways to approach and solve problems. It is also designed to address any topics that are of special interest to the students. The group will run for a minimum of six weeks and could be offered for up to twelve weeks depending on interest. It will start on October 23 during lunch and will run consecutively on Wednesdays until it is complete. If you like to have your child participate, please contact Lisa Ebeling or call 354-6800 x 3260. 




ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAM ORDERING

MLWGS AP Exam Order Forms will be distributed through Advanced Placement classrooms this week. This form will allow students to officially indicate their testing plans and calculate a total amount of AP exam fees due by October 25 ($94 per exam). Students must turn in their MLWGS AP Exam Order Form to the Counseling Office between 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., October 21-25 with cash/check payment or online payment receipt.

Students may also take an AP exam for a course they are not enrolled in or is not taught at MLWGS, by indicating their preference on the form. If the course is not currently being taught, there must be at least three requests for the exam to be administered and additional proctor fees (not to exceed $20) may apply. AP Statistics is pre-approved and students may see their teacher to obtain the join code for their “exam only” section.

IMPORTANT: All students enrolled in AP courses should have already “joined” the correct section(s) on the CollegeBoard website myap.collegeboard.com with a unique access code for each course. See Dr. Loving in the counseling office immediately if you have not completed this step.

The timeline for the next few weeks is as follows:

• October 7-8: AP Exam Order Forms distributed to AP testers through AP classes
• October 15: Online payment system opens
• October 21: If you would like to inquire about a fee waiver/reduction, please do so by this date (see your counselor for a confidential form)
• October 21-25: Form collection/payment window (October 25 will be the on-time registration deadline)
• October 26-November 14: A late fee of $10 per exam will apply
• November 15 and beyond: The College Board add/drop fee of $40 will be instituted (NEW COLLEGE BOARD POLICY)
• January 17: Deadline to apply for College Board accommodations for a documented disability (see Ms. Cobb)
• March 13: Deadline to add an exam (even with the late fee)
• November 15-April 13: Students who choose not to test can get a refund of $54
• April 13: Last day for students to get a refund of any kind

Contact Rachel Loving, AP Coordinator, with questions.




SCRIP


Thank you to the 36 families who have already enrolled in our new Great Lake Scrip Program! Our next due dates for physical cards are November 8 and December 6. Start thinking about your holiday gift giving, shopping, and dining. It's a great way to support MLWGS while spending no more than you already would. Let those retailers give back to us! You can order Scrip Now products anytime and receive them instantly on your phone by paying with a credit card or Presto Pay. Shop at your convenience and benefit our school. Look for the letter "S" under card type on the attached list of retailers. I personally ordered Lowe's, Target, and Starbucks and handed the cashier my phone to pay all in the same day! Go to shopwithscrip.com to enroll and shop (enrollment code: C43669E564L28). 

Want to know more about on-line ordering and payment? Watch this short video: https://shop.shopwithscrip.com/Support/promotional-tools/videos

Have questions or need extra help? Contact your Scrip Coordinator at scrip@mlwgsptsa.org.

Retailers LIST

CRAYOLA COLORCYCLE 

Mu Alpha Theta (math honor society) is once again sponsoring Crayola ColorCycle at MLWGS. This is the program where we will collect dry markers during the school year. At the end of the year, we pack and ship to Crayola; Crayola recycles ALL brands of markers including Expo dry erase markers and highlighters. Here is an excerpt from their website:

Crayola ColorCycle is an amazing program devised to re-purpose used markers rather than sending them to landfills! The ColorCycle program has re-purposed more than 70 tons of expended markers in the United States and Canada since 2013, and uses the most advanced plastic conversion technologies available today to make wax compounds for asphalt and roofing shingles as well as to generate electricity that can be used to heat homes, cook food, and power vehicles.

If families want to participate, just send in dry markers to school with your student, and he/she can deposit them in a green ColorCycle collection box in room 100 or in any math classroom.

Contact Lynn Foshee Reed with any questions.

There is no deadline for collection. Mu Alpha Theta will collect, pack, and ship at the end of the school year.

