How to watch #CCPS25 graduations
About 4,200 Chesterfield County Public Schools students will receive high school diplomas during graduation ceremonies May 19-28. Graduates and families are encouraged to use #CCPS25 and #oneCCPS when sharing on social media.
In-person attendance is by invitation only, but every graduation will be livestreamed on YouTube (depending on internet strength at the graduation venue). Here are direct links to each school’s graduation:
Matoaca High: May 19 at 9 a.m., Virginia State University
Thomas Dale High: May 19 at 3 p.m., Virginia Commonwealth University
Monacan High: May 20 at 9:30 a.m., Virginia Commonwealth University
Clover Hill High: May 20 at 2 p.m., Virginia Commonwealth University
Manchester High: May 21 at 9:30 a.m., Virginia Commonwealth University
Cosby High: May 21 at 2 p.m., Virginia Commonwealth University
James River High: May 22 at 9:30 a.m., Virginia Commonwealth University
Bird High: May 22 at 2 p.m., Virginia Commonwealth University
Meadowbrook High: May 23 at 9:30 a.m., Virginia Commonwealth University
Midlothian High: May 23 at 2 p.m., Virginia Commonwealth University
Carver College and Career Academy: May 28 at 2:30 p.m., CTC @ Hull
Weapons detection systems planned for middle and high schools
School safety is a top priority, and Chesterfield County Public Schools continuously reviews and improves school safety measures.
In December and January, the school system conducted demonstrations of weapons detection systems at Robious Middle and Meadowbrook High. Data from the demonstrations helped school leaders make decisions about adding weapons detection systems as an additional layer of security at middle schools and high schools.
On May 13, the Chesterfield County School Board voted to procure OpenGate systems. The scanners are similar to the ones used at amusement parks, concerts or sporting events.
During its May 28 meeting, the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors is expected to vote on appropriating funds for the OpenGate purchase.
The scanners are expected to be in place in time for the start of the 2025-26 school year.
Chesterfield County Public Schools will keep students, families and staff members fully informed as the process moves forward.
Reminder: May 29 is a full day and other important dates
This is a quick and friendly reminder that Thursday, May 29, will be a full day of school instead of an early dismissal. This change does not impact Bellwood Elementary, which already scheduled May 29 as a full day. After hearing back from the Virginia Department of Education, we can confirm that on Friday, May 30, schools will dismiss three hours early as planned (see notes about Bellwood and Davis elementary schools below). Here are calendar items of note:
Monday, May 26: Chesterfield County Public Schools are closed for Memorial Day.
Thursday, May 27: Full day of school
Friday, May 30: Three-hour early dismissal for students and the last day of school with two exceptions:
Bellwood Elementary, which follows a year-round calendar
Davis Elementary, which will be closed for students May 30 so teachers can pack and move classrooms from their current school building to the new school building opening in August
Student calendars are available in English and Spanish on our website.
Congratulations to our Outstanding Teachers of the Gifted
Each year, Chesterfield County Public Schools recognizes two Outstanding Teachers of the Gifted: one from elementary and one from secondary. This year, these teachers were recognized:
2025 Elementary Outstanding Teacher of the Gifted: Hanna Nyquist, Ecoff Elementary
2025 Secondary Outstanding Teacher of the Gifted: Kristal Norman, Elizabeth Davis Middle
Read more about these teachers’ accomplishments and contributions.
Learn more about gifted education in Chesterfield County Public Schools.
Manchester High assistant librarian wins national honor
Shannon Bailey, assistant librarian at Manchester High, is the recipient of the 2025 Frances Henne Award from the American Association of School Librarians. Sponsored by Bloomsbury Libraries Unlimited, the $1,250 award recognizes a school librarian with no more than five years of experience who demonstrates leadership qualities with students, teachers and administrators. The award will enable Bailey to attend her first American Association of School Librarians national conference.
Read more about Shannon’s impact as a librarian.
What do you think of the proposed 2026-27 calendar dates?
At the May 13 School Board meeting, draft student calendar dates were proposed for the 2026-27 school year. The proposed calendar includes:
178 instructional days
Two-week winter break and one-week spring break aligned with largest Region 1 school divisions
Aug. 24-25 start of school
March 29-April 2 spring break
June 4 end of school
Before the School Board votes to approve the calendar, we’re seeking additional feedback:
Submit comments by May 29 to calendarcomments@ccpsnet.net.
Student calendars for the coming 2025-26 school year are available in English and Spanish on the school system’s website.
CCPS in the Know: ParentVUE
ParentVUE makes it easier than ever to stay informed and involved in your child’s education. The digital platform enables parents to securely access student grades, assignments, attendance and more. This video gives a quick overview of how to use ParentVUE. Learn more about ParentVUE on our website.
The ParentVUE 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.
Midlothian High senior honored as best Latin student in Virginia
Midlothian High senior Sabrina Gernhardt is Virginia’s top Latin student. The Classical Association of Virginia awarded her the Jim Bigger Memorial Scholarship, which is presented annually to the most accomplished student of Latin in the state. Additionally, Sabrina was selected to be a summer intern with Dickinson College to help write online commentary for “The Aeneid.”
After high school graduation, Sabrina plans to attend the University of Virginia to study music and astrophysics — and continue her study of Latin.
Clover Hill High student wins top writing award
Abby Ellis won first place for creative nonfiction in this year’s VHSL creative writing competition. “Raglan Sleeves” by the junior at Clover Hill High was judged the best entry in Virginia.
Abby is the editor of Paths of Clover, which is Clover Hill High’s literary magazine, and president of the school’s Creative Writing Club. She is also “the all-around linchpin to our writing community,” according to teacher and Paths of Clover adviser Dan Waidelich.
Deadline to register for summer programs, SOL/W!SE/SAT academies is May 28
CCPS summer programs help fill in learning gaps, strengthen skills or get ahead. Whatever the motivation, summer school can help make summer count! Summer programs are available for eligible students with and without an individualized education program. The deadline to register for 2025 summer programs is Wednesday, May 28.
Learn more and sign-up online.
Law enforcement career fair is Sunday, May 18
The Virginia Law Enforcement Foundation is hosting a law enforcement career fair on Sunday, May 18, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in the parking lot of Green Top Sporting Goods in Ashland (10150 Lakeridge Pkwy, Ashland, VA). This is an opportunity for graduating seniors, or any students who might be interested in careers in law enforcement, to meet and speak with recruiters from 46 agencies from across Virginia that represent the federal, state and local levels. This is a free event, and all students are invited to attend.
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.”
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.
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.
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.