Week of December 16, 2014

PTSA ADVOCACY UPDATE:  BUDGET CHALLENGES CONTINUE FOR MLWGS

The next meeting of the MLWGS Regional School Board is this Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 9am in Room 153. Please attend. Here is more information about the Board including links to Thursday’s agenda and past minutes. The MLWGS Regional School Board is responsible for approving the budget.

Local and state underfunding of MLWGS persists. Local funding for MLWGS students has dropped more than 10% over the past five years. VRS and healthcare costs have increased substantially. Outdated textbooks, inadequate technology equipment and staffing, aging facilities, added costs due to VHSL 2A travel, increased teacher workloads, noncompetitive salaries, and reductions in field trips and course offerings continue to be major challenges for the school. The Regional School Board’s upcoming decision on a long-term capital improvement contract may further deplete school reserves (savings).

At the state level, PTSA Advocacy is also pursuing a revision of the state funding formula for all Governor’s  Schools. Here is a recent Governor’s School funding study conducted by the Secretary of Education which finds that funding for Governor’s Schools is not based on any specific staffing or cost standard that relates to best practice or actual cost of the program.

Interested in learning more?  Please contact PTSA Advocacy Co-Chairs Marianne Macon,mnmacon@gmail.com or Laura O’Brien, prable@comcast.net. 

PSAT SCORES DELAYED

The MLWGS Counseling Department is still awaiting receipt of PSAT score reports.  On Friday December 12, the College Board stated that MLWGS PSAT score results were still being processed and had not yet been shipped.  MLWGS is aware that some other area schools have received their score reports.   College Board has indicated that score reports are shipped out in batches and that MLWGS’s could be sent with a batch in the middle of the week of December 15.  Unfortunately, this means it is unlikely that PSAT score results will be available before the winter break.  If the scores do arrive before break begins, the counseling department will prioritize score distribution to juniors so that they may begin preparing for SATs over winter break.  Otherwise, scores will be distributed during lunchtime assemblies in January.

WINTER CHORUS/ORCHESTRA CONCERT

The Winter Choral/Orchestra Concert will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, December 17 at 7:00 p.m. in the Auditorium. The cost to attend is cost is $5 at the door. Concert reception immediately follows the performance. Please plan to attend.

Please contact Leslie Hausser, Music Boosters President, at lahmeems@comcast.net, with any questions.

VOTE FOR MLWGS STUDENT FOR SNOW QUEEN

Reshini Premaratne (’16, Henrico) was chosen as a finalist in the running for the Richmond Snow Queen. Now, she needs the help of the MLWGS community. Please click on the link below and scroll down to the "VOTE NOW!" button to choose Reshini as the next Snow Queen. If she garners the most votes, Reshini will become the Richmond Snow Queen and a representative of Maggie Walker in the community. Voting ends on December 24th, so please vote and share the link! It is an easy way to support a MLWGS dragon and her endeavors! Here is the link: www.c-mor.org/snow-queen-main.

ACADEMIC BOOSTERS NEWSLETTER

The latest newsletter is available HERE!

MLWGS STUDENT WINS RSYO COMPETITION

Congratulations to Zachary King ('15, Hanover) for winning the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition with his performance of the first movement of the Carl Stamitz Clarinet Concerto in B-Flat Minor No. 3.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING CAN HELP MLWGS TOO

Just a quick reminder before doing that last-minute shopping don't forget to register with the following stores to earn cash for our school.  It’s easy, doesn’t cost anything, and still gives the same discounts and offers that keep you shopping. 

Kroger’s Community Rewards  

Register your Kroger Plus card online at  krogercommunityrewards.com

*If you use a phone number at the register call 800-576-4377 - Option 4 to get your Kroger Plus number.

Martin’s  A+ School Rewards

To register your card, change the school or add a school (up to 2):

Log on to www.martinsfoods.com/aplus and designate our school ID #03112 using your BONUSCARD.  Or send your Last Name, Phone Number and the 11-digit BONUSCARD number (starting with 48) to mlwgspartners@gmail.com.

Target – Take Charge of Education

Go to www.target.com/tcoe.  Enter your Redcard number and follow the directions. Our school account is104517. 

Amazon Smile – Supports MLWGS Athletic Boosters

Go to smile.amazon.com from your computer or smartphone and follow the directions from there.

Questions/Problems? – email mlwgspartners@gmail.com.

