✨ Happy Holidays from Chesapeake Public Schools!
📽️ Here’s a look at some of the wonderful moments that made this season special across our schools! Special thanks to Truitt Intermediate for providing the sounds of the season: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUoR8Vj4ipc
📅 Holiday Break Reminder: All schools and offices will be closed December 22 - January 2. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday, January 5, 2026!
We wish you and your families a joyful, peaceful, and restful holiday season! ❤️
We celebrated this milestone with our school board members, city leaders, families, faculty, staff, and students. Since opening its doors this fall, Crestwood has brought together two beloved school communities under one roof, creating a new chapter for our Falcons.
We are proud of this beautiful state-of-the-art facility, with cutting-edge technology and an innovative layout designed to inspire learning and collaboration. This building represents the very best of what's possible when a community works together.
Special thanks goes to Heartland Construction and Dills Architects, whose vision and craftsmanship made Crestwood Elementary possible. And to everyone who played a role in making Crestwood Elementary a reality, your dedication and inspiration have created a space where our students will thrive for generations to come.
Here's to new beginnings at Crestwood Elementary! 🏫 #CPSCelebrates
This morning, Truitt Intermediate was filled with joy and spirit during a special holiday assembly! The chorus delivered beautiful performances, and students were treated to a drum solo by one of their talented classmates. 🥁🎶
But the most heartwarming moment came when every student received a cozy blanket featuring the school logo! 🎁
This incredible gift was made possible by former Truitt PE teacher Tyler Morgan, who coordinated this special surprise to show his love and appreciation for his former students. What a beautiful reminder that once a Tiger, always a Tiger!
A huge thank you to Roof Services Tecta America for their generous donation of the blankets, and to Quick T's for adding the Truitt logo to every single one! 💙💛
The Truitt community is wrapped in warmth and love this holiday season- literally! This is what community spirit is all about. 🎄#CPSCelebrates
Spring semester registration is OPEN for our Adult & Continuing Education courses, and we're excited to share one of our incredible programs – Introduction to Phlebotomy!
What's phlebotomy? It's the practice of drawing blood for medical tests, transfusions, and research. As a phlebotomy technician, you'll play a vital role in patient care while working in hospitals, clinics, labs, and blood donation centers. It's a rewarding career path with strong job demand and opportunities for growth!
Our Adult Education classes offer a variety of health and medical training courses to help you find your perfect fit in the healthcare field.
Who can enroll? Anyone 18+ (City of Chesapeake residents AND non-residents- all are welcome!)
👉 Browse our full catalog and register by Monday, January 12, 2026:
www.cpschools.com/o/cps/page/adult-and-continuing-education
✨ It's never too late to learn something new! Spring is the perfect time for a fresh start.
✨ Did you know our commitment to learning doesn't stop at 12th grade? Explore our dynamic Adult Education course catalog! ✨
Spring semester registration is NOW OPEN for Chesapeake Adult & Continuing Education! Whether you're leveling up your career or finally pursuing that passion project, we've got the perfect class waiting for you.
🍳 Master new recipes in Culinary Arts
💻 Get tech-savvy or boost your career potential in our Computer courses
📐 Design your future with Technical Drawing
🩺 Launch a healthcare career with Health and Medical Training
🌍 Speak a new language with World Language courses
...and so much more!
Who can join? Anyone 18+ (City of Chesapeake residents AND non-residents welcome!)
When to register? Right now through Monday, January 12, 2026
👉 Browse the full catalog and register today:
www.cpschools.com/o/cps/page/adult-and-continuing-education
Don't wait! Spring is the perfect time for a fresh start! What will you learn this semester?
👉 Browse the full catalog and register today: www.cpschools.com/o/cps/page/adult-and-continuing-education
Don't wait! Spring is the perfect time for a fresh start! What will you learn this semester?
