Study “moving, but not swiftly,” says Mr. Hunt.
By Charles Condro, Jabberwock Staff Reporter
The Admissions Process Review at MLWGS is trudging on, and it is now reaching the next stage in its progress.
In what is now the ninth month since the consultants were awarded the job, the group is now shifting to the interview phase of the study.
The team of consultants consists of a group of U.Va professors who are working independently from the university. The first step they took was to send questionnaires to the Gifted Coordinators of each county that participates in MLWGS. The group is now using the information they have gathered to help them in their interviews.
“We…have developed interview protocols and we are in the process of setting up interviews,” said Ms. Carolyn Callahan, one of the consultants and a professor at the Curry School of Education at U.Va.
“They are in the process of making contacts,” said Director Mr. Doug Hunt. “They are now breaking it [the MLWGS community] up into components.”
The consultants are now creating subsets of the community to identify the needs of each group.
Some of the subsets will be: students, parents, alumni, minorities and students who got into MLWGS but opted to attend a different school.
In order to interview all of these people, the consultants plan on mailing questionnaires to the individuals. “They have asked us to send some letters out to the parents. I am not sure if that is our responsibility,” said Mr. Hunt. “That is a simple minor thing though.”
The consultants have not yet been in direct contact with students, parents or other members of the MLWGS community. This time lapse from the beginning of the study until now has been a cause of concern for several members of the MLWGS community.
“I think they should have started this earlier,” said Neil Pathak (’11).
“I am wondering what else they are doing,” said Jerry Carlson (’09). “I understand that they have other things to do, but we are paying them.”
The members of consultant group, along with members of the entire Richmond community, feel that despite delays, this study is well worth the wait.
“The study is important because it is of value to key stakeholders in ensuring that…MLWGS and the feeder school divisions [are] doing all they can to ensure a fair and unbiased identification process,” said Ms. Callahan.
Others, however, feel that the study is not necessary to begin with.
“If they knew how all of the minorities here felt, they would not even be here,” said Karlene Cox (’10). “Within the U.S. we are a minority, so it does not matter that we are minorities here.”
Friday, January 16, 2009
Bridges Selected As Richmond Representative
By Danny Yates, Jabberwock Staff Reporter
Superintendents and board members from MLWGS’ 11 localities welcomed a new member at yesterday’s monthly Regional Board meeting.
New to the table is Richmond representative Ms. Kim Bridges (parent of an 8th grade MLWGS hopeful) of Richmond’s first district.
On Wednesday, Richmond Chairman Ms. Chandra Smith named Ms. Bridges as the city’s new representative to the MLWGS Regional Board.
Before Ms. Bridges was selected, second district board member Ms. Kim Gray, an Appomattox Governor’s School parent, and eighth district board member Ms. Dawn Page, a former MLWGS guidance counselor, were interested in the position. According to MLWGS Director Mr. Doug Hunt, most board members usually have some personal connection to the school.
“I have expressed an interest and would like to be the representative. As you know, Ms. Page and others have also shown an interest,” said Ms. Gray, before Ms. Bridges’ appointment was made public.
“We all put in requests and are definitely supporters of the Governor’s School,” said Ms. Gray.
Superintendents and board members from MLWGS’ 11 localities welcomed a new member at yesterday’s monthly Regional Board meeting.
New to the table is Richmond representative Ms. Kim Bridges (parent of an 8th grade MLWGS hopeful) of Richmond’s first district.
On Wednesday, Richmond Chairman Ms. Chandra Smith named Ms. Bridges as the city’s new representative to the MLWGS Regional Board.
Before Ms. Bridges was selected, second district board member Ms. Kim Gray, an Appomattox Governor’s School parent, and eighth district board member Ms. Dawn Page, a former MLWGS guidance counselor, were interested in the position. According to MLWGS Director Mr. Doug Hunt, most board members usually have some personal connection to the school.
“I have expressed an interest and would like to be the representative. As you know, Ms. Page and others have also shown an interest,” said Ms. Gray, before Ms. Bridges’ appointment was made public.
“We all put in requests and are definitely supporters of the Governor’s School,” said Ms. Gray.
New Year, Same Problems
From the MLWGS Board Room to City Hall to the Virginia Legislature, 2009 is shaping up to be a difficult year.
MLWGS – Minimal Progress From Diversity Consultant and Director’s Search.
Yesterday, the Regional Board held its first meeting of the New Year. Board Chairman Ivan Mattox led his colleagues in discussion on a whole host of issues, but the board carefully skirted any in-depth discussion of the school’s most two controversial issues, the director’s search and the diversity study.
While there was a cursory announcement about the status of the MLWGS diversity study, it was only the first such update since September. As we all know, a $70,000 contract was awarded last year to four U.Va education professors.
In the coming months, Doctors Brighton, Callahan, Davis and Moon are slated to deliver their high-priced advice to the Regional Board. But as of now, these diversity consultants know practically nothing about our school’s admission’s process.
The professors failed to attend even one of this fall’s thirty middle school recruiting events. Mr. Charles’s advice on this issue is ten times more valuable than any diversity consultant – and his suggestions are free.
As well as being tight-lipped about the diversity study, MLWGS leadership have dragged with the director’s search. Until yesterday, very few details were shared about the “hunt for Mr. Hunt’s replacement.” Even the information given at Thursday’s meeting was ambiguous. We do know now that approximately thirty candidates from “Virginia and across the country” have applied for the position, but no specifics were available.
