Good evening, Dragon Nation.
Our first week of working toward compliance with the General Assembly’s ‘bell to bell no cell’ law has gone smoothly. No cell phones were turned in at the security office for later pick-up. We had to issue warnings to approximately 3% of the students. Please continue to remind students that their phones should be turned off and stored in their backpacks during class time. It was refreshing to see greater focus in classes, more student-to-student interaction, and fewer people bumping into each other in the hall. If you missed earlier communications, here is our timetable.
Students are still allowed to use phones in the cafeteria and during transitions, but during class time, phones must be powered off and stored in backpacks (not pockets). As this is a cultural change for our school, we plan a long runway, with ample input, flexibility, and open communication. In June, we will reassess to determine if further steps are necessary to ensure compliance with the law.
Best Wishes,
Dr. Smith
Acting Director
SOL Testing Information
Math SOLs for Geometry and Algebra 2 will take place on April 30 and May 1. If your child is a freshman in either course or a sophomore in Geometry and will not be at school on their testing day, please fill out this form: SOL Absence Notification (https://forms.gle/SEeeZDBhaU7hg9fRA)
The remaining SOLs will be held during the last week of school. Students only need to attend on the day they have a scheduled SOL. A detailed schedule will be shared shortly to students. If they are unable to attend, please complete this form: SOL Absence Notification (https://forms.gle/SEeeZDBhaU7hg9fRA)
- May 27: Reading (Juniors) & U.S. History (Sophomores)
- May 28: World History II (Sophomores)
- May 29: Biology (Freshmen)
AP Testing Reminders-
Attention students taking Advanced Placement exams in May!
Transportation arrangements during AP Exams: As students and parents plan for AP testing, remember that morning exams begin at 8:30 and students are advised to arrive at their testing room between 8:00 and 8:15 (or 12:15 for an afternoon exam). Students will want to be in their seats and ready to log into Test Day Toolkit on a school computer by 8:30 (or 12:30 for an afternoon exam). We will make every effort to hold an exam for a late bus, but because morning exams must be underway by 8:50 (including reading directions), we may need to proceed with testing without students who are running late. We encourage students to use the transportation method on exam day that will allow them to be in place and ready to test by 8:30am.
Afternoon exams will almost always run past the end of the school day. For students who ride the bus, alternate transportation will need to be arranged for afternoon exams. Afternoon exams will release at varied times, but 4:30 is our generally anticipated time. It could be earlier or later depending on the varied length of the morning and afternoon exams. Students should notify their coaches or employers of their potential late arrival to practice or jobs if taking an afternoon exam.
Logging into Test Day Toolkit: Because students are testing on school computers, it is critical that students have their College Board login credentials committed to memory.
Unpaid Exam Fees: There are some students with unresolved AP exams payments. These fees will be applied to students’ accounts and could result in a hold on transcripts if not resolved.
AP Testing Schoology Group and Exact Testing Locations: A document with exact testing locations is now available in the AP Testing Schoology Group under resources. All details and important student reminders (such as what to bring and not bring) are listed there. Do bring a sweatshirt and a pencil and pen (with black or dark blue ink) to your testing room. While many exams are fully digital, all exams with any form of math (math, science, micro and macro) will be hybrid and exams with listening (music, Spanish Lit and Lang, German, and French) are still on paper. Do not bring cell phones and any watches or devices that can take pictures or access the internet as they are not allowed in the testing room.
VCU Dual Enrollment Application: Due Wednesday, April 30th
Students who registered for one or more of the following classes will need to complete a VCU Dual Enrollment Application: VCU Statistics (STAT 210 and 314), VCU Calc 200 (MATH 200), VCU Calc 201 (MATH 201), VCU Biopsych (PSYC 401), VCU Photo (PHTO 243), VCU Film Studies (PHTO 233). Detailed instructions are linked here and students will need parent assistance with the in-state tuition form and to obtain a parent e-signature. Students who have not already submitted their VCU Dual Enrollment Application must do so by Wednesday, April 30th.
Dual Enrollment math and science courses requirement placement assessments. Placement methods (AP, SAT, ACT, or ALEKS scores) were reviewed during this past Wednesday’s meeting. Students planning to take STAT 210 or MATH 200 will want to earmark May 29th for ALEKS testing unless they are able to place out with an SAT, ACT, or AP score. Students planning to use an SAT, ACT, or AP score as a placement method for STAT 210 or MATH 200 will need to send their scores to VCU using the collegeboard.org or act.org by Wednesday, April 30th. Students taking PSYC 401 (Biopsych) and MATH 201 (Calc II) will need to arrange (by April 30th) to have their AP scores directly to VCU as soon as it is available in July.
