Cosby, James River and Thomas Dale honored for exemplary achievements
Three schools in Chesterfield County Public Schools were among those recently honored by the Virginia Board of Education for high achievement and continued improvement.
Cosby High earned the Highest Achievement Exemplar Award by being accredited and by meeting certain state benchmarks overall, student groups meeting certain state benchmarks and demonstrating a chronic absenteeism rate of 15% or lower.
James River High and Thomas Dale High earned Continuous Improvement Exemplar Awards by being accredited and by demonstrating an increase in the combined rate for two or more student groups in reading and math for each of the past three years, with a total increase across the three years of 10 points or more.
Across Virginia, only 92 schools achieved the Highest Achievement Exemplar Award and only 49 schools achieved the Continuous Improvement Exemplar Award.
Read the fall issue of CCPS on the Go
The fall edition of CCPS on the Go is available in English and Spanish. In this issue, we celebrate opening a new Falling Creek Middle and share about ongoing construction activities for other new schools. We highlight achievements of students and staff as well as school activities. Also in this issue: 55 experienced teachers from 12 countries are now working as full-time educators in Chesterfield County.
CCPS on the Go began in 2021 as a printed publication that was mailed to every home in Chesterfield County. Starting with this issue, the award-winning publication is shifting to a digital format. An archive of all issues (in English and Spanish) is online.
Wrapping up Thank You, Team Chesterfield Week
Thank you for embracing our new staff appreciation week!
Sparked by Interim Superintendent Dr. John Murray’s idea to appreciate employees now instead of waiting until the end of the school year, Chesterfield County Public Schools created a weeklong celebration to honor and appreciate all staff members Oct. 28-Nov. 1.
The goal of Thank You, Team Chesterfield Week was to encourage and uplift all teachers and all employees of Chesterfield County Public Schools. Unlike days or weeks that focus on one group or another, this week of appreciation covers everyone working in Chesterfield County Public Schools: teachers, cafeteria staff, office workers, bus drivers, skilled tradespeople, custodians, technology employees and all other people working in our schools and central offices.
There was an enthusiastic response to this new initiative from students, families, businesses, community groups and CCPS employees. Among the ways people expressed gratitude were by writing notes, nominating people for Game Changer awards, sharing tasty snacks, posting on social media and creating shoutout boards. Also, The Treat Shop bakery and restaurant gave a free doughnut to every employee who showed their ID badge. Photos submitted from schools and offices can be seen in this folder.
The inaugural Thank You, Team Chesterfield Week was so joyful that it seems likely to become an annual celebration.
Nov. 7 deadline: Nominate outstanding principals for R.E.B. Awards for Distinguished Educational Leadership
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. 7. 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.
Recent Chesterfield County honorees include Dr. Randi Smith of Ettrick Elementary, Nina Brink of Gates Elementary and Natalie Bare of Gordon Elementary.
This is College and Career Readiness Month
November is College and Career Readiness Month, but November just isn’t big enough for all the activities in Chesterfield County Public Schools so October also holds opportunities for college and career exploration. This CCPS in the Know video shows how schools embrace college and career readiness, and the website offers additional info.
This fall, Chesterfield County Public Schools launched the CCPS in the Know video series to give quick-but-helpful insights into central Virginia’s largest school system. If you have a question that you’d like answered, then ask it here. We’ll cover as many topics as we can. You can see all of the videos via this playlist, with captions available in English and in Spanish for each video.
We are looking for substitute teachers at Nov. 7 job fair
Chesterfield County Public Schools has significantly increased our substitute teacher pool over the past year but continues to seek substitute teachers, particularly for these central Chesterfield schools:
Bellwood Elementary
Bensley Elementary
Beulah Elementary
Falling Creek Elementary
Gates Elementary
Hening Elementary
Hopkins Elementary
Jacobs Road Elementary
Salem Church Elementary
Falling Creek Middle
Salem Church Middle
Bird High
CTC@Courthouse
Meadowbrook High
Substitute teachers are paid a daily rate of $136. On Fridays and predetermined high-demand days, the daily rate is $203. If you or someone you know would like to become a substitute, then please let them know about the Central Chesterfield Substitute Job Fair: 4-6 p.m. Nov. 7 at Salem Church Middle School (9700 Salem Church Road). Those who are interested are encouraged to apply in advance.
