Don’t forget: March 31 is a holiday for staff and students; spring break is April 1-4
In February, the School Board confirmed that Monday, March 31, is a holiday for students and staff who follow the traditional and year-round school calendars. This date had previously been marked with an asterisk and a note that the holiday would be reviewed and adjusted if necessary.
And of course, spring break is April 1-4. Enjoy the time off!
New emergency telecommunications program for students announced
Career and technical education opportunities are growing for students in Chesterfield County Public Schools. The school system and the Chesterfield County Emergency Communications Center have signed an agreement to bring an innovative emergency telecommunications program to CCPS students. This collaboration will create a career pathway for students pursuing futures as 911 dispatchers with Chesterfield County and will help to fill a critical workforce need in a high-demand profession.
The program will be available to eligible seniors who will be 18 or older by June 1 at the end of their 12th grade year. Up to 20 students will be accepted into the cohort, where they will be taught by a certified ECC Academy instructor.
For more details, see the full news release on our website.
Midlothian High honors Women’s History Month with donation drive
For Women’s History Month this March, Midlothian High students answered the call to donate food, personal items and household goods for Safe Harbor, which is a safe place for families who have experienced domestic or sexual violence to stay during times of transition, as well as advocates for people experiencing violence or abuse.
The three-week drive was organized by the school’s Women’s Empowerment Club, which makes active efforts to support women in central Virginia as well as provide fellowship and learning experiences.
“We chose Safe Harbor because they help people holistically, not just materially,” said sophomore and club co-president Keira W. “Their approach aligns with our group’s mission to create a safe and supportive environment for everyone.”
With the drive’s conclusion Thursday, March 20, the club gathered to craft hand-written cards with messages of support, encouragement and celebration to accompany a full cart of donations.
See the full story on our website.
Job fair for graduating seniors scheduled for April 23
On April 23, Chesterfield County Public Schools will host its fourth annual student job fair for graduating seniors. More than 75 employers will offer short- or long-term jobs with the opportunity for students to interview and get hired on the spot. Jobs will be on offer from global companies, local businesses and every size organization in between.
Chesterfield County high school seniors can register here for the job fair. Registering as soon as possible is a good idea, because registered students will receive valuable interviewing and resume resources. The job fair takes place 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, at CTC@Hull, 13900 Hull Street Road.
The job fair supports graduating seniors transitioning from high school to the workforce. It’s a chance to network, explore potential career paths and meet employers eager to hire the next generation. With employers from many different sectors, students will have access to a variety of job opportunities and the chance to make meaningful connections that will help them start their careers.
Student artists invited to submit work for Congressional Art Competition
The 2025 Congressional Art Competition is now open to all high school students. This nationwide competition offers young artists the opportunity to showcase their talent, with the winning artwork displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol.
Student entries may include paintings, drawings, collages, prints, mixed media, computer-generated art, and photography. All artwork must be original in concept, design and execution, and must not violate U.S. copyright laws.
The deadline for submissions is Monday, April 28. Students must submit work through their congressperson’s office.
Unsure of who your representative is? Use the Find My Representative tool.
Winter guard and drumline bring the heat at March gathering
Do you know about winter guard? It is a vivid, energized competition that brings color guard choreography and music indoors during the cold part of the year.
In early March, more than 50 winter guard teams and indoor drumlines competed in the James River High gymnasium. They traveled from throughout Virginia and North Carolina to be part of a full day of powerful presentations. Performances — ranging from novice to world class level — took place every eight minutes from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Hosting the winter guard and percussion event were the indoor ensembles of James River High, Robious Middle and Greenfield Elementary and the indoor drumline of James River High. Those three schools form a feeder pattern, so winter guard participants can advance throughout their years in Chesterfield County Public Schools.
VIDEO: Rapid Relief at James River High School
James River High students in culinary classes taught by Thomas Sears learn about community connections as well as cooking basics. As they grow confident in the kitchen, students use their cooking skills to create hearty soups that are provided to James River High families in need with extra portions donated to RVA Community Fridges. This video shows how cooking classes are helping eliminate hunger.
Deadlines to register for spring SOL prep sessions approaching
Chesterfield County Public Schools offers free support for students who passed a class but have not yet passed the corresponding test. Deadlines are approaching for our spring sessions.
The Seniors-only SOL Academy will take place 3:40-5:30 p.m. April 7-10 at Bird High and cover the subjects of math, science, social studies, reading (English 11), writing (English 10) and W!SE. The deadline to register for this session is April 2. Register for the Seniors-only SOL Academy.
Additionally, six subject-based test prep sessions will take place 3:40-5:30 p.m. April 14-24 (Mondays through Thursdays) at Bird High. The deadline to register for these six sessions is April 9.
Register through the links below:
Learn more about the SOL/W!se Academies. Registration for the summer sessions will open April 7.
Make a difference: Volunteer in Chesterfield schools this April
This April, Communities in Schools Chesterfield is hosting a month full of volunteer opportunities at 15 schools across the county. There are a number of exciting events and activities taking place and volunteers are needed to help make them a success. This is a great chance to show up for students, encourage their growth and take an active part in a community that believes in their potential.
Volunteer shifts will be available at these Chesterfield County Public Schools starting April 11:
Elementary: Bellwood, Bensley, Chalkley, Ettrick, Falling Creek, Harrowgate, Hening and Marguerite Christian
Middle Schools: Carver, Falling Creek, Manchester and Salem Church
High Schools: Carver Academy, LC Bird and Meadowbrook
See all the opportunities and register to volunteer here.
Summer school registration opens April 7
Fill in learning gaps. Strengthen skills. Get ahead. Whatever the motivation, summer school can help make summer count! Summer programs are available for students in all grade levels, with and without an individualized education program, who meet the criteria. Mark your calendars – registration for our summer school opens Monday, April 7, through May 28.
