This week was another one for the record books. School divisions across the state erred on the side of caution as the Doppler radar painted Virginia in shades of purple and red.
Weather like that always takes me back to a moment years ago when I was trying to get home from work and watched a tornado bounce along Hull Street Road. It was one of those experiences you do not forget. At the time, my youngest was in elementary school, and my oldest was in middle school, both conveniently located right off, you guessed it, Hull Street Road. None of them had phones yet, and I remember the helpless feeling of not being able to reach them. The oldest quickly made his plea that I would not have to worry if they both had phones. Safety first, of course.
As much as technology can drive us a little nutty when it is misused, I am grateful for the tools that help keep us informed and connected. Doppler radar and modern warning systems help keep people safe. Technology has also allowed our school community to connect with partner schools across the globe, participate in virtual museum tours, and hold meetings with families when everyone cannot be in the same room.
Speaking of connections, we will be holding an important Senior and Family Graduation Meeting on Wednesday, March 25, at 7:00 p.m. During this virtual meeting, we will review the commencement ceremony, expectations for the evening, and highlight several important senior dates that are quickly approaching. Ms. Love, Ms. Sheppard, and I will be leading this session together.
If you are unable to attend that evening, we will hold a second meeting on Wednesday, April 14, so that families have another opportunity to receive the same information.
Seniors received attendance forms through their English classrooms. After attending one of the meetings, both the student and a parent or guardian should sign the form. Completed forms should be returned to the main office on the second floor. A basket will be located on Mrs. Rowe’s desk immediately as you walk into the office.
In other news, the Regional School Board met this past week and approved both the MLWGS Strategic Plan and the upcoming school budget. These approvals represent important steps forward as we continue planning for the future of Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School and the opportunities ahead for our Dragons.
Finally, a quick reminder that Spring Break will take place from March 28 through April 5. We hope our students and staff take time to rest, recharge, and enjoy time with family before we return for the final stretch of the school year. Many of our Dragons will be traveling all over the globe during the break, so please send well wishes their way for safe travels.
Sometimes technology tests our patience. This week, it reminded us why it matters. It keeps us informed, it helps keep our families safe, and it allows our Dragon community to stay connected no matter where we are.
Go Dragons!
Warmly,
Kristin K. Janssen, Executive Director
Additional Announcements below:
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.
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 7:00 pm.
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.
Multicultural Assembly and Performance. The MLWGS Multicultural Parent Show and Assembly is almost here. Celebrating the various cultures and backgrounds of our diverse student body, this year’s assembly will be one you don’t want to miss!
In-school and evening performances will be held on March 24th. Parents can enjoy the show by attending the free performance at 6:30 PM in the auditorium. All are welcome.
Mech-Tech Dragons are driving their robot at the FIRST FCH competition on March 20-21. Maggie Walker Team 422 is going to the FIRST FCH Event this weekend, to be held at Hickory High School in Chesapeake, Virginia. This event is a part of the FIRST Chesapeake District. Teams competing at this event receive District Ranking Points based on their performance and any awards they receive.
Information on this competition can be found here: https://www.firstchesapeake.org/event/frc/2026/vache
The Mech Tech team will be working in the Blue Alliance. Match schedules and results are available here https://www.thebluealliance.com/event/2026vache.
The venue is open to the public on March 21st and 22nd.
Recognition by the Regional School Board. On Thursday, March 19, the board recognized the winners of the 2026 Scholastic Writing competition, the 2026 State Champions of the VHSL Scholastic Bowl, and three seniors selected as 2026 Presidential Scholar candidates. There was also a special recognition honoring the contributions of our superintendents. Later in the meeting, board members presented certificates to this year’s National Merit Scholar Finalists, which included a total of seventeen students.
Attention Families Planning to Take Health/PE 10 through RPS! Richmond City Public Schools is not offering Health/PE 10 for MLWGS families this summer. If you were planning to take Health/PE 10 through Richmond, you have two options. One option is to take the course at MLWGS during the school year. The second option is to register for Health/PE 10 through CCPS Online (https://ccpsonline.oneccps.org/o/ccpsonline/page/summer-session).
