Director's Blog 2023-24 - Maggie L. Walker Governor's School

052624

MLWGS will be closed tomorrow, Monday May 27^thin observance of Memorial Day.

Tuesday May 28^th through Thursday May 30^th – SOL testing. Students who need to take an SOL test will be notified when and where to report by their teachers. There will be a modified schedule that will include a morning and an afternoon testing period. SOLs are spilt by ODD (AM testing) or EVEN (PM testing) based on the day they have the class, with the exception of US History students who have been told when they are testing.

May 28^th will test Biology (All freshmen) and US History.

May 29^th will test English Reading (All Juniors).

May 30^th will test World History 2 (Most Sophomores).

If a student does not have an SOL test, they do not need to attend school. The absence will be marked a “School Excused” and not count against a student’s attendance. If the student reports to school during an SOL exam period where they are not required to test, perhaps due to lack of transportation, they will report to the attendance office, sign in and proceed to the commons where they will remain until their exam period or dismissal.

Friday May 31^st – Make up day for SOL exams. If a student does not have a make-up scheduled, they do not need to attend school and should begin their summer vacation!

From the Clinic

Please remember to pick up any medications that were in the clinic this year by May 31. A parent must come to sign them out or your parent must sign the medical release form that was sent via email and turn that in when you get the medications. Any medications left in the clinic after the year ends will be destroyed. Please contact Nurse Shapiro if you have any questions.

All seniors must have an updated meningitis vaccination on record before starting 12^th grade. Please send in proof of that vaccination to Nurse Shapiro at [email protected] as soon as possible.

Athletics

Attention any student who is interested in playing a fall, winter, or spring sport this year at Maggie Walker. Fall sports will start on their respective date, please find those on the school website www.mwgs.com If you want to play a fall sport, you MUST have this paperwork https://mlwgs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/VHSL-Forms.pdf completed and sent to Ms. Hawkins as one document PDF at [email protected]

AP European History 2024-2025

Students taking AP European History next year will need to pick up a textbook for their summer assignment. Please see Mrs. Voight in Room 305 before checking out for the summer.

College Boot Camp

College Boot Camp will be held at MLWGS on August 5-7 for rising seniors. (The mission of College Boot Camp is to provide students the space and time to complete their Common Application before the start of the school year.) Students may register by reserving a seat for the morning or afternoon session on the SignUp Genius that has been posted in the Resources section of the “College Information for the Class of 2025” Schoology page and making their $75 payment at https://osp.osmsinc.com/MLWGS/ by Friday, May 31. (Please note that the morning session is near capacity, but several seats remain for the afternoon session.)

Security Corner:

We have a new (lime green) clothing and shoe recycling container! It is located between the Elizabeth Street sidewalk and the Bluestone parking lot…near the church. If anyone has clothing or shoes they plan to get rid of throughout the year, please consider donating them and using our bin. Proceeds return to MLWGS!

On a more somber note, any clothing items that are left unclaimed in the Lost and Found boxes for 2 weeks will automatically be donated! Please ensure that, if you are missing ANYTHING, go through the boxes before May 29! All must go.

Starting May 20, Juniors/Sophomores who wish to park on campus may do so, provided they send an email to M. Jordan FIRST, (Include make, model, color and plate number) AND receive a reply! (We need to ensure there are adequate spaces)

Finally, only one week left so remember, if you need/want something…ask! Finish strong!

The Foundation

Which Class Will Win?–Parent Annual Fund Participation Competition Ends Friday

The 2023-2024 Parent Annual Fund Participation Competition ends this week with only a few donors separating classes– and the youngsters in the lead!

You can support your student(s)’ class and our Dragons by making a donation today (any amount counts) online, by check to MLWGS Foundation or via Venmo @MLWGSFoundation.

Class Participation Rates (as of 5/22/24)

Class of 2024 (Seniors): 26%

Class of 2025 (Juniors): 27%

Class of 2026 (Sophomores): 28%

Class of 2027 (Frosh): 28%

Parent generosity has allowed the Foundation to provide 92 enhancement grants to MLWGS this year, totalling almost $200,000, and we are not done yet. Your gifts allow the Governor’s School Foundation to support student financial aid, faculty professional development and graduate coursework, classroom and instructional enhancements, academic competitions and clubs, and more, providing the margin of excellence that has become a hallmark of Maggie Walker. Go Dragons!

Bluestone Paver/Brick Orders Close June 1

The Governor’s School Foundation invites families of MLWGS seniors and graduates to purchase inscribed pavers to leave a lasting tribute at the school. This is a great way to honor your student and support the great work done by the Foundation. All but the cost of the inscription is tax-deductible. Click here to order yours online today! Once a Dragon, Always a Dragon!

Class of 2023 Alumni Info Forms

If they have not already, please remind your seniors to fill out the online alumni info form so that we can stay in touch. The Foundation and Alumni Office offers alumni networking and mentoring opportunities, job listings, Reunions, and other ways for our graduates to stay connected to one another and the school.

Good News!

We had several students recognized at the VCU Central Division of the Governor’s Economics and Personal Finance Challenges:

Virginia Personal Finance Challenge Winners – VCU Central Region 2024

Ethan	Roerink
Tommy	Wood
Aiden	Hess
Anthony	Bastardi

Virginia Economics Challenge Winners – David Ricardo Division – VCU Central Region 2024

Ethan	Roerink
Tommy	Wood
Aiden	Hess

Virginia Economics Challenge Winners – Adam Smith Division – VCU Central Region 2024

Eric	Hu
Pooshan	Chaudhuri
Sriyutha	Morishetty
Sam	McNamee

To many, Memorial Day, the federal U.S. holiday that takes place every year on the last Monday of May, is just another excuse for a three-day weekend. It’s also known as the day that marks the unofficial start of summer and as a day devoted to getting great deals at the mall. However, the true meaning of Memorial Day goes far beyond barbecues and sales.

The holiday began after the Civil War, and at that time was known as “Decoration Day.” While it was originally founded to honor the soldiers who died in the Civil War, today, Memorial Day is a day to honor all the Americans who have died in military service.

Patriotic Americans should take a moment from their day of celebration and leisure to reflect on the brave sacrifices of those who have given their lives for this great nation.

I think what sums up Memorial Day best for me can be found in the words of John F. Kennedy who said, “Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.”

Have a great evening and GO DRAGONS!!

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Mon May 20^th through Thursday May 23^rd

This week is Final exam week. There will be a modified schedule that will include a morning and an afternoon exam period.

Monday – Periods 1 and 5

Tuesday – Periods 2 and 6

Wednesday – Periods 3 and 7

Thursday – Periods 4 and 8

Unless a student is exempt from the exam, they are expected to attend school and report to their exams. If a student is exempt from an exam, they do not need to attend school during the period where they are exempt. The absence will be marked a “School Excused” and not count against a student’s attendance.

If the student reports to school during an exam period where they are exempt, perhaps due to lack of transportation, they will report to the attendance office, sign in and proceed to the commons where they will remain until their exam period or dismissal.

In the event that a student missed an exam that they were required to take, students should schedule a make-up exam at a time that is agreeable to the teacher.

Senior Showcase Invitation to all Senior Parents and Guardians:

On May 24, 2024, all senior students at Maggie Walker will be taking part in our Senior Showcase. This day is designed to allow all seniors to share presentations of research generated in their Senior Seminar classes or in their Mentorship. All students at MLWGS will be invited to register to attend sessions throughout the day. Parents and Guardians of Seniors are also invited to attend their student’s session on May 24. Please use the link below to see the schedule for the day. There is no need for Parents/Guardians to RSVP or Register for sessions. We hope you are able to attend. More information will be coming regarding parking in next Sunday’s Message.

Senior Showcase Schedule: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Gv2FX8Zqw0acZmMBUcecDeRI0_HYPIFf/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=114508943728845284375&rtpof=true&sd=true

College Boot Camp

SOL Testing:

SOLs will be the last week of school. Students only need to attend the day that they have an SOL and can leave once they are finished testing. SOLs are spilt by ODD (AM testing) or EVEN (PM testing) based on the day they have the class, with the exceptions of US History students who have been told when they are testing.

These days are Tuesday, the 28^th : Biology (all freshmen) and US History

Wednesday, the 29^th : Reading ( all juniors)

Thursday, the 30^th : World History (majority of sophomores)

Friday, the 31^st : Make up SOLs

Security Corner:

Finally, only two weeks left so remember, if you need/want something…ask! Finish strong!

Good News!

We missed one honoree on our French exam call outs. Nina McGinnis earned a silver medal!

I would like to end tonight’s message with a quote from the late Muhammad Ali. Aside from being a champion boxer, Ali was an activist and a man that lived by his beliefs. One of my favorite Ali quotes is as follows: “Impossible is just a word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.”

Have a great week and GO DRAGONS!!

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Thank you from the faculty and staff of MLWGS to the PTSA

From all of the faculty and staff of MLWGS, we would like to express our gratitude to the PTSA for their support during Teacher Appreciation Week. Kellie Huyard and Veronica Chornodolsky worked tirelessly every day this week to provide breakfast or lunch, giving us a much-needed break during the day.

Senior Showcase Invitation to all Senior Parents and Guardians:

Senior Showcase Schedule: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Gv2FX8Zqw0acZmMBUcecDeRI0_HYPIFf/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=114508943728845284375&rtpof=true&sd=true

Seniors

Seniors’ Name Pronunciation Google Form

To ensure that Mrs. Hill is able to pronounce your name correctly as you cross the Altria stage to receive your diploma, please record your name and upload the file here by Friday, May 17.

Prom

Prom is May 18th from 7 to 10pm at the Hippodrome Theater. Junior tickets are $30, and off-campus guests are also $30. Seniors are not charged; they simply need to arrive at the venue. Teachers are working the check-in and will verify their entry.

Juniors and off campus guest tickets are now available on OSP. The ticket window closes on May 16th. All guests must have a completed guest form that is turned in by May17th.

Please contact Ms. Amy Maxey with questions [email protected]

Good News!

Success on the National French Exam!

The following students received bronze medals for scores in the 75^th – 84^th percentile

Ashanta Wilson
Abigail Cheatham
Linsey Garrido-Yat
Amelia Downey
Emily Sommer
Michelle Idowu
Ella Kristensen
Matthew Bond
Demari Mitchell
Ilana Becker
Sarah Shepherd

The following students received silver medals for scores in the 85^th – 95^th percentiles

Kasia-Esmeralda Wasiak
Honorah Walsh
Addyson Hoover
Elise Eason
Ryan Karami
Annie Bosher
Caelan DiCosmo
Akira Aikens
V Lowden
Kellyn Smith
Ronald Angert
Clemmie Mannell
Rohan Neelakantan
Oluwaseyi Hester
Miranda Zhang
Collette Kim
Linus Larson

The following students received gold medals for scores in the 95^th – 99^th percentiles

Matilde Quilici
Jake Bryner
William Chen

And, we would like to congratulate Ilektra Michalopoulou from Mme Hefty’s French 3 class for her platinum award for receiving a top score in her level. This prize is only given to students who tie for the top score in the whole country!

We are over half way through the May testing period! APs are mostly behind us and we are now hitting Senior Exams, Dual-Enrollment Exams, and SOLs. The Dragon Nation is performing well and it is clear that our students are taking them seriously and knocking them down. With only 14 school days left, things are rolling to a great finish. Needless to say, we need to finish strong so that we may enjoy our time off without any of this year’s business underfoot. I have total confidence that we will all enjoy the victory of another successful school year. The Dragon Nation can’t be beat. To paraphrase what Muhammad Ali said, “If you even dream of beating us you’d better wake up and apologize”.

Have a great week and GO DRAGONS!!

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Seniors

Seniors’ Name Pronunciation Google Form

To ensure that Mrs. Hill is able to pronounce your name correctly as you cross the Altria stage to receive your diploma, please record your name and upload the file here by Friday, May 17.

Prom

Juniors and off campus guest tickets are now available on OSP. The ticket window closes on May 16th. All guests must have a completed guest form that is turned in by May17th.

Please contact Ms. Amy Maxey with questions [email protected]

Senior Showcase Invitation to all Senior Parents and Guardians:

Senior Showcase Schedule: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_GNAUpRGFCMgDT1ABgHWsuDF3H2ejWDD/view?usp=sharing

Freshmen

A message from the International Language Fair Planning Committee:

Attention, freshmen! Are you curious about helping to plan the Maggie Walker International Language Fair, for middle schoolers across the Central Virginia region? If you are interested in helping to lead and plan a unique event for middle schoolers to be exposed to cultures around the world, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

All interested freshmen can apply to join the International Language Fair Planning Committee using the application form linked below. In addition, if you apply, please ask your language teacher to complete the recommendation form. Please ensure that both forms are completed by May 17. Decisions will be released at the start of the 2024-25 school year, and, if you are accepted, you will serve on the International Language Fair Planning Committee throughout your sophomore, junior, and senior years. Here’s the link to the application form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSenuRGPqMTHI_VnRutKjrS8gYlNFV8i3JfkN2MjriaMmpQwBQ/viewform

Attention MLWGS Senior Families:

Your senior Class Parent Representatives, along with the PTSA, are organizing Senior Yard Signs for our Class of 2024.

Please take a moment to answer a few questions via the link below to confirm details and DELIVERY ADDRESSES and if you want to OPT OUT.

https://forms.gle/npbJP3RQws36mPB29

Senior Yard Signs cost $20 each, and we will also ensure that all families who want one will receive one, regardless of your ability to pay.

Preferred payment method is via Venmo to:

@Veronica-Chornodolsky (last 4-digits of cell: 6940, and please include student’s name in the memo)
Additional payment method: Cash/Check (made out to MLWGS PTSA) can be delivered to Valenta Williams in the front office – in a sealed envelope including the students name and Senior yard signs on the outside.

Juniors

It is a new requirement that each student provide documentation of receiving at least 2 Meningococcal conjugate vaccine or 1 if given after the age of 16yrs PRIOR to starting 12th grade.

Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY) Vaccine – Effective July 1, 2021, a minimum of 2 doses of MenACWY vaccine. The first dose should be administered prior to entering 7^th grade. The final dose should be administered prior to entering 12^th grade. If no doses have been given, one that is given after age 16 is sufficient.

Please email the school nurse with a scanned copy of the vaccination record to [email protected] or send in hard copies to drop off at the clinic and it will be added to your student’s file.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call Alisa Shapiro, RN at 804-354-6800 ext 1010

Senior Art Show

Ladies, gentlemen, and friends…fasten your seatbelts and stow your tray tables for the 2024 Maggie Walker Senior Art Show: “In Flight” at ArtWorks Gallery Richmond! The show highlights the works of eight talented seniors, including:

Kristin Bishop
Lucie Bouton
Syndey Brewer
Yeeva Chunnanond
Rachel Dai
Sadie Hall
Izzy List
Lambrini Phillos

Come meet these young artists and witness art so great it will leave you on cloud nine. This year’s senior show will be open through May 18th at ArtWorks Gallery Richmond, 320 Hull St. Richmond, VA. Buckle up, because we hope to see you in flight!

Trip to Peru

Experience the magic: “Exploring Art, Culture, and Service in Peru” – June, 2-13, 2025 with EF! Visit Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Lima, and the Sacred Valley where you will work side-by-side on local projects with community members experiencing first-hand understanding of local culture and needs, all while practicing language skills and earning 5 community service points!

Use the link below to sign-up for the information meeting on Zoom at 6 pm on May 9^th:

RSVP Meeting Link: https://bit.ly/49ItMjP

Foundation

Elevate Maggie Walker! Your Support Matters!

With the school year winding down quickly, the Foundation is working to ensure we are set up for success across the finish line and next year. If you have not already made a gift to the Foundation’s Annual Fund (or even if you have ;)), please consider doing so today! The Foundation allocated $225,000 in support of our school this year alone with even more requested for next year to turn our teachers’ ambitious visions into reality. EVERY MLWGS STUDENT, TEACHERS, AND ALUMNI benefit from Foundation dollars. Please be part of this amazing tradition of support by making whatever gift you can today.

Senior Parents! Leave a Lasting Mark at MLWGS

The Governor’s School Foundation invites families to purchase inscribed pavers to leave a lasting tribute to your Dragon at the school. This is a great way to honor your student and support the great work done by the Foundation. You can purchase either a Bluestone paver inside the school lobby or a brick paver near the Maggie Walker bust on Walker Plaza (Lombardy Street side of the school). 2023-2024 ORDERS must be received by June 1. And all donated funds beyond the actual cost of the engraving are tax-deductible. Questions? Contact Ginger O’Neil GINGER 804-354-1566 or [email protected]

Annual Senior Parent Send Off Celebration

The MLWGS Foundation is hosting the annual Senior Parent Send Off on Wednesday, May 15, from 5:30-7:30pm at Brambly Park (1708 Belleville St, Richmond). Come join other parents of our soon-to-be graduates to celebrate this special milestone-–and know that you’re not alone during this bittersweet time of sending your Dragon on to their next adventure. Lite fare will be provided. Great conversation guaranteed! We will also be joined by our Eternal Dragons–alumni parents from across the years–who are excited to welcome you to the group! Please let us know you’re coming here.

Good News!

Congratulations to Tyler DeHaven, Peter Yanovitch and Isaiah Jones! Their narrative film “The Scarecrows” has been selected as a finalist in its category for the VHSL Film Festival! Final results coming on June 1!

Steve Ross’s Latin students racked up numerous substantial honors in the Classical Association of Virginia’s Latin exam competition. Maggie Walker claimed the mythical state championship, winning the Gamma Division, and Steve’s students took first place in four of the five tests. Those high achievers are Matthew Bond (beginner), Yash Maurya (intermediate), Michael Klausner (Prose), and Nitya Goyal (poetry). Nitya’s first-place finish was her fourth consecutive title; going back to her freshman year, she won first place in Latin One, Latin Two, Advanced Latin, and this year’s Poetry category.

Other honorees include McKenna Wallace (third place, beginner), Everett McCoy (second place, intermediate), Brenden Stremler (second place, prose), Arnav Kadambi (third place, prose), and Michael Taylor, III (third place, poetry). Honorable mention laurels go to Advika Rana (beginner); Anubhav Joshi, Deepanshi Kumar, Sriram Panchagnula, Ansley Plaisted, and Abe Stubblefield (intermediate); Aarav Lodha (prose); and Samantha Schappert, Ethan Choe, and Virginia Zhang (poetry). Lest you think that Honorable Mention is simply a consolation prize, keep in mind that those on this list achieved scores in the top 20% of everyone in their division for that exam.

Congratulations are owed to Steve and his talented students for their hard work and accomplishments in this prestigious competition. The tradition continues!

As we enter teacher appreciation week I reflect back to teachers that made a difference in my life. Ms. Williams, Dr. Coulter, Mr. Stokes, Ms. Burke, Ms. Stewart and so many others helped shape me into who I am. They believed in me, pushed me, challenged me, and held me accountable. Many would not accept anything but my best effort. They showed me that I had potential and helped wring it out of me. For that, I am eternally grateful. As Tom Brokaw wrote, “It’s easy to make a buck. It’s a lot tougher to make a difference.” Teachers make a difference.

Have a great week and GO DRAGONS!!

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Math SOLs

Math SOLs will be next week on May 1^st and May 2^nd , with all students starting at 9 am. Students should only report to their SOL room assignment, where attendance will be taken.

May 1^st will be students who have an ODD day math class
May 2^nd will be students who have an EVEN day math class
May 3^rd will be makeups for any who missed their original test day

Freshmen

A message from the International Language Fair Planning Committee:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSenuRGPqMTHI_VnRutKjrS8gYlNFV8i3JfkN2MjriaMmpQwBQ/viewform

Band and Orchestra Concert

The Spring Band and Orchestra concert takes place at 7:00PM on Friday, May 3^rd in the Auditorium. We will feature performances from the Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Orchestras and Bands. There will be a brief awards ceremony during intermission. Parents who ordered hanging baskets may pick up their plants at the concert.

Students must stay for 20 minutes after the concert to help clear the stage (there will be no opportunity on the following Monday due to AP testing in the building). Thank you in advance for your patience.

Seniors

The Senior Survey is now available in Naviance. All MLWGS seniors must complete and submit this no later than Thursday, May 2nd. Examples of what will be collected in this survey include the results of their college applications, any scholarships they have been awarded (including name, dollar amount, whether it is renewable, etc.), and their plans for this fall. The college that they name as their final choice in the Senior Survey will be included in the graduation program.

Community Service Announcement for Seniors

Seniors must have all of their community service hours in by May 1. Students should check their x2vol account to make sure they have reached the 140-hour goal. Seniors should enter all unsubmitted hours NOW!!! Any seniors with questions or concerns should see Mr. Cook in room 315 or email him at [email protected].

Attention MLWGS Senior Families:

Your senior Class Parent Representatives, along with the PTSA, are organizing Senior Yard Signs for our Class of 2024.

Please take a moment to answer a few questions via the link below to confirm details and DELIVERY ADDRESSES and if you want to OPT OUT.

https://forms.gle/npbJP3RQws36mPB29

Senior Yard Signs cost $20 each, and we will also ensure that all families who want one will receive one, regardless of your ability to pay.

Preferred payment method is via Venmo to:

Juniors

It is a new requirement that each student provide documentation of receiving at least 2 Meningococcal conjugate vaccine or 1 if given after the age of 16yrs PRIOR to starting 12th grade.

Please email the school nurse with a scanned copy of the vaccination record to [email protected] or send in hard copies to drop off at the clinic and it will be added to your student’s file.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call Alisa Shapiro, RN at 804-354-6800 ext 1010

Do You Have Surplus Office/Craft Supplies? Donate Them to Stock the Library’s Project Supply Station!

If you have surplus office or craft supplies cluttering your cupboards, drawers, closets, or garage, please consider donating them to stock the library’s project supply station.

Useful items include the following (NO glitter please!):

Scissors
Glue stick
Glue
Tape
Construction paper
Cardstock
Scrapbook paper
Broad-tip markers
Sharpies
Colored pencils
Gel pens
Rulers
Stickers
Washi tape
And more… (but NO glitter please!)

Please do NOT purchase supplies. The Library Advisory Council is asking for these donations during the season of spring cleaning in the hopes of this being a win-win: decluttering for you and more project supplies for students. Thanks in advance for anything you decide to donate.

Senior Art Show

Kristin Bishop
Lucie Bouton
Syndey Brewer
Yeeva Chunnanond
Rachel Dai
Sadie Hall
Izzy List
Lambrini Phillos

From the Foundation

Let’s Finish Strong!

With fewer than 6 weeks left in the school year, the Foundation is working to ensure we are set up for success across the finish line and next year. If you have not already made a gift to the Foundation’s Annual Fund (or even if you have ;)), please consider doing so today! The Foundation allocated $225,000 in support of our school this year alone with even more requested for next year to turn our teachers’ ambitious visions into reality. Parent support is key to the Foundation’s mission of making important hallmarks of a Maggie Walker education possible that wouldn’t be otherwise, including academic team competition victories across the country, transformational class-related international and domestic travel, cutting-edge instructional enhancements, invaluable professional development for teachers, and crucial aid for students in need. EVERY MLWGS STUDENT benefits from Foundation dollars. Please be part of this amazing tradition of support by making whatever gift you can today.

Help Your Dragon Leave a Lasting Mark at MLWGS with a Bluestone Lobby or Walker Plaza Paver

The Governor’s School Foundation invites families to purchase inscribed pavers to leave a lasting tribute to your Dragon at the school. This is a great way to honor your student and support the great work done by the Foundation. You can purchase either a Bluestone paver inside the school lobby or a brick paver near the Maggie Walker bust on Walker Plaza (Lombardy Street side of the school). 2023-2024 ORDERS must be received by June 1. And all donated funds beyond the actual cost of the engraving are tax-deductible. Questions? Contact Ginger O’Neil GINGER 804-354-1566 or [email protected].

Trip to Peru

Use the link below to sign-up for the information meeting on Zoom at 6 pm on May 9^th:

RSVP Meeting Link: https://bit.ly/49ItMjP

Good News!

The AP French and French Independent Study students traveled to William and Mary this week to sit in 300 level French classes. Our students participated in classes filled with junior and senior French majors, very impressively many were able to be active contributors to the class discussions revolving around Francophone African literature or Critical Plant Theory. Many thanks to Professor Pacini and her classes for welcoming us and starting a fantastic new tradition for our upper-level French students.

Math SOLs are this week and AP testing starts next week. The SOL tests and finals are close behind. With the rush to the finish line the stress level on campus begins to rise. I encourage all of the members of the Dragon Nation to stay focused and finish strong. The great basketball coach John Wooten said “It’s not so important who starts the game but who finishes it.” Five weeks to go!

Have a great week and GO DRAGONS!!

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Senior Art Show

Kristin Bishop
Lucie Bouton
Syndey Brewer
Yeeva Chunnanond
Rachel Dai
Sadie Hall
Izzy List
Lambrini Phillos

Come meet these young artists and witness art so great it will leave you on cloud nine. This year’s senior show will be open May 10^th through May 18^th at ArtWorks Gallery Richmond, 320 Hull St. Richmond, VA. Buckle up, because we hope to see you in flight!