Kinship Resource Fair providing family strategies April 9
Join us for the Kinship Resource Fair Wednesday, April 9, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Meadowdale Library (4301 Meadowdale Blvd, North Chesterfield, VA). This free event is for grandparents or other relatives raising a child. The theme is “Parenting Strategies for 2025.”
In addition to Chesterfield County Public Schools, representatives from these Chesterfield County divisions will be present:
Social Services (Financial Assistance and Child Care)
No registration is required. For questions, contact agingresources@chesterfield.gov or call 804-768-7878.
High school theaters to offer Shakespeare, Shrek and so much more this spring
Theater students in Chesterfield high schools are hard at work on their spring productions, which are open to the community:
Cosby High: “Puffs” at 7 p.m. April 10-12
Manchester High: “Something Rotten” at 7 p.m. April 24-26
Clover Hill High: “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (School Edition)” at 7 p.m. April 24-26
James River High: “Much Ado About Nothing” at 7 p.m. April 24-26 and 2 p.m. April 26
Midlothian High: “Carrie the Musical” at 7 p.m. April 24-26 (contains content unsuitable for children under the age of 13; viewer discretion advised)
Monacan High: “The Addams Family Musical” at 7 p.m. May 1-3 and 2 p.m. May 3
Meadowbrook High: “Shrek the Musical Jr.” at 7 p.m. May 2-3
Whether you're a longtime theater lover or simply looking for a fun way to spend an evening, these performances promise to entertain, inspire and showcase talented students in Chesterfield County Public Schools. There is usually a cost to attend performances. Contact the school if you need more information.
Don’t miss it! Scholarship applications for graduating seniors are due April 4
There’s only two weeks left 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 Friday, April 4. For questions, contact the foundation office at 804-639-8774. Additional regional scholarships can be found through the Community Foundation website.
In the Know: Summer camps and programs
When the school year ends, summer opportunities begin. Chesterfield County Public Schools has summer classes and camps for all grade levels. Explore your summer possibilities by watching this video, then visit our Summer Programs page for all the details.
This video is part of a series created by Chesterfield County Public Schools to give quick-but-helpful insights into central Virginia’s largest school system. Watch every CCPS in the Know in this playlist, with captions in English and in Spanish. If you have a question that you’d like answered via CCPS in the Know, then ask it here. We’ll cover as many topics as we can.
Update: 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 are being installed at multiple schools to ensure drivers follow posted speed limits in active school zones.
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.
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.
Automated speed cameras have been installed outside these schools:
Beulah Elementary: The 30-day warning period begins on March 24; violations will be issued beginning April 24.
Cosby High: The 30-day warning period has ended and violations are being issued.
Ecoff Elementary: The 30-day warning period began on March 3; violations will be issued beginning April 7.
Midlothian High: The 30-day warning period begins on March 24; violations will be issued beginning April 24.
Moseley Elementary: The 30-day warning period has ended and violations are being issued.
Old Hundred Elementary: The 30-day warning period begins on March 24; violations will be issued beginning April 24.
Reams Road Elementary: The 30-day warning period began on Feb. 24; violations will be issued beginning March 27.
Swift Creek Elementary: The 30-day warning period began on Feb. 24; violations will be issued beginning March 27.
Additionally, cameras are planned in the coming weeks in these school zones:
Marguerite Christian Elementary
Grange Hall Elementary
Manchester Middle
Bettie Weaver Elementary
Woolridge Elementary
Learn more about the cameras and traffic safety on the County's website.
Meet the new Champion Card!
The Super Senior Passport is expanding to become the Champion Card.
What’s the same: Senior residents of Chesterfield County continue to be eligible. Retirees of Chesterfield County Public Schools continue to be eligible. The new card is still free and still offers free admission to some activities at schools.
What’s different: Dedicated school partners and volunteers are now eligible. The new card will feature a photo of the cardholder. Champion Card holders will regularly receive information about school opportunities and may be invited to special events.
Here's how to apply for a Champion Card:
If you currently have a Super Senior Passport, then you are encouraged to replace it with a Champion Card. You can do that at one of the sign-up sessions listed here.
If you are eligible but do not currently have a Super Senior Passport or a Champion Card, then you are invited to stop by one of the sign-up sessions listed here.
Senior residents, CCPS retirees and school partners can apply for a temporary Champion Card by filling out the online form. The temporary card will work for a limited time, so you will need to stop by a sign-up session to get your permanent card.
April 3 is deadline to apply for opening on Environmental Stewardship Advisory Committee
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. Visit the Advisory Committee page for more information, including meeting dates.
Currently, the Environmental Stewardship Advisory Committee needs a Bermuda District representative to serve a partial term ending June 30, 2026. Apply online through our website by April 3 if you are interested and eligible.
Deadline extended! Nominate a notable alum for a BRAVO award
Do you know a graduate who has excelled in their profession and made a difference? It’s time to say BRAVO! The Chesterfield Education Foundation has extended the deadline for nominations for their BRAVO Awards until April 11.
These annual awards recognize and celebrate outstanding alums who have benefited from the quality education that Chesterfield County Public Schools provide. Make your nomination here. For questions, contact info@cefva.org.
Reserve your tickets for the Hall of Fame celebration
Tickets for this year’s Hall of Fame gala are now on sale through the Chesterfield Education Foundation. Reserve your seat now for 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
The Hall of Fame is a partnership between the school system and the Chesterfield Education Foundation to recognize retirees and volunteers who made a significant difference in Chesterfield County schools. Learn more and see some of the remarkable inductees from previous years.