In order for students to attend a school, Law of the Commonwealth of Virginia requires the following:

> Diphtheria, Tetanus, & Pertussis (Dtap, DPT, or Tdap): A minimum of 3 doses with one dose on or after the 4th birthday or six before the 4th birthday.

> Tdap Booster: Effective July 1, 2006, a booster dose of Tdap vaccine is required for all children entering 6th grade, if at least five years have passed since the last dose of tetanus-containing vaccine. * For school year 2008-09 all 6th graders and newly enrolled 7th and 8th graders are to meet this minimum requirement for enrollment.

> Polio Vaccine: A minimum of 3 doses of all IPV or all OPV polio vaccine. If child has only 3 doses of polio vaccine, one dose must have been administered after the fourth birthday. However, a child who has received four doses before the fourth birthday is adequately immunized and does not need a dose after the fourth birthday.

> Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR) Vaccine: A minimum of 2 measles, 1 mumps, and 1 rubella. (Most children receive 2 doses of each because the vaccine usually administered is the combination vaccine MMR) First dose must be administered at age 12 months of older. Second dose does not have to be administered until age 4-5 years (usually at entry to Kindergarten) but can be administered at any time after the minimum interval between dose 1 and 2.

> Hepatitis B (HBV) Vaccine: A complete series of 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine is required for all students.

> Varicella (Chicken Pox) Vaccine: All children born on and after January 1, 1997, shall be required to have one dose of chicken pox vaccine. First dose must be administered at age 12 months or older, unless Medical history and or lab tests have documented.

> Haemophilus Influenza Type b (HIB) Vaccine: This vaccine is required ONLY for children up to 60 months of age. A primary series of either 2 or 3 doses. However the child’s current age and not the number of prior doses received govern the number of doses required. Unvaccinated children between the ages of 15 and 60 months are only required to have one dose of vaccine. (This requirement will pertain to preschool enrollments)

Any student whose immunizations are incomplete may be admitted conditionally if that student provides documentary proof at the time of enrollment of having received at least one dose of the required immunizations accompanied by a schedule for completion of the required doses within 90 days. Any student admitted conditionally and who fails to comply with his schedule for completion of the required immunizations shall be excluded from school until his immunizations are resumed.

Please refer to the school nurse at your school site or to the Health Services Department (757-494-7628) for any questions or need for clarification of immunization requirements.

Information on Recommended Immunizations

Meningococcal Meningitis Immunizations:
Meningitis is a rare but potentially fatal bacterial infection. It can occur in two forms – as either meningococcal meningitis, an inflammation that affects the brain and spinal cord, or as meningococcemia, the presence of bacteria in the blood. Meningococcal bacteria are transmitted through air droplets and direct contact with persons already infected with the disease. Meningitis usually peaks in late winter and early spring, overlapping flu season and symptoms can easily be mistaken for the flu. Because infection progresses rapidly, often in as little as 12 hours, prompt diagnosis and treatment are important to assuring recovery.

In February 2005, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) issued new recommendations stating that children and pre-adolescents (11 -- 12 year old), adolescents entering high schools, and college freshman in dormitories should be immunized against meningococcal disease. ACIP recommendations state that all other adolescents who wish to decrease their risk of meningococcal disease may elect to receive the vaccine.

Additional information can be found at:

www.cdc.gov/vaccines/
www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/mening/in-short-both.htm
www.nmaus.org
www.sanofipasteur.us

Policy on Medications at School
Because of the dangers of misuse of drugs, we attempt to discourage administration of medication during school hours and, whenever possible, request that doses of medication be scheduled at other than school hours. We recognize that this is not always possible and will cooperate in administration of medication that must be given during school hours. In order to undertake this, these regulations are required: 

1. A physician’s written order and parent/guardian authorization are required for medication to be administered to a student.
2. A medication order form (CS-405) completed by the physician and parent is required for a student to be administered medication at school. The parent is to obtain the form from the school principal or nurse. 