Juniors

Registration for College Boot Camp is now open! This optional program is for rising MLWGS seniors. Over three mornings or three afternoons (on August 5-7, 2024), students will prepare their Common Application and receive support on their college essays. The cost of the program is $75, but if this is prohibitive, students may reach out to their senior/college counselor. In addition to paying online (at www.mlwgs.com), students must reserve their spot on the SignUp Genius posted in the “College Information for the Class of 2025” Schoology group. The deadline to apply is May 31, 2024.

Library Activities related to Earth Week and National Poetry Month

The MLWGS Library will celebrate Earth Week and National Poetry Month with a delightful mix of lunchtime programming April 22-26 (activities in library unless noted otherwise):

Monday, April 22 – Nature Poetry Under the Tree – Read a favorite nature poem under the majestic oak on campus that has benches under it (rain location: library)
Tuesday, April 23 – Sashiko and Furoshiki – Learn about sashiko (visible stitching/mending) and furoshiki (gift-wrapping with reusable fabric) from Ms. Stinnett and Ms. Eshita
Wednesday, April 24 – Poetry Open Mic (not limited to nature poety)
Thursday, April 25 – Thru-Hiking the AT: Hear about Mr. Jordan’s transformative experience thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail
Friday, April 26 – The Joy of Birding: Learn about birding in and around RVA from Mr. Cashwell who has published a book about birding

Donate small tins to the MLWGS Library

If you have any small tins (about the size of an Altoids tin) that you don’t need, instead of recycling them, please donate them to the MLWGS Library for reuse in one of Ms. DeGroat’s periodic gratitude & affirmation activities.

Math Honor Society

Mu Alpha Theta (the mathematics honor society) is pleased to announce the following guest presentation on Monday, April 22, from 3:30 to 4:45 pm in the Forum. This is our second event for Math Awareness Month 2024!

Unraveling Cancer Risks with Math and AI

Speaker: Dr. Katherine Tossas, Virginia Commonwealth University

Join us for a captivating talk on how math and artificial intelligence (AI) can help us understand cancer risks. We’ll explore how mathematical models, specifically structural equation models, can reveal if factors like the vaginal microbiome might link race to the risk of precancerous cervical lesions. This means using math to see if and how certain biological factors can affect health based on race. We’ll also show you how to use publicly available data to find out which factors might be linked to worse cancer outcomes, like being diagnosed at a late stage. Plus, we’ll dive into how AI, especially techniques like decision trees, helps predict who might be more at risk for cancer. This session is designed to open your eyes to the power of data in medical science and inspire you about the potential of technology in healthcare. Get ready to see how math and AI are not just about numbers and coding but can make a real difference in understanding and fighting diseases like cancer.

Katherine Y. Tossas, Ph.D., M.S., is a cancer epidemiologist and an assistant professor in the Department of Health Behavior and Policy, at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Population Health (VCU). She is also a member of the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center (Cancer Prevention and Control research program) where she is the founding director for the Office of Catchment Area Data Access and Alignment. Dr. Tossas’s research is grounded in health equity, and centers on elucidating the role of the microbiome on disparate progression of precancerous lesions, specifically in the cervix and lung. She is a Principal Investigator for multiple foundation-funded, community-engaged research projects addressing systemic or structural inequities in cancer outcomes across Virginia. She is the recipient of multiple competitive grants, most recently an NCI K01 and a V Scholar Award. Dr. Tossas also provides mentorship opportunities to students through her COQUI Lab (Cancer Outcomes Queries to Understand Inequities).

NEHS Service Opportunity

Senior members of the National English Honor Society – your 4 hours of English-related service are due by May 1st. Here’s a great opportunity to serve our community:

The Richmond Public Library hosts afterschool homework and reading help sessions at the Broad Rock Library from 3:30-5:30. They are always looking for teen volunteers so this is an excellent opportunity for NEHS students to finish those hours! For more information, you can do any of the following:

Reach out directly to the event organizer, Heather Montgomery, at [email protected]
Contact the library 804-646-8488
Email me (Phoenix Unzueta at [email protected]) for more info!

Seniors

Lifetouch will be on campus during lunch on Tuesday, April 30 to take the official class photo with everyone wearing their cap and gown. The cost is $15. Photo information will be passed around next week, but here is a link for more details: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vC4oSiPRqe_W5WzYIx46BxySgqPa7BXD/view?usp=sharing

Your cap and gown order should have been shipped to your homes directly from Herff Jones. If you have not received your order, please contact the vendor directly: 804-598-0971. If you need assistance or have questions, please contact Ms. Sheppard, graduation coordinator at MLWGS: [email protected] or 804-354-6800 ext. 3304.

Senior Survey

The Senior Survey will be available on Naviance starting April 11th and must be completed by May 2nd as a part of the official check-out process. This survey will give the senior counselors information about each student’s post-graduation plans. The final college decision each senior reports by May 2nd will be printed in the graduation program. The scholarship offers that students report they will be accepting with be featured on the Senior Awards Bulletin (program). We also find it helpful to know about any scholarships students are declining so that we can stay abreast of institutions’ awarding trends. To access the Senior Survey, students should go to Naviance and click the arrow by their initials and then click “Surveys from My School.” When completed, select “Save and Finish.” If a student changes his/her college decision or receives/ chooses to accept a scholarship after submitting the form, please notify Counseling via the Google “College/Scholarship Change Form” that will be available in Schoology under the College Information for Class of 2024 group. We acknowledge that delayed financial aid packages this year may lead to later college decisions. We will make every effort to have the final college decision reflected in the graduation program, but it will need to go to print on May 14 in order to be ready by graduation. Similarly, late scholarship awards may not be able to be recognized at the Senior Awards Assembly although we still want to document them and share these accomplishments in other ways. Please contact Ms. Forquer or Dr. Loving if you have questions.

From the MLWGS PTSA

Attention MLWGS Senior Families:

Your senior Class Parent Representatives, along with the PTSA, are organizing Senior Yard Signs for our Class of 2024.

Please take a moment to answer a few questions via the link below to confirm details and DELIVERY ADDRESSES and if you want to OPT OUT.

Senior Yard Signs cost $20 each, and we will also ensure that all families who want one will receive one, regardless of your ability to pay.

If you need TWO SIGNS for multiple parent households we will need to know by MONDAY, APRIL 22. Otherwise, one sign will be counted for your Senior.

Senior Yard Signs will be delivered to your home by school volunteers in early May. Exact dates will follow.

We look forward to celebrating the hard work and accomplishments of your student in this way!

https://forms.gle/npbJP3RQws36mPB29

Preferred payment method is via Venmo to: @Veronica-Chornodolsky (last 4-digits of cell: 6940, and please include student’s name in the memo)
Additional payment method: Cash/Check (made out to MLWGS PTSA) can be delivered to Valenta Williams in the front office – in a sealed envelope including the students name and Senior yard signs on the outside.

Parents of Seniors

Please submit 1-3 baby pictures of your Senior here by May 1st. These photos will be used for a special presentation at Senior Night (Wednesday, May 22^nd). Reach out to Senior Class Sponsor Kara Love with any questions at [email protected].

Class of 2024 – Interest Form for Performing at Senior Night and/or Graduation

One of the many highlights of these events is showcasing the musical talent of the graduating class. We need vocalists to sing “The Star Spangled Banner” and additional performers/performance groups (instrumental and/or vocal) to set the tone for both events. Complete this interest form by Wednesday, April 24^th and mark your calendar for auditions, which will be held 4/29 and 4/30. Reach out to your Class Officers or your Senior Class Sponsor Ms. Love with any questions.

From the PTSA

There’s still time this school year to join the PTSA! Joining now will help us achieve our membership goals for this school year and also will allow us to use those funds to provide teachers and staff with the Teacher Appreciation Week of their dreams.

Check this membership list if you are not sure if you have joined the PTA this year.
Click the link below to join. Your dues will help us fund Teacher Appreciation Week which runs from May 6-May 10.

Join the PTSA! Click here to pay your dues!

Good News!

Junior Lucy Gates has been named an ACTR Russian Scholar Laureate for 2024. This is a big deal! Of the thousands of high-school students taking Russian across the country, only a handful (about 30) earn this distinction annually, and Lucy certainly deserved it. In two years of Russian study, Lucy has been a model of diligence and enthusiasm for the language and culture, blending innate linguistic talent with persistent hard work. Please join me in congratulating Lucy on this high honor.

We are thrilled to announce that our Mu Alpha Theta chapter has not one, but TWO, $4000 scholarship winners: Yash Saxena and Qingyuan (Eric) Hu! (Each chapter may only submit 2 applicants.) Please congratulate Yash and Eric when you see them.

This week ended with Grandparents Day and it got me thinking. We often forget to thank all of those around us who help make us who we are and provide our lives with purpose. To that end, I am reminded of what John F. Kennedy meant when he said “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” I challenge the Dragon Nation to show our gratitude to all of those who inspire us by living lives full of love, kindness, and meaning.

Have a great week and GO DRAGONS!!`

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Seniors

Graduation is at 6:00 PM on Wednesday May 29^th. The time on the invitations is incorrect.

AP Exam Cancellation Deadline

If a student would like to cancel an Advance Placement exam, the deadline to do so and receive a partial refund of $59 is Monday, April 15^th at 11:59pm. Students must complete the following form by that date and time: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdXsxnTcNHviC-tO35ojlnF3_lEhjOdxhdMxla44cxUztnemw/viewform. Refunds will be processed by early May. Please read the guidelines and statements about things to consider when dropping an AP exam written at the top of the form before making the final decision to cancel. After April 15^th, no refunds will be granted, BUT we need students to complete this form is they choose to not to test so that we can adjust proctor numbers accordingly. Contact Dr. Loving ([email protected]) with questions.

Senior Art Show

Kristin Bishop
Lucie Bouton
Syndey Brewer
Yeeva Chunnanond
Rachel Dai
Sadie Hall
Izzy List
Lambrini Phillos

Juniors

Visual Arts Boosters

We will be having our third and final Visual Arts Boosters meeting of the year Tuesday, April 16th at 5pm. If you’re interested in finding out more about what the VAB does or would like to get involved, please feel free to join us as we celebrate the past year and lay the groundwork for a successful year to come. The meeting will be held in room 131 (art room) at MLWGS.

During this hour long meeting, we’ll have final reports from membership, treasurer, PTSA, travel and auction reports. Teachers will give an update too. We’ll also celebrate our “graduating” board members and hopefully line up successors for next year. The meeting agenda can be found here.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1GC3UgByJBYahLLU1qumc6izgbzzKSymKveYD3MVXcN0/edit?usp=sharing

Service Academies

Virginia-wide Service Academy Day with Senator Mark Warner: April 20 (9:30AM-1:30PM)

“Attendees to this event at Randolph-Macon College will be provided a comprehensive overview of the United States service academies and their admission processes. In addition, students will be able to meet with officials from all five academies as
well as representatives from the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board, Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Richmond, ROTC programs at Randolph-Macon College and the University of Virginia, the United States
Marine Corps, the Virginia Military Institute, and the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets. Staff from Virginia Congressional offices will be available to answer questions regarding the application procedures for congressional nominations. To ensure you receive an invitation and the registration link for the event, please email [email protected]. For more information on the Academy Nomination Process, please visit www.warner.senate.gov.”

Virginia 4^th Congressional District Service Academy Day with Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan: May 18 (9AM-noon)

“This program (at the Gateway Dining & Event Center on the campus of Virginia State University), will provide an overview of the U.S. Service Academies’ admissions processes and Virginia’s ROTC programs. Representatives from Service Academies and ROTC programs will be present. Staff from the Offices of Congresswoman McClellan, Senators Warner and Kaine and other Virginia delegation members will be available to assist. For more information, please email [email protected]. For additional information, visit www.mcclellan.house.gov.”

FAFSA

In support of next week’s FAFSA Week of Action, SCHEV and VDOE are hosting a financial aid webinar titled “Get Money: FAFSA and the College Financial Aid Process,” designed to empower students and families on their college journey. This informative webinar will feature financial aid experts from various Virginia colleges. They will guide attendees through the FAFSA and college financial aid process as well as answer their questions.

Math Honor Society

Mu Alpha Theta (the mathematics honor society) is pleased to announce the following guest presentation on Wednesday, April 17, from 3:30 to 4:45 pm in the Forum. This is our first event for Math Awareness Month 2024!

Dr. Adrian Rice, Randolph-Macon College will be giving a talk entitled, “Commutativity and Collinearity: From Diophantus to Pappus via Hilbert.”

This talk will investigate the chain of mathematical and historical events that led to the discovery of an intriguing and remarkable connection between two seemingly distinct areas of mathematics—a link that had gone unnoticed for over 1500 years. It encompasses number theory, algebra, combinatorics, and projective geometry, and includes contributions from mathematicians of all kinds, from the most distinguished to the relatively unknown.

Adrian Rice is the Dorothy and Muscoe Garnett Professor of Mathematics at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia, where his research focuses on 19th- and early 20th-century British mathematics. In addition to papers on various aspects of the history of mathematics, his books include Mathematics Unbound: The Evolution of an International Mathematical Research Community, 1800–1945 (with Karen Hunger Parshall), Mathematics in Victorian Britain (with Raymond Flood and Robin Wilson), and most recently Ada Lovelace: The Making of a Computer Scientist (with Christopher Hollings and Ursula Martin). He is a five-time recipient of awards for outstanding expository writing from the Mathematical Association of America, and in 2021 he was awarded the Catherine Richards Prize by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications.

All students interested in mathematics are encouraged to attend. (Interested parents are welcome as well!) Questions? Please contact Lynn Foshee Reed ([email protected]).

National Honor Society Pre-Application

Are you a sophomore looking for more ways to get involved at school and/or seeking potential leadership opportunities? Consider joining the National Honor Society! Sophomores meeting certain selection criteria are now eligible to apply for early admission to NHS! To be eligible for NHS, sophomores and juniors should be on track with their service hours and have a weighted, cumulative mid-year GPA of 3.5. See the pre-application for specific details: https://forms.gle/78qovpb4VuCNMJwBA. The pre-application is due Friday, April 19^th. The advantage to applying early to NHS through the “pre-application” is a streamlined essay and the opportunity to be a part of NHS service activities such as the freshman mentoring program before the fall induction ceremony. NHS members who participate with the freshman mentoring program, called Bonsai Balance Seminars, will have their NHS service requirement waived and will also receive MLWGS service hours for their work with the program. MLWGS is seeking to grow this program next year and needs the help of motivated NHS members, particularly rising juniors. Contact Dr. Loving, NHS Sponsor, with questions at [email protected].

NEHS Service Opportunity

Senior members of the National English Honor Society – your 4 hours of English-related service are due by May 1st. Here’s a great opportunity to serve our community:

Reach out directly to the event organizer, Heather Montgomery, at [email protected]
Contact the library 804-646-8488
Email me (Phoenix Unzueta at [email protected]) for more info!

Seniors

Parents of Seniors

Class of 2024 – Interest Form for Performing at Senior Night and/or Graduation

Seniors have been informed via the “College Information for the Class of 2024” Schoology group that applications are now open for the following MLWGS-based scholarships:

-Dr. Smriti Bardhan Scholarship

-Priscilla Green Memorial Scholarship

-$10,000 Pogue Scholarship

-Rajan Scholarship

They are encouraged to read these posts and to consult the Resources section of this Schoology group for more information about these scholarships and others with spring deadlines.

The Foundation

Class of 2027 Parents!

Help Your Dragon Leave a Lasting Mark at MLWGS with a Bluestone Lobby or Walker Plaza Paver

Are You (or a Grandparent, Aunt, Uncle, Friend) Looking for a One-of-a-Kind Gift for Your Dragon?

The Governor’s School Foundation invites families of MLWGS seniors and graduates to purchase inscribed pavers to leave a lasting tribute at the school. This is a great way to honor your student and support the great work done by the Foundation. You can purchase either a Bluestone paver inside the school lobby or a brick paver near the Maggie Walker bust on Walker Plaza (Lombardy Street side of the school).

2023-2024 ORDERS ARE BEING TAKEN NOW

All donated funds beyond the actual cost of the engraving are tax-deductible.

PAVERS WILL BE ENGRAVED OVER THE SUMMER

Bluestone Lobby pavers (UP TO 6 LINES WITH 13 CHARACTERS/SPACES PER LINE): $1,000
Walker Plaza brick pavers (UP TO 3 LINES WITH 13 CHARACTERS/SPACES PER LINE): $500

Orders can be placed ONLINE or by check mailed to: Governor’s School Foundation, 1000 N. Lombardy St., Richmond, VA 23220.

Questions? Contact Ginger O’Neil GINGER 804-354-1566 or [email protected].

Good News!

We are proud to have had four MLWGS students accepted into this year’s All-Virginia Band and Orchestra: Gabriel Harding, Trip Taylor, Peize Wang, and Peter Yanovitch. The event is next week, April 18-20 at the Richmond Convention Center.

We are excited that several of our Dragons will be participating in the Governor’s World Language Academies this summer! Here is the list of students and their language:

French – Samuel Adalbert and Matthew Bond

German – Brinda Iyer

Spanish – Michael Klausner and Allison Lichtman

Well, we are in the quiet before the storm. Within the next few weeks, we will roll through AP and SOL testing. We will have award events, concerts, pep rallies, assemblies, finish out the spring sports season, and say goodbye to our seniors. Along the way, we will have some hurdles. Whether it is a tough test, a mad rush to finish strong, or an athletic challenge, it is easy to become overwhelmed or discouraged. How we set our minds will determine our outcomes. Winston Churchill said it best when he wrote “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” Dragons, we are in a time of opportunity!

Have a great week and GO DRAGONS!!

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School will be closed on Wednesday April 10^th in observance of Eid al-Fitr.

National Honor Society Pre-Application

Parents of Seniors!

Class of 2024 – Interest Form for Performing at Senior Night and/or Graduation

Seniors have been informed via the “College Information for the Class of 2024” Schoology group that applications are now open for the following MLWGS-based scholarships:

-Dr. Smriti Bardhan Scholarship

-Priscilla Green Memorial Scholarship

-$10,000 Pogue Scholarship

-Rajan Scholarship

They are encouraged to read these posts and to consult the Resources section of this Schoology group for more information about these scholarships and others with spring deadlines.

Juniors

Greetings, Junior Dragons and parents! A special “Spring Break” edition of the Junior Newsletter has been released on the “College Information for the Class of 2025” Schoology page (and also can be found attached to this email).

Wishing you a restful and joy-filled week-

Ms. Forquer and Dr. Loving

Senior/College Counselors

The Foundation

Class of 2027 Parents!

Help Your Dragon Leave a Lasting Mark at MLWGS with a Bluestone Lobby or Walker Plaza Paver

Are You (or a Grandparent, Aunt, Uncle, Friend) Looking for a One-of-a-Kind Gift for Your Dragon?

The Governor’s School Foundation invites families of MLWGS seniors and graduates to purchase inscribed pavers to leave a lasting tribute at the school. This is a great way to honor your student and support the great work done by the Foundation. You can purchase either a Bluestone paver inside the school lobby or a brick paver near the Maggie Walker bust on Walker Plaza (Lombardy Street side of the school).

2023-2024 ORDERS ARE BEING TAKEN NOW

All donated funds beyond the actual cost of the engraving are tax-deductible.

PAVERS WILL BE ENGRAVED OVER THE SUMMER

Bluestone Lobby pavers (UP TO 6 LINES WITH 13 CHARACTERS/SPACES PER LINE): $1,000
Walker Plaza brick pavers (UP TO 3 LINES WITH 13 CHARACTERS/SPACES PER LINE): $500

Orders can be placed ONLINE or by check mailed to: Governor’s School Foundation, 1000 N. Lombardy St., Richmond, VA 23220.

Questions? Contact Ginger O’Neil GINGER 804-354-1566 or [email protected].

Good News!

Congratulations to Lilith Holmes who competed in the “Brain Bee” that was held at the University of Richmond. Lilith captured First Place in the competition that essentially looks at all biological aspects of the human brain as well as the psychological disorders associated with the brain. Lilith will now travel to Orlando to compete at the national level. Well done and good luck!

The 4^th Marking Period is filled with AP and SOL testing, spring sports tournaments, end of year events, prom, and of course big senior events such as honors assemblies and graduation. There is a lot going on and it is really important that students keep their eyes and ears open or they could miss something. While I do the best that I can to communicate events and deadlines, it is ultimately the responsibility of the student to make sure that all interested parties know what is going on. Paul Meyer says that learning this skill of receiving communication and then passing along information is “The Human connection and a critical skill for personal and career success.”

Have a great week and GO DRAGONS!!

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This is a reminder that Friday March 29^nd is a student and staff holiday

Spring Break is the week of April 2^nd through April 5^th. School will resume on Monday April 8^th with Wednesday April 10^th being a holiday for Eid al-Fitr.

Women’s History Month Activities

Parents and students, please consider donating a book to help us recognize Women’s History Month! You may drop off the book in the main office with Ms. Valenta Williams.

What: Women’s History Month Book Exchange

When: Wednesday, March 27^th during lunch

Where: Library

All students (and staff) are invited!

Bring one of your favorite books by a female author, and pick another book brought in by a fellow MLWGS avid reader!

You can use a post it to share why you highly recommend it, or you can share out loud!

As the highlight of our Women’s History Month schoolwide activities and events, Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger will visit MLWGS on Monday, March 25^th from 11:10-12:20! She will share her uniquely informed perspective on the past, present, and future of women in Washington, the evolution of Congressional demographics, and the ever-changing face of Congress.

Special thanks to SAC parent representative, Ms. Bethany Brady Spalding, as well as sponsor Ms. NaKita Lee and students from TJ History Honor Society for facilitating and coordinating this wonderful opportunity!

Please direct questions about this event to Dr. Lisa Williams [email protected]

Last Transcribe-a-thon of 2023-2024 on Mar. 27 from 3:30-5pm in the Library

It’s not too late to join the more than 135 students who contribute to the MLWGS Library’s Transcribe Team! At our Q4 Transcribe-a-thon at 3:30pm on Wednesday, Mar. 27, Ms. Coleman from the Library of Virginia will be present to share a summer update and to recognize the three MLWGS volunteers who’ve logged the most transcription hours. If you’ve been racking up hours, make sure to attend!

What’s involved in transcribing, you ask? It’s a way to earn community service hours by transforming scans of historical documents, some written in cursive and others typed, into searchable text so they’re discoverable by historians, writers, scholars, and genealogists around the globe. There will be treats to fuel your work, friendly students to work beside, and Transcribe Team advisers to answer questions.

Sound good? If you haven’t already joined the Transcribe team – over 135 students strong this year – and plan to attend the Mar. 27th Transcribe-a-thon, sign in to your GSGIS Google account and sign up @ https://forms.gle/TV2kMZSoWHr5JykP9.

AFTER attending at least one on-campus Transcribe-a-thon, you qualify to submit a signed agreement to transcribe on your own schedule, a popular option. Once your agreement is processed and you receive a link to your personal transcription folder, you may earn up to 35 community service hours per school year for your transcription efforts as long as you maintain and submit proper verification/documentation of your work. This is the last chance to join the team before summer break.

Mindfulness Month

The Bring Change 2 Mind club is celebrating week three of Mindfulness Month by providing FREE hot cocoa and tea to students, faculty and staff, every day this week during lunch. Please come by and enjoy some music while you wait. The last week of Mindfulness Month will include a school-wide pajama day, equine therapy (yep, a horse will be on campus March 27^th during lunch, by sign-up only) and therapy dogs on Mach 28^th (also by sign-up only)!! Be on the lookout for links to the sign-up genius that will go live next week. The BC2M club wants to remind you that you have the power to create your own happiness, don’t forget to see the great value in what you bring to the world, be proud of the hard work you put into things, and you are extremely capable of overcoming difficult challenges!

Parents of Seniors!

Class of 2024 – Interest Form for Performing at Senior Night and/or Graduation

Robotics Team Updates

The Mech Tech Dragons (FRC 422) was very successful in competitions this Month.

The team competed at Patrick Henry High School March 1-3. They went undefeated in qualifications and finished second in the playoffs. In addition, the team earned the prestigious Engineering Inspiration Award for all the work they do in the community both during and outside of the competition season.

The team also completed at Churchland High School March 8-10. They went undefeated during this competition and placed 1^st in the Playoffs. The team was awarded the Excellence in Engineering award and Matthew Tran was named a Deans List finalist.

The team will next compete at FIRST Chesapeake District Championships at Virginia State University April 3-6. You can follow the competition on YouTube, The Blue Alliance and https://frc-events.firstinspires.org/2024/CHCMP

March is National Athletic Trainers Appreciation Month

I would like to take the opportunity to recognize our own Christy Turnbow! If you have ever had a student-athlete at MLWGS, then you know Christy. She is an outstanding professional with an extensive depth of knowledge of all things athletic. Her dedication to our school and students is top tier and we are so fortunate to have her as a part of our team. If you see her on the field, diamond, or courts be sure to give her a “well done” and let her know how much we appreciate her!

Good News!

