Little Feet Meet: connections and joy
Hundreds of Special Olympic athletes from grades PK-5 had a blast at this year’s Little Feet Meet at Matoaca High. This video showcases the connections and joy that the event generated. Little Feet Meets, which build acceptance and inclusion, give students time to run, jump, throw and have fun outdoors. James River High also hosts an annual LIttle Feet Meet.
Congrats to our Nurse of the Year!
During National Nurses Week (May 6-12), Chesterfield County Public Schools leaders swooped into Moseley Elementary to surprise Stacey Link with the news that she is the CCPS Nurse of the Year. Having worked in nursing for 25 years, with nine of those years as a school nurse, Stacey says, “My philosophy of school nursing practice is simple: To treat each person I encounter, whether it be a student, parent, visitor or staff member, as I would want my own family to be treated.”
A proclamation from Gov. Glenn Youngkin details the importance of school nurses, stating: Students today face complex and life-threatening health problems requiring care in school. School nurses act as a liaison to the school community, families and health-care providers by promoting wellness and improving health outcomes for the children of the commonwealth.
In her nomination for CCPS Nurse of the Year, Moseley Elementary Principal Karen Dubiel wrote, “Stacey Link has earned the love, care and respect of many as the founding school nurse at Moseley Elementary! … Stacey's clinical knowledge and skills are exceptional. Above this though is her ability to make connections, build relationships, advocate for her students' needs and provide nurturing care. Our school is truly lucky to have her as our school nurse!”
Chesterfield Virtual School student featured in “Unfrosted”
If you’ve seen the new Jerry Seinfeld movie about how Pop-Tarts were created, then you’ve seen Chesterfield Virtual School seventh grader Bailey Sheetz in his movie debut. He’s part of a star-studded “Unfrosted” cast, appearing in the Netflix film as a dumpster-diving, breakfast-pastry-loving urchin. Bailey’s parents both teach in Chesterfield County Public Schools: Nancy Sheetz at Bensley Elementary and Bryan Sheetz at Thomas Dale High.
Upcoming dates
May 20-28: Chesterfield County Public Schools will graduate about 4,700 students.
May 27: Schools and school offices will be closed.
May 28: This is the last day to register for in-person summer school.
May 31: This is the last day of school for students in all schools except Bellwood Elementary and Falling Creek Elementary. (May 29 is the final day of this school year for students at Bellwood Elementary and Falling Creek Elementary.)
June 24:
In-person summer school starts.
How to watch #CCPS24 graduations
About 4,700 Chesterfield County Public Schools students will receive high school diplomas during graduation ceremonies May 20-28. Graduates and families are encouraged to use #CCPS24 and #oneCCPS when sharing on social media.
In-person attendance is by invitation only, but every graduation will be livestreamed via YouTube (depending on internet strength at the graduation venue). Here are direct links to each school’s graduation:
Matoaca High will graduate at 9 a.m. May 20 at Virginia State University.
Thomas Dale High will graduate at 3 p.m. May 20 at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Cosby High will graduate at 9:30 a.m. May 21 at VCU.
Manchester High will graduate at 2 p.m. May 21 at VCU.
James River High will graduate at 9:30 a.m. May 22 at VCU.
Midlothian High will graduate at 2 p.m. May 22 at VCU.
Clover Hill High will graduate at 9:30 a.m. May 23 at VCU.
Monacan High will graduate at 2 p.m. May 23 at VCU
Meadowbrook High will graduate at 9:30 a.m. May 24 at VCU.
Bird High will graduate at 2 p.m. May 24 at VCU.
Carver College and Career Academy will graduate at 3 p.m. May 28 at CTC@Hull.
After 2024 graduation season ends, all of the videos will be available via this YouTube playlist: bit.ly/CCPS24.
June 3-4: end-of-year medication pickup
Parents and guardians must pick up their children’s medications from the school clinic, but the medications must be available for student use through the last day of school on May 31. All remaining student medications, including over-the-counter medications, may be picked up from the school clinic during normal school hours June 3-4.
After 4 p.m. June 4, all leftover medications will be packed and turned over to the Chesterfield County Police Department for disposal. Once medications are packed for police collection, they cannot be retrieved so it is important for parents to pick up medications on time. Late pickups are not permitted, and medications cannot be stored at the school during the summer.