YEARBOOK NEWS

LAST CHANCE TO PURCHASE YEARBOOK

Friday, December 19, is the last day to purchase a 2015 yearbook for $50! After the 19th, the price will go up to $55, where it will stay for the rest of the school year. Yearbook order forms may be obtained outside Room 121. You can also order online at www.yearbookordercenter.com. Find our school’s name or type in our job number (14632) to place a credit-card order for no extra charge!

YEARBOOK ADS STILL AVAILABLE

It’s not too late to buy a Senior Ad in the Yearbook to honor a beloved MLWGS graduate! Ads may be purchased to cover a full page ($220), 1/2-page ($140), or 1/4-page ($80). Please make checks payable to MLWGS. To purchase a Senior Ad, please email Yearbook Adviser Michael White (mwhite@gsgis.k12.va.us), and he will send the specs. The deadline for submission is Friday, January 23, 2015. A check can hold the spot now, but the MLWGS Yearbook will need all materials by January 23. Order now while there’s still space!

CLUB PICTURES SCHEDULE

Club sponsors:  please inform clubs of the date and time of the picture and encourage full participation. Club sponsors are strongly encouraged but not required to attend; attendance can help prevent interlopers, so please be there, if at all possible.

If a club is not on this list, then it is not an official, active club, according to the MLWGS administration. Please address concerns to Coach Hawkins or Mr. Tharp if a club was inadvertently left off this list.

• All photos will be shot on the bleachers in the gym at lunch.
• Please be prompt.
• Club members MAY but are NOT REQUIRED to bring signs indicating club identity.
• In the event of school cancellation due to inclement weather, ANY DAYS MISSED WILL BE RESCHEDULED. For example, if we’re out of school on Monday, January 5, then that day’s clubs will be rescheduled, but the clubs scheduled for Tuesday, January 6, will KEEP THEIR DATE AND TIMES.

Monday, December 15

Note: There will be NO PSAT meeting today, so these photos will proceed as normal.

11:40: English NHS

11:45: Spanish Club & Honor Society

11:50: Peer Mentors

11:55: Russian Club & SLAVA: Russian Honor Society

12:00: Academic Quiz Bowl

12:05: Club Asia

12:10: Chinese NHS

Tuesday, December 16

Note: Today’s PSAT meeting is for JUNIORS only and will likely be over by 11:45, so these photos will proceed as planned.

11:40: Chess

11:45: Freshman AND Sophomore Class Officers (separate)

11:50: Debate

11:55: SCA officers AND Honor Council (separate)

12:00: Young Democrats AND Young Republicans (separate, obviously)

12:05: Forensics

12:10: Junior AND Senior Class Officers (separate)

Wednesday, December 17

Note: There will be NO PSAT meeting today, so these photos will proceed as normal.

11:40: Key Club

11:45: ASL Club & Honor Society

11:50: TSA

11:55: Japanese Club & Honor Society

12:00: Lifesmarts

12:05: Latin/Classical Club & Honor Society

12:10: Jabberwock

Thursday, December 18

Note: There will be NO PSAT meeting today, so these photos will proceed as normal.

11:40: French Club & Honor Society

11:45: Math Contest

11:50: German Club & Honor Society

11:55: Math Modeling

12:00: Italian Club & Honor Society

12:05: History Bowl

12:10: SADD

If the PSAT meetings are held in January, any affected days will be moved to January 20 or 21. Announcements will be made.

Monday, January 5

11:40: Science NHS

11:45: Fine Arts Club & Honor Society

11:50: Tri-M Music Honor Society

11:55: Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society

12:00: Robotics

12:05: NHS-Seniors

12:10: Model UN

Tuesday, January 6

11:40: We the People

11:45: NHS-Juniors

11:50: Thomas Jefferson History NHS

11:55: Civics Society AND B-Movie (separate)

12:00: Environmental Club

12:05: SECSEE 350 AND Esoterica (separate)

12:10: Peer Helpers

Wednesday, January 7

11:40: Model Government/Princeton Model Congress

11:45: USB and Hacky Sack (separate)

11:50: Arabic

11:55: EDM and NeuroPsi (separate)

12:00: Appalachian Heritage Music

12:05: Earth & Mind AND Dodgeball  (separate)

12:10: EduPac

Thursday, January 8

11:40: Culinary AND Deadbeats (separate)