The Teacher of the Year ceremony was filled with heartfelt moments, inspiring stories, and well-deserved recognition for the teachers who make a difference in our students' lives every single day.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in honoring these extraordinary individuals who go above and beyond to create meaningful learning experiences.
To see last night's ceremony and learn more about our honorees, visit https://www.cpschools.com/article/2596002
Congratulations again to our Teachers of the Year! You are true Superheroes!
#CPSCelebrates #CPSTOY2026
📢 Calling all future Chesapeake Public Schools families in the City of Chesapeake!
We are exploring the establishment of new preschool centers to meet the growing need for high-quality early childhood education. If you live in our district and have children ages 0-4 or are planning to have children, your voice is essential!
Help us plan for the future of our youngest learners by sharing your needs and priorities in our new Early Childhood Education Survey. Your input will shape these vital programs!
📋 Survey is open NOW - December 18: www.cpschools.com/surveys
💙💛 We are proud to announce that Susan Ratz is the 2026 Chesapeake Citywide Teacher of the Year! Susan is an English Learner teacher at B. M. Williams Elementary.
One of her colleagues shared: “Sue continually builds up her students and makes them believe they can do anything. She shows them she loves and cares about them. Sue praises the teachers often and gives us all the credit for the successes of the EL program and its students, even when she is the one who deserves it the most.”
👏 Congratulations, Mrs. Ratz, on this well-deserved honor! #CPSCelebrates #InspireCPS #CPSTOY2026
💙💛 We are excited to announce that Dr. Christopher Fischer is the Chesapeake Public Schools 2026 High School Teacher of the year! He is an AP Government and Politics teacher at Western Branch High School.
According to his principal, “Like the content he teaches, he employs a model of shared governance and accountability. Students are encouraged to share opinions, openly debate complex topics, and engage in scholarly discourse in the most respectful manner.”
Thank you, Dr. Fischer for your incredible impact on your students and school community! #CPSCelebrates #InspireCPS #CPSTOY2026
❤️🩵 Michael is the Chesapeake Public Schools 2026 Middle School Teacher of the year! He is an eighth grade math teacher at Crestwood Middle School.
According to a parent, “He embodies everything a great teacher should be: compassionate, committed, and deeply invested in his students’ success..”
Thank you, Mr. Powers, for your dedication and passion for education! #CPSCelebrates #InspireCPS #CPSTOY2026
🦅🩵 Alexis was just named Chesapeake Public Schools 2026 Elementary School Teacher of the Year! Alexis is a fourth grade teacher at Hickory Elementary.
One of her colleagues shared, "Alexis represents the very best of what it means to be a teacher: innovative, collaborative, compassionate, and deeply committed to student success."
Ms. Brueggeman, thank you for your incredible passion, patience, and commitment to your students! #CPSCelebrates #InspireCPS #CPSTOY2026
These remarkable educators demonstrate outstanding commitment and creativity in their classrooms daily, transforming the lives of countless students. Their tireless efforts inspire our entire community!
📅 Join us TONIGHT for our Celebration Ceremony! 🕡 December 11 at 6:30 PM 📍 Indian River High School
Come celebrate these amazing teachers and show them the recognition they deserve! We can't wait to see you there! 👏
#CPSCelebrates #CPSTOY2026
A Savannah College of Art and Design alum, Mr. Burke brings 21 years of teaching experience to Chesapeake Public Schools, having taught 18 years at the high school level before bringing his magic to elementary students. His innovative spirit shows through his achievements: He wrote the curriculum for the first-ever animation course in Portsmouth Public Schools, sponsored award-winning animation clubs, and is a two-time recipient of innovator grants! 🎨
Mr. Burke's philosophy is as unique as his teaching: "A Big Mac shouldn't compare itself to a Whopper, make your own Flavor! And create something the world has never tasted."
His superpower? Silliness! His advice to fellow educators? "No job is stressful if you're prepared... Have a great lesson plan, work it out and run it through 3-4 times and you will have a classroom that is buzzing!"
