Prom closet seeks community donations
This video shows how Monacan High is helping trim the cost of prom by offering free dresses, suits and accessories for students. As a service learning project, students run the Chiefs Closet like a boutique — complete with attractive displays, business communications and social media promotions. Community donations to the prom closet are welcome and can be left in the front office of Monacan High (11501 Smoketree Drive). This year’s prom is May 11. If you have questions, please email teacher meredith_shuman@ccpsnet.net.
Vote on façade colors for the new west area elementary school
Voting has begun to choose the façade colors of the new west area elementary school. See the options and cast your vote today.
Information about the construction project was shared during an April 22 community meeting. Exterior design options were shown, and voting opened for community members to choose their preferred façade colors. Online voting will remain open until 5 p.m. May 6.
When it opens in 2026, the new elementary school is expected to primarily draw students from Grange Hall Elementary and Moseley Elementary zones.
At its Feb. 22 meeting, the Chesterfield County School Board approved the fiscal year 2025 capital improvement program, which includes construction of the west area elementary school. The project is funded through a Chesterfield County bond referendum approved by voters in November 2022. The building will accommodate up to 1,000 students and will be located near Westerleigh Parkway next to the new west area middle school.
Chalkley Elementary celebrates success
The Walk of Fame at Chalkley Elementary celebrates student success, creates happy memories and strengthens the entire school community. Watch this video to feel the joy created by encouragement and painted ceiling tiles.
Kindergarten registration continues
Kindergarten registration is underway for children who will be 5 years old by Sept. 30. Online preregistration for the 2024-25 school year is available here, along with information and links to help families with the enrollment process.
Chesterfield Virtual School helps students flourish
Teachers share why families should apply by April 28 for the Chesterfield Virtual School:
An opportunity that’s not possible in other places.
Flexibility, personalized attention and a focus on emotional well-being.
Engaging lessons using innovative technology that encourages collaboration and flexibility.
Explore teacher testimonials here, then learn more about Virginia’s first virtual school here. The Chesterfield Virtual School enrolls K-8 students who can attend class from anywhere, so it works well for many families (including those who travel frequently, families with a parent who works from home, etc.). Apply by April 28 for the 2024-25 school year.
CCPSOnline deadline is April 28
Get a move on for CCPSOnline flexibility! April 28 is the deadline for high schoolers to register for summer classes and 2024-25 classes. With learning available 24/7 in a no-bells, no-limits virtual environment, CCPSOnline helps high school students create the schedule they want so they can explore additional interests. Sign up at bit.ly/CCPSonline.
Top principal in Virginia
It was smiles and rainbows all around when Gates Elementary Principal Nina Brink (holding flowers) learned she is the 2024 National Distinguished Principal for Virginia. Representatives of the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals joined CCPS leaders to surprise Brink with the good news. She is the third Chesterfield County Public Schools principal to receive the award: Linda Wood of Harrowgate Elementary won in 2011, and Pamela Johnson of Falling Creek Elementary won in 2015.
Hall of Fame welcomes six more outstanding educators
The Hall of Fame of Chesterfield County Public Schools grew by six on April 11. In partnership with the Chesterfield Education Foundation, the school system inducted its third class of honorees (click names to see videos about each educator):
The Hall of Fame honors the talents and contributions of outstanding teachers, educational and operational support staff, leaders and volunteers. Their work helped create a nationally recognized school system that works to help every student succeed. Click here to visit the digital Hall of Fame, which includes photos, biographies and videos of the honorees.
Proceeds from the 2024 Hall of Fame gala benefited MEGA Mentors. Thank you to title sponsor TowneBank and these sponsors: The Diaz Team KW Metro Center, Estes Trucking, Anthem Healthkeepers Plus, The Childress Firm PLLC and Bob Dalton of Long and Foster Real Estate.
Vaping is topic of May 1 Coffee & Conversation
A virtual Coffee & Conversation discussion will focus on vaping. The Family and Community Engagement Office of Chesterfield County Public Schools will host the free webinar 1-2 p.m. May 1, and a representative of Chesterfield Mental Health Prevention Services will be the featured speaker. Click here to register.
April 30: west area high school meeting
At a community meeting on April 30, school leaders and representatives from design and construction partners will share exterior color options for the new west area high school façade, and members of the community will be able to vote for their favorite choice. Additionally, plans for interior features will be shared along with an overview of the site plan, construction process and timeline.
WHAT: Vote for the new west area high school façade colors and see interior design features
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. on April 30
WHERE: Cosby High (14300 Fox Club Parkway, Midlothian, VA 23112)
When it opens in 2027, the new high school is expected to primarily draw students from the Cosby High zone and will likely affect the Manchester High and Midlothian High zones. Attendance zones have not been determined and will not be discussed during the April 30 meeting. Information from the community meeting, including online voting for the façade color, will be available on oneccps.org starting May 1.