The Maggie Walker Band was awarded unanimous superior ratings at this year’s state assessment – the highest possible award! Congratulations to all the young musicians who performed! The band is now a VBODA superior ensemble in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

The Maggie Walker Orchestra and Chorus also received straight superior ratings as well!

Maggie Walker Governor’s School is being recognized as a Blue Ribbon School of Musical Excellence in 2024! The VMEA Blue Ribbon Award is the highest award given to school music programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia and recognizes exceptional Band, Orchestra and Chorus programs. All musical disciplines must receive a rating of “Superior” at assessment to qualify for the award. This is the first Blue Ribbon awarded to MLWGS in the history of the school.

Congratulations, MLWGS musicians!

“Courage is the price that life exacts for granting peace” ~~Amelia Earhart

Have a great week and GO DRAGONS!!

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This is a reminder that Friday March 22^nd is a student holiday and a day of professional development for the faculty and staff.

Women’s History Month Activities

Parents and students, please consider donating a book to help us recognize Women’s History Month! You may drop off the book in the main office with Ms. Valenta Williams.

What: Women’s History Month Book Exchange

When: Wednesday, March 27^th during lunch

Where: Library

All students (and staff) are invited!

Bring one of your favorite books by a female author, and pick another book brought in by a fellow MLWGS avid reader!

You can use a post it to share why you highly recommend it, or you can share out loud!

Please direct questions about this event to Dr. Lisa Williams [email protected]

Security Update

Street cleaning will be done on Elizabeth Street next week. The far side on Monday, our side on Tuesday. Please do not park in those areas as they WILL tow you!

Valuables…Keep them out of view in your vehicles, leave them at home, secure them on your person, or keep them in a secured locker.

Lost and Found….going, going, gone by March 29.

We will have a clothing receptacle delivered by mid-March and placed on our property near the church on Elizabeth Street. Unclaimed clothes from the lost and found will eventually be placed in the receptacle as donations. If anyone wants to intentionally donate clothing they no longer want, please consider using that container as well. Profits from those donations come back to MLWGS.

As the weather is getting warmer and more folks are outside, please remember…Do not prop exterior doors open! If classes or students will work outside, please let Security know so that we can keep an eye on them.

Multicultural Assembly

The MLWGS Multicultural Assembly is almost here! Celebrating the various cultures and backgrounds of our diverse student body, this year’s assembly will be one you don’t want to miss! Parents can also enjoy the free event by attending the evening performance on March 20th at 6:30 PM in the auditorium. All are welcome! In-school performances will be held on March 21st. Can’t wait to see you all there!

Mindfulness Month

MLWGS Model UN

Anticipation is high for the Governor’s School Model UN Conference, which is just five days away! Even students who are not club members could earn volunteering hours by helping during GSMUN on Friday the 22^nd and Saturday the 23^rd, such as by directing our visiting delegates around the building or assisting with food or cleanup. We are especially excited to host Press Team Lead Kathryn Bondy from the US State Department’s office of International Organizations as our keynote speaker on Saturday, 3/23. Thank you to Mr. Banes, Mr. Bortz, Capt. Jordan and his security team, Mr. Mitchell, Dr. Smith, Ms. Snagg, and all our outstanding students and community members who helped make GSMUN XXVI possible!

Parents of Seniors!

Class of 2024 – Interest Form for Performing at Senior Night and/or Graduation

LAST CHANCE: Grandparents’ and Special Adults Day Guest Info

If you have not had a chance to share info about Grandparents or another special adult your Dragon would like to invite to school on the afternoon of Friday, April 19, please do so NOW. We will be addressing invitations tomorrow so this is a final call to fill out the contact info in the google form linked here.

The event will begin at 2:30 pm with a short presentation in the auditorium followed by a reception with guests’ students at 3:15pm. Students are encouraged to show their guests some of their favorite spots around the school once the halls clear. The final shuttle will depart for the parking lot at 4pm. Because parking is very limited, we will be running a shuttle from a satellite lot not within walking distance. Please consider dropping off and picking up your guests if this is problematic. More details about location to come closer to the event.

Denim and Dragons–Big Fun and Big Support for MLWGS!

The 22nd Annual Night of the Dragon is in the books! A HUGE thank you to everyone who made the evening such fun and helped the NOTD team raise $70,000 along the way. This special evening and the funds it raises for MLWGS would not be possible without our amazing group of volunteers, attendees, item donors, sponsors, and online bidders. We appreciate you! And a special thank you to Hardywood Craft Brewery for providing the fantastic venue and a round of beverages for all attendees.

Good News!

Blake Gilman (Class of 2024) received a full merit-based scholarship from the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program (CBYX) to spend an academic year attending a German high school while living with a German host family. In addition to participating in everyday school and family life in Germany, Blake will travel to Berlin to meet representatives from the U.S. Embassy and the Reichstag in his role as student ambassador. Wir gratulieren dir, Blake!

“If you really want something, and really work hard, and take advantage of opportunities, and never give up, you will find a way. Follow your Dreams.” ~~ Jane Goodall

Have a great week and GO DRAGONS!!

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Attention AP Testers

In preparation for May testing, all students planning to take one or more AP Exams are encouraged to log in to their MyAP account by March 15^th and confirm that ALL of their exams are present on their account. March 15^th is the College Board’s FINAL deadline to add an AP Exam. If one of your exams is missing from your list, March 15^th is the last day we can correct this. Additionally, if any student wishes to self-study for an exam that we administer at our school, March 15^th is also the final deadline to add this. Please complete the AP Exam Special Request Form (https://forms.gle/FTb2nBgbYSp5pqM47) and email Dr. Loving ([email protected]). Please note that if one or more of your exams is still unpaid, the cost is now $138.

Writing SOL

Writing SOL Testing Make-Ups will occur on March 15^th and March 18^th . March 15^th will be the multiple-choice portion and students will test during their World Lit 10 class period. March 18^th will be the essay portion and it will occur during 1^st period for all students. Teachers will share the exact location of where students will be taking the SOL.

Multicultural Assembly

MLWGS Model UN

The 26th iteration of Maggie Walker’s own Model UN conference, GSMUN, will be held on March 22-23! Our team has been working incredibly hard, and we’re so excited to bring a weekend of debate and diplomacy to more than 500 student delegates this year! We’re also partnering with the nonprofit Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and we’re on track to donate more than $10,000 to their incredible cause. However, we rely on community donations and support to fund staff training, meals, merchandise, delegate supplies, and more for the conference. If you’d like to support our students, please visit tinyurl.com/supportgsmun or learn more at our website, gsmun.net. Thank you so much for allowing us to continue this Maggie Walker legacy!

MLWGS Students: Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be overthrown in a coup? Do you like to yell at people? Need more community service hours? If you answered YES to any of those questions, then you should volunteer for Maggie Walker’s annual Model UN conference, GSMUN! The conference will be held on Friday, March 22nd, from 5:00-10:00 pm and Saturday, March 23rd, from 8:30 am-8:00 pm. Volunteer shifts are 4-5 hours each and hours can either be counted towards National Honor Society, your school service hour requirements, or a combination of the two (no double dipping!). There will be a cap of 5 hours that can be counted towards your NHS hours requirement. FREE breakfast and lunch will be provided for volunteers on Saturday, so we hope you can join us! Please sign up to volunteer at tinyurl.com/gsmunvolunteering.

Mindfulness Month

March is Mindfulness Month at MLWGS!! Our very own club, Bring Change 2 Mind, put together a calendar of events that we hope will engage our students, faculty and staff into a space of calm during a demanding time of the school year where individuals can focus, center their sense of self and overall generate positive mental wellbeing during the school day. Next week is ART WEEK! Please check the school calendar and Schoology for more details on events taking place throughout the week. Daily affirmation: We want to remind you that your life is bursting with love, happiness, and prosperity!

Good News!

Congratulations to the MLWGS students who participated and won awards at the Metro Richmond Science and Engineering Fair on Saturday, March 2nd.

Devesh Kumar (’24) – won Second Place in the category of Robotics and Intelligence for his project ‘An Ensemble Approach to Model-Based Reinforcement Learning for Robotic Control’.

Aditya Badhrayan (’25) – won Second place award in the category of Behavioral & Social Sciences for his project “Diet on Parkinson’s Disease: Can Intermittent Metabolic Switching ameliorate locomotor impairments caused by alpha-synuclein aggregation?”

Daniel Zhang (’25) – won third place in the category of Animal Sciences for his project ‘Machine Learning Based Morphological Assessment for in Ovo Sexing of Chicken Eggs’.

Deepanshi Kumar (’26) – participated in the category of Cellular & Molecular Biology

Amogh Saunshimath (’25) – participated in the category of Robotics and Intelligence.

Arinan Johri (’26) – participated in the category of Animal Sciences.

“Never underestimate the power of a girl with a book.” Ruth Bader Ginsberg

Have a great week and GO DRAGONS!!

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March 5^th

The Regional School Board has approved a calendar change and Tuesday March 5^th, 2024 is now a Student and Staff Wellness Day. The reason for this change is that MLWGS hosts two voting precincts, and it is difficult to hold school during a major primary election. Stay home and be well!

English SOL Test Administration:

All Sophomores will be taking the English Writing SOLs the first week of March. These are two exams (1-multiple choice and 1-essay) taken over two class blocks. Testing days will be as follows:

Monday, March 4

Wednesday, March 6

Thursday, March 7, and

Friday, March 8

Makeup tests will be administered on an as-needed basis the following week.

Youth Art and Music Month

Do you love art and music? Then March is the month for you! Youth Art and Music Month helps to raise awareness of the importance of the Visual and Performing Arts in education. Maggie Walker Governor’s School will be celebrating with a student art and music extravaganza Wednesday March 6th from 5:45 – 9:00pm. Beautiful student artwork will be on display while our talented musicians perform throughout the evening. This event is open to everyone, so please join us help celebrate Youth Art and Music Month at MLWGS. Light refreshments provided.

Attention AP Testers

Class of 2024

You should have received your cap, gown, and tassel from Herff Jones if you ordered them back in October. Ms. Sheppard emailed students (and parents of) who did not place an order as of February 13. If you already had a cap and/or gown from a previous MLWGS graduate, don’t forget to order a tassel. Graduation regalia will be needed as early as April 30 for the group photo. If you have any questions about your order, please contact Herff Jones directly: [email protected]. If you have any questions about graduation, please email the graduation coordinator, Ms. Sheppard ([email protected]) or class sponsor, Mrs. Love ([email protected])

Mindfulness Month

The Foundation

Night of the DragonTicket Sales End March 4!Items Bidding Begins Monday!Preview items now and get ready to bid beginning Monday!

Get your tickets today for this fun-filled event set for Saturday, March 9, at Hardywood Craft Brewery Richmond. Don’t miss this wonderful evening with the Dragon family and your chance to win 200+ amazing items while supporting Maggie Walker!

So Many Items to Win from Anywhere

This year’s auction items include OBX, river, mountain, and Orlando vacation home stays; reserved 2024 Graduation tickets; Date Nights for a Year; private tours; dinner and a MLWGS show for 12; a Yeti cooler and craft beer package; private wine tastings and winery membership; beautiful, one-of-a-kind art and jewelry; myriad event tickets and gift certificates galore; our signature gift baskets; a variety of classes and services; getaway packages; one-of-a-kind items from alumni and Dragon families; and so much more.

Sponsor a Teacher Ticket for $75 and give one of our amazing teachers the gift of this wonderful evening!

Grandparents’ and Special Adults Day Guest Info Deadline is Friday, March 8

On the afternoon of Friday, April 19 the Governor’s School Foundation will sponsor Maggie Walker’s annual Grandparents’ and Special Adults Day. Grandparents or other special adults of all current Dragons are invited to come to campus, hear a bit from Dr. Lowerre about our wonderful programs, and take a tour with their grandchild(ren) at the end of the day.

If your Dragon would like to invite their grandparents/special guest, please fill out the google form linked here by March 8 so we can create invites.

Important Parking Info: Because parking is very limited, we will be running a shuttle from a satellite lot not within walking distance. Please consider dropping off and picking up your guests if this is problematic. More details about location to come closer to the event.

Good News!

Congratulations to the Intro to Engineering students who participated in the American Society of Civil Engineering Richmond Chapter Popsicle Stick competition on Sunday, February 25, 2024. The following students won awards: Aiden Vick, Most Aesthetic Bridge, and Arjun Majety and Owen Keating, Innovation Award. In the category of Most Efficient Bridges, 3^rd place, Luke Mauzy and Nayan Mehta, 2^nd place, Molly Morrison and Rioke Obrimah, 1^st place, Matthew Tran and Parth Tornekar.

On Saturday, February 24, our students Sam McNamee, Timothy Porter, Yash Saxena, and Risshi Naavaal, with support from Rachel Dai and Lex Smirnow, competed in the Class 3 VHSL Scholastic Bowl state championship at Jamestown High School. Maggie Walker faced off against tough teams from Rockbridge County High School in Lexington, Lafayette High School in Williamsburg, and Hidden Valley High School in Roanoke, but ultimately, our students finished the day with another undefeated record, clenching the Class 3 state championship for the second consecutive year! The students will now be turning their attention to practicing for two Quiz Bowl national championships: the HSNCT’s National Academic Quiz Tournament (NAQT) in Atlanta, GA on May 24-26 and PACE’s National Scholastic Championship (NSC) in Reston, VA on June 8-9.

As we begin the celebration of Women’s History Month, I’d like to end this message with a quote from Malala Yousafzai. She said, “When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.”

Have a great week and GO DRAGONS!!

022524

March 5^th

Course Registration will take place on Thursday, February 29^th during 2^nd period.

Students will have received Course Registration forms (and VCU forms if applicable) from their counselor. Teacher signatures are required for plus, Dual Enrollment, Pre-AP, Advanced Placement, and INTENSIVE courses on the Couse Registration Form. A parent signature is required for the Course Registration Form and the VCU packet for Dual Enrollment courses (please make sure to sign the registration form, in-state tuition form, and honor form). Extra copies of the forms are available in the counseling office and the Counseling website.

Please contact your child’s counselor if you have questions.

9^th: Ms. Kelly Ndayizigiye ([email protected])

10^th: Ms. Joy Cobb ([email protected])

11^th: A-K: Ms. Kim Forquer ([email protected])

L-Z: Dr. Rachel Loving ([email protected])

English SOL Test Administration:

All Sophomores will be taking the English Writing SOLs the first week of March. These are two exams (1-multiple choice and 1-essay) taken over two class blocks. Testing days will be as follows:

Monday, March 4

Wednesday, March 6

Thursday, March 7, and

Friday, March 8

Makeup tests will be administered on an as-needed basis the following week.

2024-2025 MLWGS School Operating Budget Proposal Soliciting Public Comment

During the MLWGS Regional School Board meeting on February 15th, the director presented a proposal for the academic year 2025 operating budget.

The Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School Administration, in conjunction with the Superintendent’s Steering Committee and the Finance Steering Committee (comprised of the Chief Financial Officers from Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, Powhatan, and Richmond) worked to finalize this operating budget proposal.

The FY25 budget proposal can be viewed here, created on baseline financial data received from the VDOE to date, but subject to change with the upcoming conclusion/adoption of the Virginia General Assembly State budget with the Governor’s signature of approval.

Persons wishing to submit their feedback to the Regional School Board regarding the proposed FY25 operating budget may use this link to submit their remarks or email them to the Board Clerk by Wednesday, March 20, 2024, @ 10:00 am. A separate comment form will be created for other matters before the board at their March meeting.

The Department of International Languages is pleased to announce a special event

Our combined international-language honor society inductions will be held on Thursday, April 25, starting at 11:15 AM, in the Auditorium. Our societies’ sponsors and officers look forward to acknowledging the newest generation of accomplished international-language scholars, as determined by the criteria of our national honor societies. Parents are invited to join us for this one-hour combined ceremony, as we celebrate our highest achievers.

MLWGS Drama presents

“GUYS AND DOLLS”

A Musical Fable of Broadway

Based on a Story and Characters of Damon Runyon

Music and Lyrics by FRANK LOESSER

Book by JO SWERLING and ABE BURROWS

Would you do just about anything for a thousand bucks? Nathan Detroit would too. When he bets Sky Masterson $1000 that he can’t take the very religious Sarah Brown to Havana Cuba, Sky, who loves a good gamble, agrees. Nathan is sure he’s won the bet, until something unexpected happens: love is added to the bet. Follow the story of one unlikely couple, and one who’s been together 14 years, all connected through gambling and lies, at MLWGS Drama’s production of Guys and Dolls, directed by Rick St. Peter with musical direction by Kelsey Snyder and choreography by Keira Kinnier and Josie Mendicino.

The show runs Thursday, 2/29, through Saturday, 3/2, at 7pm each night. Tickets are $12 for adults, $7 for students and alumni, and free for faculty and staff. Tickets can be purchased with cash at the door or in advance online at https://gofan.co/app/school/VA7818?activity=Performing%20Arts.

GUYS & DOLLS is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

Night of the Dragon Update—Item Previews Starting, Tickets Selling Fast!

Night of the Dragon is less than 2 weeks away. Tickets are selling fast and likely to sell out!

Get your tickets today for this signature MLWGS event with a casual twist this year—Denim & Dragons–set for March 9 at Hardywood Richmond.

This fun-filled evening with the Dragon family is your chance to win amazing Live Auction items, including vacation stays, reserved seats for graduation, Date Nights for a Year, and more.

We also have 150+ Deluxe and Silent Auction items that will be available on our mobile bidding platform. You can check out a sample of some of these auction items beginning tomorrow! Check back often because we will be adding lots more.

And there’s still time to show your appreciation for our teachers by purchasing Thank a Teacher Tickets. Each $75 ticket allows one of our amazing teachers to enjoy this fun evening for free.

Grandparents’ and Special Adults Day is April 19

If your Dragon would like to invite their grandparents/special guest, please fill out the google form linked here by March 8 so we can create invites.

Good News!

Congratulations to the Forensics team for finishing 2^nd in the VHSL Regional Tournament Sweepstakes. Individual Congrats to 1^st place winners: Vrinda Shah in Extemp; Emma Lindsey in Impromptu; and Sanika Kumar in Storytelling; Hasika Aaravabhoomi for 2^nd place in Prose and Jaymes Milston for 3^rd place in Dramatic Interpretation. Go Dragons!!

Congratulations to the MW Swim and Dive team for their exceptional performance at the State meet this weekend. Shout outs to Emily Rucker for 2^nd place in diving, Elizabeth O’Shea for 2^nd place in the 500 Free, Crash Ackerly for 2^nd place in the 100 free and an All-American time and new VHSL Class 3 Record in the 100 Backstroke and Christine Datovech for her repeat 1^st place in the 50 Free and All-American time of 23.40. Congratulations to everyone.

Congratulations to these students who received recognition for their performance on the 2024 National German Exam. This challenging yearly exam tests students’ ability to read and comprehend authentic print, audio, and video materials in German. Students who receive Gold recognition may go on to compete for a three-week summer study scholarship trip to Germany. Wir gratulieren euch!

German Level 4

Matilda Frantz (Gold)

Sahasra Boggarapu (Bronze)

Skylar Hunnewell (Achievement)

Benny Lefkowitz (Achievement)

Molly Morrison (Achievement)

Nikhita Saravanan (Achievement)

Samuel Wheeler (Achievement)

German Level 3

Mitchell Shelton (Silver)

Joel Pritchard (Achievement)

Joseph Vinson (Achievement)

German Level 2

Ananthu Anish (Gold)

Olin Gunlicks (Silver)

Jaeda Perry (Silver)

Samuel Adalbert (Bronze)

Emma Gaines (Achievement)

Sabina Gunlicks (Achievement)

Jahan Hassan (Achievement)

Maggie Josefiak (Achievement)

Hahn Le (Achievement)

Kaitlynn Morgan (Achievement)

Ok, I realize that this quote may not be the most inspirational one that I have ever posted, but I wanted to close out Black History Month with quote from Muhammad Ali. Ali was the quintessential athlete whose legacy and influence stretched so much further than the ring. At one time, he was the most recognizable person on the planet. In addition to his athletic prowess, he was an activist fighting for civil rights, opposing the war in Vietnam, and working for social justice all over the world. I could choose so many great quotes from him, as he was indeed The Greatest, but here is one that I have always loved. “It’s just a job. Grass grows, birds fly, waves pound the sand, and I beat people up.”

Have a great week and GO DRAGONS!!

021824

MLWGS will be closed tomorrow, February 19^th, in observance of President’s Day. School will resume on Tuesday February 20^th.

March 5^th

The Regional School Board has approved a calendar change and Tuesday March 5^th, 2024 is not a Student and Staff Wellness Day. The reason for this change is that MLWGS hosts two voting precincts, and it is difficult to hold school during a major primary election. Stay home and be well!

Athletics

Any athlete interested in playing a Spring sport starting on February 20, 2024 must have a current VHSL physical and all paperwork, https://mlwgs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/VHSL-Forms.pdf Once completed please send to [email protected] all 9 pages as a one-page document PDF file.

The Foundation

Get Your Night of the Dragon Tickets While They Last!

Night of the Dragon Auction tickets are selling quickly. Don’t miss your chance to attend this annual highlight for Dragon parents (past and present), staff, alumni, and friends. This year’s event is taking place on March 9th in the Barrel Room at Hardywood Richmond. Each Night of the Dragon ticket includes 1 Drink Ticket (courtesy of Hardywood!), BBQ Buffet Dinner (with options for all), Live and Silent Auction, and Wonderful Student Entertainment during this great evening of fun with our Dragon family. This year’s line up of amazing Live and Silent Auction items already includes: OBX, mountain, and river home stays, reserved tickets for MLWGS graduation, theater and event tickets, Date Nights for a Year, a mini kegerator, one-of-a-kind items by MLWGS alumni, parents, and students, unique experiences and adventures in and around RVA, many lovely works of art and jewelry, our ever-popular themed gift baskets, and so much more–all to benefit our amazing Dragons!

Grandparents’ and Special Adults Day is April 19

If your Dragon would like to invite their grandparents/special guest, please fill out the google form linked here by March 8 so we can create invites.

Good News!

This past Saturday, the top eight quiz bowl teams in the region came to Maggie Walker to compete in the regional VHSL Scholastic Bowl tournament. Our students Sam McNamee, Timothy Porter, Yash Saxena, and Brenden Stremler finished the day with an undefeated record, coming in first place and earning a spot at the state tournament in Williamsburg later this month. Cheer our team on as we defend our state championship title on February 24th!

“No one is born hating another person because of the color of their skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” Nelson Mandela

Have a great week and GO DRAGONS!!

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FY 25 MLWGS Budget

The public hearing for the AY25 proposed operating budget will be held on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at 9:00 am in Room 153 (Adjunct Classroom) during the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School Regional Board meeting.

Douglass Day service opportunity on Feb. 14^th

On Wednesday, 2/14, Frederick Douglass’s chosen birthday, the MLWGS Library will celebrate Douglass Day by hosting a special transcription event in the library during lunch and 5^th & 7^th study blocks.

Even if you have no transcription experience, you’re invited to earn community service time by transcribing letters from Frederick Douglass Papers: General Correspondence, 1841 to 1912, a Library of Congress collection which includes public letters, family moments, and more, providing insights into many versions of Frederick Douglass across many parts of his storied lifetime fighting for Black rights and citizenship.

We’ll be one of more than 130 sites around the country participating in the event. Our collective goal is to transcribe as many of the nearly 9,000 letters in the special collection we’ll have access to that day.

If you are new to transcription, please be in the library @ 11:45am for a 15-minute training before the livestream begins.

Space is limited. To reserve a spot, complete this super-short sign-up form: https://forms.gle/k58WjjtFMyZvhC6HA

If you have questions, see Ms. DeGroat or Ms. Aparna, co-coordinators.

Get The Writing Help You Need!

The Dragon Writing Center is open during lunch every Monday through Thursday in room 228. No sign-up is required – just walk in and get the help you need to become a better writer from our talented NEHS tutors!

Security

Last chance for brown locker and remaining items in Concessions!

Last chance for January Lost and Found items!

Items will be disposed of shortly.

Class of 2025 students and parents/guardians:

Senior/college counselors Dr. Rachel Loving and Ms. Kim Forquer are preparing to meet with each of their 11^th graders individually for 45-minute Junior College Meetings over the next several weeks, beginning Tuesday, February 20th. Parents are encouraged but not required to attend. Students should set this appointment with their parents on the SignUp Genius link that will be released in the Resources section of the “College Information for the Class of 2025” Schoology group on Monday morning. Please note that, prior to College Kick-Off, all 11^th graders received a “green folder” filled with materials related to the college admissions process; parents, if you have not seen this yet, please ask your student to review this with you.

Visual Arts Boosters

This is just a quick reminder that the second meeting of the Visual Arts Boosters takes place at 5pm on Tuesday Feb. 13th, 2024 in the art room (room 131) and should last about an hour. I hope you can attend.

As always, we’ll have a membership, treasurer, PTSA, auction, and travel report. Teachers will give an update too! I’ll give a summary of our Scholastic Art Awards for the year and with March being Youth Art Month, we’ll take some time to discuss the logistics of that event including the VAB coordination the snacks for the opening on Wed. March 6th.

