It has been incredibly reassuring to return to a full week in the building without the threat of inclement weather disrupting our schedules and plans. While our virtual days provided important touch points for students and staff, there is simply no substitute for being together in our shared space. The energy this week reminded us of that truth.
We were proud to host the Scholastic Bowl competition at MLWGS and even prouder to celebrate Maggie Walker as the Region 3B Champion. Our students continue to demonstrate not only academic excellence but also poise and teamwork under pressure.
GSMUN is preparing for its 28th annual Model UN conference, which will be held February 20–21. The preparation is in full swing with packets assembled, supplies organized, and teams fine-tuning their diplomacy skills. Meanwhile, our Drama program and the Mech Tech Dragons are operating at turbo speed, with scripts being memorized as performance dates approach and robotics designs moving into the creation phase. The pace is real.
This week also included participation in the state’s School Climate Survey. Staff and students took time to complete the survey, which is administered statewide. While it is a state-level initiative, it will provide us with valuable data points that highlight both our strengths and opportunities for growth as a school community.
It was also Kindness Week, a welcome reminder of the small gestures that strengthen a community. Wednesday brought a delightful and very appreciated caloric surprise, with goodies provided by our wonderful PTSA. We were especially proud to celebrate Abigail Lesher, who was selected as the state’s student Virginia Kindness Ambassador of the Year by the Virginia Department of Education after being nominated by fellow student Henry Erda. Out of 129 nominations across the Commonwealth, one student and one staff member were chosen. Abigail’s recognition reflects the quiet, consistent kindness she shows each day, and Henry’s nomination reminds us that noticing and affirming one another is an act of kindness itself.
Sometimes within the speed, you need a moment to slow down and remember.
Amid the flurry of activity, we also welcomed visitors from the Virginia Department of Education and PBS. VDOE is exploring potential funding or assistance to support our lunch program, an important step in ensuring we continue to meet student needs. PBS was on campus filming the second year of VDOE’s governor’s school series. As we moved quickly from classroom to studio, capturing in just four hours what makes MLWGS so special, the interview moments themselves felt almost serene. They created space to pause and reflect on the impact of this school on generations before us and on the students walking our halls today.
For me, that reflection is personal. Having had a student graduate from MLWGS, I have seen firsthand the impact this community has on young people and families. Tonight’s Hall of Fame Induction ceremony brings that full circle as we honor our legacy while celebrating who we are today.
It feels like a fitting close to a week filled with momentum, catch up, gratitude, and reflection, a reminder that even in the busiest seasons, what we are building here truly matters.
Have a wonderful extended weekend. There is no school for students or staff on Monday.
Tuesday is a student holiday and a professional development day for teachers. GO DRAGONS!
Warmly,
Kristin K. Janssen, Executive Director
- National Honor Society is currently accepting “early” applications for eligible sophomores and juniors. Completing the NHS “Pre-Application” allows sophomores to be admitted early to NHS and be immediately eligible to participate in service activities such as Dragon Advisory. Juniors who have not already been inducted into NHS may also apply. Eligible students must have a 3.5 weighted GPA after their first semester of this school year and be on track for their service hours. Applications are due on Monday, February 23rd, 2026.
- Nominations opened today for the 2026 R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence, The Community Foundation’s yearly awards that identify, recognize, and support outstanding teachers in the area. Through your efforts, Connie Hill, Math Department Chair, was a 2025 award winner. Through a nomination process, approximately 15 outstanding teachers are selected each year to receive cash grants to support professional development activities. Award recipients have earned graduate degrees, climbed mountains, traced their ancestors, and met peers from around the world – all to reignite their passion for learning and to pass it on to their students. The Community Foundation invites nominations from students, parents, colleagues, school staff, and administrators (except for the school principal), and the community at large. Nominations must be made online and be accompanied by a letter in support of the nomination, written by another individual, and submitted online with the nomination. Nominations and letters of support must be submitted through the Community Foundation’s website by February 17, 2026, by 5 p.m.Recipients will be announced in November, 2026. For a link to the nomination portal visit here.
- Get You Night of the Dragon Tickets Now! Tickets Sales End Friday (or when we sell out!)
Now’s the time to purchase tickets for the 24th Annual Night of the Dragon, Saturday, February 28. Get your tickets today for this fun-filled event and MLWGS’ single largest annual fundraiser that includes Live and Silent Auctions, dinner and open bar, amazing raffles (see below), student entertainment, and more. This year’s line up of amazing Live and Silent Auction items, includes: * Vacation home stays * Reserved seats for MLWGS graduation * Theater and event tickets * Wine for a year * Private Tiki Bar Experience * Student Parking Pass* One-of-a-kind art and jewelry * Our ever-popular themed gift baskets * Gift certificates galore * And so much more! NEW THIS YEAR: Raffles! Student Parking Pass for 2026-2027, Richmond Staycation, and a bottle of 10-year-old Rip Van Winkle. Get your raffle tickets online. Click on Raffles on the main site. You don’t have to be present to win. But we hope you are! Can’t attend the event? Sign in and register on the site to bid from anywhere and/or purchase a ticket for a teacher. All proceeds benefit our amazing Dragon and their incredible teachers. Want to share the fun? Sponsor a Teacher Ticket and give one of our amazing teachers the gift of this wonderful evening! Tickets are limited and likely to sell out so get yours today! Questions? Email MLWGS Foundation Executive Director Ginger O’Neil at [email protected] - We are still looking for 4 host families who would be willing to host a female student during her visit. The planned dates for the visit are February 28 (Sat)– March 14, 2026 (Sat). Host family responsibilities include:
- Picking up and dropping off the student at Richmond Airport
- Providing a safe and welcoming home, including meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Ensuring the student can travel to and from school each day
- Including the student in family activities during evenings and on weekends
The students are from our partner school, Chiben Gakuen, located in Wakayama, Japan, approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes south of Kyoto by train. This exchange is supported by our school, and we are planning to host 12 high school students from Japan. Please note that you or your family members do not need to speak Japanese in order to be a host family. If you are interested in becoming a host family, please fill out the Google Form below.https://forms.gle/ZrTciuSK48pMeD7G9 Here is some more information about the hosting. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1lB1xVCvDJODPbSmRH__mipYPKWXsk2HiK08IGwiBthI/edit?usp=sharing If you have any questions or would like to discuss this opportunity further, please feel free to contact me ([email protected]). I would be happy to speak with you at your convenience.
