Week of March 28, 2017

PTSA NOMINATING COMMITTEE SEEKING CANDIDATES

The PTSA has many open positions for the 2017-18 school year including Executive Board and committee chair positions. All PTSA parent members for current and incoming MLWGS students are eligible to volunteer for these positions.  If interested, please contact one of the newly elected nominating committee members noted below, preferably by March 27:

Anthony Taylor:  anthony.l.taylor82@gmail.com

Karen Townsend   : karentownsend@seaislandsoftware.biz

Kathryn Gammino: kgammino@icloud.com

Yvette Conte:  contefamily5@msn.com

POETRY OUT LOUD STATE COMPETITION TO BE AIRED APRIL 6

The Poetry Out Loud State Competition will be aired on WCVE-PBS, Thursday, April 6, at 9 p.m. Tune in to watch MLWGS’s Sarah Law (’17, Chesterfield) compete with the top 12 students from all over the state.

MLWGS GOLF TOURNAMENT SEEKS SPONSORS

Please click here for the registration form, which is due April 20, 2017.

GRANDPARENTS DAY

The Foundation is excited to announce its annual Grandparents Day on Friday, April 21! This is an afternoon event where we invite current students' grandparents (or other special family members and friends) to learn a little about our school, take a brief tour, and have a reception with their grandchildren. It's a popular event and a lot of fun!

The only way we can invite these special family members is if you provide their contact information! If you've provided this information in a previous school year, we already have that and can use it to contact your child's grandparents. If that information has changed and needs to be updated in any way, please email the changes.

Most importantly, if your child is a freshman and you’ve never sent any grandparent contact information from you, please email events@mlwgsfoundation.org with the following:

• Name and graduation year of your current student(s) 
• Name(s) of all grandparents or special family members to invite 
• Full street address with city, state, and ZIP code 
• Current email address (if they routinely use email)

Printed invitations will be mailed to all invitees in a few weeks and followed up with an email reminder. If you're in touch with those family members soon, please ask them to save the date of April 21 for this special event!

FIND YOUR CALM

DESIGNATED QUIET SPACES
FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS

Want to step away from the rush and rumble of your busy day?  There are now two designated comfy spaces at MLWGS to take a break from noise and chatter....

·       The Mindfulness and Calm space for students (located in the Counseling suite) has groovy bean bag chairs, mindfulness coloring books, and more.  As an added touch, you’ll find a thoughtful quote on the board that a student writes there at the beginning of each day.

·       The Mindfulness and Calm space for teachers (236) has soft armchairs, mindfulness coloring books, and more.  There’s also a bookcase for a teacher book exchange. Just like the Little Free Libraries that have popped up around RVA, this is a free exchange: give one, take one.  Consider contributing a recently published book in great condition that you’d like to share.

To nurture calm, these rooms are intended as silent spaces, so please choose a different location for conversations. With quiet in mind, if you’d like to listen to music or audio recordings, please use earbuds or headphones (each room is equipped with headphones that you can borrow for this purpose).

If you’re interested in mindfulness-related recordings, you might choose a track from the library’s Mindfulness and Calm playlist on Soundcloud from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, or check out one of the apps listed on the library’s Mindfulness and Calm page.

The Mindfulness Committee would like to thank Lisa Williams for her assistance in designing the teacher space and Troy Mitchell for painting two of the walls a serene blue.  Advanced thanks to the Art Honor Society who may be adding a mural to the student space by the end of the school year.

NIGHT OF THE DRAGON

THANK YOU SPONSORS AND DONORS!

The Night of the Dragon Auction Committee would like to thank the generous sponsors and donors!

Vendor Sponsors ($5000 or more)

BIZPORT

Shamin Hotels: Hilton Richmond Hotel and Spa

Monetary Donations ($1000)

ASHBY

Apple Spice Junction

Monetary Donations ($500)

Nyfeler Assocaites

Natural Awakenings

Anne and Henry Savedge: In honor of Katie and Emily Page

Corporate and Group Donors

Andrew Carney Photography

Athletic Boosters

Azzurro Restaurant  

Belmont Butchery

Branch & Vine

Chris Chase Studios

Cliff Bruce Studio

Dairy Bar

Detail X Perts  

Drama Boosters

East Coast Provisions  

Fox and Hound

Fresh Market  

Friends of MLWGS

James River Transportation

Joe's Inn Bon Air

Maggie L. Walker Governor's School

Maggie L. Walker Governor's School Alumni

Maggie L. Walker Governor's School PTSA

Maggie Walker Guidance Department

Men's Warehouse

Metzger Bar and Butchery

MLWGS Dragon's Lair

MLWGS parents - past and present - who love to cook!