While the agenda for the meeting is still being developed, please feel free to send along any items you would like to discuss at the meeting. Ultimately, the finalized agenda for our meeting lives here.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1GC3UgByJBYahLLU1qumc6izgbzzKSymKveYD3MVXcN0/edit?usp=sharing

Thanks for your support and please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. I hope to see you next Tuesday on Feb. 13th!

Walker Way World Travelers

Represent Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School on your international trips during Spring Break, Summer, and/or future travels by purchasing a Walker Way World Travelers t-shirt. The shirts are $20, and the proceeds go to the 2024 ME Europe Trip. Use this link to purchase by Wednesday, February 28th:

https://www.customink.com/fundraising/wwwt?utm_campaign=desktop-post-launch-v3&utm_content=wwwt&utm_medium=social&utm_source=copy-link

Please see Ms. Cobb or Ms. Lee if you have any questions.

ALASH Throat Singers

You’ve heard people sing melodies, but have you ever heard one person sing multiple notes AT THE SAME TIME? Come to the Black Box on Monday, Feb. 12, during 5^th period, if your schedule permits, to hear ALASH, a world-famous throat-singing troupe from Tuva. We guarantee you’ve never heard anything like this.

The Foundation

Get Your Night of the Dragon Tickets Now!

The Night of the Dragon Auction is one of the highlights each year for Dragon parents (past and present), staff, alumni, and friends. This year’s event is taking place on March 9th in the Barrel Room at Hardywood Richmond. Each Night of the Dragon ticket includes 1 Drink Ticket (courtesy of Hardywood!), Dinner, Live and Silent Auction, Wonderful Student Entertainment, and a great evening of fun with our Dragon family!

This year’s line up of amazing Live and Silent Auction items already includes: OBX, mountain, river, and lake home stays, reserved tickets for MLWGS graduation, theater and event tickets, a mini kegerator, one-of-a-kind items by MLWGS alumni, parents, and students, unique experiences and adventures in and around RVA, lovely art and jewelry, our ever-popular themed gift baskets, and so much more!

Can’t make it on March 9? You can still register to bid in the Silent Auction and purchase Thank a Teacher tickets.

Taylor Teaching Award: A Wonderful MLWGS Tradition

Congratulations to English teacher John Piersol on winning the 2024 Patricia E. Taylor Teaching Award for International Experiences.

The Taylor Teaching Award is given annually in honor of Pat Taylor–a beloved, retired Governor’s School teacher who was instrumental in the school’s founding. It provides a $7500 grant to allow a MLWGS teacher to design and embark on a summer international travel experience that will directly impact and enrich their classroom instruction. Winners are selected by the Taylor Teaching Award Selection Committee, which is an external group made up of experts in gifted education who have no affiliation with MLWGS. Past winners have traveled to Germany, Turkey, Russia, China, South Africa, Swaziland, Morocco, Spain, India, England and, most recently, Tanzania, Amsterdam, and Paris and returned to use their experience to enhance their classroom instruction.

The Foundation has recently received a $20,000 challenge grant from The Bob and Anna Lou Schaberg Foundation to support future Taylor Teaching Awards. In order to receive the funds, the Foundation must raise an additional $20,000 for the program. Doing so, would provide funding for the next 5+ award cycles. If you would like to make a donation to help the Foundation continue to provide this wonderful honor to our teachers, please do so online (credit card, venmo, paypal) or by check and note that your gift is to support the Taylor Teaching Award.

Athletics

Good News!

This past weekend of February 2–4, the MLWGS Model UN team sent a delegation to Blacksburg to participate in Virginia Tech’s inaugural conference, VTMUNC I. Our delegates collaborated to solve real-world problems in a variety of committees, such as world health and vaccination, stability in the Middle East, and economic sustainability of small island states; historical crises set during the American Revolution, Hawaiian Coup of 1893, and 1956 Suez Canal Crisis; as well as fantastical simulations of diplomacy involving Barbie and Ken, wizard and muggles, Greek demigods vs. the Roman Legion, the Earth Empire and the Fire Nation, Sith and space pirates, and an Oceans 11-style heist to steal the Mona Lisa. In all of these exciting and highly competitive committees, our Maggie Walker delegates excelled, honed their diplomatic skills, and represented our school well. Our whole delegation enjoyed the experience at VTMUNC and made their sponsors proud, but we want to especially highlight these award winners:

Verbal/Diplomatic Commendations:

RJ Matos
Ethan Roerink

Honorable Mentions:

Chris Qian
Kushal Gowda
Priya Kumar
Imran Ali Rassiwalla
Alex Le

Outstanding Delegate:

Aditya Badhrayan
Alex Percy

Best Delegate:

Sonia Chornodolsky
Sriyutha Morishetty
Winston Crane

With all of the individual awards it is also no surprise that our team won the Outstanding Large Delegation award! Well done and congratualations!

Last weekend, 11 Maggie Walker physics students led by team captain Eric Hu went to NC State University to compete in the 17^th annual United States Invitational Young Physicists Tournament against students from other schools around the world, including China, Kyrgyzstan, and other countries. Our students received the highest score ever for a first-year team and received the tournament director’s medal for being the highest scoring team that just missed being in the finals. They ended up placing fifth in the world overall, and they placed third in the world for the poster presentation part of the tournament, which was presented by Arjun Azhagappan.

We’d like to offer huge congratulations for a job well done to this mostly senior squad with students Eric Hu (’24-Henrico), Arjun Azhagappan (’24-Chesterfield), Samuel Choi (’24-Haover), Yash Saxena (’24-Henrico), Nicholas Pham (’24-Chesterfield), Gabriel Harding (’24-Richmond), Yeeva Chunnanond (’24-Hanover), Aliya Ather (’24-Chesterfield), Devesh Kumar (’24-Henrico), Rowan Mueller (’24-Chesterfield), and Ash Duimstra (’25-Hanover)! Students were accompanied by their teacher, Mr. Drew Austen.

The USIYPT is an international physics research/debate tournament. In preparation, schools all prepare thorough investigations of the same four tournament problems. Tournament competition consists of “physics fights” in which presenters are questioned by an opposing team. The resulting conversation models the search for scientific truth as practiced at professional conferences. This year’s problems focused on magnetic collisions, creating a 3-D rendering of the moon, spinning water droplet patterns, and using halteres to improve long jump performance.

I would like to end this message with a quote from Justice Thurgood Marshall, the first Black Justice on the U.S. Supreme court who had previously argued the landmark desegregation case Brown V. The Board of Education of Topeka. He wrote, “Racism separates, but it never liberates. Hatred generates fear, and fear once given a foothold binds, consumes, and imprisons. Nothing is gained from prejudice. No one benefits from racism.”

Have a great week and GO DRAGONS!!

020424

Lockdown Drill Notification

As required by the Code of Virginia, this serves as a notification that MLWGS will conduct a Lockdown Drill within the next 24 hours. The drill will be announced and will take about 5 minutes.

Security Update

Students and staff are reminded to keep their valuables secured at all times. Unfortunately, while we have a strong Honor Code, we have experienced a couple of thefts over the past month where valuables were left unlocked and unattended.

CALENDAR UPDATE: ***Pending School Board Approval*** Tuesday, March 5–School Closed for Student Holiday for VA Presidential Primary As you may know, the Virginia presidential primary will be held on Tuesday, March 5. As many of our Greater Richmond area schools will serve as polling places, MLWGS being one of them, will be open to the public for voting. As voter turnout is expected to be significant, in the interest of safety and for logistical reasons, March 5 will be a teacher and student holiday. Because our focus this school year has been on mindfulness and wellness, we are encouraging students and teachers to use this time to create a list of work or school related tasks and to also be mindful of emotional and mental wellbeing. Being mindful means creating a schedule for the day that includes catching up on assignments, working on projects, and also taking breaks. Break time could include: going for a walk, journaling, doing breathing exercises, meditating, reading…or really anything that will help you relax and decompress to get refueled, refocused, and re-energized. Our building will remain open on March 5th from 8:30 AM to 4 PM. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility, and we hope that this advance notice will provide adequate time to plan accordingly.

National School Counseling Week

National School Counselors Week 2024, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), will take place from February 5th to February 9th, 2024. The theme for this special week is “School Counseling: Standards-Based, Student-Focused”. National School Counselors Week aims to draw public attention to the unique role of school counselors in the US education system and to showcase how students benefit from their services.

This week provides an opportunity to acknowledge the significant contribution our school counselors make to support students in achieving academic success and planning for their future careers. It is a time to recognize the hard work of school counselors in implementing comprehensive school counseling programs that are essential in preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century.

We hope you will join us in recognizing our dedicated counselors Dr. Rachel Loving, Ms. Kimberly Forquer, Ms. Joy Cobb, Ms. Kelly Ndayizigiye, and our School Social Worker Ms. Erin Ortiz. Our counselors are assisted by Mr. Lucas Veale, Registrar.

MLWGS Valentine’s Dance is Friday, February 9

The Valentine’s Dance will be held on February 9th from 7:00 to 10:00 pm. All Maggie Walker students are invited to attend, but no guests will be allowed.

Tickets are $5.

Tickets may be purchased online from February 6-9, 2023. If you have any questions, please contact the sophomore class sponsor, Kelly Ndayizigiye at [email protected] .

Get The Writing Help You Need!

Athletics

The Foundation

Night of the Dragon Tickets on Sale Now!

Today’s the Day! You can now purchase tickets for the 22nd Annual Night of the Dragon!

This year’s line up of amazing Live and Silent Auction items already includes:

Vacation home stays (OBX, mountain, river, and lake homes)

* Reserved tickets for MLWGS graduation

* Theater and event tickets

Custom items by MLWGS alumni, parents, and students
Unique experiences and adventures in and around RVA

* Lovely art and jewelry

* Our ever-popular themed gift baskets

* And so much more!

Can’t make it on March 9? You can still register to bid in the Silent Auction and purchase Thank a Teacher tickets.

Huge THANKS to HARDYWOOD for being this year’s venue sponsor!

We look forward to seeing you at this wonderful event benefiting our MLWGS students and teachers.

Good News!

The English department is honored to announce that once again Scholastics has recognized and awarded several of our talented writers. This year’s regional competition included over 150 entries for writing in ten different categories. Below is a list of winners:

Crash Ackerly	“Cloth; Culture; and Coexistence: Unraveling France’s Headscarf Quandary”	Critical Essay	Gold Key and American Voices Medal Nominee
Isaiah Hathaway	“On a House”	Short Story	Honorable Mention
Natalie Koehn-Wu	“Baby”	Short Story	Honorable Mention
Lucy Gates	“I Am”	Personal Essay & Memoir	Silver Key
Natalie Koehn-Wu	“My Feminist Journey”	Personal Essay & Memoir	Silver Key
Natalie Koehn-Wu	“Worm Gandhi”	Personal Essay & Memoir	Silver Key
Natalie Koehn-Wu	“Buttercups”	Short Story	Silver Key
Avery Redmond	“On Anxiety”	Personal Essay & Memoir	Silver Key
Brewer Sydney	“Bouquet of Feathers; Flowers; and Fish”	Portfolio Category(Writing)	Silver Key
Priya Kumar	“Hi; My Name Is “Gifted”: The Damage of the Smart Label”	Critical Essay	Honorable Mention
Priya Kumar	“diary of a space freak”	Poetry	Honorable Mention
Mercedes Luna	“I Learned C.R.E.A.M. Before My ABCs”	Personal Essay & Memoir	Honorable Mention
Hareem Mubashar	“On the Importance of Desi Dramas”	Personal Essay & Memoir	Honorable Mention
Yan Angela Yu	“Loving Hell”	Personal Essay & Memoir	Honorable Mention

For all participants and their families and friends:

From February 2^nd at 5pm through February 19^th: A show of GOLD KEY + SILVER KEY ART + WRITING works +Projections of Honorable Mention workswill be held at The Visual Arts Center of Richmond. Writing awardeeswill have their names on the wall and the work will be available to read.
- All are welcome!
- The Visual Arts Center of Richmond is located at 1812 West Main St.
- They are open from 9am to 9pm every day of the week.

PIN/WRITING BOOK PICKUP:

Beginning February 2^nd: Students can pick up their Gold + Silver Key pins and Educators can pick up their Educator pins at VisArts.
Gold Key writing winners will be notified when the printed book of works are ready for pickup.

CELEBRATIONS:

IN-PERSON Reception for ALL (Gold, Silver, Honorable Mention) award winners: February 17th 1-4pm at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond- 1812 West Main St. (invitation to come)
IN-PERSON Ceremony for Gold Key winners of ART and WRITING. February 17^th 2pm at Dogwood Middle School (formerly Binford middle): 1701 Floyd Avenue (next to VisArts) An invitation will follow in the coming days, but mark your calendars now.

Gold Key winners will have their submissions sent to the next stage of competition in New York, and National Awards will be announced later this spring.

Scholastics is the nation’s longest-running competitive recognition program for young artists and writers, and MLWGS is proud of every student who shared their love of writing and submitted their work for judgment. Also, a big “thank you” goes to the teachers who sponsored each of these students and to the parents and teachers who encouraged them to compete!

Again, congratulations! We are so proud of you!

The International Languages Department is excited to share that Milind Murthy has been awarded the Joseph Adams Senior Scholarship from the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica. This scholarship in the amount of $1000 is awarded each year to select students nationally who demonstrate high achievement in Spanish or Portuguese. Milind has shown extraordinary commitment to not only studying Spanish at MLWGS, but to serving his community and chapter of the Spanish Honor Society. Thank you, Milind, for your singular enthusiasm and your indispensable leadership in our annual International Fair. ¡Felicitaciones!

Way back in 1995 I finished my Master’s degree in Teaching from VCU. I really had no interest in attending the main graduation ceremony. It would be crowded, long, and I would have to listen to a bunch of people that I didn’t know or really care about. I was only interested in in getting my diploma from the School of Education ceremony and to move on. That changed when I found out that the Keynote Speaker would be Maya Angelou. To say that she was captivating is an understatement. Never before had I heard someone speak with such beauty, love, and compassion. The entire Seigel Center hung on her every word. It was by far the best graduation I had ever attended, and I have attended many!

Some of my favorite Maya Angelou words are “You are the sum total of everything you’ve ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot – it’s all there. Everything influences each of us, and because of that I try to make sure that my experiences are positive.”

Have a great week and GO DRAGONS!!

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From SCA

Spirit Week will take place next week, January 29th – February 2nd, so get your spirit wear ready! To conclude the week, the Winter Pep Rally will be held on Friday, February 2^nd in the gym in celebration of our winter sports and athletes.

Monday – Groutfit Day (Grey all day)

Tuesday – Imitation Day (Dress as your favorite MLWGS teacher or staff)

Wednesday – Mullet Day (Wear business on top, party on the bottom)

Thursday – Decades Day (Dress in the fashion of a decade)

Friday – Class Color/Merch (as long as they have on the correct color for their class it can be counted; freshmen are white, sophomores are gold, juniors are green, and seniors are black)

Please note, if you will be attending college kick-off on Wednesday or Thursday, appropriate attire is expected as we will be hosting guest speakers in the building.

College Kick-Off

MLWGS College Kick-Off (for sophomores and juniors) takes place this Thursday, February 1st. Parents/guardians of tenth and eleventh graders who wish to attend should RSVP by noon on Wednesday, January 31^st using the Google Form that was featured in an email that went out to families on 1/11 and 1/25. On-campus parking will not be open to parent/guardian attendees of College Kick-Off on 2/1. Please see the email for details about an off-campus option (with optional shuttle bus service). Questions? Contact senior/college counselor Kim Forquer at [email protected].

Freshmen (students only) have been invited via Schoology to engage with the college representatives from Old Dominion University, University of Richmond, Virginia Union University, and University of South Carolina, as well as our school’s financial aid advisor from GRASP and a representative from the Virginia Army National Guard during a “passport” activity” during lunch on Thursday, 2/1.

Get The Writing Help You Need!

Walker Way World Travelers

Calling all creative Dragons! Join our Walker Way World Travelers T-shirt Design Contest! All designs must infuse the theme “Walker Way World Travelers” with your creativity and feature our iconic “dragon” logo.

The winning design not only gets showcased on our exclusive T-shirt but also scores a $25 gift card. Here’s a chance to leave a lasting artistic impression! The deadline to submit designs is Wednesday, January 31st at 3:30 p.m. Here is the link to submit your design and it is also posted on your respective class page. Please see Ms. Lee in room 331 for more details.

MLWGS Art Department

On Friday February 2nd, the MLWGS Art Department invites you to join us at the VMFA for “Rhythms of Africa” from 6pm-8pm. This First Friday’s event will feature live music and dance demonstrations showcasing the rich culture of West Africa. This event is a great opportunity to enjoy spending time in community and surrounded by art! All students and families are welcome. If you’d like to start in a group, we will meet at 5:50pm by the sculpture “Chloe”. The sculpture is located in the outdoor sculpture garden and is featured on the RSVP form linked below. If the weather doesn’t allow us to greet outdoors, join us inside at the event! Street parking is found around the VMFA or paid parking is available in the VMFA lot. Dinner can be purchased at the Cafe open until 8:30pm. Please RSVP by visiting the link Bit.ly/RSVPwinterart and if you have any questions, please contact Delanie Utterback at [email protected]. We hope to see you there on Feb. 2nd!

District Band Reminders

Location: Highland Springs High School

Dates: February 1-3

Times:

Thursday 2/1: 5:30-8:30PM

Friday 2/2: 9:30AM-6:00PM (Students excused from school)

Saturday 2/3: 8:30AM-4:00PM, Concerts begin at 2:00PM in HSHS auditorium

Transportation: Students/Parents are responsible for all transportation.

Students are reminded to bring their instruments to all rehearsals. Phones are not permitted during rehearsal. Percussionists should bring MLWGS sticks/mallets Thursday. Students must come to rehearsal on Saturday wearing concert dress.

From the Library

Join the More than 100 Students on the MLWGS Library’s Transcribe Team

Need community service hours? Do you like history or excel at deciphering cursive handwriting? Earn community service hours by transcribing historical documents for the Library of Virginia and designated archives. The MLWGS Library’s third quarter Transcribe-a-thon for 2023-2024 will be held in the library on Wednesday, Jan. 31^st from 3:30-5:00pm. There will be treats to fuel your work, friendly students to work beside, and Transcribe Team advisers to answer questions.

Sound good? If you haven’t already joined the Transcribe team – over 100 students strong this year – and plan to attend the Jan. 31^st Transcribe-a-thon, sign in to your GSGIS Google account and sign up @ https://forms.gle/TV2kMZSoWHr5JykP9.

Athletics

From the PTSA

Congratulations to the MLWGS PTSA Reflections Art Program 2024 Winners!

The PTSA will hold an awards ceremony and reception for all Reflections’ Artists, their parents, and the judges on Monday, February 5, at 5:30 PM in Room 153. All first place winners have advanced to the Virginia State PTA for judging. The normally scheduled PTSA meeting will be held in the same room immediately following the ceremony. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend both events.

Dance Choreography

Outstanding Interpretation: Thathi Thathi: Bharathanatyam (Indian Classical Dance Form), Nikhita Saravanan

Film Production

Outstanding Interpretation: Marked by Mankind: The Manatee’s Plight, Jake Nelson

Literature

Outstanding Interpretation: Deluge, Charvi Deorah

Award of Excellence: Ice Cream Stained Pages, Ritvika Palani

Merit Award: Fleeting Moments Lasting Forever, Deepanshi Kumar

Honorable Mentions:

In a Field of Wildflowers, Raunak Kaur Rajani

hope is a paradox, Ellie Agnello

They don’t know, Lucy Gates

For A Better Future, Christopher Grady

Music Composition

Outstanding Interpretation: I am hopeful, Vrinda Shah

Photography

Outstanding Interpretation: Seeds of Hope, Nikhita Saravanan

Award of Excellence: Knowledge is Key, Deepanshi Kumar

Merit Award: Subaquatic Symphony: Family Dive into the Abyss, Jake Nelson

Honorable Mention: Safeguarding Paradise: A Unified Effort to Save Florida’s Coral, Jake Nelson

Visual Arts

Outstanding Interpretation: Daddy’s home, Elena Loy

Award of Excellence: In the Sadness of an Eternal Rain, Hiya Agrawal

Merit Award: Colorful Dreams, Olivia Zhang

Honorable Mentions: Umbrella, Hadley Driscoll

Living with Destiny, Alyssa Gans

Good News!

The MLWGS Visual Arts Department is very excited to announce that our creative students were recently honored by having their work selected for awards in the regional 2024 Scholastic Art competition. This is a highly competitive annual art competition which had 2432 art entries from around the region. MLWGS students had another great year with 52 total awards, recognizing Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School as one of the region’s top schools for the Arts.

Summary: 52 total awards

14 Gold Keys awards including 1 Gold Key Portfolio, 10 Art Gold Keys, 3 Photo Gold Keys

13 Silver Keys awards including 7 Art Silver Keys, 6 Photo Silver Keys

25 Honorable Mentions including 1 HM Art Portfolio, 12 Art HM, 12 Photo HM

Portfolio Awards

A portfolio award is very difficult to achieve as it requires a comprehensive body of work expressing a unique artistic voice. Please join me in congratulating the following SENIORS who received special recognition for their portfolios.

Lucie Bouton– Gold Key Art Portfolio with additional awards of 1 Gold Key in Photography, 1 Gold Key in Mixed Media and 1 Silver Key in Mixed Media
Sadie Hall– Honorable Mention Art Portfolio

Gold and Silver Key Awards

Gold and Silver Key winners will have their work displayed at the Visual Art Center of Richmond from Feb. 2- Feb. 19th. Gold Key works will be juried in New York for consideration for National Awards.

Congratulations to the following students who were recognized with individual Gold Keys and/or Silver Keys:

Ananthu Anish – Gold Key in Drawing and Illustration
Hiya Agrawal – Gold Key in Jewelry
Madeline Bridges – Gold Key in Drawing and Illustration
Yeeva Chunnanond – Gold Key in Animation and 1 HM in Animation
Rachel Dai – Gold Key in Photography, Gold Key in Digital Art, and Silver Key in Animation
Tyler DeHaven – Gold Key in Digital Art and Silver Key in Animation
Maddy Dunaway – Silver Key in Photography and HM in Photography
Maya Hedrick – Silver Key in Photography
Sahmeah Jamison – Silver Key in Photography
Vier Julien – Silver Key in Painting
Lina Khatcheressian – Gold Key in Photography
Kiera Kinnier – 2 Silver Keys in Photography and HM in Photography
Will Knutson – Silver Key in Photography
Stella McCormack – Gold Key in Architecture
Molly Morrison – Gold Key in Sculpture and HM in Expanded Projects
Sophia Runberg – Silver Key in Drawing and Illustration
Sydney Brewer – Silver Key in Sculpture and HM in Sculpture
Caroline Walton – Gold Key in Drawing and Illustration
Mysha Zaidi – Silver Key in Mixed Media

Honorable Mention awards

These students will have their work included in a slide show of Honorable Mention winners. Please join me in congratulating these students who were recognized with Honorable Mention awards for their work:

Aaliyah Avent – 2 HMs in Photography
Josselyn Bonilla – HM in Printmaking
Elijah Chen – HM in Drawing and Illustration
Leo Chenoweth – HM in Photography
Samuel Choi – HM in Photography
Hadley Driscoll – HM in Digital Art
Daniel Gabdullin- HM in Printmaking
Martin Gable – HM in Photography
Virginia Griffin- HM in Photography
Charlotte Hill – HM in Drawing and Illustration
Grace Ku – HM in Digital Art
Briana Lawson – HM in Photography
Elena Loy – HM in Painting
Mercedes Luna – HM in Painting
Mikaylah McCarthy – HM in Photography
Avery Redmond – HM in Photography
Emily Rucker – HM in Photography
Samantha Schappert – HM in Painting

Congratulations to these students on their well-deserved awards. Go Dragons!

Congratulations to Maggie Walker’s Anthony Bastardi (’26, Richmond) who was selected as the 2023 USATF Virginia Youth Athlete of the Year. USATF Virginia is the official governing body for Track & Field and Cross Country statewide.

Anthony will be recognized for his performances at the 5th annual USATF Virginia Awards Celebration on February 11, 2024, at the University of Richmond, Jepson Alumni Center, in Richmond.

Anthony Bastardi won the Award for Youth Cross-Country (age group 15-16).

Let me close this week with a quote from Former British Prime Minister David Cameron. He said, “I believe that in life, you have to give things your best shot, do your best. You have to focus on what needs to be done, do the right thing, not the popular thing.” I think that these are wise words and excellent advice to all.

Have a great week and GO DRAGONS!!

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Street Parking

From time to time, Richmond closes the streets around our school for street sweeping or tree trimming. Sometime this week they plan on doing some tree trimming and will post the “Do Not Park” signs on the telephone poles where they plan to work. As of right now, they don’t know which specific day this will take place, but if you park on Leigh Street, be mindful of the signs when they are posted. THEY WILL TOW YOU!

