Low Turnout at Recent Meet is Upsetting
On Monday evening from 5 until 6 pm, an “open forum discussion about desirable director attributes” was held in the MLWGS auditorium.
Unfortunately, only a small handful of parents and students showed up to provide input and share what the qualities that they would like to see in the next Mr. Hunt.
For one hour, the MLWGS community had a rare opportunity – to speak directly with the six Regional Board members who will ultimately choose our school’s next director.
Yet most of us let this opportunity slip by without giving it a single thought.For weeks this meeting was well-publicized through morning announcements, e-mails, and even with a message on the school homepage.
It is truly embarrassing that only a dozen or so parents and students made the sacrifice of one hour to attend this vitally important forum.
According to one student in attendance, “they didn’t even fill the first row of seats.”
How can the MLWGS Regional Board select a candidate who meets the diverse range of qualities that parents, teachers, and students all hope to see in next year’s director if we fail to raise our voice?
If more parents and students had taken advantage of Monday night’s opportunity, then the Regional Board might have come away with a better understanding of what we want in the next MLWGS top gun.
Although it is slightly reassuring to learn that nearly 400 online questionnaires have been submitted, the lack of face-to-face involvement is disappointing to say the least.
But, the MLWGS community has one last chance. On November 13 at 9 am, parents and students can tell the Regional Board what sorts of qualities they would like our new director to possess.
Each speaker is allotted three minutes, so make some notes, come out, and let your voice be heard!
Just drop by the main office and sign up to speak at the public comment section of the next board meeting.
Or, if you are unable to make this meeting, do the next best thing. Take five minutes and go ahead and complete the online “Official Director’s Search Survey ”on the MLWGS website.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Student Election
by Charles Condro, Jabberwock Staff Reporter
After months of campaigning both in Virginia and across the nation, the results are in for the MLWGS student election, that is.
With 59% of the vote, Democratic candidate Barack Obama won the Presidential race. Republican candidate John McCain was second with 35% of the vote, and Libertarian Bob Barr received 2%.
In the Senate race, Democrat Mark Warner won handily over Jim Gilmore with 72% of the vote to Gilmore’s 20%.
For the House of Representatives, the elections were very close. While Democrat Robert Scott won running unopposed in the third district,
Republican Eric Cantor won the seventh district by only two percent over the Democratic candidate, Anita Hartke. In the fourth district,
Republican Randy Forbes won with 57% of the vote.
Over the two election days, only 60% of the students voted.
“I think that is a disappointing number,” said Mr. John Wilkes, social studies teacher. “This school is themed about government.”
“I knew that Obama would win,” said Colleen Leffler (‘10), about why she did not vote. “There was no contest, so my vote would not make a difference.”
After months of campaigning both in Virginia and across the nation, the results are in for the MLWGS student election, that is.
With 59% of the vote, Democratic candidate Barack Obama won the Presidential race. Republican candidate John McCain was second with 35% of the vote, and Libertarian Bob Barr received 2%.
In the Senate race, Democrat Mark Warner won handily over Jim Gilmore with 72% of the vote to Gilmore’s 20%.
For the House of Representatives, the elections were very close. While Democrat Robert Scott won running unopposed in the third district,
Republican Eric Cantor won the seventh district by only two percent over the Democratic candidate, Anita Hartke. In the fourth district,
Republican Randy Forbes won with 57% of the vote.
Over the two election days, only 60% of the students voted.
“I think that is a disappointing number,” said Mr. John Wilkes, social studies teacher. “This school is themed about government.”
“I knew that Obama would win,” said Colleen Leffler (‘10), about why she did not vote. “There was no contest, so my vote would not make a difference.”
Director's Search Under Way
by Charles Condro, Jabberwock Staff Reporter
Over the past few weeks, the committee to select the next director has given several chances for members of the MLWGS community to share input in the search for a director.
On Wednesday, October 27, the committee held two separate meetings where people could ask questions and inform the committee as to what qualities they wanted in the next director. The committee first met with the faculty and staff of MLWGS in a closed meeting at 3:30 pm. Then at 5:00 pm, the committee met with the MLWGS community at large in an open forum held in the MLWGS auditorium.
Members of the Regional School Board and Superintendents Board were present to answer questions and address the concerns of the community. The members included: Mr. Ivan Mattox, Regional School Board Chairman from Goochland County, Ms. Dianne Pettitt, Regional School Board Vice-Chair from Chesterfield County, Dr. Janet Crawley of Charles City County, Mr. John Axselle, head of the selection committee from Hanover County, Dr. Stewart Roberson, Hanover County and Ms. Barbara Crawley of Charles City County.
