Reading specialist Maria Meyers is Teacher of the Year for Chesterfield County Public Schools
Maria Meyers, who is the reading specialist at Davis Elementary School, is the 2025 Teacher of the Year for Chesterfield County Public Schools. She joined Davis Elementary in 2023 after previously teaching for Virtual Virginia and schools in Tennessee, South Carolina, Mississippi and Florida. Meyers learned she is the top teacher in central Virginia's largest school system when CCPS leaders surprised her Jan. 28 with flowers, balloons and a banner proclaiming her award.
Every Chesterfield County school annually selects its Teacher of the Year. Chesterfield County Public Schools selects from those honorees an Elementary School Teacher of the Year, a Middle School Teacher of the Year and a High School Teacher of the Year, then chooses the districtwide Teacher of the Year from those three honorees. Here are the top 2025 teachers for Chesterfield County Public Schools:
Maria Meyers, reading specialist at Davis Elementary, is the CCPS Teacher of the Year and the Elementary School Teacher of the Year.
Carly Felts, who teaches English as a second language at Providence Middle, is the Middle School Teacher of the Year.
Victoria Fitzgerald, visual arts teacher at Meadowbrook High, is the High School Teacher of the Year.
More information, including a list of Teachers of the Year from every school, is available on
Immigration protections in public schools
This message was shared Jan. 28 with families and staff members:
Chesterfield County Public Schools is aware of concerns surrounding recent debates and changes to U.S. immigration policy and enforcement. Despite political discussion, school division policies and procedures remain unchanged.
Chesterfield County Public Schools remains committed to the safety and peace-of-mind of all students, staff and community members, regardless of race, color or national origin, and to educating all students, regardless of their immigration status. In an event where a situation may arise, we have a prudent legal process in place to minimize disruption to our staff and students.
CCPS remains committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive environment and quality education for all.
As in the past when the legal status of students and their families was the subject of heightened anxiety, CCPS will follow its policies and regulations prohibiting discrimination based on race, color or national origin. This aligns with the 1982 Supreme Court decision that public schools must educate all students regardless of immigration status.
Currently, we are not aware of heightened immigration-related enforcement at CCPS schools or division offices.
On Jan. 21, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security announced that ICE is now authorized to conduct enforcement activities at schools and other locations previously considered to be protected areas. If enforcement actions are taken at CCPS facilities, we will follow existing policies and regulations governing access to students and student record information by law enforcement entities.
At this time, CCPS is not aware of any efforts by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency or local law enforcement authorities to enter Chesterfield County schools or division offices to arrest or detain students, parents or staff.
CCPS will protect the legal rights of all students and staff in our schools.
To protect the rights of students and staff, ICE or law enforcement seeking access to schools must provide legal justification and await CCPS approval to enter.
Public schools do not ask about immigration status and do not share student information without appropriate legal justification.
CCPS does not inquire about the immigration status of students and their families. Additionally, CCPS will only release confidential student information/records to law enforcement authorities in accordance with state and federal laws.
All families should confirm their emergency contact information in ParentVUE. This will assist us in reaching the correct people on your behalf in any situation that may arise.
Important links and resources
Budget town halls continue through Feb. 10
Superintendent Dr. John Murray presented his proposed budget for FY 2026 on Jan. 23. Details are available on the school system’s website. The $969 million budget addresses essential needs to support student success and maintain high-quality education. There are several critical needs that are not included in the budget but will be evaluated if additional state funding becomes available.
Public education depends on public dollars, and student opportunities are directly related to the annual budget of Chesterfield County Public Schools. This CCPS in the Know video explains why it is vital for families to advocate for their children’s education during budget season:
Parents, staff members and community members are invited to get involved in budget town halls. Here are the remaining dates:
6:30 p.m. Feb. 5 at Tomahawk Creek Middle
6:30 p.m. Feb. 6 at Manchester Middle for Spanish speakers
6:30 p.m. Feb. 10 at Manchester High
Additionally, the School Board will hold budget work sessions at 4 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room:
Feb. 4
Feb. 11 (includes public hearings)
Feb. 19
For an easy-to-understand overview of school budgets, check out this video:
Dr. Lisa High named deputy superintendent
Dr. Lisa High has been named deputy superintendent for Chesterfield County Public Schools, effective Jan. 27. She will assume the role previously held by Dr. John Murray, who was recently appointed superintendent of Chesterfield County Public Schools. Read more on the school system’s website.
Registration for Chesterfield Virtual School opens Feb. 3
For families interested in an alternative to the traditional school setting, registration for the Chesterfield Virtual School opens Feb. 3 and continues through April 25. The virtual school is available for students in grades K-8 and abides by all Standards of Quality and accreditation requirements that apply to Chesterfield County Public Schools.