From the Library

Frustrated by partisanship and division? Want to earn community service while going beyond partisanship to engage in a meaningful conversation? Sign up for One Small Step @ bit.ly/oss24signup, attend an info session during lunch on 1/25 in the forum, watch a 5-minute intro video at bit.ly/oss24intro, or check out the 1 to 2-minute student insight videos about OSS in the Resources section of the Library Activities & Reading Hub on Schoology.

Security Corner

Reminder: The concessions room in the Athletic Hallway will be emptied and deep cleaned. We are also drafting a format for usage of that space as well.

If you own anything in the room or refrigerator please remove it by Wednesday, 1/24/24. Anything left will be donated to PTSA, clubs who ask, or discarded. Need to know who the beige locker with the padlock belongs to as well!

Also, please check the Lost and Found box regularly It too is getting filled again and will be emptied 1/31/24!

Athletics

Yearbook

It’s a January miracle! A few more slots have opened up for Senior Yearbook ads. Send in a check by Mon, Jan. 22, to hold your spot. All ad materials are due no later than Wed, Jan. 24. Space is limited, so act now! Contact yearbook adviser Michael White at [email protected] for more information.

MLWGS Dance Team

Do you know a student in grades 1st through 8th interested in dance? The Maggie Walker Dance Team is holding a dance camp for elementary and middle school students on Friday, February 2nd from 4:30-6:30PM! Campers will then perform with the Dance Team on Tuesday, February 6th during halftime of the 5:30PM Girls’ Varsity Basketball game. Any parents with children interested in participating can sign up through this link: https://forms.gle/paWdNi5ZYS8npFNCA

Good News!

Ella Shields, Elijah Lee and a group of about 20 MLWGS Dragons went to the General Assembly as part of a delegation of Virginia Teen Democrats. They met with the new speaker as well as other members of the General Assembly. It was a great way to spend the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday while engaging in the political process. Well done Dragons!

The New York Times ran a teen writing contest. They received 13,000 entries. They selected 15 winners, 31 runners-up, and 56 honorable mentions. (So they recognized around 100 authors out of 13,000 submissions.) 11th grader Cam Meacham is one of the honorable mentions! Congratulations to Cam!!

Let me sign off tonight with some words from President Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Lincoln says “Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.”

Have a great week and GO DRAGONS!!

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MLWGS will be closed tomorrow, Monday January 15^th for the observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We will re-open on Tuesday January 16^th with an EVEN day schedule.

MW Parents

Winter Conferences with teachers will be held via Zoom this Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 4 – 7pm. 10-minute conference slots can be reserved beginning today through Noon on Wednesday, January 17th. Closing the signup on Wednesday allows teachers time to prepare materials for all conferences the next day.

Should you have any questions regarding access to the Conference Signup form, please email MWTech: [email protected].

Should you have any questions regarding conference slot availability, please email your teacher.

Reserve a conference slot today through Noon Wednesday here:

Winter ’24 Conference Signup: https://bit.ly/WinterConf24

Access your teacher’s conference Zoom link on Thursday here:

Winter ’24 Conference Zooms: https://bit.ly/MLWGSConferences

College Kick-Off 2024… Parents of Sophomores and Juniors: Save the Date!

College Kick-Off is scheduled for Thursday, February 1. Its goal is to generate more awareness of college admissions, support students through their college search and application process, and set them up for success! Senior/college counselors Rachel Loving and Kim Forquer (the planners and moderators of this event) will be joined onstage by panelists from Old Dominion University, University of Richmond, Virginia Union University, University of South Carolina, and more!

Parents of 10th graders* are invited to join their students in the MLWGS Auditorium on 2/1/24 from 10:15-11:30 AM.

Parents of 11th graders* are invited to join their students in the MLWGS Auditorium on 2/1/24 from 1:10-3:10 PM; college reps will be available (for 11th grade parents only) until 3:30 PM for additional Q&A.

*Please note that due to limited seating capacity, each student may be accompanied by only 1-2 parents or guardians to their assigned assembly. Parent/guardian(s), please RSVP using the Google form that was shared with you via email on 1/11/24, and keep an eye out for additional messaging closer to the event about parking options.

Athletics

From the Library

Join the More than 100 Students on the MLWGS Library’s Transcribe Team

The Foundation

Night of the Dragon is Almost Here!

This year’s Night of the Dragon–Denim & Dragons– will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024, in the Barrel Room at Hardywood Richmond in Scott’s Addition. This is a great venue for kicking back with other Dragon parents and friends to support our amazing MLWGS students and teachers.

We are super excited to be trying something different this year. Instead of the usual dressy affair, this year’s event will be more casual but we will still have our amazing silent and live auctions, student entertainment, great food and drink, and more.

A HUGE thanks to Hardywood for providing us with the venue and other amazing support to help us reach our goal of raising $100,000 this year. All proceeds for the Night of the Dragon support the students and faculty at MLWGS!

Tickets for Night of the Dragon will go on sale January 29. We will only have 300 tickets to sell so be sure to get yours early. The link to purchase will be shared in Dr. Lowerre’s Sunday Update email, through class FB pages, via Class Parent emails, directly by the Foundation, and in other ways. Stay tuned!

For more info about Denim and Dragons, check out the FAQ or email Foundation Director Ginger O’Neil at [email protected].

I think that given the holiday tomorrow, it is appropriate that I end tonight’s message with one of my favorite quotes from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” What great word’s by which to live.

Have a great week and GO DRAGONS!!

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Please note that this message was posted on 1/2/23 as I will be late getting back into town on the 7^th. In the event of foul weather, we may be opening later than the 8^th. As of the 2^nd, the weather is still questionable.

I hope that everyone had a wonderful break. MLWGS will reopen tomorrow, January 8^th, 2024.

Senior Seminar and Mentorship Program Registration for Juniors

On December 1, all Juniors (Class of 2025) were added to a Schoology group titled: Class of 2025 Seminar/Mentorship Information Group. This Schoology Group contains important information about ranking Seminar offrings and about how to apply to the Mentorship Program. This Schoology page contains informational videos, seminar proposals, and the mentorship application. The week we return from break, a link to a Google Form for ranking seminars and indicating Seminar or Mentorship preference will be available. All Juniors must visit this site to rank their top five seminar choices and declare whether or not they are applying for the mentorship program. The ranking must be completed by 1/12/24 at 3:30; the mentorship application is also due by this date and time. This is an important first step in building their senior schedules. Please look at the information in this group if you haven’t already done so and be ready to get everything completed after winter break. Two important things to remember: 1. students determine which seminars are offered based on their rankings, and 2. admission to mentorship is not guaranteed (students must apply and be accepted into the program). Anyone that has questions about the process should reach out to Mr. Cook ([email protected]).

Athletic Boosters

The Athletic Booster Club is a parent-run organization that is dedicated to supporting student-athletes at MLWGS. The club raises funds to help fill the gaps between program needs and the athletic department budget. This support comes in the form of helping to cover every-day expenses like team meals, equipment, and Hudl accounts, but also saves for large projects, like replacing the bleachers on the field, scoreboard updates, and track refurbishments.

This year, we need your help to continue to support our amazing athletes. We are well behind traditional giving-pace, in both contributing families and dollars donated. Please consider making a tax-deductible here to help the club continue to fill these needs.

As we have seen the end of the first semester, it is easy to become frustrated with our progress. Maybe your grades aren’t what you had hoped for back in September. Maybe you didn’t do as well as you wanted on one of our athletic teams. And who knows, maybe the person that you have you eye on still doesn’t know that you exist. Well, as the Scottish philosopher Carl Bard says, “Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.” Reach back and find that enthusiasm that you had back in August and start again from right now and create that brand new ending that you dreamed about.

Have a great week and GO DRAGONS!!

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MLWGS will close for students at the end of the day on Wednesday December 20th. Thursday December 21st is a teacher workday to close out the first semester. School will reopen on Monday January 8th, 2024.

Attention, parents of 11^th and 12^th graders:

The School Counseling Department has just released newsletters for the MLWGS Classes of 2024 and 2025. They may be accessed in the “College Information” groups on Schoology and here: https://sites.google.com/gsgis.k12.va.us/mlwgs-counseling/college-admissions-information/seniorjunior-newsletters The Junior Newsletter includes many opportunities related to summer enrichment, internships, contests, scholarships, and more! The Senior Newsletter also includes timely information related to scholarships, as well as reminders about how to navigate the college admissions process. If you have questions about these publications, you are welcome to contact senior/college counselor Kim Forquer at [email protected].

Senior Seminar and Mentorship Program Registration for Juniors

In December and January, Juniors (Class of 2025) 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. On Friday, 12/1/23, Juniors were added to a Schoology Group that provides information about the Seminar/Mentorship selection and application process. As the process moves forward in December, students can help their parents view all material on this site. Juniors are encouraged to start thinking about this decision now, and parents are encouraged discuss this decision with their student. Anyone that has questions about the process should reach out to Mr. Cook ([email protected]). The deadline for completing the Seminar/Mentorship selection and application process will be Friday, January 12, 2024.

Community Service Announcement

All students and parents are encouraged to check your community service hours totals to make sure that you are on track to complete this requirement. Students can help their parents get onto their x2vol accounts to check to see how many hours have been earned. Each student is striving to earn a total of 140 hours while at MLWGS, or 35 hours a year. If a student has questions about any of this process, please stop by Mr. Cook’s office (room 315) or send him an email ([email protected]).

Class of 2024 – Holiday Movie Night! – Date Change!

Seniors are kicking off Winter Break a little early with a Holiday Movie Night in the Black Box on Tuesday, December 19^th from 5:30-7:30 PM. There will be hot chocolate, popcorn, and Home Alone. Please help your class officers prepare for the event by submitting this quick RSVP form.

Security Corner:

LAST CHANCE! Lost and found, new and old will be gone by December 21st!

There are dozens and dozens of items…If you have lost or misplaced anything, please check the lost and found soon!!

The GS Foundation:

“If God wanted games to end in a tie, she wouldn’t have invented numbers.” –Ted Lasso

As of December 15, the MLWGS Foundation’s Annual Fund Parent Participation Contest is all tied up with 19% of parents from each class having made their gifts to MLWGS. Our goal for the year is 100%. So Ted wants everyone to know that now is a great time to give because every gift has the potential to break the dreaded tie and put a class into the lead. Donations of all sizes count and support the amazing academic and extracurricular experiences that set MLWGS apart. It only takes a few moments to support your Dragon’s class and our entire school by making your gift online today.

Thanks and Congratulations:

Thank you to all who attended the first TJ History Honor Society’s first History Jeopardy. Special thanks to our jeopardy contestants, Emma Taylor, Aiden Hess, Samhith Sarva, and David Lins! Big Congratulations to our Sophomore History Jeopardy Winner David Lins! Juniors and Seniors look out for our next competition.

Congratulations to the following students for successfully auditioning into District Band 2024! 25 students will be participating, setting a record for Maggie Walker admissions to District Band!

Instrument	Name	Ensemble and Chair
Flute	Michael Lusk	Symphonic Band, 1st Chair. All-Virginia Eligible
Flute	Jasmine Wen	Symphonic Band, 7th Chair
Flute	Liam Reed	Symphonic Band, 9th Chair
Flute	Carson Holbert	Concert Band, 6th Chair
Clarinet	Peize Wang	Symphonic Band, 1st Chair, All-Virginia Eligible
Clarinet	Trip Taylor	Symphonic Band, 2nd Chair, All-Virginia Eligible
Clarinet	Audrey Tang	Symphonic Band, 4th Chair, All-Virginia Eligible
Clarinet	Andrew Eaton	Symphonic Band, 12th Chair
Clarinet	Collette Him	Symphonic Band, 14th Chair
Clarinet	David Lins	Symphonic Band, 15th Chair
Clarinet	Aryan Kanduri	Concert Band, 10th Chair
Clarinet	Ronith Kollipara	Concert Band, 19th Chair
Bass Clarinet	Grace Crislip	Symphonic Band, 2nd Chair, All-Virginia Eligible
Bassoon	Jo Kronenberg	Concert Band, 1st Chair, All-Virginia Eligible
Alto	Michael Klausner	Symphonic Band, 1st Chair, All-Virginia Eligible
Alto	Eric Hu	Symphonic Band, 3rd Chair
Alto	Shrihari Kalagi	Concert Band, 4th chair
Bari	Charlie Bell	Concert Band, 2nd Chair
French Horn	Charlie Hill	Symphonic Band, 3rd Chair, All-Virginia Eligible
Trumpet	Kent Angert	Symphonic Band, 7th Chair
Trumpet	Sanika Kumar	Concert Band, 8th Chair
Trombone	Melody Yuan	Concert Band, 2nd Chair
Tuba	Grant Tong	Symphonic Band, 3rd Chair
Percussion	Nasik Hobbs	Symphonic Band, 6th Chair
Percussion	Connor Cloe	Symphonic Band, 8th Chair

We have made it to the last school week of the calendar year! I wish all of you the best of holidays and the happiest of new years! We have so much to be thankful for and so much to look forward to in the new year. Have a great, joyous, and restful break and we will see you all back at school in January.

Have a great week and GO DRAGONS!!

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Traffic around MLWGS

We have seen some new traffic patterns around our school as the construction of the apartments/condos on Leigh Street is in full swing. The streets are narrow and very congested with parking, so we urge all of our community members to exercise extreme caution as you navigate around the school. Be careful in the student parking lot as well as the roundabout on Lombardy. The holiday season can be stressful enough without adding a damaged car to the mix!

The Clinic

ILLNESSES: When should your child stay home?

Taking care when you’re not feeling well is important, but so is not falling behind in class. Students should stay home f they:

Have a fever of 100.4 degrees or greater before taking a fever-reducing medication.
Are experiencing vomiting or diarrhea because of illness.
Have an unknown rash or possible contagious condition.
Are unable to focus due to pain, a chronic health condition or an acute illness.
Have a flu-like illness (with or without fever), characterized by headache, fatigue, cough, aches, weakness and sore throat.

Also, The CDC recommends that people test if they have any Covid-19-like symptoms including a sore throat, runny nose, loss of smell or taste, or a fever. They may also want to test before or after travel or any big events. Maggie Walker has obtained a number of Covid tests that can be given out prior to the holiday break. Please come by the clinic to pick up a box or two.

COVID-19 Testing

Senior Seminar and Mentorship Program Registration for Juniors

Congratulations!

Art Students Volunteer to Create Star for American Civil War Museum Inaugural Tree Lighting

Last Friday, Nov. 30th, four MLWGS art students under the direction of their teacher, Jeff “Coach” Hall, were celebrated for their work in creating a four-foot star sculpture for the top of the forty-foot tree in the atrium of the American Civil War Museum (ACWM) in Richmond, VA. This was the inaugural tree lighting event for the museum.

The sculpture, which has a foam armature, has a hand-sewn exterior of different gold colored materials and will be used for years to come. Students Hiya Agrawal, Sophia Runberg, Raunak Kaur Rajani, and Lily Vorhees were in attendance for the festive event. The tree will be on display at the museum through the holiday season.

This evening I wish to close with a message of peace. It really seems as if our world is falling apart with bad news about wars, conflicts, and political divisions flooding our news feeds and social media platforms. This is hard enough for us “seasoned” adults who have lived through so much, but it can be especially hard on our children as they try to process all this negative information. With the upcoming political season, it will only get worse.

My wish for each of you is to find peace in this season. Slow down, disconnect from the media, and reflect upon your relationships and the things that are really important. Remember that many of us are fighting battles unknown to you and show compassion and empathy when you can. Know that mental health resources are always available for our students at school in the school counseling office. You don’t need to deal with things alone. As Tim Gunn wrote, “Life is not a solo act. It is a huge collaboration, and we need to assemble around us the people who care about us and support us in times of strife.”

Have a great week and GO DRAGONS!!

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Dragon Writing Center

Dragon Writing Center is open for all grades and subjects! We’re open Monday-Thursday during lunch and after school on Tuesdays from 3:30-4:00. Come by room 226 and have someone help with a outline, paper, and/or speech!

MechTech Dragons

Just a reminder about robotics team membership. All membership tasks need to be completed by December 15 @3:30. Click the link to see who has started the membership process (https://bit.ly/47xhF8J) If you have any questions or if you have encountered a problem, please reach out to Mark Sailer – [email protected]

Senior Seminar and Mentorship Program Registration for Juniors

In December and January, Juniors (Class of 2025) 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. On Friday, 12/1/23, Juniors were added to a Schoology Group that will provide information about the Seminar/Mentorship selection and application process. As the process moves forward in December, students can help their parents view all material on this site. Juniors are encouraged to start thinking about this decision now, and parents are encouraged discuss this decision with their student. After materials are released by the first week of December, anyone that has questions about the process should reach out to Mr. Cook ([email protected]). The deadline for completing the Seminar/Mentorship selection and application process will be Friday, January 12, 2024.

Baking Club

Do you need a sweet treat to get you through this winter week? Are you touched by the spirit of giving? This Wednesday Baking Club is hosting a bake sale to benefit FeedMore this Wednesday, December 6^th during lunch in the Commons. Please remember to bring cash – all baked goods will cost between 1 and 3 dollars.

Costa Rica trip!

Join us for an amazing opportunity to travel to Costa Rica during Spring Break. Check out the notes from the informational meeting and if you wish to sign up for the trip, visit Mrs. Bradner’s info page here.

MLWGS Foundation

Giving Tuesday Sets New Record!

A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who donated to the MLWGS Foundation for Giving Tuesday. 187 donors unlocked our $15,000 in matches on the way to raising $56,462–a new Giving Tuesday record for MLWGS! We are now one important step closer to reaching this year’s annual fund goal of $375,000 in transformational support for our amazing MLWGS students and teachers. Your generosity truly makes a difference!

Support MLWGS by Supporting the 22st Annual Night of the Dragon!

Plans are shaping up in a wonderful way for the 22nd Annual Night of the Dragon, being held March 9, 2024, at Hardywood Craft Brewery Richmond in Scott’s Addition. This year’s theme is Denim & Dragons! Make your plans now to join us for this hallmark social event and largest MLWGS fundraiser of the year. Tickets go on sale in late January. Stay tuned!

Here’s how you can help us make the upcoming 22bs Annual Night of the Dragon the best ever!

Mark your calendars and make your plans now to attend.
Get your tickets as soon as they go on sale in January.
Check out the auction website when it goes live so you can preview all the great auction items! Don’t worry, we’ll spread the word far and wide.
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, gift baskets—GET CREATIVE! To donate, contact Ginger O’Neil at [email protected].
Become a Sponsor. Individual and corporate sponsorships are a great way to support MLWGS and promote your business to our community. Sponsorships are available at many levels. For details, contact Ginger O’Neil [email protected].

Congratulations!

Please join me in congratulating our own Hillary Gawne who was selected as the NFHS Girls Tennis Coach of the Year for Virginia! The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) is the governing body when it comes to rules for high school athletics. They are a very big deal and this award covers all six classes of athletics in Virginia, so to say Hillary is the best is no exaggeration!

The MLWGS “We The People” Team is tracking to defend their national championship as the won the regional contest this weekend! Nest stop will be the state competition. Congratulations to our Constitutional Scholars!

We live in a world full of conflict. When dealing with conflict, a recurring theme often seems to be that each side feels that the other side has wronged them and that they need to get back at the other in some fashion to even things out in some sort of an “Eye for an Eye” process. While there are certainly times where aggression must be met with force, Gandhi once wrote “An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.” I think that he was right. I know that the Dragon Nation is too wise to be blinded! Learn to forgive and try to look for the good in everything.

Have a great week and GO DRAGONS!!

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MLWGS Drumline

The Maggie Walker Drumline will be marching in the Richmond Christmas Parade on December 2^nd at 10:15AM. The Drumline is in position #4 right behind the parade banner. The Parade takes place on Broad Street between the Richmond Science Museum and the Richmond Marriott. You can also watch on WTVR Channel 6!

Mu Alpha Theta

Mu Alpha Theta, also know as the Math Honor Society, is now accepting applications for membership. The links to apply have been posted on the Class of 2024 and Class of 2025 Schoology pages.

This honor society is open to juniors and seniors who meet the criteria (and the criteria are clearly described in the application).

The application itself is accessed via the Google Form link provided in the Call. The deadline for applications is 11:59 p.m. on Friday, December 1.

If you have questions, please contact Lynn Foshee Reed ([email protected]).

Mu Alpha Theta is also hosting a guest speaker on Monday, November 27, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the Forum.

Title: The Platonic Solids!

Abstract: You have seen solids like the dodecahedron (formed by pentagonal faces with 3 meeting at each point). And you might know there are 5 of these. But why can’t there be more? We will construct these solids with paper and tape, collect data, meet a famous formula of Euler, make a connection to graph theory, see how induction proofs work, and use algebra to make our conclusions.

Speaker: Dr. Craig Larson is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics at VCU. He is originally from California and earned his PhD from the University of Houston. Dr. Larson’s area is graph theory. He is also the parent of a freshman here at MLWGS.

Class of 2024

LAST CHANCE TO ORDER YOUR STUDENT’S CAP AND GOWN BEFORE PRICES GO UP ON DECEMBER 1.

Herff Jones visited in October to distribute ordering information about graduation-related items like cap and gown. This year, parents are asked to order these items directly from the vendor.

Every senior must have a cap, gown, and tassel to participate in our graduation ceremony in May. The catalogue also includes items like graduation announcements and apparel.

To purchase items, you may use the following link:

Maggie Walker Governor’s School

or use the QR code found on this flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-cZHskhh1B-fJovO0kbNneSzZas581mZ/view?usp=sharing

Purchasing early will keep costs down and eliminate any concerns regarding delivery. Items will be shipped directly to you.

Please reach out to Ms. Sheppard ([email protected]) or Mrs. Love ([email protected]) if you have any questions.

Dragon Writing Center

Community Service Announcement

All students and parents are encouraged to check your community service hours totals to make sure that you are on track to complete this requirement. Students can help their parents get onto their x2vol accounts to check to see how many hours have been earned. Each student is striving to earn a total of 140 hours while at MLWGS, or 35 hours a year. Each student should work diligently to earn these hours while learning how to be leaders in the community. If a student has questions about any of this process, please stop by Mr. Cook’s office (room 315) or send him an email ([email protected]).

Senior Seminar and Mentorship Program Registration for Juniors

In December and January, Juniors (Class of 2025) 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. On Friday, 12/1/23, Juniors will be added to a Schoology Group that will provide information about the Seminar/Mentorship selection and application process. As the process moves forward in December, students can help their parents view all material on this site. Juniors are encouraged to start thinking about this decision now, and parents are encouraged discuss this decision with their student. After materials are released by the first week of December, anyone that has questions about the process should reach out to Mr. Cook ([email protected]). The deadline for completing the Seminar/Mentorship selection and application process will be Friday, January 12, 2024.

Japanese Student Exchange

Looking for Host Families for Japanese Students in March 2024

I am excited to announce that students from our partner school in Japan are visiting Maggie L. Walker next March. We are currently looking for families who are willing to host the Japanese students during their two-week visit. The planned dates for the visit are March 2nd (Sat)– March 16th, 2024 (Sat). The responsibilities of a host family are to pick up and drop off the student at Richmond Airport; to provide housing and food for the student; to ensure the student can get to and from school each day; and to include the student in family activities in evenings and on weekends. Your child does not have to be learning Japanese to be a host family.

Our partner school, Chiben Gakuen, is in Wakayama, Japan, about 2 hours and 30 minutes south of Kyoto via train. The exchange is supported by our school, and we are planning on having 12 high school students from Japan visit.

There will be an information session on Wednesday, November 29th, at 7 pm on Zoom to provide more details about the exchange and the hosting experience. If you are interested in hosting a student, please fill out the survey below by Monday, November 27th. I will email you the Zoom link.

Link: https://forms.gle/xR1VWKvECLWdve9U8

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Yoko Eshita, the Japanese teacher, at [email protected].

The Foundation

Only 48 Hours Left to Make 2X the Impact with your 2023 MLWGS Foundation Gift

Giving Tuesday is this Tuesday, November 28.

This makes NOW the perfect time to make your ANNUAL FUND gift of support to Maggie Walker.

Thanks to a generous MLWGS family and grateful alum, all donations made between now and Tuesday will be matched, up to $15,000. And with your help we hope to raise that and more for our Dragons!

The Foundation has allocated more than $225,000 to the school already this year and has plans to provide even more transformational opportunities and experiences next semester.

So please make your 2023 Giving Tuesday ANNUAL FUND gift online or by check (made out to the Governor’s School Foundation) by Tuesday to help us unlock the matches!

A special Thank You to all of YOU who support our students and staff through your Foundation giving!

Congratulations!

MLWGS students’ results from the State Latin Convention this past weekend (11/19-20). Students participated in academic, arts, and performance contests, and were ranked among all students that participated in each event (who hailed from all over the state). A placement indicates that they were in the top ten people who took the test/participated in the event amongst every student at their level.

