Chesapeake Public Schools - Our teachers are HANDS DOWN THE BEST!

🌟 We are ecstatic to celebrate Megan Gotham, a 4th-grade teacher and a Chesapeake Public School’s Teacher of the Year Finalist! 💛💙🐻 With a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from PennWest Edinboro and an endorsement in STEM, Megan brings a wealth of knowledge to her classroom. She affectionately calls her students "scholars," reminding them of their incredible potential and that they are all capable of amazing things. Megan serves as the school’s PBIS and Child Study Chair and volunteers her time with many after-school activities, such as Harvest Fest, Robotics Club, and Bruin Success Club. 🤖 Megan believes in giving her “scholars” the freedom to make mistakes and then provide them with opportunities to problem-solve them in a low-risk, positive learning environment. 💡 Megan's dad inspired her to become a teacher and when she isn't teaching, she can be found at the pool, watching movies, or participating in escape rooms. 🎬🍿 Megan is fascinated by the night sky and has always wanted to see the Badlands National Park. 🌌✨ Congratulations, Megan! 🎉

We are proud to offer three high school academy programs to students throughout the district! All 8th graders are invited to apply! - International Baccalaureate program, Oscar Smith High School - Governor’s STEM Academy, Grassfield High School - Science and Medicine Academy, Deep Creek High School Applications are due by December 15, 2023, at 11:59 PM. Visit our website for more information and to apply: https://www.cpschools.com/academies

🐾 Wildcats, it's time to put your “paws” together for Kathy Parker, a family and consumer science teacher, and Chesapeake Public Schools Teacher of the Year Finalist! 💚💛 🍽️ Affectionately known as "Chef Parker," she's worn various hats, teaching mathematics at the middle, high, and college levels. Currently, she's igniting culinary passions through her culinary arts classes. 🔥 Kathy believes in fostering a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere and modeling high expectations for all students. She shares that "teaching allows my creative and innovative abilities to shine. I embrace the uniqueness of each of my students.” Kathy is the Wildcats FCCLA Sponsor and for 5 years has provided staff development opportunities for other CPS employees. As the Wildcat Cafe’ Catering Manager, she and her students have catered for various Family and Community Engagement events across the district. 🍰 With an impressive 27 years of teaching, all within CPS, Kathy is a seasoned educator who has made a lasting impact on her students and community. She holds an M.A. in Teaching from Christopher Newport University and a B.S. in Education from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. Kathy enjoys spending time with her family, book clubs, friends, and fur baby. In her spare time, you might find her party planning or interior decorating, and she is looking forward to welcoming a 5th grandchild! 💗

November is Take Your Legislature to School Month! This morning, we were proud to host members of our School Board and members from the Virginia General Assembly and their staff, along with other special guests to our Chesapeake Career Center to learn more about our goals to expand their programs and partnerships.

🌟 Let's give a heartfelt shoutout to culinary arts teacher, Jessica Steadman! 🍽 She is the Teacher of the Year for the Hawks and also a Chesapeake Public Schools Teacher of the Year Finalist! 🦅 A Western Branch High School and University of North Carolina Wilmington graduate, Jessica has 11 years of teaching experience and has left her mark at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Before teaching at Hickory High, she taught third and fifth graders for three years at Treakle Elementary and then two years at Deep Creek Middle as a Civics and Economics teacher. 💜🤍 Her culinary classes at Hickory High have had the honor of catering many events including the National Rockstar Custodian Award Reception and the Fallen Soldier Memorial unveiling. Jessica believes that relationships should be at the heart of every classroom. She creates lessons that are hands-on and relevant so that students use the skills outside of the classroom. 🍽 In addition to teaching culinary arts, Jessica has served as the Senior Class Sponsor and FCCLA Sponsor. When not in the kitchen, you'll find her outdoors with her husband and 3 children, indulging in running, boating, gardening, surfing, and yoga. 🏃‍♀️🚤🌊 In college, she swore she'd never be a high school teacher—proving that you should never say never! Jessica would love to go skydiving in the future! 🪂 Congratulations, Jessica! 🎉

🌟 Congratulations to Chelsea Nash, a 4th-grade teacher at Deep Creek Elementary and Teacher of the Year Finalist! 💜🤍 Chelsea believes that "strong relationships provide a foundation for student engagement, motivation, and ultimately learning." She is inspired by her husband and their three children. Chelsea graduated from Hickory High School and started her teaching career in Savannah, Georgia as a fifth-grade teacher. While obtaining her master's degree from Georgia Southern University she received the Childhood and Exceptional Student Education's Service and Leadership Award! She was also awarded the Southside Virginia Regional Technology Consortium's Technology Teacher Award for her effective use of technology in the classroom. 💻🏆 Chelsea serves on many committees at DCE, is a Grade Level Chair and SCA Co-Chair, a Beginning Teacher Mentor, a volunteer coach, and more! She is a book enthusiast and appreciates it when her students realize the book is better than the movie. 📚 When she isn't teaching, you might find her at a rock concert or exploring historical sites. Congratulations, Chelsea! 🎉