MLWGS Student Parking

Montana Gold Bread Company

Monticello

Music Boosters

Myrna's Boots 'n' Bits

Olive Garden

P.F. Chang

Parents of the Freshman Class

Parents of the Junior Class

Parents of the Senior Class

Parents of the Sophomore Class

Penelope Midlothian

Post & Beam Design Co.

PTSA, Alumni and Alumni Parents

Puritan Cleaners

QuickFix Golf

Rachel Loving/Maggie Walker Guidance Department

Richmond Country Club

Richmond Symphony Orchestra

RVA Trolley

School of Rock

School of the Performing Arts

Segway of Richmond  

Sheetz Inc.

Short Pump Dental

Strangeways Brewing

The 3rd Street Diner

The Boathouse

The C.F. Sauer Company

The Garden Club of Virginia

The Olive Oil Taproom, LLC  

The Omni Richmond Hotel

The Science Museum of Virginia

Trapezium Brewing Co.

Triple Crossing Brewing Company

Union Electric Contracting Company

Virginia Museum of Arts

Visual Art Boosters  

Wendell Powell Studios

Williams & Sherrill

Individual Donors

Alan Crawford

Alison Kent

Amy Jasper

Andy Brower and Peggy Feldmann

Angie Quintero

Anne Hayes

Anne O'Byrne and David Fisk

Barbara Haas

Becky and Dave Henderson

Becky Premock

Beth Thomas

Brick and Tammy Brickley

Cara O'Connell

Carl Stromberg

Carrie Reed

Chris Chase

Cindy Ortiz

Cindy Seeley

Coach Jeff Hall

Coach Jim Holdren

Coach Paige Hawkins

Cynthia Losen

Dana Hawkins

David and Beth Bortz

Donna Bennington

Dr. Randy Mortimer

Ekaterina Singletary

Eliza Askin

Eliza Bellamy

Ellis Bell

Frankie James

Frederick Ochsenhirt

Gaela Stromberg

George and Jane Hastings

Governor Terry McAuliffe

Greg Butler

Grid+ Love Designs

Jacqueline O'Neil

James Guy

Jamey Steigmaier

Jennie Eckert

Jenny Han

Jeremy Graboyes

John and Jonah Holland

John and Rebecca Piersol

John Herzog

Joyce and Aslam Handy

Julie May

Karen Miller

Kate Cooper

Katherine and Brian Baird

Kathleen and Paul Kostandin

Keith Burns

Kimberly Lee

Kori Mosley

Kristin and Chris Lyons

Leslie Kimball Franck

Lisa Marshall

Lisa Specter-Dunaway

Lucy Dacus

Lynn and Hal Greer

Lynn Foshee Reed

Mary Jane Darville

Mary Michael Schweiker

MaryAnn Easterling

Maymont

Meaco Coffey

Melissa Simmons

Molly Farrar

Monica Lewis

Parker Alter

Rob Galgano

Robyn Smith

Sam and Helen Adams

Sarah and John Datovech

Sarah Saunders

Sean and Debbie McDonald

Sher Lahvic

Sue Chaplin

Susan Creasey

Susan Davenport

Susan Hefty and Steve Ross

Tanya O'Sickey

The Graham Family

The Gruenhagen Family

Tom Williamson

Tommy Miller

Vanessa McFadden

W. Baxter Perkinson Jr., DDS

Weissend Family

Wendy DeGroat

Yu-Wen Chiou

Yvette Conte

Thank you Volunteers!

The Night of the Dragon would not have been a huge success without all the hard work by our many wonderful volunteers!