Interested families and students are invited to learn more at an open house 4-6 p.m. Feb. 13 at 10055 Courthouse Road.
The Chesterfield Virtual School offers gifted instruction, honors classes, special education and English as a second language, while after-school clubs offer additional connections for students.
Film series offers insight into drugs, anxiety and screen time
Chesterfield County Public Schools will host a free documentary film series for families and educators:
Feb. 4: “The New Drug Talk” about the dangers of drug use in the fentanyl era
Feb. 20: “Anxious Nation” about growing concerns of anxiety in children and adolescents
Feb. 25: “Screenagers: Elementary School Edition” about the impact of screen time
The CCPS Office of Family and Community Engagement organizes the FACE FWD film series. Tickets are free, but reservations are required for each film. The films will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Career and Technical Center @ Hull (13900 Hull Street Road). Additional details, including links to register for tickets, are
Closed Feb. 17
On Feb. 17, all schools and school offices will be closed for Presidents Day.
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 followed by Bellwood Elementary. It is best to access student calendars from the school division website. If you search for a calendar via Google, then an outdated version of the calendar may appear in the results.
Feb. 6 is advisory committee application deadline
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 more information, including meeting dates.
The Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee is seeking a Matoaca District representative to serve a partial term ending June 30, 2025. Apply at bit.ly/BdCom by Feb. 6 if you are interested and eligible.
The Gifted Education Advisory Committee is seeking a community representative to serve a partial term ending June 30, 2026. This representative can live in any magisterial district but must have a child who is participating or who has participated in the school system's gifted education program. Apply at bit.ly/BdCom by Feb. 6 if you are interested and eligible.
Providence Middle principal named VAASL Administrator of the Year
The Virginia Association of School Librarians bestowed its Administrator of the Year award on Providence Middle Principal M.J. Rodney. The annual award recognizes support for the development of an exemplary school library program as well as making an outstanding and sustained contribution to advancing the role of the school library program as an agency for the improvement of education.
Cameras to enforce speed limits in school zones
Chesterfield County is placing cameras in school zones to enforce speed limits, protect students and boost road safety. Cameras will be installed at multiple schools this winter to ensure drivers follow posted speed limits in active school zones. The cameras will enforce speed limits only while flashing warning lights are active during school hours. On school days, the warning lights are on for one hour in the morning as students arrive and one hour in the afternoon as students depart.
A spring 2023 study indicated that speeding is a significant issue in active school zones throughout Chesterfield County. For example, during five days at Reams Road Elementary, an average of 48 percent of drivers sped through the school zone in the morning and 50 percent sped through the school zone in the afternoon.
Automated speed cameras will first be installed outside these schools:
Beulah Elementary
Marguerite Christian Elementary
Cosby High
Ecoff Elementary
Grange Hall Elementary
Manchester Middle
Midlothian High
Moseley Elementary
Old Hundred Elementary
Reams Road Elementary
Swift Creek Elementary
Bettie Weaver Elementary
Woolridge Elementary
After the installation of each camera, a 30-day warning period will begin so drivers can adjust their behavior. During this time, violators will receive warnings instead of citations when their vehicles are documented going more than 10 mph over the posted speed limit in an active school zone. Speeding after the warning period will result in a $100 fine. This website offers the latest information.
A camera has been installed outside Moseley Elementary, and the 30-day warning period began on Monday, Jan. 13. Violations will begin being issued on Feb. 12, 2025.
A camera has been installed outside Cosby High School, and the 30-day warning period will begin on Feb. 10, 2025.
Teen Summit RVA open to high school students
Teen Summit RVA will take place 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Designed by students throughout the region, this year’s theme — Our Vision — highlights students’ desire to reach their aspirations and create a collective vision for the future. In addition to participating in engaging sessions and activities, teens will explore job opportunities and community resources at the InspireYouth@Work regional opportunities fair.
Students are aware of and need guidance for their ambitions and ideas for community collaboration. This year’s theme embodies this duality, reflecting each student’s personal dreams, strengths and uniqueness while celebrating the region's collective spirit and highlighting the power of unity and how shared vision can foster support, resources and opportunities for all.
Teen Summit RVA is free and open to all high school students. Participants must register in advance:
Chesterfield County high school students can pick up a permission form from their school’s front office and must return it by Feb. 7 to participate in Teen Summit RVA.
Students who have turned in their permission forms can register for sessions and experiences on Feb. 17.
Bus transportation to and from the event will be provided from four locations: Bird High, Thomas Dale High, Manchester High and Midlothian High.
