The mornings are getting darker, summer is winding down, and there is a different kind of energy around school. I guess I should be sad to see summer go, but that means the school year is right around the corner. And, of course, school supplies. I already have pastel pencils, felt-tip pens, binders, and more than I need. My own children just roll with it at this point.
This week, it really started to feel like we were back in motion. Our Pillar Leads and Department Chairs were laying the foundation for the year, new staff members were learning their way around, ninth-grade orientation folders were being built, seniors were here for College Boot Camp, mentor training was rolling, students were coming through for testing, and fall sports were in full swing.
And just when we were exhausted from all the planning, training, meetings, and preparation, the students showed up.
A rising junior waved jubilantly through the window at our training group. Volleyball players peeked into New Teacher Orientation. A student stopped by just to tell us about her summer. Families came through the doors telling us how ready they were to be back.
Those moments change the energy in the building. They remind us that underneath the folders, meetings, budgets, schedules, and plans is the reason we are doing all of it.
The building is coming back to life, and we are ready.
Enjoy the remainder of your summer. We cannot wait to have you back. We have missed you.
With Pride,
Dr. Kristin Janssen
Executive Director
Additional school updates are listed below…
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.
To apply for financial assistance, please complete the application below:
Meal Credit and Financial Assistance Request
_____________________________________________________________________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!
9th Grade Orientation
All incoming freshmen should make arrangements to attend our two-day orientation program on August 17th and 18th. The first day will focus on team building and introducing students to their Dragon Advisory group and the “Walker Way.” The second day will give students the opportunity to follow their schedule, meet their teachers, and learn about support resources in our building. Please contact [email protected] with questions.
Grades 9-12: Back to School Night
Mark your calendar for Back to School Night on Thursday, 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 9: MLWGS Foundation Hosts Class of 2030 New Parent/Guardian Welcome Reception
The Governor’s School Foundation is excited to invite you to its annual New Parent Welcome Reception. This is an informal chance for parents/guardians of the Class of 2030 to meet one another, hear a bit more about Maggie Walker and the work the Governor’s School Foundation does to support students and teachers from Dr. Janssen, and just enjoy a moment together during this exciting (and often slightly scary) time of transition. To accommodate busy schedules, two Parent Welcome Reception times are planned for Wednesday, August 19th–5:00-6:30pm and 7-8:30pm–at the Libbie Mill Clubhouse in Henrico. Learn more and select the time that works best for you using this link. We at the Foundation look forward to welcoming you to the family!
Grade 12: The Seniors’ parking form has been sent out! Once the student has completed the form and the handbook test, see Officer Jeffreys or Officer Jenkins for a permit. Payment must be made 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.
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Executive School Board Meeting: Thursday, August 20, 2026 @ 9 am. Location- Room 153 on the school campus.
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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!
