Week of March 3, 2021

School Counseling

On Thursday, March 4, the Powerschool portal will open up for class registration. Returning students should have a completed Course Registration Worksheet (found in the school counseling webpage for Course Scheduling Information and Forms) and their Powerschool login info. Some second-period teachers may give students time to register at the end of class. Otherwise, the portal will stay open through Friday. More specific instructions will be sent out mid-week.

Youth Art & Music Month

Do you love art and music? Then March is the month for you! Youth Art and Music Month helps to raise awareness of the importance of the fine arts in education. This year, Maggie Walker will celebrate with an online student art and music extravaganza on Thursday, March 4, at 6:30 p.m. Student artwork will be on display through a website gallery and slideshow, while our talented musicians will perform throughout the evening. This event is open to everyone, so please spread the word and join us to help celebrate Youth Art and Music Month on Zoom through our event website.

MLWGS School Directory Update!

The recently updated MLWGS School Directory is posted on PowerSchool and PTBoard. This version includes any changes added in PowerSchool prior to the end of the fall semester. Note that ALL changes should always be entered FIRST through PowerSchool.

Special thanks to Lesley Paiva and Megan Perez for making this happen, and to Lexi Pasternak '22 for the great artwork!

Project Engage Receives Grant

Project EngageRVA, the nonprofit founded by seniors Ria Bakshi, Bella Grace Finck, Justin Goldman, and Shreya Malani in early 2020, has been awarded the Hershey Heartwarming Project Action Grant for its efforts to engage and enrich elementary-age children with online classes ranging from yoga to marine science to quick math to world cultures to fairytale writing to foreign language, including American Sign Language. The purpose of the grant is to help children build meaningful connections and create more inclusive, empathetic, and kind communities. Project EngageRVA has also raised nearly $10,000 to fight the impact of COVID-19, and inspired and assisted with the formation of Project Engage groups in three other states.

2-4-6-8 Night of the Dragon Countdown Begins!

The countdown is on: eight weeks until the 2021 Night of the Dragon on Saturday, April 24! Make your plans now to join us for this fun virtual event featuring a livestream program with beloved Governor’s School students, teachers, administrators, and friends past and present, along with amazing silent and live auction fun. Registration for the event is free and will begin March 18. Stay tuned for the registration link and upcoming previews of some of the auction items. You won’t want to miss this reimagined event!

Showcase your Business and Support MLWGS

We invite you to serve as a sponsor for Night of the Dragon. Not only will we recognize your support during the event livestream, but the name of your business will be listed in our online auction offerings, which will be distributed to the MLWGS community network of alumni families and partners (totaling more than 10,000).

Sponsorship levels are available from $500 – $10,000. To serve as a sponsor, please contact Ginger O’Neil, Executive Director of the MLWGS Foundation. All donations are made to the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School Foundation, which is a 501(c)3 (Tax ID 54-1608930).

Win Free Gift Cards in March!

Way to go, MLWGS families: we have reached $1,466.62 of our $1,500 goal! Our next order due date is Sunday, March 21. For every $50 you spend on scrip until March 19, you will be given one chance in a drawing for a $50 card of your choice and a $25 Panera gift card. We'd love to surpass our goal, as it was lowered from years past due to COVID.

It's time to start thinking about cards you could use over spring break, as well as possible contributions to class baskets for the Night of the Dragon auction. You can shop e-certificates anytime. Think of ways you might be able to do your everyday shopping/dining with Scrip to benefit MLWGS. Questions? Contact your coordinator and MLWGS senior parent at scrip@mlwgsptsa.org. Thanks for your support!

Annual Fund Parent Competition Update

Each year, the Foundation sponsors a friendly competition among the classes to encourage parent support of its annual fund. All donations, regardless of amount, count toward each class total, and the winning class gets an ice cream party in June. The Class of 2022 closed out first semester in the lead--but there's still time. So, parents, make your donations today. The Foundation and your kids thank you! Click here to donate.

Week of January 27, 2021

Scrip E-Shopping

While our next order isn't due until Sunday, Feb. 21, you can shop for e-certificates and receive them immediately! Some of the scrip retailers will even ship directly to your home for a small fee if you order through the Raise Right app: Amazon, Starbucks, Walmart, Home Depot, Target, Lowe's and 244 others! Go to shopwithscrip.com or your Raise Right app to shop. Contact your scrip coordinator at scrip@mlwgsptsa.org with any questions.