Start the new year with Coffee & Conversation
Coffee & Conversation is an easy way to connect with experts offering advice on topics helpful to parents and caregivers. The free online gatherings take place 1-2 p.m. Register here for these upcoming sessions:
Jan. 29: Big Feelings! Emotional Regulation Ideas for Families
Feb. 5: Ten Things You Need to Know about IEPs
Feb. 12: Talking to Your Child About Healthy Relationships
Feb. 26: Building Bridges With Your IEP Team
Families invited to What’s Next Wednesdays to begin helping kids plan for life after high school
What’s Next Wednesdays is here to help families support middle and high school students as they make plans for life after high school. Led by Team Chesterfield member and ex-NFL pro Ken Oxendine, What’s Next Wednesdays tackles new topics with practical guidance for every step in the journey. Each free, online session can help with key decisions that can sometimes feel overwhelming for students and their families. Register at bit.ly/WNWccps for these 6 p.m. gatherings:
Feb. 12: Finding Scholarships and Financing Your Plan
Feb. 26: Is an HBCU for You?
March 19: Transitioning to Postsecondary Education With an IEP
Students can enter essay contest for Black History Month
Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan invites middle and high school students in Virginia’s 4th Congressional District to participate in an essay contest for Black History Month. Feb. 7 is the deadline to submit an essay to VA04_Projects@mail.house.gov. Complete information is available here.
Middle school prompt: Write an essay of 350-500 words about Lt. Col. Charity Adams Earley. Describe her journey to becoming an officer, including the challenges she faced as Black woman in the U.S. military, and reflect on the importance of her contributions to history and what we can learn from her life today.
High school prompt: Write an essay of 500-750 words about Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg and his legacy. Discuss the impact of having diverse voices and experiences in important spaces like the U.S. military and government on society. Consider how representation shapes identity, fosters inclusivity and contributes to a more equitable world.
Registration opens for free SAT prep session
Chesterfield County Public Schools regularly offers free sessions to help high school students prepare to take the SAT. Registration for the Feb. 24-27 SAT Academy is open through Feb. 19. While there is no cost for the academy, students must purchase this study guide from the store or online site of their choice: Princeton Review Digital SAT Premium Prep, 2025 (ISBN 9780593517529). More information is available on this webpage.
When to expect report cards at end of second nine weeks
The second nine weeks of this school year ended Dec. 20 for students at Bellwood Elementary and Jan. 15 for students at every other school. On Jan. 17 at Bellwood Elementary and on Jan. 31 at all other elementary, middle and high schools, printed report cards will be issued to students and digital report cards will be posted to ParentVUE.
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.
As a reminder, at the end of the fourth grading period, digital report cards will be posted to ParentVUE instead of being printed and mailed to homes. Parents who want a paper report card have the option of coming to school to have the report card printed out.
Nominations open for R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence
Nominate outstanding teachers for R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence! The program is accepting nominations through 5 p.m. Feb. 18. About 15 central Virginia teachers are selected each year to receive amazing grants up to $15,000 to support professional development. Award winners have earned graduate degrees, climbed mountains, traced their ancestors and met peers from around the world — all to continue their love for learning and to pass it on to their students. Details can be found on the foundation’s website. Answers to frequently asked questions are available here.
Learn about earning college credits while in high school
Parents and students are invited to learn about the advanced academic programming available in Chesterfield County high schools. A Jan. 30 virtual session is for rising 11th and 12th grade families, and a Feb. 10 virtual session is for rising ninth and 10th grade families.
Families of rising 11th and 12th graders: Are you interested in learning about college readiness, dual enrollment courses and opportunities to earn college credit in high school? Rising juniors and seniors and their families are invited to a virtual information session at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 30 to learn about opportunities students have to participate in rigorous courses and how these can benefit students in their college experience after high school. This free session will also be an opportunity to hear from Brightpoint Community College about dual enrollment courses. Use this link to register and submit questions in advance for the Jan. 30 session. A link to join the virtual meeting will be provided via email the afternoon of Jan. 30.
Families of rising ninth and 10th graders: Are you interested in learning about college readiness and opportunities to earn college credit while in high school? Rising freshmen and sophomores and their families are invited to a virtual information session at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 10 to learn about pathways of rigorous, college-level courses that count toward high school graduation while simultaneously earning college credit. This free session will also be an opportunity to hear from Brightpoint Community College. Use this link to register and submit questions in advance for the Feb. 10 session. A link to join the virtual meeting will be provided via email the afternoon of Feb. 10.
Students invited to create art to thank teachers
Each year, the Virginia Lottery encourages students to create art that expresses their gratitude for Virginia’s public school teachers. The winning artworks will be printed on thank you notes sent to educators beginning in April and through Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5-9). Three winners will be selected: one each from elementary, middle and high school levels. Winning students will receive a $200 gift card, and their schools will win $2,000 in art supplies. Feb. 3 is the deadline to enter, and submission details are provided here.