11:45: Drama Club & ITS

11:50: FBLA and Futsal (separate)

11:55: FCS and Investment (separate)

12:00: Future Medical Professionals

12:05: Modern Dance AND Origami (separate)

12:10: Red Cross

Monday, January 12

11:40: Foreign Affairs AND Future Problem Solvers (separate)

11:45: Katie’s Company

11:50: Music Orchard AND Global Citizen Corps (separate)

11:55: Green Machine

12:00: International Dance AND Ping-Pong (separate)

12:05: Gender/Sexual Minority Alliance

12:10: Programming AND Project Happy Face (separate)

Tuesday, January 13

11:40: HOLA and Voice International (separate)

11:45: Mu Upsilon Sigma

11:50: Olde School Ballistics and SAGE (separate)

11:55: Photography

12:00: Richmonds of the World AND Satire (separate)

12:05: SAT Prep Club AND Didgeridoo (separate)

12:10: Poetry AND Frisbee (separate)

Wednesday, January 14

11:40: Student Pugwash

11:45: Chorus

11:50: Young Libertarians/Students for Liberty

11:55: Jazz Band

12:00: RAMPS

12:05: Orchestra

12:10: Backgammon AND Dragons for Vets (separate)

Thursday, January 15

11:40: Young Writers Association AND Literary Magazine (separate)

11:45: Dance Team

11:50: Equestrian Riding AND Invisible Children (separate)

11:55: Newtowne Tutoring

12:00: Random Acts of Kindness AND Habitat for Humanity (separate)

12:05: Science Fiction AND Write Thing to Do (separate)

12:10: Knitting

Monday, January 19: NO SCHOOL

Tuesday, January 20 and Wednesday, January 21

POTENTIAL MAKE-UP PICTURES (due to PSAT rescheduling)

ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Summer Residential Governor’s Schools for Sophomores and Juniors

Applications are now available for the Summer Residential Governor’s Schools. These programs provide opportunities for gifted high school students to explore professional and university environments through mentorships and academic enrichment. Information and applications can be found at http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/governors_school_programs/summer_residential/ for academic and mentorship programs, and http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/foreign_language/language_academies/index.shtml for the foreign language academies. Please see Ms. Davis for additional information about application process and deadlines.

VCU Programs and Opportunities

After-school Program:
Project ACEe - pre-health focus on medicine, academic skills and prep

• Eligibility: Current Juniors and Seniors
• Program Duration: Fridays, starting January - April
• Application Requirements: Online application with personal statement, official transcript, 1 letter of recommendation from science teacher and 1 letter from guidance counselor:  due 12/12/14

Non-Residential Summer Programs:
Open to a variety of grade levels, each program focuses on a specific career field, offering hands-on instruction & information about preparing for these fields now.

• Dental Career Exploration (9, 10, 11, 12 grade), 
• Dental Hygiene Career Exploration (11 & 12 grade),
• Physical Therapy Career Exploration (10, 11, 12 grade)

The High School Diplomats (HSD) program brings American high school students together at Princeton University for a 10-day cultural and educational exchange program with students from Japan. Current sophomores and juniors are encouraged to apply and Japanese language familiarity/experience is not a pre-requisite. For more information about HSD, please visit www.highschooldiplomats.com. Application deadline is January 7, 2015.

The Cochrane Summer Economics Institute is a five-week work/study program for rising high school seniors. The program provides an introduction to economics, business, networking, and a variety of job/career choices through a combination of classroom work, community service, and internship experience. Applications will be available at www.powellinfo.org starting on December 1, 2014. Application and essay must be submitted by January 16, 2015.

DRAGON’S LAIR

‘Tis holiday season

So let us be lyrical!

We’ll change up our sales pitch

(But maintain the satirical).

If gifts you should need

For neighbors or cousins

Come drop by the Lair

We have a few (dozens).

From sweatshirts warm

To pajama pants snuggly

In our spirit apparel

You’ll look sharp, not ugly.

And gifts and accessories

And tchotchkes and bling

All kinds of drink tumblers

Ornaments on green string

Pens, pins and totes!

Stretchy swim caps!

Take your school to the pool

And do a few laps.

Dragon Shirts! Comfy Jackets!

Smart Ties! Cool Gym Shorts!

Our staff will assist you

With all types and sorts

Of purchases which –

By the time you are done –

Will finish your shopping

Before others’ve begun.

