Chesterfield County Public Schools -

Important dates

• April 17-18 – Annual Spring Festival and plant sale at Career and Technical Center @ Courthouse

• April 21 – Students will not attend school due to special election

• April 23 – Generative AI Student Fair at Deep Creek Middle

• April 24 – Deadline to enroll for CCPSOnline or Chesterfield Virtual School

• April 29 – Career fair for graduating seniors

• April 30 – CCPS Hall of Fame celebration

Reminder: No classes April 21 for 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.) Teachers will provide April 21 assignments for students to complete at home. Read the original notice for more details.

Naming the west area high school

At its April 14 meeting, the Chesterfield County School Board reviewed a memo regarding the naming of the new west area high school currently under construction on Duval Road in the Matoaca District.

In alignment with School Board policy 6160, the School Board is considering these names:

• Stonebrook High School, which acknowledges nearby waterways while avoiding duplication with other “Creek” school names

• West Ridge High School, which reflects the school’s western location and elevation

• Western View High School, which highlights the scenic views of the surrounding area

The School Board is expected to announce the selected name at its May meeting. Community members may share input with the School Board. Written public comments may be submitted online, or individuals may sign up by 2 p.m. May 12 to speak in person at the May 12 School Board meeting.

Scheduled to open in August 2027, the new high school will serve up to 2,400 students and is part of the 2022 community facilities bond plan.

Are tests causing stress? Middle and high school students can connect with free telehealth sessions

The end of the school year can bring joy but it can also be stressful with exams and SOL tests. To help students and families work through that stress, free, virtual mental health telehealth services are available for middle and high school students through Hazel Health. Learn how to get support for your child.

You’re invited to see how Chesterfield students are using AI

CCPS is leading the way as the first U.S. school district to organize a student fair focused on generative artificial intelligence. Visit the Gen AI Student Fair, 5:30-7 p.m. April 23 at Deep Creek Middle, to see student-developed projects ranging from study buddies to cancer research to recipe creation and more. Work will be displayed in a showcase area and shared during TED-Talk-like presentations.

Deadline to enroll in CCPSOnline, Chesterfield Virtual School is April 24

CCPS offers two virtual education options for Chesterfield County students, but the deadline to enroll for the 2026-27 school year is closing Friday, April 24.

• Chesterfield Virtual School offers K-8 instruction following the format of other Chesterfield Schools and operates like any other school, with student support services, PTA, after-school programs, student clubs, and more.

• CCPSOnline offers courses for grades 9-12 taught online and delivered through the Canvas learning management system. Students have opportunities to interact with their teacher and peers throughout the course, but do not follow a daily bell schedule.

All courses are taught by licensed teachers. These options are available to all students living in Chesterfield County.

James River High speech team achieves fifth state title

James River High’s speech team just won its fifth VHSL state championship! James River has dominated since earning its first title in 2021, then achieving four straight championships (2023-2026). Also at this year’s statewide competition, team member Luke Baker won an individual first place in extemporaneous speaking. Way to go!

Ecoff Elementary investigates careers

Ecoff Elementary students explored possible futures during the school’s annual career day. Parents and community volunteers presented information, answered questions and helped students gain insight into a variety of career paths. Among the areas represented were finance, animal care, utilities, cosmetology and entrepreneurship.

Little Feet Meets spark joy

Hundreds of Special Olympic athletes from prekindergarten through fifth grade had a blast at this year’s Little Feet Meet at James River High. So did the James River High students who volunteered as helpers! Little Feet Meets, which build acceptance and inclusion, give students time to run, jump, throw and have fun outdoors.

CCPS principal earns national recognition

Congratulations to Dr. Randi Smith, principal of Ettrick Elementary, who was one of the three finalists for the national Constantino Family Engagement Practitioner Award. While she did not win the top prize, her work to lift up family, school and community partnerships was honored during a national conference in April. Dr. Smith has led Ettrick Elementary since 2015, helping the fully-accredited Title I school overcome challenges and emerge as a beacon of educational excellence.

Chesterfield yearbooks capture memories and awards

Five Chesterfield high school yearbooks are in the national spotlight. The 2025 yearbooks of Cosby, Thomas Dale, James River, Matoaca and Midlothian high schools are included in Varsity Yearbook’s Portfolio, a national showcase. Additionally, Midlothian High is among just 62 yearbooks to earn a place in the Anthology section, which honors the finest in scholastic journalism, innovative design and compelling storytelling. Congrats!

Hall of Fame highlight: Patricia Kelly

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.

After teaching at Hopkins, Curtis and Evergreen elementary schools, Patricia Kelly joined Bensley Elementary in 1998 and served as the school’s reading specialist for almost two decades. Pat pioneered an instructional model across grade levels that engaged all staff members to lead small groups for 30-45 minutes daily.

Patricia Kelly put reading and literacy at the heart of her career, and her innovative methods helped students of all levels progress and succeed.

Family Film Series: Screenagers Under the Influence

Join us May 14 for a special free showing of the film “Screenagers Under the Influence: Addressing Vaping, Drugs and Alcohol in the Digital Age,” which examines the impact of technology on teens' decision-making about vaping, drugs and alcohol. The screening will be held at the Midlothian Library from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m May 14, 2026. Learn more about this powerful film and register to attend.

Annual plant sale is April 17-18! Get spring-ready at the annual plant sale held at the Career and Technical Center @ Courthouse (10101 Courthouse Road). All proceeds benefit Career and Technical Center programs. Learn more about plants and specialty items you will find at the event.

April 29: Student job fair for graduating seniors. 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.

Register now for summer programs. Summer school and summer camp registration is open. April 24 is the CCPSOnline deadline, June 2 is the in-person summer school deadline, and camps are filling quickly. Here’s what you need to know.

Bus driver hiring event April 29

Want a full-time job with optional summers off or part-time with a flexible schedule? Become a bus driver for Chesterfield County Public Schools! Interview at our hiring event Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 5-6 p.m. at Falling Creek Middle (4780 Hopkins Road). No experience needed. Get paid while you train for your CDL. Beginning July 1, starting pay is $25.10/hour or higher (up to $32.84/hour) with previous CDL experience. Learn more and register to attend.

Free swim lessons through YMCA of Greater Richmond

For Safety Around Water Week, May 9-13, the YMCA of Greater Richmond is offering a free introductory swim program for youth and adults currently not enrolled in formal swim lessons. These lessons are available for swimmers 6 months to adults, and offered at 13 locations around the region. Learn more and register on the YMCA website.

Video storytelling contest to celebrate our older residents

In honor of Older Americans Month, Chesterfield County Aging and Disability Resources invites youth storytellers to show off their creativity while celebrating an older adult (aged 60 years or older) in their lives. To be eligible, storytellers must be 8-12 years old and live in Chesterfield County, Virginia. The deadline to submit is 5 p.m. Friday, May 1, 2026. Learn more and submit your video here.

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. The event supports students across CCPS. Purchase your tickets online.