It would be interesting to know the names of local candidates, and possibly, whether any current MLWGS faculty or board members have applied. Without substantial community involvement, consequences of the director’s search may be disastrous.
Locally – New Richmond Mayor and School Board Bring Change to City, But Is It Too Late?
Last Saturday, new Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones delivered his inaugural address to an overflowing, exuberant audience.
From Jones’ remarks, it looks like the next four years could be a time of revitalization and repair for our city. One promising aspect is the new mayor’s pledge to work closely with Richmond’s practically brand-new school board.
In November, five new members were elected to the city’s school board. Essentially this was a mandate from voters for change and overhaul in our school system. Hopefully these new board members will make good on their electoral promises.
This Monday, the MLWGS baseball team met for a pre-season planning session. The team practices on a dilapidated city-owned field adjacent to Richmond’s Clark Springs Elementary School. On Monday, the team voted to play this season’s “home games” at away locations, since the quality of the field is so poor.
Facilities are just one small part of any school system. But they are a critically important tool in keeping students, parents and teachers energized and working hard. Let’s hope some simple things like cleaning up the Clark Springs ball field are seriously considered when the Richmond School Board gets to work.
Statewide – Budget Crisis and Partisan Legislature Don’t Bode Well for Our Commonwealth.
More than a hundred basketball fans donned their Green Machine t-shirts and packed into the gym on Wednesday night to witness a blowout 63-33 MLWGS victory. However, one regular fan was missing from the crowd.
Governor Kaine was not watching the Maggie Walker boys battle Appomattox on the basketball court. Instead, he was delivering his annual State of the Commonwealth address. Kaine’s speech was well-crafted and expertly delivered, but the Governor’s oratory skills were not enough to hide the stark truth that Virginia is facing a full-blown budget crisis.
At the moment, the state is looking at some huge cuts in education funding. As Kaine so truthfully admitted, “it’s never easy to make cuts to schools.” Unfortunately, MLWGS is at risk of being hit doubly hard.
The best possible scenario would be an $80,000 shortfall. Yet this figure was developed without even calculating the possible reduction in funds from our home divisions.
Alas, times are tough. But, as Gandhi once said, “the future depends on what we do in the present.” Unless the MLWGS community takes direct action today to deal with these challenges, we may as well just reprint this very same editorial in the first Jabberwock of 2010.
MLWGS – Minimal Progress From Diversity Consultant and Director’s Search.
Yesterday, the Regional Board held its first meeting of the New Year. Board Chairman Ivan Mattox led his colleagues in discussion on a whole host of issues, but the board carefully skirted any in-depth discussion of the school’s most two controversial issues, the director’s search and the diversity study.
While there was a cursory announcement about the status of the MLWGS diversity study, it was only the first such update since September. As we all know, a $70,000 contract was awarded last year to four U.Va education professors.
In the coming months, Doctors Brighton, Callahan, Davis and Moon are slated to deliver their high-priced advice to the Regional Board. But as of now, these diversity consultants know practically nothing about our school’s admission’s process.
The professors failed to attend even one of this fall’s thirty middle school recruiting events. Mr. Charles’s advice on this issue is ten times more valuable than any diversity consultant – and his suggestions are free.
As well as being tight-lipped about the diversity study, MLWGS leadership have dragged with the director’s search. Until yesterday, very few details were shared about the “hunt for Mr. Hunt’s replacement.” Even the information given at Thursday’s meeting was ambiguous. We do know now that approximately thirty candidates from “Virginia and across the country” have applied for the position, but no specifics were available.
It would be interesting to know the names of local candidates, and possibly, whether any current MLWGS faculty or board members have applied. Without substantial community involvement, consequences of the director’s search may be disastrous.
Locally – New Richmond Mayor and School Board Bring Change to City, But Is It Too Late?
Last Saturday, new Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones delivered his inaugural address to an overflowing, exuberant audience.
From Jones’ remarks, it looks like the next four years could be a time of revitalization and repair for our city. One promising aspect is the new mayor’s pledge to work closely with Richmond’s practically brand-new school board.
In November, five new members were elected to the city’s school board. Essentially this was a mandate from voters for change and overhaul in our school system. Hopefully these new board members will make good on their electoral promises.
This Monday, the MLWGS baseball team met for a pre-season planning session. The team practices on a dilapidated city-owned field adjacent to Richmond’s Clark Springs Elementary School. On Monday, the team voted to play this season’s “home games” at away locations, since the quality of the field is so poor.
Facilities are just one small part of any school system. But they are a critically important tool in keeping students, parents and teachers energized and working hard. Let’s hope some simple things like cleaning up the Clark Springs ball field are seriously considered when the Richmond School Board gets to work.
Statewide – Budget Crisis and Partisan Legislature Don’t Bode Well for Our Commonwealth.
More than a hundred basketball fans donned their Green Machine t-shirts and packed into the gym on Wednesday night to witness a blowout 63-33 MLWGS victory. However, one regular fan was missing from the crowd.
Governor Kaine was not watching the Maggie Walker boys battle Appomattox on the basketball court. Instead, he was delivering his annual State of the Commonwealth address. Kaine’s speech was well-crafted and expertly delivered, but the Governor’s oratory skills were not enough to hide the stark truth that Virginia is facing a full-blown budget crisis.
At the moment, the state is looking at some huge cuts in education funding. As Kaine so truthfully admitted, “it’s never easy to make cuts to schools.” Unfortunately, MLWGS is at risk of being hit doubly hard.
