The first week of school is such a joy. We spend so much time getting ready, and then suddenly everyone is here. Lunch lines, buses, drills, hallway flow- all of it is starting to settle. Thank you for your patience.
I loved peeking into classrooms and seeing the first week rolling. Teachers and students were already deep in discourse, and I saw so many moments where our staff was creating community and belonging.
Our Dragons are back in action too. Golf, field hockey, cross country, and boys and girls volleyball are underway, and we had a great showing at our fall events. It was fun to be back in the energy of our gym and fields with our fans.
The PTSA held its first meeting, and I jumped in late but loved hearing the buzz about the Fall Festival and the year ahead. Please consider joining the PTSA and supporting our Foundation. Both do so much for our students and staff.
And now it is Friday, and we are tired.
I have enjoyed students and staff sharing their daily back-to-school looks and, apparently, their suggestions for sprucing up my wares. At some point, practicality takes over the footwear game, but I appreciate the advice.
I shared What the Road Said by Cleo Wade with our staff to open the year. As an English teacher, I have many favorite books, but this is one of them. So many lines make you think. Look at this nugget: “Where do you lead? The road said, be a leader and find out.”
- That feels like Maggie Walker. Our students have a great deal of independence, but we also expose them to things they may never have thought about or considered. Travel, seminars, community service, research, athletics, the arts, languages. That Renaissance education opens up a world of possibilities. I am forever grateful for the time my own student spent here.
Class meetings begin next week, and Dr. Smith, Dr. Williams, and I are looking forward to spending time with all four classes and their sponsors. The Class of 2027 is such a vibrant, friendly, and strong group of leaders. It was fun to see them officially take over the Senior Commons on Monday. Mentorships are underway, and the anticipation of themes and class shirts has begun.
I have a college senior and a high school senior at home this year, so maybe I am watching our seniors a little differently.
Personally, I am ready, but I am not ready. I’ll get there. That is part of the journey too.
Thank you for a great opening! Enjoy your weekend. Rest. Go Dragons!
With Pride,
Dr. Kristin Janssen
Executive Director
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!
Medical Statement for Meal Modification
If your student has special dietary needs that require a modification to their school meals, the school has been asked to collect a completed Medical Statement for Meal Modification form from the student’s parent or guardian. These forms will then be shared with our food services provider.
Our point person for these forms is our School Nurse, Alisa Shapiro. Please submit all completed forms directly to Ms. Shapiro at the school clinic.
When completing the form, please use the following information for Sections A7 and A8:
- Section A7: Nurse Alisa Shapiro
- Section A8: (804) 354-600, ext. 1010
If you have questions about the form or the submission process, please contact Ms. Shapiro at extension above.
Thank you for your assistance in helping us ensure that we can appropriately support students with special dietary needs.
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 11. Carryover benefits from last year need to be renewed by September 11 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 – 8:30 pm
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 5:45 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 6:00 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.
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 the form and handbook test are completed, see Officer Jeffreys or Officer Jenkins for a permit. Payment must be done ahead of time if paying online. Cash is accepted the day of pickup.
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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 it 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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Powhatan County Students
The Somebody’s Sunshine organization wants Powhatan County students to be aware of available financial assistance for international travel opportunities. The organization provides 2-3 scholarships per year for $3,000 dollars that can be used to pay for travel costs or personal expenses incurred due to international travel. Applications are accepted year-round. If you are interested in applying for a scholarship or simply want more information regarding this organization, then please use the following link:
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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 did 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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The 2026 Yearbook Spring Supplement is now available for pickup! This full-color, 32-page insert covers Spring Break, One-Acts, Spring sports, the talent show, and more. Seniors, juniors, sophomores, and staff who purchased a 2026 copy of the Vault should see Mr. White in Room 330 ASAP to get their supplements.
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Wed-Thurs, Sept. 9-10, are school picture days for freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and staff. Students will visit the Auditorium through their English classes to be photographed by our new official school photography studio, CADY. Order forms are being distributed through English classes. (Make-ups and retakes are scheduled for Wed, Nov. 4.)
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Seniors have a second chance to sign up for Senior Portraits with CADY, on Sept. 22. Go to cady.com/schedule to claim your time slot. This photo session has a minimum fee of $29 and is not intended for Yearbook-only sittings. However, if you order a package from that shoot, you’ll receive a $30 credit. If you miss out on the 9/22 session, don’t worry! CADY will hold a third senior-portrait session at MLWGS later this fall. That will be your only opportunity to sit for the free, Yearbook-only portrait here at MLWGS.
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Student Fee Payments
Student fee payments are due at this time. Please submit your payment online at https://osp.osmsinc.com/MLWGS/default.aspx. Alternatively, your student may bring cash, check, or money order to the main office (Ms Charity – 9th & 10th grades) or (Ms Rowe – 11th & 12th grades). Student fee statements were mailed home prior to the first day of school. If you need another copy, please email [email protected] (9th/10th) or [email protected] (11th/12th). Student fees are considered delinquent if not paid by September 30th.
Mark Your Calendars for the 25th Annual Night of the Dragon!
Saturday, February 20, at the Altria Theater
Mark your calendar now for this highlight of the year for the Dragon family. The entire MLWGS community is invited to celebrate 35 years of Maggie Walker during this special evening featuring performances by beloved alumni musicians, our iconic live and silent auctions, dinner, and more. Hosted by the MLWGS Foundation, this is the largest social event of the year, with all proceeds benefiting our Dragons and their teachers.
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Join Your MLWGS Parent Teacher Student Organization for 2026-2027!
Click HERE to join your family to the PTSA and donate!
Click HERE for the Volunteer Interest Form
Let’s Go Dragons! We loved meeting so many new families at MLWGS orientation. The Dragon magic is alive and well, and we’re excited for another amazing year!
Join Now! Your family belongs! Our PTSA is 100% inclusive, welcoming everyone who supports our students and school. Membership is for one school year, so it’s time to join for 2026–2027!
All In! We encourage parents/guardians and students to join together. Grandparents, relatives, and alumni are welcome, too! Our community is one of the largest PTAs in Virginia because we all invest in our Dragons.
