Back-to-School Night Reflections
What a wonderful Back-to-School Night! It was energizing to see families and staff come together as we begin this new school year. A huge thank you goes out to the spectacular PTSA parent and student team who provided the amazing meals for us. The PTSA truly made the evening special and helped set the tone for a year of connection and collaboration.
As we move through these first weeks, I want to highlight how important PTSA membership and Foundation support are to our school. These two groups are essential to helping us thrive. Whether it’s funding programs, supporting teachers, or meeting the needs of families, the Foundation and PTSA provide resources when they are needed most.
Our short week together was a nice pause before we launch into Week 4. With interims right around the corner, this is a great time to encourage your students to get involved. Maggie Walker offers so many opportunities—clubs, sports, volunteering, and leadership roles. Engagement builds not only school pride but also a stronger, more supportive community.
Thank you to everyone who has already joined PTSA or contributed to the Foundation. Your commitment makes a difference every single day. And if you haven’t yet, now is the perfect time to get involved. Together, we can ensure that every student, family, and teacher has the support they need to thrive.
Friday Thoughts
During today’s lunch period, a group of students at Maggie Walker Governor’s School chose to participate in a student-led walkout connected to the national “Great Walkout.” Students who participated conducted themselves respectfully, and staff members were present to ensure everyone remained safe. Because the event took place during lunch, no instructional time was disrupted. Students who did not participate continued with their regular lunch activities.
At MLWGS, we are proud of our students’ thoughtfulness and engagement with important issues. We remain committed to balancing opportunities for student expression with maintaining a safe, structured environment for all. Thank you for your ongoing support as we work together to ensure both the well-being and growth of all our students.
At MLWGS, we live the Walker Way through courage, compassion, community, and collaboration. Let’s carry these values forward into the weeks ahead.
Go Dragons!
Here are the announcements for the week…
| Let’s go to Belize for the 2026 Spring Break!Has your student ever dreamed about traveling the world? Exploring ancient Mayan ruins, learning Mayan cooking, snorkeling with turtles or ziplining through a rainforest canopy and more? Now is the chance to make your dreams a reality! You will gain new perspectives, develop a sense of independence, and build skills for the future through this experience. Please follow this link for information and to register, or contact David Barnes [email protected] for more information. |
| Student Fee SheetsAll Maggie Walker students received their yearly fee sheets. Please review the sheet carefully with your student and take note of any fees that need to be addressed for the 2025-2026 school year. Payments should be made online through ODP. If you have questions about specific charges or need assistance, please contact the office for support.Please pay all student fees by Friday, September 12th. |
| Attention Seniors! Do you still need to submit a senior portrait to the yearbook staff? Photos from other studios are due to the MLWGS yearbook staff on Monday, Nov. 10.Your portraits must adhere to the following specifications:formal dress (tux or drape) “midnight blue” or other standard, dark blue or black background The photo should be head & shoulders, with the bottom of the frame hitting mid-chest level. |
| Summer in Spain 2026 Is your student interested in practicing their Spanish skills, visiting a sword factory, learning to cook paella, or making a traditional mosaic? Join Señora Nichols and Señora Manning for a cultural tour of Madrid, Granada, Sevilla & Barcelona from June 15 – 24, 2026! We’ll visit historical sites and participate in hands-on workshops that focus on the fine arts and cultures of Abrahamic religions across the centuries in Spain. This trip is recommended for students who have prior experience with Spanish, to help strengthen their language skills and practice using vosotros! Our interest meeting will be on Tuesday, September 9 at 7:00pm via Zoom using this link. Register your student now through September 30 at our website: https://www.explorica.com/Nichols-4147 |
| MLWGS students in grades 10-12 are invited to attend College Rep Visits in our building during their lunch block throughout September and October. Locations of these presentations will be posted on the daily morning announcements and a board outside the Counseling Office. A list of colleges (and their admissions representatives) who are scheduled to speak with our students this fall can be found here: College Rep Visits to MLWGS as of August 28 2025 Please note that this spreadsheet will be updated weekly to reflect any additions or changes. Also–MLWGS will be hosting UC Night Richmond in our school auditorium on Weds, Sept. 24th from 6-8PM. To register, visit https://apply.admissions.uci.edu/register/?id=e3764f57-cfb0-4cda-ad7c-0cc417c2c7d3 |
| The Science National Honor Society offers tutoring during lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students are welcome to stop by room 311 for help with biology, chemistry, and physics! |
| “Join staff from Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA04) & Congressman Rob Wittman’s (VA01) Offices for an informational day about our five US Service Academies and how you can apply! We’ll be joined by representatives from each of the service academies: the US Naval Academy, US Military Academy (commonly known as West Point), US Air Force Academy, US Coast Guard Academy, and the US Merchant Marine Academy who will give presentations about each program and answer any questions you may have. ROTC representatives from Virginia Commonwealth University, the University of Virginia, and more will also be present to share more information about their programs. Doors open at 8:30 am! We hope you and your families can join us!” Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/metro-richmond-service-academy-day-tickets-1617357272139 |
| National Honor Society Fall ApplicationAre you a junior or senior interested in joining National Honor Society? NHS is currently accepting applications for the fall admission cycle which are due on Sunday, September 14. To be eligible for NHS, juniors and seniors should be on track with their service hours and have a weighted, cumulative GPA of 3.5. See the application for specific details: https://forms.gle/7JnSHzaF1s8YvsVF6. Students who have previously been accepted to NHS do not need apply again. Contact Dr. Loving or Ms. Ndayizigiye, NHS Sponsors, with questions at [email protected] or [email protected]. |
| Library activities kick off in September with opportunities to share creative work, discuss books, earn community service, and make buttons with Team 422 (Robotics): Monday, Sep. 8 – lunchtime open mic. Sign up here to reserve a reading spot. Supportive audience members are welcome too! Wednesday, Sep. 10 – lunchtime “What R U Reading?” roundtables – talk books with peers who like the same genre Tuesday, Sep. 16 – Transcribe-a-thon kickoff from 3:30-5pm with staff from the Library of Virginia. There will be treats, LVA bling, and fellow Dragons to work beside white you earn community service transcribing historical documents Monday, Sep. 22 – lunchtime Maker Monday featuring button-making with Team 422 (Robotics) Hope to see you in the library! |
| Parents of 9th, 10th, and/or 11th graders – Lifetouch Studios will be on campus Monday, September 8 and Tuesday, September 9 to take your student’s photo for the yearbook during their English class. Information about ordering a copy of this picture was shared with students last week. Here is a link to a copy of what was sent around: https://drive.google.com/file/d/124pMeuOwzOhTxkjaBmogeJjf053qDuCx/view?usp=sharing If your student is absent on their scheduled day, make-ups are planned for October 15. Please reach out to Mr. White, our yearbook sponsor, with any questions: [email protected]. |
| Dear Sophomore and Junior Families, The PSAT is a great practice opportunity for the SAT. PSAT Day will take place on Friday, October 17th. This year, the PSATs will be digital to help students prepare for the digital SATs.2025 PSAT Guide provides families information and resources to prepare for PSAT day. Personal Chromebooks are not allowed for testing. Students can request to borrow a device by completing this form. Please contact Ms. Cobb at [email protected] if you have additional questions. |
| The Science National Honor Society offers tutoring during lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students are welcome to stop by room 311 for help with biology, chemistry, and physics! |