The best possible scenario would be an $80,000 shortfall. Yet this figure was developed without even calculating the possible reduction in funds from our home divisions.
Alas, times are tough. But, as Gandhi once said, “the future depends on what we do in the present.” Unless the MLWGS community takes direct action today to deal with these challenges, we may as well just reprint this very same editorial in the first Jabberwock of 2010.
A Better Way
By Elsa Schultze
Drug tests for teachers are a nice idea. After all, who wants children taught by depraved drug addicts? But testing teachers for drug use is a red herring. It's a way of appearing to protect the welfare of students while ignoring much more glaring problems in education. If a teacher is doing drugs and no one can tell, while that may be undesirable, that's private business. The real problem is that it's almost impossible to fire a teacher who acts crazy or is just bad.
In the world of teaching, tenure makes it extremely difficult to fire a teacher, despite consistently bad reviews or under-achieving students. We've all had those bad teachers, and statistically, very few of them were likely to be on drugs. Nationwide, only 4% of teachers use drugs, less than half of the average for all professions. Drug testing is unlikely to uncover substantial problems while incurring a substantial cost.
A teacher using drugs is likely to have erratic behavior and commit other crimes, such as distribution. The other crimes are easy enough to catch and there are plenty of procedures in place to dismiss a teacher who has been convicted of a crime.
Teachers who are not convicted of crimes are likely to have such normal behavior that they can function in everyday society, making them no different from people with other issues who have learned to function. But teachers who have erratic or unsatisfactory behavior are much more common that the incidence of drug use. There is little that can be done about those teachers, who do not teach their subjects well or provide a hostile learning environment. These teachers hurt the school system in a much more subtle way, by undermining confidence in education and the reputation of all teachers.
It is time to create a system to eliminate the dead weight from education, which will require school administrators to be less concerned with the perceived impact of a program, and more concerned with the actual impact.
A better way for school districts to protect education would be to weed out teachers who are ineffective or act as if they are on drugs, rather than try stabbing in the dark to weed out a tiny majority who do abuse drugs at an inefficient cost to the taxpayer.
Drug tests for teachers are a nice idea. After all, who wants children taught by depraved drug addicts? But testing teachers for drug use is a red herring. It's a way of appearing to protect the welfare of students while ignoring much more glaring problems in education. If a teacher is doing drugs and no one can tell, while that may be undesirable, that's private business. The real problem is that it's almost impossible to fire a teacher who acts crazy or is just bad.
In the world of teaching, tenure makes it extremely difficult to fire a teacher, despite consistently bad reviews or under-achieving students. We've all had those bad teachers, and statistically, very few of them were likely to be on drugs. Nationwide, only 4% of teachers use drugs, less than half of the average for all professions. Drug testing is unlikely to uncover substantial problems while incurring a substantial cost.
A teacher using drugs is likely to have erratic behavior and commit other crimes, such as distribution. The other crimes are easy enough to catch and there are plenty of procedures in place to dismiss a teacher who has been convicted of a crime.
Teachers who are not convicted of crimes are likely to have such normal behavior that they can function in everyday society, making them no different from people with other issues who have learned to function. But teachers who have erratic or unsatisfactory behavior are much more common that the incidence of drug use. There is little that can be done about those teachers, who do not teach their subjects well or provide a hostile learning environment. These teachers hurt the school system in a much more subtle way, by undermining confidence in education and the reputation of all teachers.
It is time to create a system to eliminate the dead weight from education, which will require school administrators to be less concerned with the perceived impact of a program, and more concerned with the actual impact.
A better way for school districts to protect education would be to weed out teachers who are ineffective or act as if they are on drugs, rather than try stabbing in the dark to weed out a tiny majority who do abuse drugs at an inefficient cost to the taxpayer.
High Standards
By Logan Ferrell
The jubilee that has accompanied the coming of the inauguration has been tempered in these last few weeks by the continuing coverage of the corruption of Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. This event refocused the spotlight on the dark side of American politics, premeditated corruption which betrays the trust of the people.
Concern over the rationalized abuse of power by an office holder evokes an even more disturbing question; what could we expect of public officials who do wrong because they aren’t thinking clearly?
Over the past several months, debates have been raging at the local and state level in West Virginia on whether public school teachers should be subjected to random drug testing. It is a debate which is just as relevant here in Virginia as anywhere else.
However, in my view, it is an issue which transcends the teaching profession and in truth can be applied to every form of public service or government worker.
As I see it, the government “of the people, by the people, and for the people,” should be left in the hands of those willing to devote their careers and time to protecting the sanctity of such a passage.
Our government should be the employer of men and women who come to work wanting to serve, help, and protect the average citizen. This means all those from the teachers of Kanawha County, West Virginia to the lowest receptionist at the Department of the Interior.
We should set the highest standards possible; we should strive to ensure that government, at any level, is run by devoted professionals. It seems to me that a goal such as this necessitates a policy based in preemptive measures.
Future contracts for positions like that of teachers should include the clear definition of testing as a regular process, rather than as a reactionary policy based in single cases. To set the bar and maintain it, testing must be random; it is the only real way to preempt the problem rather than merely reduce it.
It is indeed a frightening spectacle, the idea of a drug addict in a position as crucial to our society as that of a teacher in the classroom or a policeman on our streets.
To hope that addicts will not apply, and treat the occasional case; is not enough to protect the role of public service. Only if we take the necessary steps now, can we secure a future governed by those who have the people’s best interest at heart.
