Chesterfield County Public Schools -

April 18 is a holiday for students and staff

Schools and school division offices are closed on Friday, April 18.

Reminder: Job fair for graduating seniors April 23

On Wednesday, 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. 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.

Next year’s school calendars (2025-26) updated to add four early-release days for students

In its regular April meeting, the School Board voted to adjust both the traditional and year-round calendars for next school year to increase professional learning opportunities for teachers. The 2025-26 calendar was updated to add four three-hour early release days for students. On these dates, teachers will participate in professional development for the remainder of the day after students are released.

• Friday, Sept. 19, 2025

• Friday, Nov. 14, 2025

• Friday, Feb. 6, 2026

• Friday, April 17, 2026

“Many public libraries include special items to check out for use,” said librarian Danielle Schafer. “I wanted to create a more dynamic collection and demonstrate to our students that a school library is more than just books.”

The Library of Things is but one way the Salem Church Middle School library emphasizes active learning. Students can also work on collaborative art projects, see a student-created “historical technology” exhibit that interprets ancient artifacts such as a cassette player, and watch a live wildlife cam featuring eagles from the National Parks.

Learn more about the exciting initiatives at the Salem Church school library.

Now enrolling students for the class of 2038!

If you or someone you know in Chesterfield County has a child that will be 5 by Sept. 30, it’s time to get them registered for kindergarten. Here are some quick tips before your little one makes the leap!

Your child’s school is based on your place of residence. Find out which school they’ll attend through Find My School. Some districts may have changed, so be sure to check the “2025-26” box at top.

You’ll need to have certain documents, including a birth certificate, immunization records, proof of residency and more. See what information and documents you’ll need.

To begin, preregister online through ParentVue.

After preregistration, the school will contact you to set up a school visit to complete the registration process.

Need something different from the traditional school setting? We also offer virtual options with Chesterfield Virtual School for K-8 students and CCPS Online for grades 9-12.

Learn more about registering for school and check out our resources to make sure your kids are kindergarten ready.

Going green at Bettie Weaver Elementary

A large group of students, teachers, parents and volunteers got a head start on Earth Day when they met April 13 at Bettie Weaver Elementary School to refurbish a large butterfly garden near the entrance.

The project received a $5,000 grant from the PTA to purchase plants and gardening equipment. Justin Woodruff, father of a Bettie Weaver Elementary student, provided the landscape design pro bono. Many members of the local community provided support for the landscaping project.

They focused on low-maintenance beautification with hardy native and nativar plants that didn’t require excessive watering, along with enhancing the aesthetic and emotional appeal of the setting. As an added bonus, plants were chosen that would offer nectar for pollinators, provide habitats and support local ecosystems.

Judging by the enthusiasm of the 50+ volunteers of all ages, everyone enjoyed digging in the dirt to spruce up the entrance to the school with a gorgeous new butterfly garden.

Learn more about this special project and see more photos.

CCPS in the Know: Vaccinations

Some vaccines are required by Virginia law for students in seventh grade and 12th grade in order to start school on time. This CCPS in the Know video explains the types of vaccines that Chesterfield students need to have and some resources for how to get them.

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. Do you have a question for CCPS in the Know? Ask it here. We’ll cover as many topics as we can.

Register now before summer camps fill up

Summer enrichment camps offered by Chesterfield County Public Schools still have space but are filling up. Camps are first come, first served, so once they’re full that’s it! Click the camp name to learn more and sign up:

• Drawing With Confidence: an immersive drawing program for students of all skill levels who will be in grades 9-12 in 2025-26

• Vibrant Visions: Unlocking the Power of Color: explores the science and psychology of color while developing an artistic voice through media such as oil pastels, watercolor and more for students who will be in grades 9-12 in 2025-26

• Camp EPIC: hands-on career experiences for students who will be in grades 5-8 in 2025-26

• Cultural Arts Camp: visual arts, music, STEAM, physical activity and world language for students who will be in grades 1-6 in 2025-26 

• World Language Camp: rotations through French, Spanish, German and Latin for students who will be in grades 2-6 in 2025-26

• Team SKILLS: a basketball camp teaching basketball skills, teamwork and life lessons for students who will be in grades 5-8 in 2025-26

• Immersion Language Camp: language immersion in German for students who will be in grades 1-6 in 2025-26
  

We’re hiring instructional assistants at April 29 event

Chesterfield County Public Schools is seeking caring, dedicated individuals to serve as instructional assistants. These vital team members will work closely with students with special needs to help them thrive.

Instructional assistants support special education teachers and students with Individualized Education Programs. Instructional assistants help with classroom duties, activities, implementing IEPs and more.

