Good evening, Dragon Nation.
While Dr. Lowerre is on medical leave, I will serve as Acting Director, with Dr. Williams as the Director’s Designee. We have temporarily divided all administrative duties. Over the next month, please contact me or Dr. Williams if you need to speak with an administrator. Please join me in wishing Dr. Lowerre a speedy recovery.
Best Wishes,
Dr. Smith
[email protected]
(804) 354-6800 x2120
Snow Day Recovery Time
Dear Parents,
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to inform you that March 10, originally scheduled as a teacher workday, will now be an instructional day (odd blocks). As we strive to maximize learning opportunities for our students, it’s important that we make up any lost instructional time. Due to the number of snow days we’ve had this winter, we need to adjust our schedule to stay in compliance with Virginia Code requirements for instructional hours.
We appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we make this adjustment. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
MLWGS Black History Month Events
Mr. Piersol’s Zoom Presentation, Wednesday, February 12th
Anyone miss Mr. Piersol’s enthusiasm, his bright smile, his winning personality? If so, you are invited to the Forum on Wednesday, February 12th during lunch for his Zoom presentation on Frederick Douglass. Come and hear all about Mr. Piersol’s Taylor Teaching Award travels throughout England, Scotland, and Ireland, as he traced the international journey of our nation’s most famous 19th century African American freedom fighter!
Open Mic, Thursday, February 13th
Did you know that Frederick Douglass, famous orator, was Maggie Walker’s contemporary? Like Maggie Walker, he used his voice to promote change. Both Douglass and Walker believed that words and knowledge were powerful tools. On Thursday, February 13th during lunch in the library, you are invited to share your voice. Come and share poetry and prose about courage, freedom, or change. You are welcome to read your work or the work of a famous writer of your choice. Heart-shaped donuts will be served!
Douglass Day Transcribe-a thon, Friday, February 14th
Because Douglass was born into slavery and had no record of his birthdate, he designated Valentine’s Day as his birthday. Over two hundred years later, people across the globe celebrate this date as International Douglass Day. Last year, the MLWGS Library participated in the transcribe-a-thon for the first time. This year, Ms. DeGroat will again host a drop-in transcribe-a-thon – interspersed with portions of the live broadcast. From 11:45 AM-3:15 PM, this activity will be open to all students during lunch and also to study hall students during the afternoon blocks.
Please Review with your Child- Procedures on late arrivals and early dismissals
Student Handbook page 18
Late Arrivals
1) Students arriving after 8:40 a.m. should check in the attendance office.
(Student parking lot doors will be locked at 8:40 A.M.)
2) Students must bring a note signed by a parent/guardian, dentist or doctor for the tardy to be
“excused.” An admittance tardy permit will be issued to the student; a copy is maintained in the
attendance office.
3) If the tardy is “unexcused” the same procedure as above will apply.
Early Dismissals
1) Requests for check-out/early dismissal are handled by the attendance office.
2) The parent/guardian must provide a note with a daytime phone number where they can be contacted during the day to verify the appointment.
3) Students should present the note to the attendance secretary by 8:30 A.M. and to the teacher at the time of dismissal. The teacher will allow the student to go to the attendance office, where the clerk will verify the early dismissal, and the student will “sign out.”
4) Students will not be released to a non-custodial parent without the custodial parent’s permission.
5) Students will not be exempted from attending independent study or tutorials. Excessive tardiness or unexcused absences will result in an office referral.
6) Presenting a false or forged note will result in disciplinary action.
7) Failure to follow appropriate procedures for checking in/out of school will result in disciplinary action.
American Mathematics Competition
Congratulations to competitors in this year’s American Mathematics Competition who qualified for the American Invitational Mathematics Exam: Olivia Zhang, Daniel Zhang and Danielle Chen. Only 5% of all competitors across the U.S. qualified for the AIME, so bravo to these students!
Security Corner:
PLEASE secure your property! DO NOT leave book bags, electronics, lunch boxes, water bottles, chargers etc. lying around unattended. Ensure that your valuables are either left at home, kept on your person, or locked in a locker. DO NOT leave them unattended!
