The United Sisters and Brothers (USB) hosted an educational program during 5th period on February 25 in recognition of African-American History Month.
"We're gonna have drama," said Kameron Adams ('09) before the show. As part of the assembly, students performed excerpts from the Ntozake Shange play For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf.
One section of the program was devoted to the history of the Richmond neighborhood of Jackson Ward, once known as "the Harlem of the South."
Showing posts with label news in brief. Show all posts
Showing posts with label news in brief. Show all posts
Friday, February 27, 2009
Architecture Seminar Visits NYC
Students from the 7th period Architecture Senior Seminar hopped the China Bus for a trip to New York City over President's Day Weekend.
"We were right in the center of everything, so [the trip] was really great," said Meredith Nuttycombe ('09). "We walked around the city a bunch and went to Times Square at night."
Attending seniors enjoyed a two-night stay at the YMCA, along with visits to numerous NYC landmarks. Students also visited the Moss Holzman architectural firm, which designed the 1980 addition to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
"I think they were wowed by the scale of the architecture, as well as the complexity of the public transportation system," said Mr. Edwin Slipek, Architecture Seminar instructor.
Scott Clark ('09) agreed. "The feel of a big city is just much different than a city like Richmond."
The 8th period seminar took a similar trip to NYC during the last weekend in January. In years past, the Architecture Seminar classes have gone to New Orleans and Miami.
"We were right in the center of everything, so [the trip] was really great," said Meredith Nuttycombe ('09). "We walked around the city a bunch and went to Times Square at night."
Attending seniors enjoyed a two-night stay at the YMCA, along with visits to numerous NYC landmarks. Students also visited the Moss Holzman architectural firm, which designed the 1980 addition to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
"I think they were wowed by the scale of the architecture, as well as the complexity of the public transportation system," said Mr. Edwin Slipek, Architecture Seminar instructor.
Scott Clark ('09) agreed. "The feel of a big city is just much different than a city like Richmond."
The 8th period seminar took a similar trip to NYC during the last weekend in January. In years past, the Architecture Seminar classes have gone to New Orleans and Miami.
NAIMUN a Success
MLWGS Model U.N. students brought home three awards from the North American Invitational Model United Nations (NAIMUN) Conference this past weekend at Georgetown University. Roughly 20 students from all grade levels missed school on Friday, February 13 to attend the conference.
Three best delegate gavels were awarded to MLWGS students Megan O’Donnell ('09), Madison Bush ('10), and Logan Ferrell ('11).
"I was [representing] Mexico," said Kevin McClain ('12), "as part of the World Health Organization." McClain and other students on the WHO committee discussed topics such as the avian flu and increased disease threat as a result of climate change.
The Model United Nations club will be hosting the upcoming GSMUN conference at MLWGS on March 27-28.
Three best delegate gavels were awarded to MLWGS students Megan O’Donnell ('09), Madison Bush ('10), and Logan Ferrell ('11).
"I was [representing] Mexico," said Kevin McClain ('12), "as part of the World Health Organization." McClain and other students on the WHO committee discussed topics such as the avian flu and increased disease threat as a result of climate change.
The Model United Nations club will be hosting the upcoming GSMUN conference at MLWGS on March 27-28.
ASL Students See Play at Barksdale
On March 4, MLWGS ASL students will see the Barksdale performance of "Children of a Lesser God.” The play outlines the differences between hearing and deaf worlds and is performed through speaking as well as signing.
Ms. Brenda Thornton, views this as a learning experience for ASL classes.
“[Children of a Lesser God] speaks really clearly about struggles deaf people face,” said Ms. Thornton. “It’s a difficult play to do, but Barksdale has done it very well.”
"It should be interesting," said Aleshia Busjahn ('10) ASL student. "I've never seen a deaf play before, and I'm looking forward to learning more about deaf culture."
Indoor Track to Compete at States
Nine. It may be a relatively small number but in perspective, it can be huge. This year, MLWGS Indoor Track team is bringing nine runners to states.
Marcel Rodgers (’09), Ben Watson (’09), Conor Farrell (’09), and Peter Askin (’09) qualified for the 4x800 relay, placing second at the regional meet, only behind Atlee. They are ranked eighth. Watson also qualified for the 500 event, placing third at both district and regional tournaments.
“I think the success of the season hinges on the state meet,” Watson said. “If our relay team can be All-State, like last year, it’ll be a good season.”
To be All-State, a team must finish in the top eight. The girls’ team has the same goal, too.
“We want to end on a good note,” Susannah Piersol (’09) explained. “It’s always exciting to go to states and see the competition, but we definitely want to make All-State.”
The girls’ relay team, who won districts and is ranked fifth for states, consists of Kelsey Green (’10), Clarissa Schick (’10), Anna Spiers (’10), and Piersol. Katie Ardiff (’10) qualified for states as well, and both Schick and Spiers are running individual events as well.