Week of October 24, 2018

NEW THIS YEAR! ONLINE ORDERING OF SCHOOL PHOTOS!

Your Wendell Powell school portraits are in! To see your images, visit https://goo.gl/vAxb7v and use the gallery password dragons1819. 

-The 11th grade password is TT7V92. 

-The 10th grade password is VEFH8J. 

-The 9th grade password is 96XDW3. 

You will see several poses for each student.  PLEASE select your preferred Yearbook portrait by clicking on your favorite pose and selecting BUY PHOTO in the upper right-hand corner. The first “purchasing” option is called YEARBOOK SELECTION. This is FREE. By “purchasing’ that pose, you will indicate to Wendell Powell which one you want in the yearbook. 

In addition, of course, you can purchase prints via the same window (you are not obligated to purchase prints). If you don't make a selection, WP will likely make one for you. There will be ONE MORE DAY—tentatively, November 15, but this will be announced soon- for retakes for those who didn’t like their first set of shots, or who missed the previous three portrait days. Please contact me at mwhite@gsgis.k12.va.us, or Douglas Hinckley at wps@wendellpowell.com, if you have any questions.

THERAPY DOGS VISITING OCTOBER 26TH!

Last spring, therapy dog teams from Caring Canines visited our school. The dogs were very popular and a request was made by students to have the dogs come to Maggie Walker for an additional visit. We have been able to accommodate this with the support of school staff and the help of Caring Canines. The dogs and their handlers will be visiting our school on October 26 and later in the spring. We’re excited about offering our students an additional opportunity to enjoy the animals. 

Students must have a parent permission form to present to staff prior to entering the area where the dogs will be available (field weather permitting or the gym). A link for the form is attached to the document or students may pick up a copy in the counseling department. Questions? Contact Lisa Ebeling, School Psychologist, at lebeling@gsgis.k12.va.us or call at 354-6800, x 3260.

Click here for Dog Therapy Permission Form.

FALL ART WALK 

On Friday, November 2, the Fine Arts Department and Visual Arts Boosters is hosting our annual Fall Art Walk, in conjunction with Richmond’s First Fridays (when the art galleries on Broad and Main are all open). One objective of the art curriculum is to have the students “be aware of and participate in the local arts community."  To help avoid parking around the galleries, we will have a bus which will run a circuit from the Main St. galleries to Broad St. and back to school. The bus will continue this circuit throughout the evening until the last pickup at 9:30 p.m.

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! It’s always a very fun evening. All are welcome (students, parents, family members, and faculty).

When: November 2, 2018, 6:00-9:30 p.m.

Where: Meet in the adjunct classroom (room 153, outside the Bluestone Lobby) to enjoy snacks and refreshments prior to heading to the galleries. Link to the SignUp for the reception.

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

SUPERINTENDENTS' LUNCHEON

Parents, do your kids need community service? The Superintendents for all the jurisdictions feeding into Maggie Walker would like to have lunch with students from their jurisdictions and learn from the students about their MW experience. This is a great opportunity for students to really connect with the leaders who determine the funding for our school. Students only please- no parents! Please speak with your students about the importance of advocacy for our school and encourage them to sign up for a slot with their jurisdictions' Superintendents. 

Dates vary per area starting November 2.  There are only a few slots left so sign up today!

Superintendents' Luncheon

SCRIP FUNDRAISER 

Reminder: The first order is November 9.

Do you ever shop or give gift cards from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Chipotle, CVS, Panera Bread, Lands End, Lowe’s, Shutterfly, Starbucks, Subway, Target, or Walmart? These are just a very small number of retailers willing to give Maggie Walker money if you purchase their gift card for your own use or as a gift.  The full list of retailers can be found at https://www.scripzone.com/certificatelist.aspx. 

Consider your upcoming holiday gift needs and plan to order by November 9. It’s a great way to support your school at no extra cost to you. Let those retailers support your children’s school! Confused? Want to know more? Contact Laura Dysart at lauradysart@verizon.net.

