Happy Friday CCPS! It’s been a week of celebration and gratitude as we have been watching our Class of 2026 graduates accept their diplomas. We hope you enjoy the three-day weekend and that it is full of fun, friends and relaxation.
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
May 25: Holiday, all schools and offices closed
May 27: Carver College and Career Academy graduation
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)
Supporting student well-being every day
Mental Health Awareness Month is winding down, but in our schools, this message is not limited to one month. It is important every day to recognize the importance of emotional well-being, reduce stigma, and remember that no one has to face life’s challenges alone. School teams find creative ways to support students and families all year through programming, community partnership and family engagement. Sources of Strength is one program in schools providing a framework where resilience is modeled and actively taught for students in grades K-12, helping them build strong, healthy support systems that last a lifetime.
This month, students, staff and families are encouraged to
Check in with themselves and others
Practice healthy coping strategies
Stay connected to supportive people
Reach out for help when needed
Help create a school culture where everyone feels valued and supported
We are grateful to the school counselors, psychologists, social workers, administrators, teachers and student leaders who lead the work to support mental health and well-being in our school communities. Learn more about available services and resources.
Reminder: May 25 is a holiday, May 28 a full day of school
Don’t forget: Monday, May 25 is a holiday. All schools and offices are closed.
Thursday, May 28 is a full day of school, having previously been an early dismissal day.
View school year calendar dates at oneCCPS.org.
Graduation ceremonies and celebrations continue
It’s been a big week for our graduating seniors, full of inspiring speeches, surprise scholarships, beautiful student performances and the excitement and celebration from our families and school communities for this amazing achievement. And we still have a few more ceremonies to go!
While graduations are not open to the public, they are livestreamed on the CCPS YouTube channel. Livestream links can be found below and on the CCPS website. The remaining ceremony schedule is:
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.
Streams of our ceremonies have been saved to watch again (and again!). Watch our completed 2026 ceremonies:
Recovery academy celebrates student success
The Chesterfield Recovery Academy held its fourth completion ceremony May 14, celebrating students who successfully completed the school year and especially lifting up four students who earned their high school diplomas this year. The Chesterfield Recovery Academy provides students the academic, emotional and social support necessary to complete their high school education. It offers flexibility to allow students to participate in internships or hold a job while enrolled. This structured system of support and preparation for the future sets students on a path toward continued success.
Share your input on technology in schools by June 12
Parents and guardians have until June 12 to share thoughts about technology in schools. Visit Project Tomorrow’s Speak Up website to take the survey. Chesterfield County Public Schools will use data from the survey to plan for the future. Learn more about the survey.
Emotions Art Day bring smiles at CECLA
Throughout this school year, CECLA students created books with photos illustrating different emotions and drew various emotions as they practiced recognizing happiness, sadness, excitement, fear and anger in themselves and others. The school gathered for Emotions Art Day so students could show their families what they have learned.
“Frozen” catches fire at Bensley Elementary
Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and all of the other “Frozen” characters came to life during a remarkable production at Bensley Elementary School. Music teacher Victoria Travis said, “They truly poured their entire heart into this production, and I am so lucky to have been able to witness their growth on and off stage!” Disney Musicals in Schools has been part of Chesterfield County Public Schools since 2022.
Outstanding performing arts teachers
Congratulations to this year’s Outstanding Performing Arts Teachers:
Exceptional Leadership Award - Donald Davis of Matoaca High
Novice Teacher Award - Keighton Bell of Manchester Middle
Performing Arts Award - Robyn Kim of Manchester High
There was a three-way tie for the Unsung Hero Award:
Unsung Hero Award - Sarah Ramsey of Thomas Dale High
Unsung Hero Award - Olivia Slagle of Tomahawk Creek Middle
Unsung Hero Award (Posthumous) - Kim Rose of Providence Middle
Read about how they bring out the best in our students on the stage.
Outstanding Teachers of the Gifted
Congratulations to this year’s Outstanding Teachers of the Gifted: Megan Colpo of Marguerite Christian Elementary and Amy Zombron of Manchester Middle. Read about their positive impact and how they engage our gifted students.
My First School Bus helps youngsters practice riding the 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.
Career training: Free paraprofessional program offered
Launch your career as a paraprofessional (instructional assistant) with a free training program offered by Chesterfield County Public Schools from June 29-July 22, 2026. These jobs are high-demand roles in our school system. Courses combine in-person and virtual instruction and include job preparation, and if needed, ParaPro Exam support and First Aid/CPR/AED certification. In-person sessions will be held at CTC@Courthouse (10101 Courthouse Rd.). Learn more and register now.
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 on themselves and their families. The event is 6-8 p.m. June 5, 2026, at the Midlothian Library (100 Millworks Crossing). Learn more on the library website.