Patricia Zoldork named 2025 CCPS Nurse of the Year
Each year during National Nurses Week, Chesterfield County Public Schools honors a School Nurse of the Year in recognition of all that school nurses do to keep students safe, healthy and ready to learn.
Patricia Zoldork of Manchester Middle is the 2025 CCPS Nurse of the Year. “Nurse Z” has worked in nursing for 34 years, with nine of those years as a school nurse and says, “My philosophy of school nursing is simple. Take care of everyone to the best of your ability, helping to maintain physical and mental health.”
In her nomination for CCPS Nurse of the Year, Manchester Middle Principal Toni Kilpatrick wrote, “It is with great enthusiasm that I nominate Ms. Zoldork, our exceptional school nurse, for Nurse of the Year. While she skillfully manages the everyday responsibilities of school nursing — caring for sick students, administering medications, and handling medical emergencies — her impact extends far beyond the clinic. She is a true champion for the health and well-being of every single person in our building, ensuring that Manchester Middle is a safe, informed, and proactive community when it comes to health. Ms. Zoldork is not just our school nurse — she is a leader, an advocate, and a difference-maker.”
So much appreciation has been shown for teachers this week!
We’re wrapping up Teacher Appreciation Week today and we can’t help but feel warm and fuzzy about all the positive comments and stories you’ve shared with our CCPS teachers and community. Our educators, past and present, are special people who go above and beyond to spark curiosity, kindle creativity and brighten the future for each and every student.
This week, we’ve been highlighting our Teachers of the Year and reading your comments on social media. There were so many that we couldn’t put them all in this update, so we posted a long list of your appreciations to the school division website. Check out the comments here!
Do you have something to share about your favorite CCPS teachers? Visit our Facebook page and leave your story, memory or shout-out to a teacher who’s made a difference for you and your family. You can do this anytime – not just this week. Thank you for your appreciation!
Final beam placed in construction of new Bensley Elementary School
On May 5, Chesterfield County Public Schools marked a major milestone in the construction of the new Bensley Elementary School with a topping-off ceremony, a time-honored tradition in the construction industry that celebrates the placement of the final structural beam.
Signed by Bensley students and staff as well as county and school leaders, the beam was hoisted into place atop the two-story building during the event. The beam was adorned with symbols including an evergreen tree to symbolize good luck, safe completion, and a wish for continued growth, a broom to represent a "clean sweep," signifying no loss of life during the construction process. The American flag signifies patriotism and the hard work of the construction crew.
The new Bensley Elementary School is part of a larger community facilities plan made possible by the 2022 bond referendum approved by Chesterfield County voters. Funded through Virginia Public School Authority bonds, the $52 million project will nearly double the school’s capacity — from 575 to 1,000 students — and provide a modern learning environment tailored to 21st-century education.
See the full news story on our website.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental well-being is essential for student success. We work closely with our school counselors, school psychologists and social workers to support the emotional and mental health needs of our students. Resources are available to ensure students get the help they need.
Does your child need support, or would you like to learn more about resources? Call your school or visit our mental health support page for more details.
VIDEO: Winter guard at Greenfield Elementary
Winter guard brings color guard moves and energy indoors during the cold part of the year. This video shows how Robious Middle teacher Brittany Pennington launched a winter guard program at Greenfield Elementary, with students potentially on track to continue with winter guard at Robious Middle and James River High. Greenfield Elementary is Chesterfield County's first competing elementary winter guard group.
Special Education Parent Involvement Survey for the 2024-2025 school year
All parents of school-aged children and youth with disabilities who receive special education services in Virginia are requested to complete the Virginia Department of Education’s annual Special Education Parent Involvement Survey.
This survey will remain open through Dec. 12, 2025. Please complete one survey for each of your children currently receiving special education services during the 2024-2025 school year.
For questions, contact Dr. Chiquita Seaborne by email at chiquita.seaborne@doe.virginia.gov or phone at 804- 418-4672.
Free swimming lessons offered through Richmond YMCA May 19-25
Safety Around Water Week is May 19-25. To help families get ready for a safe summer, the YMCA of Greater Richmond is offering a free one-week introductory swim program for school-age children who are not currently enrolled in formal swim lessons. Classes are offered at 13 locations and are open for anyone ages 6 months and up who is an inexperienced swimmer. Registration is required. Space is limited. See available classes through the YMCA website.
School Board meeting scheduled for May 13
The Chesterfield County School Board will hold its regular business meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, in the Chesterfield County Public Meeting Room (10001 Iron Bridge Road, Chesterfield, VA). Visit BoardDocs to see the meeting agenda and more.
Public comment will be accepted during the business meeting. Submit written public comments to the board online or sign up to speak in person by 2 p.m. May 13.
The meeting will be broadcast via live stream at http://chesterfieldschoolsva.swagit.com/live/ and on television on Comcast Channel 98 and Verizon Channel 28.
May 22 is deadline to apply for School Board advisory committees
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.
Learn more about how to serve on CCPS Advisory Committees.
May is Internal Audit Awareness Month
Each May, Internal Audit Awareness Month is an opportunity to recognize the importance of our internal audit teams for strong organizational governance, risk management, effective internal controls and efficient operations. Learn more about how Chesterfield County’s Internal Audit Department supports county government and schools.
CCPS Hall of Fame welcomes 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 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.
Reminder: Schools will collect Chromebooks in May, then distribute new ones when next school year begins
This month, Chesterfield County Public Schools will collect all existing Chromebooks and chargers before this school year ends. When the next school year begins, new Chromebooks will be distributed to students. This is part of a transition to a new four-year lease for Chromebooks, starting with the 2025-26 school year.
Each school will communicate with its students and families about that school’s specific dates for testing and Chromebook returns. Also, it’s important to note that Chromebooks will be provided to students as required for summer school, official CCPS summer programs and summer CCPSOnline courses.
See additional information about Chromebook collection.
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 out 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.
Champion Card sign-up event is May 13
Our new Champion Card, formerly the Super Senior Passport, is a must have for Chesterfield County residents 60 years and older, retirees of CCPS or school partners. Cardholders enjoy free admission to school events, reduced fees for adult education and more.
Get your Champion Card at our sign-up event Tuesday, May 13, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Chester Library (11800 Centre St, Chester, VA 23831).
Visit our Champion Card page to learn more and see the latest schedule for sign-up events.