We have raised $1,102 this year, and are close to our $1,500 goal! The PTSA is also looking for a scrip coordinator for this fall, as the current coordinator's son is graduating. Please contact scrip@mlwgsptsa.org for more information.

Attention Returning 2021-22 Students

Save the date – Thursday, January 28!

School counselors will lead grade-level assemblies THIS Thursday on course registration for the coming year. Parents are welcome to attend. The assemblies will be recorded for those who are unable to attend.

Rising 10th graders (current freshmen) will meet at 10 a.m., rising 11th graders will meet at 11 a.m., and rising 12th graders will meet at 12 noon.

During February, students will receive information from teachers and many will meet with counselors about course offerings and recommendations. Actual course registration will occur virtually through the PowerSchool portal on Thursday, March 4. Links to resources and helpful information will be shared soon.

School Counseling

Seniors: Check our the latest Senior Newsletter from your counselors!


Juniors:

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

• Tuesday, Feb. 16 (12:30-1:30 p.m.): Navigating Naviance and other accounts (in support of college planning), presented by senior counselors Dr. Rachel Loving and Ms. Kim Forquer, as well as GRASP representative Mrs. Susan Teerlink and English teacher Mr. Ed Coleman.
• Wednesday, Feb. 17 (10:15-11:30 a.m.): The College Search and an Introduction to Scholarships, Financial Aid, Honors Colleges, and Special Programs, featuring panelists from Old Dominion University, Howard University, and Northeastern University.
• Thursday, Feb. 18 (10:15-11:30 a.m.): What Colleges are Looking For and an Introduction to the Application Process, featuring panelists from the University of Richmond, the College of William & Mary, and the University of Chicago.

Juniors will be excused from class to attend, and Zoom links will be available to parents and guardians who also wish to join in this webinar. More information will be shared in early February.

"Fall" Sports

If you are interested in playing a fall sport that will begin on Monday, Feb. 15, visit the MLWGS Athletics webpage for the required forms you must complete and email to phawkins@gsgis.k12.va.us prior to the start date. Please include the interested sport (cross country, field hockey, golf, volleyball) in the subject line in the email.

Week of February 19, 2020

PLEASE READ AND ACT TODAY

The need for an RN is on the MLWGS school board agenda for the next school board meeting on February 20. In Virginia, ONLY a Licensed Registered Nurse (“RN”) can train medically unlicensed staff in emergency medication administration and treatments (i.e. recognizing symptoms of problems as well as administering medications such as insulin, EpiPens, etc). Having an RN at MLWGS is essential in the management of all types of student health challenges. Without an RN, MLWGS cannot properly manage the medical needs of its students. In Virginia, counseling and teaching are also nursing tasks that cannot be delegated (18VAC90-19-280. Nursing Tasks That Shall Not Be Delegated.). Because we lack access to an RN, there is no process at MLWGS in place to take care of the training of a student’s teachers. Please contact your MLWGS school board representative TODAY, as the meeting is tomorrow to express our need for an RN at MLWGS. Please find your MLWGS school board representative and contact information here: Regional School Board

BACCALAUREATE LETTER AND SURVEY

Please read the LETTER from MLWGS PTSA President, Craig Martin regarding Baccalaureate.  We would then love to get your feedback through one of the surveys. Your responses are highly appreciated and valued and we would love to have your input by February 23.

Thank you to everyone who has given feedback related to the Baccalaureate event. Your input is extremely helpful. We will report back what is decided from our deliberations. I hope to see you all at The Night of the Dragon on February 29!

Parent survey

Student survey

MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS

SOS SECOND ACT

SOS Second Act is a mental health program that is being implemented by Lisa Ebeling, School Psychologist, for our juniors. SOS Second Act will be presented through the English classes starting on February 20. This program helps students to understand the signs of depression and potential suicidal thinking and provides information on how to support themselves or a peer when experiencing an emotional concern. This program is a designed as a booster for a similar program implemented to the students when they were freshmen. It reminds the juniors of the resources that they have available now and the ones that they can access when they have graduated from Maggie Walker. Questions?  Call Mrs. Ebeling at 354-6800, ext. 3260 or email her at lebeling@gsgis.k12.va.us.