Level 2 Students

Deepanshi Kumar: Sixth Place Derivatives, Fourth Place Grammar, Fourth Place Mottoes, Eighth Place Lower Pentathlon, Second Place Reading Comprehension, Fifth Place Vocab, and Fifth Place Latin Oratory

Madin Murthy: Third Place Derivatives, Seventh Place Grammar, Seventh Place Reading Comprehension

Everett McCoy: Fourth Place Derivatives, Second Place Grammar, Fourth Place Mottoes, Second Place Mythology, Third Place Reading Comprehension, Seventh Place Vocab

James Bae: Fifth Place Derivatives, Eighth Place Grammar, Fourth Place Mythology, Seventh Place Reading Comprehension

Evelyn Batkins: Seventh Place Derivatives, Seventh Place Reading Comprehension, Eighth Place Vocab

Yash Maurya: Third Place Grammar, Tenth Place Lower Pentathlon, Seventh Place Reading Comprehension, Ninth Place Vocab

Sriram Panchagnula: Third Place Grammar, Fifth Place Lower Pentathlon, Fourth Place Reading Comprehension, Eighth Place Vocab

Level 3 Students

Michael Klausner: Second Place Derivatives, First Place Grammar, Second Place Upper Pentathlon, Second Place Reading Comprehension (Poetry), First Place Reading Comprehension (Prose), Second Place Vocab

Aarav Lodha: Third Place Derivatives, Third Place Grammar, Tenth Place Upper Pentathlon, Fifth Place Reading Comprehension (Poetry), Seventh Place Reading Comprehension (Prose), Fourth Place Vocab

Katie Watson: Third Place Derivatives, Fifth Place Grammar, Ninth Place Upper Pentathlon, Eighth Place Reading Comprehension (Prose), Eighth Place Vocab, Second Place Storytelling

Sriyutha Morishetty: Fourth Place Derivatives, Seventh Place Grammar, Fourth Place Reading Comprehension (Poetry), Fourth Place Reading Comprehension (Prose), Sixth Place Vocab

Celia Harrison: Fifth Place Derivatives, Third Place Reading Comprehension (Poetry), Fifth Place Reading Comprehension (Prose)

Ritvika Palani: Eighth Place Derivatives, Third Place Reading Comprehension (Poetry), Tenth Place Reading Comprehension (Prose)

Nathan Lee: Ninth Place Derivatives, Seventh Place Reading Comprehension (Poetry)

Arnav Kadambi: Sixth Place Geography, Second Place Grammar, Third Place Upper Pentathlon, First Place Reading Comprehension (Poetry), Second Place Reading Comprehension (Prose), Second Place Vocab

Abby Barnett: Fourth Place Grammar, Sixth Place Myth, Second Place Reading Comprehension (Poetry), Third Place Reading Comprehension (Prose), Second Place Roman Life, Fourth Place Vocab

Isabella Arcaro: Ninth Place Grammar, Third Place Myth, Sixth Place Reading Comprehension (Poetry), Sixth Place Reading Comprehension (Prose), Sixth Place Vocab

Anusha Algappan: Eighth Place Reading Comprehension (Poetry), Ninth Place Reading Comprehension (Prose)

Level 4 Students

Ethan Choe: Fifth Place Derivatives, First Place Grammar, Eighth Place Upper Pentathlon, Sixth Place Reading Comprehension (Poetry), Fourth Place Reading Comprehension (Prose), Second Place Vocab

Anna Conley: Ninth Place Grammar, Seventh Place Reading Comprehension (Poetry)

Lilith Holmes: Tenth Place Reading Comprehension (Poetry), Sixth Place Upper Costume Contest

Level 5+ Students

Trip Taylor: Second Place Derivatives, Seventh Place Grammar, Second Place Upper Pentathlon, Fourth Place Reading Comprehension (Poetry), Third Place Reading Comprehension (Prose), Second Place Vocab

Liam Reed: Third Place Derivatives, Seventh Place Grammar, First Place History, Fifth Place Mythology, Second Place Reading Comprehension (Prose), Eighth Place Vocab

Samantha Schappert: Third Place Derivatives, Seventh Place Mythology, Second Place Reading Comprehension (Poetry), Third Place Vocab, Best in Show – Cartoons

Ethan Ngai: Fourth Place Derivatives, Third Place Grammar, Fifth Place Upper Pentathlon, Fifth Place Reading Comprehension (Poetry), First Place Reading Comprehension (Prose), Fifth Place Vocab

Virginia Zhang: Fifth Place Derivatives, Fourth Place Grammar, Sixth Place Latin Literature, Fifth Place Reading Comprehension (Poetry), Seventh Place Reading Comprehension (Prose)

Some Other Stats

Michael Klausner scored the most points of anyone at Maggie Walker, and scored the third highest total academic points of anyone in the state
Ethan Ngai, Michael Klausner, and Arnav Kadambi all scored in the top 10 11^th grade students in the state.

NOT TOO SHABBY!!!

I would like to close tonight with a quote from Nelson Mandela about education. Mr. Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.”

Have a great week and GO DRAGONS!!

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MLWGS will be closed on Wednesday November 22^nd through Friday November 24^th in observance of Thanksgiving. We will re-open on Monday November 27^th.

Class of 2024

Herff Jones visited in October to distribute ordering information about graduation-related items like cap and gown. This year, parents are asked to order these items directly from the vendor.

Every senior must have a cap, gown, and tassel to participate in our graduation ceremony in May. The catalogue also includes items like graduation announcements and apparel.

To purchase items, you may use the following link:

Maggie Walker Governor’s School

or use the QR code found on this flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-cZHskhh1B-fJovO0kbNneSzZas581mZ/view?usp=sharing

Prices will go up starting December 1, so please make this a priority to keep costs down. If you purchase early, it will also eliminate any concerns regarding delivery. Items will be shipped directly to you.

Please reach out to Ms. Sheppard ([email protected]) or Mrs. Love ([email protected]) if you have any questions.

Japanese Student Exchange

Looking for Host Families for Japanese Students in March 2024

Link: https://forms.gle/xR1VWKvECLWdve9U8

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Yoko Eshita, the Japanese teacher, at [email protected].

Athletic Department

We will have the Athletic Winter Parents Meeting Monday 11/20 @ 615. Please be sure to get the link from your coaches.

Here’s a link to buy school gear in case you didn’t find something you like in the bookstore. Have fun and buy as much as you want. The Athletic Department will get 10% of the sales and it will ship to your house. 😊The shop will close on November 20.

https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/HOLIDAY982

Bhangra Club

Bhangra Club welcomes one and all to our second Fun Practice of the year! This is a great way to try bhangra before official tryouts are held. The next fun practice will be Tuesday, 11/21 after school. Please check the MLWGS Bhangra Club Schoology page for the location and the sign-up.

The Foundation

Please and thank you!

We Need Your Help to Meet this Year’s Giving Tuesday Challenge by Nov. 28

The MLWGS Foundation is thrilled that this year a generous MLWGS family and an alum have offered to match up to $15,000 in Foundation Annual Fund gifts made between now and Tuesday, Nov. 28, in honor of Giving Tuesday.

This match challenge makes today the perfect time to give your ANNUAL FUND gift of support for our students and teachers and do 2X the good. What kind of good, you ask. Check out some of the Foundation highlights for 2022-2023 here.

You can make your gift online using the special Giving Tuesday Challenge link or by check (made out to the Governor’s School Foundation) by NOVEMBER 28 to take advantage of the matches!

A special Thank You to our anonymous donors who are making this challenge possible and to all of you who support our students and staff through your Foundation giving!

Got Stock?

Did you know you can contribute appreciated securities to the MLWGS Foundation? For info about making a gift via stock, check out our financial securities one-pager or contact Ginger O’Neil at [email protected].

Mark Your Calendars!

The 22nd Annual Night of the Dragon–Denim & Dragons–will take place on Saturday, March 9, in the Hardywood Richmond Barrel Room. This fun-filled social event of the year features dinner and drinks, student entertainment, and silent and live auctions to benefit our amazing school. Hope to see you there!

Costa Rica trip!

Congratulations!

Congratulations to 36 students inducted into Tri-M music honor Society on Wednesday, November 15^th bringing the honor organization’s enrollment to 76 members.

Students are eligible to become members of Tri-M during their second year of music classes and are admitted based on a 4.0 GPA in their music courses and 3.0 overall GPA. To maintain membership, students must take a music course at MLWGS and complete service requirements.

Model UN would like to (belatedly) congratulate all of our delegates who participated in the conference at William & Mary from November 3-5 and give a special shoutout to the winners:

Verbal Commendation:

Ritvika Palani and Anushri Ramesh: SPECPOL (GA)
Tanvi Palavalas and Keira Kinnier: UNODC (GA)
Brenden Stremler: UNESCO (GA)
Sriyutha Morishetty: Democracy or Bust! 2012 Tunisian Constitutional Convention (Specialized)

Honorable Delegate:

Sophia Pareti: Yellow Journalism- New York (Joint-Crisis)
Imran Aly Rassiwala: Yellow Journalism- New York (Joint Crisis)

Outstanding Delegate:

Aditya Badhrayan: Spaced Out! (Specialized)
Priyanka Nyamtabad: OPEC (Novice GA)

Best Delegate: Deepanshi Kumar: Formation of UN (Specialized)

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. It puts together several of my favorite “F” words: Food, Friends, Family, and Football! The holiday can’t really be commercialized and there is no pressure on me to buy anybody the right gift. All I have to do is eat and be thankful for all that has been given to me. Bring on the oyster stuffing! I hope that all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Break and remember what Melody Beattie said, “Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

Have a great week and GO DRAGONS!!

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Student Parking Lot Exit Change

To increase the flow and efficiency of our student parking exit, we are subdividing the lane. On Wednesday, November 8th, drivers will use a left turn-only or right turn-only lane. A security officer will be on hand to highlight the new traffic pattern. If you drive an extra-large vehicle such as a dual-wheel pickup or a luxury SUV, please use caution. Any questions should be directed to Dr. Smith at (804) 354-6800 x2120. Drive safe.

Drama

Bundle up for MLWGS Drama’s Fall production of Snow Angel, a sweet and witty comedy by award-winning playwright David Lindsay-Abaire. Follow the story of 15 teenage friends in Deerpoint, Vermont, as their snow day takes a curious twist after the mysterious appearance of Eva, a young girl from Deerpoint… but not quite the same Deerpoint as everyone else. Follow our talented cast as they share the story through journal entries, angsty and sincere interactions, and monologues that will leave you questioning reality and the meaning of friendship the whole way through. Bring your friends and family to enjoy this eerie and heartwarming play directed by Andrew Gall, November 16-18 at 7pm.

Tickets are $7 for students and $12 for adults and can be purchased online at https://tinyurl.com/ah9a9pm7 or with cash at the door.

Snow Angel is produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. (www.playscripts.com)

Seniors

The November 2023 Senior Newsletter has been posted to the School Counseling website: https://sites.google.com/gsgis.k12.va.us/mlwgs-counseling/college-admissions-information/seniorjunior-newsletters

SENIOR PORTRAITS for the Yearbook are due on Mon, Nov. 13. Seniors who plan to use an image shot by Lifetouch/Prestige must go on their portal and select their preferred image; otherwise, the folks at Prestige will make the choice. Those who were photographed by another studio must submit their chosen image to Mr. White by Mon, Nov. 13. Questions? Email Mr. White at [email protected].

Science National Honor Society

On Wednesday, November 15, the Science National Honor Society will host a guest speaker in the forum during lunch. Dr. Alexander Clark is a postdoctoral fellow in biomedical engineering at UVA where he studies gene regulatory networks directing cardiac development and drug cardiotoxicity. Dr. Clark will discuss his research, what life is like in an academic research lab, and allow time for questions. All students are encouraged to attend!

TJ National History Honor Society

The TJ National History Honor Society will host US Attorney Jessica D. Aber (Eastern District of Virginia) on Wednesday, November 15th during lunch in the auditorium (11:35-12:15) as our guest lecturer in our 2023-2024 speaker series. All students, faculty, and staff are welcome. We hope for significant attendance in true Maggie Walker fashion.

Athletic Department

https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/HOLIDAY982

Robotics Team Information

If you have decided to join the robotics team for the 2024 season, please complete the following By Dec 15.

Permission Form – see information below – form required for all off campus events and activities
Team Application – https://forms.gle/zsjUA6QaAq5NmYGf9
FIRST registration –https://my.firstinspires.org/JoinTeam/Welcome/09c9930a-5941-11ee-b724-00505699b848
Pay dues through OSP($225)- see me if you need assistance or another way to pay the dues
Note: Additional Items will need to be completed once the season starts.

Field trip form link – https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vOwvK5-WQ0riq2RUJL2qkThisZAtuyTw/view?usp=sharing

Field Trip Form Upload– https://forms.gle/YRGoqtKpEJ15h6nBA Note- be sure to complete the medication form as well if you anticipate having medications for events, You can always update that information with me later. See – https://mechtechrobotics.com/about/team-documents/

Recycling

I am excited to announce that SECSEE is starting a new recycling initiative aimed at collecting plastic bags and films which cannot be recycled through conventional means.

SECSEE has placed dedicated recycling bins in the bluestone lobby, as well as the students parking lot entrance.

All students are encouraged to collect plastic bags, plastic wrap, bubble wrap, plastic envelopes from their household, neighborhood or community, and depositing them in the bins at school.
An example of items that can be collected can be found here https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ipbw-WOCuIw4WTPAAh8WbMsfL0Mymr0W/view?usp=sharing

The recycled plastic will be used to make composite furniture and decking.

If SECSEE is able to gather 1000 lbs of plastic bags and films, a composite bench will be donated to the school!

Foundation News

Make 2X the Impact with your MLWGS Foundation Gift–on (or before) Giving Tuesday, November 28

The MLWGS Foundation is thrilled to announce that a generous Dragon family and alum have combined forces to offer a $15,000 matching gift challenge for all Foundation Annual Fund gifts in honor of this year’s National Day of Giving.

This makes November 28–or any day between now and then–the perfect time to make your ANNUAL FUND gift of support for our students and teachers.

No need to mark your calendar. Make your gift now using this special Giving Tuesday link to help unlock the matches even sooner!

A special Thank You to our anonymous donors who are making this challenge possible and to all of you who support our students and staff through your Foundation giving!

Questions? Reach out to Executive Director Ginger O’Neil at [email protected] about the Foundation’s work and how you can support our Dragons any time.

Class of 2027 Parents!

Are You (or a Grandparent, Aunt, Uncle, Friend) Looking for a One-of-a-Kind Gift for Your Dragon?

Help Them Leave a Lasting Mark at MLWGS with a Bluestone Lobby or Walker Plaza Paver

The Governor’s School Foundation invites families of MLWGS seniors and graduates to purchase inscribed pavers to leave a lasting tribute at the school. This is a great way to honor your student and support the great work done by the Foundation. You can purchase either a Bluestone paver inside the school lobby or a brick paver near the Maggie Walker bust on Walker Plaza (Lombardy Street side of the school).

2023-2024 ORDERS ARE BEING TAKEN NOW

All donated funds beyond the actual cost of the engraving are tax-deductible.

PAVERS WILL BE ENGRAVED OVER THE SUMMER

Bluestone Lobby pavers (UP TO 6 LINES WITH 13 CHARACTERS/SPACES PER LINE): $1,000
Walker Plaza brick pavers (UP TO 3 LINES WITH 13 CHARACTERS/SPACES PER LINE): $500

Orders can be placed ONLINE or by check mailed to: Governor’s School Foundation, 1000 N. Lombardy St., Richmond, VA 23220.

Questions? Contact Ginger O’Neil GINGER 804-354-1566 or [email protected].

Congratulations!

Five of our Maggie Walker singers were selected for the All-District Chorus! Please congratulate:

Elise Eason, Soprano 1

Eleanor Agnello, Soprano 2

Luna Forlano, Alto 2

Avery Redmond, Alto 2

Makayla Williams, Alto 2

The Maggie Walker boys are your 2023 Group 3 Cross Country Champions! The boys combined for 56 points to easily out pace runner-up Monticello (101 pts.)

The team was led by individual All-State performances from sophomore Anthony Bastardi (9th 15:57) and junior Colston Wisotzki (11th 16:02)

Girls also performed very well, finishing 4th. The Lady Green Dragons were led by a top 20 finish from sophomore Evelyn Hayter (19th 19:12)

I apologize for the delay in sending out this message. Just remember what Mahatma Gandhi said: “Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong!”

Have a great week and GO DRAGONS!!

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MLWGS will be closed on Monday November 6^th to facilitate Parent / Teacher Conferences and remain closed on Tuesday November 7^th for Election Day. School will reopen on Wednesday November 8^th.

Parent-Teacher Conferences – Monday, November 6, 2023:

On Tuesday, October 31^st at 3:00 PM, you received an email through PowerSchool to sign-up for Fall Conferences. Conferences will be held on Monday, November 6 via Zoom. The schedule is as follows:

Session 1: Noon – 3pm
Session 2: 4 – 7pm

If you reserved a conference time, you should have received a confirmation email. You will use the links on this form to connect to the conference via Zoom on Monday, November 6.

Here is the link just in case you missed the email:

https://bit.ly/MLWGSConferences

If you have questions about the conference forms or Zoom links, please contact MWTech – [email protected].

Student Parking Lot Exit Change

Free and Reduced Lunch Application Deadline

While we strive to support all students academically and socioemotionally, our finances as a school are limited. The deadline for submitting free lunch applications has been extended to Friday, November 10^th. We can accept no applications beyond this date.

TJ National History Honor Society

MANDATORY MEETING FOR ALL CURRENT NEHS MEMBERS*

Date: Wednesday, November 8th

Time: During lunch, from 11:40 AM to 12:15 PM

Location: The Forum

Agenda: Discussion of Volunteer Requirements and Upcoming Opportunities
Note: Attendance will be recorded, and failure to attend may affect your continued membership in NEHS.

If you are unable to attend this compulsory meeting, you must notify Mrs. Love and Ms. LeCroy in advance.
*Current members refer to individuals who have been officially inducted into NEHS. If you are not in the Schoology group, you are not an official member.

Class of 2024

Herff Jones visited last Tuesday to distribute ordering information about graduation-related items like cap and gown. This year, parents are asked to order these items directly from the vendor.

Every senior must have a cap, gown, and tassel to participate in our graduation ceremony in May. The catalogue also includes items like graduation announcements and apparel.

To purchase items, you may use the following link:

Maggie Walker Governor’s School

or use the QR code found on this flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-cZHskhh1B-fJovO0kbNneSzZas581mZ/view?usp=sharing

Prices will go up starting December 1, so please make this a priority to keep costs down. If you purchase early, it will also eliminate any concerns regarding delivery. Items will be shipped directly to you.

Please reach out to Ms. Sheppard ([email protected]) or Mrs. Love ([email protected]) if you have any questions.

Robotics Team Information

If you have decided to join the robotics team for the 2024 season, please complete the following By Dec 15.

Permission Form – see information below – form required for all off campus events and activities
Team Application – https://forms.gle/zsjUA6QaAq5NmYGf9
FIRST registration –https://my.firstinspires.org/JoinTeam/Welcome/09c9930a-5941-11ee-b724-00505699b848
Pay dues through OSP($225)- see me if you need assistance or another way to pay the dues
Note: Additional Items will need to be completed once the season starts.

Field trip form link – https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vOwvK5-WQ0riq2RUJL2qkThisZAtuyTw/view?usp=sharing

Robotics Team

The Mech Tech Dragons will be hosting a FIRST Lego League tournament for local elementary and middle school teams on November 12th. This year’s theme “FIRST in Show” has added an arts focused component to the competition.

In order for the event to go smoothly, there is a need for community members (engineers, artists, business owners, etc.) to spend the day with teams and serve as competition judges. Training is provided and no previous experience is required to be a judge. If you are available and willing to serve as a judge for the event OR would like more information, please reach out to the event directors – Cheryl Kaplan ([email protected]) or Mark Sailer ([email protected])

Recycling

I am excited to announce that SECSEE is starting a new recycling initiative aimed at collecting plastic bags and films which cannot be recycled through conventional means.

SECSEE has placed dedicated recycling bins in the bluestone lobby, as well as the students parking lot entrance.

The recycled plastic will be used to make composite furniture and decking.

If SECSEE is able to gather 1000 lbs of plastic bags and films, a composite bench will be donated to the school!

Costa Rica trip!

Also, if you are a Spanish Club member, you may be eligible for our annual

scholarship. Click here for more information.

Make 2X the Impact with your MLWGS Foundation Gift–on (or before) Giving Tuesday, November 28

This makes November 28–or any day between now and then–the perfect time to make your ANNUAL FUND gift of support for our students and teachers.

No need to mark your calendar. Make your gift now using this special Giving Tuesday link to help unlock the matches even sooner!

A special Thank You to our anonymous donors who are making this challenge possible and to all of you who support our students and staff through your Foundation giving!

Questions? Reach out to Executive Director Ginger O’Neil at [email protected] about the Foundation’s work and how you can support our Dragons any time.

Class of 2027 Parents!

Are You (or a Grandparent, Aunt, Uncle, Friend) Looking for a One-of-a-Kind Gift for Your Dragon?

Help Them Leave a Lasting Mark at MLWGS with a Bluestone Lobby or Walker Plaza Paver

The Governor’s School Foundation invites families of MLWGS seniors and graduates to purchase inscribed pavers to leave a lasting tribute at the school. This is a great way to honor your student and support the great work done by the Foundation. You can purchase either a Bluestone paver inside the school lobby or a brick paver near the Maggie Walker bust on Walker Plaza (Lombardy Street side of the school).

2023-2024 ORDERS ARE BEING TAKEN NOW

All donated funds beyond the actual cost of the engraving are tax-deductible.

PAVERS WILL BE ENGRAVED OVER THE SUMMER

Bluestone Lobby pavers (UP TO 6 LINES WITH 13 CHARACTERS/SPACES PER LINE): $1,000
Walker Plaza brick pavers (UP TO 3 LINES WITH 13 CHARACTERS/SPACES PER LINE): $500

Orders can be placed ONLINE or by check mailed to: Governor’s School Foundation, 1000 N. Lombardy St., Richmond, VA 23220.

Questions? Contact Ginger O’Neil GINGER 804-354-1566 or [email protected].

The Mech Tech Dragons completed at Rumble in the Roads on Saturday October 28 at Heritage High School in Newport News. The team was captain of the winning alliance and did not lose a match during eliminations.

It has been a great 1^st quarter in the Dragon Nation! As a learning community, have found a way to have fun with the fall events while still remaining focused. As Myles Munro said, “Our life is the sum total of all the decisions we make every day, and those decisions are determined by our priorities.” Let’s keep making the right choices with our priorities and have a great run up to the winter break!

Have a great week and GO DRAGONS!!

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Halloween

We love to see our students dressed up in costume for Halloween. Please see the flyer that was attached to the update email for guidelines on costumes at MLWGS.

Parent-Teacher Conferences – Monday, November 6, 2023:

On Tuesday, October 31^st at 3:00 PM, you will receive an email through PowerSchool to sign-up for Fall Conferences. Conferences will be held on Monday, November 6 via Zoom. The schedule is as follows:

Session 1: Noon – 3pm
Session 2: 4 – 7pm

The conference sign-up forms will be available until Noon on Friday, November 3.

If you reserve a conference time, you will receive a confirmation email. Additionally, you will receive a reminder email (2) days prior to your conference with an attached file containing all Zoom links for all conferences. You will use the links on this form to connect to the conference via Zoom on Monday, November 6.

If you have questions about the conference forms or Zoom links, please contact MWTech – [email protected].
If a teacher’s schedule is full, please contact them directly. Email addresses are linked on the school’s website here: https://mlwgs.com/about/faculty/

From the PTSA

Just a few more items to close out Fall Fest 2023.

Event Survey: We love feedback! Please share your thoughts about your 2023 Fall Festival experience in the linked survey (https://forms.gle/6QcXrBXgSzFi6k8q9) by Friday, November 3rd.
Help Please: We had quite a bit of damage from the Fall Fest Flash Floods and Föhn. Items that we use year after year need to be replaced, including 17 tents, stage decorations, cardboard trash bins, and signage. Please consider donating to or joining the PTSA to help cover damage costs for future Fall Fests https://mlwgs.ptboard.com/school/cm?mid=3309.
Missed Purchasing Merch: We closed the Dragon’s Lair early at Fall Fest, but you can still get your Maggie Walker merchandise for your favorite someone online at https://www.mlwgsdragonslair.com/. Alternatively, the Lair is open every Tuesday and Friday from 1:20 to 12:20 weekly.
Borrowed Items: Please pick up items you allowed the PTSA to borrow for Fall Festival by Friday, November 3rd in the Bluestone entrance.

Please contact [email protected] if you have questions or concerns. Thanks for your continued support!

Class of 2024

Herff Jones visited last Tuesday to distribute ordering information about graduation-related items like cap and gown. This year, parents are asked to order these items directly from the vendor.

Every senior must have a cap, gown, and tassel to participate in our graduation ceremony in May. The catalogue also includes items like graduation announcements and apparel.

To purchase items, you may use the following link:

Maggie Walker Governor’s School

or use the QR code found on this flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-cZHskhh1B-fJovO0kbNneSzZas581mZ/view?usp=sharing

Please reach out to Ms. Sheppard ([email protected]) or Mrs. Love ([email protected]) if you have any questions.