Around two dozen parents, students and teachers attended the open forum, which lasted a half hour. Several booster clubs and other support systems had representatives at the meeting to voice the concerns of the group.
The meeting began with Mr. Axselle giving an overview of the Director search and introducing the panel. Mr. Axselle said that the board plans to release the announcement some time in November. He said that they will begin receiving applications in December and hope to begin interviewing in January so that the new Director will be able to start as scheduled on July 1.
The first speaker was Mr. Alan Sader, MLWGS parent and representative of the Visual Arts Booster Club.
“The arts are still alive at Maggie Walker, and we hope to see that continue,” said Mr. Sader.
Other sections of the arts were also represented, as the President of the Drama Boosters; Mr. Michael Sawchak was also one of the speakers.
Other groups that were represented at the meeting were the Board of the Governor’s School Foundation and the Friends of Virginia Governor’s Schools.
The representatives of both of these groups talked about the community image that the director must work with.
“I think that it is extremely important that we keep Maggie Walker in everybody’s minds,” said Ms. Sarah Hillgrove, Chairman of the Friends of Virginia Governor’s Schools. “We need a director who has experience in communication.”
One question that was brought up was how the responses from the forum and from the approximately 370 surveys the board received will be reflected into the process of selecting the new director.
“This stage of the process is so critical, because the questions [in the interviews] will be based on the input we receive,” said Mr. Axselle. “I envision it as being that the committee will get together, after reviewing the data, and we will decide on the questions.”
Mr. Axselle and Mr. Mattox said that the questions will be based off of the trends that the committee sees in the surveys as well as several other factors.
“Our responsibility too, is to all the children,” said Mr. Axselle. He said that the committee will have to make sure that all of the interests of the students are accounted for.
The committee members also said that some of the questions would be drawn from their experience.
“There are certain things that the director is going to have to be able to implement,” said Mr. Mattox.
The final speaker of the day, Mr. Timothy Reed, a parent from Chesterfield County, said that the new director needs to have “vision.”
“Whoever comes into this school does not have to see the school as it is today,” said Mr. Reed, “But how it will be ten or twenty years from now.”
Over the past few weeks, the committee to select the next director has given several chances for members of the MLWGS community to share input in the search for a director.
On Wednesday, October 27, the committee held two separate meetings where people could ask questions and inform the committee as to what qualities they wanted in the next director. The committee first met with the faculty and staff of MLWGS in a closed meeting at 3:30 pm. Then at 5:00 pm, the committee met with the MLWGS community at large in an open forum held in the MLWGS auditorium.
Members of the Regional School Board and Superintendents Board were present to answer questions and address the concerns of the community. The members included: Mr. Ivan Mattox, Regional School Board Chairman from Goochland County, Ms. Dianne Pettitt, Regional School Board Vice-Chair from Chesterfield County, Dr. Janet Crawley of Charles City County, Mr. John Axselle, head of the selection committee from Hanover County, Dr. Stewart Roberson, Hanover County and Ms. Barbara Crawley of Charles City County.
Around two dozen parents, students and teachers attended the open forum, which lasted a half hour. Several booster clubs and other support systems had representatives at the meeting to voice the concerns of the group.
The meeting began with Mr. Axselle giving an overview of the Director search and introducing the panel. Mr. Axselle said that the board plans to release the announcement some time in November. He said that they will begin receiving applications in December and hope to begin interviewing in January so that the new Director will be able to start as scheduled on July 1.
The first speaker was Mr. Alan Sader, MLWGS parent and representative of the Visual Arts Booster Club.
“The arts are still alive at Maggie Walker, and we hope to see that continue,” said Mr. Sader.
Other sections of the arts were also represented, as the President of the Drama Boosters; Mr. Michael Sawchak was also one of the speakers.
Other groups that were represented at the meeting were the Board of the Governor’s School Foundation and the Friends of Virginia Governor’s Schools.
The representatives of both of these groups talked about the community image that the director must work with.
“I think that it is extremely important that we keep Maggie Walker in everybody’s minds,” said Ms. Sarah Hillgrove, Chairman of the Friends of Virginia Governor’s Schools. “We need a director who has experience in communication.”