So swing by on Tuesday

Or Friday at lunch,

And these special hours

To help your time crunch:

Monday 12/15 8pm - after the winter concert

Wednesday 12/17 8pm - after the winter concert

Thursday 12/19 ALL DAY BLITZ - shop til you drop!   8:30 - 3:30

(Yeah, like I’m gonna try and rhyme all of that.  As if.)

Check our stuff on the web

Mlwgsdragons.weebly.com

Checks and cash are all welcome

If you need some, ask mom.

I’m through with this rhyming.

No more, this I swear.

So Happy Chrismahanakwanzaa!

From The Dragon’s Lair!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM SMOKE AND SCALES!

Next edition is Tuesday, January 6, 2015.

Submit all articles to smokeandscales@gmail.com by COB Friday, January 2.

See you in 2015!

Week of October 21, 2014

Memorial

The memorial service for Bear O'Bryan is scheduled for Saturday, October 25, 2014 at 6pm in the MLWGS auditorium.

Rain can’t spoil Fall Festival fun!

Despite less-than-stellar weather conditions, the eighteenth-annual Fall Festival was a tremendous success. Attendees enjoyed great food, entertainment, and diversions! Fall Festival is the one event during the school year when current students, alumni of all ages, teachers, parents and neighborhood friends can mix and mingle in a relaxed atmosphere.

This year’s Fall Festival by the numbers:

• Nearly $18,000 raised for MW student groups
• 51 school clubs, classes and organizations
• 100+  adult volunteers
• Dozens of donated tables, coolers and other tangibles

The Class of 2015 won the Best Decorated Booth award for their over-the-top carnival-themed display, and the Art Club won the Most Creative Booth award for a display resplendent with lights, lanterns, and art.

Thanks to Sponsors and Friends

Many thanks to the business sponsors of MLWGS Fall Festival, who provided cash donations to help cover the costs of the event. Sponsors included:

• $500:  PatientFirst;
• $250:  State Farm recruiter Jessie Bell, Finance for Churches, and Short Pump Dental.

Their generous support allows the clubs to realize even greater profits.

Thank you to the following individuals and businesses for donations of time, talent, and products:

• Charles Aldridge,
• Dave Dembicer,
• Kerry Mills,
• Jeff McGee,
• Karl Von Klein,
• Phil Tharp,
• Container First Services,
• Kroger (Broad and Lombardy),
• Richmond City Police,
• Richmond Flying Squirrels,
• Governor’s School Foundation,
• MLWGS Security and Maintenance,
• MLWGS Cafeteria staff, and
• all MLWGS parent and Kid Zone volunteers.

Thanks, too, to the MLWGS Fall Festival committee:

• Chair: Kristen Vithoulkas;
• Booths: Geneva Briggs, Maite Dizon;
• Clean-up:  Julie Fegler;
• Community Outreach: Trish Edinboro;
• Drinks: Mary Call, Becky Zimmerman;
• Entertainment: Cara Metz;
• Logistics: Mike Normansell, Dave Dembicer;
• Publicity/Communications: Paula Chambers, Debbie Taminger;
• Security: Michele Nelson;
• Set-up/Volunteers: Samantha Mier, Coco Provance, Leigh Anne Ratliff;
• Student Representative: Ellie Palazzolo;
• Support: Nancy Dembicer, Heidi Donnellan;
• Tickets: Jewel Caven, Jenny McGrath;
• T-shirts: Jennifer Haueis.
• PTSA President: Elizabeth Wong;
• PTSA Treasurer: Joe Wilck;
• PTSA VP of Events: Valerie Adams;
• MLWGS representative: Paige Hawkins.

The work of many parents, teachers, and staff make the Fall Festival a success. The committee will hold a planning meeting in April to lay the groundwork for Fall Festival 2015. Interested in joining in the fun? Please contact Kristen Vithoulkas (vithpk@gmail.com).

Reflections Contest Entries Due November 3

Please submit entries for the PTA 2014-15 Reflections Program. This year’s theme is "The world would be a better place if...”. Entries are accepted in the following categories -

• Visual Arts,
• Photography,
• Dance Choreography,
• Film Production,
• Musical Competition, and
• Literature.

Complete information is available at the Virginia PTA website (http://www.vapta.org/arts-in-education/reflections.html). Contact PTSA Reflections Chair, Uma Vissa (umavissa@gmail.com) with questions. This year's deadline for entry submission is Monday, November 3. Please give entry packets to Ms. Valenta Williams at the Front Office.

