TONIGHT: FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL INFO

Kickoff times for football games scheduled for tonight in Chesterfield may be moved to an earlier time. If you have questions, please check with the school.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO SHOW UP WITH KINDNESS? 

What does it mean to show up with kindness? Check out this video from Dr. Daugherty on how students can take the extra step to help others have a better day.

HELPING STUDENTS STOP VAPING IS FOCUS OF FREE PROGRAM FOR FAMILIES

According to the Virginia Department of Health, vaping is an epidemic among young people, with more than one in four high school students and one in 10 middle school students reported vaping in the past 30 days.

To combat vaping, Chesterfield County Public Schools invites parents and guardians to “How to Talk to Your Kids About Vaping.” Two sessions of this free program are scheduled:

• 6:30-7:45 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Career and Technical Center @ Hull (13900 Hull Street Road); register at bit.ly/stopvape_ctc.
• 6:30-7:45 p.m. Oct. 12 at Thomas Dale High School main campus (3626 W. Hundred Road); register at bit.ly/stopvape_TDHS.

“It’s important for our parents and young people to understand just how dangerous and unhealthy vaping is,” said Dr. Merv Daugherty, superintendent of Chesterfield County Public Schools. “We have to help our children with this because vaping endangers their health and their futures.”

Both sessions will cover:

• Health risks of substance use during adolescence and young adulthood
• Myths, trends and concerns about vaping and marijuana use in young people
• Information and resources needed to address this issue with children

Experienced presenter Barbara Burke will lead the discussion about the dangers of vaping and how to talk to your children about it. A retired social worker and co-founder of a recovery program at VCU, she has experience engaging families in helping teens change behaviors related to substance use.

WE’RE HIRING SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS

If you’re looking for a flexible schedule so you can work when you choose, then consider applying to become a substitute teacher. Chesterfield County Public Schools pays substitute teachers $117.19 on regular days and $203 on Fridays and high-demand days. Learn more during a job fair for substitute teachers 4:30-6:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at James River High, 3700 James River Road. Advance registration is requested but not required for attending the job fair.

TWO FAIRS FEATURE EVERY SPECIALTY CENTER

Eighth graders and their families are invited to learn about high school options during two fairs:

• 6:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 2 at Clover Hill High, 13301 Kelly Green Lane
• 6:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at Meadowbrook High, 4901 Cogbill Road

This video gives an overview of 13 specialty centers and three regional high schools. During eighth grade, Chesterfield students decide whether or not to apply to a specialty center within Chesterfield County Public Schools, to a governor’s school or to a regional technology school. Attending a specialty center fair provides in-person information to help make that decision. Additionally, in October and November, each specialty center will hold an open house to provide more information to families.

Specialty center details are available on the school system website. The window to apply for the 2024-25 school year runs Oct. 2-Dec. 1 for specialty centers and governor’s schools and runs Jan. 8-Feb. 16 for CodeRVA.

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH STARTS STRONG

• Thomas Dale High invites families to the Hola Festival 5-8 p.m. Oct. 11 for salsa lessons, music and student performances.
• Elizabeth Scott Elementary, home of the Spanish dual immersion program for Chesterfield County Public Schools, kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month by welcoming students with music and teachers wearing heritage attire.
• Creative displays by students are part of Hispanic Heritage Month at Midlothian High. Students are proud to share information about each of the 21 countries where Spanish is the official language.

INVITED TO THE WHITE HOUSE

Chesterfield Recovery Academy was front and center at this week’s White House summit on recovery. During a panel discussion with Coordinator Justin Savoy, students Zakiya and Michael shared their stories, including how the Chesterfield Recovery Academy has changed their lives and put them on paths to successful futures. After graduating, Zakiya plans to attend law school and Michael will enter the military. You can see video of the event here.

SPECIAL EDUCATION INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

• Survey due Dec. 15: Parents of school-age children and youth with disabilities who receive special education services are asked to complete the Virginia Department of Education annual parent involvement survey. The survey is open through Dec. 15. Please complete one survey for each of your children who received special education services in the 2022-23 school year. If you have questions, please email Chiquita Seaborne or call 804-225-3898.

