Chesterfield County Public Schools -

Chesterfield schools and division offices are closed today, Friday, Dec. 5., 2025.

Building operations supervisors and school custodial staff members should report to their schools by 10 a.m. to conduct an inclement weather inspection and snow removal to ensure schools are prepared for possible evening and weekend events.  The inspection sheet will be provided by the Facilities and Maintenance Department.

Facilities staff should report by 10 a.m. to address any deficiency identified in the inclement weather inspection and assist in snow removal.

Other twelve-month employees should be available as needed for communication from their direct supervisor.

• All school-sponsored activities for Friday, Dec. 5 are canceled. 

• Central administration will work with principals individually to make determinations about scheduled Saturday school events and trips.

• Please note: Chesterfield County Sports, Visitation & Entertainment and Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation local athletic programs follow Chesterfield County Government opening and closing guidelines—not Chesterfield County Public Schools schedules.

Dr. Randi Smith, principal of Ettrick Elementary, is one of nine finalists for the national Constantino Family Engagement Practitioner Award. Online voting is part of the selection process, so let’s rally around Dr. Smith and vote, vote, vote! 

It’s easy and free: Cast your vote here for Dr. Smith before Jan. 30, 2026. You’ll have to provide your name; email address; and affiliation (educator, parent, community member, etc.). 

Dr. Smith was named a finalist for the Constantino Family Engagement Practitioner Award based on her work to lift up family, school and community partnerships. She has led Ettrick Elementary since 2015, helping the school overcome challenges and emerge as a beacon of educational excellence. Ettrick Elementary is a fully accredited Title I school that has been recognized as a National ESEA Distinguished School for closing achievement gaps.

Dr. Smith’s most recent innovations at Ettrick Elementary include:

• A family hub in the school designed to meet the needs of students, improve attendance and lessen barriers for families, with free services including a food pantry, hair salon and laundry.

• A pilot program to boost family engagement by providing adult education to kindergarten parents to improve economic stability, civic involvement and self-sufficiency. This initiative was created by VCU’s Center for Teacher Leadership and is backed by a $30,000 grant from Google in partnership with the Chesterfield Education Foundation. 

The winner of the Constantino Family Engagement Practitioner Award will be announced in early 2026 and will receive $10,000 and other prizes. Learn more about Ettrick Elementary and watch this video for a closer look at the school’s family hub. 

Students at Swift Creek Elementary transformed their gym into a glow-in-the-dark, underwater bowling alley and art show with neon paintings and posters. Teachers worked with every art student at Swift Creek to create an immersive experience that brought out the school community for an evening of fun. Watch this video to see how this glow show got rolling!

Manchester High’s Biggest Turkey fundraiser exceeded all expectations, raising $25,550 to support the school’s Angels Program. This year’s goal was $15,000, which sponsors initially thought would be a stretch because the annual fundraiser had never before surpassed $12,000.

The Biggest Turkey fundraiser started 20 years ago to provide Manchester High students and families with Christmas gifts, stockings and food. Each participating teacher gets a construction paper turkey on their door. For each $1 donation, students can add a feather to the turkey of their choice. As the fundraiser progresses, the turkeys grow feathers and ultimately one teacher is named the Biggest Turkey.

This year’s Biggest Turkey is English teacher Kelley Perrotte with 8,508 feathers. “I've seen this program do amazing things for loving and grateful families,” she said. “It eases burdens, creates smiles and offers a sense of belonging and support to our Lancers who are struggling. We do not want anyone in our Lancer family to face challenges alone.”

Have you ever wondered what being a CCPS principal is really like? This fall, more than 30 community members got the chance to walk in the shoes of school leaders across all five districts through the Principal for a Morning program, hosted by the CCPS Family and Community Engagement team.

Selected applicants were paired with a participating principal to learn about their respective school, their students, and gain a true understanding of what it means to be a CCPS administrator. During their visit, they observed classroom instruction, took part in the oversight of operations and logistics and learned how the community can assist our students, staff and schools.