The jubilee that has accompanied the coming of the inauguration has been tempered in these last few weeks by the continuing coverage of the corruption of Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. This event refocused the spotlight on the dark side of American politics, premeditated corruption which betrays the trust of the people.
Concern over the rationalized abuse of power by an office holder evokes an even more disturbing question; what could we expect of public officials who do wrong because they aren’t thinking clearly?
Over the past several months, debates have been raging at the local and state level in West Virginia on whether public school teachers should be subjected to random drug testing. It is a debate which is just as relevant here in Virginia as anywhere else.
However, in my view, it is an issue which transcends the teaching profession and in truth can be applied to every form of public service or government worker.
As I see it, the government “of the people, by the people, and for the people,” should be left in the hands of those willing to devote their careers and time to protecting the sanctity of such a passage.
Our government should be the employer of men and women who come to work wanting to serve, help, and protect the average citizen. This means all those from the teachers of Kanawha County, West Virginia to the lowest receptionist at the Department of the Interior.
We should set the highest standards possible; we should strive to ensure that government, at any level, is run by devoted professionals. It seems to me that a goal such as this necessitates a policy based in preemptive measures.
Future contracts for positions like that of teachers should include the clear definition of testing as a regular process, rather than as a reactionary policy based in single cases. To set the bar and maintain it, testing must be random; it is the only real way to preempt the problem rather than merely reduce it.
It is indeed a frightening spectacle, the idea of a drug addict in a position as crucial to our society as that of a teacher in the classroom or a policeman on our streets.
To hope that addicts will not apply, and treat the occasional case; is not enough to protect the role of public service. Only if we take the necessary steps now, can we secure a future governed by those who have the people’s best interest at heart.
Scenes Of The City
New Richmond Mayor Dwight Clinton Jones gives his inaugural address during Saturday’s swearing-in at City Hall. Photo by Danny Yates.
Letter To The Editor
Dear Editor,
Everyone knows about the recent contest to get the band “The Maine” to come to Richmond, and for Maggie Walker students to get free tickets to the show. This could have been a great unifying event for the whole school, even those who dislike the band, if certain students had not overstepped the line.
These students took email addresses from the student directory and entered other students into the contest, without their permission. This was private information given out for use in the Maggie Walker community only, intended to help members of the MLWGS community to contact one another.
This misuse of information is irresponsible and totally unacceptable. I hate to think that I can't even trust my classmates and friends with my email address, and I'm not alone. I love this school, and would normally get behind my friends on this thing, but using others' private information is just going too far.
Never before have I had less confidence in my fellow classmates. This is not an okay use for the private information of other students, and I am disappointed that these individuals did not realize that.
Sincerely,
Holly Brown (’10).
Everyone knows about the recent contest to get the band “The Maine” to come to Richmond, and for Maggie Walker students to get free tickets to the show. This could have been a great unifying event for the whole school, even those who dislike the band, if certain students had not overstepped the line.
These students took email addresses from the student directory and entered other students into the contest, without their permission. This was private information given out for use in the Maggie Walker community only, intended to help members of the MLWGS community to contact one another.
This misuse of information is irresponsible and totally unacceptable. I hate to think that I can't even trust my classmates and friends with my email address, and I'm not alone. I love this school, and would normally get behind my friends on this thing, but using others' private information is just going too far.
Never before have I had less confidence in my fellow classmates. This is not an okay use for the private information of other students, and I am disappointed that these individuals did not realize that.
Sincerely,
Holly Brown (’10).
A Conversation With MLWGS' Own Mr. Irvin Charles
Maggie Walker Alumnus and MLWGS Head of Security shares his thoughts
How was Christmas, did you get a Lamborghini?
No, I didn’t get the Lamborghini. But, on the other hand, I had no major breakdowns with my current vehicle, so I guess it’s not all that bad. Overall, my Christmas was beautiful! I had quite a relaxing time with my family at home.
How about Girl’s B-ball?
Well, we did have practice over the break, and in fact just as we were coming off the break, we had this game against Mills Godwin. They were undefeated, but all the way up until the last three minutes, our girls were leading. So it was close. I’m hoping that we’ll get some more wins in before the season is over in the middle of February.
Exam advice?
One thing – luck has nothing to do with it! So, study, study, study...
Security issues?
Not yet. So far so good. I just want to remind everyone to keep up with their personal belongings. And also, I want to spread the word that we are getting ready for new student testing on January 31 and February 7, and we’re excited about that.
How was Christmas, did you get a Lamborghini?
No, I didn’t get the Lamborghini. But, on the other hand, I had no major breakdowns with my current vehicle, so I guess it’s not all that bad. Overall, my Christmas was beautiful! I had quite a relaxing time with my family at home.
How about Girl’s B-ball?
Well, we did have practice over the break, and in fact just as we were coming off the break, we had this game against Mills Godwin. They were undefeated, but all the way up until the last three minutes, our girls were leading. So it was close. I’m hoping that we’ll get some more wins in before the season is over in the middle of February.
Exam advice?
One thing – luck has nothing to do with it! So, study, study, study...
Security issues?
Not yet. So far so good. I just want to remind everyone to keep up with their personal belongings. And also, I want to spread the word that we are getting ready for new student testing on January 31 and February 7, and we’re excited about that.
Breakfast No Longer an Option
Friday, January 9, was the last time breakfast was offered in the MLWGS cafeteria.
According to a statement posted by Cake Sculptures by Michael food services, the independent catering company who manages the MLWGS cafeteria, “services will no longer offer breakfast at the Maggie Walker Governor’s School.”
