Happy FridayCCPS! We’re starting off May with teacher appreciations, school lunch heroes celebrations and inspiring stories of artwork and community building. We’re also getting ready for our high school graduations, which begin May 18.
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
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
May 1: School Lunch Hero Day
May 4-8: Teacher Appreciation Week
May 6: School Nurse Day
May 14: Family Film Series at Midlothian Library
May 18-22, 27: High school graduation ceremonies
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a reminder of the importance of supporting the well-being of our students, staff and families. Taking time to check in, listen and prioritize mental health can make a meaningful difference. 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.
Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4–8
Next week, we will celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week across Chesterfield County Public Schools.
Teachers play an important role in the daily experiences of our students, building relationships, supporting growth and helping each child move forward. Throughout the week, schools and the school division will recognize the work teachers do and the impact they have in our classrooms and communities.
Families are invited to join us in showing appreciation in whatever way feels meaningful. A note, a message or a simple “thank you” can go a long way.
K-12 tutoring to conclude for the 2026-27 school year
The K-12 Tutoring program will conclude for the current academic year on Friday, May 29, 2026. Students may schedule tutoring sessions up to and including this final day. No sessions may be scheduled after May 29. If any students currently have sessions scheduled for after May 29, parents or students should cancel those sessions.
Thank you to our school lunch heroes!
Today, May 1, is National School Lunch Hero Day. Preparing meals with care and planning every breakfast and lunch to ensure Chesterfield students have the nutrients they need to be their best is something the CCPS Food Services teams have down to an art. Serving more than 9 million meals to more than 64,000 students is nothing short of a masterpiece.
To celebrate our school lunch heroes this year, students all across Chesterfield County submitted their own art with words of appreciation for the work that CCPS food services staff does each and every day. The creations were compiled into a printed book and presented to each school. See what our students had to say!
Learn more about Chesterfield County Public Schools food and nutrition services.
Principals of Distinction work in Chesterfield schools
Congratulations to Dr. Randi Smith, principal of Ettrick Elementary, and Dr. Amanda Voelker, principal of James River High, for being included in the inaugural class of Principals of Distinction by the Virginia Department of Education. Selection criteria was based in part on demonstrating strong leadership in improving student achievement, providing effective instructional leadership and cultivating a school environment that reduces non-academic barriers.
You can influence the future of public education
Through June 12, parents and guardians are invited to share thoughts about the use of technology in schools. A short, anonymous survey is designed to help families share ideas about the use of technology directly with schools and policymakers. Visit the SpeakUp website to take the survey. Chesterfield County Public Schools will use data from the survey to plan for the future.
Student art featured at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Through May 25, Swift Creek Middle students are showcasing their artwork in the “Emergence” exhibit at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Eighth grade students researched insects from different countries, blending scientific study with creative expression, while seventh grade students crafted yarn paintings of butterflies and moths. Guided by art teacher Sheila Donahue and inspired by E.A. Séguy, students explored pattern, color, and texture. The exhibit is free to view; garden admission fees apply.
Brewing confidence and connection
Led by teachers Stacy Beyer and Kate Porter, with assistance from their PTA, special education students are operating a coffee business at Moseley Elementary School. The Wild Mustang Coffee Co. helps students build life skills while fostering confidence, responsibility and connection within the school community. Students take orders for K cups, package them in bags decorated by early childhood special education students, then deliver the orders on Friday mornings to staff members throughout the building.
Weaving a lesson about wastefulness
When we donate clothes, they don’t always end up in the hands of those in need. They instead sometimes end up as pollution on the shores of other parts of the world. A Hopkins Elementary art teacher taught her students about the importance of reducing and recycling with an amazing large-scale collaborative art project using recovered materials. Watch this video to see how it came together.
Coffee and Conversation
Effective Discipline
Special guest: Rebecca Lint and Ginger Dotter, Chesterfield Mental Health Support ServicesWednesday, May 6, 1 p.m. | Virtual | Audience: all families
Discipline doesn’t have to mean punishment. This conversation will help families explore gentle, effective ways to guide children toward empathy, responsibility, and thoughtful choices. With the right balance of kindness and boundaries, parents can raise kids who listen, care, and learn from life’s lessons.
What’s Next Wednesdays
How to Help Navigate the College Process Without Losing Your Mind Wednesday, May 6, 6 p.m. | Virtual | Audience: high school families
Helping your young person navigate this process and make a plan can be very stressful (for them and you). This session will discuss ways to support your young adult through this process from a social-emotional perspective that will set them up for success while maintaining your sanity.
Congratulations to our 2026 Students of the Year
Each year, we honor and celebrate students from every school who deserve significant recognition for their contributions to the community and for exhibiting the value of integrity through respect, responsibility, honesty and accountability. See the full list of our 2026 Students of the Year.