As we wrapped up our final school week of 2025, Maggie Walker was full of the joy, connection, and generosity that make this place so special. Students filled the building with energy through holiday activities, yearbook photos, Extended Lab, the Viking Market, and our beautiful Winter Concert performances. We also enjoyed some of our favorite community traditions. The annual Freshman Lock-In was a wonderful success thanks to our sponsors, our student leaders, and the families who help us make these memories year after year. Battle of the Bands brought incredible talent and school spirit, reminding us just how creative and fearless our students are when they take the stage.
Our staff felt deeply appreciated this week as well. The PTSA treated us to an Around the World luncheon and surprised everyone with generous gift cards. Our Foundation co-sponsored a staff holiday gathering that gave us a chance to slow down, enjoy time together, and share some Bottom’s Up pizza. We ended the week with a schoolwide sing-along, pajama day, and our annual soup luncheon, which always sends us into break with full hearts.
We were also proud to celebrate the achievements of our students. Our Bhangra Team received the extraordinary honor of being invited to perform at the inaugural gala for Lieutenant Governor-elect Ghazala Hashmi, a moment that speaks to their talent, discipline, and the cultural pride they bring to our school. Our Debate and Speech teams continued their strong season, with thirty-two students competing at Vernon Johns Middle School and earning second and fifth place, respectively, among more than thirty teams. We also celebrated MLWGS student Akash Arun Kumar-Soumya, who was recognized as the 2025 Congressional App Challenge winner for Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District for his app ElderLink AR. Looking ahead, Robotics Team 422 will host their Legislative Open House on 12/19 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, and I know they are excited to share their work and welcome guests from across the community.
We are now heading into a much-deserved winter holiday. MLWGS will be closed from December 22, 2025, through January 2, 2026, and we look forward to welcoming our Dragons back for the new year and the start of a new semester on Monday, January 5, 2026. On behalf of all our staff members, teachers, and everyone who makes Maggie Walker the caring, vibrant, and inspiring place that it is, thank you for your partnership and support. I wish each of you a safe, restful, and joy-filled holiday season. We will see you next year. Go Dragons.
Warmly,
Kristin K. Janssen, Executive Director
| Night of the Dragon 2026 is Saturday, February 28. Mark your calendars. |
| Congratulations on winning regionals! We want to congratulate Mr. Sam Ulmschneider and the students of ‘We the People’ on their regional win on Wednesday, December 17th. This marks Mr. Ulmschneider’s MLWGS team’s third consecutive victory at regionals. The competition was sponsored by the civics education initiative at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture and was held on the campus of Randolph Macon University. ‘We the People’ competition seeks to teach high school students the basic tenets of the U.S. Constitution and how they apply to the country’s democracy and the lives of its citizens. |
| School Commitment to Student Safety and Privacy. At Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School, the safety, dignity, and well-being of every student remain our highest priorities. We are aware that recent national discussions and changes related to immigration enforcement have caused concern for some families, and we want to be clear about our commitments and practices as a school community. Maggie Walker does not collect or inquire about a student’s or family’s immigration status, and we do not share such information with federal immigration agencies. All student records are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and are only released with parent or guardian consent or a valid court order. If law enforcement were ever to request access to our campus, the school follows established protocols that require verification of credentials and legal authority. Any such situation is handled by school administration in coordination with division leadership and legal counsel. Our staff receive training on these protocols so that responses are consistent, appropriate, and centered on student safety. We encourage families to keep emergency contact information current, to talk with students about any fears or questions they may have, and to remind them that school counselors and trusted adults are always available to support them. Additional guidance and legal resources for families are available through the Richmond Public Schools Immigration Resources Hub. Our school community is strongest when every student feels safe, supported, and able to focus on learning. We remain committed to that promise. |
| Tired of political divisiveness? In the new year, take One Small Step to bridge such divisions while earning community service time. Share your story through political conversation, learn about a classmate’s story, and by doing so, strengthen the sense of belonging and community @ MLWGS. For more details and to sign up, go to bit.ly/OSS2026 or scan the QR code on OSS flyers around campus. The sign-up window closes Wednesday, Jan. 14. |
| Senior Seminar and Mentorship Program Registration for Juniors In December and January, Juniors (Class of 2027) will take a step in determining what their senior schedule will look like. All juniors will have to decide whether they are going to enroll in one of our exciting seminar courses or apply to undertake a mentorship with a professional in the area. On Monday, 12/8/25, Juniors will be added to a Schoology Group that will provide information about the Seminar/Mentorship selection and application process. As the process moves forward in December, students can help their parents view all the material on this site. Juniors are encouraged to begin thinking about this decision now, and parents are encouraged to discuss it with their student. Anyone that has questions about the process should reach out to Mr. Cook ([email protected]). The deadline for completing the Seminar/Mentorship selection and application process will be Friday, January 16, 2026. |
| Just a friendly reminder to order your student’s cap and gown for graduation! All graduation regalia must be purchased through the Herff Jones website. Cap and gowns will be delivered directly to the school at no extra cost, while any additional products will be shipped to your home for an additional fee. To get started, simply use the link or QR code in the PDF below.Seniors 2026- Maggie Walker HS.pdf You can reach out to Ms. Sheppard or Ms. Love with any graduation-related questions. |
| Community Service Announcement: All students and parents are encouraged to check their community service hours totals to make sure that they are on track to complete this requirement. Students can help their parents get onto their x2vol accounts to check to see how many hours have been earned. Each student is striving to earn a total of 140 hours while at MLWGS, or 35 hours a year. Each student should work diligently to earn these hours while learning how to be leaders in the community. If a student has questions about any of this process, please stop by Mr. Cook’s office (room 149) or send him an email ([email protected]). |
| MLWGS will be closed for winter break from December 22, 2025, through January 2, 2026. We will welcome our Dragons back to the new year and the start of a new semester on Monday, January 5, 2026. |
| NASA’s Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) is thrilled to announce that the application window for Building Leaders for Advancing Science and Technology (BLAST)—our FREE summer residential STEM program for Virginia 8th and 9th grade students—opens December 1st! BLAST gives students a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore their passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through immersive learning and career exploration. The program is designed specifically for students who have not yet had significant STEM experiences (such as afterschool programs, electives, or camps), offering them a first chance to dive into engaging, hands-on sessions. Selected students will spend three days and nights on campus at one of Virginia’s top universities: Old Dominion University (ODU), Radford University (RU), University of Virginia (UVA), Virginia Tech (VT), or William & Mary (W&M). Led by university faculty, participants will: Take part in interactive STEM activities Attend demonstrations, tours, and guest speaker sessions Gain valuable insight into college life and STEM careers 📅 Application Window: Opens Monday, December 1, 2025 and closes Saturday, February 1, 2026 🎥 Short Informational Video: Watch here 🎥 YouTube Channel: Click here 📄 Flyer & More Details: https://vsgc.odu.edu/blast/ |
| Do you like learning about the personal stories behind historical events? Earn community service time by transcribing historical documents with the MLWGS Library’s Transcribe Team! We’re currently focusing our efforts on transcribing World War II Separation Notices for the Library of Virginia. Join us for our next Transcribe-a-thon from 3:30-4:30 pm on Tuesday, Jan. 20 where you’ll be in the company of classmates with cookies to fuel your work. By participating in an MLWGS Library Transcribe-a-thon, you’ll qualify to apply for the flexibility of transcribing on your own schedule, anywhere you have Internet access! If this sounds appealing, mark your calendar for Jan. 20! |