Fall Art Walk

On November 4th, the MLWGS Visual + Performing Arts Dept. and the MLWGS Visual Arts Boosters (VAB) will be hosting our annual Fall Art Walk event, in conjunction with Richmond’s First Fridays. One of the goals of our art curriculum is to have the students “become aware of and participate in the local arts community”. First Fridays RVA is the monthly event when art galleries on Broad St. and Main St. all open to the public for the evening. There will be much artwork to enjoy!

To begin the evening, our wonderful Visual Arts Boosters will be hosting a reception from 5:30pm – 6:00pm. Please join us for snacks and fellowship prior to heading out to the galleries. If you are willing to help out with food and set up for the reception, please sign up here….

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0A4AA4A92DA0F85-45377707-mlwgs

We will give everyone maps of the galleries and Coach Hall will take anyone who would like to join him around to some specific exhibitions.

To help you avoid having to park downtown, we will be providing a school bus which will run a circuit from the Main St. galleries to Broad St. and back to school all evening. The bus will continue this circuit throughout the evening until the last pickup at 8:45 pm. This way you may stay for as long (or as short) as you like. Details will be discussed that evening.

If you’ve never had the opportunity to participate in a First Fridays Art Walk – or even if you have – we’d love to see you at our event! It’s always a very fun evening. All are welcome (students, parents, family members, & faculty)!

When: Friday November 3rd, 2023, 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Where: Meet in the “adjunct classroom”, room #153, near the Maggie Walker mural to enjoy snacks and refreshments.

RSVP: by Nov. 1st – http://evite.me/6hnjkUKrg5

Additional details can be found here: http://www.maggiewalkervab.org

Thanks again and we hope to see you and your young artists at this event. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Jeff Hall

Visual + Performing Arts Dept. Chair

Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School

[email protected]

Www.MaggieWalkerArts.com

Rescheduled Visiting Artist Lunchtime Lecture

The National Art Honor Society is hosting our first Lunchtime Lecture of the year. Originally planned for October, the event has now been rescheduled! Join us on Friday, November 3rd, in the Blackbox to learn from an exhibiting textiles artist. Born and raised on the island of O’ahu, Noelani Jones is a community-building Fiber Artist passionate about strengthening communities and individuals with art and an appreciation for the natural world. All students are welcome to come and learn from our visiting artist!

Robotics Team

Recycling

I am excited to announce that SECSEE is starting a new recycling initiative aimed at collecting plastic bags and films which cannot be recycled through conventional means.

SECSEE has placed dedicated recycling bins in the bluestone lobby, as well as the students parking lot entrance.

The recycled plastic will be used to make composite furniture and decking.

If SECSEE is able to gather 1000 lbs of plastic bags and films, a composite bench will be donated to the school!

Winter Sports

Any athlete interested in playing a Winter sport starting on November 8^th must have a current VHSL physical and all paperwork, https://mlwgs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/3333_001-2.pdf Once completed please send to [email protected] as a one-page PDF file.

Security Corner:

Last chance to claim lost items!

Lost and found boxes must be cleared out NLT 10/31, and we have an assortment of glasses, air pods, cases, etc. at the security desk!

European Trip

Want to take a wonderful tour of Europe? Enroll today in the Educational Tour to Madrid, Paris, and London, the Multicultural Experience during Summer of (June/July) 2024. Here’s a sneak peek of the itinerary: https://www.eftours.com/eliterature/etus/dbd/u/d47c-dbd-mp.pdf

Click here to enroll: https://www.eftours.com/2626047em

See Ms. Cobb or Ms. Lee if you have any questions.

Costa Rica trip!

Also, if you are a Spanish Club member, you may be eligible for our annual scholarship. Click here for more information.

Night of the Dragon Auction Items Needed

The Night of the Dragon Auction committee is looking for items for this year’s auction–Denim & Dragons–set for Saturday, March 9, at Hardywood Richmond.

Do you own a vacation home or have season tickets to the theater, sporting events, or other fun Venues? Experiences and getaways of all kinds–truly–are super popular items!

Do you have a skill or hobby you enjoy sharing with others? Classes and lessons make great auction items!

Do you own a business or have a special local business you’d love to support and share? We’d love to help you promote your business.

Some of our most popular items each year include unique experiences hosted by MLWGS families and friends, event tickets, vacation home rentals, artwork, lessons of all types, local adventures, handmade crafts, and items from Dragon-family owned businesses and fave spots–let your creative juices flow!

To donate, or if you’re not sure but think you might have something to give, please contact Ginger O’Neil at [email protected].

Congratulations to the 2022-2023 Yearbook staff and their incomparable advisor MICHAEL WHITE for organizing an award-winning book! They won FIRST CLASS honors in the VHSL competition for last year’s submission!!

MLWGS Junior Will Knutson has been named an ACTR Russian Scholar Laureate for 2023. This is a big deal! Of the thousands of high-school students taking Russian across the country, only a handful (about 30) earn this distinction annually, and Will certainly deserved it. In two years of Russian study, he was a model of diligence and enthusiasm for the language and culture, blending innate linguistic talent with persistent hard work. Please join me in congratulating Will on this high honor.

I want to end tonight with sort of a long quote that I found by Kent Keith. Please bear with me, I think it is worth it.

“People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.

The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.

People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
Fight for a few underdogs anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.

People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.
Help people anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you have anyway.”

Have a great week and GO DRAGONS!!

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A very special thanks to the PTSA for putting on an excellent Fall Festival and for being so flexible when the weather turned on us! Our PTSA is the best!!!

Class of 2024

Herff Jones visited last Tuesday to distribute ordering information about graduation-related items like cap and gown. This year, parents are asked to order these items directly from the vendor.

Every senior must have a cap, gown, and tassel to participate in our graduation ceremony in May. The catalogue also includes items like graduation announcements and apparel.

To purchase items, you may use the following link:

Maggie Walker Governor’s School

or use the QR code found on this flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-cZHskhh1B-fJovO0kbNneSzZas581mZ/view?usp=sharing

Please reach out to Ms. Sheppard ([email protected]) or Mrs. Love ([email protected]) if you have any questions.

Fall Art Walk

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0A4AA4A92DA0F85-45377707-mlwgs

We will give everyone maps of the galleries and Coach Hall will take anyone who would like to join him around to some specific exhibitions.

When: Friday November 3rd, 2023, 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Where: Meet in the “adjunct classroom”, room #153, near the Maggie Walker mural to enjoy snacks and refreshments.

RSVP: by Nov. 1st – http://evite.me/6hnjkUKrg5

Additional details can be found here: http://www.maggiewalkervab.org

Thanks again and we hope to see you and your young artists at this event. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Jeff Hall

Visual + Performing Arts Dept. Chair

Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School

[email protected]

Www.MaggieWalkerArts.com

International Language Fair

Dragon Nation! Want a fun and fulfilling way to achieve some service hours? The International Language Fair is looking for this year’s batch of workshop leaders to represent each of the languages taught at Maggie Walker on Saturday, February 24^th from 8am to 1pm. Leaders have the task of creating a fun, educational, and engaging activity that highlights important aspects of their language or culture to be shared with groups of middle school students from across the surrounding counties. If you and your friends are interested in leading a workshop or want to learn more about the Language Fair, fill out this form and attend our meeting on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27^TH during lunch in room 339. If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected], we can’t wait to see you there!

Winter Sports

Security Corner:

Lost and Found has reached maximum capacity, and then some! Please go through it soon, as the contents will be deleted on October 13!

European Trip

Click here to enroll: https://www.eftours.com/2626047em

See Ms. Cobb or Ms. Lee if you have any questions.

Costa Rica trip!

Also, if you are a Spanish Club member, you may be eligible for our annual scholarship. Click here for more information.

Night of the Dragon Auction Items Needed

The Night of the Dragon Auction committee is looking for items for this year’s auction–Denim & Dragons–set for Saturday, March 9, at Hardywood Richmond.

Do you own a vacation home or have season tickets to the theater, sporting events, or other fun venues? Experiences and getaways of all kinds–truly–are super popular items!

Do you have a skill or hobby you enjoy sharing with others? Classes and lessons make great auction items!

Do you own a business or have a special local business you’d love to support and share? We’d love to help you promote your business.

To donate, or if you’re not sure but think you might have something to give, please contact Ginger O’Neil at [email protected].

QUIZ BOWL NATIONAL TOURNAMENT QUALIFIER

On Saturday, October 21, three Maggie Walker Quiz Bowl teams entered the Blacksburg High School Academic Invitational tournament. The field consisted of 24 teams from schools across Virginia, and the top four teams would qualify for the High School National Championship Tournament (HSNCT) in Atlanta, GA and the PACE National Scholastic Championship (NSC) in Reston, VA. Of the 24 teams, the three Maggie Walker teams placed 1^st, 3^rd, and 4^th in the tournament, allowing all three of our teams to qualify for both national championship tournaments! Congratulations to all the following students:

1^st place team: Timothy Porter (captain), Eric Hu, Amanda Campbell, Brenden Stremler

3^rd place team: Sam McNamee (captain), Liam Reed, Devesh Kumar, Michael Klausner

4^th place team: Risshi Naavaal (captain), Yash Saxena, Nate Stewart, Bharathi Kancharla

Additionally, Timothy Porter and Sam McNamee received individual awards for being the first and second highest scoring individuals in the tournament.

Every day at Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School I am so inspired by our students. Our students work so hard in the classroom, yet find time to come out and support their classmates at athletic and cultural events. Our school is indeed a very special place. So tonight, I will sign off with a challenge for us to keep up this momentum with a quote from Mahatma Gandhi: “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”

Have a great week and GO DRAGONS!!

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A Message from our Regional School Board Chair

Residents of Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Dinwiddie, Hopewell, Prince George, or Petersburg…do you know a family in need of a meal this Thanksgiving? Please share this information with them. https://www.cchasm.org/tg2023 Available while supplies last.

https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.cchasm.org%2ftg2023&c=E,1,FcvIoT95mg_z7uN2v39LeNw5Yp_9sjzD08NqexHK67oh6FqNeyLifiLHtqN_kpGbcRk9x76UymhGGIrIeHc6k-9kadr7nabmxJfwskU3nbkQ7RbbSQ,,&typo=0

AP Exam Ordering and Payment Information

For students taking Advanced Placement exams: The payment window for AP exams fees is now open! Although taking those exams in May 2024 seems like light years away, the deadline for on-time payments is October 20^th, 2023. The cost of AP exams is $98 per exam. Details for how to pay, how to access a fee waiver (if needed), and other important information can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W1mZ9cLVTvbTF4E8r4dXQueAqnQjIWi-YaGeSPmFIcU/edit?usp=sharing

Dragon Writing Center

The Dragon Writing Center is back this year and opening on Monday, October 16th for Seniors and Thursday, October 19th for all students. If you aren’t familiar with the DWC, it is a student-run writing center designed to be a resource for students who need extra help, feedback, or support with their writing. It’s open to all MLWGS students, but only NEHS members are eligible to tutor. If you’re a Senior looking for some college essay peer-editing or if you’re just looking for some extra support on your writing, the DWC is the place to be! Drop by room 228 during lunch to check it out! We hope to see you there!

TJ History National Honor Society

The TJ National History Honor Society is hosting its first History Tutoring Lab session! Starting NEXT THURSDAY (October 19th), TJHHS members will be available for general history/social science tutoring and Global 10 Paper content assistance. Tutoring will be available every Thursday starting on October 19th in Room 231. Here is the sign up link.

International Language Fair

Seniors:

Herff Jones will be on campus during lunch in the auditorium on Tuesday, October 17 to discuss the new ordering process for caps, gowns, announcements, and other graduation-related paraphernalia. Rather than collecting measurements at school and having the items shipped to the school for distribution, students/parents will be given a form to fill out online so that items can be shipped directly to the home. This new process will also allow students to only purchase the items that they need. For example, if your senior had a sibling graduate in a previous year and still have their cap and gown, students can go online and just purchase the tassel.

We are requiring ALL SENIORS attend the meeting during lunch (11:45 – 12:15) to understand the new process and bring information home to parents to complete the order.

If you have any questions, you may contact Ms. Sheppard, the graduation coordinator, and she can help put you in touch with our Herff Jones representative. Her email address is: [email protected] .

This new process will help reduce errors in orders and allow items to be delivered directly to your door. We hope you’re as excited as we are about this change.

The October 2023 Senior Newsletter has been posted to “College Information for the Class of 2024” Schoology page as well as the School Counseling website. Check it out for important reminders, a list of upcoming college or career-related events, and updates on scholarships and financial aid: https://sites.google.com/gsgis.k12.va.us/mlwgs-counseling/college-admissions-information/seniorjunior-newsletters

We Need Your Help for a Successful MLWGS 26th Fall Festival!!!

Get ready for some fall fun at Maggie Walker! The MLWGS 26th annual Fall Festival will take place after school on Friday, October 20 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Fall Festival is a fantastic event for all students, families, MLWGS staff, and the surrounding community. Students run booths showcasing their organizations, serving delicious food and performing live on stage. All proceeds raised benefit the participating student groups, and help fund their activities for the year.

It takes a large team of parent volunteers to work before, during, and after to make this tradition a success year after year. None of the volunteer jobs for the Fall Fest require previous experience. There are short shifts available throughout the day, so please look for a slot that fits your schedule. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0444AAAE2DA5F58-44828916-2023#/ If you would like to spend most or the whole day helping out, please contact Julie Seitz at [email protected].

Thanks so much for your help!

Reminder: Tickets for Fall Fest can be purchased online now through Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at www.mlwgsdragonslair.com. Tickets are Fall Festival currency used to purchase refreshments and activities from our student booths. Students can pick up the pre-purchased tickets at Fall Festival Will Call and avoid the lines. Tickets can also be bought on the day of the event for cash or credit.

Make Up Pictures:

Did you miss school pictures back in September? Did you get your picture taken but didn’t like the result? Well, rest easy because make-ups and re-takes for all non-seniors will be done on Wed, Oct. 18. All non-seniors will be called to the Auditorium in the morning, in alphabetical groups by class (e.g., “Freshmen with last names starting with A through G”). If you ordered prints and want re-takes, please bring the prints with you on the 18th. Questions? Email Mr. White at [email protected]

Winter Sports

Security Corner:

Lost and Found has reached maximum capacity, and then some! Please go through it soon, as the contents will be deleted on October 13!

European Trip

Click here to enroll: https://www.eftours.com/2626047em

See Ms. Cobb or Ms. Lee if you have any questions.

Educational tour in Costa Rica

Your student is invited to join us for a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience on an Educational Tour to Costa Rica during Spring Break!

Take a sneak peek at the itinerary here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z33YkZxGEz4LyjrjWM-vu9tvBTLT8kaM/view?usp=sharing

Sounds great? Awesome! We would love to have your student join us on this adventure.

Please be sure to register for this info session at the bottom of this email to be considered for our upcoming travel opportunity.

This trip will fill up fast, so please register for our virtual informational webinar where we’ll discuss:

What we’ll see and do on our trip & everything that’s included in this experience
How your child can earn Academic credit & Scholarships
How we’ll be keeping the trip safe and affordable
How to sign up on the trip (before it fills up!) & how to lock in an Early Enrollment discount!

We’ll also share details about how to sign up (space is limited!) and answer any questions you might have. Registration for this info session is mandatory to get the virtual meeting link for the meeting, and a parent or guardian must attend.

Virtual meeting date: Wednesday, October 18^th at 6:30 PM

Location: Virtual on ZOOM! Registering is mandatory so that you are able to receive that link and attend!

Click here to Register for the info meeting:https://bit.ly/3PYKlRI

Can’t wait to see you there!

Night of the Dragon Auction Items Needed

The Night of the Dragon Auction committee is looking for items for this year’s auction–Denim & Dragons–set for Saturday, March 9, at Hardywood Richmond.

Do you own a vacation home or have season tickets to the theater, sporting events, or other fun venues? Experiences and getaways of all kinds–truly–are super popular items!

Do you have a skill or hobby you enjoy sharing with others? Classes and lessons make great auction items!

Do you own a business or have a special local business you’d love to support and share? We’d love to help you promote your business.

To donate, or if you’re not sure but think you might have something to give, please contact Ginger O’Neil at [email protected].

Tonight’s quote comes from Delores Huerta who said, “We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things. That is what we are put on the earth for.”

Have a great week and GO DRAGONS!!

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Attention Sophomore and Junior families!

PSAT Day will take place on Wednesday, October 11^th starting at 8:40. The PSATs will be digital this year to prepare students for digital SATs in Spring 2024. It is important for families to review the MLWGS Digital PSAT Information to prepare for test day. Also, the What to Expect with the Digital PSATs video is another helpful resource.

Ms. Cobb distributed testing tickets to students during their English classes last Wednesday-Friday. Students can use their testing tickets to practice for the PSATs and complete the digital readiness check.

You are allowed to use your personal device for testing. Personal devices can include a Mac or Windows device or an iPad. You are not allowed to use a personal Chromebook. Your device must also be able to connect to Wi-Fi and be charged enough to stay on for roughly 3 hours. We recommend you bring a power cord or portable charger, but we can’t guarantee you’ll have access to an outlet. You’re permitted to bring an external mouse for your device and an external keyboard if your device is a tablet. You can’t use detachable device privacy screens. All other applications and programs must be closed during the test.

Seniors and Freshmen will have a Reading Morning on PSAT day and will need to report to school at 12:15 PM. Bus riders and early arrivals will report to the Commons for supervised study.

Please contact Ms. Cobb if you have additional questions.

AP Exam Ordering and Payment Information

Seniors:

We are requiring ALL SENIORS attend the meeting during lunch (11:45 – 12:15) to understand the new process and bring information home to parents to complete the order.

If you have any questions, you may contact Ms. Sheppard, the graduation coordinator, and she can help put you in touch with our Herff Jones representative. Her email address is: [email protected] .

This new process will help reduce errors in orders and allow items to be delivered directly to your door. We hope you’re as excited as we are about this change.

Homecoming:

Homecoming tickets are on sale now. Purchase tickets by going to the school website and choose “pay fees” at the bottom. Sales close Thursday, October 12^th at midnight. Tickets are $15.

From the PTSA

Homecoming 2023, ‘Light Up the Night’, is being held this Saturday, October 14 from 7pm to 10pm at the school. The organizers are still in need of volunteers to help make it a smooth and memorable event for our Dragons. Over 700 students are expected to attend. Please consider spending some time to assist them. Volunteers for Coat Check are especially needed.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4EA8AB2FA46-44790801-mlwgs

We Need Your Help for a Successful MLWGS 26th Fall Festival!!!

Thanks so much for your help!

Make Up Pictures:

From the Music Department:

Come celebrate the fall with the first band concert of the year on Friday, October 13^th at 7:00PM in the auditorium. Enjoy performances by the Intermediate Band, Drumline, and Advanced Band! Band parents are reminded that performing students should wear concert black.

National English Honor Society — Application Update

On September 29th, all applicants for NEHS received notice of their application status via school email. Those accepted will need to pay their one-time membership dues by Friday, October 13^th through OSP listed under “ENGLISH NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY DUES.”

For any questions or concerns, please contact faculty sponsors Mrs. Love ([email protected]) or Ms. LeCroy ([email protected])

Visiting Artist Lunchtime Lecture

The National Art Honor Society is hosting our first Lunchtime Lecture of the year. Please join us on Thursday, October 12th, in the Blackbox to learn from an exhibiting textiles artist. Born and raised on the island of O’ahu, Noelani Jones is a community-building Fiber Artist passionate about strengthening communities and individuals with art and an appreciation for the natural world. All students are welcome to come and learn from our visiting artist!

Winter Sports

Security Corner:

Lost and Found has reached maximum capacity, and then some! Please go through it soon, as the contents will be deleted on October 13!

European Trip

Click here to enroll: https://www.eftours.com/2626047em

See Ms. Cobb or Ms. Lee if you have any questions.

Educational tour in Costa Rica

Your student is invited to join us for a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience on an Educational Tour to Costa Rica during Spring Break!

Take a sneak peek at the itinerary here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z33YkZxGEz4LyjrjWM-vu9tvBTLT8kaM/view?usp=sharing

Sounds great? Awesome! We would love to have your student join us on this adventure.

Please be sure to register for this info session at the bottom of this email to be considered for our upcoming travel opportunity.

This trip will fill up fast, so please register for our virtual informational webinar where we’ll discuss:

What we’ll see and do on our trip & everything that’s included in this experience
How your child can earn Academic credit & Scholarships
How we’ll be keeping the trip safe and affordable
How to sign up on the trip (before it fills up!) & how to lock in an Early Enrollment discount!

Virtual meeting date: Wednesday, October 18^th at 6:30 PM

Location: Virtual on ZOOM! Registering is mandatory so that you are able to receive that link and attend!

Click here to Register for the info meeting:https://bit.ly/3PYKlRI

Can’t wait to see you there!

The Foundation’s Parent Participation Competition is Underway!

The Foundation’s Annual Fund Campaign supports many of the amazing academic and extracurricular experiences that set MLWGS apart, including our academic clubs and teams, student travel, teacher professional development, student aid, and more. This year’s annual fund goal is $375,000. Parent support is key!

The Annual Fund Parent Participation Campaign is a friendly (but fierce, lol!) competition that recognizes the class with the highest percentage of parents making annual fund donations each year. All donations of any size count. And each year, the winning class gets bragging rights and a sweet treat in June courtesy of the Foundation! It’s the perfect time to show your support for MLWGS and your Dragon’s class by making your gift online today.

Let me end tonight’s message by wishing everyone a Happy Fall! It is by far my favorite time of year. Football, firepits, jeans and sweatshirts, chilis and soups, and the list goes on! As the great F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote, “Life starts all over again when it get crisp in the fall.”

Have a great week and GO DRAGONS!!

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Attention Sophomore and Junior families!

Only complete this form if you do not have a personal device or if your personal device does not meet the above qualifications. The deadline to complete this form is September 29th.

Orchestra and Choir Concert:

On Friday, October 6th, the MLWGS Orchestra and Chorus will be presenting our Fall Concert at 7:00 pm in the auditorium. Dinner will be served to the chorus and orchestra students at 5:30 pm. (thanks Music Boosters!) Performers should wear “concert black”.

Winter Sports

Any athlete interested in playing a Winter sport starting on November 7^th must have a current VHSL physical and all paperwork, https://mlwgs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/3333_001-2.pdf Once completed please send to [email protected] as a one-page PDF file.

Science National Honor Society

The Science National Honor Society is now accepting applications! Eligible Juniors and Seniors are invited to apply (please see application for eligibility requirements). The deadline to submit an application is Friday, October 6, and late submissions will not be accepted. Please reach out to Ms. Gawne with any questions ([email protected]).

Application: https://forms.gle/seGYKP8xsjn7BjHe8

Spanish Tutoring

Spanish tutoring is available Monday-Thursday during lunch in room 240. Students from all levels are welcome to attend, whether they need practice with conjugation, vocabulary, writing, or conversation! Our Spanish Honor Society tutors don’t bite and they’re ready to help.

Math Tutoring

The Mathematics Tutoring Lab is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. in Room 202. Ms. Lasswell and members of Mu Alpha Theta are available to help students understand mathematics concepts, strengthen mathematical connections, and practice important problem-solving skills. In addition, Mu Alpha Theta offers lunchtime tutoring on Mondays and Wednesdays, 11:45-12:15, in Room 201.

From the Library

Walking the Camino de Santiago: Lunchtime Panel on Monday, 10/2

This past summer, two MLWGS teachers, Mr. Adam Rotche (Science) and Ms. Celie Boswell (English), each took different journeys on the Camino de Santiago. Ms. Amanda Lemco walked the Camino back in 2014. Come to the library during lunch on 10/2 to hear insights and reflections from each of them about what they experienced.

Open Mic in the Black Box on Wednesday, 10/4

Since lunchtime open mics were a hit last year, the MLWGS Library will host four in 2023/2024 – and the first one is on Wednesday, Oct. 4^th . Sign up to share – in no more than 4 minutes – a poem, monologue, or song. You may read/perform original work or a favorite by someone else. If time there are more sign-ups than time, original work will take priority. Readings should be school appropriate and no more than 4 minutes in duration. Please time yourself when you practice so you respect the time limit – one way to show your respect to other readers.

European Trip

Click here to enroll: https://www.eftours.com/2626047em

See Ms. Cobb or Ms. Lee if you have any questions.

Yearbook:

Don’t forget to buy your 2024 Yearbook! Lock in the best pricing of the year before Oct. 7, when prices go up. Just go to https://yearbookordercenter.com/, enter our school’s order number (it’s 14632), and follow the easy prompts. Don’t delay! Operators are standing by.

The Foundation’s Parent Participation Competition is Underway!

Orchestra:

We are pleased to announce that following students auditioned and were accepted into this year’s Senior Regional Orchestra: Gabriel Harding (who is this year’s concertmaster!), Grace Yoo, Fielding Teague, Chris Qian, Keira Kim, Yamato Motai, Reese Wu, Ally Lichtman, Peter Yanovitch, and Peize Wang. These students will be representing Maggie Walker at the Senior Regional Orchestra event on November 10 and 11^th at Harrisonburg High School.