At its Feb. 22 meeting, the Chesterfield County School Board approved the fiscal year 2025 capital improvement program, which includes construction of the west area high school. The project is funded through a Chesterfield County bond referendum approved by voters in November 2022. The 12th high school in Chesterfield County, the school will accommodate up to 2,400 students and will be located at 17500 Duval Road.
Teacher Appreciation Week is May 6-10
Teachers are awesome, so let’s prepare now for Teacher Appreciation Week, which is May 6-10:
In its April meeting, the Chesterfield County School Board kicked off teacher appreciation by recognizing Teachers of the Year.
Watch for your school’s Teacher of the Year to be featured on Chesterfield County Public Schools social media: Facebook, Instagram and X.
Take part in the annual Thank a Teacher campaign run by the Virginia Lottery by sending a digital thank you note from the comfort of your home. Teachers will receive the notes during Teacher Appreciation Week. Four lucky teachers will win big prizes.
The National PTA has great ideas about showing appreciation to teachers.
Interested in switching to a career in education?
If you are passionate about education, have a bachelor’s degree and want to explore pathways to becoming a licensed teacher, then sign up for a virtual or in-person session to learn more:
virtual: 4-5 p.m. April 30
in-person: 5-6 p.m. May 1 at Swift Creek Middle, 3700 Old Hundred Road
for the session that works for you. Learn more about
and how it can help you become a teacher.
Spring Into Wellness on April 29
Families are invited to a mental health resource fair organized by Chesterfield County Public Schools. Spring Into Wellness will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. April 29 at CTC@Hull (13900 Hull Street Road). Registration is required for this free event. In addition to more than 30 wellness vendors, speakers will cover these topics:
Motivation and goal setting for tweens and teens
Understanding your child’s nature for happier parenting
College prep and student wellness
Keep Kids Alive Drive 25
May 1 is an awareness day for Keep Kids Alive Drive 25, a nonprofit working to make streets safer for all who walk, cycle, play, drive and ride.
On average, more than 100 deaths occur each day from speeding vehicles (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).
94% of traffic deaths are the result of specific behaviors: speeding, not buckling up, distracted driving (including cellphone use), drinking and driving, stoplight/stop sign running and more (Federal Highway Administration).
500 children younger than 14 are killed each year while walking in what should be their safe haven — their neighborhood (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).
Make a difference by observing speed limits, using seatbelts and sharing the message of Keep Kids Alive Drive 25.
Registration is open for in-person summer school
Fill in learning gaps. Strengthen skills. Get ahead. Whatever your motivation, summer school can help make summer count! Summer programs are available for students with and without an individualized education program who meet the criteria detailed on the summer learning page. Scroll to the bottom of that webpage for answers to frequently asked questions and contact information for each area of summer school.
Registration opens April 11 for in-person summer school and closes May 28.
CCPSOnline summer registration has been open for weeks and closes April 26 for students interested in taking high school credits online.
May the force be with you on May the 4th!
The Chesterfield Police Activities League invites families to explore new galaxies with books during the third annual “Star Wars” Reading Day. In addition to reading, the event will include a costume contest, silent auction of collectibles, giveaways and more. All ages are welcome 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 4 at the North Courthouse Road Library (325 Courthouse Road).
Vaccine information for rising seventh graders and seniors
It is not too early to get state-required vaccines.
Rising seventh graders: Virginia students are required to get certain vaccines before entering seventh grade. The Virginia Department of Health provides information in English and Spanish.
Rising seniors: Virginia students are required to get certain vaccines before entering 12th grade. The Virginia Department of Health provides information in English and Spanish.
Annual survey about parent involvement in special education services
Parents of school-age children and youth with disabilities who receive special education services are asked to complete the Virginia Department of Education parent involvement survey. The annual survey is open through Dec. 13. Please complete one survey for each of your children who received special education services in the 2023-24 school year. You can access the 13-question survey at these links:
Parents have online access to frequently asked questions (scroll to “indicator 8” for information about the parent involvement survey). Parents also have online access to printable versions of the survey in English and the survey in Spanish. If you have questions, then email Chiquita Seaborne or call 804-418-4672.
Video guide and other resources for families of students in special education
Guide to special education: Available 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.
New video guide: The Virginia Department of Education has released a video guide to the special education evaluation process. These video modules provide parents, families and other stakeholders a brief but comprehensive overview of the special education process on these topics: introduction to video series, identification, evaluation, eligibility, individualized education program, reevaluation, early intervention and what’s next. Each module is designed to be viewed as a stand-alone resource or viewed in succession.
Website: Lots of helpful information is available on the special education for families webpage of the Virginia Department of Education.