Middle schoolers have the chance this week to explore our three high school academies: STEM, Science and Medicine Academy, or the International Baccalaureate Program. 🧪🩺🌍
Students will spend the week learning through hands-on projects led by teachers and student leaders.
It’s only day 2 and IB campers were already sculpting monsters, the STEM program is building towns and programming robots, and SMA students were analyzing owl bones. We love seeing these students immerse themselves in new experiences.
#CPSCelebrates
Date: Tuesday, July 21
Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Location: School Administration Building - 1421 Kristina Way, Chesapeake, VA 23320
Openings Include:
🍎 School Nutrition Services
🚌 Bus Drivers
🧹 Custodial Services
⚙️ School Plants (Maintenance)
🏫 Substitute Teachers
For more information, visit: https://www.cpschools.com/events?id=58372366
Can’t make it? Check out this future event: https://www.cpschools.com/events?id=58372671
Here’s how you can get started:
1. Visit our website to check out our Kindergarten page. 🖥️ It has everything you need to know: cpschools.com/kindergarten
2. Gather your child’s paperwork! Having your child's birth certificate, medical forms, etc. ready will save you tons of time. 📃
Once those 2 steps are done, you're ready to register your child!
We’re excited to meet the #ClassOf2039
In June, Great Bridge High graduate Addison Mawyer ('26) was featured in AASA Magazine. Her essay, "Students at the Center of a Teen Summit," was one of four essays chosen for publication nationwide!
Congratulations to Addison on this impressive achievement! #CPSCelebrates
Read her work here: https://www.aasa.org/resources/resource/exercising-voices-productively
View our full calendar on our website at https://www.cpschools.com/events 📅#CPSCelebrates
Superintendent Search Update 🔍
Last night, the School Board announced that it has reached a decision on the selection of the next superintendent and has begun the contract negotiation process. To allow the School Board time to complete this process and ensure a smooth and effective leadership transition, the Board also approved an employment agreement with current Superintendent Dr. Jared A. Cotton.
More information is available on our website: https://www.cpschools.com/page/superintendent-search
The Department of Communications earned 7 total awards including awards of Excellence, Merit, and Honorable Mention for outstanding achievements in publications, branding, podcasting, and video production.
The Department of Planning, Policy, and Research in collaboration with the Department of Student Conduct and Support, Deep Creek Central Elementary, and the Department of Communications received the prestigious Golden Achievement Award for their student-led safety initiative.
Congratulations to these teams! We are proud of their hard work! #CPSCelebrates
We are hiring, and stories like Perry Hunt’s reflect the impact educators have in Chesapeake Public Schools. From iteach participant to Portlock Primary School Teacher of the Year, Perry’s journey highlights the opportunities available for individuals ready to step into education and make a difference. ✨
View Perry's story here and learn how you can join a team dedicated to making a difference in the lives of students. We are currently hiring reading specialists, media specialists, general education teachers (preK–5), special education teachers (K–12), and math teachers! Visit cpschools.com/careers to apply today! 🎉
A special episode of Amplified is now available! 🎙
As he prepares for retirement, Superintendent Dr. Jared A. Cotton joins us for a candid conversation about his time leading Chesapeake Public Schools and the journey that brought him back home to serve the community that helped shape him.
From navigating the challenges of a pandemic to expanding opportunities for students and supporting employees, Dr. Cotton reflects on the experiences, accomplishments, and people that have made an impact throughout his career.
Join us as he shares memories, lessons learned, hopes for the future, and a final message to the Chesapeake community. #EmpowerCPS #CPSCelebrates
🎧 Listen at cpschools.com/amplified or wherever you get your podcasts.
Today, we hosted the Learn, Grow, Lead Professional Learning Conference for our instructional staff. Teachers, paraprofessionals, coaches, and specialists spent the day learning together through engaging, educator-led sessions focused on classroom culture, teacher leadership, and professional practice. We were excited to welcome Dr. Kim Richardson as our keynote speaker, who shared insights from more than 30 years in education and her passion for helping educators grow with purpose and authenticity. Thank you to the Department of Professional and Organizational Development and all presenters for making today a meaningful experience for our staff!
ELIZABETH HERNANDEZ is Oscar Smith High School’s 2026 Salutatorian 💙🐯💛
Post Graduate Plan: Washington and Lee University
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If you could give a shout out to a member of the faculty or staff at a Chesapeake Public School, who would it be and what would you say?
I appreciate the teaching and personality of Mr. Wasinger (or Was) in AP Euro. Even though I had him freshmen year, he has left a lasting impression on my high school career. Every lecture was interesting and thought out, and he helped everyone to the best of his ability. Despite his class being rigorous, he made the content easy to understand.
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What did you accomplish in high school that you are most proud of?
I am proud of the significant time commitment I made to the marching band as color guard captain. I was able to be there for my team at every football game, competition, and more. Balancing that with school is exhausting.
#ClassOf2026! 🎓 #CPSCelebrates
ELIZABETH YING is Oscar Smith High School’s 2026 Valedictorian 💙🐯💛
Post Graduate Plan: Johns Hopkins University
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Who had the biggest impact on your experience in high school, and what would you like them to know?
My entire marching band community had the biggest impact on my high school experience. Through rehearsals, performances, and everything in between, they helped me grow as a musician and a better leader. I would like them to know how grateful I am for them, as they made high school so much more meaningful and memorable for me.
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How do you feel about graduating?
Graduating feels surreal in the best way, like I’m standing right at the edge of something new I’ve been working toward for years. I’m proud of the growth I’ve experienced, and I feel excited about everything ahead in college and beyond. There’s a sense that I’ve grown into myself during high school, and now I’m ready to take that forward into something new.