SCRIP Order form

ATHLETIC BOOSTERS PARENTS SOCIAL 

Please join the Maggie Walker Athletic Boosters for a social event at Ardent Craft Ales on Tuesday, November 13 from 6:00-7:30 p.m.

All parents of current and prospective student athletes are invited to meet and socialize with other parents and learn more about the Athletic Boosters. Coaches and parents of alumni athletes are invited too! This is not an event for students. There will be a cash bar. Non-alcoholic beverages and snacks will be provided without charge by the Athletic Boosters. There also will be a membership table for anyone who wants information and to join for the current year. Go Dragons!

Ardent is located in Scott's Addition at 3200 W. Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23220. 

ARE YOU A MEMBER OF THE PTSA? 

It's a great deal at only $20.00 per family!

Remember all those Back-to-School Packets you received? Yep PTSA… Did you use your new School Directory to coordinate homecoming schedules? That is all PTSA. The PTSA supports lots of school programs, students and teachers.

Imagine what we could do if we had 100% participation!

Sign up at this link: Join the PTSA

We would love to hear from members what programs you would like to see featured this year. Please send ideas toprograms@mlwgsptsa.org

Week of October 17, 2018

ARE YOU A MEMBER OF THE PTSA? 

It is a great deal at only $20.00 per family!

Wasn’t Fall Festival great?  The PTSA paid for the set up and organization and all the proceeds went to the clubs.  Last year, fall festival proceeds were $14,210.90!  We had 232 families and teachers participating last school year. Imagine what we could do if we had 100% participation.

Sign up at this link: Join the PTSA

We would love to hear from members what programs you would like to see featured this year.  Please send ideas to programs@mlwgsptsa.org

We had an amazing Fall Festival this year. It was one of the most successful years in raising money for the clubs and activities at Maggie L. Walker Governor's School.  We wanted to thank the wonderful Silver Sponsors for this year's fest: 

Virginia Cardiovascular Associates

Once again VCS is recognized as the Top Docs in Richmond Magazine's 2018 Survey. VCS physicians have the ability and experience to handle all your heart needs. Many of our physicians are nationally-recognized in advanced procedures and often participate in ground-breaking studies to further the state-of-care in the field of cardiovascular medicine.

Citizens Climate Lobby

CCL empowers everyday people to work together on climate change solutions. Our supporters are organized in more than 400 local charters across the United States. Together we're building support in Congress for a national bipartisan solution to climate change.

MoranReevesConn, attorneys at Law

Moran, Reeves and Conn PC are dedicated to finding innovative solutions to their clients' complex legal needs. Moran, Reeves and Conn PC is comprised of attorneys who honed their craft practicing at prestigious national firms.

ATTENTION SENIOR PARENTS

The October issue of the Senior Newsletter was given to seniors last week and is available on the School Counseling Website!

All seniors should have already met with or be scheduled to meet with their senior counselor by the end of next week. Any seniors who have not yet done this should reach out directly to their counselor to schedule a meeting.

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.

All Transcript Request Forms are due to counselors by 3:30 p.m. on November 15. Extra forms are in the School Counseling Office.

Our GRASP advisor, Susan Teerlink, is available to assist with financial aid information. Students and/or parents can sign up for an appointment in the School Counseling Office. Ms.Teerlink is at MLWGS on Mondays. You may also email Ms. Teerlink questions at mlwgs@grasp4virginia.com. Please be sure to check each college’s priority filing dates for the FAFSA and CSS Profile (if required). Filing dates may differ depending on the application deadline (Early Action, Early Decision, Regular Decision, etc.).

ATTENTION JUNIORS AND SENIORS! 

National English Honor Society applications will be available on Monday, October 8 in Ms. Davis’ office. The application deadline to submit applications is Monday, October 29.

ATTENTION JUNIORS! 

The Children's Museum Snow Queen Scholarship Application is available. To be a Snow Queen Candidate, you must: 

-Be a high school junior girl 

-Show a passion for working with children of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds 

-Serve as a role for young girls through character and commitment to the museum's mission 

-Exhibit balance between academics, community service and sports 

-Have grades in good standing 

-Submit two letters of recommendation: One from the school you are currently attending and one from another non-family member 

-Be able to volunteer at least hours at CMoR's Snow Queen 

Completed applications and 2 letters of recommendation must be received on or before 5:00 pm on Friday, November 2, 2018. Applications are available with Ms. Davis in counseling. 

The Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) provides the following STEM opportunities. All of our programs are FREE to all Virginia students in grades 10-12.

-Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS) – Program for 10th grade students focusing on the missions flown or managed by NASA Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, with a Summer Academy program at NASA Wallops Flight Facility. http://vscs.spacegrant.org/

-Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) – Program for 11th or 12th grade students focusing on NASA’s human spaceflight missions and the Journey to Mars with an online course with a Summer Academy program at NASA Langley Research Center. Students can earn up to 4 free dual enrollment credits. http://vsgc.odu.edu/VASTS/

-Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) – Program for 11th or 12th grade students, VESSS is an interactive, on-line Earth System Science Course featuring NASA scientific research and data. The students can earn up to 5 transferable, free dual enrollment college credits and can also compete to attend a Summer Academy program at NASA Langley Research Center. http://www.vsgc.odu.edu/VESSS

The Society of Women Engineers at the University of Virginia invites high school sophomores, juniors and seniors to apply to our High School Visitation program on Saturday, November 17, 2018. The program gives young women a comprehensive look at the different engineering fields and UVA’s engineering curriculum through informative speakers, panels, lab tours, and hands-on design activities. The program is designed to benefit participants with all levels of engineering experience, but we particularly target those students who are not yet familiar with the field and may be interested in applying to engineering schools or pursuing a STEM career.

To apply, students should complete the HSV Fall 2018 Application which can be found on the UVA SWE Website (https://www.virginiaswe.org/hsv). This fall session particularly targets high school seniors, but sophomores and juniors can also apply. Students who have previously applied to HSV, are in the targeted grade level, and demonstrate a strong interest in engineering through their essay will receive priority acceptance and priority consideration for an overnight stay at UVA hosted by a SWE member.

The application must be completed online by 11:59 pm on Saturday, October 22, 2018.

ATTENTION SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS!

The High School Diplomats Program is now accepting applications for the 2019 High School Diplomats (HSD) program (July 24 - August 4) at Princeton University. We are a true scholarship opportunity (no costs or add-on fees) and our best students learn about HSD from their teachers and counselors. The online application is available on our website: www.highschooldiplomats.com until January 8, 2019 and all current sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply.

THERAPY DOGS VISITING OCTOBER 26TH!

Last spring, therapy dog teams from Caring Canines visited our school. The dogs were very popular and a request was made by students to have the dogs come to Maggie Walker for an additional visit. We have been able to accommodate this with the support of school staff and the help of Caring Canines. The dogs and their handlers will be visiting our school on October 26 and later in the spring. We’re excited about offering our students an additional opportunity to enjoy the animals. 

Students must have a parent permission form to present to staff prior to entering the area where the dogs will be available (field weather permitting or the gym). A link for the form is attached to the document or students may pick up a copy in the counseling department. Questions? Contact Lisa Ebeling, School Psychologist, at lebeling@gsgis.k12.va.us or call at 354-6800, x 3260.

Click here for Dog Therapy Permission Form.

SCRIP FUNDRAISER

SCRIP fundraiser: Purchase gift cards and let those retailers give a percentage back to the Maggie Walker PTSA! First order due by noon on November 9.

Don’t you love the idea of shopping through retailers who will give money back to Maggie Walker? It costs you nothing extra! You can view all card options by going to https://www.scripzone.comcertificatelist.aspx. The first order will be due by noon on November 9, just in time for holiday gift cards, shopping, dining and traveling needs. Cards will be delivered the following week. Please think ahead of gift cards you may need for the holidays. Scrip cards can also be used in a variety of places you already shop for your everyday expenses. If you have a special order not listed on our order form but on the Scrip website, select the “other” option on the order form and list the store and denomination you want. Thanks for your support of our school community! If you are interested in the program, but have questions, feel free to contact Laura Dysart at 804-334-3509.

