Showing posts with label student directory. Show all posts
Showing posts with label student directory. Show all posts

Week of October 28, 2020

PSAT Reminder for Juniors Group Two 














(NOTE: Sophomores will be testing on January 26.)

Attention, juniors in the second half of the alphabet (and those who missed the first testing day) – PSAT testing is this Thursday, Oct. 29. Report to school ready to test by 8:40 a.m.

Make sure to:
  • wear layers as some rooms are cold and others are warm.
  • bring a #2 pencil and a graphing calculator (extra batteries if needed).
  • pack a non-nut (for allergy reasons) snack.
  • eat a big breakfast as testing may not finish until 1 p.m.
More info about testing can be found on the counseling website here.

If you aren’t planning on attending and haven’t informed us yet, please complete this survey.

Important: Students must wear masks at all times during testing and will be subject to temperature checks and health screening questions upon entry into building. Students may want to come as early as 8:15 to avoid lines.




Band and Chorus Offer Virtual Concerts










Celebrate the culmination of our band students’ hard work as they perform their first virtual concert. Comprised of about 60 students, the Maggie Walker Concert Band includes woodwinds, brass, and percussion players. The Zoom concert is this Thursday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m., and will last about 45 minutes. 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81596829483?pwd=eWl0MHZXczlaVUd4VEE5cTk3MGlQZz09

Meeting ID: 815 9682 9483
Passcode: DragonBand

And Maggie Walker's Chorus presents its fall concert via Zoom on Monday, Nov. 2, at 7 p.m. 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81234337987?pwd=YXljVlkveEVHTndreFdGSXFDYkduUT09

Meeting ID: 812 3433 7987
Passcode: 831394




How to Find the Student Directory




The MLWGS Student Directory has been moved to the Directory Information icon (yellow school bus) located within the left-side navigation menu on your student’s PowerSchool homepage. The current link will disappear next week. 

To access the MLWGS Student Directory from your phone:

1. Open your web browser and navigate to the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School website.

2. Click on the PowerSchool link located at the lower left and log in to PowerSchool.

3. Click on the tiny arrow (pointing to the right) at the top of the PowerSchool homepage. This will lead you to the navigation menu.

4. Scroll down and click on Directory Information (yellow school bus).




Start Your Holiday Shopping with Scrip










For every $50 you spend on scrip in October, you will be entered in a drawing to win up to $25 in gift cards of your choice. There are three more order due dates for plastic cards before the holiday break, so think ahead about your holiday shopping and dining. Due dates are 11/16, 12/7 and 12/14. Holiday shopping usually accounts for two-thirds of our annual income – please support this effort. You'd shop these retailers anyway, so let them give back to our school at no extra cost to you!

You can also purchase e-certificates for participating retailers any time and receive them immediately. To shop or enroll go to shopwithscrip.com. View our informational video or contact your coordinator and class of 2021 parent, Laura Dysart.




Drive In to the Movies!














On Friday, Nov. 6, MLWGS and the PTSA will host a Drive-In Movie Night in the student parking lot. In response to student surveys, we will offer a double feature: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off at 5:30 p.m. and Knives Out at 8 p.m.

Tickets are free and available to all students and faculty/staff through a Constant Contact link posted to Schoology class pages. Please sign up for one ticket per carload and be 100% sure you plan to attend. A DJ will provide music prior to both showings, pre-wrapped goodie bags will be distributed, and the Dragon’s Lair will have an outdoor booth for school swag purchases.

Tickets will be checked upon entering the student lot from Lombardy St. Security will then direct each car to a space. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to the showing. Restrooms and hand-washing stations will be available. At all times, masks must be worn while outside a vehicle, and proper social distancing must be maintained.

For more information, please contact Mr. Smith. We will attempt to reschedule in the case of inclement weather.




Yearbook Staff Requests Survey Responses












Do you live in Henrico County? If so, please complete this survey.

Do you live in Chesterfield County? If so, please complete this survey. 

Seniors! The yearbook staff wants your perspectives on Senior Sunrise. Please complete this survey.




