MLWGS Snapshot #16: Keeping our Community Warm, Connected, and Inspired

Hello families,

When I walked into the building this morning, the cold air followed me all the way down the second-floor hallway. Students rushed past in heavy sweaters and coats, carrying that unmistakable November briskness with them. It struck me how quickly the season shifted. One day we are enjoying mild fall mornings, and the next we are jolted awake by temperatures that remind us winter is waiting just around the corner.

In the midst of this seasonal snap, our evenings at MLWGS are full of energy. The cast and crew of “High School Musical” are buzzing with excitement as opening night approaches. You can feel the momentum building in every corner of the school, and I am so proud of their dedication.

On Monday evening, we conclude our work with the Goethe Institute, a partnership that enriches our world language programming and opens doors for our students to explore global perspectives and artistic experiences.

Our basketball teams are also busy this week with scrimmages that show strong early-season teamwork and spirit. It is always wonderful to see our students representing MLWGS with such pride.

Evening Events This Week

State Quarter Finals: Boys Volleyball @ Heritage High School
Saturday at noon
Live Stream the Game!
https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/heritage-high-school-newport-news-va/gam7692e65a16?maxpreps=maxpreps&utm_campaign=team-home&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=maxpreps&utm_content=pre

Goethe Institute
Monday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM

Basketball Scrimmages
Tuesday: Boys JV at 5:30 at Clover Hill
Tuesday: Girls Varsity at 6:00 at MLWGS
Tuesday: Boys Varsity at 7:00 at Clover Hill
Wednesday: Girls Varsity at 5:30 vs. King William at MLWGS
Thursday: Boys Varsity at 7:00 vs. King William at MLWGS

“High School Musical” Performance
Next Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 7:00 to 10:00 PM in the Auditorium $10.00 for students & $15.00 for adults.

As the colder weather settles in, I hope you find a moment this week to enjoy the warmth of our school community and the incredible work our students put into everything they do.

Wishing everyone a wonderful week ahead.

With pride,
Kristin Janssen
Executive Director, MLWGS

Night of the Dragon 2026 is Saturday, February 28. Mark your calendars.
Put Your Dragon’s Class Ahead in the Foundation’s Parent Participation Competition!Each year, the Annual Fund Parent Participation Campaign recognizes the class with the highest percentage of parents/guardians making gifts to the MLWGS Foundation annual fund. All donations of any size count, and the winning class gets bragging rights and a sweet treat party in May. All classes are within a few donors of one another right now so your donation can put your class ahead. Show your support for MLWGS and your Dragon’s class by making your gift online today.  Current standings are: 1st place: Seniors (Class of ‘26)2nd place: Sophomores Class of ‘28)3rd place: Freshmen (Class of ‘29)4th place: Juniors (Class of ‘27)
It’s time to order your student’s cap and gown for graduation!  Herff Jones is accepting orders at a discounted price through December 5.  All cap and gown orders will be shipped directly to the school. Any other graduation-related items will be sent to your home.  Seniors 2026- Maggie Walker HS.pdfYou can reach out to Ms. Sheppard or Ms. Love with any graduation-related questions.  
Earn community service! Increase access to historical documents! The MLWGS Library will host its Q2 Transcribe-a-thon from 3:30-4:30pm on Tuesday, Nov. 18. Returning team members will dive right into transcribing historical documents with cookies to fuel their work and teammates to consult if they run into decoding challenges. First-time transcribers will be trained in the how-to’s and get hands-on practice, making them eligible to sign an agreement to transcribe on their own schedule. Transcribe Team Advisor Maverick Busher will also host a session for students proficient in Spanish who are interested in transcribing (NOT translating) Spanish-language legal documents. See you there!
Frustrated by political divisiveness and incivility? RESIST joining the fray. Instead, connect with a classmate and contribute to community-building at MLWGS in a lunchtime Half-Step Conversation facilitated by the One Small Step Organizing Team. Discuss rather than debate one of three policy issues with a classmate, exploring how your values and experiences influence your opinion, AND earn 30 minutes of community service. No prior One Step experience or sign-up necessary. Show up in the library by 11:45am on Monday, Nov. 17 and Wednesday, Nov. 19. Attend one or both. Policy options for this event relate to education, protest, and climate change.

Executive Director’s Snapshot

View updates by Kristin Janssen for this academic year.

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