It has been a beautiful first week at Maggie Walker. Our teachers and staff did a wonderful job welcoming back students with open doors, energy, and care. Families and our regional community helped ensure that safety and transportation were at the forefront, making the transition smooth for everyone.
This week also reflected the strength of our partnerships. At our PTSA meeting, we saw an encouraging uptick in membership and engagement. Thank you for your commitment to our Dragons. If you have not joined yet, there are still plenty of opportunities to get involved. Speaking of opportunities, our athletic teams began their seasons on the fields and courts with scrimmages and matches that reflected both pride and spirit. At the regional board meeting, we recognized the dedication of leaders whose steady guidance and support make our work possible. We also took time to acknowledge Dr. Williams and Dr. Smith for their leadership. They shined, along with our spring girls’ tennis Class 3 VHSL champions and our All-State Honor Band and Orchestra. These recognitions were both meaningful and well deserved.
In the building, our freshmen began their one-to-one technology initiative, an exciting step forward in ensuring access and opportunity for every student. We also conducted our first fire drill of the year, reinforcing the safety practices that keep our community prepared and secure.
On Thursday, I wore a brooch that was given to me by one of the many special people I have encountered during my educational career. It is a North Star, and it has come to symbolize the compass that guides us. It does not matter the location. As professionals-teachers and staff in the Maggie Walker community, and in every school community-we are united by a common purpose. We believe in the beauty of learning, in the importance of access and opportunity, and in the responsibility we carry to guide students forward. Just as the North Star provides a steady light, our dedication as educators is what helps students find their way, no matter the challenges or changes that come our way.
Here at Maggie Walker, that compass is reflected in the Walker Way pillars of courage, compassion, community, and collaboration. These four C’s remind us daily of what we stand for and what we strive to model for our students.
The week ahead includes class meetings, continued onboarding for our newest Dragons, and opportunities to strengthen the connections that make our community thrive. Thank you for all you have done to make the first week a success. Below are some reminders that will be helpful for families to review. Now, onward to rest, rejuvenation, and another strong week ahead. Go Dragons!
Warmly,
Kristin Janssen, Executive Director
Below are some reminder items for view:
Message 1: Online Economics course for Fall 2025.Reminder for students enrolled in the Online Economics course for Fall 2025. This course has begun and you may access the course in your Schoology account. Week 1 assignments include orientation activities which are due on August 25, 2025. If the student does not see the course in Schoology but wishes to enroll in the course, please contact your counselor to be added to the course. All students should complete this course before the end of the junior year.
Message 2: Let’s go to Belize for the 2026 Spring Break! Has your student ever dreamed about traveling the world? Exploring ancient Mayan ruins, learning Mayan cooking, snorkeling with turtles or ziplining through a rainforest canopy and more? Now is the chance to make your dreams a reality! You will gain new perspectives, develop a sense of independence, and build skills for the future through this experience. Please follow this link for information and to register, or contact David Barnes [email protected] for more information.
Message 3: Henrico County residents. Parents and guardians, as we roll out the 2025-2026 school year, our counseling team wanted to share information for students residing in Henrico County. HAZEL HEALTH is offering free telehealth sessions available to support mental health for students in grades 6-12. No insurance necessary. Want more info or to sign-up? Click here! Please note sessions with this specific provider cannot take place during school hours. Wishing everyone a great start to the new school year, let’s go Dragons!
Message 4: School Lunch Forms. Families, please note that Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School operates under a different meal program than our feeder school divisions. Even if your home district provided free meals to all students without documentation, Maggie Walker requires an application and approval process for free or reduced-price lunch. We have 14 school districts we serve and all operate differently because of federal and local differences. Forms have already been distributed to students. Please complete and return them to Dr. Williams in the main office. Eligibility will be determined based on the information provided. If you have questions, please contact Kristin Janssen at [email protected] for more information.
Message 5: Student Fee Sheets. All Maggie Walker students received their yearly fee sheet this week. Sheets were distributed in each student’s first block class. Please review the sheet carefully with your student and take note of any fees that need to be addressed for the 2025-2026 school year. Payments may be submitted online through the ODP system. If you have questions about specific charges or need assistance, please contact Crystal Charity at [email protected] or 804-354-6800×2191. .
Message 6: Congratulations Ms. Eshita! Maggie Walker’s Yoko Eshita was awarded the OKA Scholarship to attend the California Language Teachers’ Association World Language Summer Seminar at UC Santa Barbara this summer. During the six-day workshop, she learned how to design lessons aligned with ACTFL Core Practices that incorporate interdisciplinary content. She also explored a variety of engaging learning activities that support student-centered instruction. In addition to her academic learning, she had the opportunity to network with language educators from across the country, finding their experiences and ideas truly inspiring. Yoko looks forward to implementing these new strategies and ideas in her Japanese class to enhance student learning and engagement.
Message 7: Back to School Night. Students are asked to fill out their schedule and give it to their parents.Back to School Night is for parents and guardians. Students are NOT encouraged to attend. Plan to arrive by 6:15 pm., because school parking lots fill up quickly. Leave additional time for parking. Overflow parking is available at Moore Street Baptist Church, 1408 W. Leight St., one block past Sugar Shack. Parents should report to the school auditorium no later than 6:30 p.m. for the first PTSA meeting of the year. A welcome, maps, and directions for the evening will be provided. Students should provide their schedules to their parents to follow. Each class session will last for ten minutes, and a bell will signal the transition to the next class. Parents will have five minutes between classes. Teachers will be providing specific information about their classes, not about individual students. Parent-teacher conferences will take place on November 3rd, during which time parents may discuss their child’s progress. More information regarding these conferences will be forthcoming.
Message 8: Senior Portraits. Seniors! Lifetouch Studios/Prestige Portraits is offering one last chance to have your senior portraits taken on campus and free of charge, in the first-floor Commons on Thursday, Sept. 4. Sign up at https://prestigeportraits.com. Start by clicking on the link https://schedule.prestigeportraits.com/schedule/home.html (you don’t need to enter Maggie Walker’s 8-digit code). Select Zip Code and enter Maggie Walker’s Zip code, which is 23220. Then, in the dialog box below, start typing “Maggie L. Walker” and our school’s name will appear. Click on it and hit Continue. Enter your legal first name and last name in the appropriate boxes, click Verify & Proceed, and select your appointment type: Essential ($30 for three outfits), Mini ($20 for two outfits), or Yearbook (no charge: two poses, one outfit). All scheduling and payment are handled through Lifetouch/Prestige’s website. Lifetouch/Prestige is Maggie Walker’s official school photographer, but you are NOT required to get your portrait taken by them. If you’d rather get your formal Yearbook portrait at another studio, your portraits must adhere to the following specifications: Formal dress (tux or drape). “Midnight blue” or other standard, dark blue or black background. The photo should be head & shoulders, with the bottom of the frame hitting mid-chest level. Photos from other studios are due to the MLWGS yearbook staff by Monday, Nov. 10. Contact Michael White with any questions. [email protected]
