Somehow, in true Virginia fashion, we managed to experience all four seasons in one day this week. We started the morning in shorts and sunshine, and by the afternoon, many of us were reaching for winter coats again. It was one of those days where you just have to laugh and shake your head.
In many ways, it feels fitting for this time of year. March tends to bring a little bit of everything as we move into the fourth nine weeks. We are finishing what is in front of us while also beginning to look ahead to what next year will bring.
This past week, we welcomed our Future MLWGS Dragons to campus. It is always exciting to see the next group of students beginning their journey with us and to feel the energy that comes with that moment.
At the same time, our current students were working through course registration for rising 10th through 12th graders. This time of year can feel a little upside down as we toggle between finishing the current school year while planning ahead for the next one.
A quick reminder for students and families that March 20 is a holiday for MLWGS students and staff.
We also want to remind our senior students and their families that Ms. Sheppard, Mrs. Love, and I look forward to meeting with you during our Mandatory Graduation Expectations Zoom Meeting on either March 25 or April 15. These meetings will review important graduation details and help ensure everyone is prepared as we approach the final steps of senior year.
We are entering that stretch of the school year when things begin to move quickly. Fortunately, Spring Break is just around the corner from March 30 through April 3.
Until then, we will keep doing what Dragons do best: supporting one another, staying focused, keeping well, and finishing the year strong. Go team MLWGS:)
See our messaging below.
Go Dragons!
Warmly,
Kristin K. Janssen, Executive Director
Senior Cap & Gown Orders: Herff Jones visited MLWGS in mid-October to communicate instructions for ordering graduation-related items like caps and gowns using their online form. Unless otherwise indicated, regalia will be delivered to students at school in April. If you did not place your order, you will need to contact Herff Jones directly (hjvirginia.com or Sales Rep Jay Roudabush [email protected]) ASAP to see what options remain available. Cap, gown, and tassel are required for participation in the graduation ceremony.
Baby Pictures are due for Senior Night: At this event, your senior will walk across the stage while a nice comment written by a fellow senior is read out loud about them. While they do this, a slideshow displaying their names and baby pictures will be projected onto the auditorium’s screen. Please submit 1-3 photos through this form by March 20th. This will give us enough time to create the slideshow. Before uploading, please title the photos with your senior’s name. Direct any questions to Kara Love at [email protected].
Mandatory Senior Graduation Expectation Meetings: To participate in this year’s graduation ceremony, all students and parents/guardians must read, print out, and sign the Commencement Expectations Information and attend a mandatory Zoom meeting. These steps are required for eligibility to participate in the ceremony. You may choose to attend either on Wednesday, March 25 or Wednesday, April 15 at 7:00pm.
MLWGS Regional School Board meeting, including AY2027 budget adoption and new strategic plan approval, on Thursday, March 19, 2026 @ 9:00 am.
Seeking Public Comment on the AY2027 Proposed School Operating Budget: The Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School Regional Board meeting on February 19, 2026, included a public hearing for the AY2027 proposed operating budget. The executive director presented her proposal for the AY27 operating budget to the board and the public. Mrs. Janssen asked 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 this document will be accepted until 10:00 am on March 18, 2026.
Seeking Public Comment on the 2026-2031 Strategic Plan Proposal: The Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School Regional Board meeting on February 19, 2026, included a public hearing for the 2036-2031 Strategic Plan proposal. The executive director presented 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.
Grandparents’ and Special Adults Day is May 1–Invitee Info Wanted: On the afternoon of Friday, May 1, the Governor’s School Foundation will host Maggie Walker’s annual Grandparents’ and Special Adults Day. Grandparents or other special adults of all current Dragons are invited to come to campus, hear a bit about our wonderful programs, enjoy some sweet treats, and take a tour with their grandchild(ren) at the end of the day.
If your Dragon would like to invite their grandparents/special guest, please fill out the Google form linked here TODAY so we can send invites before break. This year you can have the invite sent via email, snail mail, or picked up and delivered by your Dragon.
The event will begin at 2:30 pm with a short presentation in the auditorium, followed by a reception with guests’ students at around 3:15 pm. Students are encouraged to show their guests some of their favorite spots around the school once the halls clear. The final shuttle will depart for the parking lot at 4 pm.
Important Parking Info: Because parking is very limited, we will be running a shuttle from a satellite lot tbd. Please consider dropping off and picking up your guests if this is problematic. More details about the location will be provided closer to the event.
All MLWGS orchestras received Superior ratings from every judge at their recent assessment. Our Intermediate and Advanced Orchestras combined to play a Grade 4 program, while our Artist Orchestra played a Grade 6 (out of 6) program. Congratulations to our orchestra students and their teacher, Allison Barnes! We are cheering on the band and chorus as they prepare for their assessments in the coming weeks.