WINTER GROUP OFFERING FOR PARENTS
Anxiety and stress are common issues seen with adolescents and these concerns can impact students at home as well as at school. Lisa Ebeling, MLWGS School Psychologist, is facilitating a group for parents on this very important topic. She will be coordinating the group with Jasmine Coleman who is a graduate student in the VCU Clinical Psychology Department. We will discuss the characteristics of anxiety along with practical ways that parents can support their children. The group will meet from 6-7:00 p.m. starting on Tuesday, February 25 and will run for four weeks. Please let Mrs. Ebeling know if you’re interested in the group and she will let you know the meeting location after verifying the number of participants. You can reach her at 354-6800, x 3260 or by email at lebeling@gsgis.k12.va.us

SPRING SPORTS

Spring Sports start February 24. Please check the school website for the VHSL physical form and dates/times/locations of tryouts.

Spring Coaches and Parents meeting is March 4 at 6:00 p.m. in the Forum. 

Physicals for the 2020-2021 School year will be performed May 18 at 3:30 p.m. in the athletic hallway. All forms need to be completed and signed by a parent or guardian to be seen. Click the link to sign up and the print off forms. We are not doing time slots this year- just sign up here, first come, first served. Please contact Christy Turnbow,ATC for any questions. 

MLWGS DRAMA PRESENTS: THE ADDAMS FAMILY

Inspired by the Charles Addams cartoons, THE ADDAMS FAMILY explores the most unthinkable nightmare ever faced by this spooky, kooky, and ooky family: Wednesday Addams falls in love with the sweet, smart, “normal”, Lucas Beineke. With secrets kept and potions concocted, both the Beineke and Addams family must attempt to accept their children’s love for one another even if it means breaking tradition. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.

TICKETS AND PERFORMANCES: February 27 and 28 at 7 p.m. and February 29 at 2 p.m. at the Maggie L. Walker High School auditorium, 1000 N. Lombardy Street, Richmond, VA 23220.

Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the door- cash or check only.

Drama Club Sponsor, Leigh Glatt and the Maggie L. Walker Drama Department are thrilled to announce their production of the high school version of the Broadway musical THE ADDAMS FAMILY, directed by our very own English teacher Leigh Glatt, Producer Devon E. Mattys, Musical Director Shellie Johnson, Choreographer Daniel Hurt, Set Designer Mercedes Schaum, Technical Director Matt Osier, and Set Construction Lead Dan Giorgis. This show features a talented cast and phenomenal technical crew of Maggie Walker students.

RIGHTS and RECOGNITION: The Addams Family is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide, 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036.

Book by MARSHALL BRICKMAN and RICK ELICE, Music and Lyrics by ANDREW LIPPA, Based on Characters Created by CHARLES ADDAMS.



MUSIC BOOSTERS FUNDRAISER DINNER

Come enjoy an Italian dinner provided by Joe's Inn with music provided by Maggie Walker musicians on Wednesday, March 4 from 5:15-6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria and Commons. MLWGS student meal price is $6.00 and guests are $10.00 each. Vegetarian options available. All proceeds go to the MLWGS Music Boosters. Directly following the dinner, stay and enjoy the Youth Art and Music Celebration from 6:30-8:00 p.m., including student artwork exhibitions and musical performances.

Online payment options to be announced shortly!

COURSE SELECTION FOR 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR

Course selection for next year is underway! The Counseling Department held grade-level assemblies during the last week of January with students regarding course options for next year. During the month of February, counselors are meeting with students to discuss academic plans and distribute course registration forms to bring home to parents. In addition, teachers are discussing course options and sequencing in their departments with students. On Friday February 14, Course Catalogs were distributed during 8th period.

Course registration will take place on March 5 during 2nd period. Students must have their Course Registration Form completed with all signatures at that time, as well as, the three VCU forms if registering for VCU Dual Enrollment classes (rising juniors and seniors only). Students are allowed to submit a schedule change request up until the end of this school year, though some classes may fill up based on initial registration requests.

Parents can find specific details about course registration and course options on the school counseling page on course scheduling.


PERISA ASHAR FINALIST FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

Perisa Ashar (Henrico '21) is one of five Distinguished Finalists for the Prudential Spirit of Community awards. She is member of Henrico County 4-H and started STEMinate- coding, robotics, and chemistry workshops for elementary and middle school students. She has started several fundraisers, volunteers for organizations like the Richmond Peace Center, Women of Connections Ministry, MathScience Innovation Center, and Chippenham Hospital. She also won the Virginia State and National Women in Technology Aspirations in Computing Award. 

