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 January 23, 2019

NIGHT OF THE DRAGON TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Get your tickets for this wonderful evening out that supports the MLWGS PTSA,

Booster Clubs, and Foundation at www.one.bidpal.net/dragonauction. Tickets are $75/person or Sponsor a Table of 10 for $1,000 and grab your friends

for an evening of fun! Live from the RED CARPET! February 23 from 6:30-10 p.m. Hilton Richmond Hotel and Spa at Short Pump

Festive Attire*Dinner Buffet and Specialty Desserts*Silent and Live Auctions*

Wonderful Student Entertainment*Online Bidding and Check Out*Heads and Tails

6:30 p.m. Doors open 6:30-8:15 p.m. Silent auction and heavy hors d’ouevres 7:30 p.m. Dinner buffet opens 8:30-9:30 p.m. Live Auction 9:30 p.m. Dessert and Student Entertainment Don't miss out on one of the highlights of every year for the Dragon family! Question? Email Ginger O'Neil at gingeroneil@gmail.com

STRESS MANAGEMENT GROUP

Stress is a something that every high school student experiences but there are effective ways to manage it. Lisa Ebeling, MLWGS School Psychologist, and Stephanie Violante from the VCU Anxiety Clinic are pairing together to run a small group on dealing with this common issue. Students will be given the opportunity to learn and practice stress management techniques. They will 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 February 7 during lunch and will run consecutively on Thursdays until it is complete. If you would like to have your child participate, please call Lisa Ebeling at 354-6800 x 3260 or email her at lebeling@gsgis.k12.va.us with this information.

CLASS NEWS

ATTENTION JUNIOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS

On Tuesday, February 5 from 12:45-2:45 p.m. all juniors and their parents are invited to attend College Kick-Off 2019 in the auditorium at Maggie Walker. We will hear presentations from college admissions officers representing the University of Mary Washington, Davidson College, University of Richmond, Radford University, University of South Carolina, and the College of William and Mary, followed by a time for general questions and answers about college admissions. After the program, parents are invited to continue the conversation with the college representatives and Maggie Walker staff members in room 153.

As you know, a sign in process exists at Maggie Walker where visitors must scan their photo IDs the first time they enter the building during school hours. During subsequent visits, visitors must type their names into the system upon entering the building and receive a printed visitors badge containing their photo. In an effort to maintain heightened security measures during the College Kick-Off program, all junior parents must sign in prior to reporting to the auditorium. To streamline the process, we are asking that junior parents WHO ARE ALREADY IN THE SYSTEM please RSVP using this program so that Ms. Valenta Williams can have your ID badge already printed for you in the Bluestone Lobby when you arrive. If you have NOT had your ID scanned into the system before, please arrive by 12:30 p.m. to allow time for this process. You may RSVP until 10:00 a.m. the morning of February 5 and an RSVP is NOT mandatory in order to attend College Kick-Off. We are hoping that this process will assist parents in arriving in the auditorium on time (please also plan to utilize off-site parking at the James River Bus lot on Allen Avenue). If you have questions about the RSVP process or you are not sure if you are in the system, please contact Valenta Williams at vwilliams@gsgis.k12.va.us. All other questions about College Kick-Off may go to Kierstin Streitel at kstreitel@gsgis.k12.va.us.

CLICK THIS LINK TO RSVP: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0D4FABAE28A5FE3-college1

Thank you so much for your cooperation! We look forward to seeing you on February 5.

Joint Science Education Project (JSEP) is a three-week field experience in Greenland scheduled for summer 2019. Selected students from the U.S., Denmark and Greenland live and work together while exploring current Arctic research and completing their own inquiry-based projects. The program includes two weeks of extensive field experiences near Kangerlussuaq and a final week at Summit Station, the U.S. research facility located at the top of the Greenland ice sheet. Application deadline is January 31, 2019. More information can be found at https://dickey.dartmouth.edu/arctic-environment/programs/jsep-and-jase/requirements-eligibility

ATTENTION SOPHOMORE AND JUNIOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS
PSAT paper score reports were distributed to 10th and 11th graders during lunch time assemblies the week of January 7. Counselors provided students with information on how to interpret score reports and utilize The Khan Academy to help them prepare for the SAT. In December, the College Board sent emails to students that contained information on how to view their PSAT scores online. The emails were sent to the email addresses students indicated on their registration forms when they took the test in October. The email provides an access code as well as directions on how to create a College Board account. If students did not receive an email from the College Board, the score reports given out at school contain access codes which enable students to create accounts and access College Board resources.

