Chesterfield County Public Schools -

Tomahawk Creek Middle achieves recognition as a School of Distinction

Above, shown left to right: Dean of Students Brett Flanary, Associate Principal Charlee Breeden, Principal Rebecca Thompson, Assistant Principal Crystal Walker and Assistant Principal Michael Teasley

Tomahawk Creek Middle is the first school in Chesterfield County Public Schools to be recognized as a School of Distinction. The Association for Middle Level Education recognized a total of 17 schools as Schools of Distinction for 2024, including Tomahawk Creek Middle and five other Virginia schools.

“Tomahawk Creek Middle is a dynamic school community, and I am so proud of what our students, teachers, staff, families and partners are achieving,” said Principal Rebecca Thompson. “Together, we can continue to grow as a student-centered learning environment.”

The Schools of Distinction program recognizes exemplary schools while supporting them through a process of strategic vision setting to help foster ongoing growth and success. Tomahawk Creek Middle and the other Schools of Distinction completed a rigorous review process that measured implementation of middle grades best practice and continuous improvement plans. After advancing from the initial application, the schools participated in a series of stakeholder interviews that included staff, students and families.

During the review process at Tomahawk Creek Middle, the Association for Middle Level Education highlighted these areas of strength:

• Tomahawk Creek Middle School is dedicated to providing a challenging academic environment that encourages growth and excellence for all students.

• With a focus on continuous improvement, Tomahawk Creek Middle remains dedicated to enhancing its community and ensuring that every member feels included and valued.

• Parents applaud the school’s proactive measures to limit cell phone use, recognizing the importance of minimizing distractions and promoting focused engagement in the classroom.

• Tomahawk Creek Middle is a shining example of equity in action, where every student’s unique identity is not only respected but celebrated.

• Tomahawk Creek Middle’s strength is fostering a culture of kindness and respect that permeates every aspect of its community.

• Emphasizing the importance of safety, both physical and emotional, Tomahawk Creek Middle prioritizes measures to ensure the well-being of its students and staff, including the active involvement of administrators.

“It is a privilege to recognize Tomahawk Creek Middle as an AMLE School of Distinction. They are truly worthy of this prestigious honor, and I’m excited for AMLE to be able to share their story,” said Stephanie Simpson, CEO of the Association for Middle Level Education. Tomahawk Creek Middle will be recognized and present on its exemplary practices during the association’s November conference in Nashville, TN.

Sept. 11 event offers resources for relatives who are raising children

Grandparents and other family members who are raising a child are invited to a Kinship Families Resource Fair 9:30-11:30 a.m. Sept. 11 in the multipurpose room of the Department of Social Services (9501 Lucy Corr Blvd.). Chesterfield County Public Schools and several Chesterfield County government departments will offer information about education, mental health, financial assistance, child care and more. The resource fair is free; registration is not required. Email agingresources@chesterfield.gov or call 804-717-6592 if you have questions.

Who is a Team Chesterfield game changer? Submissions are open!

At the roots of a strong public school division are an exceptional faculty and staff and a committed base of community supporters. Chesterfield County Public Schools is fortunate to have both!

Each month, to help recognize the game-changing work – inside and outside of schools – that our outstanding staff members do on a daily basis, the school division celebrates Team Chesterfield members who go above and beyond. Team Chesterfield's Game Changers are those who step up to meet the needs of our students; offer support and access to resources that assist their colleagues; provide an extra layer of support for families outside of the classroom; and who generally make a positive and sometimes life-changing difference in the lives of our students, families and their colleagues. Click here to nominate a CCPS staff member.

Each month, the Superintendent chooses four staff members from each magisterial district to be recognized for outstanding service. One central office member monthly will be recognized as well.

Apply Sept. 16-19 for Christmas Mother help

Families can request help from the Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Christmas Mother during application review at the Chesterfield Fairgrounds (10300 Courthouse Road):

• 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 16-17

• noon-7 p.m. Sept. 18

• 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 19

Get details and an application (in English and Spanish) on the Christmas Mother website. Applications will also be available at the fairgrounds on review days. Children will not be allowed on site during application review.

Be a volunteer

Schools are looking for volunteers! Most volunteers must complete an application which goes through a central approval process that includes a background check. This could take two to four weeks, so be sure to allow ample time for your application to be reviewed before you plan to volunteer. Applications are available in English and Spanish.

You must submit an application if you plan to:

• Chaperone a field trip

• Advise a club or sports team

• Participate in mentor groups

• Work with students unsupervised

You do not have to submit an application if you are:

• Visiting for lunch

• Helping in the library or office

• A college student in classrooms for program credit

• 18 and under

• A supervised classroom helper such as a room mom, assisting with a

  class party, etc.

Parents asked to complete special education survey

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:

• Parent involvement survey in English

• Parent involvement survey in Spanish

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.

How to solve problems at school

Everyone within CCPS works to support students and help them grow into strong young people. When there is a problem, we want to connect with students and families to solve it. As we move toward the start of a new school year, we want to be sure that families know what to do if you have a concern. Communicating to school staff members is the best way to start. Here is a handy chart to help the problem-solving process. See the problem-solving chart in Spanish.