Link to Prudential Spirit of Community Award State Honorees and information.

Week of January 22, 2020

REMINDER: MONDAY, JANUARY 27 IS A TEACHER WORK DAY

COURSE REGISTRATION ASSEMBLIES JANUARY 29-31

Lunchtime assemblies will be held for the underclasses in the auditorium on the following dates: 

• Juniors- Wednesday, January 29
• Sophomores- Thursday, January 30
• Freshmen- Friday, January 31

Students will be provided with materials, information, and options about their upcoming course registration on March 5.

ATTENTION SENIOR PARENTS!

The January edition of the Senior Newsletter is now available. Please read thoroughly for important deadlines and updates.

Susan Teerlink, our GRASP Representative, is available to assist with financial aid information. Ms. Teerlink is here on Mondays and students and/or parents can sign up for an appointment in the School Counseling Office.

DISTRICT BAND NEWS




Ryan Eklund (Richmond '22), Helen Hopkins (Chesterfield '22), Devon Jebo  (Henrico '22), Rahul Ramesh (Henrico '21), Amar Srinivasan (Chesterfield '22), and Carson Wang (Henrico '23) were awarded positions in the 2020 district band. District band is a competitive auditioned ensemble that comprises of the best high school band students from Henrico, Richmond City, and Hanover. They will perform on February 1 at Hanover High School.





ATHLETIC BOOSTER COLLEGE BASKETS FOR NOTD

Every year, Athletic Boosters provides college baskets to auction off at Night of the Dragon. The money raised from the auction items support both Maggie Walker and our student athletes. Please consider donating a few items to your favorite Virginia college basket. Items can include: sweatshirts, T-shirts, glassware, banners, pajamas, blankets, stickers, trinkets - anything that supports your team! Donations are due February 7, 2020. Drop off or ship to 317 Lexington Road, RVA 23226, leave at school in the Auction box (labeled for Athletic Booster College Baskets) in Valenta Williams' office room 100, or we will come to you! Please also consider coming out to support the Auction on February 29, 2020- it's a great night. Thanks for supporting Maggie Walker! 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a054fa9a62b0-college




2-4-6-8—NOTD TICKET UPDATE! 

Night of the Dragon tickets are now on sale! Purchase tickets online HERE. You can purchase tickets, sponsor a table, and put in any seating requests. Don’t know who you would like to sit with? No worries. We will assign you to a table with other great folks so you can make new friends in the Dragon Family. Either way, be sure to order your tickets soon so you can be part of the fun!

This year’s NOTD items include long-time favorites and many exciting new items:

• Perennial favorite multi-course, in-home Italian Dinner for 10
• MLWGS 2020 graduation seating
• Vacation homes and adventure packages
• Rooftop wine tasting in the Fan
• Original art and one of a kind jewelry 
• VIP “Behind the Ropes” tickets at the Dominion Classic
• College gear and class baskets
• Event tickets and unique outings
• And so much more!

The Night of the Dragon Needs You!
The countdown is on until the February 29 (Leap Day!) Night of the Dragon Event—Quantum Leap! The NOTD committee is busy working on a myriad of details to make this year’s event a great success and YOU can help. We are looking for a handful of folks to join the Solicitations team. This is a short-term, low commitment task that simply involves reaching out to friends of Maggie Walker who have donated items in the past to and/or to new folks in your circles (friends, favorite businesses) who might be willing to donate items this year. For more info, contact Suzannah Stora or Ginger O’Neil.

Have an item, experience, vacation home, service, etc. that other Maggie Walker folks might be interested in? Contact Suzannah Stora about making your own auction donation to help support our wonderful school. Go Dragons!

NOTD FAQs
What happens during NOTD?
Everyone has loads of fun and we make lots of money to support our amazing school. The evening looks something like this:

6:30 p.m. Check-in begins
6:30-7:30 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, mingling
6:30-8:15 p.m. Auction items on display
7:30-8:15 p.m. Dinner buffet and carving stations open
8:15 p.m. Silent Auction ends
8:30 p.m. Welcome from Dr. Lowerre
8:45 p.m. Live Auction begins with Head and Tails
9 p.m.  Dessert and coffee served
9:45 p.m. Student Performance

Will I have fun even if I don’t know very many people at Maggie Walker yet?
ABSOLUTELY! There’s plenty of time to mingle and meet folks during the evening. And when dinner time comes, if you don’t request specific folks to sit with, we will do our best to assign you to a table with other parents from your students' class. It’s a great way to meet other Dragon parents.

