The week before school reopens is always a little bit of everything. A School Board meeting, orientations, scrimmages, laptops, last-minute details, and plenty of problem solving.
A parent shared with me that her child walked through our doors this past Monday knowing no one and left with so many new friends. Mr. Coleman, Dr. Loving, Dr. Williams, Ms. Tucker, Dr. Smith, Coach Hall, and I exchanged quite a few high fives during orientation. Isn’t that what we are trying to do? Help our students find their people and their place here.
I am continually thankful for our kids. I was running an afternoon session with many of my colleagues and was clueless as to how to connect my laptop to this room’s Smart Board. My Group 7 leaders had me straightened out in no time and then wandered off to help other adults. That is just what MLWGS students do.
The group also tried something new with their freshman class shirts. They emulated what our staff had done the week before and gathered on the front steps for a group shot, courtesy of our yearbook sponsor extraordinaire, Mr. White. How fun will it be to recreate that picture four years from now? What a bookend. It flies by.
Our PTSA and Foundation kept our staff fed with snacks and our annual luncheon. In addition, the Foundation hosted our ninth-grade families, with alumni parents coming back to welcome the next group. Both organizations presented to our families and then jumped right in, greeting families in our lobby and helping wherever they were needed. Sugar Shack sent over donuts, and our freshmen met their teachers, walked their schedules, logged on to Naviance, and got a little more comfortable in their new school.
One of the student mentors in my advisory group offered some very simple advice: rest. Take care of yourself and do not underestimate the restorative nature of sleep. I really hunkered into that one. I think quite a few adults needed to hear it too.
Dr. Chandra Floyd from William & Mary spoke with our faculty and staff about The Architecture of Belonging. Her timing could not have been better. So much of what I watched happen this week was exactly that, and much of it happened because of our students and all of you.
Courage, Compassion, Community, and Collaboration. The Walker Way.
We are tired, but it is the best kind of tired. As Ms. Hawkins pointed out, we are getting back to our schedule and finding our rhythm again. On Monday, I get to hear the beat and the heart of our school return.
Rest up, Dragons. Grades 9-12 come back on Monday. We missed you.
On behalf of our entire faculty and staff, welcome to the 2026–2027 school year.
Additional school updates are listed below…
Student Handbook Test Now Available
As we prepare to welcome students back for another exciting school year, we’d like to remind all students that one of the annual back-to-school requirements is the Student Handbook Test.
By completing the quiz, students acknowledge that they have read, understand, and will abide by the Student Handbook and Code of Conduct. The deadline to complete the quiz is September 2, so there’s no immediate rush, but completing it before school starts is a great way to check one item off the back-to-school to-do list.
2026-2027 Student Handbook Test
We hope everyone has enjoyed a wonderful summer, and we look forward to seeing our students back on campus soon!
Meal Credit and Financial Assistance Request
MLWGS is committed to ensuring that financial circumstances do not prevent students from fully participating in the educational opportunities and activities available to them.
For the 2026–2027 school year, MLWGS will process applications internally for meal assistance. This is a change from earlier communication. Families who believe they may qualify are encouraged to complete the confidential application linked below.
Please note: Some of our partner school divisions participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which allows students in those divisions to receive meals at no cost. CEP eligibility in a student’s home division does not automatically provide free or reduced-price meals at MLWGS. Because MLWGS operates independently and does not participate in the federal school meals program, families seeking meal assistance at MLWGS must complete the MLWGS Financial Assistance Application.
Eligibility will be determined internally using the information provided by families and applicable federal income eligibility guidelines. Families who qualify will be connected with the appropriate financial support through their home school division.
All information submitted through the application will be handled confidentially and used solely to determine eligibility for assistance.
This application will remain open until September 18. Carryover benefits from last year need to be renewed by September 18 to avoid a disruption in services.
To apply for financial assistance, please complete the application below:
Meal Credit and Financial Assistance Request
Grades 9-12: Back to School Night
Mark your calendar for Back to School Night on Wednesday, September 9th, 6:00 – 9:00 pm More information will be coming in late August.
Grades 9-12: Parent/Teacher Conferences:
Also mark your calendar for our two parent/teacher conference sessions during this school year. The first will be on Monday, November 2nd, the second on Thursday, January 21st. Details will be announced closer to each.
Grade 12: Seniors parking form has been sent out! Once form and handbook test is completed, see Officer Jeffreys or Officer Jenkins for permit. Payment must be done ahead of time if paying online. Cash is accepted the day of pickup.
Grades 9-12: Attention incoming freshmen or upperclassmen who did not play last year. The baseball team will be having an informational meeting the first week of school (Day TBA) in preparation for our Fall practice season. If you have an interest in playing this upcoming Spring season, even if you cannot practice during the fall, then send an e-mail to Head Coach Mr. Dan Brown at [email protected] for information regarding the team.
The Maggie Walker Diversity Advocates recently completed a week of training at the Harold M. Marsh, Sr. Connections Institute hosted by the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities. The Institute is a process of challenge, growth, and impact for students in high school. According to the VCIC, at the conclusion of the program, “delegates develop an action plan to reduce prejudice in their schools by applying their learning and experience to their own school communities.” We are excited to learn from our delegates and continue the good work.
Students, faculty, and staff: The Yearbook staff wants to see your Summertime pictures for potential inclusion in the 2027 Vault! Submit images by clicking HERE. Just enter our school’s code (mlwgs) and follow the easy prompts. Whether you travelled domestically or abroad, went to Busch Gardens, worked at a part-time job, volunteered in the community, visited family and friends, or anything else, we want to see pictures of you doing your thing! But YOU are the key. If you visited Paris, we don’t need to see your photo of the Eiffel Tower, but we DO want to see a picture of YOU at the Eiffel Tower. If you submit photos, you’ll be entered in a random drawing for a FREE issue of the 2027 Vault. So let’s see those pictures!
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MEDICAL FORMS AND ALLERGY PAPERWORK:
Please turn in any paperwork ASAP for your child if they have an allergy, medical condition or if they would like to keep medicines here at school for their use if needed.
Email them to Nurse Shapiro at: [email protected]
You can find forms here:
Also, check forms in powerschool to sign permission for over the counter medication if you want your student to be able to receive certain over the counter medications throughout the year without having to call your first. This mostly includes acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
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Join our students and parents, and join the PTSA.
Maggie Walker PTSA Golden Tickets are going out to students through their English classes, but teachers, please make sure you join the ranks! Our PTSA takes care of us, keeping us fed and appreciated in the building and representing our profession in the halls of power.
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Ninth graders:
2627 101 Pacing Calendar — make a copy to personalize your calendar
