Happy Friday CCPS! We’re sure you’re counting down the days until summer, but we’ve still got a whole lot going on in our schools. Check out this issue for two new videos about students exploring science, tech center classes available to students, our upcoming Family Film Series, and the honorees for this year’s Hall of Fame.
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 14: Family Film Series at Midlothian Library
May 18-22, 27: High school graduation ceremonies
May 25: Holiday, all schools and offices closed
May 28: Full day of instruction (previously an early dismissal day)
Appreciating our teachers!
We’re concluding Teacher Appreciation Week today and our school communities have been showing up and showing out for all of our educators. Here’s just a few of the fun moments this week:
The best part of waking up!
Tomahawk Creek Middle served up a cozy coffee cart to give their teachers a cup of thankfulness.
Let’s get it poppin’!
Moseley Elementary held a “Popcorn and Post-It” event to spread encouragement, gratitude, and positivity throughout their herd.
You earned a break!
The PTSA at Deep Creek Middle stocked the employee break room with refreshments and the school counselors dropped in with donuts.
It’s never too late to share your appreciation for our CCPS teachers. Send an email, a note, or celebrate your favorite teachers on social with #oneCCPS.
Tech center classes still available for 2026-27
The Career and Technical Center still has space in some great programs with short waiting lists for 2026-27. Rising 11th and 12th graders can explore a nontraditional classroom, get hands-on experience and build their resumes. Explore agriculture, energy and power, TV and media production and more. See the one-year and two-year programs with current openings and how to apply.
Compassionate care – Jenna Ornelas is our 2026 School Nurse of the Year
Congratulations to Jenna Ornelas of Chalkley Elementary, who was named the 2026 School Nurse of the Year for Chesterfield County Public Schools. She is described as a “strong advocate for students, [who] ensures that every child receives equitable, compassionate care.” Jenna has been a nurse for 20 years, with four of those as a school nurse. Read more about Jenna’s impact and accomplishments.
End-of-year medication reminder
Families of students who have medication in the school clinic should plan to pick up any remaining medication June 1-3 during normal school hours. Medications not picked up by 4 p.m. on June 3 will be turned over to the Chesterfield County Police Department for proper disposal and cannot be retrieved. If your child will need prescription medication at school next year, please remember that updated health care provider orders are required. Additional details and medication forms are available on the school division website.
Six extraordinary educators inducted into the CCPS Hall of Fame
Six outstanding educators were inducted into the Hall of Fame of Chesterfield County Public Schools during an April 30 event. Welcome these honorees and watch the special videos about their impactful careers:
Gale Cushing, elementary school principal and director of elementary education
Sarah Fraher, middle school principal
Patricia Kelly, elementary reading specialist
Mike Rose, middle and high school principal
Dr. Beth Teigen, high school principal and executive director of school administration
Alenia Wilder, high school principal (first woman to lead a high school in Chesterfield County Public Schools) and director of secondary education
Nominations are now open for 2027 inductees into the Hall of Fame. Former employees and volunteers can be nominated online before Aug. 31.
Meeting community helpers at Hopkins
Chesterfield County police officers spent time with kindergartners at Hopkins Elementary. Students wore paper police hats while learning about how officers help the community. Kindergartners took turns sitting in the front seat of a police car and using the siren and lights.
Reams Road Elementary explores careers
About 30 different professions were represented at Reams Road Elementary’s annual career fair. Volunteers included a naval recruiter, NICU nurse, baker, telecommunications lineman, environmental engineer, small business owners, geologist, quilter, park ranger and traffic control equipment provider.
Bird High makes waves at Wells
Students from Bird High gave 4th and 5th graders at Wells Elementary an interactive experience to help the youngsters shore up their science knowledge for the SOLs. Through models of deep-sea creatures and discussion groups, the high school students answered questions, shared knowledge and acted as role models for the day. Watch this video to see how they made waves at Wells!
Generative AI Science Fair
Chesterfield County hosted the first-ever Generative AI student fair, bringing together students to share projects and ideas centered around practical applications of artificial intelligence. Presenters brought forward concepts about finding careers, addressing medical conditions, and improving studying and learning. Watch this video to get a glimpse of the GenAI fair.
Coffee and Conversation
Warm and Supportive: Co-Parenting in the Summer
Special guest: Shauna Warden, certified divorce and co-parent coach
Wednesday, May 13, 1 p.m. | Virtual | Audience: all families
Summer can bring added transitions and emotions for children in co-parenting families. Learn practical strategies to help co-parents navigate schedules, communication, and expectations while supporting children’s emotional well-being during the summer months. Families will leave with tools to create consistency, reduce stress, and help children feel secure and supported.
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.
K-12 tutoring concluding for this 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.
Student art featured at Lewis Ginter. Through May 25, Swift Creek Middle students are showcasing their artwork in the “Emergence” exhibit at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Guided by art teacher Sheila Donahue and inspired by E.A. Séguy, students explored pattern, color, and texture.
Share your thoughts on technology. Through June 12, parents and guardians are invited to take a survey about the use of technology in schools for policymakers. CCPS will use data from the survey to plan for the future.
Hiring event for instructional assistants May 19
Join Team Chesterfield as an instructional assistant to support teachers and help students succeed. Assist with classroom activities, materials, and supervision. This is ideal for organized, flexible individuals who enjoy working with students and collaborating with school staff in a supportive learning environment. Register for our hiring event May 19, 2026, at Providence Middle (900 Starlight Lane, Richmond, VA) for an opportunity to interview.
School Board meeting scheduled for May 12, 2026
The Chesterfield County School Board will hold its regular business meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, in the Chesterfield County Public Meeting Room (10001 Iron Bridge Road, Chesterfield, VA). Visit BoardDocs to see the meeting agenda and more.
Public comment will be accepted during the business meeting. Submit written public comments to the board online or sign up to speak in person by 2 p.m. May 12.
The meeting will be broadcast via live stream at http://chesterfieldschoolsva.swagit.com/live/ and on television on Comcast Channel 98 and Verizon Channel 28.