Grassfield High’s STEM students made serious waves at the Virginia Digital Maritime Center's "Digital Ship Challenge" last month! 🤖
Special congratulations to these winning teams from the Programming Strand coached by Mr. Jason Gabel:
- FIRST PLACE in Tech Division: The Cyber Waves 🥇
- SECOND PLACE in Tech Division: The Hydroscapers 🥈
The celebration continued this past Sunday at Nauticus's "Weld it, Build it, Sail it" event. Our first-place champions showcased their winning robotic device at the Virginia Digital Maritime Center booth and took home official First Place Award Banners to proudly display at GHS!
We are so proud of these talented students and their amazing achievements. Way to represent Grassfield High! 🐻
#CPSCelebrates #STEM
We are proud to celebrate Melodie Surratt of Deep Creek Middle School for being named the 2026 Virginia Department of Education Computer Science Champion for Grades 6–8. This recognition highlights her leadership in computer science education and her commitment to innovative, future-ready learning experiences aligned with Virginia’s Computer Science Standards of Learning. Her dedication continues to make a meaningful impact on students and STEM education across Chesapeake Public Schools. Congratulations on this outstanding honor! 🎥 Watch this video to learn more about the impact Melodie has on her students and Chesapeake Public Schools. #EmpowerCPS #CPSCelebrates
While many of our schools took home awards for exemplary customer service and teamwork, we want to give a special shoutout to our top award winners of the night:
🏆 Butts Road Primary – Excellence in Safety and Compliance Award
🏆 Indian River Middle – Performance and Excellence Award
We’d like to say thank you to our entire custodial staff. We are so proud to have them on our team! ❤️
#CPSCelebrates
This morning, Dr. Jared A. Cotton’s Superintendent’s Community Engagement Council highlighted the power of student leadership, community collaboration, and workforce innovation in Chesapeake Public Schools. ✨
Mrs. Andrea Vail, director of engagement, and Addison Mawyer from Great Bridge High School shared highlights from the annual student-led Teen Summit event and the positive impact it continues to have on students and families across the division. Mr. Michael Bailey, director of human resources, and Mrs. Mindy Green, assistant director of human resources, also provided updates on recruitment initiatives focused on attracting and supporting exceptional educators and staff.
Special thanks to Trane for sponsoring this morning’s event, and if you're interested in joining our team, visit cpschools.com/careers to explore current opportunities.
Held at the House of BlessingFood Bank at Harvest VA Assembly Church, students helped sort and organize an incredible outpouring of community donations. Their hard work ensures that local families have the support they need this season. 🫶
Thank you to our wonderful SECEP teachers for making this experience possible and guiding our students in such meaningful community service. We are so proud of this team!
#CPSCelebrates #SECEP
Congratulations to teams from Thurgood Marshall Elementary and Great Bridge Intermediate for their incredible showing at the WHRO Great Computer Challenge.
Check out these incredible results:
Thurgood Marshall Elementary School 🐯
- Superior Rating: Visual Programming/Block Coding (Level 1)
- 1st Place: Desktop Presentations (Level 2)
Great Bridge Intermediate 😺
- 1st Place: Graphic Design (Level 2)
- 2nd Place: Video Editing (Level 2)
- 2nd Place: Visual Programming/Block Coding (Level 2)
Join us in celebrating these talented students and their coaches! 👏
#CPSCelebrates #STEM
Together, we honored 166 dedicated employees whose service, leadership, and compassion have helped shape the lives of students, staff, families, and our entire community. Together, they represent 3,499 collective years of commitment to public education and student success. #CPSCelebrates #EmpowerCPS
📸 See the photo gallery from the ceremony: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ThqnjmPcaGbTH7Lw7
📖 View the full list of retirees: https://canva.link/cpsretirement2026
🎥 Watch the full ceremony: https://youtube.com/live/7niBtbGHZgs
From classrooms and cafeterias to buses, offices, and beyond, we thank our retirees for the lasting difference they have made across our district. 🌟
#CPSCelebrates
“Mr. Casassa has made a profound impact on my junior year. He is my STEM teacher, and while he is great at teaching global communications, I appreciate him even more as a person. He is always willing to help me, but he does it in a way that actually makes me learn. He doesn't just give me the answer; he makes me really think about the material taught and try to apply it in different ways. He tries to remind us each day that in the real world, things won't just be handed to you, and I wish more teachers did that. I adore going to his class, and every day he pushes me to become a better person.” -A Student
It's not too late to shout out your teacher! Use this link: https://www.cpschools.com/article/2843125
#CPSCelebrates #CPSTAW26
This Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re sharing messages that remind us why we love our teachers to the moon and back.🌏 Here’s a message for Jakrya Jefferson at Oscar F. Smith Middle:
“I just want to say thank you for being my teacher, I could talk to you about anything. You love me like I was your child, and I'm forever thankful for that.” - A Student
It's not too late to shout out your teacher! Use this link: https://www.cpschools.com/article/2843125
#CPSCelebrates #CPSTAW26
“I just want to share how grateful I am for Ms. Melissa Hopkins and the impact she’s had on my son. I’ve watched him grow so much in her class, especially in how he communicates and expresses himself. It truly feels like he’s taken off under her wings.
