After a few unprecedented school years due to the pandemic, Maggie Walker’s administration is excited to finally start a normal one. “I am optimistic that this will be a great school year,” said Director Dr. Robert Lowerre. “I know that sounds very cliched, but after two years of COVID disruptions and a shaky return last year, it is great to be back in the groove!”

In addition to this being the first “normal” start to the school year since the pandemic began, there were a few other changes—the most notable being this year’s early start in August. Assistant Director Dr. Max Smith has long been a great champion of starting earlier. “It is really going to pay dividends for AP classes in particular, and lines up better with VHSL sports.” According to Smith, the tipping point that finally caused MLWGS to switch to an earlier start was that half of the school districts that feed into the school have started earlier. “Our goal is always to maximize instructional time,” added Assistant Director Dr. Lisa Williams, “To get rid of that time that lags after AP exams, we started earlier.”

Due to the early start, Maggie Walker administration wanted to do something for the faculty too, so the administrators and department heads had the opportunity to complete a scavenger hunt around Richmond as team bonding. For the students, they also integrated the Walker Way Welcome Day, which was the day before Freshman Orientation, to help build community among the new class of freshmen.

Another aspect the administration is very excited about is Maggie Walker’s new faculty. “There are so many talents, like the new French teacher,” Williams mentioned. “And we’ve got two alumni!” According to Smith and Williams, the new teachers seem to fit in well. “They had a pizza party at [chemistry teacher] Mr. D’Urbino’s house a few weeks ago. We weren’t invited,” Dr. Smith jokingly lamented.

The administrators love the new faculty, commenting on their enthusiasm, energy, and variety of talent they bring to Maggie Walker. With the pandemic calming down, new teachers, and early start, this school year is expected to be a great one!