Volunteers (*alumni / alumni parents)

Administrative Chair: Peggy Feldmann

Data Management Chair: Norm Hill

Venue Chair: Megan Colson

Data Management:  Craig Goble-Garratt

Communications: Debbie Taminger

Invitations and Postal: Catherine Nicholas/Jennifer Law

Ticket Sales and Check-in: Amy Patina

Item Assembly: Leslie Hausser

Live Auction & Heads/Tails: David Henderson*

Silent Auction Set-up: Emily Goodman

Invitations/Cover Artwork: Diann Liptak*

Auction Management Software: Norm Hill

Online Catalog/Website: Norm Hill

Buy It Now: Barbara Haas

Gift Certificates: Laura Carr and Ginger O’Neil

Decorations: Megan Colson

Corporate Sponsorships: Suzannah Stora

Alumni Donors: Catherine Nicholas*

No auction is possible without the patience and persistence of the donation solicitors.  Recently, the auction was changed from Booster-centric to MLWGS-centric and these parents are commended for their hard work, dedication, and schmoozing for getting tonight’s donations. We could not have done it without them!

Debbie Taminger; JD Beam; Robyn Smith; Megan Colson Yvette Conte Sarah Saunders; Mary Michael Schweiker; David Henderson*; Sandra Shelly;Kris Lyons; Jennifer Gillette; Misty Clark*; Parent Class Reps; Joyce Handy; Catherine Nicholas*

We would like to extend our thanks to the many parents and students who have volunteered their time today and this evening. If you enjoyed this evening and would like to help in the planning process for the 2018 auction, please contact one of the Chairs.

Week of February 2, 2016

CREATIVITY AND CALM STATION AVAILABLE IN THE MLWGS LIBRARY

Feeling anxious or sleepy?

Take a break with one of the creative diversions available at the library’s new Creativity and Calm station where you’ll find magnetic poetry kits, origami paper, Dragon and snowflake mandala coloring books, and more!

Ms. DeGroat and the library assistant team repurposed the library’s atlas stand to provide the space for this Creativity & Calm station.  It’s located near the 3D printer.

Despite snow days interrupting its debut, news is already getting around.  Sophomore Donavan Reynolds (’18, Chesterfield) folded this origami flower from memory!

NIGHT OF THE DRAGON INVITATIONS ARE OUT!

Saturday, February 27, Short Pump Hilton, 6-11 p.m.

Go to www.nightofthedragon.com/tickets to purchase tickets, drink tickets, and Heads or Tails Raffle tickets online.

Event tickets are $60 per person and must be purchased in advance no later than February 10, 2016. All tickets include reserved table seating. If you want to sit with friends, we will gladly attempt to accommodate your seating preference. Just let us know in the comment section. For ticket information or other questions, please contact Amy Patina at abpatina@comcast.net.

The catalog will be online in mid-February but here are our wonderful “Nights Out” and “Race Day” items to plan your Buy It Now! bidding.   

• Ladies Night Out - “Under The Tuscan Moon” - Enjoy an evening in the Italian-style courtyard of the beautifully restored 2710 Monument Avenue home of alumni parents, Julie and Paul Weissend. Join other MLWGS moms, female faculty, and woman friends of MLWGS for some antipasti, wine, soft drinks and desserts from 7:00-10:00 p.m. in May. Tickets are $35 per person. Limit 120 tickets.

• Men’s Night Out - Join us for a night of pizza, beer and hoops at the 2nd Annual Guys' Night Out.  We'll watch opening round action of the 2016 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament on the evening of Friday, March 18.  Includes beer, pizza and two giant TVs at the Henrico County home of MLWGS parents Sam and Helen Adams. Limit 40 tickets.

• Kentucky Derby - Come sample 8 bourbons from affordable sleepers to high-end collectables while watching the Kentucky Derby on Saturday May 7. Heavy hors d'oeuvres provided. Hosted by Brick Brickley and Sam Tarry at the Brickley's home. Tickets are $100 apiece and the event is capped at 20 tickets. 

Also

Corporate Sponsorship opportunities are still available! With four levels of sponsorship - $500, $1000, $2500 and $5000 – businesses of all sizes have an opportunity to reach the wider MLWGS community while giving back to the school.