One question that was brought up was how the responses from the forum and from the approximately 370 surveys the board received will be reflected into the process of selecting the new director.
“This stage of the process is so critical, because the questions [in the interviews] will be based on the input we receive,” said Mr. Axselle. “I envision it as being that the committee will get together, after reviewing the data, and we will decide on the questions.”
Mr. Axselle and Mr. Mattox said that the questions will be based off of the trends that the committee sees in the surveys as well as several other factors.
“Our responsibility too, is to all the children,” said Mr. Axselle. He said that the committee will have to make sure that all of the interests of the students are accounted for.
The committee members also said that some of the questions would be drawn from their experience.
“There are certain things that the director is going to have to be able to implement,” said Mr. Mattox.
The final speaker of the day, Mr. Timothy Reed, a parent from Chesterfield County, said that the new director needs to have “vision.”
“Whoever comes into this school does not have to see the school as it is today,” said Mr. Reed, “But how it will be ten or twenty years from now.”
Diversity Group Disappears
Quick question: has anyone seen any of the four U.Va. “Diversity Consultants” at MLWGS in recent weeks?
As of October, 16, the Regional Board had paid $70,000 for this study which is supposed to be completed by springtime.
Yesterday was the last of thirty middle school recruiting visits for the year. But none of the consultants have ever observed these visits.
As of now, no surveys have been administered and no students or parents have been interviewed. How can our school’s admissions process be analyzed and changed if the consultants fail to do some basic research?
As of October, 16, the Regional Board had paid $70,000 for this study which is supposed to be completed by springtime.
Yesterday was the last of thirty middle school recruiting visits for the year. But none of the consultants have ever observed these visits.
As of now, no surveys have been administered and no students or parents have been interviewed. How can our school’s admissions process be analyzed and changed if the consultants fail to do some basic research?
Election Day
November 4 is just around the corner. Enjoy the day off, and if you are old enough to vote, arrive early to the polls!
Second District Candidates Speak up
by Danny Yates, Jabberwock Staff Reporter
What do the three candidates vying to represent the residents of Richmond City Council’s Second District have in common?
All three are young males. All three are political first-timers.
And all three visited MLWGS one evening last week to speak with a dozen members of the Newtowne Neighborhood Association.
Speaking to a small audience in MLWGS adjunct room 153 on Monday evening, October 20, candidates Tyron Bey, Patrick Kjellberg, and Charles Samuels discussed everything from education to public safety to utility bills.
TYRON BEY
Bey, a recent Virginia State University political science graduate, and even more recently a U.S. Air Force veteran, is a Richmond native and resident of the Carver neighborhood.
The young African American man described himself as a “proud product of Richmond Public Schools,” and in his opening remarks he emphasized the positive aspects of RPS.
“The school system is way better than it was 11 years ago when I was at Tee Jay,” said Bey.
Bey, who currently works at the Suntrust Mortgage Center where he deals with home foreclosures, outlined his three part campaign platform.
“This should be a city where we can all live comfortably,” said Bey. “I will push strongly for affordable housing, regional transit, and support of our schools.”
CHARLES R. SAMUELS
Driving through Richmond’s Second District, the region that stretches from the Fan to Northside to Jackson Ward, it is hard not to notice the many blue and yellow election signs for Charles R. Samuels.
Samuels is a local attorney who represents veterans and indigent clients in the metro area.
As a Virginia Legal Aid Hotline volunteer and a legal guardian for at-risk youth, Samuels says “he’s forged ties to the community.”
He also leads the other two candidates in campaign funds, with more than $15,000 collected as of October 22.
In his self-introduction, Samuels said he entered politics out of an inner “hunger to help people.”
PATRICK KJELLBERG
Patrick D. Kjellberg is a former talk show radio host from Minnesota who graduated from college with a degree in economics and now works in the home realty business.
In November 2006, Kjellberg was unsuccessful in challenging current City Council Chairman Bill Pantele in the second district race.
In next Tuesday’s special election, Kjellberg hopes to surpass the 30% vote he received two years ago.
Although Richmond city council candidates are elected to serve a four year term, this year Pantele, one of four mayoral candidates, is vacating his seat in hope of becoming Richmond’s next chief executive.
Meanwhile, Kjellberg is competing against Samuels who bears Pantele’s endorsement.
With his campaign message of “finding ways to repopulate our city,” Kjellberg says he is focusing on bringing new development to the area.