Click here to download the CS-405 form. [Adobe PDF file]

The physician provides information detailing the name of the medication, dosage, time interval, possible side effects, duration of order, and the medical condition for which medication is prescribed.
3. The physician must authorize requests for changes in the dosage.
4. Each school year a new medication order form has to be provided for the current year.
5. For the safety and welfare of all students, the student cannot bring medication to school. The medication must be in a container appropriately labeled by the pharmacy or physician, and delivered to the principal or school nurse by the parent/guardian or another adult designated by the parent.
6. The medication will be kept in a locked area of the school clinic and dispensed as prescribed by the physician.
7. Over-the-counter medication will be given only if prescribed by a physician. Over- the-counter medication has the potential for adverse side effects; therefore, the same regulations as for
prescription medication must be met. In addition, over-the-counter medication must be delivered to the school in an unopened container.
8. Prescribed medication that has been discontinued by the student’s physician must be picked up by the parent within two (2) weeks. All medication that has not been given at the end of the school year shall be picked up by the parent by the last day of school.


Incidents resulting from failure to use medications as indicated by instructions given by the physician or packaging which leads to a danger to student safety may subject the student to disciplinary actions which may include suspension and/or a recommendation for expulsion. 


Physical Exam Requirements for Entry/Enrollment

Preschool Physical Examination Code of Virginia, 22.1-270.

A physical examination by a qualified licensed physician, a licensed nurse practitioner or a licensed physician’s assistant is required for the first time enrollment to any public preschool program, public kindergarten, or public elementary school (grades K-5).
a. A copy of the School Entrance Physical Examination and
Immunization Certification, Form MCH-213D, must be provided to the school.
b. The report must indicate that the child received the physical
examination no earlier than 12 months prior to the date of first
entering preschool, kindergarten or elementary school.

A student may be admitted to school with proof that an appointment has been scheduled for the physical examination. Upon failure of the physical examination to be completed as scheduled, the parent is to be informed and the student is to be excluded from school.

Click here to download Form MCH-213D [Adobe PDF file].

Transfer students entering Chesapeake Public Elementary School (K-5 or a preschool program) must provide one or the other of the following:
1. Records establishing that a physical examination was completed
prior to enrolling in another school.
OR
2. A report of a physical examination dated within the last 12 months.


Exemptions:

A physical examination is not required for students entering grades six through twelve.

A physical examination is not required of any child whose parent/guardian shall object on religious grounds and who shows no visual evidence of sickness, provided that such parent shall state in writing that to the best of his knowledge, such child is in good health and free from any communicable or contagious disease (Virginia Code 22.1-270:D).


Supplies
Because each teacher from kindergarten to high school will have particular preferences for crayons, notebooks, binders, pens, etc., parents are encouraged to wait until school starts before purchasing their children's supplies. Teachers will give out lists on the first day of school describing exactly what particular supplies are needed.

Click here to view the school supplies lists for individual schools.

Fees
High school sophomores about to take driver's education must pay $75 for behind-the-wheel instruction. There may be additional fees for those participating in band or other special activity classes.


Dress Code
Students must wear appropriate dress to school. Extremely brief dress such as bare midriffs, see-through blouses, and short shorts will not be permitted. Hats may not be worn inside school buildings, and shoes must be worn at all times. If you are in doubt as to what is appropriate dress, contact your school principal.

From CPS Student Conduct Policy Guidelines (XIV):

1. Students will not be allowed to wear inappropriate clothes, jewelry, or other apparel or personal belongings that advocate violence, alcohol, and other drug use and/or distribution; that represent gang activity and/or membership; that use obscenities; or that reflect adversely on persons due to race, gender, creed, or intellectual abilities, or that contain inappropriate innuendos.

2. Students who wear revealing attire (such as see-through shirts) may be removed from school.

3. Hats may not be worn in school buildings.

4. For reasons of health and safety, all students are required to wear appropriate shoes when on school property.

5. Students whose dress is considered contrary to good hygiene, distracting to other students, or in any way disruptive to the learning process will be required to meet the school standards.

6. Prior to the end of the first month of each school year, each local school will make available to parents and students school dress code standards.



Absences and Tardiness
When it is necessary for a student to be absent, a parent should call the school the morning of that absence. The only legitimate excuses for absences or tardiness are: the personal illness of a student, severe illness or a death in the immediate family, exposure to contagious disease, and religious holidays. Absences for any other reason require prior permission of the principal. In all cases, a parent must provide a written excuse stating the reason for the absence or tardiness.


