Happy Friday CCPS! This week we remember 9/11, emphasize the importance of attendance, and highlight several interesting, important and fun events and family programs available to you.
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. 21: Holiday, schools and offices closed
Sept. 23 - Deadline to register for PSAT/SAT academy
Sept. 26: Regional GenAI Summit
25 years later: Remembering 9/11
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States. That was the day airplanes hit the Twin Towers in New York City and the Pentagon in Northern Virginia while another plane went down in a Pennsylvania field after passengers heroically fought back.
9/11 was also the day that firefighters, police officers, doctors and regular people rushed to help those who were hurt in the attacks. Their bravery and kindness demonstrate that what matters most is taking care of each other.
“Each year, we reflect on the 9/11 attacks as well as the unifying response from across the United States and the entire world,” said Dr. John T. Murray, superintendent of Chesterfield County Public Schools. “Sept. 11 is now officially recognized as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Whether we volunteer for a community project or perform an act of kindness or thank the heroes in our lives, let’s all reflect on the events of 9/11 as well as the unifying spirit that followed.”
Several Chesterfield schools are planning commemorations around 9/11. Also, the Virginia War Memorial has public events planned and offers online resources about the attacks and how they transformed the world.
Help your student show up strong
Let’s show up. Connect. Belong. September is Attendance Awareness Month, and every school day is an opportunity for your student to learn, connect and grow. Consistent attendance helps students keep up with learning, strengthen relationships and feel a greater sense of belonging at school.
Families can help by establishing routines for bedtime, mornings, transportation and appointments. If health concerns, transportation, family responsibilities or other challenges are making attendance difficult, please reach out to a trusted adult at your student’s school. We are here to listen, help solve problems and connect your family with support.
CCPS in the Know: The importance of attendance
It’s a fact: Student success is directly tied to attendance. When you show up to school, you achieve. This episode of CCPS in the Know covers the importance of attendance, the impacts of missing days and some practical tips to keep your attendance up so that you can have the best school year possible. Mira en Español.
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.
After-school food available for students at 17 schools
Chesterfield County Public Schools offers free after-school snacks and supper for students at 17 schools. Participating schools are located in areas where 50% of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals. See details here in the Free/Reduced-Price School Meals section.
Registration for PSAT/SAT academies open for fall 2026
Chesterfield County Public Schools is offering free preparation courses for the PSAT and SAT this fall for current 9th-12th graders enrolled at CCPS. Sessions will take place Sept. 28-Oct. 1, 2026, from 3:40-5:30 p.m. at Clover Hill High. Register online before 5 p.m. Sept. 23.
Reminder: Chromebook care and responsibilities
Now that students have received their Chromebooks for the 2025–26 school year, please take a moment to talk with your child about the importance of taking care of these devices and the responsibilities that come with them.
Chromebooks are provided at no cost to families. However, fees may be charged for devices that are lost or for non-accidental damage. Please talk with your student about the importance of treating their Chromebook with care and using it responsibly both at school and at home.
Discover the possibilities of generative AI
What does generative AI mean for learning, creativity, careers and the future? Students and families are invited to explore those questions at the Regional GenAI Summit, taking place 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Thomas R. Fulghum Conference Center.
The summit will feature student and local presenter showcases, short talks, interactive demonstrations, exhibits highlighting how students, staff, and employers use generative AI, and an opening presentation from a GenAI leader. Whether your family is already familiar with GenAI or simply curious, there will be something for everyone to explore.
Registration is encouraged. Register for the Regional GenAI Summit.
Here’s how to update your emergency information to help keep students safe
Here’s how to update your emergency information to help keep students safe
Parents are asked each year to fill out emergency information and make sure that it is kept up-to-date for every student. The importance of this cannot be overemphasized. The information ensures school officials are aware of student health issues and helps them to quickly reach parents if an emergency arises.
If your emergency details change during the school year, you may update the information online via ParentVUE. Here's how to submit emergency information updates online:
Log in to ParentVUE.
Choose Back-2-School Verification.
If you do not have access to ParentVUE, then click here for more information or contact your school for your login information.
If you need additional help, then use these step-by-step instructions in English or in Spanish.
Hopkins Road sends off a Bobcat favorite
Before deploying with the military, Antoine Parker got a send-off he won't forget: dozens of handmade thank-you cards from students at Hopkins Road Elementary, one of the many schools he supported as a lead network analyst for the school division.
We wish him safety and success as he serves our country.
Learn about the '1 for Schools' referendum
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.
Events for teen mental health care and suicide prevention
The Family and Community Engagement team is hosting two family events this September covering the serious topics of teen depression, mental health and suicide. These events are free, but registration is required.
Sept. 17, 2026: “Not Alone” film viewing
6-7:30 p.m. at Midlothian Library
(100 Millworks Crossing)
Register to attend
“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.
Sept. 22, 2026: More Than Sad
6-8 p.m. at Brightpoint Community College, Nicholas Center (13101 U.S. 1)
Register to attend
More Than Sad is a suicide prevention education program for teens and their parents, caregivers, and other supportive adults. Learn to recognize signs of depression and other mental health concerns, understand warning signs of struggle, how to begin supportive conversations on mental health, and how to find help and resources.
Sept. 29: Learn what specialty centers have to offer
Dr. Jennifer Coleman, Coordinator of Student Engagement, will lead our primary discussion on High School Specialty Centers, including the opportunities they offer and how to navigate the application process.
Chad Maclin, Director of Career and Technical Education, will also introduce families to additional pathways available through Chesterfield’s CTE programs and centers.
This virtual Middle Management session is especially timely for 8th-grade families preparing for the Specialty Center application cycle, but 6th- and 7th-grade families are also encouraged to join. Join in at bit.ly/2026ccpsmm on Thursday, Sept. 29, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Bring your questions—we’ll save time for conversation!
Wednesday, Sept. 16, 1 p.m. | Virtual
Audience: all families
Calm Mornings, Smoother School Days
Simple home-organization strategies can make the school year feel more manageable. Families will learn realistic routines for backpacks, papers, schedules and busy mornings.
Guest: Mary Margaret Ryan, Director of Coaching, New Agenda
Wednesday, Sept. 16, 6 p.m. | Virtual
Audience: high school families
Gearing up for Senior Year: The College Application Process
This session will give students and families an overview of the FAFSA application process, timelines, and tips for crafting strong college essays.
Kinship Resource Fair shares support options 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 and more. Guest speaker Melissa Ackley from Mental Health Support Services will present about navigating stress.
Registration is preferred, but not required. RSVP to attend by 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17.
Learn how to become a licensed teacher through iteach
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 on Sept. 16 and 17 to take the next step in your career.
The same information will be presented each day. RSVP 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, email careers@ccpsnet.net.
Drivers wanted! Bus driver hiring event Sept. 23
Want a full-time job with optional summers off or part-time with a flexible schedule? Become a bus driver for Chesterfield County Public Schools! Interview at our hiring event Sept. 23, 2026, from 5-6 p.m. at Midlothian High School (401 Charter Colony Parkway). No experience needed. Get paid while you train for your CDL. Starting pay is $25.10/hour or higher (up to $32.84/hour) with previous CDL experience. Learn more and register to attend.
2026 Christmas Mother Program applications are open
Families seeking assistance through the Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Christmas Mother Program should complete the application. Applicants must also attend an in-person application review and bring all required documentation between Sept. 14-17.