12/22/24
Good evening, Dragon Nation.
While Dr. Lowerre is on medical leave (12/12/24-1/12/25), I will serve as Acting Director, with Dr. Williams as the Director’s Designee. We have temporarily divided all administrative duties. Over the next month, please contact me or Dr. Williams if you need to speak with an administrator. Please join me in wishing Dr. Lowerre a speedy recovery.
Best Wishes,
Dr. Smith
[email protected]
(804) 354-6800 x2120
From the Acting Director:
Good evening, Dragon Nation.
As many of you may already know, we communicated to students on Friday (12/20) that as of the new year, we would be taking unfortunate measures (e.g., removing toilet paper from the boys’ bathrooms) because of ongoing vandalism. That decision was not taken lightly, but the school had racked up more than $8,000 on plumbers to fix the problem.
I am pleased to communicate that these measures will no longer be necessary. We have found the student responsible and do not believe anyone else was involved. I thank MW Security for their thorough investigation. Have a happy holiday!
Best Wishes,
Dr. Smith
[email protected]
(804) 354-6800 x2120
How do we determine whether to delay of close school due to inclement weather?
Class of 2025 – Graduation Ticket Lottery – Update
The lottery for 2 extra graduation tickets was held on December 10. Dr. Smith and Ms. Sheppard used a random number generator to select recipients, and an email with the results was sent to the MLWGS Google Account used to sign up for the lottery. All tickets (including those who received tickets from the lottery) will be distributed in the spring.
Unfortunately, not every family who requested extra tickets received them. Every senior will still receive 8 tickets, but please offer any unneeded tickets to your friends.
To allow more family members to see our 2025 graduation, MLWGS has contracted with a vendor to stream the ceremony. We will share details as we get closer to the event.
If you have any questions about graduation, please don’t hesitate to email the graduation coordinator, Ms. Sheppard, at [email protected]
The School Counseling Department has released a Senior Newsletter (filled with important reminders and scholarship opportunities) as well as a Junior Newsletter both on Schoology and here: https://sites.google.com/gsgis.k12.va.us/mlwgs-counseling/college-admissions-information/seniorjunior-newsletters Underclassmen are also invited to read the Junior Newsletter for information about contests and summer opportunities.
Senior Seminar and Mentorship Program Registration for Juniors
In December and January, Juniors (Class of 2026) will take a step in determining what their senior schedule will look like. All juniors will have to decide whether they are going to enroll in one of our exciting seminar courses or apply to undertake a mentorship with a professional in the area. For the past month, Juniors have had access to information about the Senior Seminar Classes and the Mentorship Program. When we return from break, students will need to rank their top five seminar classes (must be completed by Friday, January 10). If students are interested in applying to the Mentorship Program, the application is due by 3:30 on Friday, January 10, 2025 (late or incomplete applications will not be accepted).
MWTech | New LockDown Browser for Schoology Assessments
After Winter Break, some classes will start conducting Schoology assessments with the aid of a new application, LockDown Browser. As an integrated component of our Schoology Learning Management System (LMS), the LockDown Browser creates a secure online environment for LMS assessments, similar to the TestNAV application for SOL online test administration, and the Bluebook application for AP online test administration. As MLWGS is a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) school, we request that your student installs the software on their computer. Guidelines for specific devices will be shared with students. During the school day, teachers and the MWTech office staff will be available to assist. If a student’s device is unable to install the LockDown Browser software, a school device can be borrowed for the online assessment.
One Small Step 2025
Have you ever felt stereotyped, sidelined, or silenced due to your political beliefs or policy opinions? The library’s One Small Step program is a chance to tell your story to someone who will listen with respect, curiosity, and compassion. Plus, you’ll earn 4 community service hours! For returning participants, there’s a fast-track option worth 2 service hours. To sign up or for more info, go to https://bit.ly/oss25signup.
Need service hours? Want to share your favorite book with a broader audience? The Virginia Voice student volunteer project is calling for students aged 16 and up to come and record themselves reading out loud at the Virginia Voice office in Richmond for blind audiences across Virginia. Students will apply and schedule an audition at the Virginia Voice office before beginning to record. Contact Ms. Artz ([email protected]) for information regarding this wonderful opportunity!
FINAL CALL for the discounted price that ends December 31, 2024 to join Maggie Walker students for nine days, June 9-17, 2025, exploring the culture, traditions, landscape, food, language, and people who reveal the breath-taking wonder of Peru. Sign up now to experience the magic first-hand.
Full Details and Peru Trip Registration Link: https://acis.com/tripsite-trip-overview/?key=MjAyNXw3MDE2MA
Experience “The Inca Trail” in Peru – June 9-17, 2025 with ACIS, our new travel partner! Enjoy Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Sacred Valley, Cuzco, Lima, a cultural exchange with the Uros Indians, and many more exciting opportunities to gain first-hand understanding of local culture and taste delicious cuisine all while practicing language skills! Enjoy double occupancy in centrally located 3 and 4-star hotels.
Night of the Dragon Auction
Calling prospective volunteers for the MLWGS Foundation’s annual Night of the Dragon event on March 22, 2025!
Join us on Thursday, January 9 at 6:00pm for a ZOOM interest meeting to find out more! LINK BELOW. We have roles on all committees – and opportunities to help out with advance planning AND/OR day-of tasks.
The support of our school community helps ensure success of this fundraiser that benefits all of our Dragons.
For any questions, feel free to contact the Foundation Executive Director Ginger O’Neil at: [email protected]
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82915471723?pwd=X30fBVDYYmE1cRmBowlwpk91uKlkrQ.1
Have a happy holiday, and GO DRAGONS!
“When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” -Willie Nelson