Illness at School
Clinic services are provided for student illness or injury. Medication will not be administered by the school staff without written parental permission and a doctor's order. If a student needs regular medication, the parent must contact the school so appropriate arrangements can be made. A registered nurse is assigned to each Chesapeake school.


Transportation
Students will not be required to walk more than one-tenth of a mile in any zone designated as a transportation zone. (This restriction may not apply when dead-end streets with inadequate turnaround areas extend beyond the above-stated limits.)


Report Cards
Elementary and middle school report cards, which are issued every nine weeks, are given to the students a few days after the end of each grading period to take home. They should be signed and returned the following school day. Parents also may receive notice between report cards when students are not progressing satisfactorily. The high schools follow a 4x4 block schedule and report cards are issued every 4½. They are sent home by students to parents a few days after the conclusion of the grading period. Parents should sign and have their child return the report card to the school the following day. Parents will also receive sufficient notice prior to the conclusion of the grading period if their child is in danger of failing a course.

View Report Card Schedule (click here)


School Closings
Schools may be closed due to hurricanes, snow, ice, or extreme heat. School superintendent W. Randolph Nichols will make the decision and have it announced first on WFOS FM 88.7, the Chesapeake Public Schools radio station, WCPS Channel 46, the Chesapeake Public Schools television channel, and on WCTV Channel 48, the city's public access cable television channel. Announcements also will be made on other local media stations. There are times when, due to unforeseen circumstances, schools may close early. When this happens, students should have a plan of action. They should know what to do and where to go when they arrive at home. Parents should have an understanding with their children beforehand exactly what action they should take in case of early closings.

View Emergency Information (click here)


Student Conduct
Discipline is an integral part of the educational process as it relates to development of personal integrity, maturity, and good citizenship. Appropriate conduct and good order in the schools are essential and will be maintained so that all students have the opportunity to learn without disruptions. Violation of discipline policies may result in expulsion, suspension, or other disciplinary actions deemed appropriate by the principal.


Meals
Breakfast is available at our schools at the cost of $1.00 cents. Lunch is available for $1.80 cents at all elementary and intermediate schools and for $1.90 at all middle and high schools. The secondary schools also offer several a la carte items such as ice cream. Meal tickets can be purchased with either cash or a check in the school cafeteria from the cafeteria manager. Free and reduced price meal benefits are provided to households who complete a Lunch Application and are determined eligible. The Lunch Applications are given to every student at the beginning of the school year. Applications are available at each school and may be submitted to your school office at any time throughout the school year.

Graduation Requirements
Please view the Graduation Requirements [Adobe PDF file].

Promotion Requirements

Promotion Requirements for Students Entering 9th Grade during or after 2004 [.pdf]

Scholarship Information
Scholarship information may be obtained in the Guidance section of the district web site.

Discrimination Policy
All members of the Chesapeake Public School community are reminded that the Chesapeake City School Board and all Chesapeake Public Schools is committed to avoiding discrimination at all times. As School Board Policy 3-6 indicates:

The school board is committed to the principle of equal opportunity for all and shall not permit unfair discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. This principle shall apply to students, employees, patrons, vendors and all others who serve or are served by the school system . . .

This requirement extends to all aspects of the school program, including the educational and extracurricular programs.

Procedures for seeking resolution of grievances resulting from alleged discrimination are available from the Title IX coordinator at:

312 Cedar Road
P.O. Box 16496
Chesapeake, VA 23322
757-547-0585


Section 504
Should you have any questions concerning the application of Section 504, please direct them to the school division's Section 504 Coordinator at:
312 Cedar Road
P.O. Box 16496
Chesapeake, VA 23322
757-547-0585

PTA
Each school has its own Parent Teacher Association. Parents interested in joining should call the main office at their children's school to find out who leads the PTA. The cost of membership varies.


Adult Education
Adults interested in earning the GED or getting information about other adult education classes or programs may call the Adult Education Center at 482-5680. 

Or visit the Adult Education website at: http://www.cpschools.com/departments/adulted

Foreign Exchange
We are pleased to maintain a commitment to providing educational opportunities through collaborative efforts with exchange programs
Click here for more information about our Foreign Exchange program.


For additional information, please contact Mr. Tom Cupitt, Public Information Officer/Ombudsman, at 547-1033, or e-mail him at cupitto@cps.k12.va.us.