We officially wrapped up AP testing this week, and there was definitely a collective exhale across campus. The amount of coordination, preparation, patience, and perseverance that goes into testing at Maggie Walker is incredible, and I could not be prouder of how our students, counselors, test administrators, technology department, and faculty handled these past two weeks.
We also spent time honoring both our juniors and seniors through awards ceremonies and scholarship recognitions. One of the best parts of those events was hearing students genuinely celebrate one another. The applause, excitement, and encouragement for every recipient spoke volumes about the kind of community we continue to build together.
Athletics has been just as busy with Senior Nights taking place across programs as teams begin shifting toward regional and postseason competition. At the same time, classrooms are filled with review sessions, presentations, final assignments, and all of the last pieces that come with closing out the year. Seniors are also looking forward to the disco-themed Prom this weekend, which has certainly brought plenty of excitement to campus.
We are also celebrating two very special members of the MLWGS family as Mr. Mike Brown and Dr. Tim Donahue prepare for retirement. Their years of dedication, care, and commitment to students have made a lasting impact on this school community, and we are so grateful for all they have given to Maggie Walker.
In the middle of a very full week, I had the opportunity to visit a few classrooms. I enjoyed spending time in Ms. Nichols’ class, where students were preparing to present community-based projects and continuing to strengthen their presentation skills. It was wonderful to listen to students thoughtfully discuss topics that matter to them while supporting one another through the process.
Senior Showcase is also quickly approaching, and I am excited for our community to see the incredible work students have been developing throughout the year. Their creativity, curiosity, and dedication are always impressive to witness.
As we head into the weekend, our thoughts are also with neighboring school communities who are experiencing tremendous loss. During Mental Health Awareness Month, it feels especially important to remind one another to lead with compassion, check in on friends and colleagues, and remember that even small moments of kindness and connection matter.
Thank you all for your continued support and care for one another as we move through these final weeks of the school year together.
Go Dragons!
Warmly,
Kristin K. Janssen, Executive Director
Additional Announcements below:
Attention RPS Families! RPS is offering Health/PE 10 through Virtual Virginia in summer school. To register, you will need to complete this form- Virtual Virginia HPE 10-Summer 2026. Additional information can be found at- summer session handbook.
Summer Economics and Personal Finance Information
Summer Online Economics will take place June 3rd- June 26th
Summer Online Personal Finance will take place July 6th- July 27th
Families will receive an email from the Counseling Department by the end of the day on Friday, May 8th, if a student has been registered for a summer course. If you do not receive an email, but plan to take Economics or Personal Finance during the summer, please contact Ms. Cobb at [email protected].
Senior Showcase Invitation to all Senior Parents and Guardians:
Parking Update: Showcase day is taxing on the MLWGS parking lots. So, there will be overflow parking available at the CD King lot across Leigh street from MLWGS and at the Moore Street Baptist Church on Leigh Street.
On May 20, 2026, all senior students at Maggie Walker will be taking part in our Senior Showcase. This day is designed to allow all seniors to share presentations of research generated in their Senior Seminar classes or in their Mentorship. All students at MLWGS will be invited to register to attend sessions throughout the day. Parents and Guardians of Seniors are also invited to attend their student’s session on May 20. Please use the link below to see the schedule for the day. There is no need for Parents/Guardians to RSVP or register for sessions. We hope you are able to attend. More information will be coming regarding overflow parking in a future message.
Senior Showcase Schedule: https://drive.google.com/file/d/18Hl6i9meg3gnw5TrLx0ZQKboBy5MmHIx/view?usp=sharing
On August 10-12, MLWGS counselors Dr. Rachel Loving and Ms. Kim Forquer will host a College Application Boot Camp for rising MLWGS seniors. Registration is now open, and spots are limited. Juniors can find links to both a SignUp Genius and OSP in the “College Information for the Class of 2027” Schoology group. (To reserve a spot, a student must select the morning or afternoon session on the SignUp Genius and pay the $75 fee via OSP no later than May 29th.)
SOL Testing Information for Parents
The End-of-Year SOLs will be held during the last week of May. Students attending only their testing window must have a parent notify the school of their late arrival and/or grant permission for early dismissal. The tentative schedule is below, but students will receive the final schedule in May.
Schedule:
- Morning Block: 8:40 am – 11:30 am
- Afternoon Block: 12:30 pm – 3:10 pm
Test Schedule:
- May 26th – Biology (ALL 9th graders)
- May 27th – US History (select 10th graders) & Reading SOL (ALL 11th graders)
- May 28th – World History 2 (select 10th graders)
- May 29 th – SOL Makeups
Contact Kelly Ndayizigiye at [email protected] for any questions.
Senior Parents–Celebrate Your Dragon and Leave Your Mark @ MLWGS
The Governor’s School Foundation invites families of seniors and alumni to commemorate their time at Maggie Walker by purchasing a custom-engraved paver. These permanent tributes honor your student’s achievements while supporting the Foundation’s ongoing work.
Choose the location that’s most meaningful to you:
- Bluestone paver inside the school lobby
- Brick paver on Walker Plaza along Lombardy Street
Order Deadline: June 1, 2026 (All pavers will be engraved over the summer.)
- $1,000 — Bluestone Lobby Paver
Up to 6 lines, 13 characters (including spaces) per line - $500 — Exterior Brick Paver (Walker Plaza)
Up to 3 lines, 13 characters (including spaces) per line
Your purchase is more than a tribute—it’s a long-lasting investment in our beloved school. (All funds exceeding engraving costs are tax-deductible.)
Chesterfield student-athletes: VCU Health Sports Medicine will be hosting physicals for Chesterfield County Public High Schools in May. Below is a list of host sites and schools that can participate on each date. Check-in will begin at 3:30 pm. The cost of each physical is $20 and only cash will be accepted. All money collected will be donated back to Chesterfield County Public High Schools’ Sports Medicine budgets to help purchase new supplies for the upcoming sports seasons.
Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Time: 3:30 pm-6:00 pm. Please arrive no later than 5:30 pm
Location: Meadowbrook HS, 4901 Cogbill Rd., N. Chesterfield, VA 23234
Schools to Attend: LC Bird, Carver
Cost: $20 cash only, NO checks will be accepted
Student/parent portions of the VHSL physical form must be completed in their entirety and signed by a parent/guardian. Incomplete/unsigned forms will not be accepted.
Athletics:
Any student participating in fall sports starting on August 3rd, please be sure your physical and paperwork are up to date and on file. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Hawkins at [email protected]. The paperwork is here if needed. https://mlwgs.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/VHSL-Forms-25.pdf
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Time to Return Library Books & Check Out Fun and/or Mind-Expanding Summer Reads!
It’s that time of year to track down library books in lockers, workrooms, classrooms, or at home and return them to the library. After returning all books currently checked out, you’re welcome to check out books to read over the summer, whether for fun or to learn something new. Don’t want to keep track of a print book over the summer? Borrow from the MLWGS Library’s eBook and audiobook collection on Sora which can be found at https://soraapp.com/library/mlwgsva. Dragon logins are your GSGIS email address for your user name and your PowerSchool ID number for your password. See Ms. DeGroat if you have any questions. Happy reading, and have a wonderful summer break!