The MLWGS Counseling Department does not recommend that students take the SAT until their junior year, typically in March. Sophomores who are in AP US History may want to consider taking the SAT Subject Test in US History at the end of the sophomore year in addition to the AP exam. Most colleges do not require Subject Test scores but a few still do. Students will need to register for the SAT tests on their own through their College Board account.

Sincerely,

The MLWGS Counseling Department
Karl Zweerink

Joint Antarctic School Expedition (JASE) is a 1-2 week program that takes place on King George Island, Antarctica, scheduled for winter 2019-20. Students from the United States join a Chilean high school expedition to Escudero Base. The program includes visits to international research stations and field sites in Antarctica and to the Chilean Antarctic Institute in the Patagonia region of Chile. Students must be fluent in Spanish. Application deadline is January 31, 2019. More information can be found at https://dickey.dartmouth.edu/arctic-environment/programs/jsep-and-jase/requirements-eligibility

Pathways Flight Academies-The Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC), in partnership with the Commonwealth of Virginia, Liberty University, Averett University and the Virginia Department of Aviation, is offering flight academies at no cost for high school students statewide. The Pathways Flight Academies will immerse students in learning to fly while discovering the range of exciting aviation career opportunities available. In order to apply, students must be 16 at the start of the academy, a US citizen, and a Virginia resident. Applications can be found at http://vsgc-net.odu.edu/pathways-flight-academies/. The deadline to apply is January 25, 2019.

ATTENTION FRESHMAN PARENTS AND STUDENTS

The Building Leaders for Advancing Science and Technology (BLAST) program is designed to offer an exciting on-campus STEM experience FREE to participating students. Students may apply to attend any ONE session at either University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, or Old Dominion University in the summer of 2019. In order to apply, students must be currently in 9th grade, a Virginia resident, have at least a C+ average, and not have previously attended BLAST. Students must have transportation to and from the university. Applications are due February 11, 2019. For more information and to apply, please visit http://www.blast.spacegrant.org/

Week of January 16, 2019

ATTENTION JUNIOR PARENTS!

On Tuesday, February 5 from 12:45-2:45pm all juniors and their parents are invited to attend “College Kick-Off 2019” in the auditorium at Maggie Walker. We will hear presentations from college admissions officers representing the University of Mary Washington, Davidson College, University of Richmond, Radford University, University of South Carolina, and the College of William and Mary, followed by a time for general questions and answers about college admissions. After the program, parents are invited to continue the conversation with the college representatives and Maggie Walker staff members in room 153.

STRESS MANAGEMENT GROUP FOR STUDENTS

Stress is a something that every high school student experiences but there are effective ways to manage it. Lisa Ebeling, MLWGS School Psychologist, and Stephanie Violante from the VCU Anxiety Clinic are pairing together to run a small group on dealing with this common issue. Students will be given the opportunity to learn and practice stress management techniques. They will 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 February 7 during lunch and will run consecutively on Thursdays until it is complete. If you would like to have your child participate, please call Lisa Ebeling at 354-6800 x 3260 or email her at lebeling@gsgis.k12.va.us with this information.

ORCHESTRA NEWS

Congrats to the following 9th graders for making it into Central Regional Orchestra this past Saturday. They will perform in the event the first weekend in February.  All students who auditioned made it into the top orchestra!

Eric Qian (Chesterfield '22) Principal 2nd Violin (5th overall, which is amazing)
Jack Simmons (Chesterfield '22) 11th Chair 2nd Violin
Pooja Muthraj (Henrico '22) 12 Chair 2nd Violin
Sam Lichtman (Henrico '22) Principal Viola
Matthew Klausner (Chesterfield '22) Principal Cello

Way to represent the front row!