Click here to access the full presentation for all students, with a specific presentation on math and a required surrey (QR code) embedded within: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1a9xmXSEN21u11m8qj6GHwpxEwKLwPs3G2U0mxEB3oAk/edit?usp=sharing
Class of 2025 Senior Survey
The “Senior Survey” is now available in Naviance student accounts and it is the method by which students will officially communicate their college choice and any scholarships they have received. This survey is required to be completed by Friday, May 2nd and is a part of seniors’ official check-out procedures. Seniors’ college choices will be featured on the graduation program and the survey will serve as their official request for their final transcript. The scholarships that students report and indicate they are accepting will be featured on the Senior Awards program bulletin that will be handed out at the Senior Awards Assembly. Counseling also likes to know about all merit scholarships awarded–even from the colleges that students will not attend. Please have your award letters in front of you when completing the survey. The survey can be found in Naviance under “About Me” and by clicking “Surveys From My School.” Seniors who have already deposited at their college are encouraged to complete the survey right away.
If a senior changes their college after May 2nd, they can complete a college change form that will be launched on May 3rd. Depending on the time submitted, new colleges may still be able to make the graduation program. Contact your senior counselor with questions about the Senior Survey and Ms. Sheppard with questions about the graduation program.
Senior counselors are also available to meet with students as they deliberate their final plans for after graduation, and we encourage students to give their counselors and the teachers that wrote their letters personal updates on their college process in addition to the formal survey. Congratulations to the Class of 2025 as you reach the end of this journey!
Senior Letter/Senior Events 2025
Every year, MLWGS publishes a letter with information about senior-related events taking place for the remainder of the year. As it is only April, we want to remind you that some details may change. We hope that you will bookmark this letter and refer back to it as we near each activity and opportunity. If you have any questions, please contact the individual(s) responsible for the event.
You can access the letter here.
We look forward to celebrating all of our seniors as we get closer to the end of the year!
Scholarship Opportunities for MLWGS Seniors
For last minute scholarship opportunities, check out the MLWGS Class of 2025 Scholarship List: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1t1CNmRcjxs9SSXjTh1g5Z-oDDQ8XLlZJN57s9cAWrvs/edit?usp=sharing
Name Pronunciation at Graduation
Ms. Hill and Ms. Todd are pronouncing names at graduation this year, and they need your student’s help to make sure they get it right!
Please have your student take a couple of minutes to complete this Google Form by May 9:
Even if you think their name is easy to pronounce, please have them complete the form. These two lovely teachers care and put forth great effort to make this an event special for everyone. Help them by making their jobs easier and less stressful!
If you have any graduation-related questions, please email Ms. Sheppard ([email protected])
Submit Baby Photos for Senior Recognition Night by Thursday, May 1st
At this event, your senior will walk across the stage while a nice comment written by a fellow senior is read out loud about them. While they do this, a slideshow displaying their names and baby pictures will be projected onto the auditorium’s screen. Please submit 1-3 photos through this form by May 1st. This will give Ms. Love enough time to create the slideshow. Before uploading, please title the photos as your senior’s name. Direct any questions to Kara Love. Band and Chorus Concert on Wednesday, April 30
You’re invited to the spring Band and Chorus Concert at 7:00PM, April 30, in the auditorium. The concert will feature two student compositions, a collaboration with the Moore Street School Foundation, a double concerto featuring senior clarinetists, a full jazz ensemble set, and delightful chorus music from across the globe. We will be honoring our 19 graduating seniors and awarding the prestigious John Philip Sousa award. We look forward to performing for you one last time!
Senior Class Group Photo – ordering information
The group photo was taken during lunch on Tuesday, April 22. If you are still interested in ordering the picture, go to mylifetouch.com and type in this code: BW014068T0. The cost is $18. Order soon because all pictures are mailed to MLWGS.
Orchestra Concert on Friday, May 2
The Orchestra is also having a concert this week! Please join us on Friday, May 2nd at 7:00 pm for our final performance of the year. We will be celebrating this year’s orchestra seniors as well as having our orchestra awards ceremony that evening.
Music Department Plant Sale Fundraiser
Like last year, the MLWGS Music Boosters are selling hanging flower baskets and fern baskets as a fundraiser! If you are interested in ordering, please click this LINK. Plants will be available to pick up at school from Wednesday, April 30th-Monday, May 5th. Feel free to share this link with anyone who might be interested in supporting our program.
Athletics-IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Here are the new physical forms for 2025-26. VHSL-Forms-25.pdf Please use these forms for any physicals starting after May 1,2025. Maggie Walker will still require physicals every year after May 1 of the current school year. The forms from the VHSL and doctor offices do not have the added forms from VCU. I have added them to our document. All families need to use THESE forms and to continue sending to me, [email protected] as a one page PDF and to send them ASAP.
