Nov. 2: College And Career Fair For Grades 6-12
Here’s something new: The annual CCPS college fair is now a college and career fair. Families with students in grades 6-12 are invited to register here for the free event scheduled 6-8 p.m. Nov. 2 at Manchester High School (12601 Bailey Bridge Road). Attendees can connect with colleges (100+ will be represented), explore work-based learning and access community resources ready to support students as they plan for successful futures. This flyer offers details.
Exploring potential paths to college and career is part of goal 1 of the school system’s strategic plan: All students and staff will embody an infinite learner mindset.
She’s A James Changer
Congratulations to Janine D’Elia for winning a James Changer Award from the James River Association in recognition of her exceptional efforts to protect the James River and connect people to it. As the school system’s secondary science specialist, D’Elia supports environmental education through classroom lessons, coordinating paddle trips for high schools and overseeing a grant that covers watershed education for three middle schools.
This Weekend Is Virginia’s Sales Tax Holiday
Whether shopping in person or online, Virginia shoppers will pay no sales tax Oct. 20-22 when buying school supplies, clothing and other items. This video provides details about the sales tax holiday that begins at 12:01 a.m. Oct. 20 and ends at 11:59 p.m. Oct. 22.
We’re Hiring Food Service Associates
Chesterfield County Public Schools will hire food service associates during a job fair 4:30-6:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at Tomahawk Creek Middle, 1600 Learning Place Loop. Advance registration is preferred but not required for attending the job fair. This part-time job pays $15-$21.73 per hour plus a $1,250 bonus (paid in May 2024).
Who’s Being Especially Awesome?
You’re invited to nominate teachers and school system employees for recognition:
Team Chesterfield members are continuously going above and beyond to connect with students, build stronger relationships, provide engaging learning opportunities and help families. Nominate a Game Changer by filling out this simple form.
You’re also encouraged to nominate Team Chesterfield members as Someone You Should Know. If you want to nominate Someone You Should Know, just go to bit.ly/CCPSsomeone. Click here to see the full playlist of Someone You Should Know videos.
Young Entrepreneurs Move Forward In VCU’s Shelfie Program
Congratulations to five students in the Meadowbrook Academy for Developing Entrepreneurs for being the only high schoolers accepted into round 2 of the fall Shelfie Program of VCU’s da Vinci Center for Innovation and Shift Retail Lab. Other participants are college undergraduates or graduate students. Meet these young Chesterfield County Public Schools entrepreneurs (l-r):
Reese W. of the Precious Bead Co.
Maya T. of Defined Roots Hair Care
Anne S. of Glass Memories (participating for the second time)
Melissa A. of Defined Roots Hair Care
Kileya J. of KMilan Creations
As part of the Shelfie Program, the students will set up interactive displays at Shift Retail Lab, attend Shelfie boot camp, practice their business pitches and earn micro-credentials in business.
Here Are Next Week’s Specialty Center Open Houses #
Specialty centers and regional schools are among high school options for Chesterfield County students. Eighth graders and their families are invited to next week’s open houses:
Oct. 23 for Mathematics and Science
Oct. 25 for Innovative Technology
Oct. 26 for Health Science
Oct. 28 for Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School
Thank A Teacher Art Contest Ends Nov. 13
Each year, the Virginia Lottery encourages students, parents and the general public to send thank-you notes to Virginia’s deserving public school teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week. Now is the time to submit artwork for those notes: Three students will have their artwork featured on thousands of thank-you notes distributed during Teacher Appreciation Week in May.
The contest is open to all K-12 students enrolled in one of Virginia’s public schools (not just art students!). One top-prize winner will be selected from each level: elementary school, middle school and high school. The three winners will see their artwork featured on the 2024 thank-you notes. They’ll also receive a $200 Visa® gift card and win $2,000 in supplies for their school’s art department. Nov. 13 is the deadline to send in art, and this website has all of the details.
Two Programs Focus On Suicide Prevention
Two free programs hosted by Chesterfield Suicide Awareness and Prevention Coalition will focus on suicide prevention:
Brief Introduction to Suicide Prevention: Monday, Oct. 23, 7-8:30 p.m. – The virtual program will cover what is known about this leading cause of death, research on prevention and what we all can do to help prevent suicide. Participants will learn the common risk factors for suicide in older adults, how to spot warning signs and how to keep those around us safe. Learn more and register.
Raise Your Voice about suicide prevention: Monday, Oct. 30, 7-8:30 p.m. – Through this virtual program, learn the facts about suicide, how to identify someone in crisis and how to connect them with the help they need. Learn more and register.
School Calendar Update: Students To Learn From Home March 5
During its Oct. 10 meeting, the Chesterfield County School Board accommodated a request from the Chesterfield County registrar related to the 2024 presidential primary because many schools serve as voting sites:
Students will stay home March 5, which is the date of Virginia’s presidential primary.
Teachers will provide learning materials and set expectations for students to complete work away from school.
The 2023-24 traditional calendar and year-round calendar have been updated to reflect March 5 as an asynchronous learning day. However, the number of instructional days is unchanged because the school system will ensure that schools meet length-of-school-day and attendance requirements. This may require shifting bell schedules at some schools.
School buildings will be open March 5, and 12-month employees will report to work. All other employees will work off-site. Supervisors will provide direction to hourly workers regarding off-site work expectations.
This Is Bullying Prevention Month
October is Bullying Prevention Month. Promote Respect is how our school division educates parents, staff and students about bullying prevention. This yearlong program focuses on proactive and positive interventions to teach expectations of respect and provides opportunities for students to practice those skills and make it a part of their daily routine. The school system website offers information about speaking up and reporting bullying.
Gifted Education Referrals
Gifted learners are students who show the potential for advanced thinking and reasoning, creativity and high achievement. So that schools can support, challenge, enrich and engage gifted students, Chesterfield County Public Schools conducts an annual referral process to identify gifted students. Students are evaluated during the current school year for services that will formally begin in the 2024-25 school year.
Parents, teachers, community members, and students can refer a student for gifted evaluation by filling out this online form.
Oct. 24 is the deadline to refer students currently in grades 2-12.
March 1 is the deadline to refer students currently in grades K-1 within Chesterfield County Public Schools.
A fall assessment opportunity is available for students in grades 2-12 who are not enrolled in Chesterfield County Public Schools but are residents of Chesterfield County. This referral deadline is Oct. 24.
Check out the online gifted education overview resource for more information.
Additional details about how Chesterfield County Public Schools identifies, serves and supports gifted learners are available here.
Nominate Outstanding Principals By Nov. 2 For R.E.B. Award
In partnership with the R.E.B. Foundation, the Community Foundation invites nominations for the R.E.B. Awards for Distinguished Educational Leadership. This annual initiative recognizes principals who go beyond the day-to-day demands of their position to create an exceptional educational environment.
Parents, students, teachers, volunteers and community members are encouraged to nominate outstanding principals before 5 p.m. Nov. 2. Details and the nomination form are here. The awards will recognize one principal each from Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico and Richmond. Each winner will receive $30,000: a $20,000 grant for school-based initiatives and a $10,000 unrestricted grant.