Job seekers can meet our recruitment team at a library this spring

Our recruitment and human resources teams will be at different Chesterfield County libraries to talk with you about working for CCPS. There will be opportunities to apply on the spot. Join us on any of these dates:

• Thursday, April 17, 3-6 p.m. - Bon Air Library (9103 Rattlesnake Road, North Chesterfield)

• Thursday, April 24,3-5:30 p.m. - Central Library (7051 Lucy Corr Boulevard, Chesterfield)

• Thursday, May 1, 4-6:30 p.m. - Midlothian Library (100 Millworks Crossing, Midlothian)

• Thursday, May 8, 3-6 p.m. - North Courthouse Road Library (325 Courthouse Road, North Chesterfield)

For questions, email careers@ccpsnet.net. See all positions: CCPS job listings and hiring events.

Return your unused medicine at Medication Take Back Day event

Is your cabinet filled with unused or expired medications? Dispose of them safely at the Medication Take Back Day event, hosted by the Chesterfield County Police Department. The event will be 10 a.m.-2p.m. Saturday, April 26, at Wegmans (12501 Stone Village Way, Midlothian, VA). No needles will be accepted.

These events help prevent drug abuse and protect the environment. Learn more about medication take-back programs.

Hall of Fame Highlights: Catherine “Kitty” Neale and Kathy Kitchen

In advance of our 2025 Hall of Fame gala, we are highlighting this year's remarkable honorees each week. Join us in honoring all of our inductees at the Hall of Fame Gala on May 1. Tickets are available now. 

Catherine “Kitty” Neale taught Spanish at Bird High School for 21 years, sharing a new language and new frontiers with thousands of Skyhawks. Described by colleagues and students as kindhearted, professional, tactful, supportive, realistic and fun, Kitty pushed students to achieve their best and was a role model for teaching and living.

Kathy Kitchen had the state’s sharpest budget mind during her career as well as the rare ability to make complex topics understandable. She left the Virginia Department of Education to join Chesterfield County Public Schools as assistant superintendent of business and finance 1997-2010. She led finance, transportation, food services, planning and new construction and served in 2006 as interim superintendent. A graduate of Thomas Dale High and a mentor to many, Kathy worked diligently behind the scenes while keeping students and school employees at the heart of her work.

The 2025 inductees include: Katherine Baugher, Bessie Cooper, Kathy Kitchen, Catherine “Kitty” Neale, Brad Peebles and Linda Wood. Learn more about all our honorees on our Hall of Fame page.

From Chesterfield County government: Happening in Chesterfield

Deadline to register for Chesterfield Virtual School, CCPS Online is April 25

CCPS offers two virtual options for Chesterfield County students, but the deadline to register for the 2025-26 school year is closing Friday, April 25.

• Chesterfield Virtual School offers K-8 instruction with licensed teachers following the format of other Chesterfield Schools. The virtual school operates like any other school, with student support services, PTA, after-school programs, student clubs, and more.

  
  

• CCPS Online offers courses for grades 9-12 taught online by licensed CCPS teachers and delivered through the Canvas learning management system. Students have opportunities to interact with their teacher and peers throughout the course, but do not follow a daily bell schedule.

  
  

These educational alternatives are available to all students living in Chesterfield County. The deadline to enroll for either is April 25.

VIDEO: Houses spark joy and grow school spirit

Schools throughout Chesterfield County have embraced the house system as a way to build strong relationships and encourage good choices. Houses have different names, different emblems and different colors — but they all create spaces where students connect across grade levels, achieve common goals and make happy memories. Houses support their students by encouraging them to do their best and celebrating their successes along the way. This video shows how houses spark joy and grow school spirit throughout Chesterfield County Public Schools.

Summer school registration open through May 28

Fill in learning gaps. Strengthen skills. Get ahead. Whatever the motivation, summer school can help make summer count! Registration is now open for the 2025 summer programs until May 28. 

Summer programs are available for students in all grade levels, with and without an individualized education program, who meet the criteria. 

Programs offered this summer include:

• School readiness for rising kindergartners

• Elementary school

• Middle school, including math bridge

• High school, including driver's education

• Test prep for SAT, SOLs and W!se

• Summer enrichment camps

Free Family Fun: Spring into Wellness May 1

Join us Thursday, May 1, for the Spring Into Wellness Fair! This free, fun-filled event provides something for the whole family. Enjoy an evening of inspiration, activities and resources to support your family’s health and well-being. 

Explore vendors and be inspired by keynote speakers including author Dr. John Hodge who is known for his powerful message of hope, equity, and empowerment in schools and communities. Dr. Hodge will offer timely insights on how adults can serve as intentional, positive forces in the lives of young people.