You would think after all these years I’d get used to the excitement that comes with the start of a new school year, but it never gets old.
Summer is a chance to rest, recharge, and spend time with family and friends, but there is always a moment when I know the new school year is almost here. The school supplies begin filling the shelves at the stores. Our fall coaches and student-athletes start returning to campus. The familiar smell of freshly waxed floors fills the hallways, and our teacher leaders gather with the administrative team to plan for preservice week. Classrooms begin taking shape, technology is tested one last time, and our office staff is busy answering questions, finalizing schedules, and making sure everything is ready for opening day. Little by little, the building comes back to life.
Before we know it, Monday, August 24, will be here, and our hallways will once again be filled with students, teachers, and staff. That is when Maggie L. Walker feels complete.
As we prepare for the first day of the 2026-2027 school year, here are a few important reminders.
Student Cell Phones
Beginning this school year, Virginia law requires student cell phones and personal smart devices to be put away from the beginning of the school day until dismissal. Please take a few minutes to review our updated cell phone policy before school begins so everyone understands the new expectations.
Rising Seniors
Students entering 12th grade should make sure all required immunizations have been completed, and any required documentation has been submitted before the first day of school.
Student Fees
Please log in to PowerSchool to review any student fees. Payments may be made through Online School Payments (OSP) starting on August 17th.
Food Services: NEW 2026-27
MLWGS is excited to welcome a new food service provider this school year! Ordo Inc. will be serving fresh, high-quality, nutritious breakfasts and lunches each school day. Meals will be prepared in a commercial kitchen and delivered fresh to campus for distribution.
Ordo is a nationally recognized fresh food program that partners with public and private schools across the country to provide healthy, appealing meal options for students.
To improve order accuracy, reduce wait times, and minimize food waste, meal preorders will be placed through a convenient mobile app. Additional information about meal options, pricing, and how to use the app will be shared later this month.
Families who wish to apply for free or reduced-price meal benefits should complete an application through the food services office or online portal of their home school division, as eligibility is determined by the student’s resident division. After receiving notification of eligibility, please provide a copy of the approval confirmation to Dr. Lisa Williams in the Maggie L. Walker main office within the first two weeks of school so that benefits can be applied appropriately.
Transportation
Bus routes and schedules are coordinated through each student’s home school division. If you have questions about transportation, please contact your local school division.
Welcome Our New Dragons
Please join me in welcoming the newest members of our Dragon family.
- Dr. Kevin Webster – Psychology
- Ms. Yasmine Tweedy – Health and Physical Education
- Ms. Camille Tucker – School Counseling
- Mr. Michael Hobson – Mathematics
- Ms. Alyson Carroll – Social Studies
When you see them around campus, I hope you’ll introduce yourself and help make them feel at home.
Thank you for the trust you place in us each year. Dr. Max Smith, Dr. Lisa Williams, the entire Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School faculty and staff, and I are honored to partner with you in your student’s education. We look forward to another outstanding year together.
Welcome back, Dragons! We’ve missed you.
With Pride,
Dr. Kristin Janssen
Executive Director
Below are updates for the week.
Important Notice: New Annual Parent Notification Requirement
Beginning this school year, and in accordance with Virginia law and School Board policy, Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School is required to provide parents and guardians with information regarding the safe storage of prescription drugs and firearms within 30 calendar days of the first day of each school year.
We appreciate Chesterfield County Public Schools for allowing us to adapt portions of the language used in this notification.
Keep danger out of reach
Drugs and weapons left within reach of a young child can turn into an emergency quickly. Here is information about keeping children safe at home:
Store medicines safely
Many medicines and supplements can look like candy, and it is hard for young children (and even adults) to tell the difference. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 100 young children are brought to the emergency room each day because medicines or supplements were left within their reach. Protect your child by keeping all medicines, vitamins and other supplements (including those in gummy form) up and away, out of reach and sight. Visit UpAndAway.org or reference Virginia law (§54.1-3401) to learn more.
Store guns safely
An essential part of home safety, secure firearm storage is required by Virginia law (§18.2-56.2). Putting a firearm out of sight or out of reach is not safe storage and not enough to prevent use by children or unauthorized adults.
According to the CDC, the United States had more than 48,000 firearm-related deaths in 2022. That’s about 132 people dying from a firearm-related injury each day. More than half were suicides, and more than four out of every 10 were homicides. Firearm injuries affect people in all stages of life and are the leading cause of death among children and teens ages 1-19. Firearms are the leading method of death by suicide among youth in Virginia.
In addition to being required by law, storing firearms securely helps keep kids safe. The Be SMART framework helps parents and adults normalize conversations about gun safety and take responsible actions that can prevent deaths and injuries:
- Secure all firearms in your home and vehicles.
- Model responsible behavior around firearms
- Ask about the presence of unsecured firearms in other homes.
- Recognize the role of firearms in suicide.
- Tell your peers to be SMART.
The Virginia Department of Education offers helpful resources about securing firearms, seeking help for children who may be a danger to themselves or others and other topics.
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!
Congratulations to Security Director Kayla Jeffreys!
We are excited to announce that Officer Kayla Jeffreys has been promoted to Security Director at Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School!
Kayla is entering her third year at Maggie Walker and has quickly become a valued and well-loved member of our school community. Her friendly personality, positive attitude, initiative, and genuine commitment to our students and staff make her a wonderful fit for this new role.
Kayla brings valuable experience to the position, having served three years in the United States Army and holding certification as a law enforcement officer. We are thrilled to have her leading our continued efforts to maintain a safe, secure, and welcoming school environment.
Please join us in congratulating Security Director Kayla Jeffreys!
Stakeholders: School Advisory Council (SAC) Membership Opportunities
The Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School Advisory Council (SAC) is the Regional School Board’s stakeholder advisory committee. The Council brings together students, parents and guardians, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to provide feedback and recommendations that support the school’s mission, Strategic Plan, and continuous improvement efforts.
The SAC meets monthly at 8:00 a.m. on Fridays following Regional School Board meetings, with both in-person and virtual participation available. Whether you are interested in sharing ideas, strengthening communication, or helping shape the future of Maggie Walker, we encourage you to get involved.
If you are interested in serving on the School Advisory Council or would like additional information, please contact Dr. Kristin Janssen, Executive Director, [email protected].
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 Wednesday, 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: Seniors be on the lookout the first week of August for an email from Officer Jeffreys with the Senior Parking form attached. Please look over all the rules and expectations and see security with payment & filled out paperwork. In addition to parking, all seniors who have paid for parking will be able to decorate a personal spot for an additional cost. See security for the form and/or more information.
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.