#ClassOf2026! 🎓 #CPSCelebrates
JASON AYORO is Deep Creek High School’s 2026 Salutatorian 💜🐝🩶
Post Graduate Plan: Northwestern University
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Please share your best advice for the rising senior class.
Apply to every college, you never know who might accept you.
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What is the best class you took in high school and why?
DE Physics. The labs are extremely fun.
#Classof2026! 🎓 #CPSCelebrates
ANTHONY ZHENG is Grassfield High School’s 2026 Valedictorian. ❤️🐻💙
Post Graduate Plan: University of Virginia to major in Economics
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What is the best class you took in high school and why?
The best class I took in high school was AP Economics. Going into the class, I expected Economics to be interesting, but I did not expect it to become one of my favorite subjects. Mr. Giannotti's passion for the material was evident every day, and his enthusiasm made even complex concepts engaging to learn. More importantly, he challenged us to think beyond textbook definitions and consider how Economics influences the decisions people make and the world around us. Through the class, I developed a deeper appreciation for the subject and began to recognize its connections to fields such as psychology, business, and public policy. By the end of the year, I found myself thinking about topics we discussed long after class had ended, and the experience played a major role in my decision to pursue Economics in college.
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How do you feel about graduating?
I feel grateful more than anything else. When I entered high school, I thought the most important part of the experience would be achieving the goals I set for myself. Looking back, however, many of the moments I value most are not the major milestones I spent years working toward, but the friendships and everyday experiences that made high school meaningful. While I am excited for what comes next, I will always appreciate the community at Grassfield that encouraged me to challenge myself and helped shape the person I am today.
#ClassOf2026! 🎓 #CPSCelebrates
JANE YUAN is Great Bridge High School’s 2026 Co-Valedictorian 💚🐾😺
Post Graduate Plan: University of Virginia as an Echols Scholar for Chemistry
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What's something you're looking forward to that might surprise people?
I'm looking forward to trying all the things I didn't really get to explore in high school! I feel like in high school, I focused a lot on music (piano) and science-y academics, but I'm excited to explore my other interests.
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How do you feel about graduating?
Extremely excited. I remember in eighth grade, I asked a teacher what she thought of her high school years. She told me high school was great, but she wouldn't repeat it for a million dollars. I didn't understand what she meant then, but I do now. These past years have led to a lot of my personal, academic, and extracurricular growth, but it's just a chapter of my life and I have to turn the page. I know college has much in store for me, and I'm so ready to cultivate my talents on a larger scale!
#ClassOf2026! 🎓 #CPSCelebrates
ESSENCE SHANNON is Deep Creek High School’s 2026 Senior Class President 💜🐝🩶
Post Graduate Plan: Summer classes at Tidewater Community College and James Madison University in the Fall.
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What's something you're looking forward to that might surprise people?
I am not sure if this would be surprising to many, but I am a very ambitious individual and I have a hair business that I am incredibly excited to scale. Through it, I hope to facilitate community, establish meaningful connections, and continue to inspire and fulfill the individuals around me.
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Who had the biggest impact on your experience in high school, and what would you like them to know?
I have had the privilege of having a support system throughout the entire school. The staff, teachers, and students have truly nurtured my interest in being a leader and have supported me the entire way. Thank you to all of the staff members who encouraged me through my senior year as I navigated a busy schedule, stayed active in my school, and reminded me of my confidence when times felt overwhelming.
#ClassOf2026! 🎓 #CPSCelebrates
PIPER BOURGEOIS is Great Bridge High School’s 2026 Co-Valedictorian 💚🐾😺
Post Graduate Plan: University of Tennessee to major in Biological Sciences.
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What is the best class you took in high school and why?
AP Language Analysis because it completely changed the way I think about things. I will apply the skills I learned not only in writing, but also observing and evaluating the world around me.
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Tell us about a moment in your time in high school that you will never forget.
A time in high school I will never forget is winning homecoming queen while my little brother was on homecoming court too! We wrote our bios to be read during our walk down the field together and when I won, he was right there with me.
#Classof2026! 🎓 #CPSCelebrates
🎓 Senior Spotlight 🎓
MORGAN KIMENER is Hickory High School’s 2026 SCA President 🩵🪽🩶
Post Graduate Plan: Longwood University majoring in Middle School Education with a concentration in Math.
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What is the best class you took in high school and why?
Student Council was the best class I took in high school because it was more than just planning pep rallies and making posters. We made an impact in our community and volunteered our time to benefit others. I truly feel like we made a difference in our school and community.
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Please share your best advice for the rising senior class.
My best advice would be to say yes to new experiences. Senior year is a time to grow as a person before you leave high school, so volunteer in the community, join a new club, get involved in your school, and try something new.
#ClassOf2026! 🎓 #CPSCelebrates
These exceptional students were selected for their outstanding academic achievements and community involvement. Please join us in congratulating the Class of 2026 recipients:
Amari Booker - Chesapeake Career Center/Deep Creek High
Ethan Gregg - Chesapeake Career Center/Grassfield High
Essence Shannon - Deep Creek High
Maddie Laughinghouse - Grassfield High
William Englert - Great Bridge High
A’e Malo Su’e - Hickory High
Elhadji Mohammed Badji - Indian River High
Cason Fitch - Oscar Smith High
Nataleigh Hansen - Western Branch High
Congratulations to these incredible seniors! We can’t wait to see the amazing things you accomplish next. 🎓#CPSCelebrates
