Where are we with snow days?
While our student calendar was built with a buffer to handle emergency closings, this winter brought more snow and ice than anticipated. Here is information about snow days and instructional time for schools:
March 21 and May 29 will now be full school days for students instead of early dismissal days.
Because schools opened on a 2-hour delay on Friday, Feb. 21: We will apply for a waiver from VDOE so we do not have to make additional changes to the calendar. If the waiver is not approved, May 30 (the day currently scheduled as the last day of school) will be made a full school day. On the current calendar, that day is scheduled to be an early dismissal day.
If further days are missed: Additional days will be added to the school calendar and/or additional minutes will be added to the school day schedule as needed if a waiver is not approved by VDOE.
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 the Virginia Department of Education recently reminded school divisions, several VDOE requirements must be met to use asynchronous days. Those requirements, in part, include necessary utilities, such as power and internet, and meal services for students.
Additionally, when schools are closed during a state of emergency, the state of emergency offers support for a waiver request but it does not automatically mean that the time missed does not have to be made up.
Update about School Board meeting and budget
The Feb. 19 School Board meeting was canceled because of bad weather (after previously being delayed from Feb. 11, also because of bad weather). The work session, business meeting and public hearings on the superintendent's proposed fiscal year 2026 financial plan and the proposed capital improvement plan have been rescheduled to Feb. 25, beginning at 3 p.m. A special meeting will be held on Feb. 27 at 4 p.m. to vote on approval of the fiscal year 2026 financial plan and the proposed capital improvement plan. Meetings will be held in the Public Meeting Room (10001 Iron Bridge Road).
CCPS in the Know video: How and why to become a school volunteer
You’re invited to become a school volunteer. There are few volunteer opportunities that come with the warm fuzzies and big impact that volunteers experience in schools. Watch this CCPS in the Know video for a quick overview, then head to oneccps.org/volunteer to connect with Chesterfield schools.
This video is part of a series that Chesterfield County Public Schools launched in the fall of 2024. CCPS in the Know videos to give quick-but-helpful insights into central Virginia’s largest school system. You can see all of the videos via this playlist, with captions available in English and in Spanish. If you have a question that you’d like answered, then ask it here. We’ll cover as many topics as we can.
Jeffery Jones honored for his kindness
The entire Greenfield Elementary School community knows how kind Jeffery Jones is, so he was the only one surprised to learn that he had been chosen as a Virginia Kindness Ambassador. Students and staff members gathered on Valentine's Day for a special announcement from the Virginia Department of Education in honor of one of Greenfield Elementary’s favorite people. Since joining Greenfield Elementary as a custodian day porter in 2022, Jones has made a big impression and an even bigger difference in the school community. Read more here, including why the school nominated him as a Virginia Kindness Ambassador.
Davis Elementary class gets glowing
A hundred days of learning is definitely something to celebrate, so that’s what Davis Elementary teacher Brittany Evans arranged for her students on the 100th day of school. Watch this video to see how education really glows in her first grade classroom.
Deadline extended for nominating R.E.B.-worthy teachers
Extra days are now available for nominating outstanding teachers for R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence! The new deadline is 5 p.m. Feb. 25, so act now to nominate great teachers within Chesterfield County Public Schools. 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.
Hall of Fame tickets are now on sale
Tickets for this year’s Hall of Fame gala are now on sale through the Chesterfield Education Foundation. Visit bit.ly/25fame to reserve your seat at the May 1 celebration of these outstanding educators:
Katherine Baugher, theater teacher at Midlothian High
Bessie Cooper, principal of Bensley Elementary
Kathy Kitchen, assistant superintendent of business and finance
Catherine “Kitty” Neale, Spanish teacher at Bird High
Brad Peebles, who began as a biology teacher and rose to become principal of the Juvenile Detention Center
Linda Wood, who began as a fourth grade teacher, became principal of Harrowgate Elementary and retired as director of elementary education
A partnership between the school system and the Chesterfield Education Foundation, the hall recognizes retirees and volunteers who made a significant difference in Chesterfield County schools. This webpage provides information about the remarkable people previously inducted.
FACE FWD film series presents documentary on screen time for elementary students
A Tuesday, Feb. 25 showing of “Screenagers: Elementary School Edition” will explore the impact of screen time with 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.” A panel discussion including school staff and county agencies will follow. The target audience for this event is parents and caregivers of children in grades K-6. The film begins at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Career and Technical Center @ Hull (13900 Hull Street Road). While free, attendees must register in advance. Learn more and register to attend. The FACE FWD film series is hosted by the CCPS Office of Family and Community Engagement.
Chesterfield Virtual School hosting online info session Feb. 27
Do you want to learn more about Chesterfield’s unique K-8 virtual school experience? Parents and prospective students are invited to an online information session at 7 p.m. Feb. 27 to meet the principal, teachers, counselors and more from the Chesterfield Virtual School to see if it’s the right fit. Sign up to attend and receive a meeting link.
Registration for the 2025-26 school year is open for the Chesterfield Virtual School through April 25. For questions about enrollment or the school, email cvs@ccpsnet.net.
Benefit from online learning. Chesterfield Virtual School is a great fit for students who are self-sufficient and self-driven, offering them the opportunity to learn with students from all over the county.
Regular schedules and programs. School days begin with morning meetings, and teachers cover core academic subjects before school dismisses in the afternoon. After-school clubs offer additional in-person and online connections.
Just like other Chesterfield schools. Student schedules follow the K-5 and 6-8 formats in Chesterfield schools. The school operates like any other school in Chesterfield, with student support services, PTA, after-school programs, student clubs and more.
Discounted tickets to UR men’s basketball games
The University of Richmond is offering deeply discounted tickets to men’s basketball games. Click the links to buy tickets:
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
To help support, mention the Chesterfield Education Foundation at checkout when ordering in person, or use code RCFUND96 when ordering online or in the Raising Cane’s app.
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.
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:
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.
The website offers details 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.
Coffee & Conversation on Feb. 26 focuses on IEPs
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