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 If you search for a calendar via Google, then an outdated version of the calendar may appear in the results.
Snow days and instructional time: How many days can we miss before the school schedule is impacted?
We can only miss one more day. As you may know, the Virginia Department of Education requires that schools fulfill a set number of instructional hours each school year. We have one day remaining that schools can be closed before we fall below the VDOE required number of instructional hours.
Unfortunately, the forecast is showing a chance for more winter weather next week. Here’s what will happen if we miss additional days of school this school year.
If we miss one more day: No schedule changes are necessary.
If a second day is missed: March 21 and May 29 will be made full school days. On the current calendar, both of those days are scheduled to be early dismissal days.
If a third day is missed: We will apply for a waiver from VDOE so we do not have to add days to the calendar. If the waiver is not approved, an additional school day, June 2, will be added to the school calendar.
If more than three days are missed: Additional days will be added to the school calendar as needed if a waiver is not approved by VDOE.
While our student calendar was built with a buffer to handle emergency closings, this winter brought more snow and ice than anticipated. School systems across Virginia set their own calendars and make decisions about emergency closings based on the conditions within their locality. Some have asked why CCPS has not incorporated asynchronous learning on days that we are closed for snow. As VDOE most recently reminded school divisions on Jan. 15, 2025, there are several VDOE requirements that must be in place to use asynchronous days. Those requirements, in part, include necessary utilities, such as power and internet, and meal services for students. In the case of this week’s weather event, those requirements could not be met due to power outages across the county.
Meadowbrook’s Monarch Market connects community and student entrepreneurs
From sweet treats and beef jerky to skin care and scented candles, Meadowbrook High School students from the Academy for Developing Entrepreneurs showcased their own products for sale at the inaugural Monarch Market. More than a display of entrepreneurial spirit, the Monarch Market showcased student ingenuity, problem-solving and community building.
Many of the products are created by the students themselves and require a great deal of research, which the students conduct through sites like YouTube, as well as trial and error. For many, it can take months of work to have a product that is suitable for sale.
To build a successful business, it not only takes a good idea — it takes money. Thanks to the Chesterfield Education Foundation, which provided $5,000 toward the Academy for Developing Entrepreneurs through an Innovation Grant, these young entrepreneurs were able to have access to funds to purchase specialized equipment or resources they may not have been able to afford on their own.
Check out our latest video with interviews at the Monarch Market and learn more about our student entrepreneurs on the specialty center's website.
Film series events offer insight into anxiety and screen time
Chesterfield County Public Schools will host a free documentary film series for families and educators:
Feb. 20: “Anxious Nation” about growing concerns of anxiety in children and adolescents: This documentary that focuses on the alarming rise of anxiety in today’s youth. The film explores the science behind anxiety and emphasizes the importance of compassionate care, reducing stigma, and providing evidence-based solutions. Following the screening will be a panel discussion with mental health support specialist Amanda Whitlow and parenting specialist Rachel Bailey. Attendees will also learn about local resources to support families in their journey toward mental wellness. Watch a trailer for the film.
Feb. 25: “Screenagers: Elementary School Edition” about the impact of screen time: This new film features compelling data and captivating stories that will resonate with anyone who cares about the well-being of young children. The film includes dialogue with incredible thought leaders including social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, author of the bestselling book, The Anxious Generation. The 55-minute documentary will be followed by a panel discussion including school staff and county agencies. Screenagers Elementary edition's target audience is parents and caregivers of children in grades K-6. Watch a trailer for the film
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
Update about proposed FY 2026 budget
The Chesterfield County School Board continues work on the proposed FY 2026 budget.
The board held town halls throughout the county and a budget public hearing Feb. 11. The board’s fourth and final work session on the budget will begin at 4 p.m. Feb. 19 in the Public Meeting Room (10001 Iron Bridge Road). The School Board is scheduled to vote on the budget during a special meeting at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 25 in the Public Meeting Room. The next step in the process sends the FY 2026 budget for Chesterfield County Public Schools to the Board of Supervisors and county administrator.
Details about the proposed budget are available on the school system’s website, including this easy-to-read overview of the $969 million budget.
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 to advocate for education during budget season:
Time is running out to nominate remarkable teachers for R.E.B. Awards
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.
You better bee-lieve she’s a great speller!
Congrats to Robious Middle eighth grader Harper C. for winning the Chesterfield County Public Schools spelling bee. The districtwide competition lasted 12 rounds. Harper’s winning word was “avuncular.” Runner-up was Aubrey B., a seventh grader at Carver Middle. Harper now moves on to the Feb. 27 regional spelling bee to compete against top spellers from 20+ other school systems.
It’s time to apply for scholarships for graduating seniors
Graduating seniors are invited to apply for a number of scholarships through the Chesterfield Education Foundation. Scholarships cover a variety of educational pursuits, achievements and criteria such as education and teaching, demonstration of leadership and theater production among many others. Students and families can view available scholarships and apply online through the Chesterfield Education Foundation website.