You can nominate school employees as Game Changers
You are invited to nominate employees of Chesterfield County Public Schools for Game Changer awards. Teachers and other employees consistently go above and beyond to connect with students, build stronger relationships, provide engaging learning opportunities and help families. You can help recognize their work by nominating #oneCCPS Game Changers using this simple form.
Students are taking advantage of free tutoring sessions
As of Oct. 28, Chesterfield County Public Schools students in grades 3-12 have attended more than 3,000 free, online tutoring sessions via Stride Tutoring since the beginning of October.
“We have seen firsthand that offering support in this format is effective in meeting students where they are and helping them succeed in areas where they need help,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. John Murray. “We are glad to see so many students taking advantage of this opportunity while it is available to them.”
Visit www.oneccps.org/tutors to get your student started with Stride Tutoring.
Students invited to submit art for Virginia contest
The Virginia Lottery invites K-12 public school students to share their talent in the eighth annual Thank a Teacher Art Contest. The winning designs (one each from elementary, middle and high school levels) will be featured on thousands of thank-you notes distributed to teachers across Virginia during Teacher Appreciation Week in May. The top three student artists will each win a $200 gift card, and their school’s art department will be awarded $2,000 from The Supply Room.
Artwork can be submitted starting now at thankateacherva.com. The deadline is Feb. 3.
Become a licensed teacher through iteach career switcher program
If you are passionate about education, have a bachelor’s degree and want to explore pathways to becoming a licensed teacher, then learn more in a free virtual session 4-5 p.m. Nov. 19 organized by Chesterfield County Public Schools. This website provides details about iteach and how it can help you become a teacher.
Virtual conversation about college credits during high school
November is College and Career Readiness Month, which makes this a good time to learn how students can earn college credits while still in high school.
Chesterfield County Public Schools students and parents are invited to get information about dual enrollment and Advanced Placement courses during a virtual conversation at 3 p.m. Nov. 4. (That is a student holiday.) CCPS guests and representatives of Brightpoint Community College will discuss opportunities for getting a headstart on college credits. Use this link to join the online event, which is hosted by Matoaca High.
Want to shadow a school principal?
Principal for a Morning is Nov. 12-13. That's when community partners spend time with principals to see firsthand what a school day looks like. Participants will observe classroom instruction, take part in the oversight of operations and logistics and learn how the community can assist our students, staff and schools. Would you like to shadow a principal? Complete the interest form here: bit.ly/PFAMinterest.
Dec. 6 is application deadline for specialty centers and governor’s schools
Each fall, Chesterfield County Public Schools eighth graders explore their options for high school and decide whether or not to apply to a specialty center, governor’s school or regional technology school. This video gives an overview of how those schools provide unique opportunities to explore special interests.
Open houses offer on-site visits for eighth grade families. Here are upcoming dates:
6:30 p.m. Nov. 6 open house for Specialty Center for the Arts at Thomas Dale High (3626 W. Hundred Road)
6:30 p.m. Nov. 7 open house for Governor’s Academy for Engineering Studies at Bird High (10301 Courthouse Road)
6:30 p.m. Nov. 21 open house for Center for Mass Communications at Manchester High (12601 Bailey Bridge Road)
6 p.m. Dec. 10 open house for CodeRVA Regional High School (2601 Durham St. in Richmond)
Complete information about the application process is provided at bit.ly/CCPSoptions. That includes the online application form, links to specialty center websites and everything eighth graders need to know about the process. Here are important dates to keep in mind:
Online application opened Oct. 1 and closes Dec. 6 for specialty centers and governor’s schools.
Online application opens Jan. 6 and closes Feb. 14 for CodeRVA.
Acceptance offers will be made Feb. 28 for CodeRVA and March 5 for specialty centers and governor’s schools.
March 17 is the deadline for students to accept offers from specialty centers, governor’s schools and CodeRVA.
