School and Community Information

Community and Parental Involvement  There are many ways parents and citizens can participate in school programs and activities. One opportunity is through the Parent Teacher Association. Another way is by participating in local school advisory committees. Many citizens also assist schools through volunteer programs. Most schools have open-house programs which give parents and interested citizens an opportunity to meet the teachers and learn how they can assist their children at home and reinforce classroom instruction. Each school's staff is a source of information and guidance. Parents are encouraged to contact the school regarding their children's progress and needs.  PTA  Most schools in Chesapeake have the benefit of a Parent Teacher Association (PTA). The PTA, a strong link between the home and school, keeps parents informed on important issues relating to children and education, actively supports legislation benefiting children, and sponsors fund-raising activities to finance school projects. Parents and teachers, working together, provide valuable support for education.  Student Services  Every student benefits in some way each year through student services. Professional guidance counseling and testing are available at all schools. There is a full-time professional registered nurse in every school building providing a comprehensive school health services program, including follow-up services, counseling, and guidance in health-related and educational programs. Speech therapy, visiting teacher services, and psychological services are available for those students who may need them Student services help ensure that all students receive the individual attention and assistance necessary to get the most from their school experience.  Elementary and Secondary Curriculum and Instruction  The mission of the Chesapeake Public Schools, through the combined efforts of the students, parents, community and staff, is to provide a quality education in a safe environment that will ensure that students attain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to become lifelong learners and productive citizens. In order to realize this mission, all instructional disciplines work interdependently to encourage students to become effective decision makers, problem solvers, and critical thinkers. At the elementary level, a strong basic education in the core areas of English, mathematics, science, and social studies is emphasized. Technology is incorporated in all areas of the curriculum. with a foundation of early literacy in these core subjects, skills and knowledge for a technologically and socially advanced world of the future can be achieved. To implement these areas of instruction and to provide for the varying needs of the children, special services such as the following are offered: a program for the academically gifted; early literacy learning; reading specialists; Reading Recovery; math, art, music, and physical education specialists; guidance counselors, family life and drug awareness programs; English as a Second Language; Title I programs; computer laboratories; and an emphasis on developmentally appropriate instruction. An extensive summer school program for remediation and enrichment is offered each year at no cost to the student. The middle school program is highlighted by a core team of teachers and exploratory elective courses for students. The core course offerings are English, mathematics, science, and social studies. Foreign language is offered at the eighth-grade level. Other opportunities for students include art, band, chorus, orchestra, computer and technology education, physical education, and teen living. Middle school students may also participate in special advancement, enrichment and remedial programs in summer school. The high school curriculum offerings include English, mathematics, social studies, laboratory science, and foreign language. In addition to the core curriculum in these areas, students may select accelerated, honors, and Advanced Placement (AP) courses in science, math, English, foreign language, the arts, and vocational technical studies. To complement the core program, alternative and enrichment opportunities including Education for Employment (EFE), Employment Plus, occupational preparation and on-the-job training, specialized vocational courses at the Chesapeake Vocational Technical Center, English as a Second Language, computer resource laboratories, duel enrollment, and SAT preparation are available. Students may also elect to attend the summer session which offers courses for advancement, enrichment, and remediation. Gifted Education  Chesapeake Public Schools offers students a continuum of differentiated instructional programs for eligible students in grades K-12. In grades K-2, students are served in the Primary Enrichment Program (PEP). In grade 3, identified students participate in activities designed for the academically gifted in their assigned schools. Identified students in grades 4-5 attend the Laboratory School for the Academically Gifted. Middle and senior high students are served through a variety of programs including honors and advanced placement (AP) courses, after-school enrichment, Super Saturday Enrichment Programs, and the Regional Governor's Magnet School for the Arts. In addition to the year-long programs, students may also be served Superintendent's Summer Gifted an enrichment Series. Identified students may also be eligible to attend the Governor's Residential Summer School for the Gifted in Visual and Performing Arts, or the Governor's Foreign Language Academies.  Career & Technical Education  Chesapeake's vocational programs have received numerous national awards and citations. Specialized instruction is offered to students at the middle and high school levels through a variety of classes in the areas of business, marketing, technology, and work and family studies. In additional, vocational training is available at the Chesapeake Center for Science and Technology. All vocational classes are designed to prepare students with the technical skills necessary for success, whether on the job, or in higher education.  Special Education  Programs are provided to children, ages two to twenty-one, inclusive, who are eligible for special education services. Students having disabilities that affect learning receive instruction in the least restrictive environment. Services may be provided in a regular classroom, in a special classroom, through home or hospital instruction, in a state residential school, or provided by a contracted public or private agency. Additional related services such as speech/language therapy, occupational/physical therapy, and educational interpreters for the hearing impaired are provided, as well as transition services designed to promote movement from school to post-school activities. Students with special needs receive every opportunity to become participating and contributing members of today's society.