That kind of growth comes from a teacher who genuinely cares, and it’s been incredible to witness as a parent. Thank you for the patience, support, and heart you bring into the classroom every day. It truly makes a difference.”
- A Parent
It's not too late to shout out a teacher! Use this link: https://www.cpschools.com/article/2843125
#CPSCelebrates #CPSTAW26
“Thanks for caring enough to reach the kids a lot of folks leave behind. Also you're hilarious and kids need funny teachers.” - A Colleague
Want to shout out a teacher? Use this link: https://www.cpschools.com/article/2843125
#CPSCelebrates #CPSTAW26
We are committed to providing the support our students need to thrive through our Student Assistance Program (SAP).
Check out our resources and learn how we can help: cpschools.com/o/cps/page/sap
“You are one of the best teachers in my 17 years of life. You make every lesson very engaging and fun, and I find myself excelling due to your method of teaching. I know I stress you out, but I hope you find as much joy teaching me as I do being your student. Keep being great.” - A Student
Want to shout out a teacher? Use this link: https://www.cpschools.com/article/2843125
#CPSCelebrates #CPSTAW26
School nurses are incredible, and last night, three of our best officially got their flowers! We are so lucky to have this dream team keeping our students healthy, happy, and hydrated. ❤️
Congratulations to:
Ashley Pugh (Greenbrier Middle) – School Nurse of the Year 💐
Shelby Fernan (Float Nurse) – Rookie Nurse of the Year 💐
Kelly Carroll (Cedar Road Elementary) – Clinic Assistant of the Year 💐
Thank you for the care you give our students. We’re so proud you’re on our team!
#CPSCelebrates #NurseAppreciation
“Thank you for your imaginative, creative and fun style of teaching. My 2nd grader is excited about learning and engaged by the classroom activities. You create a warm environment for the students and I am so happy you are our teacher. I say 'our' because your lessons teach a child but what she shares and repeats at home teaches us that an actively engaged mind spreads to others.” - A Parent
Want to shout out a teacher? Use this link: https://www.cpschools.com/article/2843125
#CPSCelebrates #CPSTAW26
“Thank you for teaching us a bunch. It really helped me learn more and some of the stuff I didn't know, but now I do because of how good you are at teaching!” - A Student
Want to shout out a teacher? Use this link: https://www.cpschools.com/article/2843125
#CPSCelebrates #CPSTAW26
We asked for your shout-outs, and we’ve received THOUSANDS! 🍎 Thank you for brightening our teachers’ week. Here is a special message for Nicholas Motta at Jolliff Middle:
“Mr. Motta was my sixth grade civics teacher and it was his first year teaching at Jolliff. He made my year in sixth grade one of the best ones to date for middle school. The humor he had, the funny memories I have of that class; it was so un-serious at times that it made me laugh harder than I had ever in my entire life. Mr. Motta was definitely my favorite teacher to date and I would go back to that class any day of the week just to talk to him.” - A Student
Want to shout out a teacher? Use this link: https://www.cpschools.com/article/2843125
#CPSCelebrates #CPSTAW26
Viewing is available weekdays from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. at the Academic and George Pass Buildings.
Don’t miss your chance to support our district’s rising artists! Get a sneak peek of the exhibition in the photos below. 📸
Details: https://www.cpschools.com/events?id=55043488
#CPSCelebrates
It’s teacher appreciation week, and we’ve been reading through your wonderful messages for and about our teachers. Check out this one for Kevin Wasinger at Oscar Smith High:
“When my kids come home, your name is one of the first they mention, often with excitement and stories about what they learned. That speaks volumes about the impact you’re having. You are clearly making a meaningful difference in their lives, and I am so grateful that you get to be a part of their journey.” - A Parent
Want to shout out a teacher? Use this link: https://www.cpschools.com/article/2843125
#CPSCelebrates #CPSTAW26