Locks are available from coaching and athletic staff. Please borrow a lock if you cannot afford one. PE teachers, the Activities Director, and Security would be happy to store your bag in their office for a class period.
Parent Teacher Book Discussion
We are inviting parents to join us for a first ever activity: a community book discussion. Together we will read and discuss excerpts from Carol Dweck’s Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. We will explore, with collaborative activities, ways that we can consistently and collectively support students by encouraging them to view mistakes and challenges as opportunities to grow, focusing on progress, rather than striving for perfection.
If you would like to join us to explore this topic, please use this link to RSVP by February 21st.
Here are the important details about this event:
- We will meet on March 3rd from 6 to 7:30 PM in room 204.
- There is no need to bring any supplies.
- We will provide pizza, drinks, and dessert!
We hope you will join us!
For more information, click here
Request for Feedback: Class of 2025 Interfaith Baccalaureate Ceremony
The PTSA is looking forward to hosting an Interfaith Baccalaureate Ceremony in May. The ceremony honors the Class of 2025 and provides an opportunity to reflect on your achievements and receive words of encouragement as you embark on your next chapter! The ceremony will be held at an off-site location the week prior to graduation. This is another opportunity to wear your cap and gown and take photos with friends! More information is forthcoming, but for now, we would like to hear from you as we prepare the program. We are looking for local speakers. Tell us who you would like to offer reflections or words of encouragement at the Class of 2025 Interfaith Baccalaureate Ceremony.
We want to hear from you! Please send your suggestions via email to the MLWGS PTSA at [email protected] no later than February 14, 2025.
International Language Fair
Hey Dragons! Do you want a fun, easy way to earn service hours? Or do you want to help middle schoolers as they explore Maggie Walker and our amazing language programs? If so, volunteer for Maggie Walker’s International Language Fair on February 21st and 22nd! We need volunteers to help set up workshops on the 21st and to help guide middle schoolers on the day of the fair! Slots are limited, so sign up as soon as possible! The deadline for signing up is February 10th. We hope to see you there!
Link to signups: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084AAFA628A7F9C34-54405039-international#/
Congratulations to our MLWGS Young Physicists team for their 5th place finish in the United States Association for Young Physicists Tournament (USAYPT)
This past weekend, our team traveled to Rye, NY to participate in the 18th annual USAYPT, and our team won 5th place! They also received a special award (the Greg Jacobs Award), which the previous two years’ winners voted on for their outstanding all-around performance. They presented on the following topics: atmospheric scintillation of stars, magnet fields of sizzler magnets, and modeling the stability of skyscrapers using gelatin. They competed from teams from all over the country and worldwide including China, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan and Tunisia.
They were led by their amazing team captain Ash Duimstra. The rest of the team consisted of Seniors Soumya Khadye, Will Knutson and Rahmat Okegbenro, and Juniors Anish Aruru, Anna Fong and Alina Laraway,
Way to go MLWGS Young Physicists!
PTSA LOVES our Dragons!
Thank you to our Dragon Community for your support of the PTSA! Recently, your yearly membership dues have allowed us to support teachers and students with appreciation events such as lunches and treats before the holidays, holiday gift cards for every teacher and staff member and a breakfast buffet for staff in January.
There is still more to do in the remainder of the school year! For example, in February your dues will go towards a potato bar from Texas Roadhouse for staff to enjoy. There is still time to join the PTSA this school year. Your $25 dues will directly support these events for teachers and students.
Join the PTSA Today via this link: https://app.etapestry.com/cart/GSGISFFoundationGovernorsS/default/category.php?ref=185.0.191974557
Fostering a Safe Community
This is a mid-year reminder of our shared responsibility to foster a safe community and make decisions in alignment with our school mission, civility statement, and student advocacy flowchart. Please take a minute to refresh yourself on these principles and practices.
Remember that you do not need to ignore harmful behavior/words. Be an upstander and practice care for yourself and your classmates. Ask clarifying, Socratic questions that disrupt bias and prejudice. Keep Administration, School Counseling, or Ms. Harger informed of incidents either directly or via Anonymous Alerts.