Christina Sienkiewicz
Orchestra Director

FOUNDATION UPDATE

Thank you to the 24% of current parents who have supported the MLWGS Foundation Annual Fund so far this year! As of January 9, 2019, we have raised $130,514, which will help us meet our enhancement grant commitment of $189,050 to the school. There are so many amazing Foundation-funded opportunities coming up for students this winter and spring! You can support them by making your gift here.

Week of October 25, 2017

YEARBOOK PHOTO MAKEUP DAY

Makeups for yearbook pictures (non-seniors only) are November 2! This is your last chance to get in the yearbook. The first round of pictures were delivered to English classes the week of October 16-20. If you plan to be photographed on November 2 and would like to purchase those images (whether it is a retake or you missed the first round) see Mr. White in Room 330 before November 2 to pick up an order form.




NATIONAL ENGLISH HONOR SOCIETY

The English Department is pleased to invite juniors and seniors to apply for admission to the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School Chapter of the National English Honor Society. Our chapter seeks to confer distinction on students who have demonstrated high achievement in the study of the English language and literature.

The qualifying GPA for this organization includes only grades in English or English-related courses (i.e., drama, journalism, creative writing, etc.). To be eligible, you must have completed four semesters of core English credits with an un-weighted GPA of 3.75. One-time membership fees of $25 include national and chapter dues, plus honor cord to be worn at graduation. Members are required to perform at least 2 hours of community service in one of the society’s sponsored service activities each year.

To apply, please pick up an application from Ms. Davis (counseling office). Applications and the membership fee must be received by Friday, November 3. 






COOKIE DONATIONS NEEDED - MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW

Do you remember the night you and your student came to the Maggie Walker information session? Do you remember how hungry you were by the time it was over?  Do you know how many cookies we serve each night? About 1000!  Now is your chance to help others relive your experience!

The PTSA Student Hospitality Committee will be collecting packaged cookies to use on November 13, 14, and 15 at the Prospective Student Night events.

We will be collecting your donations on Thursday, November 9 from 8-8:45 a.m. in the Concession stand just off the Bluestone lobby.

Either send in donations with your student or stop by yourself.  Unfortunately, we cannot accept home-baked goods, but any other packaged treat is fine.

Please sign up using this link: Cookie Sign Up

Any questions? Call Laura Carr at 543-6498 or email dabneyj.carr@comcast.net





STRESS MANAGEMENT AND PROBLEM SOLVING GROUP

Lisa Ebeling, MLWGS School Psychologist, and Julia Cox from the VCU Anxiety Clinic are pairing together to run a small group on dealing with stress. 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. The group will run for a minimum of six weeks and could be offered for up to ten weeks depending on interest. If you like to have your child participate, please call Lisa Ebeling at 354-6800 x 3260 or email her at lebeling@gsgis.k12.va.us with this information. Once we have determined interest and identified participants, we will determine the best time and place to meet.

 STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS) is a program focusing on the earth and airborne science, engineering, and technology integral to current missions at NASA Wallops Flight Facility and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport. This dynamic (and FREE) program, designed by the Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC), inspires students who possess technical and/or scientific interests and are motivated to learn about the many different opportunities that NASA offers. The VSCS program features two key elements: an online science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning experience featuring five modules and a seven-day residential Summer Academy at NASA Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, VA where selected scholars will learn first-hand from NASA professionals about cutting edge technologies and missions. Please visit http://vscs.spacegrant.org/ for additional information and application. 
The deadline for student applications is November 12, 2017.

Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) is an interactive online learning course with a space mission design and human space flight theme, culminating in a one-week residential Summer Academy at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton for those students who qualify. Offered at no cost to the student, VASTS consists of seven modules and a final project to be completed from November 2017 through May 2018 under the guidance of licensed master educators. Based on success in the online coursework, students may be selected to attend a Summer Academy where they interact with NASA scientists, engineers and technologists to design a human mission to Mars. Additional information and application can be found at http://vsgc.odu.edu/VASTS/ 
The deadline for student applications is November 12, 2017.

Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) is an interactive, online Earth System Science Course featuring NASA scientific research and data. The course is offered for dual enrollment college credit (statewide through TNCC) for high school juniors and seniors in the Spring semester 2018. VESSS will have two components. The first component is an online sixteen-week course running from December through April. The second component is a residential NASA Summer Academy at NASA Langley Research Center for students who perform well in the course. Additional information and application can be found at http://vsgc.odu.edu/VESSS/The deadline for student applications is November 12, 2017.

High School Diplomats is a free 10-day cultural exchange program at Princeton University. Please visit www.highschooldiplomats.com for more information and to apply to the program.
Applications will be available from October 1- January 9, 2018.

The Cochrane Summer Economic Institute (CSEI) is an intensive four-week program open to all rising high school seniors from the greater Richmond area that partners learning about the economy and entrepreneurship with a series of workshops by local business leaders and collegiate faculty with an immersive group internship. Students commit to participating the last week of June and first three weeks of July and receive a $500 stipend. Please visit https://powelledfoundation.org/cochrane-summer-economic-institute/ for more information and to apply. 
The application deadline is February 8, 2018.

Week of April 12, 2016

ALUMNI SHOWCASE 2016

The Governor's School Foundation is happy to report that Alumni Showcase 2016 was a great success!  More than 50 alumni volunteered to speak to current students about life after high school on Friday, March 25.

Software engineer Mica Swyers ('04) talked about her decision to leave liberal arts academia for a STEM job.  Austin Higgs ('09) discussed switching colleges and finding his way into a meaningful career supporting diversity and equal access at VCU.  Kyle Healy ('03), a producer for The Late Show, brought down the house in the auditorium talking comedy and Colbert.  Kia Jordan ('13), our youngest speaker, was an amazing representative for our recent graduates, poised and already dispensing valuable advice.  We hope that hearing the perspectives of all sorts of different alumni added to current students' sense that life is full of possibility no matter where the road leads!   Thanks to our incredible alumni for giving so much back with such enthusiasm!

This year's speakers also included Chris Fields-Johnson '99, Sarah Jennings '99, Angela Pirko '06, Loren Bushkar '00, Austin Higgs '09, Jennifer (Frankovich) Lovett '99, Sarah Stoneham '02, Henry Scott '07, Rebecca Wright '97, Karen Principe Setzer '99, Emily Muth '00, Mica Swyers '04, Tommy Nicholas '07, Michael Wysong '03, Nakeia Monte '02, Ayanna Jones '01, David Wein '00, Steven Lewis '02, Matt Newman '03, Jamey Stegmaier '99, Kristina Page '96, Kathleen Kostandin '07, Michael Reed '03, Sarah Eckman '03, Lanae Jones Holmes '96, Katie Houston '04, Devon Gray '06, Chris Somerville '99, Victoria Chiou '02, Nathan Conway '06, Sarah Workman, '96, Shelly Thiss '03, Amy Weiss '03, Kristen Lewis '03, Danny Yates '09, Allison Muth '02, Lauren Palmer Scott '05, Maryann James-Daley '00, Kia Jordan '13, Kyle Healy '03, Steve Bryant '95, Charles Martin '99, Alexander Muth '07, Catherine Nicholas '04, Alex Guzmán '07, Tim Wright '96, Giles Harnsberger '01, Alex Wiles '12, Liz White '00, Sarah Beck-Berman '05, Erin Ortiz '06, Jessica Escobedo '96, Mike & Sarah Moore '03, Ellen Nicholas '09, and Emily Thomason '07.

The Foundation sponsored the event. The 2016 Alumni Showcase Committee organized the event in conjunction with the Foundation and included Erin Ortiz '06 (chair), Khiem Tran '06, Amy Weiss '03, Bryce Lyle '99, and Catherine Nicholas '04.

So far this year, the Annual Fund Campaign has raised $205,960 for the school, which is 69% of the goal. Overall current parent participation is 28%, and here is the parent participation by class:

• Seniors:  28%
• Juniors:  35%
• Sophomores:  28%
• Freshmen:  33%

The Governor’s School Foundation’s Annual Fund Campaign supports programs for students, grants for teacher continuing education, special projects for facilities and equipment, and serves as the alumni office.