If you see any of these students, please congratulate them- this is a big deal!

Let me sign off tonight with some more words from the great American statesman Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Lincoln said, “We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.”

Have a great week and GO DRAGONS!!

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MLWGS will be closed tomorrow, Monday September 25^th in observance of Yom Kippur. School will re-open on Tuesday September 26^th.

Attention Sophomore and Junior families!

Only complete this form if you do not have a personal device or if your personal device does not meet the above qualifications. The deadline to complete this form is September 29th.

From the Clinic:

As we approach cold and flu season, and with COVID-19 cases increasing, here are a few reminders about when a student should stay home:

If they have a fever above 100.4 before taking any fever-reducing medication
Are experiencing vomiting or diarrhea because of an illness
Has an unknown rash or a possibly contagious condition
Have flu-like symptoms (with or without fever) such as headaches, fatigue, cough, aches, weakness, or a sore throat.

A student should be free of these symptoms for at least 24 hours before returning to school.

Questions? Contact our school nurse [email protected]

The Security Corner

Please do not prop open doors at any time. Do not open exterior doors for anyone during the school day or after school. All entries to the building must pass through security in the Bluestone Lobby.

All requests to open the athletic field or gym must go through Athletics rather than Security.

Science National Honor Society

Application: https://forms.gle/seGYKP8xsjn7BjHe8

Spanish Tutoring

Math Tutoring

From the Library

Need Community Service Hours? Come to the Library on 9/27 to Participate in the Kickoff Transcribe-a-thon for 2023-2024

On Wednesday, Sep. 27th from 3:30 to 5pm, the MW Library will host its first Transcribe-a-thon for this school year, an opportunity to decode historic documents into searchable digital versions for the benefit of historians, scholars, genealogists, and other researchers. Ms. Sonya Coleman from the Library of Virginia will be here to share exciting project updates. Enjoy free sweet treats and get Library of Virginia bling this annual kickoff event. Once you participate in-person, you’ll have the option to continue earning community service hours (up to a max of 35 hours) by transcribing historic documents online from anywhere (as long as you provide the required documentation). Interested? Sign in to your GSGIS Google account & then sign up for this year’s team!

Walking the Camino de Santiago: Lunchtime Panel on Monday, 10/2

Swim Team

Splish, Splash! Have you swum summer league? Do you love being a part of a winning team? Come to the swim team interest meeting on Wednesday the 27th in room 112. We will be discussing the upcoming season as well as information on the team and team-bonding events. There will be many sweet treats for those in attendance. We hope to see you there!

Costa Rica Trip

Would you like to travel to Costa Rica to learn more about the culture and practice your Spanish?

An educational trip has been proposed and we are waiting for Board approval. If you are interested in getting information about it, please fill out the following form to get information once it has been approved. Thank you!

Mrs. Bradner

Have a great week and GO DRAGONS!!

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1^st Quarter Interims

Although we no longer print paper copies of interim grades, This past Friday was the halfway point of the 1^st marking period. Please take a few moments and look at your student’s progress and grades in PowerSchool to make sure that you are up to speed on how they are doing. If you have any questions, please feel free to email your student’s teachers.

Math Tutoring

Visual Arts

The first Visual Art Booster meeting of the year will take place this coming Tuesday night, Sept. 19 from 5:00 to 6:00 in the Art room (131). Parents interested in supporting the visual arts at MLWGS are encouraged to attend.

MLWGS Drama Department

Calling all student actors! Auditions for the fall play, Snow Angel, by David Lindsay-Abaire, will be held after school on Monday, September 18th, in the auditorium. Interested students can find more information, including the audition signup form, on the Drama Club Schoology page.

About the play:

When the quiet town of Deerpoint VT is hit by the biggest blizzard in 107 years, a mysterious girl named Eva steps out of a snowbank and into the lives of 15 confused teenagers who are asked to help her in her search. What Eva’s searching for—and who she truly is—becomes a mystery that baffles, divides, and energizes the teens of Deerpoint. Told through journal entries and interactions among the students over the course of a single snow day, Snow Angel is a funny and eerie tale of teen angst, discovery, and the power of believing.

Seniors!

The people have spoken, and their collective voice has been heard. Lifetouch/Prestige will visit MLWGS one final time, on Monday, Sept. 18, to shoot formal Yearbook senior portraits, free of charge. If you couldn’t get a time slot for the Sept. 7 session, this is your chance to save your bacon! Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E4CACAE28A0FD0-2024

Costa Rica Trip

Would you like to travel to Costa Rica to learn more about the culture and practice your Spanish?

Mrs. Bradner

MLWGS Bhangra

The MLWGS Bhangra Team competed this Sunday at the Festival of India and danced their way to first place in their age category! The team received a trophy and a check for their achievement. Congratulations to Captains Sania Jain, Bharathi Kancharla, and Nithya Ravula; Vice Captains Hasika Aaravabhoomi and Tanvi Palavalas; and team members Aditya Badhrayan, Sadie Hall, Ira Prakash, Rachael Sharon-Gupta, and Sowmya Narra. Keep up the great work and we look forward to MLWGS Bhangra Team’s next performance at Fall Festival!

Remember, we are here to be compassionate, courageous, collaborative, and to have a sense of community. It is The Walker Way.

Have a great week and GO DRAGONS!!

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TJ National History Honor Society

The TJ National History Honor Society will have an interest meeting Wednesday, September 13, 2023, in the forum during lunch. Come find out about membership requirements and discover the benefits of being in the honor society:

-Connect with fellow history enthusiasts

-Participate in community service projects

-Enhance your academic and leadership skills

-Gain recognition for your passion for history

National Honor Society Applications (Due Monday, 9/11)

Are you interested in joining the Maggie Walker Chapter of National Honor Society? The NHS online application for the 2023-2024 school year is now open: https://forms.gle/jNrqsNp9jsTrHPSEA

Interested Juniors and Seniors may apply for membership through 11:59pm on Monday, September 11th. Eligible students are current juniors or seniors with a 3.5 GPA (cumulative, weighted) who are considered “on track” to fulfill their community service requirement (70 hours for juniors and 105 hours for seniors).

National Honor Society is an organization that fosters scholarship, service, leadership and character. We encourage our members think of ways to improve the school and community, and members support each other in helping make their ideas for service projects become reality.

Please view the application link for all of the pertinent details of the application process, dues, and membership expectations. Contact Dr. Rachel Loving, NHS Sponsor, with questions at [email protected].

Note: Juniors and seniors who were admitted last year do not need to apply again.

Applications to join the National English Honor Society (NEHS) are now open!

Calling all Juniors and Seniors who have a strong affinity for English/Language Arts! Whether your interests lie in literature, creative writing, media studies, journalism, literary analysis, composition, or any facet of the written or spoken word, we extend a warm invitation to join the ranks of NEHS.

Eligibility: Applications are now open for Juniors and Seniors who maintain a minimum GPA of 3.75 in English.

Requirements: Upon acceptance, a one-time $25 membership fee is required. After induction, a commitment of 4 hours to community service supporting literacy is required.
Application Deadline:Friday, September 15th, at 3:30 PM. Late submissions will not be accepted.

To apply, please click here.

For any questions, contact Ms. Love ([email protected]) or Ms. LeCroy ([email protected]).

Security Corner:

Senior off campus lunch began September 8. Completed off campus lunch forms accepted Monday through Thursday throughout the year.

Please check the lost and found box often! Lose something of value? Check with Security. Items not claimed after approximately 2 weeks are donated or thrown away!

Please do not hit, kick, pound, vandalize, or otherwise harass vending machines. These do not belong to the school, and vendors will hold you liable for any damages. If you have lost money, please see Ms. Bowman in Attendance with details.

Reminder: Please do not prop or open exterior doors for anyone…even if you know them. All persons must enter and exit through the Bluestone lobby. (Certain exceptions)

Great year so far! Keep up the good work!

Seniors!

From the Foundation:

Night of the Dragon Volunteers Wanted

The MLWGS Foundation is hosting a kick-off meeting for anyone interested in helping with the 2024 Night of the Dragon at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 14, in Room 153. Volunteers are needed in many areas, including overall event planning and execution, communications, solicitations and sponsorships, decorating and entertainment. NOTD is MLWGS’ largest annual fundraiser and social event and volunteers are the key to its success. Want to help but can’t make the meeting, just let Ginger know at [email protected].

Maggie Walker Athletics will have online tickets only for all events. You will be able to buy your tickets in advance and will process the final steps when you arrive at the gate. Below is the site where you can find all sales.

https://gofan.co/app/school/VA7818

Want to take a wonderful tour of Europe?

Register for the upcoming info session for the Educational Tour to Madrid, Paris, and London, the Multicultural Experience during Summer of 2024!

This trip will fill up fast, so please register for our virtual informational webinar where we’ll discuss:

What we’ll see and do on our trip & everything that’s included in this experience
How you can earn Academic credit & Scholarships
How we’ll be keeping the trip safe and affordable
How to sign up on the trip (before it fills up!) & how to lock in an Early Enrollment discount
Testimonials from students who traveled with us this Summer

Virtual meeting date: Wednesday, September 13^th at 6 PM

Location: Virtual on ZOOM! Registering is mandatory so that you are able to receive that link and attend!

Click here to Register for the info meeting:https://bit.ly/45tJjSM

Twenty-two years ago tomorrow, Americans woke and began their daily routines. They were little aware at the time, that September 11^th, 2001 would become a turning point in American History. The attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the plane crash in Pennsylvania resulted in the loss of 2,977 lives. Since 2001 we as Americans have tried to make sense of this tragedy.

The results of 9-11 are many; changes in the basic structure of our government, severe economic challenges, and the important debate about the balance between our individual rights and our desire to be safe. While some of you may not have been born when these events happened, they affect you deeply whether you realize it or not.

So this week, as our country recalls this tragedy, ask those who are close to you the true meaning of these events and how the world changed for them. Understanding their answers is key to understanding the world in which you live.

“If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate.” — Sandy Dahl, wife of Flight 93 pilot Jason Dahl.

Have a great week and GO DRAGONS!!

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School will be closed tomorrow September 4^th in observance of Labor Day. School will re-open on Tuesday September 5^th.

Back to School Night:

Back to School Night is Thursday, September 7^thbetween 6:30 – 9:00 pm

Important Notes:

Students are asked to fill out their schedule and give it to their parents.

Back to School Night is for parents and guardians. Students are NOT encouraged to attend.

Plan to arrive by 6:15 PM. because school parking lots fill up quickly. Leave additional time for parking. We have lost our overflow parking lot due to the construction of apartments and condos on the old James River Bus lot. We are trying to find some overflow parking spaces, but at the time of posting this message, we have been unable to secure a lot. If we can get a lot before the event, a separate message will be sent with that information. We understand the significant inconvenience that this creates, but it is beyond our control.

Parents should report to the school auditorium no later than 6:30 p.m. for the first PTSA meeting of the year. A welcome, maps, and directions for the evening will be provided. Students should provide their schedule to their parents to follow.

Each class session will last for ten minutes, and a bell will signal the transition to the next class. Parents will have five minutes between classes.

Teachers will be providing specific information about their classes, not about individual students.

Parent-teacher conferences will take place virtually on November 6th during which time parents may discuss their child’s individual progress. More information regarding these conferences will be forthcoming.

From the School Nurse:

Please turn in any allergy, asthma, or other health concern paperwork and any medication authorization to the school nurse ASAP.

Email [email protected] if you have questions about what paperwork is needed.

Policy and Notifications:

You can find all the policies and regulations of the school on its website. These policies and regulations are updated by the Regional School Board from time to time. If you don’t have online access, you can request copies of the policies and regulations from the school board clerk.

Required Notifications are maintained on the school website and available for viewing at any time. This notice is provided at the start of each school year.

Notifications can also occasionally be updated from the Regional School Board as needed by Code of Virginia modification.

National Honor Society Applications (Due Monday, 9/11)

Are you interested in joining the Maggie Walker Chapter of National Honor Society? The NHS online application for the 2023-2024 school year is now open: https://forms.gle/jNrqsNp9jsTrHPSEA

Note: Juniors and seniors who were admitted last year do not need to apply again.

Applications to join the National English Honor Society (NEHS) are now open!

Eligibility: Applications are now open for Juniors and Seniors who maintain a minimum GPA of 3.75 in English.

Requirements: Upon acceptance, a one-time $25 membership fee is required. After induction, a commitment of 4 hours to community service supporting literacy is required.
Application Deadline:Friday, September 15th, at 3:30 PM. Late submissions will not be accepted.

To apply, please click here.

For any questions, contact Ms. Love ([email protected]) or Ms. LeCroy ([email protected]).

Seniors!

Student Handbook Test: Parents, please encourage your student to take the Student Handbook Test by 9/5/23

Instructions for students:

This is a test for the Maggie L. Walker Gov.’s School Handbook. Mastery is considered 80%. You may use only your student handbook to take this test. When you submit this test you have acknowledged the school honor code. You have unlimited opportunities to reach mastery of this test. You must complete the test by 9/5/23 (11 P.M.) You will be locked out after that time. Don’t wait until the last hour to start. If this is not successfully completed by the deadline, frequent communication with you and your parents will take place until an 80% or higher is achieved.

Secret Word= Dragons

REQUIRED:

Please type your student ID # from Powerschool when prompted

(Not sure what it is? It can be found on Powerschool on the front page of the Student or Parent Portal; hint: this begins with your graduation year.)

Your results will not be counted if this item is not filled in.

https://gofan.co/app/school/VA7818

Yearbook:

Tues-Wed, Sept. 5-6, will be your LAST CHANCE to pick up your FREE 2023 Yearbook Spring Supplement. Mr. White will be in the SOPHOMORE/JUNIOR COMMONS at lunch. All sophomores, juniors and seniors are invited to come pick up their supplements before they’re gone. (Alternatively, you can pick up a supplement from Mr. White any time in Room 330.)

Want to take a wonderful tour of Europe?

Register for the upcoming info session for the Educational Tour to Madrid, Paris, and London, the Multicultural Experience during Summer of 2024!

This trip will fill up fast, so please register for our virtual informational webinar where we’ll discuss:

What we’ll see and do on our trip & everything that’s included in this experience
How you can earn Academic credit & Scholarships
How we’ll be keeping the trip safe and affordable
How to sign up on the trip (before it fills up!) & how to lock in an Early Enrollment discount
Testimonials from students who traveled with us this Summer

Virtual meeting date: Wednesday, September 13^th at 6 PM

Location: Virtual on ZOOM! Registering is mandatory so that you are able to receive that link and attend!

Click here to Register for the info meeting:https://bit.ly/45tJjSM

This fall our school is hosting a graduate student in the field of school counseling. Mr. Tristan Clodfelter will be partnering with MLWGS counselors and social worker Erin Ortiz during the first semester on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Prior to providing on-going individual counseling or facilitating groups, a permission form will be sent home for parent approval. As Mr. Clodfelter participates in classroom guidance or meetings related to the day-to-day activities of the Counseling Office, if you wish to opt out your student, please email senior/college counselor Kim Forquer at [email protected]. Here is a greeting and introduction from Mr. Clodfelter:

“Dragons, my name is Tristan Clodfelter, and I am thrilled to serve as an intern at the MLWGS Counseling Office. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology from Western Carolina University. After my graduation, I surveyed different roles in the field of psychology including school behavior coach, camp coordinator, school day treatment technician, and childcare center director. Through these experiences, I found an interest in supporting student mental health in the school setting. As I have progressed in the field, I have set goals to improve my skills surrounding college navigation, socio-emotional development, mindfulness, and group facilitation. I am now pursuing my Master of Science in Counselor Education at East Carolina University to become a school counselor. I’m happy to be here as it will allow me to build up my experience in this new role in a unique environment. I am excited to be working in tandem with the MLWGS Counseling team, teachers, and parents/guardians to ensure student success.”

MLWGS Foundation Open House During Back to School Night

If you have questions about the MLWGS Foundation, want to know more about how you can get involved, or just need a place to relax during a free period in your Dragon’s schedule, swing by the Foundation Office (Room 225, across from the auditorium) during Back to School Night. Ginger will be there and happy to see you!

While I’m enjoying the last unofficial weekend of summer, I am surrounded by all the summer noises that I hear when I am at the river. It can be quite a symphony, but to quote E.B. White, “The crickets felt it was their duty to remind everyone that summer cannot last forever.” The firsts wisps of fall weather are coming as is the start of football games and bonfires. Farewell to summer and welcome to another beautiful fall!

Have a great week and GO DRAGONS!!

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Student Pick-up and Drop-Off:

AM Drop-off – Please drop students off in the back lot by the curb and do not block access to parking spots. Do not drop off students in the bus loop (the lot near Elizabeth Street) between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM.

PM Pickup – Please pick students up in the back lot. Do not enter the bus loop or the Lombardy St. Loop (under the big stairs) as both are bus pick-up locations. You will find yourself trapped by a bus that has its flashers on.

From the MLWGS School Social Worker:

As the doors have opened to greet our returning students for the 2023-2024 school year, I am sending a huge Welcome Back to you, too, parents/guardians and families! I hope you’ve had a summer full of adventure, relaxation, and anything else you needed to recharge before another year is underway. Last year, during my first short year at MLWGS, I had the opportunity to connect with many of you across grade levels – for those of you I have yet to meet, my name is Erin Ortiz and I am the school social worker at Maggie Walker. I’m also a proud alum from the class of 2006 and it seems this place will always feel like home. Here at MLWGS, I provide intervention when situations arise around mental health needs, attendance concerns, school-based plans/504 plans/IEPs, manage the mindfulness room, collaborate with our faculty to roll out classroom lessons for SOS (Signs of Suicide), work alongside staff members to facilitate mindfulness activities, and sponsor SCA as well as the club Bring Change 2 Mind. I wanted to send out another gentle reminder about the importance of attendance… everyday counts! Looking forward to another exciting year and sending you all well wishes as we embark on the 23-24 school year together!

All my best,

Ms. Ortiz
School Social Worker

Study Halls:

All students are expected to remain on campus during study halls unless written permission from a parent is given to leave early or arrive late.

National Honor Society Applications (Due Monday, 9/11)

Are you interested in joining the Maggie Walker Chapter of National Honor Society? The NHS online application for the 2023-2024 school year is now open: https://forms.gle/jNrqsNp9jsTrHPSEA

Note: Juniors and seniors who were admitted last year do not need to apply again.

Applications to join the National English Honor Society (NEHS) are now open!

Eligibility: Applications are now open for Juniors and Seniors who maintain a minimum GPA of 3.75 in English.

Requirements: Upon acceptance, a one-time $25 membership fee is required. After induction, a commitment of 4 hours to community service supporting literacy is required.
Application Deadline:Friday, September 15th, at 3:30 PM. Late submissions will not be accepted.

To apply, please click here.

For any questions, contact Ms. Love ([email protected]) or Ms. LeCroy ([email protected]).

Seniors!

Student Handbook Test: Parents, please encourage your student to take the Student Handbook Test by 9/5/23

Instructions for students:

Secret Word= Dragons

REQUIRED:

Please type your student ID # from Powerschool when prompted

(Not sure what it is? It can be found on Powerschool on the front page of the Student or Parent Portal; hint: this begins with your graduation year.)

Your results will not be counted if this item is not filled in.

Locker Request Form

Beginning in the 2023-2024 school year, lockers will be provided to students upon request. If no locker request form is submitted, a student will not be assigned a locker. Please submit this form no later than Friday, September 15. The Facilities Department will assign you a locker and provide the combination. This will appear on the demographics tab of your Schoology account within 2 business days. If you request a locker, this will be your assigned unit for your entire time at MLWGS. Requests for transfers will be handled during the first month of the school year.

https://gofan.co/app/school/VA7818

Want to take a wonderful tour of Europe?

Register for the upcoming info session for the Educational Tour to Madrid, Paris, and London, the Multicultural Experience during Summer of 2024!

This trip will fill up fast, so please register for our virtual informational webinar where we’ll discuss:

What we’ll see and do on our trip & everything that’s included in this experience
How you can earn Academic credit & Scholarships
How we’ll be keeping the trip safe and affordable
How to sign up on the trip (before it fills up!) & how to lock in an Early Enrollment discount
Testimonials from students who traveled with us this Summer

Virtual meeting date: Wednesday, September 13^th at 6 PM

Location: Virtual on ZOOM! Registering is mandatory so that you are able to receive that link and attend!

Click here to Register for the info meeting:https://bit.ly/45tJjSM

Class of 2027 Parent Welcome Receptions This Week sponsored by the GS Foundation

This year’s Class of 2027 Parent Welcomes are being held this Tuesday and Wednesday at the Libbie Mill Clubhouse, not far from MLWGS. Thanks to everyone who has already RSVP’d. If you have not, please RSVP here now so we can plan for a fun evening. We look forward to seeing you there and partnering with you to support all our amazing MLWGS students and teachers for the next four years and beyond.

Let me sign off tonight with some words from the late great blues musician B.B. King. He said, “The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.”

Have a great week and GO DRAGONS!!

08/20/23

Good Evening MLWGS Family, this is Dr. Lowerre the Director with the First Sunday Night Update for the 23-24 school year!

Every Sunday evening at about 7:00, you will receive a message from me with a link to my blog letting you know about upcoming events in the Dragon Nation. You will hear about parent meetings, community events, upcoming deadlines, and some student activities. With over 150 sports, clubs, and activities, I can’t get to all of them, but I will try to highlight the ones that are of interest to the majority of students and families. You can also keep up with what’s going on at MLWGS by checking out the School’s webpage at MLWGS.com.

As we get ready for our start on Monday August 21^st, let me begin with some housekeeping items:

Off-campus parking will be a serious challenge this year as there will be two major construction projects on Leigh and Lombardy Streets. Students are strongly encouraged to take the bus to school whenever possible.
Please review the student dress code with your student. It can be found here on pages 13-14

Click to access Student-Handbook-2022-2023-web.pdf

School fees have been uploaded in PowerSchool and can be found on the Student Page in Power School. The online fee payment system is linked off of the main school webpage.

Student Handbook Test: Parents, please encourage your student to take the Student Handbook Test by 9/5/23

Instructions for students:

Secret Word= Dragons

REQUIRED:

Please type your student ID # from Powerschool when prompted

(Not sure what it is? It can be found on Powerschool on the front page of the Student or Parent Portal; hint: this begins with your graduation year.)

Your results will not be counted if this item is not filled in.

Locker Request Form

Security Corner:

Welcome back Dragons!

Seniors, If you have not received your parking pass, distribution will re-start after the first full week of school. Please ensure that all applications and parking fees have been taken care of, and then e-mail [email protected] to schedule time.

Parents, if you are picking up students in the student lot after school, please wait for your passenger(s) in an empty parking space or along the curbs. Please DO NOT line up in the rows as this prevents seniors from leaving on time for after-school jobs and events.

Please do not attempt to drive into the Bluestone parking lot to park, visit or pick up students between 2:40pm and 3:40pm. This space is reserved for busses only during that window.

Thank you! We’re looking forward to another awesome year!

Maggie Athletics will have online tickets only for all events. You will be able to buy your tickets in advance and will process the final steps when you arrive at the gate. Below is the site where you can find all sales.

https://gofan.co/app/school/VA7818

MWTech:

As part of a continuing effort to improve usability on our website, we’ll be making multiple important changes throughout the coming months. The first initiative was to review and update the information architecture in order to better align the content to the needs of our users. In addition to consolidating information (so users can find what they need without having to navigate through so many pages), there are now specific resources for Students and Parents, which include applicable content for each of those audiences. Updates have been posted and are viewable on the site: mlwgs.com.

Yearbook:

Students! The Yearbook staff can’t wait to hear all about how you spent your summer. Whether you traveled abroad or domestically, earned money at a job, volunteered in your community, competed athletically or musically, pursued hobbies, or just hung out alone or with friends, we want your pictures! Please note that we need pictures with you in them. A picture of the Eiffel Tower isn’t very interesting; a picture of you AT the Eiffel Tower is much more compelling! And it’s so easy to share them. Just go to hjeshare.com and enter our school’s code, which is mlwgs, and follow the prompts. It’s insultingly easy to use, and your images just might make it into the 2024 Yearbook! Questions? Email Mr. White at [email protected].

Class of 2027 Parent Welcome Reception RSVPs Due Wednesday

Each year, the Governor’s School Foundation kicks off the school year with the MLWGS Parent/Guardian Welcome reception. This is a great opportunity for you to meet other Class of 2027 parents, chat with current MLWGS parents, and hear brief remarks from Dr. Lowerre while enjoying dessert and drinks.

This year’s Parent Welcomes will take on the evenings of August 29 and 30 at the Libbie Mill Clubhouse, not far from MLWGS. Please RSVP here to attend the evening that works best for you.

The Foundation Board and volunteers look forward to seeing you there and partnering with you to support all our amazing MLWGS students and teachers for the next four years and beyond.

Let me end this week with a quote from an unknown author. “Every summer has a story” I hope that your summer has been full of wonderful stories. Have a great evening and as always Go Dragons!!

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