#2 Sunday Snapshot: Week of August 3, 2025

Dear Maggie Walker Families,

This week brought a welcome break in the heat—and with it, the early signs of something truly special taking shape at MLWGS. Our core leadership team has returned with full hearts and fresh ideas, already bringing life back to our halls as they prepare for the year ahead. Bulletin boards are blooming, calendars are filling, and the energy is unmistakable: it’s almost time.

Behind the scenes, we’ve been deep in thoughtful conversations—about policies and purpose, logistics and legacy. Subcommittees are hard at work planning events that celebrate student voice, deepen engagement, and strengthen our community. We’ve discussed strategies to support strong attendance from day one, and we’re taking a closer look at how our honor code lives beyond the page—how it shapes the way we learn, lead, and treat one another.

We’ve also explored the evolving role of artificial intelligence in our academic world and how we can guide students to use these tools with integrity, creativity, and critical thought. These early conversations are setting the tone for a year grounded in intention and innovation.

Our tech team continues preparing One-to-One laptops for our incoming ninth graders, and schedules are now live in PowerSchool for returning students. Ninth graders will receive schedules and login credentials during orientation, with staff ready to guide them step by step.

And in a wonderful moment of collaboration, we met with leaders from Virginia Commonwealth University to expand our dual enrollment partnership and explore pathways into their Honors Program—opening even more doors for our Dragons to thrive beyond our walls.

Thank you for walking alongside us as we shape the start of something meaningful. The spark is already lit, and we can’t wait to welcome students back to the heart of MLWGS.

With Dragon pride,
Kristin K. Janssen
Executive Director

Executive Director’s Snapshot

View updates by Kristin Janssen for this academic year.

Most Recent News

  • Mech Tech Dragons rumble at Deep Run HS competition

    Mech Tech Dragons rumble at Deep Run HS competition

    “With a new drive team and pit crew, the Mech Tech Dragons made an incredible statement at Rumble #11 at Deep Run High School this past weekend,” said team sponsor Mark Sailer. “The team finished qualifications as the #1 seed and went on to win the Event!” Congratulations to our drivers, pit crew, and the…

    Read More

  • Becoming a Naturalist class enjoys a hands-on learning experience

    Becoming a Naturalist class enjoys a hands-on learning experience

    Last Friday, October 23rd, Teacher Adam Rotche took the Becoming a Naturalist Class to visit the William & Mary Herbarium, where the class heard from Director Beth Chambers about the plant preservation process and research being done using specimens. “I worked in both the herbarium and the Allen lab when I was an undergrad at…

    Read More

  • MLWGS Speech and Debate kicks off its competition season

    MLWGS Speech and Debate kicks off its competition season

    After our first Speech & Debate Tournament of the Year (Saturday October 24, 2026, at Glen Allen High School and Moody Middle School), I am proud to announce that our Speech Team came in Second Place overall, and all of our competitors received positive feedback! Standout Achievements:  Additional Kudos to the following Competitors for their…

    Read More