April Highlight: The MLWGS Science Department—Research, Problem-Solving, and Rigor
The Science Department enthusiastically welcomed three new colleagues this year: Will Cottrell, William Ryba, and Dave Smail.
Will Cottrell teaches both Molecular Biology and Anatomy & Physiology. He brings energy and enthusiasm for learning and teaching in both the classroom and the workroom. Being a dedicated triathlete, he helped coach Cross Country and also helps to sponsor the Red Cross Club.
William Ryba teaches both Analytical Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry Plus, in addition to coaching Cross Country and Indoor & Outdoor Track. He is enjoying the opportunity to use a variety of exploratory lab activities and summative lab projects to improve learning experiences in the classroom.
Dave Smail teaches Molecular Biology, Analytical Chemistry, and AP Biology. He is enjoying the new adventure of teaching AP Biology and using case studies to provide students with enriching learning experiences. He next looks forward to integrating more inquiry-based labs in the classroom.
The biology team is led by Dave Barnes. In addition to teaching Molecular Biology, Dave also teaches AP Environmental Science. In both courses, he maximizes student-centered learning opportunities that are hands-on, incorporate innovative use of technology, or make use of relevant current events. Dave also provides learning opportunities outside of the classroom and has traveled abroad with students to both Costa Rica and Panama. He is currently planning an interdisciplinary experience for students in Belize during the spring break of 2026.
Adam Rotche is an integral member of the biology team. His passion lies in ecology and environmental interdisciplinary studies. In addition to teaching a seminar, Wilderness and the American Mind, Adam also developed and is teaching a brand-new course, Becoming a Naturalist, a Virginia ecology course. Adam is an integral member of our school community serving as the head coach of our Quiz Bowl team.
Jennifer Todd teaches AP Chemistry and is the Science Department Chair. In her 3rd year of being department chair, she has worked to provide experienced teachers and new teachers opportunities to collaborate to align curriculum and to share instructional tools. She has also actively supported teachers in their efforts to create new science electives in multiple disciplines and of a variety of challenge levels to meet the needs of a diverse group of learners.
In addition to teaching both Analytical Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry Plus, Hillary Gawne developed a post-AP Chemistry course based on her areas of interest and expertise. She is now in her second year of providing a robust learning experience for advanced STEM students in Introduction to Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry. Hillary is also the sponsor of the National Honor Society.
Mark Sailer has been part of the science team for 10 years. This year he is teaching primarily Honors Physics and has enjoyed teaching AP Physics 1 for the first time. Mark is a valuable member of the school community and is the lead sponsor of the MLWGS Robotics team. Outside of his school commitments, Mark is a dedicated musician and a member of a handbell choir, a vocal choir, and a brass group.
In addition to teaching AP Physics 1, Brandon Gooss developed and is teaching a brand-new course, Automotive Concepts and Engineering, familiarly known as ACE. Through that course, Brandon has developed a relationship with Midas of Richmond, who has provided learning opportunities for students outside of the classroom and has donated car parts for the students to work on and learn from in the classroom. Brandon also sponsors TSA, the Technology Student Association. No matter where you see Brandon, he is excited to tinker and learn with the students while working on solutions to real-world problems.
In addition to teaching math, Heather Kemmerly continues to engage students in project-based learning in Engineering. On any given day, her students may be building and testing bridges or designing their own inventions using CAD (computer-aided design) software.
VCU Physiological Psychology is taught by Dr. Tim Donahue. In this course, Tim teaches students how the brain and neurological system work from a biological perspective. Not only does Tim share his enthusiasm for learning and psychology through his exciting lectures, but he also leads them through hands-on activities such as dissecting sheep brains.
As a department, we continue to cherish our work experiences with Drew Austen, who passed away earlier this year. Drew was an invaluable member of the team, always excited and enthusiastic about learning and growing with both colleagues and students. His love of learning and teaching was infectious to all. Despite having only been a part of MLWGS Science for three school years, he will have a lasting impact on us all.
We were excited to welcome Olga Plotnikov to the team for the rest of this year. Olga is no stranger to MLWGS as an alumni parent. Additionally, Olga has immense expertise in physics and valuable experience teaching young scientists. We are more than grateful that Olga was willing to join our team at a time of great need.
Congratulations to Audrey Tang Trip Taylor, Fielding Teague, Peize Wang, and Peter Yanovitch for their performance with All-Virginia Band and Orchestra on Saturday 4/26!
GO DRAGONS!!!
“Great works are performed, not by strength, but by perseverance.” – Samuel Johnson