An impressive season on both sides of the track, MLWGS will be well-represented at VHSL State Indoor Track Championships today and tomorrow.
Marcel Rodgers (’09), Ben Watson (’09), Conor Farrell (’09), and Peter Askin (’09) qualified for the 4x800 relay, placing second at the regional meet, only behind Atlee. They are ranked eighth. Watson also qualified for the 500 event, placing third at both district and regional tournaments.
“I think the success of the season hinges on the state meet,” Watson said. “If our relay team can be All-State, like last year, it’ll be a good season.”
To be All-State, a team must finish in the top eight. The girls’ team has the same goal, too.
“We want to end on a good note,” Susannah Piersol (’09) explained. “It’s always exciting to go to states and see the competition, but we definitely want to make All-State.”
The girls’ relay team, who won districts and is ranked fifth for states, consists of Kelsey Green (’10), Clarissa Schick (’10), Anna Spiers (’10), and Piersol. Katie Ardiff (’10) qualified for states as well, and both Schick and Spiers are running individual events as well.
An impressive season on both sides of the track, MLWGS will be well-represented at VHSL State Indoor Track Championships today and tomorrow.
Seniors Ben Watson (left) and Peter Askin (right) enjoy some nice weather as they run down the straightaway as they train for this weekend’s VHSL Indoor Track State Championships. Picture by Karthik Ilakkuvan.
Friday, January 16, 2009
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.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Production Cancelled
A production of the MLWGS drama department set to be performed on December 12, 13, and 14 was cancelled. The production was student-driven and is not related to the shorter one-act plays drama students put on throughout the year.
"It [the cancellation] was largely just because of scheduling," said Mr. Grant Mudge, MLWGS drama teacher.
The drama department has many shows scheduled for this year, including the recent "Much Ado About Nothing" as well as the Spring production, which Mr. Mudge said will be a contemporary play and, hopefully, a comedy.
"It [the cancellation] was largely just because of scheduling," said Mr. Grant Mudge, MLWGS drama teacher.
The drama department has many shows scheduled for this year, including the recent "Much Ado About Nothing" as well as the Spring production, which Mr. Mudge said will be a contemporary play and, hopefully, a comedy.
NHS Inductions
The Patricia E. Taylor Pioneers of Excellence chapter of the National Honor Society inducted 79 MLWGS juniors and seniors on December 10. The inductions took place in the MLWGS auditorium.
"We had a lot of students inducted," said Ms. Denise Yagel, NHS Sponsor. "It was a big night."
This year, the name of the chapter was changed from its original name, The Pioneers of Excellence, to honor Ms. Pat Taylor, MLWGS Coordinator of Curriculum, who is retiring this year.
"We had a lot of students inducted," said Ms. Denise Yagel, NHS Sponsor. "It was a big night."
This year, the name of the chapter was changed from its original name, The Pioneers of Excellence, to honor Ms. Pat Taylor, MLWGS Coordinator of Curriculum, who is retiring this year.
Chorus Concert
MLWGS Chorus set the rotunda of the Jefferson Hotel alive with festive music last Friday, December 12th. Song selections included "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy," "O Tannenbaum," and "Japanese Snow Song."
“Many people liked Japanese Snow Song because of the way it flows and how peaceful it sounds,” said Khalila Roney (’11), chorus member. The audience included various hotel guests, the families of performing students, and even some employees.
MLWGS' chorus is now called Triskaidekaphilia, meaning the love of the number 13. This is an appropriate name, being as they have 13 group members.
“Many people liked Japanese Snow Song because of the way it flows and how peaceful it sounds,” said Khalila Roney (’11), chorus member. The audience included various hotel guests, the families of performing students, and even some employees.
MLWGS' chorus is now called Triskaidekaphilia, meaning the love of the number 13. This is an appropriate name, being as they have 13 group members.
VML Packs The House
The auditorium was filled with sound of pens scratching last Tuesday as 148 students filled out a six-question mathematics test for MLWGS’ third Virginia Math League competition for this school year.
Although MLWGS almost always gets first or second place in the state for test scores, the main goals of the tests are recreation and academic enrichment.
“Because there’s no monetary prize, there’s not exactly an incentive to cheat on it,” said Mr. John Walter, Mathematics Department Chair.
A national organization known as the Math League supplies the tests for use in state competitions. The MLWGS math department carries out six of these tests each year. About 60 schools across Virginia take part.
Although MLWGS almost always gets first or second place in the state for test scores, the main goals of the tests are recreation and academic enrichment.
“Because there’s no monetary prize, there’s not exactly an incentive to cheat on it,” said Mr. John Walter, Mathematics Department Chair.
A national organization known as the Math League supplies the tests for use in state competitions. The MLWGS math department carries out six of these tests each year. About 60 schools across Virginia take part.