Kjellberg, who at age 42 is the oldest of the three candidates, spoke of how local politics directly affect international affairs.
“Having pedestrian communities in Richmond will reduce our demand on foreign oil,” said Kjellberg.
POLITICAL DECORUM
While the candidates disagreed on several issues such as plans for a Richmond baseball stadium and regional transportation solutions, the three men shared similar views on nearly every other topic discussed in the two hour meeting.
And, in a moment of political rarity, each candidate spoke highly of his opponents during closing remarks.
Kjellberg, Bey, and Samuels complimented each other’s strengths as they smiled and shook hands.
“All three of us are great people and no matter who wins, we will work for the people of this district,” said Bey.
Richmond City Council’s three candidates seeking to represent the Second District attended a forum on Monday October 20 at MLWGS. Mr. Irvin Charles attended the meeting and queried the candidates.
Mr. Charles: “What are your personal goals that will help you lead and work for this community?”
Patrick D. Kjellberg, endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, Richmond Times Dispatch
“Our vacant lots must be developed; we lose five million each year from them. We need
something to attract new tenants and families like a biotechnical magnet high school,” said Kjellberg.
Tyron Bey, endorsed by the REA (Richmond Education Association)
“First and foremost, I would build a community center for this area. I grew up in the Boys and Girls Club and I know how well these programs work,” said Bey. “We also have to cut down on the open air drug markets through continued sector policing.”
Charles R. Samuels, endorsed by the Richmond Firefighter’s Association, Crusade for Voters
“As a former neighborhood president in the Fan, I know we need to fix the non-violent crime problem. I will use the three P’s, personnel, policy, and planning, to do this,” said Samuels.
What do the three candidates vying to represent the residents of Richmond City Council’s Second District have in common?
All three are young males. All three are political first-timers.
And all three visited MLWGS one evening last week to speak with a dozen members of the Newtowne Neighborhood Association.
Speaking to a small audience in MLWGS adjunct room 153 on Monday evening, October 20, candidates Tyron Bey, Patrick Kjellberg, and Charles Samuels discussed everything from education to public safety to utility bills.
TYRON BEY
Bey, a recent Virginia State University political science graduate, and even more recently a U.S. Air Force veteran, is a Richmond native and resident of the Carver neighborhood.
The young African American man described himself as a “proud product of Richmond Public Schools,” and in his opening remarks he emphasized the positive aspects of RPS.
“The school system is way better than it was 11 years ago when I was at Tee Jay,” said Bey.
Bey, who currently works at the Suntrust Mortgage Center where he deals with home foreclosures, outlined his three part campaign platform.
“This should be a city where we can all live comfortably,” said Bey. “I will push strongly for affordable housing, regional transit, and support of our schools.”
CHARLES R. SAMUELS
Driving through Richmond’s Second District, the region that stretches from the Fan to Northside to Jackson Ward, it is hard not to notice the many blue and yellow election signs for Charles R. Samuels.
Samuels is a local attorney who represents veterans and indigent clients in the metro area.
As a Virginia Legal Aid Hotline volunteer and a legal guardian for at-risk youth, Samuels says “he’s forged ties to the community.”
He also leads the other two candidates in campaign funds, with more than $15,000 collected as of October 22.
In his self-introduction, Samuels said he entered politics out of an inner “hunger to help people.”
PATRICK KJELLBERG
Patrick D. Kjellberg is a former talk show radio host from Minnesota who graduated from college with a degree in economics and now works in the home realty business.
In November 2006, Kjellberg was unsuccessful in challenging current City Council Chairman Bill Pantele in the second district race.
In next Tuesday’s special election, Kjellberg hopes to surpass the 30% vote he received two years ago.
Although Richmond city council candidates are elected to serve a four year term, this year Pantele, one of four mayoral candidates, is vacating his seat in hope of becoming Richmond’s next chief executive.
Meanwhile, Kjellberg is competing against Samuels who bears Pantele’s endorsement.
With his campaign message of “finding ways to repopulate our city,” Kjellberg says he is focusing on bringing new development to the area.
Kjellberg, who at age 42 is the oldest of the three candidates, spoke of how local politics directly affect international affairs.
“Having pedestrian communities in Richmond will reduce our demand on foreign oil,” said Kjellberg.
POLITICAL DECORUM
While the candidates disagreed on several issues such as plans for a Richmond baseball stadium and regional transportation solutions, the three men shared similar views on nearly every other topic discussed in the two hour meeting.
