Federal code, state code, and Virginia School Board Association policy set certain requirements regarding annual notifications, public hearings, and postings. MLWGS has addressed these requirements below.
Title IX Compliance Officer and Compliance Officer for Nondiscrimination and Harassment is an Assistant Director and can be reached at [email protected].
Acceptable Computer System Use Agreement
Each student and his or her parent (as well as each employee) must sign the school’s Acceptable Computer Use Agreement before using the school’s computer system. View policy here, which includes policy regulation and responsible use acceptance agreements for personnel and students.
Advanced Placement Classes
A complete list of advanced placement classes can be found annually in the Course Catalog. Information includes the qualifications for enrolling in classes and the availability of financial assistance to low-income and needy students to take the advanced placement examinations. Refer to Policy No. 3016.
Alternatives to Animal Dissection
MLWGS provides alternatives to animal dissection for students enrolled in classes that require dissection exercises. See Policy No. 3003.5.
Asbestos
The MLWGS facility was asbestos abated during its renovation. A facility containing no building material-incorporated ACM has no regulatory obligations per the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) and the Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Reauthorization Act (ASHARA).
Attendance
Refer to MLWGS Policy No. 8003 – Compulsory Attendance and VA Code 22.1-279.3.C(iii) for information.
Bill of Rights
An engraved copy of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights is posted in the first floor commons of MW.
Budget
The Regional School Board approved operating budget can be viewed here. The budget can also be made available in hard copy form as needed upon request.
Budget Public Hearing
Before the Regional School Board approves its budget, the RSB must hold at least one public hearing to hear the views of the citizens. Public notice of the hearing will be given at least ten days before the hearing in a newspaper having a general circulation.
Child Abuse Reporting
An anonymous option for reporting alleged sexual abuse of minors is available at [email protected].
Any teacher or other person employed who has reason to suspect that a child is an abused or neglected child, including any child who may be abandoned, is required to report such suspected cases of child abuse or neglect to local or state social services agencies or the director or his/her designee; and all persons required to report cases of suspected child abuse or neglect are immune from civil or criminal liability or administrative penalty or sanction on account of such reports unless such person has acted in bad faith or with malicious purpose. The Virginia Department of Social Services’ toll-free child abuse and neglect hotline is 1-800-552-7096.
Compulsory School Attendance
For compulsory school attendance see the Student Handbook or Student Conduct Policy No. 8002.
Cost per Pupil
For 2022-2023 = $12,200. Local tuition = $8,866, State Funding = $3,334.
Counseling
MLWGS offers academic and career guidance and personal/social counseling that are available to students. View the Counseling website for information. Refer to Policy No. 3011.
COVID Health Plan for Maggie Walker Governor’s School AY22
Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School is required to submit a COVID-19 Health Plan outlining the strategies to be implemented to mitigate the public health risk of this virus. The Health Plan herein outlined was developed in collaboration with the MLWGS COVID-19 Task Force and Several Local Health Departments. Return to Campus FAQ Guide for Students and Families. COVID January 2022 update to protocols.
Credits Required for Graduation
The minimum total units of credit for the MLWGS diploma are 31. See the Student Handbook for specific requirements.
MLWGS graduation requirements exceed requirements for graduation with a Virginia Advanced Studies Diploma. All students electing to attend MLWGS are required to maintain a full-day schedule of classes.
Standard diplomas are no longer issued at MLWGS.
Deaf or Hard of Hearing or Visually Impaired Student Services
Families are encouraged to explore free services available from Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind, the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing, and the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired. Parents that do not have access to the internet may seek information from the MW Counseling Department.
The VDOE’s Annual Resources Update for Serving Students with Sensory Disabilities is a compilation of guidance documents and additional resources available through the VDOE’s Sensory Disabilities webpage.
Dual Enrollment Classes
A complete list of dual enrollment classes can be found annually in the Course Catalog. Information includes the qualifications for enrolling in classes and the availability of financial assistance to low-income and needy students to take the advanced placement examinations. Refer to Policy No. 3016.
Eating Disorders Awareness Information
The state requires every school board to annually provide information to parents and pupils in grades 9-12 (MLWGS specific) regarding eating disorders. MLWGS provides a list of resources in the Student Handbook under Eating Disorders Awareness along with the Director’s notice to parents. Additional information and guidelines developed by the Virginia Department of Education, Va Code § 22.1-273.2 are available at their website http://www.doe.virginia.gov/support/health_medical/index.shtml under the heading “Eating Disorders Awareness in the Public School Setting”. Additional assistance can be provided by the MLWGS Counseling Department; call 804-354-6800×3213 and ask to speak to your student’s counselor.
Emergency Procedures
The school’s written procedures to follow in emergencies are outlined in the student handbook and discussed with staff and students in the first week of each school year. Student handbooks are available online and emergency procedures are discussed with students and parents during student orientation and Back-to-School events. Refer to Regional School Board Policy No. 2020 – School Crisis, Emergency Management, and Medical Response Plan. Also, see Operational Changes-Special Messages.
Fees
Student fees and fee schedules can be viewed here. Also, see Policy No. 4015.
FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)
Parents and adult students have the right to inspect and review education records, amend education records, consent to the disclosure of personally identifiable information in education records, and file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education. View the Model Notification of Rights under FERPA for Elementary and Secondary Schools. Also refer to the school FERPA Policy 4070 and Student Records Policy 4045, which includes the school’s FERPA policy and defines the categories of information the school designates as directory information.
Freedom of Information (FOIA)
Dr. Michael Smith is the designated FOIA officer for MLWGS. Specific FOIA information can be viewed in Policy No. 6000, 6000.1, 6000-R, and forms 6000-F1 and 6000-F2.