Graduation Orders for Seniors










It’s time for seniors to order a cap and gown from Herff Jones. The cost for these items was included in senior fees, but now we need measurements. The link to collect this information was sent via Schoology and the Class of 2021 Facebook page. If you haven’t yet completed the form, please do so here

If you are interested in ordering any announcements or other graduation paraphernalia, learn more from from Herff Jones here

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Sheppard, the senior class sponsor.




Foundation Seeks Volunteer



The MLWGS Foundation is looking for a consistent, long-term volunteer, 2-4 hours per week, to assist primarily with data entry and related tasks in our CRM, eTapestry. Previous database experience is preferred, but we can train the right person who wants to provide valuable support to the foundation in its mission to enhance the educational experience of all MLWGS students. If you are interested or want to learn more, email foundation Executive Director Ginger O'Neil.

Week of September 2, 2020

Welcome back, Dragons!


School starts next Tuesday, September 8, 2020.



Welcome to the first 2020-21 edition of Smoke and Scales.

Smoke and Scales is a weekly electronic newsletter. See instructions at the footer here to subscribe to weekly Smoke and Scales and to learn how to submit items.

Please note that the web version of Smoke and Scales contains MANY useful links in the column on the right side: all the booster organizations, Counseling Department, MLWGS school calendar, volunteer forms, link to AmazonSmile, shop with scrip online link, and so much more! Unfortunately, this list of links does not appear on mobile devices. These links are updated continuously. Please note them and use them often.

Because the 2020-21 school year will begin online and virtual, we are posting much of the information that you would have received in paper form in a back-to-school packet. That makes for a long newsletter, but you will want to read the WHOLE edition. There is a LOT of important information here.

This edition will be organized into FOUR main sections:

1. Letter from PTSA president and navigating MLWGS communications.

2. Fundraising information, PTSA membership, MLWGS Foundation, boosters, Dragon's Lair shop, scrip program, etc.

3. School forms: community service, library, student aid, free breakfast and lunch forms, etc.

4. Yearbook information: senior page, how to order, etc.

But WAIT!
Before you read on, there is ONE thing you and you child MUST do:
Parents AND students have forms to complete in their own PowerSchool portals, and they must be completed by Monday, September 14. Once you log into PowerSchool, fill out the E-Collect Forms on the left side of the home page.

Finally, if you want to be included in the student directory, please make sure you opt in. Details here.

Also, for new dragon families, if you have not been contacted by a parent ambassador, please email Kim Warren at 
warkim@gmail.com.

.......................................................................................

1. PTSA and Communications 


On behalf of the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School (MLWGS) PTSA, I would like to welcome our new students and parents to the 2020-21 school year. To our returning families, welcome back! The 2020-21 school year will truly be unlike any other. As we start this special year during the time of COVID-19, please remember that our goal is to continue working together with the teachers and administration as we strive to develop and improve the student experience at MLWGS, one of the premiere public high schools in Virginia.

I encourage you to join the MLWGS PTSA. Your 2020-21 PTSA membership costs a nominal fee of $20 per family (or $30 if you have two or more students at MLWGS).

Please use the link above to donate online. You may also mail a check made out to MLWGS PTSA to 1000 N. Lombardy St., Richmond, VA 23220. Once we can return to school, contributions can be dropped off in the office of Ms. Valenta Williams, Room 100, which is near the Bluestone Lobby entrance.

The annual PTSA membership fee supports the student directory, teacher and staff appreciation gifts/events, and school/student support (hospitality, Fall Festival, landscaping). It also pays for your annual PTSA membership to the Virginia and National PTAs.

Feel free to contact me, or any of our PTSA officers or committee chairs, directly with questions or comments. We look forward to collaborating with you in the coming year as we make the education/lives of our students a priority, both in and out of the classroom.