What is the Anonymous Alerts app?
The Anonymous Alerts anti-bullying and safety app reporting system helps combat bullying and other negative activity in schools by empowering students to speak up.
The system allows for 1-way or 2-way anonymous encrypted communications between submitters (students, parents or community members) and district administration and/or school staff. Users of the system have the option to remain anonymous or reveal their identity when submitting a report.
How does it work?
Students, parents or other school personnel can simply visit the MLWGS website and click on the “Anonymous Alerts” button or text link to submit a report expressing their concern. Anonymous Alerts® mobile applications can be downloaded directly from the Apple, Google Play or the Chrome stores.
To send reports from the Web/Internet go to: https://tips.anonymousalerts.com/maggiewalkerschool/
To send a report from your phone:
- Download the Anonymous Alerts® app for free from the Apple Store, Google Play store, or the Chrome store
- Start the App, enter activation code: maggiewalkerschool
- Send important reports to school officials
- Add a screenshot, photo or video about the incident
Anonymous Alerts information is also in the Resources folder in Schoology class pages and posted via the QR code posters in the building hallways.
In an emergency, always call 9-1-1!
Questions? Contact Ms. Harger at [email protected]
MLWGS Advocacy Team Update: State and Federal News, Engaging Your Representatives
Great news on the Virginia advocacy front! The House of Delegates and State Senate both released their budget proposals this past Sunday. Both budgets include many of the priorities supported by the advocacy work of our Dragon community! Click HERE for budget proposal highlights.
There are also several significant federal policy proposals and changes that directly affect public education in Virginia. Click HERE to read about these issues.
Want to voice your perspective to your state and federal representatives? Click HERE for advocacy in action.
Want to join the MLWGS Advocacy Team as a parent, teacher, or student to receive occasional updates and engagement information? Click HERE to Join the MLWGS Advocacy Team
Virginia PTA Scholarships
The Virginia PTA offers multiple $500 scholarships to students. The application deadline is April 1, 2025. Click HERE for more information.
Textbook Public Comment
Prospective textbooks for AP US History and AP African American studies will be placed in the library for community review. These will be in the library for members of the community to evaluate starting on Monday January 27th up through Feb. 27th.
Prospective textbooks and workbooks for Spanish 1, Spanish 2, Spanish 3, and Spanish 4 have been placed in the library for community review. These will be in the library for members of the community to evaluate from Wednesday, February 5 to March 5.
Spring Sports
All students who plan to try out for spring sports that start on February 24th, you will need a completed packet turned into Ms. Hawkins at [email protected] as PDF file. https://mlwgs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/24-VHSL-Forms-1.pdf
Night of the Dragon Tickets Now on Sale–with Early Bird Pricing!
Now’s the best time to purchase tickets for the 20th Annual Night of the Dragon!
The Night of the Dragon Auction is one of the highlights of the year for Dragon parents (past and present), staff, and alumni.
Get your tickets now for this fun-filled event and MLWGS’ single largest annual fundraiser.
The evening includes Live and Silent Auctions, dinner, drinks, student entertainment, and more.
When purchasing tickets, be sure to buy your beads for Heads & Tails and consider also purchasing a Thank a Teacher Ticket(s).
Can’t attend the event? Register on the site to bid from anywhere. All proceeds benefit our amazing Dragon and their incredible teachers.
This year’s line up of amazing Live and Silent Auction items, includes:
* Vacation home stays
* Lunch with the Mayor
* Reserved seats for MLWGS graduation
* Theater and event tickets
* One-of-a-kind art and jewelry
* Our ever-popular themed gift baskets
* And so much more!
Night of the Dragon Auction Items Still Needed
The Night of the Dragon Auction committee is looking for items for this year’s auction, which is set for Saturday, March 22.
Don’t think you have anything to offer–you may be surprised. Think about things you give or do for friends and family. Check out a fun list of great ideas here.
Some of our most popular items each year include unique experiences hosted by MLWGS families and friends, event tickets, vacation home rentals, unique artwork, lessons of all types, local adventures, and items from Dragon-family owned businesses and fave spots—GET CREATIVE!