The visits provided an inspiring look at the work that goes into building and empowering a school community. While shadowing Principal Natasha Wade and Assistant Principal Amber Gardner at Salem Church Elementary, Dr. James Worsley gained an understanding of the full scope of a principal’s work. “The experience deepened my appreciation for the vital role school leaders play in shaping young lives and fostering a culture of excellence and inclusion,” Worsley said.

See what other community members had to say about being Principal for a Morning.

The Student Council of Elizabeth Scott Elementary encouraged students to write holiday cards for U.S. troops. Students created 339 cheery cards for military men and women who will be away from home during the holidays. Student Council representatives delivered the heartfelt cards to TowneBank, which is a collection center for the USO.

Fourth grade classes at Spring Run Elementary spent the past six weeks reading about scientists and learning about taking chances, experimenting and exploring. As part of this unit, students came up with science fair experiments, then shared the results with their classmates.

On display at the science fair were balloon-powered cars, bionic arms, melting candy canes, bubbles that could be held in your hand and more. According to one student, “This was the best day of my school career!”

Dec. 18 is deadline to apply to Career and Technical Center

Career and Technical Center applications for 2026-27 will close at 11:59 p.m. Dec. 18, 2025. Details about the application process, including a link to the online application portal, are available here.

The Career and Technical Center offers engaging, up-to-date programs, enabling high school students to explore career fields ranging from health professions to technology to skilled trades to logistics and more. In dozens of career pathways, students earn industry-recognized certifications and connect with work-based learning experiences.

Learn more on the Career and Technical Center website. Email Karen Golden at karenm_golden@ccpsnet.net with questions.

Join us online at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, to learn how students are being taught to build coping skills, strengthen support networks, and develop a positive mindset. You’ll also explore simple, meaningful ways to care for yourself and others—at home, in your community, and during the winter break. Special guest is Rebecca Lint from Chesterfield Prevention Services. 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: What’s Next Wednesdays answers your college application questions

Join us online at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, for the “Home Stretch Q&A.” Maybe you’ve hit submit, or maybe you haven’t started—this session will offer a brief overview of the process, followed by an extensive Q&A session to answer your last-minute questions. Register here to attend this and other What’s Next Wednesday programs.

"What’s Next Wednesdays" is designed to help families and caregivers support their secondary school-aged students as they plan for life after high school. From finding the “right fit” to navigating financial aid, this process can be stressful for students and the adults in their lives. Topics vary monthly and address the many things you and your student must navigate as you make this decision. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to get informed, get inspired, and get ready for what’s next! Watch past sessions and learn more about our programs for families.

Family workshop Dec. 11: Anatomy of an IEP

Feeling overwhelmed by the IEP process? You’re not alone. Learn more and find support at an in-person workshop Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Gates Elementary (10001 Courthouse Road).

This parent-friendly presentation breaks down each part of the Individualized Education Program in clear, simple terms. You’ll learn what each section means, why it matters, and how it all works together to support your child’s learning and growth.

You’ll walk away with practical tips and insights to help you confidently participate in the IEP process and advocate for your child’s right to a Free Appropriate Public Education.

Register to attend the workshop here. This event is organized by PEATC and the Gates Elementary PTA.

Final reminder: Special Education Parent Involvement Survey for the 2024-25 school year closes Dec. 12

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 who received special education services during the 2024-25 school year.

For questions, contact Dr. Chiquita Seaborne by email at Chiquita.Seaborne@doe.virginia.gov or phone at 804-418-4672.

Advisory Committee meetings for December 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 remaining committee meetings are scheduled this month.

Citizens Budget Advisory Committee

8 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025
Conference Room #1205 at the School Administration Offices
7053 Celebration Park Avenue, Suite 100, N. Chesterfield, VA 23225

CCPS Audit and Finance Committee

8 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025
Conference Room #1205 at the School Administration Offices
7053 Celebration Park Avenue, Suite 100, N. Chesterfield, VA 23225

Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee

8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025
Auditorium at the Chesterfield Career and Technical Center @ Hull
13900 Hull Street Road, Midlothian, VA 23112

Environmental Stewardship Advisory Committee

5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025
VCU Room (Conference Room #B151) at the Chesterfield Career and Technical Center @ Hull
13900 Hull Street Road, Midlothian, VA 23112