I started my work week a little early with a trip to Salem to cheer on our cross-country athletes at the state championships. I even dusted off my trusty cowbell, which has been in hibernation since my own student finished his MLWGS running career! There was plenty to cheer about, and the excitement continued as both our boys’ and girls’ volleyball teams advanced. Our students, staff, families, and drumline brought so much energy to the games. Thank you to everyone who came out to support our Dragons!
Our English team led this week’s faculty meeting, and Wednesday allowed us to recognize those who have served our country. The student-led Veterans Day recognition in the Commons made the occasion even more meaningful. We also enjoyed a sweet treat from First Stop Donuts, thanks to our Welcome and Affirmation Committee. Who knew a donut could bring so much joy? There were certainly plenty of smiles! Gratitude was the theme of Word Magic Open Mic, while Model UN, Quiz Bowl, Peer Mentors, and Multicultural Assembly planning were all part of the week’s activities.
Thursday brought our Regional School Board meeting and the PTSA Community Service Fair, where students explored ways to give back. Friday was World Kindness Day, which seemed especially fitting after a week with so many reminders of thankfulness and service. Our Senior Regional Orchestra students headed to Cosby High School, and Swords, Scales, and Silicon Valley brought some interesting conversations about AI and different perspectives. Drama Tech and dance were also part of the mix.
With so much happening, it is easy to move from one event to the next without stopping to appreciate all that goes into making these opportunities possible. Our students continue to take on new challenges, and our teachers, staff, and families give so much of their time and energy to support them. This week’s PTSA meeting, Foundation Coffee Chat, and School Advisory Council meeting were also reminders of just how many people care about and are invested in our school. So much happens behind the scenes, and I appreciate the time, energy, and care that so many of you give to MLWGS. Thank you!
Please stay healthy and well, and send some Dragon luck to our boys’ and girls’ volleyball teams this Saturday! Go Us!
One last reminder: the Richmond Marathon is Saturday, so plan your travels accordingly. Good luck to all who are running!
Go Dragons!
With Pride,
Dr. Kristin Janssen
Executive Director
Additional information below…
MLWGS Drama Presents: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee November 19-21, 2026
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Music & Lyrics by William Finn | Book by Rachel Sheinkin
Conceived by Rebecca Feldman
This award-winning, high-energy, heartfelt musical comedy follows a motley group of pre-teens as they compete for the spelling championship of a lifetime. Ten spellers enter; one speller leaves—a champion!
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 11/19-11/21, at 7pm
Tickets are $15+fees for adults, $10+fees for students and alumni, and free for faculty and staff. Buy in advance at https://gofan.co/app/school/VA7818?activity=Musical or at the door. Advance or card payment only.
Featuring:
Keegan Blake
Juliana Damer
Akshat Doshi
Addie Modrzynski
Lolu Nzombola
Ginny Ray
Gabriel Santos
Noah Sony
Phoebe Widmer
Directed by Andrew Gall
Vocal Coaching by Roger Reynolds
Choreography by Imogen Campbell
Scenic Design by Rohan Rajguru
Lighting Design by Teresa Hamilton
Sound Design by Zella Green
Costume Design by Wren Finck & Jaanvi Kanda
Prop Design by Scarlett Wharff
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
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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.
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.
Support MLWGS & Your Student! Our PTSA relies entirely on family donations. With our work powered by volunteers, every dollar goes toward supporting students and teachers. Suggested family donation: $50.
All Means All! If membership fees or donations are a challenge, please contact a PTSA officer or school counselor. We will make sure your family can join. Everyone belongs! Want to sponsor another family? $31 covers two adults and a student.
Our goal: 1,000 Dragons strong! Let’s Go Dragons!
This is going to be our best year yet! —Dr. Ben Pearson-Nelson, MLWGS PTSA President
Join your family in the PTSA and donate today!
Mu Alpha Theta (math honor society) offers free Math Tutoring every Monday and Thursday at lunchtime (11:45-12:15) in Room 201 and every Tuesday and Wednesday after school (3:30-4:30) in Room 202. Students are welcome to just drop in – no appointment is necessary!
National English Honor Society
National English Honor Society also offers tutoring in the Dragon Lit Lab in Room 228 during lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students are welcome to drop in, and no appointment is necessary! Our current focus is parts of speech and sentence patterns for 9th and 10th graders!
New members: Congratulations on being accepted to the National English Honors Society. If you have not already done so, please pay your $25.00 membership fee in OSP, under “NEHS Dues Collection.” The deadline is 11/19/26, and there are no late payments. NEHS Induction will be on Monday, 11/23/26.
WINTER SPORTS are just around the corner. Basketball, Swimming, Indoor Track, and Wrestling will start on November 10th. Please send the completed required VHSL paperwork https://mlwgs.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/VHSL-Forms-25.pdf to [email protected] as a PDF file to be eligible.
