April 3, 2026
Happy Friday CCPS! As we wrap up spring break, we’ve got a lot of news to share with you this week. Our Spring Into Wellness Fair is coming up April 9, Arts Fest is still going strong and Kindergarten Kickoff Week starts Monday. Check out this issue to see an amazing story about a simulation that helped the CCPS community understand the lives of underprivileged students.
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
April 6-10 - Kindergarten Kickoff Week
April 9 - Spring into Wellness Fair at Falling Creek Middle
April 9 - Virtual info session for Chesterfield Virtual School
April 10 - Report cards issued for traditional calendar students (April 8 for Bellwood students)
April 11-12 - Secondary Fine and Performing Arts Showcase at Clover Hill High
April 11 - Chesterfield Earth Day Festival at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds
Reminder: remaining school days extended, bus schedules updated
Don’t forget! Beginning Monday, April 6, 2026 and continuing through the remainder of the school year, all schools will start 5 minutes earlier and dismiss 5 minutes later. Be sure to check the updated bus schedules in your Versatrans e-Link account so you don’t miss your ride.
It’s time to register for summer programs
Summer can be a great time to learn and grow! Summer programs are available for students with and without an individualized education program. Registration for our summer camps and CCPSOnline courses is open now and in-person summer school registration opens April 6. Learn more about how to register.
Learn about Chesterfield Virtual School with online info session April 9
Interested in an alternative learning option for your K-8 student? Look no further than Chesterfield Virtual School. Attend the virtual info session April 9 at 6:30 p.m. to meet the principal, teachers, counselors and more from Chesterfield Virtual School to see how your student can benefit from online learning. Learn more about Chesterfield Virtual School and enroll through April 24.
Kindergarten Kickoff Week begins April 6
During kindergarten kickoff week, April 6-10, elementary schools throughout the division will welcome families of incoming kindergartners in a variety of ways, but the overall message is the same: Your child has a place in Chesterfield schools. Watch this video to learn more about the kindergarten experience from our very own students.
Visit our website to learn more about registering to attend CCPS.
Take the first step by preregistering online. The school will then reach out to schedule a time to visit the school and complete the final steps of the registration process.
April 29 fair offers jobs for students
Chesterfield County Public Schools will host a job fair for graduating seniors 5-7 p.m. April 29, 2026. Students will have the opportunity to interview and get hired on the spot for short- and long-term jobs. See full details and register online.
Volunteer in April with Communities In Schools
April is Volunteer Month at Communities In Schools of Chesterfield. All month long, CIS is celebrating the power of community and the incredible difference volunteers make in the lives of students. With 16 CIS-sponsored schools across Chesterfield County, there are many ways to help: spruce up a courtyard, help with field day fun, read with students, or lend a hand wherever it’s needed most. Learn more and sign up here.
Tying more than neckwear at Thomas Dale
Throughout the school year, the 100 Men Challenge takes place at Thomas Dale High. The program connects freshman boys with supportive community mentors. The most recent gathering included cheering students into the building and a session on how to tie a necktie. As one of the community participants said, knowing how to tie a tie is a small skill that carries big lessons about confidence, preparation and showing up ready.
Hall of Fame highlight: Alenia Wilder
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.
Alenia “Polly” Wilder was the first woman to lead a high school in Chesterfield County Public Schools.
In 1961, her first CCPS job was teaching at the then-segregated Hickory Hill School. In 1975, after two years as assistant principal, she was named Matoaca High principal. She excelled as a bold leader, caring educator, thoughtful mentor and second mom to many.
Wilder died in 2003, leaving a legacy centered on education, generosity and seeing the best in people. The Matoaca High library is named in her memory.
Coffee & Conversation
Get Kindergarten Ready!
Special guest: Leslie Harris and Lesley Lenhart, CECLA admin team Wednesday, April 8, 1 p.m. | Virtual | Audience: all families
Kindergarten is a big step, and it’s normal for families to wonder, “Are we ready?” This session focuses on what really helps children thrive in kindergarten—confidence, routines, independence, and social-emotional skills (not just letters and numbers). Families will leave feeling reassured, encouraged, and armed with simple, doable ideas to support their child at home.
Spring into Wellness keynote addresses mental health as an athlete
At our Spring into Wellness Fair, keynote speaker Nowoola Awopetu, a doctoral student at VCU will share a powerful and honest look into life beyond the game. From the highs of being a student-athlete to the hidden battles with mental health, Nowoola unpacks the grind, the identity struggle, and the courage it takes to ask for help. Register to attend this free family event, held April 9 at Falling Creek Middle.
Student creativity and talent on display during 2026 Arts Fest. There’s so much to see this month: the Mini Museum, virtual art galleries, elementary school displays, and the Secondary Fine and Performing Arts Showcase. Find out how to get your art on.
Become a licensed special education teacher
Join the CCPS Human Resources and Department of Special Education teams for free interactive sessions to learn about special education at CCPS and how to become a licensed special education teacher from department leadership and current special education teachers. Sign up online here for either of these sessions:
Tuesday, April 7, 5:15 - 6:15 p.m. at Thomas Dale HS (West Campus), 3900 West Hundred Rd.
Wednesday, April 8, 4-5 p.m. online virtual session through Google Meet
Our team will also cover an exciting licensure pathway in partnership with iteach that can potentially cover up to 90% of tuition.
Recruitment and career meet-and-greet April 15
Meet our recruitment team and learn more about starting your next career with Chesterfield County Public Schools. Drop in from 3:30-5:30 p.m. April 15, 2026, at the LaPrade Library (9000 Hull Street Rd.) to discuss current job opportunities, explore teacher licensure pathways, and get answers to your questions.
Sign up for the Adult Spelling Bee Extravaganza, hosted by CIS
Communities In Schools of Chesterfield invites the community to the first-ever Adult Spelling Bee Extravaganza on Saturday, May 2. This 21+ event is a fun, team-based twist on the traditional spelling bee – think quick rounds, friendly competition and lots of laughs (no solo stage pressure required).
The event supports students across CCPS, helping ensure they have what they need to show up, stay in school and succeed. Not a speller? No problem, there will be plenty to enjoy throughout the evening, including interactive elements and a curated raffle featuring prizes from 20+ local businesses and vendors. Purchase your tickets online.
Come celebrate! Chesterfield Earth Day Festival April 11
The Chesterfield Earth Day Festival, presented by CFIT Community, will bring together a host of environmentally-conscious aspects of Chesterfield including county departments, local companies and much more. Enjoy demonstrations and outdoor activities while learning about ways to be environmentally friendly in Chesterfield. Help with the event! Sign up to volunteer here.