Beth Simms
MLWGS PTSA President, 2020-21
president@mlwgsptsa.org

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Navigating the MLWGS website

The MLWGS website offers a tremendous amount of useful information.
Here are descriptions of some areas frequently visited by current MLWGS parents:

Homepage links at the top
· Director’s Blog (He sends an email with a link to these Sunday night updates.)
· School Calendar
· MLWGS News

Homepage links at the bottom:
· 
PowerSchool 
· MLWGS Foundation (also linked under Community section)
· Pay Fees Online
· Smoke and Scales: School newsletter (current and archives); Includes lengthy list of links to frequently used resources along right side of screen in blog format

About > Faculty & Staff: Listing with email links (contact information for your student’s current teachers is also available in PowerSchool)

About > Lunch Service: Includes weekly menus and payment information

About > Transportation: Includes contact information for each district

Academics > Counseling: Extensive content for students and families, links to Naviance and College Board, copies of PTSA presentations under Parents tab

Co-Curricular: Information about athletics, academic teams, clubs/activities

Community > PTSA & Booster Groups: Information about events/programs and volunteer opportunities, contact information for PTSA and booster leaders

Community > School Advisory Council (SAC): Minutes from this cross-functional group of parents, teachers, students, alumni, and staff



2. Fundraising Information

How can you support Maggie Walker? Check out all the ways: PTSA membership, booster clubs, volunteering, use the scrip program, sign up for AmazonSmile and Kroger Community rewards, buy Maggie Walker merchandise at the Dragon's Lair!

Find information on joining booster clubs on the volunteer form linked below, or contact the booster clubs by email:

Athletic Boosters - mwgsathletics@gmail.com
Drama Boosters - 
mlwgs.drama.boosters@gmail.com 
Music Boosters - slichtman1@yahoo.com
Visual Art Boosters - jhall@gsgis.k12.va.us

1. Volunteer Form (help the PTSA by indicating your interests).  
    You can also fill out your interests online here.
2. Dragon's Lair (school merchandise store)
3. Scrip and Back to School Announcement (raise money with gift cards)
4. Foundation and Boosters (Links to the MLWGS Foundation and booster groups)
5. Business Partners (Kroger and AmazonSmile)



The Dragons's Lair has a new website! Check it out at mlwgsdragonslair.com. The store will be open exclusively online as long as the school remains on a virtual learning platform. Take a look at our apparel, stickers, magnets and other MLWGS merchandise. PTSA memberships are also available for purchase. All orders will be available for pick up from the school. Use 
our comments page to let us know what you think of our new website and to sign up to volunteer. 



Great Lake Scrip Program:

Now more than ever, the MLWGS PTSA would love your support. when you do everyday shopping with Great Lake Scrip gift cards and e-certificates, a percentage goes directly to our PTSA. View this one-minute video to see how it works: Scrip Video. The new Raise 
Right app makes it easy to receive e-cards on your mobile device and shop on the spot. Go to shopwithscrip.com for more information and a list of more than 750 participating retailers. Let those stores and retailers give money to our school at no extra cost to you! Questions? Contact our MLWGS scrip coordinator, Laura Dysart, at scrip@mlwgsptsa.org.

Week of January 8, 2020














ATHLETIC BOOSTERS MONTHLY MEETING












The Maggie L. Walker Athletic Boosters Club will hold its monthly Board Meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, January 13 in room 105. All members and anyone interested in becoming involved with Athletic Boosters are welcome to attend.




SCRIP UPDATE








Scrip family rebates have earned $922.40 so far for the MLWGS PTSA just by families doing their shopping and gift giving with Scrip gift cards. Thank you to all those that have participated! The next Scrip order due date is January 17 for physical cards. You can shop for digital certificates any time with Scrip Now at www.shopwithscrip.com. If you haven't yet enrolled in the program or have questions, contact Laura Dysart at scrip@mlwgsptsa.org for the enrollment code (we are unable to post the enrollment code on-line). Think about using Scrip if you will be purchasing any gift cards for class auction baskets, and for your every day shopping and dining! Our family needed a new dryer over the holidays, and we used Scrip to purchase through Lowe's. If you are ever in the market, consider using Scrip! 