What is the dress code?
The dress code is “festive.” Not a lot of help, right? The idea is for everyone to feel as special as the event is to our school--but no need to special order a designer dress or dust off the tux--unless you want to! Wear whatever makes you feel ready to have some fun for a great cause, whether that’s a cocktail dress or your fave pants or anything in between. On second thought, wear what
makes you most want to bid lots of money on lots of items.

What Does the Money from NOTD Support?
All proceeds for the Night of the Dragon support the students and faculty at MLWGS! Last year’s event yielded more than $70,000! Proceeds benefit the enhancement initiatives of the Governor’s School Foundation as well as the efforts of the Athletic, Music, Visual Arts, Drama Boosters, and the PTSA.

Is There Parking Available?
Yes, we have arranged for complimentary parking at 13 N. 5th Street, a lot adjacent to the John Marshall.

What is Heads and Tails?
It’s a fun, interactive game coin toss game. Each person who has paid to play ($10 in advance or at the event) receives a set of beads to wear. At the beginning of the Live Auction, everyone with beads stands and places their hands on their head or their tail. The auctioneer then flips a coin. Anyone who guessed the coin toss correctly, as evidenced by where their hands are placed,
remains standing. And this continues until only one person is standing and wins the prize.

Will NOTD use mobile bidding again this year?
Yes, and we are very excited! Mobile bidding was a huge success last year and will be used again this year and in subsequent years. Mobile bidding allows you to input your credit card into a secure system when you buy your tickets or at the event. No more check-out lines at the end of the evening. No more running from silent auction bid sheet to bid sheet. You can set your initial bid and a maximum bid on as many silent auction items as you like and the system will automatically adjust your bid in increments until your max is reached or you win; you can manually enter new bids each time you get a text that you’ve been outbid. You’ll be getting more easy-to-follow bidding info after ticket sales close.

Will drink tickets be pre-sold again this year?
No. Because guests can use cash and credit cards at the John Marshall to purchase drinks, we will not be pre-selling drink tickets this year.

What about the UVA vs. Duke basketball game that evening?
We know we’ve got lots of basketball fans among us, including us, so we’ve reserved the Club Room at the John Marshall for great viewing of the game that evening, currently scheduled for 8 p.m. Mobile bidding means you can keep an eye on the game and continue your silent bidding. Anyone left unattended in the Ballroom during the Live Auction, which begins around 9 p.m, is encouraged, and granted permission to bid away!

2nd ANNUAL RUBIK'S CUBE EVENT 

The MLWGS Rubik’s Cube Club hosted its second World Cube Association (WCA) competition on January 18, 2020, attracting over 80 speed-solvers from multiple states testing their skills. This event was led by John Staley, Jacob Lee, Ryland Wilson, Ross George, and Uzair Bhatti as part of their club, which is sponsored by Mr. John Wilkes. Corey Sakowksi and Keaton Ellis, WCA delegates from Maryland, assisted in official matters.

The competition was a resounding success, and the organizers plan to hold another next year. The Rubik’s Cube Club would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the security and custodial staff, the Governor’s School Foundation, Mr. Wilkes, and the student and parent volunteers for all their help and support. Additionally, a dedicated group of MLWGS volunteers took time out of their weekend to make sure that the event ran smoothly and had efficient set-up and take-down

A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research.

Officers who organized this event (from left to right)

Uzair Bhatti (Chesterfield '21), Ross George (Hanover '21), Ryland Wilson (Hanover '21), John Staley (Hanover '21), John Wilkes (Faculty Advisor), Jacob Lee (Chesterfield '21).