To donate online, please click here (http://www.governorsschoolfoundation.org/donate/).

MAY 4 GENERAL PTSA MEETING PRESENTATION

ON STRESS AND ANXIETY MANAGEMENT IN YOUTH

Parents, please join us for the final General PTSA meeting for the 2015-2016 school year.  The meeting will be hosted by Dr. Michael Southam-Gerow, a MLWGS parent, as he educates us on the important topic of “Stress and Anxiety Management in Youth.”  The meeting will be held on May 4 from 5:30-7:30 in the Auditorium at Maggie Walker.  There will be prepared remarks and time for Q&A.  This was a very insightful program last year and we specifically scheduled it for the evening time slot to allow for strong parent participation.

Dr. Michael Southam-Gerow is Associate Chair and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Psychology at VCU and the Co-Director of the Anxiety Clinic at VCU. He received his bachelor’s degree at the University of Michigan and his PhD at Temple University in Philadelphia.

PTSA ADVOCACY GOAL:

INCREASE STATE FUNDING OF MLWGS

MLWGS PTSA is dedicated to solving the chronic underfunding of MLWGS by lobbying the Governor and General Assembly to increase funding and correct inequities in the current state funding formula.

MLWGS PTSA needs new volunteers to join us!

PTSA Advocacy also monitors the Regional School Board which governs MLWGS. This board includes a school board member from each participating school district and is advised by the district superintendents. We need parents to regularly attend MLWGS Regional School Board meetings (3rd Thursday of the month at 9 am). Information including minutes and budgets is on the school website www.mlwgs.com under the tabs “About” and “Regional School Board.”

The state lobbying effort is critical for 2016. The General Assembly has ordered the Virginia Department of Education to review Governor’s School funding by November 2016. MLWGS PTSA will continue to be active with this issue. The MLWGS PTSA will communicate its position to state budget decision makers; inform and rally support from the MLWGS community; and work with the EduPAC Club to coordinate the Legislative Coffee held annually in December and Capitol Day in February where students meet with state legislators.

The current PTSA Advocacy leaders have graduating or alumni children. Advocacy efforts need involvement from current MLWGS parents. Want to learn more? Contact Anne Hayes, annehayes@verizon.net or Laura O'Brien, prable@comcast.net.

A CLOSER LOOK: STATE FUNDING BACKGROUND

Maggie Walker PTSA volunteers have invested several years advocating for more equitable state funding for Governor’s Schools. Those efforts have paid off and are ongoing. After being excluded for years, Governor’s School teachers and staff are now explicitly included when the state provides matching dollars for salary increases. 

Thanks to the Governor and General Assembly, in FY17 and FY18, MLWGS will see a temporary increase in state funding of more than $300,000 a year. However, this is far short of the amount necessary to appropriately fund the school and address its many operational needs.

In December 2015, Governor McAuliffe’s proposed budget generously provided $3.9 million in additional funding for Governor’s Schools. Unfortunately, a closer examination of the Governor’s proposal revealed the funding distributions were not equitable for all 19 part-day and full-day Governor’s Schools on a per student, per course basis. The proposed funding formula did not account for the greater needs and costs of full-day Governor’s Schools. Given the longstanding underfunding of MLWGS and other full-day Governor’s Schools resulting in serious budget shortfalls, we raised concerns with the General Assembly about the proposed funding formula.

General Assembly members agreed with us regarding equity. Instead of supporting the Governor’s formula, they put forward a temporary formula that provides a 2.5% increase and extra $50 per course/per student for all Governor’s Schools and ordered a review of the state funding formula based on length of program day. There is hope the upcoming formula review due November 2016 will recognize actual costs of operating these programs and provide an appropriate increase in state funding for all Governor’s Schools. To ensure that happens, we need your help. Please consider volunteering with PTSA Advocacy.

MLWGS TEXTBOOK REVIEW PROCESS

MLWGS is currently undergoing the textbook adoption process for implementation in 2016-2017 for the following courses: Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics, Advanced Placement Human Geography, Advanced Placement Psychology, and Advanced Placement Biology.