Calling all current sophomores and juniors!
Imagine spending part of your summer at the University of Virginia, living and learning alongside students from Japan, exploring another culture, and building friendships that could last a lifetime!
The High School Diplomats (HSD) U.S. Program is offering an incredible, fully funded cultural exchange experience at UVA from July 22–31, 2027.
Only 20 American students will be selected to join 20 students from Japan for an experience that includes:
- Cultural exchange and international friendships
- A Japanese roommate and opportunities to learn about the Japanese language and culture
- Engaging discussions, presentations, and learning experiences
- Japanese festivals, sports, karaoke, and other activities
The best part? The program scholarship covers housing, meals, and activities! Transportation is not included, but financial assistance may be available.
Students who complete the U.S. program may also have the opportunity to participate in the High School Diplomats Japan program the following summer.
Application Deadline: January 19, 2027
This is a wonderful opportunity for Maggie Walker students who are curious about the world, enjoy meeting new people, and want to experience something beyond the traditional classroom.
Learn more and apply: https://www.highschooldiplomats.com/apply
Don’t miss the chance to make your summer an international experience! Apply now.
Jabberwock, the MLWGS student press, is now offering ad space!
- Celebration/Birthday Ad for Current MLWGS Student = $10 per issue
- 1/8 Page = $25 per issue
- 1/4 Page = $35 per issue
- Half Page = $75 per issue
- Full Page = $100 per issue
Fill out this interest form, and a member of the editorial staff will be in contact for particulars.
From the Yearbook staff:
- Here’s how to buy your copy of the 2027 Vault directly from our publisher, Varsity: click HERE, then follow the prompts to pay via credit card, debit card, PayPal, or e-check. You may also mail a traditional check directly to Varsity. Sadly, Varsity doesn’t accept Venmo or Zelle, and we can’t accept payments at Maggie Walker. Buy now! Prices go up at the start of Winter Break. Pre-orders will not be accepted after May 1.
- To all parents of seniors: Want to honor your impending graduate with a Senior Ad in the Yearbook? Of course you do! A full-page ad costs $240, a half-page ad costs $150, and a quarter-page ad costs $90. The deadline isn’t until Jan. 15, but send in payment now to reserve your spot. Space, unlike your love for your almost-graduate, is limited. For more info, please contact Yearbook Adviser Michael White at [email protected].
Applications are now available for the Summer Residential Governor’s Schools.
All sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply. These programs are run by the Commonwealth and provide opportunities for high school gifted students to explore professional and university environments through mentorships and academic enrichment. Information and applications can be found at: https://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching-learning-assessment/specialized-instruction/governor-s-schools/summer-residential-governor-s-schools.
Maggie L. Walker students are grouped together and are not viewed as applicants from their respective school divisions. Applicants should be committed to attend; our school loses a slot if a student is accepted and does not participate. Questions about the programs or application process can be addressed to Joy Cobb, sophomore and junior counselor, at [email protected].
Academic Programs
Academic Programs: Humanities; Mathematics; Science and Technology; Agriculture; Life Sciences and Medicine; Engineering (NASA) (must be 16 by June 18, 2027, and a U.S. citizen); Marine Science.
We can send a total of one nominee for this entire area, with two slots for the School for Agriculture. Students should submit applications to Joy Cobb in the counseling department by January 11, 2027. Please do not submit teacher recommendations at this time. This will give us enough time for our school selection committee to choose which students to nominate, and in turn solicit teacher recommendations for these nominees.
Governor’s Foreign Language Academies
Academies: Full-Immersion Academies in French, Spanish, German; partial-immersion in Japanese Language; and Latin Academy.
Each academy allows one nominee from our school. Interested students should talk directly with their language teacher soon. Our foreign language department determines who is nominated from our school. If interested, please contact your language teacher. The deadline for completed application forms is January 31, 2027.
Visual and Performing Arts Program
Areas of Study: Dance, Theatre, Visual Art, Instrumental Music, Vocal Music.
We can send a total of five nominees for this program, one per area of study. Interested students should talk directly with their fine arts teacher so that we have time to submit the Applicant Report for Site Adjudication form by November 19, 2026. The final application is due February 6, 2027.
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Class of 2027
Measurements for cap and gown were collected on October 26 from Herff Jones. If your student has not paid their Senior Class due (cost of the cap and gown was included), no order for your student will be placed. You may reach out to our finance office for help or to request financial assistance. The order with Herff Jones will be sent on November 16. Email Ms. Sheppard if you have any questions ([email protected])
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The Foundation’s 2025–2026 Annual Report Is Here! Our latest annual report highlights some of the incredible experiences and opportunities made possible for our Dragons last year thanks to the generosity of our donors. There’s so much to celebrate, and the report is a great way to learn more about the Foundation’s impact!