DRAMA BOOSTERS NEWS

Saturday Production Work

Drama Boosters meet every Saturday through November 15 to perform pre-production work for the MLWGS production of You Can’t Take It With You which opens November 20, 2014. Working along with the cast, the boosters prepare sets, props, costumes, make-up, sound, and lighting. The Drama Boosters need all kinds of help, and anyone who is interested is welcome to help to get the show on the stage.  Work begins at 9am and continues until 4pm, but volunteers can help for any amount of time they wish.  Contact Ryan Giorgis, Volunteer Coordinator (giorgisfamily4@gmail.com) or Nolan Heiter, Sets Chair (804-651-7525) for more information.

Drama Club Support

The Drama Boosters have announced 2014-15 efforts to support students involved in theater at MLWGS.  In addition to funding assistance for building the set for the Fall show, the Boosters have announced plans to purchase wireless microphones for use on stage and to provide start-up funds for the Drama Club to begin selling T-Shirts with a MLWGS Drama logo.  The Boosters will also continue to provide financial support for the Drama Club’s mission to help MLWGS students experience live theater in our community.

The MLWGS Drama Club, a student-led group for those interested in theater, offers its members an opportunity to experience theater in multiple ways.  In addition to supporting participation in theater productions at MLWGS, the club offers opportunities for students to attend professional theater productions in the Richmond area at deeply discounted rates by securing group rates, and using funds raised by the club and gifts from Drama Boosters to subsidize ticket costs.

Seeking Auction Items

The MLWGS Drama Boosters are seeking items for the Night of the Dragon auction. Theater-related items are particularly welcome, but the Drama Boosters will accept most anything.  All donations are greatly appreciated and will be used to help support the terrific shows on the MLWGS stage.  Those with items to donate can contact Megan Colson at mcolsonva@yahoo.com.

Make-up Photos Wednesday October 22

Lifetouch will take makeup photos for non-seniors at school on Wednesday, October 22. Students will be called down to the Black Box in alphabetical groups by grade. See Mr. White in Room 330 for an order form. October 22 will be students’ last chance to get in the Yearbook!

Academic Enrichment Program Opportunities Deadlines approaching

Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) is a NASA-based program for 11th-grade students interested in aerospace-related science, technology, engineering and/or math. The course focuses on space mission design and human space flight. This interactive online learning course can lead to a one-week residential Sumner Academy at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton for qualified students. Interested students can visit http://www.vasts.spacegrant.org for more information. Application deadline is November 2, 2014.

Virginia Space Coast Scholars is a NASA-based STEM program for 10^th-grade students interested in NASA's space and Earth and airborne science-related missions. This free program features two key elements: 1) and online science, technology, engineering and math learning experience; and 2) a seven-day residential Summer Academy at NASA Wallops Flight Facility. Interested students can visit http://vscs.spacegrant.org for more information. Application deadline is November 2, 2014.

The Children's Museum is offering the Snow Queen Scholarship opportunity for interested high-school junior young ladies. The purpose of the Snow Queen is to serve as a role model for young girls exemplifying internal beauty and character while reflecting and celebrating the museum’s commitment to inspiring creativity and individuality. The Snow Queen duties include a 25-hour community service obligation. Interested students can pick up an application packet from Ms. Davis in the Counseling Department or visit www.ChildrensMuseumofRichmond.org. Applications must be submitted to the Children's Museum on or before Friday, November 7th.

The High School Diplomats (HSD) program brings American high school students together at Princeton University for a ten-day cultural and educational exchange program with students from Japan. Current sophomores and juniors are encouraged to apply and Japanese language familiarity/experience is not a pre-requisite. For more information about HSD, please visit www.highschooldiplomats.com. Application deadline is January 7, 2015.

The Cochrane Summer Economics Institute is a five-week work/study program for rising high-school seniors. The program provides an introduction to economics, business, networking, and a variety of job/career choices through a combination of classroom work, community service, and internship experience. Starting on December 1, applications will be available at www.powellinfo.org. Application and essay must be submitted by January 16, 2015.

