Happy Friday CCPS! We hope you’re enjoying the start of a four-day weekend. This issue has important resources and information about mental health for our families. We’ve also got some celebrations with teachers and grads winning awards for outstanding achievements. Stay safe and have a great holiday.
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
Sept. 4: Holiday, schools and offices closed
Sept. 7: Holiday, schools and offices closed
Sept. 8: Registration opens for SAT Academy fall session
Sept. 8: School Board meeting
Recognizing National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a dedicated time to raise mental health awareness, share vital resources, and break the stigma surrounding suicide. Chesterfield County Public Schools is committed to the well-being of our students, families and staff, including offering support for anyone in mental and emotional distress. That commitment includes:
Free mental health counseling through Hazel Health for students grade 6-12
Programs to educate families about mental health wellness and suicide prevention
Tools to report bullying by students in a safe and anonymous way
Learn more about mental health support and resources in Chesterfield County Public Schools.
Events for teen mental health care and suicide prevention
Two family events this month address 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: “Not Alone” film screening
6-7:30 p.m. at Midlothian Library (100 Millworks Crossing)
“Not Alone” is a powerful documentary with teens speaking candidly about mental health challenges, seeking support, and finding hope. A panel discussion with Chesterfield County Mental Health Prevention Services will share ways families can support, and resources to help. Learn more and register here.
Sept.22: More Than Sad
6-8 p.m. at Brightpoint Community College, Nicholas Center (13101 U.S. 1)
More Than Sad is a suicide prevention education program 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 of struggle and how to find help and resources. Learn more and register for free tickets here.
What is 1 for Schools?
On the November ballot, Chesterfield County voters will be asked to vote on a proposal that would dedicate a 1% local sales tax for Chesterfield County Public Schools capital renovations.
Under Virginia law, revenue generated by the tax could only be used on capital renovations for schools. It could not be used for salaries, operating expenses or other non-capital costs.
Chesterfield County will host joint community meetings in September and October to provide information about the proposed 1% sales tax referendum on the ballot this fall.
County and school leaders will provide an overview of the proposal, discuss the proposed priority projects and answer questions from attendees.
Sept. 1 — Matoaca High School, 6 p.m.
Sept. 3 — Meadowbrook High School, 6 p.m.
Sept. 9 — Midlothian High School, 6 p.m.
Sept. 14 — Clover Hill High School, 6 p.m.
Sept. 16 — Thomas Dale High School, 6 p.m.
Sept. 17 — Manchester High School, 6 p.m.
Oct. 8 — Facebook Live, Noon
Oct. 19 — Facebook Live, 6 p.m.
Visit chesterfield.gov/1ForSchools to learn more about the referendum, eligible projects and information before you head to the polls.
Preparing for college
Families of high school students can find helpful information about preparing for, applying to and paying for college through the Virginia Department of Education’s Postsecondary Opportunities for High School Students webpage and the Level Up Virginia website. These resources also include information about degree options, career pathways and projected workforce needs.
Discounted college football tickets offered to students, families and staff
Duke University is offering tickets in recognition of their Education Appreciation Day on Sept. 19 when they will play Stanford.
The University of Richmond is offering discounted football tickets for home games to CCPS staff, students and families.
Virginia Tech is offering discounted tickets for their Education Appreciation Day on Oct. 17 when they will face Georgia Tech.
Gifted education referral window for grades 2-12 is open
The online Gifted Services Referral and Review Form opened 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. Learn more about gifted education.
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.
Nominate a CCPS Game Changer
Know an employee who goes above and beyond for students, families or colleagues? Submit a nomination by Sept. 21 to help recognize their game-changing work. Comments may be shared publicly as part of the recognition.
Social studies teacher recognized
During teacher workweek, Midlothian High teacher Nicholas Kirkbride was surprised with the Angelique Clarke Social Studies Teacher Leader Award with a special visit from school leaders and family. Teaching since 2012 at Midlothian High School, he was praised for his genuine care and commitment to students. In his nomination, it was said that Nicholas “connects with students on a personal level first, which allows meaningful learning to follow.”
Virginia’s top business educator
The Virginia Business Education Association selected Yvonne Mullins as Business Teacher of the Year. This award recognizes outstanding business educators who demonstrate excellence in teaching, leadership, innovation and service to the profession. Currently a business teacher and chair of Midlothian High’s career and technical education department, she is also the adviser for Midlothian’s chapter of Future Business Leaders of America.
Matoaca grad wins STEAM-H essay contest
Grace White, a 2026 Matoaca High graduate and valedictorian, was one of 10 essay contest winners from across Virginia who were honored by Gov. Abigail Spanberger at the Executive Mansion.
The annual essay contest by the Virginia Council on Women provides scholarships to two high school juniors and seniors from five regions of Virginia who plan to pursue careers in STEAM-H (science, technology, engineering, arts, math and healthcare). White now attends Virginia Tech.
Kinship Resource Fair will share support opportunities Sept. 18
Join CCPS and Chesterfield County partners for the Kinship Families Resource Fair on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, 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 Mental Health Support Services will present about navigating stress. Registration is preferred. To register, complete the Kinship Families Resource Fair RSVP by 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17.
We’re hiring instructional assistants Sept. 10
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.
Learn how to become a licensed teacher through iteach, Sept. 16, 17
If you or someone you know is passionate about education, has a bachelor’s degree, and wants to explore pathways to becoming a licensed teacher – iteach can help. Chesterfield County Public Schools is organizing two free information sessions to take the next step in your career:
In-person session - Wednesday, Sept. 16, from 5:15-6:15 p.m. at CCPS Central Office (7053 Celebration Park Avenue)
Virtual session - Thursday, Sept. 17, from 4-5 p.m.
The same information will be presented each day. RSVP here to receive a copy of the slide deck after the event!
Learn more about iteach’s alternative teacher certification program. For questions or more information about the sessions, email careers@ccpsnet.net
2026 Christmas Mother Program applications are open
Families seeking assistance through the Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Christmas Mother Program should complete the online application 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.
School Board meeting scheduled for Sept. 8, 2026
The Chesterfield County School Board will hold its regular business meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, 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. Sept. 8. 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.