It was a productive second week at MLWGS. Students and staff are getting into the flow of school again. We administered some of our first assessments and utilized the Universal Learning Lab. This supervised space allows students who may need to make-up assignments a quiet, designated area to do so. So far, the feedback has been positive. Thank you to all the staff who helped put this idea into motion.
Speaking of movement, we had to shift one of the wings to work around some temperature issues. The team pulled together to help each other out, and I appreciate everyone’s flexibility. HVAC replacement is one of our top priorities. As we build off the momentum of our strategic plan, facility upgrades and their respective financing continue to be discussed with all of our stakeholders. This is such a strong group that I am assured we are going to start moving items from the “needs list” to the “we have gotten it done” list.
I am fortunate to have even more voices at the table with the re-establishment of the School Advisory Committee. Thank you to all the students, teachers, family members, and gifted leaders who have volunteered to serve. Having a variety of perspectives will help us continue to make good decisions for our school and our students.
Last night, I was reminded at our first Foundation meeting just how many people are invested in and continue to be invested in our beautiful school. The Foundation and the PTSA do so much to support our community. We were also reminded of that investment again during our faculty meeting this week when Team School Counseling spoke about the many student supports we offer. We even had the special treat of a student who was willing to present and share his experience with us.
This year, we are really focused on belonging. We want our space for all who come here to feel the following:
I am welcome. I am seen. I am valued. I can contribute. I belong. I can grow here.
PTSA’s Back to School Night is on Wednesday, September 9th from 6:00–8:30 p.m. I hope you are able to come and meet your student’s teachers. I also hope you feel the same warmth and belonging that my student, who went here, felt and that I have felt daily. Go Dragons!
With Pride,
Dr. Kristin Janssen
Executive Director
Please look for additional information for the weeks ahead. We have Picture Day coming up, as well as an extended holiday from September 4 through September 7.
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 the 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 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
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’ off-campus lunch will start Friday, 9/11. Stop by security and pick up a form. You must have your community service hours and GPA verified by Mrs. Williams in room 100 before turning the form in.
Grades 11-12: National Honor Society is now accepting applications!
The fall NHS application for current juniors and seniors is currently open and will close on Monday, September 14th. Eligible students have a 3.5 GPA and must be on-track with verified service hours– see application for all requirements including an essay. Students will be notified of acceptance on Friday, November 18th, dues of $25 will be due on OSP by Friday, September 25th, and the induction ceremony will be held on Tuesday, September 29th at 6:30pm. Note: Students who were pre-admitted last spring do not need to re-apply, but will need to pay dues ($25) and attend the induction ceremony.
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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Attention all 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 in the amount of 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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The Yearbook editors and staff want 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, worked, volunteered, visited family and friends, or did anything else, we want to see pictures of you doing your thing! Also, we want pics of SENIOR SUNRISE! Students who submit photos by Monday, Sept. 8, will 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-portraits 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.
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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.
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This 2026-2027 Parent Participation Competition is Officially Underway!
Help Your Dragon’s Class (and all of MLWGS) Win
The Foundation’s Annual Fund supports the amazing academic and extracurricular experiences that set MLWGS apart, including our award-winning academic clubs and teams, mind-broadening student travel, cutting-edge teacher professional development, vital student aid, and more. The Parent Participation Campaign is a friendly (but fierce, lol) competition that recognizes the class with the highest percentage of parents making annual fund donations each year. Every donation counts. And the winning class gets bragging rights and a sweet treat in May courtesy of the Foundation!
Who will take the early lead this year? 2027? 2028? 2029? 2030? We’ll see. Support your Dragon’s class by making your gift online today.
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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.
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 to the PTSA and donate today!
MLWGS PTSA Votes To Support One Percent For Schools
The MLWGS PTSA voted to support a one percent sales tax referendum to help pay for school construction and maintenance. This referendum will be on the ballot for Chesterfield County, the City of Richmond, and Powhatan County. An affirmative vote would guarantee a steady stream of revenue for safe and healthy schools and help clear a large backlog of overdue maintenance. The PTSA urges our school community to support this vital investment in our schools and to highlight the importance of this measure in your locality. Early voting starts Friday, September 18th. Vote yes to give one percent to schools.
Fall Festival
The current Fall Festival coordinator will be passing the torch after this school year, so PTSA is looking for another dedicated individual or individuals to show the way. This event is something very unique to MLWGS. Our kids, families, and community love it. Please reach out to Julie Seitz with both the PTSA and Foundation, if you are interested.
VMHC exhibit @ MLWGS – Un/Bound: Free Black Virginians, 1619-1865
Thanks to funding from the Governor’s School Foundation, MLWGS will be hosting a traveling exhibition from the Virginia Museum of History and Culture from September 9 through October 16. Un/Bound: Free Black Virginians, 1619-1865 illuminates an often overlooked layer of our history: the lives and legacy of free Black Virginians. Highlighting stories of individuals, families, and communities from across our state, the exhibit centers on themes of freedom and resilience and invites those who read its panels to reflect on the courage, strength, and determination of people who authored this chapter of our history, on the many fronts in the fight for freedom, and on the meaning of liberty then and now.
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Meet the Newest Addition to the MLWGS Library’s Collection: Manga
In May, Onyinyechi Gabriel (MLWGS Class of 2029, Colonial Heights) completed a service project in which she helped develop a small manga collection for the MLWGS Library. Come to the library at 11:45am on Wednesday, September 9, to learn about Onyinyechi’s project, the titles she recommended to start our MLWGS manga collection, and why she’s so passionate about this genre.
Transcribe-a-thon Kickoff on Tuesday, September 15 from 3:30-5pm
Do you like history? Need service hours? Participate in the Transcribe-a-thon Kickoff in the library from 3:30-5pm on Tuesday, September 15! Staff from the Library of Virginia will be here to teach us how to transcribe historical documents and update us on their latest digitization projects. Once you’re trained, you qualify to sign an agreement with Ms. DeGroat to join the Transcribe Team – currently over 200 students strong! You can then transcribe on your own from wherever you have an Internet connection. There will be cookies and the good company of classmates to fuel your work. To sign up or to renew your membership for 2026/2027, complete this form. Questions? See Ms. DeGroat in the library.