The cafeteria staff has cited financial reasons as why breakfast will no longer be served. It is not profitable enough to continue.
Students’ reactions to the news have not been favorable.
“I hate it!” said Hennessy Fraher (’10).
Virginia Young (’10) agreed. “I buy breakfast every morning. It’s gotten to the point where the cafeteria workers know what I get. Now I’m going to have to bring breakfast from home or just skip it all together.”
For some, the cafeteria offered the only option for breakfast.
“I get here really early every morning, so I don’t always eat breakfast at home,” said Brian Carnahan (’10).
The cafeteria offered coffee, biscuits, sausages, eggs, bacon, and hash browns every morning. They would also generally offer another choice such as pancakes or waffles.
“I will miss it with every fiber of my being,” said Liz Sherman (’11).
According to a statement posted by Cake Sculptures by Michael food services, the independent catering company who manages the MLWGS cafeteria, “services will no longer offer breakfast at the Maggie Walker Governor’s School.”
The cafeteria staff has cited financial reasons as why breakfast will no longer be served. It is not profitable enough to continue.
Students’ reactions to the news have not been favorable.
“I hate it!” said Hennessy Fraher (’10).
Virginia Young (’10) agreed. “I buy breakfast every morning. It’s gotten to the point where the cafeteria workers know what I get. Now I’m going to have to bring breakfast from home or just skip it all together.”
For some, the cafeteria offered the only option for breakfast.
“I get here really early every morning, so I don’t always eat breakfast at home,” said Brian Carnahan (’10).
The cafeteria offered coffee, biscuits, sausages, eggs, bacon, and hash browns every morning. They would also generally offer another choice such as pancakes or waffles.
“I will miss it with every fiber of my being,” said Liz Sherman (’11).
Mu Alpha Theta Lecture
A University of Richmond professor, Chip Hoke, spoke at a seminar on Wednesday, January 14 in the MLWGS Auditorium. The topic of the seminar was probability and the election.
"I liked how [Mr. Hoke] showed how a red state with few electoral votes had no influence in the election even if [that state] voted Democrat," said Dylan Fauss (’12), a student who attended the seminar.
The topic of the lecture was based off of the recent movie, Swing Vote, that explained the probability of one vote changing the election. The event was sponsored by the Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society.
"I liked how [Mr. Hoke] showed how a red state with few electoral votes had no influence in the election even if [that state] voted Democrat," said Dylan Fauss (’12), a student who attended the seminar.
The topic of the lecture was based off of the recent movie, Swing Vote, that explained the probability of one vote changing the election. The event was sponsored by the Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society.
VML
Anyone who scored a three or higher on at least one of the previous Virginia Mathematics League (VML) tests took the fourth test last Tuesday, January 13th during fourth period.
Most students who participated in the first three tests had scores high enough to return for the fourth.
"There were probably around 150 people there," said Justin Dao (’11), a student participating in the VML. "The last test was pretty routine, but I don't think I did very well."
The VML consists of six questions on each test and students have exactly one half hour to complete it. The students meet and take each test in the auditorium.
Most students who participated in the first three tests had scores high enough to return for the fourth.
"There were probably around 150 people there," said Justin Dao (’11), a student participating in the VML. "The last test was pretty routine, but I don't think I did very well."
The VML consists of six questions on each test and students have exactly one half hour to complete it. The students meet and take each test in the auditorium.
Food for Fines
In order to obtain overdue books and collect canned food items for the Central Virginia Food Bank, the MLWGS Media Center is holding a "Food for Fines" canned food drive from January 12-21.
The program allows students to turn in overdue books and a canned food item, rather than paying fines.
"This is a convenient way to give to the Central Virginia Food Bank, an established and respected organization that continues to make a dramatic difference in the fight against hunger," said Ms. Wendy Sellors, MLWGS Media Specialist.
There is no food item goal for this drive as its main purpose is to get the 75 books that are overdue returned.
The program allows students to turn in overdue books and a canned food item, rather than paying fines.
"This is a convenient way to give to the Central Virginia Food Bank, an established and respected organization that continues to make a dramatic difference in the fight against hunger," said Ms. Wendy Sellors, MLWGS Media Specialist.
There is no food item goal for this drive as its main purpose is to get the 75 books that are overdue returned.
CRO Picked
MLWGS freshmen Arthur Wu, Om Evani, and Aileen Bi were accepted into the Central Regional Orchestra (CRO) after an audition this past Saturday at Meadowbrook High School. The CRO is made up of seventh, eighth, and ninth graders from counties located in the Richmond area.
The orchestra is divided into an "A" orchestra for the more experienced musicians and a "B" orchestra for the less experienced ones. Wu (violin) and Evani (viola) were accepted into "A" Orchestra, and Bi (violin) was accepted into "B" Orchestra.
“I wanted to enhance my experience with orchestra because up to this point I only took private lessons,” said Wu of his decision to try out for the CRO. “I’m glad that I got the experience but I feel that I could have done a little bit better.”
Each student was evaluated on a musical piece that they prepared before the audition as well as their proficiency at sight reading. The CRO's first performance is scheduled for the ninth of February.
The orchestra is divided into an "A" orchestra for the more experienced musicians and a "B" orchestra for the less experienced ones. Wu (violin) and Evani (viola) were accepted into "A" Orchestra, and Bi (violin) was accepted into "B" Orchestra.