All medications must be picked up even if your student will attend summer school. At the beginning of summer school, parents will need to provide children’s medication to the summer school coordinator at your child’s summer site. Please contact your child’s school nurse to request a copy of the medication order for all medications being administered during summer school.
Act quickly to register for summer camps
Some space remains in summer camps offered by Chesterfield County Public Schools, but don’t wait any longer to register:
World Language Camp features daily rotations through four languages and cultures: French, Spanish, German and Latin. Students who will be in grades 2-5 in 2024-25 will enjoy memorable and meaningful activities. Camp runs 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and the cost is $115 for each session.
June 24-27 at Old Hundred Elementary
July 8-11 at Beulah Elementary
Camp EPIC (Exploring Pathways in Careers) offers exciting, hands-on career experiences for students who will be in grades 5-8 in 2024-25. Camp EPIC costs $150 and runs 8 a.m.-4 p.m. June 10-13 (Monday through Thursday). Many Camp EPIC sessions are full, but spaces remain at CTC@Courthouse in Dental Discoveries and Energy Explorers.
Check out the updated CCPS special education info
The special education page of the school system’s website has been updated. Online information outlines the special education process from referral to development of an individualized education program. In addition to the webpage, families can regularly find state and local information in this newsletter.
Be sure to complete special education survey about parent involvement
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.
Private school placement survey seeks info from parents and students
The Virginia Department of Education has a survey for students who attend a licensed private day school and another survey for their parents:
Dec. 13 is the deadline. Families with more than one child receiving special education services in a licensed private day school should complete a survey for each child.
Printable versions are available: parent survey and student survey .If you have questions, then email Hank Millward or call 804-887-5000.
May 20 is deadline for openings on advisory boards
Advisory committees established by the Chesterfield County School Board are one way community members connect with 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.
Go to bit.ly/BdCom for information about specific committees or to apply by May 20 if you are eligible and interested in these openings:
Audit and Finance Committee
Dale District (July 1, 2024-June 30, 2026)
Matoaca District (July 1, 2024-June 30, 2026)
Citizens Budget Advisory Committee
Bermuda District (July 1, 2024-June 30, 2026)
Environmental Stewardship Advisory Committee
Bermuda District (July 1, 2024-June 30, 2026)
Clover Hill District (July 1, 2024-June 30, 2026)
Dale District (July 1, 2024-June 30, 2026)
Student Health Advisory Board
Clover Hill District (two seats, July 1, 2024-June 30, 2027)
Vote on façade colors for the new west area high school
Voting continues to choose the façade colors of the new west area high school. See the options and cast your vote today.
Information about the construction project was shared during an April 30 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 14.
When it opens in 2027, the new high school is expected to primarily draw students from the Cosby High zone and will also affect the Manchester High and Midlothian High 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 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.
Summer school registration open until May 28
Registration for in-person summer school closes May 28. 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.
Nominate Hall of Famers by Aug. 31
Nominations are open through Aug. 31 for the next inductees into the Hall of Fame of Chesterfield County Public Schools. Nominees should be memorable educators and volunteers who made a significant difference in Chesterfield County schools. Nomination details and a simple nomination form are available at bit.ly/CCPShall.
Across more than 150 years, Chesterfield County Public Schools has been served by outstanding teachers, administrators, support staff and volunteers who have given their time and talents to help students and schools succeed. In recognition of this exceptional work, Chesterfield County Public Schools and the Chesterfield Education Foundation annually honor individuals for their contributions by inducting them into the Hall of Fame. Visit the digital Hall of Fame to see photos, biographies and videos of honorees. Questions? Contact the Office of Family and Community Engagement at 804-639-8690, ext. 1111.
Chesterfield PAL offers Outdoor Adventure Camp
The Chesterfield Police Activities League invites Chesterfield County residents 14-17 years old to apply for Outdoor Adventure Camp. Camp will run June 17-21 and include rafting, ropes course, hiking, beach trip and more. The camp is free, and teens can apply here. Space is limited, so not everyone who applies will be accepted into camp. Questions? Call 804-221-0982.
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.
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.