The foundation will accept scholarship applications through April 4. For questions, contact the foundation office at 804-639-8774. Additional regional scholarships can be found through the Community Foundation website.
March 4 event focuses on soon-to-be kindergartners
Do you have a little human making the big leap to kindergarten soon? It’s an exciting milestone — new friends, new routines and more. But beyond backpacks and lunchboxes, kindergarten also brings big changes in academics, social skills and independence.
Parents and caregivers are invited to learn how to support your soon-to-be kindergartner during an informative session 6-7 p.m. March 4 at Huguenot Road Baptist Church (10525 W. Huguenot Road). Register here for this free event.
Let’s get your little one set for kindergarten success! Representatives of Chesterfield County Public Schools, Chesterfield Prevention Services and Chesterfield Public Library will discuss skills that help kindergartners thrive and how to make their transition as smooth as possible.
Support Chesterfield Education Foundation: Dine & Donate at Raising Cane’s
Mark your calendar! On Thursday, Feb. 27, from 5-9 p.m., you can enjoy a delicious meal at Raising Cane’s while supporting the Chesterfield Education Foundation. 15% of all sales will be donated to help fund impactful programs for CCPS students and educators.
Visit any of the three participating locations:
Chester – 12721 Route 1
Midlothian – 1321 Huguenot Road
Midlothian – 6921 Lake Harbor Drive
How to Participate:
Mention the Chesterfield Education Foundation at checkout, or
Use code RCFUND96 when ordering online or in the Raising Cane’s app
Apply by Feb. 26: Team Chesterfield is hiring educators in 11 critical-needs subject areas
Shape the future with Team Chesterfield! If you're a passionate educator in one of 11 critical-needs subject areas, then apply before 11:59 p.m. Feb. 26 for a chance to interview during our March 1 virtual hiring event.
Biology
Chemistry
Earth and space science
Elementary education
English
English as a second language
Language arts
Math
Middle school science
Reading specialists
Special education
The human resources team will review applications and invite qualified candidates to a virtual interview on March 1 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Email careers@ccpsnet.net if you have questions. Learn more about Chesterfield County Public Schools at oneccps.org.
Immunization info for families for 2025-26 school year
The Virginia Department of Health has updated its website with important information for families of rising kindergartners, rising seventh graders and rising 12th graders. These links take you directly to the information you need to make sure your student is prepared for the 2025-26 school year:
Just $5 to attend UR men’s basketball games
The University of Richmond is offering deeply discounted tickets to men’s basketball games. Click the links to buy $5 tickets:
Celebrating Black History Month
February is Black History Month. Chesterfield County and Virginia State University offer a variety of programs throughout the month that include movies, theater, music, historical reenactments, crafts and books. Details are available here.
CCPSOnline registration is open for summer and 2025-26 school year
Students in grades 9-12 can register for CCPSOnline classes from now through April 25. With learning available 24/7 in a no-bells, no-limits virtual environment, the flexibility of CCPSOnline classes can help high school students create the schedule they want.
Act now to take advantage of this Chesterfield County Public Schools opportunity:
CCPSOnline registration for summer 2025 and for the 2025-26 school year opened Feb. 3 and ends at 5 p.m. April 25.
Students and parents are invited to a virtual info session about CCPSOnline at 6:30 p.m. March 4. There’s no need to register in advance, just click this link to join the discussion. Also, students can talk to their school counselor about how CCPSOnline may fit into their schedule.
about CCPSOnline.
Steps you can take to fight germs and prevent illness
Several illnesses are making the rounds, so the CCPS Office of Student Health Services offers these reminders fighting germs and staying healthy:
Hand washing prevents the spread of disease and illness. Wash hands frequently using soap and water, especially before eating, after using the bathroom and handling pets.
Be sure your child’s immunizations and routine well-child exams are up to date.
Teach your child to do the following when ill:
Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and throw the tissue in the trash.
Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing.
Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth as that can spread germs.
Students who are sick should remain home until they are fever-free for a full 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and other symptoms have improved so they are feeling well enough to participate in school activities. Additional sick day guidelines are available here.
Registration open for Chesterfield Virtual School
For families interested in an alternative to the traditional school setting, registration for the Chesterfield Virtual School opened 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.
Take time to be part of 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:
Feb. 26: Building Bridges With Your IEP Team
March 5: Let’s Get Kindergarten Ready
March 12: Raising Children With Health Self-Esteem in a High-Pressure CUlture
March 26: Transitioning to Middle School
April 16: Empowering Connections: Understanding Autism and Community Support
What’s Next Wednesdays is for families with students in grades 6-12
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. 26: Is an HBCU for You?
March 19: Transitioning to Postsecondary Education With an IEP
March 26: How to Get Ahead of the Process: College Visits and Application Prep
April 16: Choosing the Right Fit: Weighing College Options