And, in a moment of political rarity, each candidate spoke highly of his opponents during closing remarks.
Kjellberg, Bey, and Samuels complimented each other’s strengths as they smiled and shook hands.
“All three of us are great people and no matter who wins, we will work for the people of this district,” said Bey.
Richmond City Council’s three candidates seeking to represent the Second District attended a forum on Monday October 20 at MLWGS. Mr. Irvin Charles attended the meeting and queried the candidates.
Mr. Charles: “What are your personal goals that will help you lead and work for this community?”
Patrick D. Kjellberg, endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, Richmond Times Dispatch
“Our vacant lots must be developed; we lose five million each year from them. We need
something to attract new tenants and families like a biotechnical magnet high school,” said Kjellberg.
Tyron Bey, endorsed by the REA (Richmond Education Association)
“First and foremost, I would build a community center for this area. I grew up in the Boys and Girls Club and I know how well these programs work,” said Bey. “We also have to cut down on the open air drug markets through continued sector policing.”
Charles R. Samuels, endorsed by the Richmond Firefighter’s Association, Crusade for Voters
“As a former neighborhood president in the Fan, I know we need to fix the non-violent crime problem. I will use the three P’s, personnel, policy, and planning, to do this,” said Samuels.
A Conversation with MLWGS’ Own Mr. Irvin Charles*
Maggie Walker Alumnus and MLWGS Head of Security shares his thoughts
What are your plans for Halloween, are you doing anything with your daughter?
We’ll probably go out and do a little trick or treating, but Halloween is always interesting for me because it is my anniversary. This will be year 21.
How about election day?
All that I hope to do is to get in and out as soon as I can. Teachers still have to work that day, and everyone is talking about how long the lines will be. And talking about the election, I think it is going to be a very close one this year.
As basketball season approaches what are your goals for the team?
Really, I’m looking forward to this season. I think Girl’s Varsity have the capability to upset some other teams. With their experienced sophomores, Chetta, Cassie, and Lindsay, I think they’ll do well.
How about your JV Girls?
As far as my team, I will try to give them the basic fundamentals. Last year we had three wins and we hope to continue that success. I have some good players returning, like Cathy, Jordan, Laura, and Mackenzie.
The middle school visits are wrapping up, any thoughts?
I have really enjoyed doing these visits. And from what I can see, the Governor’s School has made additional efforts to get our name out there. But let me say one thing. We are always going to be dealing with the same recruitment problems until we form a committee and start talking to the parents and kids at the fifth and sixth grade levels. We want qualified students, but we need to start earlier on so that they’re prepared for Maggie Walker when eighth grade comes.
Tell me about the recent street cleaning/parking incident that occurred last week?
Some of the kids who park in the street didn’t see the street cleaning signs and the city towed a couple of their cars. Students need to be careful of where they park and they should look for those signs.
*Q&A by Danny Yates on October 30, 2008.
What are your plans for Halloween, are you doing anything with your daughter?
We’ll probably go out and do a little trick or treating, but Halloween is always interesting for me because it is my anniversary. This will be year 21.
How about election day?
All that I hope to do is to get in and out as soon as I can. Teachers still have to work that day, and everyone is talking about how long the lines will be. And talking about the election, I think it is going to be a very close one this year.
As basketball season approaches what are your goals for the team?
Really, I’m looking forward to this season. I think Girl’s Varsity have the capability to upset some other teams. With their experienced sophomores, Chetta, Cassie, and Lindsay, I think they’ll do well.
How about your JV Girls?
As far as my team, I will try to give them the basic fundamentals. Last year we had three wins and we hope to continue that success. I have some good players returning, like Cathy, Jordan, Laura, and Mackenzie.
The middle school visits are wrapping up, any thoughts?
I have really enjoyed doing these visits. And from what I can see, the Governor’s School has made additional efforts to get our name out there. But let me say one thing. We are always going to be dealing with the same recruitment problems until we form a committee and start talking to the parents and kids at the fifth and sixth grade levels. We want qualified students, but we need to start earlier on so that they’re prepared for Maggie Walker when eighth grade comes.
Tell me about the recent street cleaning/parking incident that occurred last week?
Some of the kids who park in the street didn’t see the street cleaning signs and the city towed a couple of their cars. Students need to be careful of where they park and they should look for those signs.
*Q&A by Danny Yates on October 30, 2008.
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