Chesterfield County Public Schools -

Nov. 3 and 4 are student holidays

There will be no classes for CCPS students on Nov. 3 and 4.

Parent-teacher conferences are Nov. 3.

For more important dates for the CCPS school year, check our calendars page.

Dec. 5 is deadline to apply to specialty centers and governor’s schools, open houses continue

Each fall, Chesterfield County Public Schools eighth graders explore their options for high school and decide whether or not to apply to a specialty center, governor’s school or regional technology school.

• The online application closes Dec. 5 for specialty centers and governor’s schools. The online application opens Jan. 5 and closes Feb. 20 for CodeRVA.

• Full details about high school options are online at bit.ly/CCPSoptions. That includes the online application form, links to specialty center websites and more.

Open houses offer an in-depth look at specialty centers and regional schools to help eighth grade families explore high school options. Here are the open houses that remain:

• 6:30 p.m. Nov. 5: Center for Leadership and International Relations at James River High (3700 James River Road)

• 6:30 p.m. Nov. 6: Governorʼs Academy for Engineering Studies at Bird High (10301 Courthouse Road)

• 6:30 p.m. Nov. 13: Center for Spanish Immersion at Manchester High (12601 Bailey Bridge Road)

• 6:30 p.m. Nov. 20: Center for Mass Communications at Manchester High (12601 Bailey Bridge Road)

• 6 p.m. Dec. 9: CodeRVA Regional High School (2601 Durham St. in Richmond and virtually via coderva.org

After-school food available for students at 20+ sites

Chesterfield County Public Schools offers free afternoon snacks and supper at more than 20 schools and one recreation center for students in after-school activities. Participating schools are located in areas where 50% of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals. This webpage provides details about the sites offering after-school food.

CCPS in the Know: PTA, PTO, PTSO

PTAs, PTOs and PTSOs support our students and school communities in many important ways. But do you know the difference? Watch this episode of CCPS in the Know for an overview on how they function, what they do for our schools, and what those acronyms actually mean!

Do you have a question for CCPS In the Know? Ask it here for a chance to be featured. Watch all past episodes of CCPS in the Know on YouTube.

A+ approach to challenges

Scoring 103 on your first algebra test is a milestone moment. That’s especially true for Midlothian Middle eighth grader Declan Shelton, who was born with Prader-Willi syndrome. Affecting one in every 15,000 people, this rare genetic condition causes learning difficulties, physical problems and behavioral challenges. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, which include always feeling hungry. While Prader-Willi syndrome significantly affects Declan’s life, he and his parents work to “Live life full.”

In addition to his academic passion, Dylan was able to get a super A+ with the support of Chesterfield County Public Schools teachers and staff, as well as his parents. Read more about how Declan was able to achieve this big win.

Elizabeth Scott Elementary celebrates Hispanic heritage

Elizabeth Scott Elementary School celebrated Hispanic heritage with a week full of learning, culture and community spirit.

Throughout Oct. 13-17, students explored the rich traditions and contributions of Hispanic and Latino cultures from around the world. Activities highlighted famous Hispanic figures, traditional food and unique customs from various countries. Class discussions and projects helped students appreciate the diversity and impact of Hispanic heritage in art, science, sports and history.

The week concluded with a celebration led by dual language immersion teachers wearing traditional attire, sharing flags and playing music that reflected the rhythms and energy of Hispanic culture.

Career and Technical Center digs Farm to School Week

Students in agriculture-related classes at the Career and Technical Center @ Courthouse participated in Farm to School Week (Oct. 6-10). Student-grown produce was served during lunches, and students set up displays and answered questions during lunches. Farm to School Week is an annual statewide celebration designed to connect schools with local farmers and fresh foods.

Apples for Spring Run teachers and staff

The Spring Run Elementary PTA created a candy apple bar as part of the school’s celebration of Thank You, Team Chesterfield Week. A variety of apples and sweet toppings let teachers and staff members put together their perfect dessert. Spring Run Elementary definitely felt appreciated (and maybe a bit sticky) after enjoying their fall treats. This is the second year for Thank You, Team Chesterfield Week, which is an opportunity for everyone to express their thanks to all school division employees for their dedication to students, schools and communities.

Become Principal for a Morning, Nov. 12 and 19

Principal for a Morning, an event facilitated by the CCPS Office of Family and Community Engagement, is a partnership opportunity for schools and community members to connect to foster new partnerships and enhance existing ones.

Principal for a Morning involves a 3-hour visit, giving school leaders the opportunity to show others what they do, their amazing school, and perhaps foster a lasting partnership. Community members who are interested in participating are asked to complete this form.

This week: Coffee & Conversation explores IEPs for students

Join us online at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, for a presentation that dissects the IEP, examines the parts individually, discusses the function of each section, and how the parts come together to create an effective document. You will learn constructive and practical tips to help create an IEP that supports the student’s access to a free and appropriate public education. Special guest is Love Kingsburgy, family support specialist at PEATC. Sign up to attend here.

Parenting is tough and children don’t come with an owner's manual. So, grab a cup of coffee and get some friendly support each week with Coffee & Conversation. We’ll have a topical discussion with community experts to help understand and foster success in your students.

Missed a conversation? Visit our Programs for Families page to watch past sessions.

This week: Middle Management helps navigate friendships and peer pressure

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. “Middle Management” series will provide guidance, resources, and reassurance as you support your young person through this unique stage of life.