SPECIAL NOTE: If you are planning on donating gift cards to the Night of the Dragon auction, buy them with SCRIP! That's even MORE money for MW!





FREE FAFSA ASSISTANCE THROUGH GRASP

GRASP (GReat Aspirations Scholarship Program, Inc.) will hold their next FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) event on Saturday, January 18, 2020 from 10 a.m.- 4 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) 527-7772 to schedule your hour-long appointment. More information is available at the GRASP website www.grasp4va.org.





ATTENTION JUNIOR PARENTS










Please save the date for Tuesday, February 4 at 9:30 a.m. for the College Kick-Off event led by the Counseling Department. More information, including a list of college representatives, will be coming later in January. This event is mandatory for students and parents are encouraged to attend.





ATTENTION SOPHOMORE PARENTS






Please save the date for Tuesday, February 4 at 1:30 p.m. for the College Jump-Start event led by the Counseling Department. More information, including a list of college representatives, will be coming later in January. This event is mandatory for students and parents are welcome to attend. This program is for sophomores only; however, parents of freshman are also welcome to attend if they wish to do so.





SAVE THE DATE FOR 2020 NOTD- FEBRUARY 29- QUANTUM LEAP!


The Night of the Dragon Auction is one of the highlights each year for Dragon parents (past and present), staff, and alumni.  This year’s NOTD will take place on Leap Day, February 29, 2020! 

The evening includes live and silent auctions, dinner, drinks, student entertainment, Heads and Tails, and more. This fun-filled event is also MLWGS’ single largest annual fundraising event.

Here’s how you can help make the upcoming 18th Annual Night of the Dragon the best ever!

Save the Date and get your TICKETS today! 


Donate an item(s) for the live or silent auctions. Popular items include unique experiences hosted by MLWGS families and friends, event tickets, vacation home rentals, artwork, local adventures—GET CREATIVE! To donate or help solicit, contact Suzannah Stora. 


Become a Sponsor. Individual and corporate sponsorships are available at many levels. For Sponsorships, contact Suzannah Stora.


Lend a Hand. If you want to help with putting on this amazing event, contact Ginger O’Neil about committee options. 


Stay tuned for more information about this wonderful event in the coming weeks!





REMINDER ON HOW TO ACCESS THE STUDENT DIRECTORY

In an effort to be more environmentally friendly and to reduce costs, MLWGS now publishes the Student Directory online in PowerSchool. Please read the directions below on how to access the directory from your computer and from your mobile device.

ACCESS THE DIRECTORY FROM A COMPUTER
1. Open up your web browser.
2. Navigate to the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School website.
3. Click on the Power School link located towards the bottom left-hand side of the page.
4. Login to PowerSchool.
5. Click on Directory Information (School bus icon) located in the Navigation panel on the left.
6. Three links will be listed:

2019- 2020 Parent and Student Directory
2019 -2020 Student Distribution map (helps identify carpool opportunities)
Add/Change form to update your contact information.

Feel free to save the Directory to your computer or print it, if desired.

ACCESS THE DIRECTORY FROM A MOBILE DEVICE
1. Open your web browser (it does not currently work on the Power School app).
2. Navigate to the Maggie L. Walker Governor's School website.
3. Click on the Power School link located towards the bottom left-hand side of the page.
4. Login to PowerSchool.
5. On the main page, you will see your student's name in the upper left-hand corner.
6. Under your student's name, there will be two arrows- one up arrow and one side arrow. Click on the side arrow.
7. A navigation windowpane will open, scroll down and click on Directory Information (School bus icon).
8. Three links will be listed:

2019- 2020 Parent and Student Directory
2019 -2020 Student Distribution map (helps identify carpool opportunities)
Add/Change form to update your contact information


Once you have successfully opened the directory on your phone, it can be bookmarked or saved to your mobile device.

If you have any questions regarding your contact information, please contact Megan Perez.

