Dear Incoming Maggie Walker Freshmen and Families,
Welcome to the Dragon family! We are absolutely thrilled to have you join our vibrant and purpose-driven community this fall!
This time is especially meaningful, as we celebrate the birthday month of our school’s extraordinary namesake, Maggie L. Walker, a visionary leader whose legacy of courage, compassion, community, and collaboration continues to shape everything we do. What better time to begin your journey at MLWGS than during a year that honors the very woman whose trailblazing spirit inspires The Walker Way?
To kick off your high school adventure, we have planned a two-day Freshman Orientation experience designed to introduce you to the people, places, and principles that make Maggie Walker so exceptional. Orientation will take place the week before school starts, and attendance on both days is expected, as we want every student to feel confident and connected from day one. The building will be open from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM to accommodate early drop-off and late pick-up as needed.
Freshman Orientation Schedule
Monday, August 11th • 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Freshman Orientation: Day 1 Agenda)Welcome to Walker: Day 1
- Parent drop-off only (parent programming takes place on Day 2)
- Focus on team-building and community-building
- Meet your Dragon Advisory group and upperclassmen mentors
- Rotating group activities inspired by the four pillars of The Walker Way
- Donuts and snacks provided mid-morning
Tuesday, August 12th • 8:15 AM – 3:30 PM (Freshman Orientation: Day 2 Agenda)Navigating the Nest: Day 2
- Academic orientation, tech access, and schedule rollout
- Students will receive their school-issued laptops
- Parents are invited to attend from 9:00 AM–10:00 AM
- Please park and enter with your student
- Pick up a parent welcome packet outside the Auditorium
- Attend the Parent Orientation Session in the Auditorium
- Student activities include:
- Receiving class schedules and meeting teachers
- Lunch with Dragon Advisory group(bring lunch or order a box lunch using this form)
- A student panel on academic success at MLWGS
- Getting digital access to PowerSchool, Schoology, email, and more
- Enjoy popsicles and time in the Dragon’s Lair Bookstore to end the day!
What is The Walker Way?
At MLWGS, our values are grounded in the legacy of Maggie L. Walker, the first African-American woman to charter and serve as president of a bank in the United States. She was a woman of bold vision, determined action, and deep compassion. Her legacy lives on through the four pillars of The Walker Way, which serve as the foundation of our school culture:
- Courage – Facing challenges with integrity, persistence, and purpose
- Compassion – Understanding and responding to the needs of others
- Community – Embracing diversity while fostering belonging and unity
- Collaboration – Working together toward shared goals with open minds and thoughtful dialogue
Throughout the school year, students and staff will bring The Walker Way to life—through academic learning, service, mentorship, and moments of connection both in and outside of the classroom.
Meet Your Dragon Advisory
During orientation, students will be placed into their Dragon Advisory groups, each led by a faculty member and supported by 6–7 caring and knowledgeable upperclassmen mentors. These groups will stay together throughout the year for MLWGS 101, a class designed to support your transition and equip you with the tools for success at Maggie Walker. It is a space where you can ask questions, build friendships, and gain confidence in navigating high school life.
We are VERY excited to meet you, support you, and cheer you on as you take your first steps into the halls of Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School. Please mark your calendars for Freshman Orientation: August 11–12, 2025, you will not want to miss it!
Until then, we wish you a joyful and restful summer. Get ready to soar! Your Dragon journey is just beginning and we cannot wait to welcome you! If you have any questions (or feel you have received this message in error), please feel free to email [email protected] or call 804-354-6800.
Warmly,
The MLWGS Administrative Team
