Friday Family Update

New this week
A fun first week with friends

CCPS welcomed back students on our traditional schedule this week with all the excitement and fanfare our teachers and staff could offer. From pep rallies to high-fives from Richmond Squirrels mascot Nutzy to Superintendent Dr. John Murray having lunchroom chats with students – it was truly a week to remember.

Reminder: Aug. 29 and Sept. 1 are holidays

Chesterfield County Public Schools and offices will be closed Friday, Aug. 29, and Monday, Sept. 1, in observance of Labor Day. Be sure to check our calendars page for more important dates this school year. Enjoy the four-day weekend!

Free telehealth sessions available to support mental health for students in grades 6-12

The past few years have taken a toll on children’s emotional and social well-being. To support students and families, Chesterfield County Public Schools now offers a connection to mental health telehealth services for students in grades 6-12. 

These free, virtual sessions by Hazel Health can help students manage stress, anxiety or sadness. Just as regular checkups help with physical health, these sessions support mental well-being so students can thrive. 

Parents or guardians must opt in for this resource before students can connect with Hazel Health. Students cannot opt themselves in. School employees cannot schedule appointments for students.

Learn more about this opportunity on our Mental Health Support page.

Gifted education referral window for grades 2-12 now open

Chesterfield County Public Schools is committed to recognizing and nurturing advanced academic potential in all students through engaging gifted programming options. Gifted evaluations take place during specific windows each year, and students may be evaluated only once per school year.

The online Gifted Services Referral and Review Form opened at noon today, Aug. 22, 2025, for students in grades 2–12. Referrals may be submitted by a parent, teacher, student, or community member. 

Referrals must be submitted by the appropriate deadline. Please note the new fall deadline is earlier than in previous years.

  • Grades 2–12: Oct. 3, 2025

  • Grades K–1: Feb. 27, 2026

Students in grades 2–12 who reside in Chesterfield County but are not enrolled in CCPS may also be referred for an assessment opportunity during the fall window only.

To learn more about gifted education in Chesterfield County Public Schools, review the Gifted Education Overview flyer or visit the CCPS Gifted Education webpage.

Sept. 4 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. This CCPS in the Know video gives a quick-and-informative overview of how advisory committees work.

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. Go to bit.ly/BdCom for more information, including committee meeting dates.

Advisory committee members who are appointed by the School Board must reside in the district they represent. Apply by Sept. 4 at bit.ly/BdCom if you are interested and eligible for these advisory committee seats:

Audit and Finance Committee

  • Bermuda District representative to serve July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027

Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee

  • Dale District representative to serve July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028

School Health Advisory Board

  • Dale District representative to serve July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028

  • Matoaca District representative to serve a partial term ending June 30, 2027

  • Family wellness expert to serve a partial term ending June 30, 2026 (may be appointed from any magisterial district but should be subject matter expert with experience in the field)

Highlights from Aug. 12, 2025, School Board meeting

The Chesterfield County School Board held its regular meeting on Aug. 12. The meeting included a presentation about successes and the school year ahead, as well as awards and recognitions for our students, schools, staff and more.

Check out all the highlights from the Aug. 12, 2025, board meeting.

in case you missed it

VIDEO: Weapons detection – what to expect

Weapons detection systems are bringing an additional layer of security to every Chesterfield County middle school and high school.

Starting at the beginning of the 2025-26 school year, students and school visitors (including CCPS staff members who do not have badge access to a building) will enter through OpenGate scanners, which are similar to those used at amusement parks, concerts and sporting events. 

What will that be like? Watch this video that shows the process and what to expect. Mira en Español.

For more details, read the email sent to families and staff on Aug. 1, 2025.

Don’t wait! Submit nominations for the Hall of Fame until Aug. 31

Hall of Fame logo

Nominations are open for the Hall of Fame of Chesterfield County Public Schools until Aug. 31. This is your chance to recognize former employees and volunteers who made a significant difference for CCPS students and communities. Individuals who have been nominated in previous years may be considered. Submit your nominations and learn more here.

The Hall of Fame is a partnership between the school system and the Chesterfield Education Foundation to recognize retirees and volunteers who made a significant difference in Chesterfield County schools. See past Hall of Fame honorees on our website.