“I wanted to enhance my experience with orchestra because up to this point I only took private lessons,” said Wu of his decision to try out for the CRO. “I’m glad that I got the experience but I feel that I could have done a little bit better.”
Each student was evaluated on a musical piece that they prepared before the audition as well as their proficiency at sight reading. The CRO's first performance is scheduled for the ninth of February.
Debate Update
Members of the MLWGS Debate Team traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina on January 10 to participate in a tournament. Partners Mitch Caudill (’10) and Elsa Schultz (’10) received an octafinalist commendation for placing in the top 16 out of 70.
"We have to debate both the affirmative and the negative sides of the topic," said Caudill, captain of the Public Forum debate team. "The 'for' and the 'against'."
The Public Forum and Lincoln Douglas teams participated in this tournament, debating alternative fuels and criminal morality respectively. The team is currently preparing for the State Competition which will take place in Charlottesville during the last weekend in February.
"We have to debate both the affirmative and the negative sides of the topic," said Caudill, captain of the Public Forum debate team. "The 'for' and the 'against'."
The Public Forum and Lincoln Douglas teams participated in this tournament, debating alternative fuels and criminal morality respectively. The team is currently preparing for the State Competition which will take place in Charlottesville during the last weekend in February.
The Maine Coming to MLWGS?
An online contest sponsored by social networking site Buzznet gave MLWGS students an opportunity to come together and attempt bring the Maine, a popular teenage band, to Richmond.
As the possibility grew that MLWGS could win the competition, a few students dedicated themselves to the contest.
“At first, I thought, ‘There’s no way we’re going to win,’ but when it came down to the last week, I started to think that we could do this,” said Monique Dibich (’11). “I didn’t sleep for three days before the contest ended because I was working so hard to get people registered.”
Last Friday, Dibich and a few of her friends distributed flyers encouraging people to make accounts and vote for the school. That night, Facebook exploded as people urged their friends to vote, and MLWGS began to move up the Buzznet leader board. Around 9 p.m., MLWGS moved into first, and stayed in the lead for the rest of the night.
“I voted eighty-five times,” said Teresa Dula (’11). “Or should I say, me and eighty-four of my best friends voted.”
The official contest rules stated that the competition would end at 11:59 a.m. Pacific time, January 9, meaning the contest would have ended during school on Friday. Maggie Walker only rose to first after the contest would have been over.
However, Ryan Johnson (’11) emailed a Buzznet administrator, and the website claims they intended the contest to end at 11:59 p.m. Although students were unsure that their votes would count, they registered anyway.
Another controversy that arose about the legitimacy of MLWGS’ first place standing was that by the time the contest was no longer accepting votes, MLWGS had over two thousand votes—but the school only comprises about 700 students.
Students that never signed up for the site began to receive emails from Buzznet with usernames and passwords for accounts they never created.
“When I went on the website and tried to register, I got an error message that said, ‘An account with this email address already exists,’” said Alicia Moore (‘10). “I thought, ‘what in the world?’”
Although Moore was planning on voting anyway, other students who had no interest in the band or the contest got messages as well.
“I couldn’t care less about this band, but I got an email telling me I’d signed up for this contest to bring them to Maggie Walker,” said Woody Kaine (’10). “I’m really annoyed someone used my email address.”
A few people admitted that their friends took email addresses out of the MLWGS directory and registered accounts using the first and last name of students.
“That’s fraud,” said MLWGS Director Mr. Douglas Hunt. “It’s an invasion of privacy because someone is misrepresenting the truth. They’re trying to use your information for something you have not allowed them to do.”
If Maggie Walker actually wins the contest, then The Maine is expected come to Richmond and play a private show for MLWGS students at a local venue. However, if the band is expecting 2000 people to come to the show, then they may be disappointed.
“They’re considered power pop. That’s pretty lame; I’m not going to lie,” said Lindsay Maguire (’11). “It’s cool we won something, but it’s not cool we won them.”
The rush of support came mostly from people who wanted to support the school, not specifically the band. For MLWGS to win a national contest for a nationally-known band is something many found exciting, whether or not they listened to the Maine’s music.
“I think it was really awesome our whole school showed support for this contest,” said Dibich. “In the end, it wasn’t just for the band—it was to support the school.”
As the possibility grew that MLWGS could win the competition, a few students dedicated themselves to the contest.
“At first, I thought, ‘There’s no way we’re going to win,’ but when it came down to the last week, I started to think that we could do this,” said Monique Dibich (’11). “I didn’t sleep for three days before the contest ended because I was working so hard to get people registered.”
Last Friday, Dibich and a few of her friends distributed flyers encouraging people to make accounts and vote for the school. That night, Facebook exploded as people urged their friends to vote, and MLWGS began to move up the Buzznet leader board. Around 9 p.m., MLWGS moved into first, and stayed in the lead for the rest of the night.
“I voted eighty-five times,” said Teresa Dula (’11). “Or should I say, me and eighty-four of my best friends voted.”
The official contest rules stated that the competition would end at 11:59 a.m. Pacific time, January 9, meaning the contest would have ended during school on Friday. Maggie Walker only rose to first after the contest would have been over.
However, Ryan Johnson (’11) emailed a Buzznet administrator, and the website claims they intended the contest to end at 11:59 p.m. Although students were unsure that their votes would count, they registered anyway.
Another controversy that arose about the legitimacy of MLWGS’ first place standing was that by the time the contest was no longer accepting votes, MLWGS had over two thousand votes—but the school only comprises about 700 students.