Before the break, several of our schools participated in the First Lego League Challenge! The tournament aims to promote STEM education and teamwork among young participants. 🤖💻🖱 Each team is judged on their robotic performance, their research, design, and cooperation and inclusion. We are so proud of our winning schools! 🎉 🏆 Greenbrier Intermediate won the Robot Performance and the Champion's Award and will advance to the VA-DC championships on Dec. 9 at JMU. 🏆 Crestwood Intermediate won the Core Value Award. 🏆 Thurgood Marshall Elementary won the Innovation Project Award. 🏆 Truitt Intermediate won the Robot Design Award.

🎉 Join us in celebrating Reagan Davis, an 8th-grade math teacher, and Chesapeake Public Schools Teacher of the Year Finalist! With 12 years of teaching experience, all with CPS, Mr. Davis fosters a classroom of trust by recognizing and validating students' lived experiences and provides a safe learning environment for students to make mistakes and grow from them. Mr. Davis believes that “all students have great potential, and educators have the tools to unlock it.” 🔧 A lifelong learner, Mr. Davis graduated from Old Dominion University with a B.S. in Business Administration, and an M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in Secondary Education. Most recently he completed coursework for a graduate certificate in Math Education. ➕ 👉 Mr. Davis has served in various leadership roles for many organizations such as the Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics and Tidewater Council of Teachers of Mathematics. He has been a member of the VDOE Mathematics SOL Test Item Analysis Committee, and for the past four years, he has also served as the president of the Chesapeake Education Association. He has been a member of the Chesapeake Public Schools Mathematics Department of Mathematics Curriculum and Resources Revision Committee and he continues to serve in other leadership capacities at Great Bridge Middle, such as the Principal's Advisory Committee and 8th-grade 504 Chair. Mr. Davis is a 2007 Indian River High School graduate and a collector of quality writing instruments and tools. He would like to travel to Japan to experience shopping for top-quality pens and pencils in person instead of ordering them online. The best advice he has received from another educator: “Even on our worst days, we may be a child’s only hope.”

Join us to understand the MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) Growth Program on December 6, 2023. Information shared will support the ongoing collaboration between teachers, students, and families with students in grades 1-8. Register at: http://tinyurl.com/CPSMAPScores

✨ Congratulations to #CPSTOY Finalist, Laurie-Anne Pintado! Ms. Pintado is a kindergarten teacher who is known for making a positive impact on young minds and hearts. 🌟 Laurie-Anne's passion for teaching began when her daughter struggled academically. She not only wanted to help her but also other parents. Laurie-Anne shows love, patience, and kindness to her students, families, and colleagues. She is exceptional at adapting lessons to ensure that all her students' needs are met. Her favorite motto is: “Mistakes are OK; it means you are learning.” 👌 Ms. Pintado is the Kindergarten Grade Level Co-Chair, and last year she was awarded the Reading Teacher of the Year! 📚 Ms. Pintado loves to hang out with her 3 children and 6 grandchildren as much as possible. 💗 When she is not with family, she can be found at the beach. 🏖 Her lifetime dream is to visit Alaska by taking a cruise and land tour. She would love to visit Mendenhall Glacier and experience the breathtaking views of the Aurora Borealis. ❄🚢

This afternoon, Great Bridge Intermediate celebrated Thanksgiving with their annual Thanksgiving Parade! This year's theme was “Literary Genres.” The parade featured floats, balloons, the Great Bridge High School Marching Band and a surprise visit from Santa Claus. 🦃

👏 Let's put our hands together for Denise Chirgwin! She is a phenomenal 1st-grade inclusion teacher and has been named a Teacher of the Year Finalist! 🍎 💖 Denise's journey, marked by her military life, is full of passion and dedication across 4 schools in 2 states. Her heart resonates with students who need that extra love and support. For the past two years, she has created a nurturing space that allows students to be themselves while challenging them to achieve high academic and personal goals. She believes that the love of learning occurs when students, families, and school systems work together! 🤝 Denise is a proud member of "Team Chirgwin," alongside her two sons and her husband of 18 years, and cares deeply for their military community and the spouses and families she and her husband serve next to. 🇺🇸 A few fun facts about Denise are that she earned her CLD and even drove a school bus, is a Professional and Organizational Development Council Member and MTSS teacher leader for GFE, and she would love to live in a cabin surrounded by nature and my family. 🏞 🎉 Congratulations, Denise!