Big success for annual College and Career Fair
This year’s College and Career Fair was bigger than ever with 1,700+ students and families attending. With support from the Chesterfield Education Foundation, students in grades 6-12 connected with 150+ colleges, work-based learning partners, community resources and military representatives during the October event. The Chesterfield County Public Schools event is one of the largest College and Career Fairs in Virginia.
Student holidays
Nov. 4-5 student holidays: At every Chesterfield County school, students will be on holiday Nov. 4-5. Also, parent-teacher conferences will take place Nov. 4.
Complete student calendars for 2024-25 are available on this webpage, including English and Spanish versions of the regular school year calendar and the year-round calendar for Bellwood Elementary.
Dates set for 2025 graduations
Keep your eyes on the prize, class of 2025! Here is your graduation schedule:
May 19: Matoaca High at 9 a.m. at Virginia State University and Thomas Dale High at 3 p.m. at Virginia Commonwealth University
May 20 at Virginia Commonwealth University: Monacan High at 9:30 a.m. and Clover Hill High at 2 p.m.
May 21 at Virginia Commonwealth University: Manchester High at 9:30 a.m. and Cosby High at 2 p.m.
May 22 at Virginia Commonwealth University: James River High at 9:30 a.m. and Bird High at 2 p.m.
May 23 at Virginia Commonwealth University: Meadowbrook High at 9:30 a.m. and Midlothian High at 2 p.m.
May 28 at Career and Technical Center @ Hull: Carver College and Career Academy (time to be determined)
Graduating seniors will receive tickets to share with family and friends. The ceremonies are not open to the public but will be livestreamed.
When to expect first report cards for 2024-25
The first nine weeks of this school year ended Oct. 23 for students at every school except Bellwood Elementary, which follows a year-round calendar. On Nov. 8, printed report cards will be issued to students and digital report cards will be posted to ParentVUE at every school except Bellwood Elementary (where report cards were issued Oct. 16).
Parents can find easy-to-follow directions for accessing ParentVUE online. ParentVUE is also available as a free app from the App Store and Google Play. Parents who do not have access to ParentVUE should contact their child’s school to get login information.
Coffee & Conversation offers connections about topics important to families
Coffee & Conversation is an easy way to connect with experts offering advice on topics helpful to parents. The free online gatherings take place 1-2 p.m. See the full schedule and register here for topics of your choice:
Nov. 6 topic is “Real Ways to Handle Peer Pressure.”
Nov. 20 topic is “Supporting Your Child’s Self-Esteem.”
Dec. 4 topic is “Managing Screen Time.”
Dec. 11 topic is “Recognizing the Signs of Human Trafficking.”
Registration open for SOL and W!se test prep sessions
Registration is open for the SOL Academy and W!se Academy that will meet Dec. 2-12.
SOL Academy is free and open to any student who passed a class but did not pass the corresponding SOL end-of-course test in science, social studies, math, reading or writing.
W!se Academy is free and open to any student who passed the economics and personal finance class but did not pass the W!se financial literacy test and who needs a career and technical education credential to graduate.
This webpage has complete details. Registration closes Nov. 26 for these opportunities:
Nov. 9: Career and Technical Center open houses
Both campuses of the Chesterfield Career and Technical Center invite families to Nov. 9 open houses to learn about engaging, up-to-date programs available to high school students. Flyers provide details in English, in Spanish and in Arabic.
Through career and technical education, students explore fields across 17 career clusters. Students can earn industry-recognized certifications and connect with work-based learning experiences. November is College and Career Readiness Month, so it’s a great time to see how career and technical education helps students jump-start their careers.
Families can learn more at the school website and by coming to the open houses:
Career and Technical Center @ Courthouse (10101 Courthouse Road) will have an open house 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 9. Also, ESL students and families are invited to an info session 10-11 a.m. Nov. 9 at the Career and Technical Center @ Courthouse.
Career and Technical Center @ Hull (13900 Hull Street Road) will have an open house noon-2 p.m. Nov. 9.
University of Richmond football and basketball: Discounted tickets for teachers and students
The University of Richmond is offering discounted football tickets to educators and students. Click the links below for more information about discounts for upcoming games.
Football:
Basketball: