Stop-arm cameras on CCPS buses will help protect students at bus stops
Beginning Monday, Sept. 15, Chesterfield County Schools in partnership with Chesterfield County Police Department and BusPatrol, will launch a new school bus safety program. As part of this program, every school bus will be equipped with stop-arm safety cameras over the coming weeks.
Here’s what families need to know:
How it works: When a bus stop-arm is extended and red lights are flashing, the cameras will automatically capture any vehicle that drives past. Each incident will be reviewed by trained county staff before a notice is issued.
30-day warning period: From Sept. 15 through Oct. 14, vehicle owners who illegally pass a stopped school bus will receive a warning letter. No fines will be issued during this time.
Enforcement begins Oct. 15: After the warning period, drivers who fail to stop when a bus stop-arm is extended and red lights are flashing will receive a $250 civil penalty. This fine does not add points to a driver’s license.
The law: In Virginia, all drivers must stop when a bus has its stop-arm extended. The only exception is when the bus is on the opposite side of a median or barrier.
Why this matters: Passing a stopped school bus is one of the most dangerous driving violations. In the annual National Illegal Passing Survey on March 26, 2025, Chesterfield bus drivers reported 384 violations in a single day. Each violation represents a serious risk to student safety. This program is designed to reduce violations and help keep children safe.
For more information about the use of stop arm cameras on Chesterfield County school buses, visit chesterfield.gov/safeschoolbuses.
September is Suicide Prevention Month
Chesterfield County Public Schools recognizes the month of September as Suicide Prevention Month. We are committed to the well-being of our students, families and staff, including offering support for anyone in mental and emotional distress. You are not alone. Learn more about how Chesterfield County Schools provides mental health support.
Falling Creek Elementary recognized as one of America’s Healthiest Schools
Congratulations to Falling Creek Elementary for being recognized as one of America’s Healthiest Schools. This achievement reflects the school’s commitment to creating a healthy, supportive environment for every student, staff member and family. Falling Creek Elementary is the first school in central Virginia to ever be recognized as one of America’s Healthiest Schools.
There are nine categories of recognition within the America’s Healthiest Schools program. Falling Creek Elementary was honored in two categories:
Improving nutrition and food access for implementing strategies to maximize school meal participation, meaningfully collaborate with teachers on nutrition education and partner with community organizations to improve families’ nutrition security
Strengthening social-emotional health and learning for positively motivating participation and learning, implementing an evidenced-based social-emotional learning curriculum and providing opportunities for students to regulate their emotions and learn from their mistakes
In 2025, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation chose 1,119 K-12 schools nationwide for their commitment to advancing whole child health. Across Virginia, only 11 schools were recognized. Falling Creek Elementary is the only central Virginia school on the list.
Woolridge Elementary raises Freedom Flag
Woolridge Elementary gathered before school started Sept. 11 to observe Patriot Day. Led by teacher Tara Krohn, the ceremony included information about the Freedom Flag, which was created to honor the victims and heroes of 9/11. The flag is Virginia’s official 9/11 symbol of remembrance.
After the Freedom Flag was raised and Krohn read aloud her book “Unfurling the Freedom Flag: A 9/11 Story,” about 150 students, family members and school staff members had the opportunity to hold a piece of steel that was once part of floors 91-94 in tower 1 of the World Trade Center.
When the school day began, third graders in Krohn’s classroom (aka Camp Krohn) learned more about Sept. 11, 2001, and the Freedom Flag. The lesson included students coloring small versions of the flag.
This website offers more information about the Freedom Flag and Krohn’s book.
CCPS teachers receive more than $75,000 in grants from Chesterfield Education Foundation
This year, the Chesterfield Education Foundation awarded 18 Innovation Grants totaling $75,294 to educators at Chesterfield County Public Schools for creative projects that enhance learning and support student success.
The selected projects showcase innovative approaches to teaching that inspire students, foster collaboration, and strengthen connections between classrooms and the community. Some selected projects for 2025-26 include:
Accessible playgrounds at Jacobs Road Elementary School
Interactive learning in marketing and finance at James River High School
Leadership and deeper learning with 3D Printing at Clover Hill Elementary School
Student ambassador program at Ecoff Elementary School
CEF additionally awarded three MCD2 grants totaling $7,500. These additional grants provide funds to replicate the successful projects that their peers have launched at other schools.
Innovation Grants are made possible through the generosity of CEF donors, who believe in empowering educators to imagine and implement new possibilities for their students. For more information about the Innovation Grant program or to learn how you can support future initiatives, visit the CEF website.
Family Programs this Week
Coffee & Conversation discusses routines for school year success
Parenting is tough and children don’t come with an owner's manual. So, grab a cup of coffee and get some friendly support! Join the CCPS Family and Community Engagement team for Coffee & Conversation each week for a topical discussion with community experts to help understand and foster success in your students.
Join us online at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17 to learn how routines build focus, independence and problem-solving skills. Get easy strategies, checklists and tools to help your students get structure. Special guest is Maria DelCorso from New Agenda LLC. Sign-up to attend here.
What’s Next Wednesdays helps gear up for the college application process
From finding the "right fit" to navigating financial aid, taking the next steps after graduation can be stressful. What’s Next Wednesdays is here to provide families with information and discussions to plan for life after high school.
Join us online at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17 to get a 101 on the FAFSA application process, application timelines, and tips for crafting strong college essays.
Introducing “Middle Management” - a new parent-focused series about the middle school experience
Parenting a middle schooler can feel like a full-time job. These years bring big changes—socially, emotionally, and academically—not just for students, but for parents. If you’ve ever felt unsure, overwhelmed, or just in need of some new strategies, you’re not alone. The “Middle Management” series was created to provide guidance, resources, and reassurance as you support your young person through this unique stage of life.
Each session will feature special guest experts from the school system and community to discuss ways to help you understand, and survive, this “special” time in your young person’s life.
Join us online 6:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25 for our inaugural episode discussing opportunities with the CCPS speciality centers. Register here for as many sessions as you would like. A meeting link will be sent to you a few days prior to the session.
Chromebook care and responsibilities
Now that students have received their Chromebooks for the 2025-26 school year, please take a moment to talk with your child about the importance of taking care of these devices and the responsibilities that come with them.
Chromebook care reminders
Please help reinforce these important habits for keeping Chromebooks safe:
Always keep track of the Chromebook and charger
Hold the Chromebook with two hands and the lid closed when walking
Make sure there is nothing on the keyboard before closing the lid
Place the Chromebook securely in a backpack when traveling
Set the backpack down gently if the Chromebook is inside
Keep food and drinks away to prevent spills
Never leave the Chromebook in a vehicle overnight
Avoid placing heavy objects on top of the Chromebook
When there is a problem with a Chromebook
If your student’s device becomes lost, damaged or stops working:
They should ask a staff member for a pass to visit the help desk. Help desk hours and locations vary at each school.
The service desk technician will assess the issue. If it can’t be fixed right away, the device may be collected for repair.
Replacement Chromebooks will be provided in cases of accidental damage. A school administrator will determine next steps in the case of loss or intentional damage.
Chromebooks are provided at no cost to families. However, fees may be charged for devices that are lost or intentionally damaged. Please talk with your student about the importance of treating their Chromebook with care and using it responsibly both at school and at home.
Donate your old denim to help Chesterfield schools and community
Turn jeans into jobs while helping your school! Each year in the Denim Drive, Chesterfield County families and community members donate used denim clothing of all kinds. Goodwill tracks the denim donated on behalf of each Chesterfield County school, then awards nine cash prizes to the top three elementary, middle and high school PTAs. The denim is sold in Goodwill stores or recycled.
Last year, the drive collected 2,577 denim items. So clean out your closet and support schools and job training by bringing your denim donations to the Career and Technical Center @ Hull (13900 Hull Street Road) between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Oct. 18-19.
Show off your sweet ride at annual car show benefiting Career and Technical Center
You’re invited to display your car or truck at a River City Cruizers event benefiting the Career and Technical Center. All years, makes and models are welcome — and that includes child-size power wheel and pedal cars! The registration form and vendor details are online.
Registration by Oct. 24, 2025, costs $20 per car or truck. After that date, registration costs $30 per vehicle. Students in Chesterfield County Public Schools get a 50% discount off registration.
For child-size power wheel and pedal cars, registration by Oct. 24 is required and costs $5.
The event will run 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 2, 2025, at the Career and Technical Center @ Courthouse, 10101 Courthouse Road. The rain date is Nov. 9.
Everyone is welcome to attend the car show, and admission is free for spectators. In addition to seeing 100+ great-looking cars and trucks, visitors can browse vendor tables, play family-friendly games, possibly win prizes and buy lunch from food trucks.
Highlights from the Sept. 9 School Board meeting
The Chesterfield County School Board held its regular meeting on Sept. 9. The meeting included presentations about high school options, redistricting plans, and more. There were also recognitions for staff and school success, as well as for our community partners.
Check out all the highlights from the Sept. 9, 2025, board meeting.
Nominate a CCPS Game Changer
Every day, teachers and staff members find new ways to inspire students, create engaging learning experiences and support families. Celebrate their impact and nominate a #oneCCPS Game Changer.
Registration now open for free PSAT and SAT prep sessions
Chesterfield County Public Schools is offering preparation courses for the PSAT and SAT for current 9th- 12th graders enrolled at CCPS. Sessions will take place Sept. 22-25, 2025. The deadline to register for these opportunities is 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17.
The PSAT Academy is free and open to Chesterfield County Public Schools high school students who want to prepare for the PSAT exam that high schools administer for free each October. The academy includes two days of math review and two days of reading and writing review. The PSAT Academy does not require a book. Register for the PSAT Academy.
The SAT Academy is free and available to Chesterfield County Public Schools high school students who want to prepare for college entrance exams. While there is no cost for the academy, students must purchase and bring to class this study guide from the store or online site of their choice: Princeton Review Digital SAT Premium Prep, 2025 (ISBN 9780593517529). Register for the SAT Academy.
Learn more on the SAT Academy page at oneCCPS.org.
High school juniors and seniors invited to apply for the United States Senate Youth Program scholarship opportunity
The Virginia Department of Education will select two student delegates to represent Virginia in the 64th Annual United States Senate Youth Program. Each delegate will receive a $10,000 scholarship and an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., for the week of March 7-14, 2026. Interested students must complete an application including two letters of recommendation, a personal essay, academic essays, and administrative verification.
Applications are available through an online student application portal. Completed applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, to be considered.
Detailed information about the program, specific qualifications, and delegate expectations may be found on the VDOE United States Senate Youth Program website.
Families can apply for assistance from Christmas Mother
Families can request help from the Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Christmas Mother during application review at the Chesterfield Fairgrounds Distribution Center (10300 Courthouse Road) on these days:
Sept 15, 16 and 18 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sept. 17 from noon-7 p.m.
Get details and an application (in English and Spanish) on the Christmas Mother website. Applications will also be available at the fairgrounds on review days. Children or pets will not be allowed on site during application review.
Service Academy Day shares military opportunities Sept. 13
Students and families interested in learning about the Naval Academy, West Point, the Air Force Academy and the Merchant Marine Academy may attend a Service Academy Day at the Virginia War Memorial (621 S. Belvidere Street, Richmond, VA) on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 8:30 a.m. This event is hosted jointly by the offices of Congresswoman McClellan and Congressman Wittman.
For more information call 804-401-4120. Learn more and RSVP to attend here.
Drive the bus! CCPS hiring drivers at Sept. 17 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, Sept. 17 from 5-6 p.m. at Swift Creek Middle School (3700 Old Hundred Rd. S., Midlothian). Registration is preferred, but not required.
No experience needed.
Get paid while you train for your CDL.
Starting pay is $24.15/hour or higher with experience.