Happy Friday CCPS! We’re back in full swing all around the county. We hope everyone has had a great first week back. We’re excited for the year to come! This issue has a fun back-to-school video and a number of other important reminders and family programs coming up.
Here’s what’s happening in your Chesterfield County Public Schools.
Read this newsletter on our website and see all news from Chesterfield County Public Schools.
Important dates and events
Aug. 31: Gifted Education referral window opens for grades 2-12
Sept. 4: Holiday, schools and offices closed
Sept. 7: Holiday, schools and offices closed
Sept. 8: School Board meeting
Welcome back CCPS!
It was a big first week for everyone in Chesterfield County Public Schools. For some it was a return to familiar friends and hallways, for others it was a brand-new experience with new teachers, new schools and new classmates. We could write about it, but we wanted to let our students share their own personal first-week favorites. What was your favorite thing about the first week of the school year?
CCPS in the Know: Getting into a Routine
How do you adjust to the start of a new school year after summer break? By getting into a routine! This episode of CCPS in the Know shares practical tips and tricks for students and families to get into a routine for a great school year. Mira en Español.
CCPS in the Know gives quick-but-helpful insights into central Virginia's largest school system. Do you have a question for CCPS In the Know? Ask it here for a chance to be featured. Watch all past episodes of CCPS in the Know on YouTube.
Gifted education referral window for grades 2-12 opens Aug. 31
Chesterfield County Public Schools is committed to recognizing and nurturing advanced academic potential in all students through engaging gifted programming options. Gifted evaluations take place during specific windows each year, and students may be evaluated only once per school year.
The online Gifted Services Referral and Review Form opens at noon on Aug. 31, 2026, for students in grades 2–12. Referrals may be submitted by a parent, teacher, student, or community member. The referral deadline for grades 2-12 is Oct. 6, 2026.
To learn more about gifted education, review the Gifted Education Overview or visit the Gifted Education webpage.
Events offer support for teen mental health struggles
The Family and Community Engagement team is hosting two family events this September covering the serious topics of teen depression, mental health and suicide. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from experts and get resources for support. These events are free, but registration is required.
Sept. 17, 2026: “Not Alone” film screening
6-7:30 p.m. at Midlothian Library (100 Millworks Crossing)
“Not Alone” is a powerful documentary featuring teens speaking candidly about mental health challenges, seeking support, and finding hope. A following panel discussion with the Chesterfield County Mental Health Prevention Services will provide ways families can support young people, and resources available in our community. Learn more and register for free tickets here.
Sept. 22, 2026: More Than Sad - a suicide prevention education program
6-7:30 p.m. at Midlothian Library (100 Millworks Crossing)
More Than Sad is a suicide prevention education program from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for teens (14+) and their parents, caregivers, and other supportive adults. Learn to recognize signs of depression and other mental health concerns, understand warning signs that a young person may be struggling, and how to begin supportive conversations about mental health. Gain practical ways to connect with help and resources. Learn more and register for free tickets here.
2026 Christmas Mother Program applications are open
Families seeking assistance through the Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Christmas Mother Program should complete the application online here. Applicants must also attend an in-person application review and bring all required documentation; there is no need to print the online application. Find the application and read eligibility and documentation requirements. Application reviews will take place at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds (10300 Courthouse Road) on:
Sept. 14, 15 and 17 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sept. 16 from noon-7 p.m.
Nominate a Team Chesterfield Game Changer
Do you know a Team Chesterfield employee who goes above and beyond for students, families or colleagues? Help us recognize their game-changing work by submitting a nomination.
Each month, Superintendent Dr. John Murray will recognize four employees from each magisterial district and one central office employee for their outstanding service and positive impact. Submit a nomination by Sept. 21, 2026. Please note that comments included with nominations may be shared publicly as part of the recognition. Nominate a Team Chesterfield Game Changer.
Kinship Resource Fair will share support opportunities Sept. 18
Join us for the Kinship Families Resource Fair on Friday, Sept. 18 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Beulah Recreation Center (6901 Hopkins Road North). This free event features kinship information, door prizes, pizza and more. Guest speaker Melissa Ackley from Chesterfield Mental Health Support Services will present about navigating stress.
In addition to Chesterfield County Public Schools, these organizations will be present:
Registration is preferred. To register, complete the Kinship Families Resource Fair RSVP by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17.
Text Y to 67587 to opt in to messages from CCPS
We are switching to a new messaging system this month. To make sure you are opted in to receive text messages, text Y to 67587. This may be done, whether or not you are already registered, to ensure that you continue receiving text alerts. SchoolMessenger will reply with a message confirming your registration. Here are instructions and additional information.
Convenience fee for online SchoolCafé payments
Beginning this school year, credit card payments made through the SchoolCafé mobile application will include the SchoolCafé processing fee of 3.99% + $0.25. For example, the fee for a $20 payment would be $1.05, bringing the total charge to $21.05. The amount will be displayed in SchoolCafé before an online payment is completed. We understand that any additional fee can be an inconvenience. Families may avoid the fee by paying with cash at the cafeteria register or depositing cash or a check into their student’s meal account through the school cafeteria at no charge.
We’re hiring instructional assistants at Sept. 10 event
Join Team Chesterfield as an instructional assistant! Support teachers and help students succeed through small group and one-on-one instruction. Assist with classroom activities, materials, and supervision while providing clerical support. This is ideal for organized, flexible individuals who enjoy working with students and collaborating with school staff in a supportive learning environment. Sign up for our hiring event Sept. 10, 2026, at James River High School (3700 James River Road) for an opportunity to interview.
Advisory Committee Meetings for September 2026
CCPS has seven volunteer-driven advisory committees to the School Board that meet throughout the year to help Chesterfield County Public Schools achieve its vision of creating a better tomorrow. Learn more about Advisory Committees. These committees are scheduled to meet this September. Meeting dates are subject to change.
See the calendar for all committee meeting times.
CCPS Audit and Finance Committee
8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026
Conference Room 1205, School Administration Offices
7053 Celebration Park Ave., Suite 100, N. Chesterfield, VA 23225
Special Education Advisory Committee
5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026
Community Room, Midlothian Library - Chesterfield Public Library
100 Millworks Crossing, Midlothian, VA 23114
Citizens Budget Advisory Committee
8 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026
Conference Room 1205, School Administration Offices
7053 Celebration Park Ave., Suite 100, N. Chesterfield, VA 23225
School Health Advisory Board
6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14, 2026
Room C, Beulah Recreation Center
6901 Hopkins Road, N. Chesterfield, VA 23234
Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee
8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026
Thomas R. Fulghum Center (Conference Room D136),
Career and Technical Center @Hull
13900 Hull Street Road, Midlothian, VA 23112
Environmental Stewardship Advisory Committee
5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026
C107, Chesterfield Career and Technical Center @ Hull
13900 Hull Street Road, Midlothian, VA 23112
Citizens Budget Advisory Committee
8 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026
Conference Room 1205, School Administration Offices
7053 Celebration Park Ave., Suite 100, N. Chesterfield, VA 23225