March 13, 2026
Happy Friday the 13th! Don’t worry, there’s nothing scary in here. We’re celebrating CCPS staff who make a difference and we’ve got other programs happening. Be sure to check through our important dates – there are a number of deadlines coming up this month, as well as some school schedule updates. Have a great weekend and don’t forget to enjoy some pie tomorrow on Pi Day (3/14)!
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
March 15 - Deadline to submit a presentation to the Generative AI Student Fair
March 19 - A full day of classes (previously a half-day); end of Q2 for traditional schedule
March 20 - Holiday, all schools and CCPS offices closed
March 20 - Deadline to apply for CEF scholarship opportunities
March 25 - Disabilities Resource Fair at Evergreen Elementary
March 27 - Deadline to apply for SOL/W!se academies
Reminder: March 19 is a full day of classes, March 20 is a holiday
Following the closures during this year’s winter storm, March 19 was changed to a full day of instruction. This day was previously a half-day. March 20 is a holiday and all Chesterfield County Public Schools and offices will be closed. For updated dates for this school year, visit our calendars page.
Calendar change due to April 21 special election
April 21 is the date of a special election across Virginia, and robust voter turnout is expected. Because most Chesterfield County schools serve as voting sites:
Students will not come to school April 21.
To make up this time, May 28 will become a full day for students on the traditional calendar. (Previously, May 28 was an early-dismissal day.)
12-month employees will report to work April 21.
This calendar change will provide an additional day of end-of-the-year testing because schools do not test on early-dismissal days.
For continuity of learning, teachers will provide April 21 assignments for students to complete at home. Because the Virginia Department of Education has shared that, under Virginia law, remote learning days may only be used for severe weather or emergency situations, remote instruction on April 21 cannot count toward instructional hours.
Here is additional information:
School offices and central offices will be open April 21.
Principals will provide more information for families and staff members after spring break (March 30-April 3).
Students on the year-round calendar at Bellwood Elementary will also be out of school April 21; however, no further changes are being made to Bellwood’s calendar in regard to makeup time.
Last chance: Deadline to submit for Generative AI Student Fair is March 15
Don’t miss out! Chesterfield students in grades 6-12 who have an idea for using generative AI in a creative or unexpected way can submit a proposal online by March 15 to be considered for the first Generative AI student fair created by a U.S. school district. The Student Fair will be held April 23 at Deep Creek Middle.
Get kindergarten ready for the 2026-27 school year
Do you have a student going into kindergarten this fall? Sign up for “Let’s Get K Ready,” our regular e-newsletter with topics, resources and community events to give your kindergartners (and you!) the best start possible. All parents or guardians who have registered incoming kindergartners are automatically subscribed as a free service. Check out this year’s first issue of Let’s Get K Ready from March 6. Learn more about kindergarten readiness at our website.
Immunization information for the 2026-27 school year
The Virginia Department of Health has important vaccine information for families of rising kindergartners, rising seventh graders and rising 12th graders. These links take you directly to the information you need to make sure your student is prepared for the 2026-27 school year:
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Congressional Art Competition accepting submissions through April 27
High school students are invited to submit original artwork to the 2026 Congressional Art Competition. Students may submit paintings, drawing, mixed media, photography and more. Selected works will be displayed in the United States Capitol. Artwork must be submitted through the congressional office in which the student resides. For more details, see information for students in the 1st District (Wittman) or the 4th District (McClellan).
VDOE listening tour offers a chance to give input on education
The State Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Secretary of Education are hosting forums to hear from parents, students, educators and more about public education. The Commonwealth Listening Tour: Speak Up for Virginia’s Future is your chance to talk about what’s working in our schools, spotlight success stories, and share bold ideas for strengthening public education. Attend an in-person session or give input through the online survey.
Sheila Pope named School Social Worker of the Year
During School Social Work Week (March 1-7), Chesterfield County Public Schools recognized and celebrated school social workers for the vital role they play in supporting students, families and school communities.
The annual celebration includes naming the school system’s School Social Worker of the Year. This year’s honoree is Sheila Pope, school social worker for Thomas Dale High and Curtis Elementary. With 43 years in the field of social work, she is a recognized leader throughout both schools. One of her outstanding initiatives is the PUPS Club, which includes a therapy dog and brings together high school and elementary students
Thomas Dale High Principal Dr. Anthony McLaurin wrote, “Mrs. Pope has gone above and beyond the call of duty to make herself an asset to our school community and a safe space for all of our students. She is a tremendous advocate for our students and their families.
Dr. Craig Reed named CCPS School Breakfast Champion
Congratulations to Dr. Craig Reed, principal of Meadowbrook High, for being selected as this year’s School Breakfast Champion. Each year during National School Breakfast Week (March 2-6), CCPS Food and Nutrition Services selects a Breakfast Champion who shows outstanding support for our breakfast program.
“Our cafeteria staff are true heroes and servant leaders,” said Dr. Reed. “Each day, they serve breakfast to our students so that everyone is fueled for a great day of learning. This year, our kiosk has ensured that all students get a healthy and nutritious start to the day. Meadowbrook High School is excited about this initiative and how it supports success for all students.”
Coffee and Conversation
Positive Money Mindset: Smart Money Skills for Kids
Special guest: Tiffany McCoy, Certified Financial Education Instructor℠ and author of Money Smart: A Financial Literacy Guide for Teens
Wednesday, March 18, 1 p.m. | Virtual | Audience: all families
Learn simple, practical ways to teach healthy money habits at home in this session. Explore age-appropriate strategies for introducing earning, spending, saving, giving, and budgeting through everyday moments like grocery shopping, allowances, chores, and family conversations. Leave with ready-to-use activities, conversation starters, and easy frameworks to help raise confident, responsible, and financially capable kids.
What’s Next Wednesdays
Transitioning to Post-secondary Education with an IEP
Wednesday, March 18, 6 p.m. | Virtual | Audience: high school families
This session will cover the support available in college for students with IEPs and the steps necessary to receive them.
Kindergarten registration for the class of 2039 has begun! Children who will be 5 years old by Sept. 30, 2026, can start kindergarten in the 2026-27 school year. Register early to help schools prepare for the best possible kindergarten year. Learn more about registering to attend CCPS.
Summer camp sign-ups are open now. Chesterfield students can expand their world with new languages, arts, STEM, sports and more. Camps are first come, first served — and once they’re full that’s it! Learn more and sign up here.
Prekindergarten applications now available. Families with 3 or 4-year-olds can apply to be considered for prekindergarten for the 2026–27 school year. Learn more and apply online.
Substitute teachers needed! Interview at our hiring event, March 24
Do you want a meaningful job with a flexible schedule? 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 Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from 5-6:30 p.m. at Bird High School (10301 Courthouse Rd.) for an opportunity to learn more and interview. Advanced registration is recommended but not required.
Join an Advisory Committee - Applications due March 26
Advisory committees are one way community members connect with schools. Advisory committee 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 current openings and apply online.