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

Totals to date are as follows:

Senior Parents (2020) 31%
Junior Parents (2021) 28%
Sophomore Parents (2022) 36%
Freshman Parents (2023) 36% 

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

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

Week of March 6, 2019

COURSE REGISTRATION 

Course Registration takes place this Thursday, March 7 during 2nd period. During February, students met with their counselor to discuss the course selection for next year and received copies of the Course Registration Form as well as VCU forms if they plan to take Dual Enrollment courses next year. Teacher signatures are required for plus, Dual Enrollment, Pre-AP, and Advanced Placement courses on the Couse Registration Form. A parental signature is required for the Course Registration Form and the VCU packet for Dual Enrollment courses (please make sure to sign the registration form, in-state tuition form, and honor form). Extra copies of the forms are available in the counseling office. Please contact your child’s counselor if you have questions about course selection for next year.

~MLWGS Counseling Department

ATTENTION SENIOR PARENTS!

The February edition of the Senior Newsletter is available on the School Counseling website! This edition contains many scholarships with upcoming deadlines!

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

ORCHESTRA NEWS

Congratulations to William Davis (Chesterfield '21), Bass and Minji Cho (Chesterfield '21), Violin for making it into All State Orchestra this weekend. Joshua Yoo (Chesterfield '22), Violin placed as a second alternate which is pretty remarkable as a freshman. Minji and William will participate in 2019 All Virginia Band, Chorus, and Orchestra Event April 4-6 at the Dominion Energy Center for the Performing Arts.

Week of February 6, 2019

The Envelope Please . . .

This year's Night of the Dragon auction and dinner theme is "Live from the Red Carpet" and the deadline to buy tickets is THIS SUNDAY, February 10!

Tickets are available at https://one.bidpal.net/dragonauction/welcome

We have a fun-filled evening set with truly amazing auction items, including one-of-a-kind adventures and getaways, themed gift baskets, jewelry, art, event tickets, wine tastings, home decor, and much, much more.

Make your plans today to spend a wonderful night mingling with other Dragon parents, teachers, and friends in support of our amazing students and school!

College Themed Basket at the auction!

AP EXAM INFORMATION 

Attention Parents of Advanced Placement Participants!

AP Exam Registration and Fee Collection Information

A handout with this information along with an AP Bulletin from the College Board was distributed to all AP students through their AP classes last week.

Registration for Advanced Placement exams will begin February 1, 2019 using the online system Total Registration. Registration will take only a few minutes and can be completed from any computer with internet access. You will be asked to create a login account so that you will have the ability to reprint your confirmation ticket and add or delete exams, if necessary.

Follow these steps to complete the registration, payment, and confirmation process:

1) Register for the tests you plan to take at www.TotalRegistration.net/AP/471851
2) Select your payment method: Check (made out to “MLWGS”), cash, or online payment at https://osp.osmsinc.com/MLWGS (convenience fee applies)
3) Turn in your confirmation ticket to the Counseling Office during the designated times between February 20-22. Students should attach their payment or online payment receipt to their confirmation ticket. A member of the counseling team will review the registration form and payment with each student.

When registering through Total Registration please be sure to select all of your exams and the appropriate teachers. If everything is correct, click "Confirm your Registration." This will record your registration and display the confirmation page or “ticket”. When you reach the confirmation ticket, print two copies, one for your records and the other to return to school with your payment or online payment receipt. The Counseling Office will collect these items between 11:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. on February 20, 21, and 22. This year, students will have the option to pay fees through the MLWGS payment system or turn in a check or cash by the same date and time. Each AP exam costs $94.00 and must be paid for before we order exams. A fee waiver or reduction is available for families that meet certain guidelines but must be approved in advance. Please see your counselor by Friday, February 15 to inquire about a fee waiver.

Here are the important dates: 
February 1- Online registration begins
February 22- Online registration ends
February 20-22- AP Fee and Receipt Collection (11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.): All students must turn in a copy of the confirmation ticket with their payment/receipt. Students should use lunch or an afternoon study hall to come to pay their fees or turn in a receipt.
After 3:30 p.m. on February 22, a late fee of $10 per exam will be charged.
March 8- Exams will be ordered. If you forgot to order an exam an additional fee of up to $55 extra per exam may apply after this date (exam availability not guaranteed). This is the last day to cancel an exam and receive a refund of $84 ($10 administrative fee).
April 23- Last day to cancel an exam and receive a $69 refund ($25 administrative fee as exams will have been ordered). Requests for refunds after this date will not be honored.

Attention Seniors! If you know which college you will be attending in the fall, please carefully review the college's AP credit policy to determine if the college will accept AP credit for the program in which you are enrolling.

