It looks like we have more winter on the way. In case you missed it, here is the message we shared with families and staff at 2 p.m. today regarding the weekend:
We have been following the National Weather Service forecast and have been closely tracking the storm that is expected to arrive tomorrow.
Due to expected winter weather, Chesterfield schools will close at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. This means any school-sponsored activities planned for Saturday must conclude by 2 p.m.
Schools will also be closed on Sunday.
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.
We will continue to track the storm and share updates to school division operations.
Read this newsletter on our website and see all news from Chesterfield County Public Schools.
Here’s what’s happening in your Chesterfield County Public Schools.
Important dates and events
Jan. 26: Our first budget town hall for the community to give input on the new budget.
Jan. 27: A free info session about earning college credit for rising freshmen and sophomores
Jan. 30: Report cards come out for schools on the traditional calendar.
Feb. 2: Registration opens for Chesterfield Virtual School and CCPSOnline for 2026-27
Feb. 8-14: Virginia Kindness Week, a special time to show care for one another.
James Myers named 2026 CCPS teacher of the year
Congratulations to James Myers, who was selected as Chesterfield County Public Schools 2026 Teacher of the Year and High School Teacher of the Year. James began his career with CCPS in 2023 and now teaches advanced engineering and manufacturing at the Career and Technical Center @ Hull. A career switcher, Myers said he realized that he gravitated to teaching throughout his 25-year career in business by mentoring young colleagues.
Also receiving Teacher of the Year honors are
Elizabeth Talley, school counselor at Davis Elementary: Elementary School Teacher of the Year
Terrance Gregory, who teaches band at Falling Creek Middle: Middle School Teacher of the Year
Every school names a Teacher of the Year. See the full list and read more about James. Congratulations to all our amazing educators!
Reminder: Chromebook login will require extra steps starting Jan. 26
Starting Jan. 26, students will need to use multi-factor authentication when logging into a Chromebook off of the CCPS network. Schools will share specific dates to their families and students. Learn more on our Chromebooks page.
Superintendent announces proposed FY 2027 budget
On Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, Superintendent Dr. John Murray presented his proposed budget to the School Board for Fiscal Year 2027. The $1.03 billion balanced operating budget prioritizes compensation increases for teachers and staff, major maintenance and upgrades to buildings, and replacing buses for reliability, safety and comfort. A message from Dr. Murray about his proposed budget was sent to all families and a news release provides additional information.
The community is invited to a series of in-person town hall meetings beginning Jan. 26 to learn more and provide input on the proposed budget.
Read an overview of the proposed budget and learn more about the budget process and see meeting schedules on our website.
Bee-hold our top speller!
Gloria Zhang buzzed in as this year’s top speller during the divisionwide spelling bee on Jan. 20. The Midlothian Middle eighth grader won the bee after 12 rounds by correctly spelling “patriarchs” and will represent Chesterfield County Public Schools at the regional spelling bee in March. Chesterfield’s runner-up speller is London Aka, a sixth grader at Tomahawk Creek Middle.
CCPS principal in running for national award - vote by Jan. 30!
Dr. Randi Smith, principal of Ettrick Elementary, is one of nine finalists for the national Constantino Family Engagement Practitioner Award and public voting is part of the selection process! Support your CCPS community and vote for Dr. Smith online for free before Jan. 30, 2026. Dr. Smith has helped Ettrick Elementary overcome challenges and emerge as a beacon of educational excellence.
Coffee and Conversation
Worry Under Control: Helping Kids Manage Anxiety
Special guest: Lauren Ellenberger, school counselor, Chesterfield County Public Schools
Wednesday, Jan. 28, 1 p.m. | Virtual | Audience: all families
Anxiety can affect kids of all ages—from a kindergartner nervous about school to a teen feeling overwhelmed. This workshop helps parents guide children in recognizing what they can control, challenging anxious thoughts with simple “thought checks,” and using calming techniques to stay grounded. Gain practical tools to build your child’s resilience from early childhood through high school.
Make a difference as a Source of Strength for our students
Parents and community members are invited to become Adult Advisors with our Sources of Strength program in middle and high schools. Sources of Strength helps students build resilience, connection, and hope. Adult advisors are vital as caring, trusted supporters who help students feel connected, supported and valued. Training sessions begin Jan. 26, 2026. Sign up to get involved and learn more.
Teach for Chesterfield! Hiring event scheduled for Feb. 7
Are you a teacher looking for career opportunities? Chesterfield County Public Schools is holding a virtual hiring event on Feb. 7, 2026, to interview eligible candidates to fill teaching positions for the 2026-27 school year. Those interested in attending this event should apply here by Feb. 3.
Apply through Jan. 29 to serve on an advisory committee
Advisory committees established by the Chesterfield County School Board are one way community members connect with schools. Members include parents, teachers, staff members, students and others interested in helping Chesterfield County Public Schools achieve its vision of creating a better tomorrow. See the available positions and apply here.