Ready to donate? Here’s the online donation form. Or contact Ginger O’Neil at [email protected].
Immigration Policies: Safety & Support Protocols
January 30, 2025
Dear Maggie Walker Families:
We recognize that the recent changes to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) internal policy allowing for expanded enforcement actions in previously protected “sensitive locations” such as schools, daycare centers, and places of worship, have caused significant concern within our community. Here at Maggie Walker, we deeply value the trust you place in us to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all students, regardless of immigration status.
To address these concerns, we want to reassure you that our mission is to foster a safe, supportive, and inclusive community for each student in our care. Should law enforcement ever visit our building, our school has a protocol in place. This protocol includes verifying agent credentials and authority. Our school administrators and staff are receiving training to handle this and other scenarios, and we will always take a team-based approach that involves the leadership of our divisions and their legal counsel.
We also encourage families to take proactive steps during this time:
- Make sure your child’s contact information and emergency contacts are up-to-date. You can check with our School Registrar, Lucas Veale, to update this information.
- Develop a family preparedness plan in case of separation due to ICE enforcement activities.
- Ensure you know your legal rights, including as a bystander or observer.
- Talk to your children about their feelings and concerns, and remind them that our school counselors and other support staff are available to help them process any fears and worries.
Resources are available via the Richmond Public Schools’ Immigration Resources Hub: https://www.rvaschools.net/students-families/immigration-resource-hub
The following Frequently Asked Questions serve to clarify our obligations under the law.
Q: What impact does undocumented immigration status have on my child’s education?
A: None. All children have a constitutional right to equal access to education regardless of their immigration status or their parents’ status as decided in the 1982 Supreme Court case Plyler v. Doe.
Q: Does Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School ask for a child’s immigration status when they enroll?
A: No. Public schools and programs like ours must enroll students regardless of their immigration status without discrimination based on national origin.
Q: Would the school district ever share a student’s immigration status with federal immigration officials?
A: As mentioned above, we do not ask for students’ immigration status when they enroll. However, if we become aware of a student’s immigration status, we do not share that information with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If we get a request for student information, the school system will follow FERPA regulations and only release information with parent/guardian permission or a valid court order.
Q: Will there be any immigration enforcement actions on school grounds?
A: Historically, schools were considered “sensitive locations” where immigration enforcement actions are discouraged. While this has been challenged under the new administration, we will do everything we are legally able to do for students to feel safe at school.
Q: What should I do if I want to understand my immigration rights?
A: Only immigration attorneys can provide accurate advice about immigration status and how you can pursue any legal rights you might have. If you have a special status such as DACA, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), or humanitarian parole, consider establishing a relationship with a lawyer to stay aware of possible policy changes. For your protection, please do not seek the advice of notaries or non-licensed immigration attorneys. A list of available resources can be found on the RPS Immigration Hub website.
Q: What does Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School do to ensure that no student or family is discriminated against or harassed because of their race, ethnicity, religion, or national origin?
A: We believe deeply in ensuring equity as one of our core values. We have policies that mandate no discrimination or harassment for our students, families, or employees based on race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, or other protected classes.
Q: What should I do if I feel like my student or I have been the victim of discrimination or harassment?
A: Please report discriminatory behavior immediately to an Assistant Director, the Coordinator of Strategic Engagement, or via our Anonymous Alerts platform. We take these complaints very seriously to ensure our school remains a safe space.
We understand the anxiety and uncertainty these policy changes may bring and are here to support our families in every way possible. If you have questions or additional concerns not answered here, please do not hesitate to contact our Assistant Directors, Dr. Max Smith and Dr. Lisa Williams, or Aparna Bansal Harger, Coordinator of Strategic Engagement.
We will continue to share updates as we learn more about these policy changes and their potential impact. Thank you for your continued partnership in ensuring the well-being of every student in our school.
Sincerely,
Dr. Max Smith
Acting Director
*Adapted with permission from Harrisonburg City Public Schools
Sent to all faculty and parents on 1/31/25
GO DRAGONS!
“The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be ignited.” —Plutarch