Congratulations to Great Bridge Middle School for their first-place finish in Saturday's Chesapeake Middle School League (CMSL) Sideline Cheer Competition! 📣🏆 #CPSCelebrates #CMSLAthletics

🎉We are thrilled to celebrate technology teacher, Dr. Maurice Frazier, who has been named a Teacher of the Year Finalist! 💙💛🐯 📚 Maurice holds both a master's and doctorate degree from Old Dominion University, and goes above and beyond to inspire and guide students on their academic journey. He also serves as a mentor teacher and an adjunct professor at ODU. He has also been a curriculum developer with the Virginia Department of Education - VDOE in technology education, and recently authored and published his first book, "All About the FUN: Improving Yourself and Helping Others." 📘 🏅Maurice was honored with The Distinguished Technology and Engineering Professional Award (DTE) from the @iteeastem International Technology and Engineering Education Association in 2016, for his outstanding contributions to the field. 🎳 Maurice is also an avid bowler, serving as the President of The Tidewater Trios Bowling League at Bowlero Chesapeake, and is a Certified Bronze Level Bowling Coach with the United States Bowling Congress. Join us in celebrating Dr. Maurice Frazier! 🌟

🎙️ 🎧 Listen today to our latest podcast episode that shares the story of how our academies help “make dreams come true” for our students!✨ https://www.cpschools.com/page/amplified You will hear from Cadence Weaver, a Chesapeake Virtual Academy student, and Dr. Kelli Jordan, Supervisor of Chesapeake Virtual Academy, about the successes in virtual learning. 💻 Then, journey through our high school academies with Dr. Shonda Windham, Director of College and Career Readiness, and Mrs. Meredith Strahan, Governor's STEM Academy Coordinator. 🚀 🌐 For more on all of our academy options, visit cpschools.com. 🔊 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!

🎉 Congratulations to Teacher of the Year Finalist, Morgan Tayloe! #CPSCelebrates A proud Hickory High School alum, Morgan brings 20 years of teaching expertise, with 15 dedicated to Chesapeake. 📚 As a kindergarten teacher at Southeastern Elementary, her impact is immeasurable. 🦅 🎓 Graduating from Barton College with a dual major in Elementary Education and Deaf Education, Morgan believes every child can achieve greatness, regardless of differences. In her classroom, Morgan creates spur-of-the-moment activities, makes real-life connections, and is always present for her students. Morgan was previously Reading Teacher of the Year and also wears many hats at SEE such as Social Studies Chair, Grade Level Chair, Child Study Chair, and ESTAT Committee Chair just to name a few. 👒 Morgan is inspired by her daughter, and outside the classroom, she enjoys beach days, shopping, and playtime with her two dogs. 🐾 🏖️ Let’s hear it for Morgan, an exceptional educator and well-deserved Teacher of the Year Finalist! 🏆👏

➕ICYMI: Earlier this week, with support from Old Dominion University, Great Bridge Middle School hosted a Math Family Fun Night that brought a touch of math into our families' lives.✨ Every child received a backpack filled with math manipulatives. Families enjoyed a delightful snack, and each child left with a small bottle of water. Passports were stamped at various math stations, making the learning journey even more exciting. The highlight was a raffle, featuring fantastic prizes, including an Amazon Kids Pro Fire Tablet generously provided by ODU! 🎟 🎉Thank you to Tamara Smith-Moyler, from ODU, for helping coordinate the night and providing t-shirts and manipulatives for our teachers.

🌟 It’s time to celebrate Bruce Rogers, a technology teacher and Teacher of the Year Finalist! 🍎⚙ Bruce graduated from Old Dominion University in Business Management and the Career Switcher Program. As a former Harris Teeter Store Director and North Region Financial Facilitator, Bruce incorporates his previous work experiences into the classroom. He creates a learning environment that connects theoretical knowledge with practical situations, fostering a deeper understanding and engaging atmosphere. Bruce's teaching journey actually began with 3 years of substitute teaching, in which he covered 31 different CPS schools! His all-time favorite quote is from Nelson Mandela: "I never lose... I either win or learn." Fun Facts: ✔ He has six children and three grandchildren. ❤ ✔ He absolutely loves the movies. He has written 4 books about movies, created a website on movie reviews that gets over 2 million views a month, and has been featured on various podcasts and radio shows. 📽 ✔ He sponsors the Broadcast Club, and Morning Announcements Club, and was the STEM Club Sponsor for four years.🎙🔧

Happy Homecoming! ❤🤍💙 A heartwarming moment happened early today when two Southeastern Elementary students, Emery and Wesley, got a special surprise visit from their dad, Lieutenant Commander Troy Wood, who just returned home from deployment. We know the entire family is so happy to have you home! Thank you so much for your service!

🌟 Congrats, Kathy Mustain! She is a Health & PE teacher and a Teacher of the Year Finalist! With 31 years of experience, she's an education champion known for empathy and high expectations. Her motto: “Once a student believes in themselves, anything is possible!” #CPSCelebrates