SCRIP Order form

WELLNESS INITIATIVES AT MLWGS

Mental/Emotional Health Initiatives at Maggie Walker

Our school is invested in supporting our students' emotional and social well-being. Interested in knowing about the programs that we have directed to that effort? Read all about it!

School staff at Maggie Walker have long recognized that our students have needs beyond the academic. In order for students to be well rounded and ready for life after high school, their social-emotional health must be supported as well. Maggie Walker has four counselors invested in supporting our students. Part-time school psychology services were added to the counseling department during the 2016/7 school year in order to make further assistance available to students.

Ever wonder what other mental wellness initiatives are at available at Maggie Walker? Here is an overview of the supports that are available this school year beyond individual counseling support:

· Fall 2018 – Implementation of the SOS Signs of Suicide Prevention Program through the 9th grade Health/PE classes. This program is designed to help our students recognize the characteristics of depression, how to support their peers, and to understand when to get adult support. This program includes a mental health wellness screening for students. A portal associated with the program has information and resources for our parents and will be available to all MLWGS parents. This class is offered during a lunch session for those students who took 9th grade PE online.


· October 2018 – Minding Your Mind presentation/CKG Foundation. Our freshman and seniors will hear a presentation by a certified, young adult speaker who has had experience with depression and/or anxiety. This is designed to educate students on common mental health conditions and works to destigmatize seeking treatment for these challenges.


· Fall 2019 /10th Graders – Personality and Career Inventory “Do What You Are.” This is designed to help our students learn about their personality, strengths, blind spots and more. It allows them to explore suitable careers and majors. This program is implemented by Joy Davis, school counselor and Lisa Ebeling, school psychologist.


· Winter 2019 – The SOS Second ACT Program will be implemented with the junior class. This extension of the SOS High School Program works to build the resiliency of our students. The program reviews the signs and symptoms of depression and suicide, while also prompting students to discuss substance use and other risky behaviors. Supporting material provides students with information on healthcare basics, as well as tips on seeking treatment, self-advocacy, and more. This is intended to help students with life skills needed after they leave high school.


· BC2M Club – This is a student-led club initiative that encourages teens to explore mental health topics in a safe and supportive environment. It provides a platform for our students to work with their peers to create a more educated and empathetic school community. Club sponsors are Tinsley Pollard, AP Psychology teacher and Lisa Ebeling, school psychologist.


· Stress Less, Laugh More Week – This is scheduled to take place in the spring before AP exams. The week is dedicated to decreasing stress and promoting fun. Last year’s activities included treats at lunch, a game day, and a visit from therapy dogs. A student committee works with Lisa Ebeling, school psychologist, and Paige Hawkins, Student Activities Director, to select the activities for the week.


· Peer Mentor Program – this program is designed to provide some of our freshman and sophomore students with personalized support from upper- classmen to help with the transition to Maggie Walker. This program is coordinated by Kierstin Streitel, school counselor and Lisa Ebeling, school psychologist.


· Small group support/Winter 2019– Our school psychologist partners with a therapist from the VCU Anxiety Clinic to provide targeted support to students. This includes topics on time management, stress reducing strategies, and building executive functioning skills.


· Mindfulness Room – available during the school year for students in need of a short-term respite space. This room is in our school counseling area.


· Mental Health Resources – available on the Maggie Walker website through the school counseling department. Our school psychologist is also available to assist parents with finding therapy supports in their area.


· Library - Our librarian, Wendy DeGroat, has resources on reducing stress for our students. These can be accessed at http://bit.ly/mindfulnessandcalm. Ms. DeGroat also has stress-reducing activities available at the library’s Creativity and Calm station. Ms. DeGroat is a certified Koru Mindfulness teacher and instructs students on Mindfulness in 10th grade PE and AP psychology classes.

MAGGIE L. WALKER AND HER LEGACY

Did you know that her bank building, the St. Luke’s Building, has just been named to the National Register of Historic Places?  This is a great honor and opens up some avenues of funding for restoration. See the bottom of the NPS list.