If you receive accommodations for a documented disability and have not yet had them approved by CollegeBoard, the deadline to submit this paperwork for 2019 AP Exams is February 22nd. Contact Ms. Davis Cobb at joy.davis@gsgis.k12.va.us.

Questions? Please see Dr. Loving, AP Coordinator, in the Counseling Office or email her at rloving@gsgis.k12.va.us.

REMINDERS:
· You may need to arrange transportation for afternoon AP exams. Exams in the afternoon will not begin prior to 12:00 p.m. and may not be over before 3:30 p.m. Plan accordingly.

· Exam pre-administration sessions (Bubblefest) will be held on April 23 (seniors) and 24 (juniors, sophomores, and freshmen) in the auditorium during lunch. You must attend a pre-administration session in order to take AP exams.





ORDER SCRIP TODAY

Scrip is a great way to financially support the MLWGS PTA at no extra cost to you. Simply purchase gift cards from stores you already shop (grocery, gas, pharmacy, restaurants) and the retailers give a percentage of your purchase back to the school.

Don’t forget to consider spring break travel expenses including gas, hotel, and restaurants. For a full list of retailers by category, go to https://www.scripzone.com/certificatelist.aspx. Simply submit the attached order form with a check by March 1 to the office, and you will receive your cards before Spring Break. If you spend money at stores such as Target, CVS, Walgreens, Starbucks, Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, Lowes, and many clothing stores and restaurants (from discount to high end), consider checking to see if there is a Scrip card to meet your shopping needs and benefit Maggie Walker at the same time! Questions? Contact Laura Dysart at lauradysart@verizon.net.

Click for Scrip Order Form





COURSE REGISTRATION FOR NEXT YEAR COMING SOON



Returning students received course registration materials during assemblies last week. For your convenience, we have decided to send out Narrated PowerPoints on course registration information and course offerings in place of an evening program. Of course, if parents have further questions, they may contact either their child’s counselor or teacher for specific information about course options.

Over the next several weeks, teachers will inform students of department course offerings and sequencing. Counselors will meet with all students to complete Course Registration Worksheets which are to be brought home and shared with parents to help complete the Course Registration Form. Students will need to have the Course Registration Form and VCU Dual Enrollment Forms completed and signed including teacher approval for advanced classes in order to register for classes on March 7 during 2nd period. If students do not have required teacher and parent signatures on these forms, students will not be permitted to register for classes.

Student course request changes will be considered through the Spring semester. The deadline for submitting course request changes is June 14.

ANGST- FREE MOVIE SCREENING

It is estimated that one in five adults suffers from anxiety; this mental health condition affects adolescents as well. Angst is a 56 minute film that explores anxiety, its causes, effects, and what we can do about it. The filmmakers’ goal is to have a global conversation and raise awareness around anxiety. Angst features candid interviews with kids and young adults who suffer, or have suffered, from anxiety and what they’ve learned about it. The film includes discussions with mental health experts about the causes of anxiety and its sociological effects, as well as help, resources and tools. 

https://angstmovie.com/about/ There is a free screening at the Byrd Theater on March 24 and requires advance registration. http://byrdtheatre.com/

From the desk of Lisa Ebeling, MLWGS School Psychologist

VCU JAZZ DAY

On Saturday, January 26, MLWGS students Varun Mandgi (Richmond '21), Keriann Slayton (Hanover '21), and Delaney Cotton (Hanover '21) participated in VCU Jazz Day. This event, which attracted student musicians from around Virginia, gave students the opportunity to work with world-class musicians, perform in a jazz combo, and even write their own jazz charts. Students were selected to participate in this event based on their exceptional desire and strong ability to pursue the craft of jazz improvisation.

DISTRICT BAND NEWS

Between Thursday and Saturday, Maggie Walker students Ryan Eklund (Richmond '22), Grace May (Hanover '20), Rahul Ramesh (Henrico '21), and Kevin Ren (Chesterfield '20) participated in District Band at Deep Run High School. Rahul, Kevin, and Ryan performed with the symphonic band under the baton of Dr. Terry Austin, Director of Bands at VCU. Grace performed with the concert band, directed by the former director of Bluestone High School, Ricky Allgood. Kevin and Rahul placed first chair in their ensemble, and are eligible for All-Virginia Band auditions later this month. Congratulations to these student musicians for their accomplishments!