To learn more about how your business can become a corporate sponsor, please contact Laura Lewis in the Governor's School Foundation at 354-1566, or Laura.Lewis@GovernorsSchoolFoundation.org no later than Friday, January 29. 

ON-LINE AP EXAM REGISTRATION STARTS FEBRUARY 8

From February 8 – February 26 - register for AP exams by visiting www.TotalRegistration.net/AP/471851 Each AP exam costs $92.00.  A fee reduction is available for families that meet federal guidelines but must be approved in advance. Please see Ms. Deck in the School Counseling office by Friday, February 19 to inquire about a fee waiver.  Last day to register for exams is February 26. February 23 - February 26 – AP Fees and Registration Forms (cash or check made out to MLW Governor’s School) will be collected in the School Counseling Office (see payment schedule below) After this date a late fee of $10 will be charged per student.  Remember, you must present both your registration form and complete payment.  FEE COLLECTION SCHEDULE February 23 -  Seniors - lunch, 6th and 8th block February 24 -  Juniors - lunch, 5th and 7th block February 25 -  Freshmen & Sophomores - lunch, 6 th and 8th block February 26 -  Any remaining students – lunch and all afternoon blocks

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 April 13 and 14 in the auditorium during lunch.  You must attend a pre-administration session in order to take AP exams.

BLOOD DRIVE

Maggie L Walker Governor’s School BLOOD DRIVE

Friday, February 12, 2016

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Rooms 104 and 105

We are hoping to get some parent donors to help us reach our goal of 30+ units!

• Please sign-up for an appointment time to donate with Mr. Blanton.
• All students age 16 and 17 must have a signed parental consent form to donate. Please fill out completely in ink. (Nothing in pencil will be accepted.)
• You must be at least 16 years old and weigh 110 lbs. to donate.
• Bring a valid I.D. Eat and hydrate prior to donating.

FREE FAFSA ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE THROUGH GRASP

(GREAT ASPIRATIONS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM, INC.)

GRASP (GReat Aspirations Scholarship Program, Inc.) will hold its Saturdays at the Library FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) events on January 30 and February 27, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Richmond Public Main Library, 101 East Franklin Street.  GRASP advisors will provide FREE college financial aid counseling and assistance with completing the FAFSA, by appointment.  Call (804) 527-7743 to schedule your hour-long appointment.  More information is available at the GRASP website,www.grasp4va.org.

Free FAFSA assistance is also available from GRASP advisors at these times/locations:

Henrico County Library Evening Events:  February 3 at Fairfield (5-8 p.m.) and February 11 at Twin Hickory (5-8 p.m.) – One-hour appointments can be made by calling the particular branch library.

Belmont Library in Richmond: A GRASP Advisor is available Mondays from 6 - 8 p.m. – Appointments can be made by calling GRASP at 527-7743.

SAVE THE DATE—PTSA MEETINGS

 Please “Save the Date” so that you are able to attend the upcoming General PTSA meetings at MLWGS.  These meetings are open to parents of all students, but will be particularly beneficial for parents of Freshman and Sophomores.  The MLWGS Counseling Department will be hosting the events to provide introductory information for parents on a few key topics.  Please know that parents of Juniors will be invited by the Senior Counselors to attend “College Kickoff” prior to the March 16 college overview meeting.

• February 11 at 5:30 p.m. in the Commons – Mr. Zweerwink will provide information on AP and Dual Enrollment courses.
• March 16 at 8:00 a.m. in the Auditorium (this may change) – Dr. Loving and Ms. Deck will provide an overview of the College prep and application process at MLWGS.

COLLEGE KICKOFF FOR JUNIORS AND THEIR PARENTS

College Kick Off for Juniors and parents will be held on February 9 from 12:45 – 2:25 p.m. in the MLWGS auditorium. Admissions representatives from University of Pittsburg, University of Richmond, University of Virginia, University of South Carolina, and Washington and Lee will discuss:

• The College Search and Campus Visit
• How Colleges Select Their Potential Freshman Class
• The Application Process
• Honors and Specialty Programs
• The Role of Interview and Recommendations
• Financial Aid Overview

Junior attendance is required; parents are strongly encouraged to attend. A parent “meet and greet” sponsored by the PTSA will follow this program from 2:45 - 3:15 p.m.