Chesterfield County Public Schools -

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 5-9

Let’s celebrate our teachers! Teacher Appreciation Week is May 5-9 and is a time for us to recognize the important role teachers play in our lives. Not only are they educators, they are mentors, coaches, supporters and friends. Each day, they spark curiosity, kindle creativity and brighten the future for each and every student.

This week, take a moment to thank a Chesterfield County teacher for all that they do. Whether you see them in person or share it with a principal, let our teachers know you care.

Thank you to our school lunch heroes!

Today, May 2, is National School Lunch Hero Day. While they may not wear capes, CCPS food service workers take on the superhero task of serving 9 million meals to more than 64,000 Chesterfield County students each year. Not only are they serving the meals, they are preparing them with care and planning every breakfast and lunch to ensure our students have the nutrients they need to be their best. On top of all of this, they do fun activities for their schools and earn awards!

• Rowan Milton-Benoit, team captain

• Kennedy Coffin and Emily Acuto, who won first place in the category of serious duo interpretation

• Millie Cooke, who won first place in the storytelling category 

• Luke Baker

• Molly Gorman

• Leah Wood

• Kate Wayne

• Raymond Vickery

• August Peterson

• Kendal Steussy

• Matthew Gosselin

Additionally, five of the Rapids’ team members are heading to Iowa this June to compete at the National Speech & Debate Association National Tournament.

Meadowbrook High student recognized as Student Entrepreneur of the Year

Meadowbrook High student Chandler Randolph was named Student Entrepreneur of the Year by the Richmond chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners. A junior in the Academy for Developing Entrepreneurs, Chandler launched an all-natural scalp care business called Crown Beauty and ran it successfully in her ninth and 10th grade years. 

This year, she worked as junior manager of the Monarch Market, a new student-based enterprise offering Meadowbrook High spirit items. 

This is the second year in a row that a student from the Academy for Developing Entrepreneurs has been honored as the Student Entrepreneur of the Year.

CTC students commit to careers on signing day

On April 23, nearly 50 seniors from the Chesterfield County Public Schools Career and Technical Centers gathered at CTC@Hull to put their names on the dotted line to signify the start of their new careers.

In a ceremony similar to a professional sports draft, students accompanied by a company representative signed a commitment paper to begin careers in nursing, electrical, emergency medicine, early childhood education, dentistry, automotive technology, the military and more. 

Many students that signed were required to have work experience hours for their coursework and they gained that time with industry partners in the Chesterfield area. These seniors had the opportunity to build relationships and forge a strong pathway toward a paying job in their chosen field immediately following graduation. 

Congratulations to all the Chesterfield County seniors who signed, and best of luck in your careers!

See more photos of the signing day event here.

Ahoy! Swift Creek elementary crafts cruisin’ centerpieces for county senior prom

Each year, Chesterfield adults over the age of 50 gather for a prom night, hosted by Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation and Aging and Disability Resources, to dress up, dine and and dance the night away. This year’s prom theme was “Captain’s Night” complete with a nautical motif.

CCPS Hall of Fame receives six new inductees at May 1 event

The 2025 CCPS Hall of Fame gala was held May 1 to celebrate and recognize this year’s inductees. Click their names below to watch a special video, highlighting each of their outstanding contributions.

• 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

Nominations are now open for 2026 inductees into the Hall of Fame. Former employees and volunteers can be nominated via this form before Aug. 31. The form details who is eligible for Hall of Fame nomination.

Learn more about all of our Hall of Fame honorees.

CCPS in the Know: Advisory Committees

CCPS has seven volunteer-driven advisory committees to the School Board that meet throughout the year to help Chesterfield County Public Schools achieve its vision of creating a better tomorrow. Watch this episode of CCPS in the Know to learn more about how these important committees work.

This Week: What’s Next Wednesdays gives tips to keep cool during the college process

What’s Next Wednesdays is here to help families support middle and high school students as they make plans for life after high school.

Join us online at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, for a discussion about keeping cool during the often hectic process of applying and preparing for the transition to college, and how to support your young adult from a social-emotional perspective to set them up for success while maintaining your own sanity. Register here for this free event.

Kindergarten families can get prepared with “Let’s Get K Ready” newsletter

Are you the parent or guardian of a rising kindergartner in Chesterfield County Public Schools? Head into the 2025 school year with resources and tips so you and your little one(s) are ready for their very first day.

“Let’s Get K Ready” is a regular e-newsletter sent by our Office of Family and Community Engagement that shares a variety of topics, resources and community events to give your kindergartners the best start possible. All parents or guardians who have registered incoming kindergartners are automatically subscribed as a free service.

Check out previous issues of “Lets Get K Ready” and sign up today. You can learn more about kindergarten readiness at our website.

Drive the school bus! CCPS hiring drivers at May 14 event

Want a full-time job with optional summers off or maybe part-time work with a flexible schedule? Become a bus driver for Chesterfield County Public Schools! Join us at our hiring event Wednesday, May 14, from 4:30-6 p.m. at Robious Middle School (2701 Robious Crossing Dr., Midlothian). 

• No experience needed. 

• Get paid while you train for your CDL. 

• Starting pay is $23.68/hour or higher with experience. 

Learn more and register to attend.

Want to become a teacher or know someone who does? Join us May 6 and 7 to learn how

If you or someone you know is passionate about education, has a bachelor’s degree, and wants to explore pathways to becoming a licensed teacher – iteach can help. Chesterfield County Public Schools is organizing two information sessions that are free to attend:

• In-person session - Tuesday, May 6, from 5-6 p.m. at Swift Creek Middle (3700 Old Hundred Road Midlothian, VA)

• Virtual session - Wednesday, May 7, from 4-5 p.m. through Google meet.

Application deadline extended to May 4! STEM scholarships available for graduating seniors

Topsoe, a company focused on carbon emission reduction technologies, will award five $10,000 one-year scholarships to high school seniors from Chesterfield County high schools who are planning to pursue a major in a STEM-related field.