Friday Family Update - March 20, 2026
March 20, 2026
Happy Friday CCPS! Today is the first day of Spring (officially at 10:46 a.m., to be exact). We hope you are excited for all that that entails – the flowers and trees coming to life, spring sports… spring break! And as we get into the spring season, we’re also getting ready for graduation, summer programs and registering for next fall.
Read this newsletter on our website and see all news from Chesterfield County Public Schools.
Important Dates
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
March 30-April 3 - Spring break
Changes to the calendar and schedule based on closures
Because schools were closed Monday, March 13, 2026, we must recapture instructional time to meet requirements for instructional hours set by the Virginia Department of Education. Starting April 6, 2026, and continuing through the remainder of the school year, all schools will start 5 minutes earlier and dismiss 5 minutes later. This small change allows us to recover instructional time while minimizing disruption to schedules and without adding days to the school year.
Also remember that schools will be closed April 21, 2026 for the special election and to make up for that time, May 28 will become a full day for students on the traditional calendar. (Previously, May 28 was an early-dismissal day.)
Free Family Fun: Spring into Wellness Fair, April 9
Be your best with CCPS! Join us for the Spring into Wellness Fair on April 9 from 4-7 p.m. at Falling Creek Middle School for a free, fun-filled event for the whole family. Come enjoy an evening of inspiration, activities and resources to support your family’s health and well-being. Learn more about the Spring into Wellness Fair and register to attend.
Interview Day connects CTC students with careers
The Career and Technical Center recently hosted its annual Interview Day, where more than 30 business partners conducted interviews with nearly 230 students. Over the two-day event, students gained valuable experience while seeking job shadowing, internships and immediate employment. Beyond the interviews, students sharpened their employability skills through sessions on social media etiquette, professional headshots and micro-credentialing preparation.
Crestwood career fair shows youngsters the possibilities
Our younger students were getting into career opportunities too. The March 13 career fair at Crestwood Elementary was way beyond fair: It was awesome! Parent and community volunteers representing a variety of jobs engaged with students through games, giveaways and conversations. Students enjoyed learning how and why people choose their careers.
CCPS In the Know: Music and art in our schools
March is Music in Our Schools Month and Youth Art Month, and we are celebrating the impact of the arts across our schools. Take a moment to watch this CCPS In the Know video highlighting how the arts support student growth and bring our school communities together.
Congratulations to our R.E.B. principals
The R.E.B. Awards for Distinguished Educational Leadership honor principals who go beyond day-to-day demands to create an exceptional educational environment. Annually, one principal each from Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover and Richmond is honored and receives $20,000 for school projects plus $10,000 for individual use.
Bird High Principal Adrienne Blanton is this year’s winner for Chesterfield County Public Schools. She will dedicate the award money to re-imagining the school library (created in 1978) as a space that students and staff members enjoy as they undertake innovative, educational projects.
Curtis Elementary Principal Susan Wilson is the CCPS runner-up. She received $10,000 and will use it to boost the school’s house system; hold workshops to help parents understand their role in the learning experience; and connect with teacher-chosen professional development.
Five Chesterfield County Public Schools principals were finalists for the award:
Dr. Elizabeth Baber, principal of Matoaca High
Rovez Ingram, principal of Marguerite Christian Elementary
Melanie Jasinkiewicz, principal of Matoaca Elementary
Deborah McGonigle, principal of Watkins Elementary
Kristin Saady, principal of Hening Elementary
The Community Foundation for a greater Richmond and the R.E.B. Foundation oversee the awards. Nominations come from members of the school community and the general public.
Hall of Fame highlight: Gale Cushing
In advance of our 2026 Hall of Fame gala, we are highlighting this year's remarkable honorees each week. Join us in honoring all our inductees at the CCPS Hall of Fame Gala on April 30, 2026. Purchase tickets online today.
Gale Cushing devoted her entire career to Chesterfield County Public Schools, starting as a fourth grade teacher at Enon Elementary. Her leadership skills led to promotion to assistant principal before being named principal of Harrowgate Elementary, then Bon Air Elementary.
Above all, Gale was an advocate for students and they loved her. She served as director of elementary education for five years, overseeing all Chesterfield County elementary schools. She continues to support students by volunteering with her therapy dog, Phoebe, in Read to Rover programs.
Coffee and Conversation
Cultivating Calm
Special guest: Christa Smith, Mindset Clarity Coach
Wednesday, March 25, 1 p.m. | Virtual | Audience: all families
This Coffee and Conversation focuses on building calm and clarity for families through mindset strategies that support emotional well-being and resilience.
Summer camp sign-ups are open. 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.
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.
Congressional Art Competition accepting submissions through April 27. High school students can submit original artwork to the 2026 Congressional Art Competition through the congressional office in which they reside. Learn more about the 1st District (Wittman) or the 4th District (McClellan).
Kindergarten registration for the class of 2039 continues! Children who will be 5 years old by Sept. 30, 2026, can start kindergarten in the 2026-27 school year. Learn more about registering to attend CCPS.
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.
Highlights from the March 10, 2026, School Board meeting
The Chesterfield County School Board held its regular meeting on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. The meeting included a presentation about ESL and Title III, a literacy update and a school board self-evaluation. A number of awards and recognitions were also presented. Check out all the highlights from the March 10, 2026, board meeting.
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.