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See something, Say something- School Safety starts with you!
Your voice plays a part in maintaining a safe school environment. Whether you notice concerning activity, suspicious behavior or just an uneasy feeling, do not hesitate to speak up! Our school’s anonymous reporting system is available to you at any time.
One report can make a difference in keeping our school safe!
Safer Schools Together Parent/Caregiver resources
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Q2 Transcribe-a-thon in the Library on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 3:30-4:30 pm
Do you enjoy history and/or genealogy? Interested in becoming a better decoder of cursive handwriting? Need community service hours? The library will host its Q2 Transcribe-a-thon on Tuesday, November 17, from 3:30-4:30 pm. Join our Transcribe Team, which is over 200 students strong this year. Hope to see you there! AFTER you participate in a transcribe-a-thon, you qualify to sign an agreement to transcribe on your own schedule outside of school. Questions? Stop by the library or email Ms. DeGroat.
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Winter Holiday Community Upcycle Event: The Community Impact & Advocacy Senior Seminar would like to invite you to help with and attend our Winter Holiday Community Upcycle Event on Friday, December 11th from 4 PM to 7 PM. This is a free event to celebrate the 4th and 5th graders of Carver Elementary School and their families – showering them with new and gently used clothes, shoes, toys, and the like. We need donations and help with the day-of logistics. Service hours are available for help and cool points are available for donations. Questions: email [email protected] 😊
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Follow us on MLWGSSocial on Instagram: The MLWGSSocial Instagram account features real-time moments that happen in the lives of our Dragon community. And if you have images from events or special moments that you would like to have featured, send them to Ms. Cross at [email protected]. Be sure to like, follow, and share.
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Second Annual Honor Council Town Hall: Hear ye! Hear ye! You are cordially invited to attend Maggie Walker’s inaugural community town hall meeting! This meeting centers on the MLWGS honor code and will serve as a forum for teachers, students, parents, administrators, and alumni to share information, express ideas, ask questions, and receive clarifying feedback on the influence and impact of the honor code at MLWGS. The primary purpose of this meeting is to support students as learners and to encourage them to engage academically with a sense of integrity. Our town hall meeting is intended for open communication, active listening, mutual understanding, and transparency between MLWGS administrators, teachers, students, and parents. We look forward to seeing you there!
Wednesday, December 2nd, from 6:30 PM- 8:00 PM, MLWGS Auditorium
Refreshments will be served.
Student attendees will receive 3 hours of community service or NHS service hours.
RSVP using this link: https://forms.gle/heNvZkV9PaR3ZMqn8
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Is your Spanish student interested in joining us on a MLWGS sponsored trip to Argentina this summer? Señora Manning is leading a tour group from June 9-17, 2027!
The tour guides will speak in English at the historic and cultural sites for this trip, making this a great option for students who are passionate about Hispanic culture and want the opportunity for hands-on experiences using Spanish without the pressure of a full-immersion tour.
To learn more about the trip and register, visit: explorica.com/Manning-2506
Reuse/Recycle AND Support Creativity, Compassion, & Connection
From Monday, Nov. 16 through Friday, Dec. 11, the MLWGS Library will be having a supply drive to support creativity, compassion, and connection in our community by collecting unused or barely used journals and sketchbooks AND greeting cards and card-making supplies.
This is a BUY NOTHING supply drive, so please do NOT purchase items to donate. Instead, this is an opportunity to extend the life of – or give a new home to –any such materials in your home already that would otherwise go unused.
Unused/barely used journals and sketchbooks
The resulting bank of journals/sketchbooks are used to support students participating in a variety of creative writing/thinking activities in the library.
The journals/sketchbooks may have:
- any style paper (e.g., blank, ruled/lined, graph paper, or dots)
- any size from pocket to 8.5×11 or 12×12
- any shape (e.g., rectangular, square, or cutout-style)
Cards and card-making supplies:
Donated materials listed below will help restock the library’s Gratitude Box from which students and faculty alike may grab a card or card-making materials to spread cheer, gratitude, or care to a special someone in the MLWGS community or beyond. These materials will also support the library’s annual card-making service activity to make winter holiday cards (including New Year’s cards) for residents of The Virginia Home.
Please refrain from donating glitter – it’s too hard to get out of the library carpet.
- blank greeting cards
- thank-you cards
- thinking of you/sending sunshine cards
- get well cards
- sympathy cards
- birthday cards
- friendship cards
- congratulations/encouragement cards
- construction paper
- cardstock
- stickers
- washi tape
- glue sticks
- small paper doilies
- stencils
- markers
- colored pencils
- funky scissors or paper shape cut-out tools
- whatever else you can think of in this category
If any such items are languishing in a drawer in your home or gathering dust on a shelf, please consider donating them.
