
If you are interested in learning more about our Chesapeake Virtual Academy, plan to join us for an upcoming webinar on Jan. 17th as we explore learning opportunities, expectations, and requirements for students and families. Register to attend: http://tinyurl.com/CVA2024


The Career and Technical Education Department partnered with Virginia Beach Public Schools to host the DECA District Leadership Competition on Dec. 14th at Virginia Wesleyan. Congratulations to our first-place winners who now advance to the state competition in early March. 🏆







Our next One-Stop Job Fair will be held on January 10th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the School Administration Building. We are looking for teachers, bus drivers, school nutrition services, custodians, and more. Or you can always apply directly online: https://www.cpschools.com


Congratulations to our four local Chesapeake Council PTA chapters who were awarded National Parent Teacher Association grants. #CPSCelebrates
🎉 Crestwood Intermediate School PTA
🎉 Crestwood Middle School PTSA
🎉 Great Bridge High School PTSA
🎉 Southwestern Elementary PTA


Join the Chesapeake Career Center to learn more about the application process for next school year at their Open House on January 11, 2024, from 5-8 p.m. Tour the building, see programs in action, and hear from current students.
See a full list of course offerings and requirements online: https://www.cpschools.com/o/ccc/page/course-offerings


Sibshops are Back! Siblings of children with special needs in grades 2-8 are invited to attend a night of stories, crafts, and games on Jan. 10th at Butts Road Primary from 5:30-7 p.m. Registration is required: http://tinyurl.com/CPSSIBS23


Yesterday, E. W. Chittum Elementary School students and staff held a special National Blue Ribbon Day to celebrate their prestigious designation by the U. S. Department of Education! The event included an assembly, special activities throughout the day, t-shirts, and ice cream.






🎉 Join us in celebrating the International Baccalaureate Class of 2023 from Oscar F. Smith High School! 🎓
🌟 Today marked their return for the IB Diploma and Certificate Award Ceremony. These students, who have already stepped into their new chapter, are equipped with the knowledge and skills to positively impact the world thanks to their four years as Tigers. Congratulations! 🐯 💛 💙

Crestwood Intermediate students are out of this world! 🌎
Fifth graders at CWI recently participated in a science project resulting in proposals to have their student-designed science investigation performed on the International Space Station (ISS). 🛰
In a competitive submission process, the team consisting of Jameson, Kayleb, Allison, Leila, and Kelby from Mrs. Drewry’s and Mr. Weaver’s class were selected to have their investigation to learn about the germination of beets in microgravity performed aboard the ISS. Astronauts will conduct their experiment as a REAL scientific investigation, not a simulation or school project. 👨🚀
The program is administered by the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP). Learn more:https://www.cpschools.com/o/cwi/article/1382191


🎙️ 🎧 Listen to our latest podcast episode that highlights leaders in the classroom and on the field. ✨ https://www.cpschools.com/page/amplified
Hudson King and Spencer Cocuzzo, SCA presidents from Grassfield High School and Hickory High School, discuss their roles as SCA presidents and how SCA positively impacts their high school experience. Whitney Roberson and Abigail Swisher from the Jolliff Middle School Jaguars Girls Soccer championship team, share their experiences of being a part of the inaugural middle school soccer season. ⚽ The Deep Creek High School Orchestra Quartet also provides some wonderful holiday music! 🎻❄
🔊 Don’t forget to subscribe or follow "Amplified: The Chesapeake Public Schools Podcast,” on your favorite podcast platforms, where we share the stories behind our story!


Yesterday, the Hugo A. Owens Middle School auditorium was dedicated in honor of Dr. Debbie Hunley-Stukes. Her career with Chesapeake Public Schools began in 1982 and spanned several decades including her role as the first principal of HOMS from 1996-2006. While there, she established a legacy of success for the Mustangs. Yesterday's ceremony included students, former colleagues, family, and special guests. Congratulations Dr. Hunley-Stukes! 🎉











This morning, Superintendent Dr. Jared Cotton spread some joy to our incredible bus drivers by surprising them with Chick-fil-A biscuits at Greenbrier Middle School. 👏 🐔
🙌 We would like to extend a big, “Thank you!” to ALL of our amazing bus drivers who ensure the safety of our students wherever their destination may be. 🚌

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP (formerly known as “Food Stamps”) provides eligible households with food benefits.
Students in households that receive SNAP are also eligible for meals at no cost at school. Students who have access to SNAP are more likely to be in good health and miss less school. Many households may not be aware they qualify. To learn more and to apply, visit https://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/snap.cgi


Five of our high schools were awarded top honors from W!SE! W!SE is dedicated to improving economic mobility through programs that develop financial literacy and readiness for college and careers.
⭐ Grassfield High School (Platinum Star)
⭐ Hickory High School (Blue Star)
⭐ Deep Creek High School (Blue Star)
⭐ Western Branch High School (Blue Star)
In addition, 20 of our teachers, representing all 7 high schools, were named Gold Star Teachers ⭐ for earning a 93% pass rate in at least one of their classes in either the Fall 2022 or Spring 2023 W!SE Financial Literacy Certification Test administration.



Sounds of the Season ❄
Oscar Smith Middle School orchestra, band, and chorus students spent time yesterday afternoon at the South Norfolk Memorial Library performing a variety of holiday selections for guests. 🎻🎙🎷





On Friday, Portlock Primary transformed into a Winter Wonderland! Throughout the school day, students and teachers were able to celebrate the upcoming holiday season by decorating the halls, participating in holiday themed activities, and dressing in their favorite holiday attire!









A draft Academic Calendar for the 2024-2025 school year was presented to the School Board on December 11, 2023.
Please review the proposal and provide feedback by December 22, 2023, using the Academic Calendar Feedback Survey on our website: http://cpschools.com/surveys


The Virginia Board of Education will be in Chesapeake Wednesday, December 13 as an opportunity for Virginians to learn more about new accountability measurements and discuss their expectations for the upcoming accountability measurements.
Register here: https://ow.ly/CpGS50Qgt7B


The Hour of Code is a global initiative to support Computer Science Education Week and introduce millions of students to one hour of computer science and computer programming. All students (PreK-12) can participate!
Visit https://hourofcode.com/us/learn, pick an activity and spend at least one hour coding a solution.
Let us know when you have completed an Hour of Code! Students, teachers and families are encouraged to share a photo holding the Hour of Code certificate sign. Download your copy here: https://5il.co/299hj
Be sure to include our hashtag #CPSHourofCode 😁🖥️


🎉 Congratulations, Tracy Jernigan! Tracy is a second-grade teacher for the Hawks and a Chesapeake Public Schools Teacher of the Year Finalist!🦅 As a previous Teacher of the Year at Woodstock Elementary School in Virginia Beach, Tracy believes that “establishing a classroom community is a vital part of achieving student success.” She strives to create an environment where expectations are high and student success is achieved through hard work and perseverance. Her favorite quote to remind students is, "You can do hard things!" 💪 Tracy states she “never set out to be a teacher…. teaching found me!” ❤ She feels that teaching is the most rewarding profession and loves to inspire and foster a love of learning in children. Tracy is also the Hawks CARES Advisor, Co-Chair of the Community Relations Committee, and a Student Activities Committee Member. She spends her weekends playing on a coe-ed softball team with her husband and brother and loves to camp, fish, and explore new places. Tracey hopes to visit national parks in all 50 states! 🏕 She likes to take risks and has been on a hot air balloon and even skydived! 🪂 ✨ Congratulations, Tracy!