Students that never signed up for the site began to receive emails from Buzznet with usernames and passwords for accounts they never created.
“When I went on the website and tried to register, I got an error message that said, ‘An account with this email address already exists,’” said Alicia Moore (‘10). “I thought, ‘what in the world?’”
Although Moore was planning on voting anyway, other students who had no interest in the band or the contest got messages as well.
“I couldn’t care less about this band, but I got an email telling me I’d signed up for this contest to bring them to Maggie Walker,” said Woody Kaine (’10). “I’m really annoyed someone used my email address.”
A few people admitted that their friends took email addresses out of the MLWGS directory and registered accounts using the first and last name of students.
“That’s fraud,” said MLWGS Director Mr. Douglas Hunt. “It’s an invasion of privacy because someone is misrepresenting the truth. They’re trying to use your information for something you have not allowed them to do.”
If Maggie Walker actually wins the contest, then The Maine is expected come to Richmond and play a private show for MLWGS students at a local venue. However, if the band is expecting 2000 people to come to the show, then they may be disappointed.
“They’re considered power pop. That’s pretty lame; I’m not going to lie,” said Lindsay Maguire (’11). “It’s cool we won something, but it’s not cool we won them.”
The rush of support came mostly from people who wanted to support the school, not specifically the band. For MLWGS to win a national contest for a nationally-known band is something many found exciting, whether or not they listened to the Maine’s music.
“I think it was really awesome our whole school showed support for this contest,” said Dibich. “In the end, it wasn’t just for the band—it was to support the school.”
Battle of the Dragons
The last time Maggie Walker had a basketball win like this, we were back at TJ. Or the Middle Ages.
63-33 – read it and weep, Maggie Walker haters. The big three – Parker Kirwan (’10), Dan Laws (’11), and Paul Eiker (’09) – combined for a mere 42 of the team’s 63 points, as compared to their scoring in previous games, where they scored all (or all but two of) the points.
That was the biggest difference on Wednesday. Indeed, my fellow Dragons – the bench stepped it up, so take a stand Tommy Davies (’11), Will Van Winkle (’10), Brian Loftis (‘10), and Woody Kaine (’10).
“We had a solid team performance,” team co-captain Eiker said. “Parker and I didn’t need to score as much, and of course, we couldn’t have done it without the fans.”
Green Machine showed up at full force, proving they are indeed the greatest machine of all. With over 80 fans cheering and yelling, the atmosphere was like no other.
“People we haven’t seen before were at this game,” Kameron Adams (’09) said. “I think the fans fed off the players’ spirit – it made us cheer even more. We crossed the grade barrier and came together as one MLWGS family.”
Defense also a played a big part in the win. Eiker had at least five steals, leading to numerous breakaways. Laws also did his part, intercepting a pass, running it up the court, and using a spin move to leave his defenders in the dust, leading to an uncontested lay-up.
“It was the best we’ve ever played defensively. We were aggressive, got steals, and we were just concentrating,” Kirwan said. “It felt really good to beat our rivals like that in front of the whole crowd.”
Offensive rebounding was off the charts, particularly with the starters – Jerry Fiala (’10) stepped it up, reaching double figures. Even the smallest player on the court, Davies, picked one up.
Davies also drained two three-pointers, back-to-back, energizing the crowd like no other. A missed wide open breakaway lay-up and several airballs (including one on a free throw) from Appomattox didn’t hurt either.
Now, if they could just play like this against John Marshall today, maybe we would only lose by 20.But there is something to look forward to: “I’m going to jam it on them,” Fiala said.
63-33 – read it and weep, Maggie Walker haters. The big three – Parker Kirwan (’10), Dan Laws (’11), and Paul Eiker (’09) – combined for a mere 42 of the team’s 63 points, as compared to their scoring in previous games, where they scored all (or all but two of) the points.
That was the biggest difference on Wednesday. Indeed, my fellow Dragons – the bench stepped it up, so take a stand Tommy Davies (’11), Will Van Winkle (’10), Brian Loftis (‘10), and Woody Kaine (’10).
“We had a solid team performance,” team co-captain Eiker said. “Parker and I didn’t need to score as much, and of course, we couldn’t have done it without the fans.”
Green Machine showed up at full force, proving they are indeed the greatest machine of all. With over 80 fans cheering and yelling, the atmosphere was like no other.
“People we haven’t seen before were at this game,” Kameron Adams (’09) said. “I think the fans fed off the players’ spirit – it made us cheer even more. We crossed the grade barrier and came together as one MLWGS family.”
Defense also a played a big part in the win. Eiker had at least five steals, leading to numerous breakaways. Laws also did his part, intercepting a pass, running it up the court, and using a spin move to leave his defenders in the dust, leading to an uncontested lay-up.
“It was the best we’ve ever played defensively. We were aggressive, got steals, and we were just concentrating,” Kirwan said. “It felt really good to beat our rivals like that in front of the whole crowd.”
Offensive rebounding was off the charts, particularly with the starters – Jerry Fiala (’10) stepped it up, reaching double figures. Even the smallest player on the court, Davies, picked one up.
Davies also drained two three-pointers, back-to-back, energizing the crowd like no other. A missed wide open breakaway lay-up and several airballs (including one on a free throw) from Appomattox didn’t hurt either.
Now, if they could just play like this against John Marshall today, maybe we would only lose by 20.But there is something to look forward to: “I’m going to jam it on them,” Fiala said.
