Happy Friday CCPS! It’s hard to believe that graduation is already here for the 2025-26 school year. We want to extend a heartfelt congratulations to our students and their families on this amazing accomplishment, and a sincere thank you to all of our teachers, staff and school communities who make this moment possible for our graduates.
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 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)
May 29: Last day of school, 3-hour early dismissal for traditional calendar
June 3: Last day of school, 3-hour early dismissal for Bellwood Elementary
June 4, 5: Final report cards issued (digital only)
It’s graduation time!
Beginning Monday, May 18, graduating seniors from Chesterfield County Public Schools will don their caps and gowns to walk the big stage and receive their well-earned diplomas. While the ceremonies will not be open to the public, they will be livestreamed on the CCPS YouTube channel. School-specific livestream links can be found below and on the CCPS website. The ceremony schedule is:
May 18
Matoaca High at 9 a.m. at Virginia State University Multipurpose Center
Thomas Dale High at 3 p.m. at Virginia Commonwealth University Siegel Center
May 19 at VCU Siegel Center
Cosby High at 9:30 a.m.
Manchester High at 2 p.m.
May 20 at VCU Siegel Center
Bird High at 9:30 a.m.
James River High at 2 p.m.
May 21 at VCU Siegel Center
Clover Hill High at 9:30 a.m.
Monacan High at 2 p.m.
May 22 at VCU Siegel Center
Midlothian High at 9:30 a.m.
Meadowbrook High at 2 p.m.
May 27 at Thomas R. Fulghum Conference Center
Carver College and Career Academy at 9:30 a.m.
Celebrating our Beginning Teachers of the Year
Each year, Chesterfield County Public Schools recognizes four new teachers as the best among their peers. The Beginning Teacher of the Year Awards recognize new educators who excel in instructional planning and delivery, in creation of a learning environment and in professionalism. Congratulations to our 2026 Beginning Teachers of the Year:
Elementary School: Mara McBane, music teacher at Hening Elementary.
Middle School: Keighton Bell, drama teacher at Manchester Middle
High School: Hayat Adawi, math teacher at Matoaca High
Overall: Tommy Ryan, English as a second language teacher at James River High
This year, 32 of the 256 new teachers working in Chesterfield schools were nominated. Read more about these outstanding educators and how they make a difference.
Summer access to Chromebooks and online instructional applications
Summer access to Chromebooks and online instructional applications will only be available for students participating in official summer learning programs, including in-person summer school, CCPSOnline, SOL/SAT Academy, science bridge courses and mathematics bridge courses. If your child is not participating in a formal summer program, there are many ways to stay engaged in learning over the summer. Reading regularly, practicing math skills, visiting the library, writing in a journal, exploring educational activities and spending time learning through everyday experiences can all help students stay sharp when they are not in school.
What do you think of the proposed 2027-28 calendar dates? Let us know.
At the May 12 School Board meeting, two draft student calendars for the 2027-28 school year were presented for consideration. While there are some shared features, they are different in the number of school days, when the school year begins, and the number of additional hours built into the calendar to address closures due to inclement weather or other unexpected events.
Before the School Board votes to approve a calendar for 2027-28, we’re seeking additional feedback. Read more about the calendar proposals and submit comments and which version you prefer through May 22, 2026, to calendarcomments@ccpsnet.net.
Name chosen for new school: West Ridge High School
In the May 12, 2026, School Board meeting, the board voted to name the new high school West Ridge High School.
Scheduled to open in August 2027 on Duval Road in the Matoaca District, this is the first new Chesterfield County high school in 20 years. The school is part of a community facilities bond plan approved by Chesterfield County voters in 2022. The two-story school will cover more than 340,000 square feet and accommodate 2,400 students.
Take a big step toward kindergarten success with My First School Bus
This summer, rising kindergartners and prekindergartners are invited to prepare for the start of school by learning about bus safety and practicing getting on and off a school bus with My First School Bus. Families whose children are registered for kindergarten or prekindergarten for the 2026-27 school year may sign up beginning July 6. My First School Bus is free but requires registration.
Ettrick SOARS with award from Girls on the Run
This year, Ettrick Elementary was the inaugural recipient of the Jody Enoch “She S.O.A.R.s” Award, given by Girls on the Run of Greater Richmond. The S.O.A.R.s award (Shine with strength and Optimism, Aspire to Rise) encourages school teams to undertake community projects focused on sharing kindness, enjoying nature and celebrating others. Ettrick earned the award through their collaborative work to create encouraging posters for their fellow classmates participating in the Little Feat Meet.
Cooking and learning together
Manchester High School culinary students hosted an engaging, hands-on learning experience for first graders from Ecoff Elementary. During the visit, Chef Pam Sloan’s students guided the younger learners through making their own pizzas and cinnamon twists, creating a fun and interactive environment centered around culinary arts. Students from different grade levels collaborated, learned together and shared in the excitement of creating something from scratch for a memorable day filled with excitement, smiles and tasty treats.
Art in Action brings out community
Chesterfield County Public Schools and Experience Chesterfield joined forces for Art in Action Day as a way to engage the community through arts. Families from across the county visited Rockwood Park for hands-on demonstrations and performances with Chesterfield County students at the wheel (and sewing machine and screen printer…). Check out this video to see what Chesterfield created!
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. 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. She is described as a “strong advocate for students, [who] ensures that every child receives equitable, compassionate care.” Read more about Jenna’s impact and accomplishments.
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.
Hidden Harm: The Teen Experience of Opioid Addiction
Opioid addiction affects teens across Virginia. Join the community for a panel discussion featuring author Jarrett J. Krosoczka; Chesterfield Recovery Academy student support and academic facilitator Darien Kay; 2 End the Stigma founder Jill Cichowicz; and a recent graduate of Chesterfield's Recovery Academy who will discuss the impact of opioid addiction. The event is 6-8 p.m. June 5, 2026, at the Midlothian Library (100 Millworks Crossing). Learn more on the library website.