MLWGS invites you to provide input on the potential textbooks for one or more of these courses. The public comment period for the textbooks under consideration is open through Thursday, May 19. The textbooks and evaluation forms will be displayed in the MLWGS library during this public comment period.

Please direct any questions that you may have regarding this process to Dr. Wendy Taylor Ellis at wellis@gsgis.k12.va.us.

DO YOU HAVE PHYSICS EXPERTISE?

Mr. Houghton, who teaches Physics, would like help from someone who understands electronics and would be willing to look over his lessons on voltage regulating op amps and the use of capacitors to filter noise. hhoughton@gsgis.k12.va.us.

MLWGS JUNIOR WINS DEAN'S LIST AWARD AT

CENTRAL VIRGINIA ROBOTICS COMPETITION

Congratulations to Panth Doshi (’17, Henrico) for winning the Dean's List Award at the Central Virginia robotics competition before Spring Break! This award celebrates outstanding student leaders whose passion for and effectiveness at attaining FIRST ideals is exemplary. Wish him luck as he advances to the Chesapeake District Championship on April 8-9, 2016.

CENTER FOR PUBLIC POLICY SYMPOSIUM

TERRORISM AND RADICALIZATION IN OPEN SOCIETY

Thursday, April 14, 3-5 p.m.

VCU Student Commons Theater, 907 Floyd Ave, First Floor

In the modern world open societies are being confronted by a rising number of incidents of violent terrorism and the spreading radicalization of disenfranchised and disillusioned young people. The challenge is to address these problems in a society founded on principles of democracy and freedom. This symposium is intended to be an open, informative and constructive conversation to push the boundaries of how we think about and respond to terrorism and radicalization in open society. A panel of internationally renowned speakers and guests will present their experiences including:

Pete Simi – embedded fieldworker and author of the book American Swastika: Inside the White Power Movement's Hidden Spaces of Hate.

Frank Smyth – award-winning investigative reporter and executive director of Global Journalist Security

Scott Sayare – Parisian based American reporter and author of “The Charlie Hebdo I Know”(The Atlantic, January 11, 2015)

John Wyman – Supervisory Special Agent with the FBI and Terrorism Coordinator for the Richmond Joint Terrorism Task Force

Omar Abdullah – Iraqi Immigrant, translator, news analyst and VCU student

GRASP, A VIRGINIA COLLEGE ACCESS ORGANIZATION,

RECEIVES $30K GRANT FROM THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION 

SERVING RICHMOND AND CENTRAL VIRGINIA

Thanks to a $30,000 grant from The Community Foundation Serving Richmond and Central Virginia, GReat Aspirations Scholarship Program, Inc. (GRASP), a college access organization, can continue its financial aid services to students in central Virginia high schools during the 2016-2017 school year.

“GRASP is most appreciative of this generous support from The Community Foundation Serving Richmond and Central Virginia,” said Bettsy Heggie, GRASP CEO.  “It will allow us to continue helping central Virginia students take their next steps toward education after high school and the opportunity for a better future as a result of that education.”

GRASP, a Virginia non-profit, implements its services via advisors who provide free, confidential, one-on-one counseling to students seeking financial aid and scholarships for continuing education after high school – whether that is technical school, community college or a four-year university.

GRASP advisors now serve students and families in 76 Virginia schools, from the greater Richmond area, to Highland County in the west, to Lancaster County in the east, and to Sussex County in the south.  The highly trained, GRASP advisors are adept at navigating the maze of the college and post-secondary education financial aid process.  They also have a passion for helping today’s youth grasp infinite opportunities.

During the 2014-2015 academic year, GRASP advisors overall met with more than 6,800 students individually, helping them with a game plan for education after high school.  Additionally, GRASP awarded 124 Last Dollar scholarships totaling $125,000 to students, providing additional financial assistance toward their educational goals.

GRASP was co-founded in 1983 by Senator Walter Stosch and Dr. Ray Gargiulo.  GRASP advisors work one day per week at each school.  Appointments, which are free of charge, can be made through the schools’ counseling offices.  More information about GRASP is available at the website, www.grasp4va.org.