{"id":393860,"date":"2026-01-30T09:56:42","date_gmt":"2026-01-30T14:56:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mlwgs.com\/?p=393860"},"modified":"2026-01-30T09:57:16","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T14:57:16","slug":"mlwgs-snapshot-24-returning-to-campus-and-the-month-ahead","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mlwgs.com\/mlwgs-snapshot-24-returning-to-campus-and-the-month-ahead\/","title":{"rendered":"MLWGS Snapshot #24: Returning to Campus and the Month Ahead"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If someone had told me we would be out of school for an entire week, I would not have believed them. I have lived in the Richmond area my entire life, and I cannot recall a time when neighborhood roads were so deeply embedded with ice. I am incredibly grateful for the resilience of our students, teachers, and staff. We navigated the shift to virtual learning well, though I think we are all ready to be back together in person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For many of us, the experience echoed the pandemic days, when connection relied almost entirely on screens. That period reminded us how essential it is to be around one another and how much our shared learning and community thrive within the walls of the MLWGS building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

February is a full and meaningful month ahead. We will recognize Black History Month and National Heart Month throughout February. National School Counseling Week will be observed February 2\u20136, followed by National Random Acts of Kindness Week from February 9\u201315. We will also recognize National School Board Week from February 16\u201320, honoring the leadership and partnership of our fourteen-member school boards who support Maggie L. Walker Governor\u2019s School.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As important as these designated weeks and recognitions are, the real work is in how we live their values every day. Black history is not confined to a month. Kindness is not limited to a week. Appreciation for those who support, guide, and care for our students should not depend on a calendar. I may get demolished for this one, especially by those who love Valentine\u2019s Day, but I have never been big on single days meant to define things that deserve our daily attention. The goal is to be kind, gracious, and open every day, and when we fall short, to do better the next day, if given the chance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That commitment to daily practice was evident even during a disrupted week. Despite the weather and the interruption to our routine, we were still able to hold our College Kick-Off event thanks to the work of Kim Forquer and the School Counseling team, David Bortz and the Technology team, and the flexibility of our presenters, many of whom were not local and seamlessly transitioned to virtual platforms. We were also supported by Richmond Parks and Recreation, who were prepared to assist with parking if needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Stay safe and warm, Dragons. We are ready for a strong return to campus and a meaningful month ahead filled with learning, reflection, and celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Warmly,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kristin K. Janssen, Executive Director<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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February is a busy month<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>\u25cf     February is Black History Month<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>\u25cf     February is National Heart Month<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>\u25cf     National School Counseling Week: February 2\u20136, 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>\u25cf     National School Board Appreciation Month<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All MLWGS Families, Grades 9-11: Intent to Return Forms are due<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Attention All Parents and Legal Guardians! It is time for the parents of students in 9th-11th grades to complete the annual \u201cIntent to Return Form<\/a>\u201d to secure your child\u2019s spot for the 2026-2027 Academic Year. BY MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2ND<\/u><\/strong>, a parent\/legal guardian for each student is required to submit this form, affirming their student\u2019s plan to return to MLWGS next year. This form also aims to capture any address changes and re-affirm students\u2019 commitment to the academic, attendance, behavioral, and community service standards of MLWGS for the 2026-2027 academic year. Only one response per student. This form should not be completed for students in the Class of 2026. Note: This is a change to the process used the last couple of years, and a response for EVERY student\u2013 not just those with changes\u2013 is once again required.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Translation instructions for Spanish and other languages can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Este <\/em>Formulario de Intenci\u00f3n <\/em><\/a>de<\/em><\/a> Devoluci\u00f3n<\/em><\/a> debe completarse antes del 2 de febrero. Las instrucciones de traducci\u00f3n para espa\u00f1ol u otro idioma se pueden encontrar <\/em>aqu\u00ed<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Senior Families: Important Communication Coming<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Senior parents should be on the lookout. Ms. Sheppard will be pushing out key senior information shortly (timelines, requirements, and important next steps).
<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Staff Honors & Professional Recognition<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n