Attention Senior Parents

The Mid-October Senior Newsletter is now available on the School Counseling website (https://sites.google.com/a/gsgis.k12.va.us/mlw-school-counseling/2011-2012-newsletters). This newsletter contains college-related reminders and a listing of scholarships with approaching deadlines. The 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 the student’s counselor to receive the registration code to view the Naviance scholarship database. 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 updated information for this school year. Check the organization’s website for the most current information. Please contact Rachel Loving (rloving@gsgis.k12.va.us) in the School Counseling Office with scholarship questions.

US ARMY VISITS TO MLWGS FOR INTERESTED JUNIORS AND SENIORS

The US Army will visit MLWGS on Monday October 27 during lunch in the School Counseling office to meet with interested juniors and seniors.  They will be talking about several different programs that better the community and promote the uniform services to all.  These programs include but are not limited to:

• Concurrent Admissions Program, which allows individuals to enlist in the Army/Army Reserve and attend college simultaneously with financial support from the Tuition Assistance Program.
• Army Educational Outreach Program, a free program which covers 4th-12^th-grade students in development of skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics(STEM)
• Montgomery G.I. Bill, which is a post 9-11 benefit that allows service members to make a third-year commitment in the Army and receive more than $50,000 in college money for their service.

Now available at The Dragon's Lair: Bragging Rights

When MLWGS has a team record like this, it’s OK to brag a little.  And you can ‘harrumph’ away from any naysayers knowing that it’s 100% TRUE.  It’s also 100% cotton, available exclusively at The Dragon’s Lair, and back by popular demand!  Get one- and be a part of the inside joke - while they last.

Come get your irony on at the Dragon's Lair, open every Tuesday and Friday during lunch and during after-school special events. Cash and Checks only. Visit http://mlwgsdragons.weebly.com/index.html to see the complete line of Dragon merchandise.

Week of September 16, 2014

2014-2019 MLWGS PTSA BYLAWS

The 2014-2019 MLWGS PTSA bylaws were approved by the Board and are available HERE for general membership review and comment. A vote for adoption will be held at the next MLWGS PTSA meeting on December 2, 2014. Any questions please contact Elizabeth Wong, PTSA President:  

mew.mailbox@gmail.com.

  

MLWGS Fall Festival Seeks Corporate Sponsors

Save the Date: Friday, October 10, 4-8pm, raindate October 17

Fall Festival is about fun, but it is also about raising money for school clubs and organizations. Students have the chance to reach a wide audience and be creative in how they compete for attention by offering a variety of wares: (nonalcoholic) butterbeer, a do-it-yourself s’mores station, turkey drumsticks ... even written-to-order haikus.

The MLWGS PTSA makes Fall Festival possible by underwriting the expenses that come along with such a massive undertaking. Last year, some festival expenses were covered by corporate sponsorships from Patient First, State Farm recruiter Jessie Bell, Finance for Churches, and Lewis and Clark Leadership Camps. These cash donations mean more money all around.

Please contact festival committee member Paula Chambers, 

ppcmail@yahoo.com, with suggestions for businesses that would be willing to offer a corporate sponsorship. All sponsors receive logo placement on a display board by the stage and in the festival brochure (containing the festival map). Additionally, emcees will thank sponsors from the festival stage. Plus, all donations are tax-deductible!

RELEVANT FESTIVAL UPDATES

Booths
The 2014 Fall Festival Booth Participation Form is a fillable PDF document that can be filled out and submitted electronically. Questions? Contact booth coordinator Geneva Briggs, genevabriggs1@gmail.com. If submitting an application in hard copy, visit the main school office and drop the form in the Fall Festival box, located near the mailboxes. All clubs must be administration-approved and have a faculty sponsor. Friday, September 26 is the deadline for booth entertainment applications.




Visit the Fall Festival Facebook page (www.facebook.com/MLWGSFallFestival) for necessary forms.

Entertainment

This year, the 2014 Entertainment Sign-Up form is a Google doc, which is only submitted electronically. With a limited number of times available, consider applying before the September 26 deadline. Visit the Fall Festival Facebook page for necessary forms. Questions? Contact Cara Metz, carametz@me.com.

Volunteers
Fall Festival needs a veritable army of volunteers. Please consider contributing time either through time or donations. New this year: a Sign-Up Genius form details all volunteer needs. Visit the MLWGS Facebook page for the link. Questions? Contact volunteer coordinator Samantha Mier,

sdmier@verizon.net, (804) 754-0905.

“Like” the Facebook page to see all festival updates.