Applications Begin
The application process for MLWGS is in full swing. Current eighth graders turned in applications to guidance counselors on December 1.
Letters will be mailed to applicants January 15 with room assignments and testing dates, which will be January 31 and February 6. The current number of students applying is not known because the responsibility of reviewing applications belongs to each district's gifted coordinator, not MLWGS.
The application process is the same as past years. Since the results of the diversity consultant's study have not yet come through, no changes have been implemented.
Budget cuts are not expected to influence the application process. "From what I understand," said Mr. Karl Zweerink, counseling department chair, "we are not looking at cuts in the number of students sent here."
Letters will be mailed to applicants January 15 with room assignments and testing dates, which will be January 31 and February 6. The current number of students applying is not known because the responsibility of reviewing applications belongs to each district's gifted coordinator, not MLWGS.
The application process is the same as past years. Since the results of the diversity consultant's study have not yet come through, no changes have been implemented.
Budget cuts are not expected to influence the application process. "From what I understand," said Mr. Karl Zweerink, counseling department chair, "we are not looking at cuts in the number of students sent here."
Thank You Lowes
A new media lab will be installed in MLWGS during early 2009 thanks to a generous donation from the GSGIS Foundation and Lowes.
Lowes matched funds raised by the Foundation and gave a $25,000 grant. The majority of this money will be put towards new equipment for room 109. Printers, scanners, new software, digital video equipment, and new computers will be installed in an effort to make the lab as state-of-the-art as possible.
However, the lab will not just be for digital video and art classes. According to Pat Taylor, the Coordinator of Curriculum, “It’s more than fine arts. It’s a communication lab.”
There will be an exhibition on March 6, 2009, to showcase the new lab and its equipment.
Thank you banner for Lowes Photo by Elaine Hillgrove.
Lowes matched funds raised by the Foundation and gave a $25,000 grant. The majority of this money will be put towards new equipment for room 109. Printers, scanners, new software, digital video equipment, and new computers will be installed in an effort to make the lab as state-of-the-art as possible.
However, the lab will not just be for digital video and art classes. According to Pat Taylor, the Coordinator of Curriculum, “It’s more than fine arts. It’s a communication lab.”
There will be an exhibition on March 6, 2009, to showcase the new lab and its equipment.
Thank you banner for Lowes Photo by Elaine Hillgrove.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Internet Safety Assembly
A presentation full of important information regarding internet safety was given to MLWGS students on Thursday, October 23rd, during 6th period block. The presentation contained tips on how to be a smart and spam-free internet user.
"It was very informative," said Galen Kellner ('12)
The presentation focused on giving students advice for avoiding spam, viruses, trojans, and other online dangers. It described several actions students could take to protect themselves, such as installing antivirus software or setting up spam filters for their e-mails.
"It was very informative," said Galen Kellner ('12)
The presentation focused on giving students advice for avoiding spam, viruses, trojans, and other online dangers. It described several actions students could take to protect themselves, such as installing antivirus software or setting up spam filters for their e-mails.
Homecoming
The junior class sold 581 tickets for Homecoming and made over 4000 dollars, according to Ms. Sharon Parker, Senior Seminar/Mentorship Coordinator.
"Given that people were on the dance floor the entire night, it seemed like everyone was having a great time." said Ms. Parker.
Of the 581 tickets sold, about 10% were sold to guests. The other 90% were sold to MLWGS students. Also, the number of tickets sold flew from about 530 two years ago to 581 this year, a 10% increase
"Given that people were on the dance floor the entire night, it seemed like everyone was having a great time." said Ms. Parker.
Of the 581 tickets sold, about 10% were sold to guests. The other 90% were sold to MLWGS students. Also, the number of tickets sold flew from about 530 two years ago to 581 this year, a 10% increase
ASL Students Attend Deaf Lecture
A deaf lecture focusing on the role of deaf people in the Holocaust was held at UVA last Thursday, October 23rd. It was attended by a group of MLWGS ASL students.
The main reasons for the trip were to “introduce students to deaf culture, be part of a deaf audience, [and] learn about deaf people in the Holocaust,” said Ms. Brenda Thornton, ASL teacher.
ASL student, Kathleen Webb (’10), said “Most people don’t think about deaf people and the Holocaust, [but] it was cool. The signer presented really well.” According to Ms. Thornton, similar trips are planned for the future.
The main reasons for the trip were to “introduce students to deaf culture, be part of a deaf audience, [and] learn about deaf people in the Holocaust,” said Ms. Brenda Thornton, ASL teacher.
ASL student, Kathleen Webb (’10), said “Most people don’t think about deaf people and the Holocaust, [but] it was cool. The signer presented really well.” According to Ms. Thornton, similar trips are planned for the future.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)