Join us online 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, to learn some tools to support your child as they navigate peer pressure, shifting social circles, and the drama that comes with it. Sign-up to attend this and other sessions. A meeting link will be sent to you prior to the session.

Last chance: Nominate outstanding principals before Nov. 6

Let’s support our excellent principals by nominating them for the prestigious R.E.B. Awards for Distinguished Educational Leadership.

Nominations can come from parents, students, teachers, volunteers and community members. The deadline is 5 p.m. Nov. 6. Learn more and make your nomination for the R.E.B. Awards for Distinguished Educational Leadership at the Community Foundation website.

Public school principals from Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico and Richmond are eligible for the awards, which come with a $10,000 cash grant for the principal and an additional $20,000 for the principal’s school. Recent Chesterfield County honorees include Dr. Nicholas Olson of Salem Church Middle, Dr. Randi Smith of Ettrick Elementary, Nina Brink of Gates Elementary and Natalie Bare of Gordon Elementary.

Thank a Teacher art contest now accepting student submissions

The Virginia Lottery, in partnership with The Supply Room, invites all K-12 public school students to submit their original artwork for the ninth annual Thank a Teacher Art Contest. Students may enter their artwork online at www.thankateacherva.com. The deadline to submit is Feb. 2, 2026.

Three students will be selected to each win a $200 gift card, and their school’s art department will be awarded $2,000 from our partners at The Supply Room. The winning designs–one each from the elementary, middle and high school levels–will be featured on thousands of thank-you notes distributed to teachers across the Commonwealth during Teacher Appreciation Week in May.

Advisory Committee meetings for November 2025

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. Learn more and see the complete meeting schedule on our website.

These committees are planned to meet this November:

Special Education Advisory Committee
5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025
Community Room at the Midlothian Library – Chesterfield Public Library
100 Millworks Crossing, Midlothian, VA 23114

Gifted Education Advisory Committee
5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025
VCU Room (Conference Room B151) at the Chesterfield Career and Technical Center @ Hull
13900 Hull Street Road, Midlothian, VA 23112

Audit and Finance Committee
8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 14, 2025
Conference Room 1205 at the School Administration Offices
7053 Celebration Park Avenue, Suite 100, North Chesterfield, VA 23225

Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee
8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025
Thomas R. Fulghum Center (Conference Room D136) at the Chesterfield Career and Technical Center @ Hull
13900 Hull Street Road, Midlothian, VA 23112

Environmental Stewardship Advisory Committee
5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025
VCU Room (Conference Room B151) at the Chesterfield Career and Technical Center @ Hull
13900 Hull Street Road, Midlothian, VA 23112

Citizens Budget Advisory Committee
8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 21, 2025
Conference Room 1205 at the School Administration Offices
7053 Celebration Park Avenue, Suite 100, North Chesterfield, VA 23225

Registration continues for fall 2025 SOL/W!se academies

Registration is now open for our fall 2025 sessions of the SOL/W!se academies. Fall sessions will take place Mondays through Thursdays from Dec. 1-4 and Dec. 8-11 at Clover Hill High. The deadline to register for fall is Nov. 24.

SOL Academy is free and open to any student who passed a class in science, social studies, math, reading or writing but did not pass the end-of-course SOL test.

W!se Academy is free and open to any student who passed the economics and personal finance class but did not pass the W!se financial literacy test and needs a career and technical education credential to graduate.

Learn more about the SOL/W!se academies and register to attend online.

Academies are offered in the fall and spring. Students who have questions about their diploma status should contact their school counselor. Learn more about the academies. For questions, email solacademy@ccpsnet.net.

Explore career pathways at Nov. 8 Career and Technical Center open houses

Both campuses of the Chesterfield Career and Technical Center invite families and students to Nov. 8 open houses to learn about engaging, up-to-date programs available to high school students. Flyers provide details in English, in Spanish and in Arabic.

In career and technical education, students explore career fields ranging from health professions to technology to skilled trades to logistics and more. In dozens of career pathways, students can earn industry-recognized certifications and connect with work-based learning experiences. Learn more on the Career and Technical Center website and by going to this year’s open houses:

• Career and Technical Center @ Courthouse (10101 Courthouse Road) will have an open house 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 8.

• Career and Technical Center @ Hull (13900 Hull Street Road) will have an open house noon-2 p.m. Nov. 8.

Career and Technical Center applications for 2026-27 open at 7 a.m. Nov. 1 and close at 11:59 p.m. Dec. 18. Details about the application process, including a link to the online application portal, are available here. Email Karen Golden at karenm_golden@ccpsnet.net if you have questions.

Hiring event for Substitute Teachers scheduled for Nov. 6

Do you want a meaningful job with a flexible schedule so you can work when you choose? Become a substitute teacher! Chesterfield County Public Schools pays substitute teachers $136 on regular days and $203 on Fridays and high-demand days.

Attend our substitute teacher hiring event Thursday, Nov. 6, from 4:30-6 p.m. at Meadowbrook High (4901 Cogbill Road, North Chesterfield, VA) for an opportunity to learn more and interview. Advanced registration is recommended but not required.

Check out Nov. 2 car and truck show at CTC@Courthouse

Classic cars, custom cars, new models and more will be on display 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Career and Technical Center @ Courthouse, 10101 Courthouse Road. 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. In case of rain Nov. 2, the car show will move to Nov. 9.

And it’s not too late if you have a car or truck you want to display in this annual River City Cruizers event benefiting the Career and Technical Center. The registration form is online. Registration costs $30 per vehicle. Students in Chesterfield County Public Schools get a 50% discount off registration.