It is hard to believe, but we are wrapping up the third nine weeks and stepping right into quarter four. We are meeting with underclassmen to talk through next steps, drafting the senior letter, and preparing for a mandatory senior and guardian virtual meeting to walk through commencement details. More information will be coming soon. Time is certainly not slowing down.
This past week was a meaningful one. We had the privilege of learning more about our namesake, Maggie L. Walker, from her great-great-granddaughter, Liza Mickens. There is something powerful about pausing to remember who we are and why this school carries her name. We also took students and staff to the VMFA for the Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys exhibition. Experiences like that stretch us and remind us that learning extends well beyond our walls. As we close out February, I am reminded that growth requires reflection. Cultural diversity, recognizing differences, and understanding the full story of our past are essential if we are going to lead well and build something worthy of the next generation.
Honor code infractions are also seeing a spike. They typically do when large assignments stack up and deadlines tighten. That is not an excuse, but it is a signal. Pressure has a way of testing character. Please continue working closely with students as they navigate major projects and assessments. Help them break larger tasks into manageable checkpoints. Asking others what is on an assessment, or giving what is on an assessment, is cheating. Talk openly about time management and academic integrity. When we slow the moment down, we often prevent the misstep.
Our Honor Code is not just a policy. It is a promise we make to one another about the kind of community we want to be. As C.S. Lewis reminds us, “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” That is the standard. Not perfection, but integrity. Not fear of consequence, but commitment to character.
Saturday is the Night of the Dragon. It will be my first time attending, and I am genuinely excited to see the auction in action. My family has already instructed me to pay close attention to the golf packages, so I will do my best. I also have the honor of welcoming everyone and introducing a special student-led performance. I am deeply grateful to our Foundation and to all who give so generously in support of our students and our mission. We truly could not do this work without you.
March is said to come in like a lion and go out like a lamb. Around here, it feels like the opposite. Spring activities are ramping up. SOL testing is on the horizon. AP exams will be here before we know it. Seniors are making college decisions. We are hosting Future Dragon Days and celebrating milestones along the way. The pace quickens, but so does the sense of purpose. There is a great deal ahead of us, and I am thankful to be walking through it together.
Go Dragons!
Warmly,
Kristin K. Janssen, Executive Director
The Spring Drama Production: “The Taming of the Shrew” will take place in the MLWGS auditorium on Thursday, February 26, Friday, February 27, and Saturday, February 28th at 7:00 PM.
Dual Enrollment Notice for Students with Disabilities: Students with disabilities are eligible and encouraged to consider dual enrollment courses through our higher ed partner, Virginia Commonwealth University, and are eligible to register their plan with the Office of Academic Support Services. Please read the following notice: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1byQ3Tc3kSFVQzBeGUgSsWmLGPFBqc7WT/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=107178821893099947385&rtpof=true&sd=true
HB 1892 (§ 22.1-215.3) requires school divisions to provide written notice to parents/guardians of students with disabilities before their 11th- or 12th-grade year that they are eligible to participate in dual enrollment. This notice must clarify rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provide clear next steps.
The MLWGS Library’s One Small Step program has moved into the conversation phase, when Dragons with differing policy opinions sit down with a classmate to talk for 30 minutes (or longer) about the values and life experiences that inform their views. Often, students find points of connection that bridge policy differences, something that can foster empathy, belonging, and friendship, and expand understanding of complex issues. These connections, in turn, strengthen our community. The library will be reserved during lunch on Feb. 24 and 26 so that participants have the option to record their conversations here with cookies to fuel their curiosity, courage, and compassion. If you usually spend lunch in the library, please print or lunch elsewhere on these days. Good luck to all Dragons taking part in One Small Step 2026!
NOTD SILENT AUCTION IS LIVE! Even if you aren’t able to attend the in-person event, we invite you to participate in our Silent Auction! All bidding for the Silent Auction is available online and will be open until approximately 8:30 pm on Saturday, February 28, when the in-person Live Auction begins.
Seeking Public Comment on the 2026-2031 Strategic Plan Proposal. The Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School Regional Board meeting on February 19, 2026, will include a public hearing for the 2036-2031 Strategic Plan proposal. The executive director will present her proposal for the 2026-2031 strategic plan. The public will have opportunities to comment before the board finalizes or changes the proposal in March. Comments regarding the 2026-2031 Strategic Plan proposal will be accepted until 10:00 am on March 18, 2026.
Seeking Public Comment on the AY2027 Proposed School Operating Budget. The Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School Regional Board meeting on February 19, 2026, will include a public hearing for the AY2027 proposed operating budget. The executive director will present her proposal for the AY27 operating budget to the board and the public. Mrs. Janssen will be asking for an additional $697,284 in spending to cover teacher and staff pay raises and facility maintenance. The public will have opportunities to comment using this form or during the public comment section of the board meeting before the budget is finalized in March. Comments regarding the AY2027 budget proposal will be accepted until 10:00 am on March 18, 2026.
Spring sports families: there is a mandatory meeting for you over zoom on March 3, 2026, at 6:00 pm. Please reach out to your coach for the link to the meeting.
Welcome Exchange Students from Chiben Gakuen, Japan, March 2-13. MLWGS students and families will be hosting approxiamtely 12 Japanese exchange students and one teacher from Chiben Gakuen from March 2 to 13. Chiben Gakuen, is in Wakayama, Japan, which is about 2 hours and 30 minutes south of Kyoto via train.
In addition to visiting Maggie Walker, the Japanese students will be participating in a number of field trips, including to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA), Carytown, the Science Museum, and Surge RVA. They will also go on an overnight trip to Washington, D.C. as well. It is sure to be an amazing time.
Thank you, teacher Ms. Yoko Eshita, for your work and efforts to make this enriching experience possible for our students.