Week of September 13, 2016

LAST CALL TO UPDATE CONTACT INFORMATION
IN THE STUDENT DIRECTORY

Have you received an email from the PTSA Directory Committee regarding the Student Directory? If not, please email the Directory Committee as soon as possible at mlwgsptsadirectory@gmail.com to receive form for submitting/confirming your contact information for the Student Directory! The Directory Committee will be sending its final draft of the Student Directory to the printer tomorrow, so please contact the committee today to make sure your contact information is correct.





CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS INVEST 
IN THE FUTURE OF FALL FESTIVAL


The Fall Festival Committee is looking for Corporate Sponsors to cover some of the current costs and purchase items that can be used yearly. Corporate Sponsors are promoted in several ways, including in Smoke and Scales, on Facebook, and at the Festival. The two levels of Corporate Sponsorship exist: Gold for $500 and Silver for $250.

To find out more about Corporate Sponsorship, please contact Debbie Taminger at debtaminger@gmail.com.




STUDENTS CAN SIGNUP ONLINE TO PERFORM AT FALL FESTIVAL

The entertainment at Fall Festival is performed by MLWGS’s very talented students - and is always a big hit! Although the school orchestra, bands, and singing groups have set spots, there are spots available for students who want to showcase their talents! If any student is interested in performing at the Festival, please click on the following link! The dead ine is September 23! Please submit only one form per group! https://goo.gl/forms/eQlYsHwVJREvT6lm1





ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

For high school juniors, Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) is an interactive on-line 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 eight modules and a final project to be completed from November 2016 through May 2017 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. Please visit http://vasts.spacegrant.org for program details and to apply. The deadline for student applications is October 30, 2016.

For high school juniors and seniors, Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) is an interactive, on-line Earth System Science Course featuring NASA scientific research and data. The course will be offered for dual enrollment college credit (statewide through TNCC) for high school juniors and seniors beginning in spring semester 2016. The website contains program information and application materials: http://vsgc.odu.edu/VESSS/The deadline for student applications is October 30, 2016.

The Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS) is a program for sophomores 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.
  • FREE Program for 10th Grade Students
  • On-line modules covering NASA aircraft, balloon, and sounding rocket missions launched or managed at Wallops Flight Facility
  • On-line course runs from December 2016 through April 2017
  • Highly successful students will be selected for a week-long Summer Academy at NASA Wallops Flight Facility (Chincoteague, VA)
  • http://vscs.spacegrant.org/ for application and more information

The deadline for student applications is October 30, 2016.




YEARBOOK YEARBOOK YEARBOOK!

Seniors! Do you still need to sit for your formal Yearbook portrait? If so, sign up outside Room 330 to be photographed FREE by Strawbridge, the official school photographer, on Monday, September 19. Please see Mr. White (mwhite@gsgis.k12.va.us) if you have questions.

Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors! Tuesday and Wednesday, September 20-21, are your picture days! All non-seniors will be called down to the Black Box during their English classes. To purchase portraits, students must pre-pay. Order forms are available from Ms. Bowman (Attendance, in the Blue Stone Lobby) and Mr. White (Room 330). Please see Mr. White (mwhite@gsgis.k12.va.us) with questions.

Yearbooks are available for pre-purchase. Pick up an order form outside Room 121 or go to yearbookordercenter.com and enter the MLWGS order number (14632) to lock in the introductory rate of $45. Prices go up after Fall Festival.




DRAGON’S LAIR ANNOUNCEMENTS


The Dragon’s Lair would like to remind MLWGS friends and family that the store is open regularly on Tuesdays and Fridays during the lunch hour.  Prefer to stop by on the way to work?  No problem!  The Dragon’s Lair is also open for convenient morning shopping the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.  Checkout is quick and easy as the Dragon’s Lair is all electronic now! 

Visit the store to see the new and planned items, including holiday ornaments and bow ties and flannel pants with new designs. The Lair is also looking into a new blanket, polo shirt, sweat pants, ladies tee, tervis cup, stadium seat, flag, and alumni shirt.

Shoot The Lair an email (mlwgsdragons@gmail.com) and let us know what you’d like to see offered in The Lair which will be placing orders for Fall Festival within the next 2 weeks. More announcements coming soon!