MLWGS Business Partnerships

September 15 marks the start of signups for Martin’s Rewards. This program gives the school cash based on how much MLWGS Parents, Friends, and Family Members spend on groceries at Martin’s. Anyone can sign up.

* Participants in previous years do not need to take any action.

* New participants, can sign up by logging on to www.martinsfoods.com/aplus and designating MLWGS with the school ID #03112 as their BONUSCARD number.

No time to register? No problem. Interested participants should send their Last Name, Phone Number and the 11-digit BONUSCARD number (starting with 48) to mlwgspartners@gmail.com and the MLWGS PTSA will update the information appropriately.

Annual MLWGS Richmond Alumni Service Project Sunday:  September 21

The Governor’s School Foundation Richmond Alumni Chapter is pleased to announce the annual service project this month.

WHEN: Sunday September 21, 1-5 pm

WHERE: Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School, Bluestone Entrance

Volunteers will be replacing the edging around the Bluestone entrance as well as participating in general upkeep and beautification of the campus. Friends and family are welcome and encouraged to attend. Students will earn four hours of community service towards their required hours. Donuts will be provided by Sugar Shack for hungry volunteers.

Please RSVP for head count purposes by emailing Madelaine Spangler Class of 2009, Richmond MLWGS Alumni Chapter Service Chair at madcspangler@gmail.com by Friday, September 19th. Alternately, RSVP by indicating attendance on the Facebook event at https://www.facebook.com/events/541455006000102/?ref=br_tf.

School Pictures

School pictures of Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors will be taken by Lifetouch/Prestige in the Black Box on Tuesday, September 23. These pictures are students’ opportunity to get their portrait in the yearbook. (Make-up photographs will be taken on Wednesday October 22.) Order forms will be distributed through English classes, but students may also see Mr. White (Room 330) for order forms. If students plan to order pictures, they must bring the form and money on picture day. (Students are not required to order pictures, but MLWGS Yearbook Staff encourages students to be photographed for the yearbook.)

Senior portraits will be taken by Lifetouch/Prestige in the Black Box on Monday, September 22. These pictures are an opportunity to get a free formal portrait for the yearbook’s Senior Section. Sign up for a time slot outside Mr. White’s workroom, Room 330 where additional information is posted.

MLWGS Holds Zinio Workshops for Access to Digital Magazines

Students, parents, faculty, and staff are invited to attend a lunchtime workshop in the MLWGS Library to learn how to set up access for free full-text, full-color digital magazines available from Virginia Public Libraries with an email address and a current public library card.

On September 17, 18, 19, and 24 from 11:45am to 12:05pm workshops demonstrating how to set up access to Zinio on a desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Participants are encouraged to bring lunch.

Magazines available include:

• The Economist,
• National Geographic,
• Newsweek, Discover,
• Popular Mechanics,
• Popular Science,
• Apple Magazine,
• MacWorld,
• PC Magazine,
• PC World,
• O (Oprah) Magazine,
• Rolling Stone,
• Seventeen,
• National Geographic Traveler,
• Reader’s Digest,
• Smithsonian,
• Bloomberg Business Week,
• Forbes, and
• Kiplinger’s.

Additional titles are available through county-wide libraries systems. Representative samples include:

• Chesterfield – Astronomy, Atlantic Monthly, Cooks Illustrated, Field and Stream, Outside, PC Gamer, and Thrasher
• Henrico – Astronomy, American Craft, Field and Stream, Guitar Player, Mac User, Linux Format, Organic Gardening, Outside, Poets & Writers, and Utne Reader
• Pamunkey Regional – Astronomy, American Craft, ARTNews, Digital Photo, Electronic Musician, Field and Stream, Foreign Policy, Guitar Player, Organic Gardening, Outside, Poets & Writers, and Utne Reader
• Richmond – American Craft, ARTNews, Digital Photo, Field and Stream, Foreign Policy, Organic Gardening, Outside, Poets & Writers, and Utne Reader

Individuals unable to attend but interested in setting up access can download instructions from the related post on the library blog.

Meeting For Trip to Italy

A meeting for anyone interested in going to Italy with Steve Ross and Susan Hefty on a non-school sponsored trip on will be held on Tuesday, September 16 at 6:30 pm in Room 339. Individuals interested but unable to attend the meeting or with additional questions, please contact Steve Ross at

Aberrantadventures@mac.com or Susan Hefty at Susan.hefty@gmail.com.