• Updated guide to special education: Available now from the Virginia Department of Education is the Virginia Family’s Guide to Special Education. The department developed this new guide to help those involved in special education, whether as families, teachers, school administrators, advocates or students. Meeting the needs of children with disabilities requires an understanding of rights and responsibilities, which include the child’s rights and the school’s responsibilities to meet their needs. This guide includes a description of the special education process and what is required during each step of that process. The guide is currently available in English; translations will soon be available in Spanish, Arabic, Amharic, Urdu and Vietnamese.
• Website: Lots of helpful information is available on the special education for families webpage of the Virginia Department of Education.

PSAT ACADEMY OPENS REGISTRATION

The PSAT academy is open to freshmen and sophomores in Chesterfield County Public Schools who want to prepare for the PSAT exam that CCPS administers for free each October. The academy includes two days of math review and two days of reading and writing review. Register for PSAT academy scheduled 3:40-5:40 p.m. Oct. 2-5 at Clover Hill High.

FAMILIES INVITED TO MISSION TOMORROW

High school students, middle school students and their families are invited to a future-shaping opportunity. Mission Tomorrow is offering a session 5:15-7 p.m. Oct. 10 at Richmond Raceway. Click here to register.

Each year, eighth graders from Chesterfield County Public Schools and other central Virginia districts experience Mission Tomorrow, an interactive career exploration event. The evening session opens the Mission Tomorrow door to families:

• Engage in hands-on activities that introduce you to a wide array of career options. Discover your passions and talents as you delve into various industries.
• Learn about work-based learning opportunities by hearing from experts in your dream careers and gaining invaluable insights into your desired field.
• Unlock the door to internships that will supercharge your resume and provide real-world experience. Build your network and set the stage for a successful future.

OCT. 5 IS DEADLINE FOR OPENINGS ON ADVISORY COMMITTEES

Advisory committees established by the Chesterfield County School Board are one way community members connect with their local schools. Advisory committee members are appointed from each of the county’s five magisterial districts and include parents, teachers, staff members, students and others interested in helping Chesterfield County Public Schools achieve its vision of creating a better tomorrow. Advisory committee members who are appointed by the School Board must reside in the district they represent.

Under Virginia’s open government requirements, meetings are generally required to be held in person. If you are unable to meet in person, please note that in your application under “availability for meeting attendance.” For more information about specific committees or to apply, go to bit.ly/BdCom.

Click the application button at bit.ly/BdCom to apply by Oct. 5 if you are eligible and interested in these openings:

Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee

• Midlothian District (partial term ending June 30, 2025)

 School Health Advisory Board

• Bermuda District (partial term ending June 30, 2024)
• Clover Hill District (partial term ending June 30, 2024)

 Special Education Advisory Committee (Parent representatives must have a child participating in a special education program within Chesterfield County Public Schools at the time of appointment.)

• Clover Hill District (partial term ending June 30, 2026)

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

CLOSED SEPT. 25

Chesterfield County schools and school offices will be closed Sept. 25.

LEARN ABOUT NOMINATION PROCESS FOR U.S. SERVICE ACADEMIES

Middle and high school families are invited to learn about U.S. service academies and their congressional nomination process through a program hosted by Congressman Rob Wittman. Students will also be able to meet with officials from the academies and ask questions. The event will be held 9-11 a.m. Sept. 30 at the Virginia War Memorial (621 S. Belvidere St., Richmond, VA). See the flyer for more information. If you have questions, call 804-401-4120.

SOLVING PROBLEMS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE

Everyone within Chesterfield County Public Schools works to support students and help them grow into strong young people. When problems arise that get in the way of learning, schools want to connect with students and families to solve those problems. 

But we can only solve problems that we know about, so communicating to school staff members is how problem-solving starts.

When parents have a concern, the best path is to begin with the adults most directly involved in your student’s school life: teachers, school counselors, coaches, assistant principals and principals. Most problems can be solved by connecting with one or more of these professionals. If the first school employee is unable to resolve the situation, then this chart shows the next step to take. (It may be tempting to jump over steps, post on social media or contact a news organization, but those actions will not be as helpful for your student as following this problem-solving process). See the chart in Spanish.