Cute as a Button
by Gabriella Cifu, Jabberwock Staff Reporter
Everyone always says they want to be young again, but it’s hard to tell what’s worse: getting older with everybody else or getting physically younger all on your own.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button tells the story of Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt) who was “born under unusual circumstances.” While everyone around him is aging normally, Benjamin is getting younger.
Early in Benjamin’s life, he meets Daisy (Cate Blanchett), the granddaughter of a woman living in his same nursing home. Despite their different ages, he and Daisy begin a lifelong friendship and keep in touch as they go their separate ways. Benjamin meets a rugged tugboat captain Mike (Jared Harris), whom he joins on his sea travels. Along the way, Benjamin is introduced to a number of memorable people. He travels around the United States with the ship’s crew and even engages in the fighting of WWII.
He returns home to New Orleans and reconnects with Daisy, who is now an accomplished ballerina. Now that they are closer in age, a romance flourishes between the two. However, they are both aware that Benjamin’s peculiar aging process will be a strain on their relationship.
The movie was based off of a short story written by F. Scott Fitzgerald and was portrayed similarly to movies such as Forrest Gump, where the story is remembered by a character later in their life: in this case, an aged, dying Daisy. Like The Notebook, Daisy is read to from a journal of Benjamin’s life, and what is happening in the present is also an important aspect of the story.
Some of the cutest parts were the interactions between the young Daisy and the elderly Benjamin. Viewers immediately hoped that they would be together later. I was glad that the movie spanned from Benjamin’s birth to death and had a definite resolution between him and Daisy.
Pitt had three very different roles to play. Beginning the film as an elderly gentleman, Pitt successfully switched to his role as a middle aged man and then one in his early twenties with fluidity. He was the perfectly charming southern gentleman and won over the crowd at all ages, and brought to life the characteristics of a young child despite being an older man at the time.
Blanchett played the part of a talented ballerina who seemed to have everything going for her. She too had to portray her character through three generations, and did so with similar grace to Pitt. She was the perfect actress to portray Benjamin’s love interest. Although Daisy seemed distant from Benjamin at times, her successful independence and charisma captivated audiences.
The other characters also had a significant effect on the likeability of the movie. Whether it was the drunken tugboat captain or the man at the nursing home where Button was raised who claimed to have been struck by lightning seven times, the film was oriented around the people who shaped Benjamin’s life. Each one of these seemingly minor side-characters have deeper importance, as well as offered much enjoyed humor to the film.
The make-up artists deserve great praise for their stunning work by realistically making Pitt and Blanchett age throughout the film. Their ability to make Pitt look like the elderly Benjamin was by far the most striking, and further added to the charm of the film.
This movie is destined to be a classic. With its high degree of originality and personality, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is sure to keep you enthralled. It is a beautifully filmed movie, and has some of the most promising acting of the year.
Everyone always says they want to be young again, but it’s hard to tell what’s worse: getting older with everybody else or getting physically younger all on your own.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button tells the story of Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt) who was “born under unusual circumstances.” While everyone around him is aging normally, Benjamin is getting younger.
Early in Benjamin’s life, he meets Daisy (Cate Blanchett), the granddaughter of a woman living in his same nursing home. Despite their different ages, he and Daisy begin a lifelong friendship and keep in touch as they go their separate ways. Benjamin meets a rugged tugboat captain Mike (Jared Harris), whom he joins on his sea travels. Along the way, Benjamin is introduced to a number of memorable people. He travels around the United States with the ship’s crew and even engages in the fighting of WWII.
He returns home to New Orleans and reconnects with Daisy, who is now an accomplished ballerina. Now that they are closer in age, a romance flourishes between the two. However, they are both aware that Benjamin’s peculiar aging process will be a strain on their relationship.
The movie was based off of a short story written by F. Scott Fitzgerald and was portrayed similarly to movies such as Forrest Gump, where the story is remembered by a character later in their life: in this case, an aged, dying Daisy. Like The Notebook, Daisy is read to from a journal of Benjamin’s life, and what is happening in the present is also an important aspect of the story.
Some of the cutest parts were the interactions between the young Daisy and the elderly Benjamin. Viewers immediately hoped that they would be together later. I was glad that the movie spanned from Benjamin’s birth to death and had a definite resolution between him and Daisy.
Pitt had three very different roles to play. Beginning the film as an elderly gentleman, Pitt successfully switched to his role as a middle aged man and then one in his early twenties with fluidity. He was the perfectly charming southern gentleman and won over the crowd at all ages, and brought to life the characteristics of a young child despite being an older man at the time.
Blanchett played the part of a talented ballerina who seemed to have everything going for her. She too had to portray her character through three generations, and did so with similar grace to Pitt. She was the perfect actress to portray Benjamin’s love interest. Although Daisy seemed distant from Benjamin at times, her successful independence and charisma captivated audiences.
The other characters also had a significant effect on the likeability of the movie. Whether it was the drunken tugboat captain or the man at the nursing home where Button was raised who claimed to have been struck by lightning seven times, the film was oriented around the people who shaped Benjamin’s life. Each one of these seemingly minor side-characters have deeper importance, as well as offered much enjoyed humor to the film.
The make-up artists deserve great praise for their stunning work by realistically making Pitt and Blanchett age throughout the film. Their ability to make Pitt look like the elderly Benjamin was by far the most striking, and further added to the charm of the film.
This movie is destined to be a classic. With its high degree of originality and personality, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is sure to keep you enthralled. It is a beautifully filmed movie, and has some of the most promising acting of the year.
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