Mr. Burke, thank you for 21 years of innovation, creativity, and joy! You remind us that learning should be fun and unforgettable! 💙💛
#CPSCelebrates #CPSTOY2026
With degrees from William & Mary and Old Dominion University, including a PhD in Education from ODU, Dr. Fischer brings an impressive 30 years of experience to the classroom. For the past 12 years, he has also served as Youth in Government sponsor and boys tennis coach at WBHS. He gains energy from inspiring students to dive deeper into government, philosophy, history, and especially tennis! 🎾
Dr. Fischer's approach to teaching is all about authentic relationships. He believes in getting to know students beyond the superficial, sharing stories, and truly listening to theirs. His philosophy? "I look for humor in most situations and don't take myself too seriously, but I take my job as a teacher and coach very seriously."
A colleague beautifully captures his impact: "His humility, generosity, and passion for teaching are qualities that set him apart as a leader and advocate for student success."
Dr. Fischer, thank you for 30 years of inspiring minds, building connections, and making learning an adventure! 💙💛
#CPSCelebrates #CPSTOY2026
🎙️ We’re kicking off a new special podcast series: Hall Pass to History!
Each episode spotlights one of our schools and connects traditions of the past with the voices of today. Our first episode celebrates Great Bridge High School, released today, which also coincides with the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Great Bridge.
Hear from:
🐾 Marcy Stambaugh, student and second-generation Wildcat
🏫 Bob Robinson, retired principal
⭐ Karen Black, current principal
Together, they share stories of leadership, belonging, and the tradition and pride that continues to shape Great Bridge students today.
🎧 Listen now at cpschools.com/amplified or wherever you get your podcasts! #CPSCelebrates #EmpowerCPS
A graduate of Grassfield High School and Old Dominion University, Mrs. McNeal brings fresh energy and innovation to her four years in education. She has been recognized as one of our district's "Canvas Champions" for her exceptional use of technology to enhance learning!
Mrs. McNeal's teaching philosophy is powerful yet simple: there are no limitations in her classroom. Every challenge becomes an opportunity for resilience, creativity, and problem-solving. Her superpower is creativity because she connects with and inspires her students through engaging, dynamic approaches both inside and outside the classroom.
Movement is essential in Mrs. McNeal's classroom, fostering active engagement and joyful learning. She is also celebrated for her passion and dedication to teaching within the EL community, ensuring every student feels welcomed and empowered.
Mrs. McNeal, thank you for showing your students that they are capable of anything and for making learning an adventure every single day! 💙🩵#CPSCelebrates #CPSTOY2026
❄️Due to potential for freezing road conditions, Chesapeake Public Schools will operate on a two-hour delay on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. Visit our website for additional details: http://cpschools.com/emergency
Be sure to get important weather, closing, or delay notifications with our district app and turn on "Push Notifications." You can also follow your school and receive important updates, events, and more.
📱Download for Android: https://bit.ly/4pncEZl
📱Download for iPhone: https://apple.co/3KcIghX
With degrees from Wayne State University, San Jose State University, and Old Dominion University, Ms. S. brings 13 years of passion to education.
Her dedication to education extends far beyond our community: Ms. Spurlin-Saravanan is the recipient of the prestigious 2025-2026 Fulbright Teacher Exchange Award!
She notes that her superpower is her belief that everyone deserves to be seen and heard. She creates a classroom culture built on well-being, encouragement, and community where every student feels valued.
A former student shares: "Ms. S. is an incredibly hardworking and caring educator who gave me the tools to become a successful college student and a responsible, educated young adult. I could not be more grateful that I had the chance to be one of her students. Ms. S. has impacted and continues to impact my life in every positive way imaginable."
Ms. Spurlin-Saravanan, thank you for seeing each student, celebrating their voice, and creating a space where everyone belongs! 💙🩵 #CPSCelebrates #CPSTOY2026
For the latest updates and additional information, visit https://www.cpschools.com/emergency
