AY27 Snapshot #7: Helping hands and smiles

2 students playing guitar

It was a week full of meetings and a lot to think about and do. I guess that makes sense because we are already nearing the midpoint of the first nine weeks, with interims going out this Friday-9/18. Somehow, we are there already.

Class meetings are underway, and the Fall Festival, athletics, pep rally, PSAT, Field Day, drama rehearsals, and Homecoming are all happening in the background. We also had a fire drill and a lockdown drill, so there was no shortage of activity around the building. Our seniors met with their counselors again as college planning continues, and our PTSA met this week. As we look toward advocacy days ahead, PTSA membership really does matter and gives our families a voice in supporting our school. If you have not joined yet, please consider joining.

We also held our Regional School Board meeting, which gave us the opportunity to reconnect with all 14 of our partner divisions and recognize Devansh Kumar (Class of 2028) as our first Green Dragon Award recipient. He is the epitome of servant leadership. Our Pillar Leads met to start framing next steps for the comprehensive plan, and our School Advisory Council is back up and running. All have the common vision of doing what is best for us now and well into the future.

As I welcome the cooler mornings, I am trying not to think too much about how quickly September is moving. There is a lot happening, but there is also so much to look forward to. We are off on Monday for a staff and student holiday. I continue to be thankful for all the helping hands and smiles. Enjoy the long weekend. We cannot wait to see everyone back on Tuesday. 

Go Dragons!

With Pride,

Dr. Kristin Janssen
Executive Director

Additional information below…

This week, Dr. Tyler Goldberger spoke with students in the Community Outreach and Advocacy Senior Seminar and taught about monuments and memories. “He was phenomenal,” said Ms. Robinette Cross, seminar teacher.


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.


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: 

www.somebodyssunshine.org 

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Picture Make-ups & Retakes for freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and staff are scheduled for Wed, Nov. 4. 


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. 


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!


As of September 10, 2026, 80 colleges/universities have scheduled visits to MLWGS for lunchtime presentations!  All Dragons in grades 10-12 are invited to attend.  Exact locations will be featured on the daily morning announcements and the white dry-erase board outside of the Counseling Office.  To preview a list of who is coming to our school*, check out this link, and if you have any questions about College Rep Visits to MLWGS, feel free to contact senior/college counselor Kim Forquer at [email protected]

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1q0ktNRgZSniwXeXYYvrvQeUiuI1oV4AWYsi1caFpAoU/edit?usp=sharing

*Please note that all appointments are subject to change…and more are likely to be added throughout the fall.


Class of 2027 Parents: Has your senior shown you the newsletter and Transcript/Letter of Recommendation Worksheet that they received from counselors Ms. Forquer and Dr. Loving in English class during the second week of school?  Students aiming to meet college application deadlines of December 1 or earlier have a list of related tasks that must be completed by Friday, 9/18.  Please review these materials with them ASAP and encourage them to check the “College Information for the Class of 2027” Schoology group daily for reminders, updates, and new opportunities related to college admissions, scholarships, career pathways, and more.

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The MLWGS Homecoming Dance is Saturday, October 10th from 7 to 10 pm.  Homecoming Dance Tickets are now available on OSP.  Tickets are $19 until September 25th.  Take advantage of the early bird discount!  


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!

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National English Honor Society

Juniors and Seniors, be on the lookout for NEHS applications. Your English teachers will share the link. 

NEHS seeks members who have demonstrated exceptional ability and interest in English. This may include appreciation and study of literature, creative writing, media studies, journalism, literary analysis, and/or composition. Members must have and maintain a 3.75 GPA in English. (We run it again your senior year).

*The application window closes Monday, 28 September @ 3:30 PM.

**WE WILL NOT ACCEPT LATE APPLICATIONS. 

National English Honors Society also offers tutoring in the Dragon Lit Lab in room 228 during lunch on Tuesdays. 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! 

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PSAT Day Information

PSAT Day for sophomores and juniors will take place on Friday, October 9th. Families can visit Digital PSAT Information for detailed information to prepare for PSAT Day. Please contact Joy Cobb at [email protected] if you have additional questions.

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WINTER SPORTS are just around the corner.  Basketball, Swimming, Indoor Track and Wrestling will start on November 10th.  _________________________________________________________________________

Class of 2027 Senior T-Shirts

Senior families: Class of 2027 T-shirts are available to order! Shirts are $25, and the online store will close on Monday, September 21.

Order here: https://www.customink.com/fundraising/2027tshirt

Be sure to place your order before it closes on September 21! 

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Executive Director’s Snapshot

View updates by Kristin Janssen for this academic year.

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