Free Food Services
The Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School offers a credit program for students who may need financial assistance with their meals. Policy information and enrollment can be viewed in Policy No. 7006 and Regulation 7006-R.
Homeless Students
MLWGS is committed to the educational rights of homeless children that have been accepted into its program. Refer to Policy No. 1033.
Internet Privacy
Internet Privacy Policy No. 2070 of MLWGS has been adopted for its mlwgs.com website. This policy is intended to explain our current Internet privacy practices but shall not be construed as a contractual promise. We reserve the right to amend our Internet Privacy Policy and Internet Privacy Policy Statement at any time without notice.
Learning Objectives
At the beginning of each school year, parents or guardians are provided the learning objectives for their child to include a copy of the syllabus for each of their child’s courses. Most MW classes are not SOL classes but parents seeking additional information on the SOL’s may visit the VDOE website. Refer to Policy No. 3001.1.
National Moto
The statement “In God We Trust,” the National Motto, enacted by Congress in 1956, is posted in a conspicuous place within the school. Policy No. 3000.1.
Nondiscrimination
MLWGS does not discriminate with regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, marital status, genetic information or disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. More detailed information, including contact information for Compliance Officers and procedures, can be found here for personnel and here for students. See Policy No. 0011.
Parking Passes for Students: Valid Driver’s License is Required
§ 22.1-205.1. Each public high school shall require any student who applies to obtain a pass to park a vehicle on school property to provide evidence that the student possesses a valid driver’s license or driver’s privilege card. The Department shall develop, and each public high school shall utilize, a standard application form for students to use to obtain a pass to park a vehicle on school property.
Parental and Family Involvement
MLWGS endorses parental involvement and encourages the regular participation of parents in all aspects of its program. Refer to Policy No. 6002.
Policies, Procedures, and Regulations
MLWGS maintains current copies of all adopted policies and regulations on its website. Printed copies of policies and regulations are available upon request to citizens who do not have online access. Policies can be accessed here.
PPRA (Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment)
PPRA requires schools/divisions to provide notice of their policy controlling the administration of surveys on certain sensitive topics, including political or religious beliefs and behavior involving sex or illegal conduct. View Policy No. 3007 – Administration of Surveys and Questionnaires.
Pupil/Teacher Ratios
In 2022-2023, the average pupil/teacher ratio at MW is 13:1.
Regional School Board
Membership of the MLWGS Regional School Board can be viewed here.
Release of Student Records to Armed Forces Recruiters and Educational Institutions
The Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA) requires MLWGS to notify parents of their option to opt-out from student information being provided to military recruiters or institutions of higher education. The opt-out option is available on the Directory Information form in PowerSchool to students and parents. If you did not see this election with your initial form completion, please revisit the document. Also, see Policy No. 4045 – Student Records.
Remediation Policy
MLWGS supports efforts to provide instructional support to those students who have demonstrated a need for such support. See Policy 3003.10.
School Bus Rider Safety Rules
School bus rider safety rules can be viewed on the MLWGS Transportation page.
School Meals and Snacks
To reinforce the school’s nutrition education program, foods sold during regular school hours on school premises are described in Policy No. 7006.
Scoliosis
Each year, the state requires that schools/divisions notify all parents of students in grades 5-10 about a physical condition known as scoliosis. This condition affects about two or three percent of all adolescents and causes a curvature of the spine. For additional information about scoliosis visit the University of Virginia Health System.
Sex Offender Registry
The Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry can be accessed online through the Virginia State Police website.
Standards of Learning (SOLs)
The Standards of Learning (SOL) describe the commonwealth’s expectations for student learning and achievement in grades K-12 in English, mathematics, science, history/social science, technology, the fine arts, foreign language, health and physical education, and driver education. Information from the Virginia Department of Education can be viewed here and here.
Student Conduct
Student conduct is reviewed annually at the start of each school year or upon enrollment at MW through a review of the digital Student Handbook that each enrolled student at MW has access to. A digital signing statement is required from each student and their parent that denotes their understanding of student conduct and that parents reserve their rights to express disagreement with school policy or decisions. Refer to Policy No. 8002.
Tobacco and Nicotine Vapor Products
Educational programs are designed for students on the health and safety risks of tobacco and nicotine vapor products. See Policy No. 3020. Other policies that speak to tobacco and nicotine vapor products are 4077 and 6009.1.
Unlawful Manufacture, Distribution, Dispensing, Possession for Use of a Controlled Substance
MLWGS is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace. Employees view Policy No. 5090.
Wellness Policies
The Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School Regional Board has established the following goals to promote student wellness; 1) Nutrition Promotion and Education and 2) Physical Activity. The Wellness Committee has been implemented to oversee wellness progress and is led by the Activities Director with membership consisting of the Health and PE teachers, support staff, cafeteria staff, and parent and student representation. Other MLWGS staff, parents, and stakeholders may also participate on an at-large basis. See Policies 4075 and 4075-R.
Youth Health Risk Behavior Survey
The Regional School Board will notify parents of students enrolled at MLWGS selected for participation in the survey of student health risk behaviors pursuant to Va. Code § 32.1-73.8 that their child may be randomly selected to participate in the survey unless the parent denies consent for the student’s participation in writing prior to administration of the survey. The notice must be in writing and be given at least 30 days prior to administration of the survey. The notice will inform the parent regarding
• the nature and types of questions included in the survey,
• the purposes and age-appropriateness of the survey,
• how information collected by the survey will be used,
• who will have access to such information,
• whether and how any findings or results will be disclosed, and
• the steps that will be taken to protect students’ privacy.
Parents have the right to review the survey prior to its administration. Policy 3007 Administration of Surveys and Questionnaires; Va. Code § 22.1-79.3
