Families Of Students In Grades 3-8: Check Parentvue For A Letter About Tutoring Support
A letter is now available in ParentVUE for students in grades 3-8 who qualify for additional tutoring. Please log into ParentVUE to learn if your child meets the criteria to receive additional support and next steps. This initiative is specific to math and/or reading for students in grades 3-8. Families will receive a separate letter in ParentVUE for each student in these grades who qualifies for additional tutoring. Please note that a letter will only be present for students who qualify for additional tutoring. If your student does not qualify, no letter will be present in ParentVUE.
In September 2023, the Virginia Department of Education released an ALL In initiative to partner with parents of students in grades 3-8 in the areas of tutoring, literacy and attendance. Based on guidance standards set forth by VDOE, test scores were used to determine whether students could benefit from additional tutoring support:
- For students currently in third grade, the fall 2023 Virginia Growth Assessment was used.
- For students in grades 4-8, the spring 2023 Standards of Learning test was used.
VDOE parent resources for the All In initiative can be viewed at doe.virginia.gov/teaching-learning-assessment/all-in-tutoring. Use the mobile ParentVUE app or click here to log into the ParentVUE web platform to see if your child qualifies for more tutoring, and respond if necessary by Friday, Nov. 10. If you have trouble accessing ParentVUE, please contact your school.
In The Running For Exciting Awards #
Congratulations to our outstanding teachers who are among this year’s finalists for the R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence:
- Mary Elise Chonko of CTC@Hull
- Kristen Hepburn of Greenfield Elementary
- Lily Hungarland of Carver Middle
- Kellilyn Jones of Clover Hill High
- Sherry Nyquist of Wells Elementary
- Danielle Rioux of Reams Road Elementary
- Peter Schumacher of James River High
- Kristin Thrower of Meadowbrook High
- Ramon Zabala of Matoaca High
These nine educators from Chesterfield County Public Schools and 22 educators from three other central Virginia school systems demonstrate a sincere passion for teaching while also serving as mentors, coaches and champions for their students. Selected from nominations submitted by students, parents and colleagues, this year’s finalists are in the running to receive cash grants to continue their own love of learning as they pursue adventures of a lifetime. Winners of the R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence will be announced soon.
Showing Up Ready To Learn At Crestwood Elementary
Crestwood Elementary students are showing up ready to learn! In Grace Merrill’s class, first graders showed the migration of monarch butterflies with an illustration and a poem using word wall words.
A Special Trunk-or-treat #
Curtis Elementary welcomed students in special education to a sensory friendly trunk-or-treat. The event included games, pumpkin decorating and lots of smiles as families enjoyed time outside of school with teachers and school staff members.
Nov. 18: Career And Technical Center Open Houses #
Both campuses of the Chesterfield Career and Technical Center invite families to Nov. 18 open houses to learn about the 30+ programs available to high school students. November is College and Career Readiness Month, so it’s a great time to see how career and technical education can help students jump-start their careers. Families can learn more at the school website and by dropping in during the open houses:
- Career and Technical Center@Courthouse will have an open house 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 18.
- Career and Technical Center@Hull will have an open house noon-2 p.m. Nov. 18.
Here Are Next Week’s Specialty Center Open Houses #
Specialty centers and regional schools are among high school options for Chesterfield County students. Eighth graders and their families are invited to next week’s open houses:
- Nov. 8 for Spanish Immersion
- Nov. 9 for Mass Communications
After-school Meals Offered
Chesterfield County Public Schools is offering free afternoon snacks and supper at more than 30 schools for students in after-school activities. Participating schools are located in areas where 50% of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals. This webpage provides details about schools offering after-school meals.
Opportunity For Parents Of Children With Autism
As part of a research study, VCU invites parents of children with autism (ages 5-11) to a free training that is designed to increase their participation in community activities. This site offers details and a registration link.
Safe Water Initiative Includes Water Testing
As part of our efforts to provide a safe and secure environment for students and staff, CCPS works in partnership with Chesterfield County Government to test drinking water throughout the school division.
Schools where testing will occur this year may be found on the school division’s website: On the Health and Wellness page, scroll down to Safe Water Initiative and click on the tab School year 2023-24 (schools built after 1987).
In 2020, the Virginia General Assembly enacted new legislation regarding testing for drinking water in schools. The legislation requires school boards to develop and implement a program to test for lead in drinking water.
The Chesterfield County Risk Management’s Environmental Health Safety Office, in partnership with the Chesterfield County Public Schools Facilities Department, has developed a plan that provides guidance to meet these requirements. A triennial testing program has been developed for all school buildings, with prioritization of facilities built before 1986. Each school will be tested every three years. For more information, visit the school division website.
Wanted: High School Divers
In 2022-23 — for the first time ever — divers were part of Chesterfield County Public Schools swim teams competing in the Virginia High School League. This school year, the diving program is working to expand so that more students are diving as part of their high school swim teams. Starting in early November, divers will have the opportunity to train together at the state-of-the-art DiveRVA dry gym and at St. Catherine’s pool. To learn more about the diving program, students can fill out this interest form or contact dive coach Mason Laine at divechesterfield@gmail.com.
Accessible Community Event Set For Nov. 19
The Virginia Friendship Circle is organizing its third annual Walk N Roll and Friendship Fair 1-3 p.m. Nov. 19 at Fountain Lake in Byrd Park. Everyone is invited to walk, run or roll along the 1-mile course, then enjoy inflatables, face painting and more. Register here for the free event. This flyer provides all the details.
Seeking Feedback On Esser Funding
Chesterfield County Public Schools seeks feedback on its use of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief fund. Please click here to submit comments or ideas.
K-12 Families Invited To Steam Event On Nov. 4
Explosions, ice cream, robots, experiments and prizes: Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead offers all that and more! Students in the Leadership and International Relations Specialty Center invite K-12 families to explore STEAM during this free, fun event. There are two parts to this hands-on opportunity Nov. 4 at James River High (3700 James River Road):
- STEAM fair for grades K-12 runs 1-6:45 p.m.
- Stargazing event for grades 6-12 runs 7:15-9:30 p.m.
This flyer offers details (including how to register) about the event focused on science, technology, engineering, art and math. An adult must accompany students in grades K-8; students in grades 9-12 must show identification.