
🚦Today is the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Crossing Guard Appreciation Day! 🚸 We’re grateful for some of the best crossing guards in the Commonwealth.
🚏 Join us in thanking these dedicated individuals for keeping our students and our communities safe! 🙌 #CPSCelebrates #CrossingGuardApprecationDay


🚸Congratulations to Matthew Barker of Deep Creek Central for being honored as one of Virginia Department of Transportation's Most Outstanding Crossing Guards of the Year! 🚦
🚏This award highlights his commitment to ensuring the safety of our students. In addition to his role as a crossing guard, Mr. Barker teaches Physical Education and leads the Safety Patrol program at his school. He has also been named Deep Creek Central’s 2025 Teacher of the Year! We are grateful for all he does to protect and support our students. 👏
📢 Tomorrow is Crossing Guard Appreciation Day, so don’t forget to thank your crossing guards when you see them! #CPSCelebrates #InspireCPS








📢 PROJECT SEARCH Information Night! 🌟
If you or someone you know is seeking real-life work experience opportunities for students with disabilities, join us for the Project Search Information Night!
📅 Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2025
⏰ Time: 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
📍 Location: The Lifestyle Center at Chesapeake Regional Healthcare
🗺 Address: 800 Battlefield Blvd N, Chesapeake, VA
Our one-year program offers:
✅ Extensive skills training
✅ Long-term job coaching
✅ Career exploration
Eligibility Requirements:
🔹 Must be 18 years old at the start of the program
🔹 Must be working towards an Applied Studies Diploma
🔹 Must be willing to work!
Have questions? Contact us at 📞 757-312-4007 or 📧 jillian.dillon@cpschools.com.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn more and take the next step toward a bright future! 🌟


📢Middle and High School Students, did you know that not all teachers are adults? It’s true!
⛰️ Come see for yourself at Teen Summit on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at Deep Creek High School from 11AM - 2PM. Students from across the city will present a variety of sessions on topics that matter to you. Get ready for a day filled with fun, student-led presentations and activities designed to help you boost your skills and your confidence.
💻 For more information and to RSVP, visit: https://www.cpschools.com/events?id=31420903
🎥 Check out this message from a few of the presenters from Indian River High School: https://youtu.be/7lDTpffdBZI


🌟 Congratulations to Mrs. Karen Black, Assistant Principal at Great Bridge High School, has been honored as the 2025 Outstanding Secondary Assistant Principal by the Virginia Association of Secondary Principals! 👏
With 22 years of dedication to education and 8 years as an Assistant Principal, Mrs. Black has demonstrated passion, leadership and a commitment to excellence in education. This award recognizes Mrs. Black’s dedication to shaping the lives of students, supporting teachers, and fostering a thriving school community.
Please join us in celebrating Mrs. Black’s incredible achievement! 🎊 #CPSCelebrates



🌟 This week, February 10-14, our school community is coming together to spread kindness, compassion, and positivity as we celebrate Virginia Kindness Week! 💙
Together we can make a difference one kind gesture at a time. Whether it's a smile, a helping hand, or words of encouragement, every act of kindness matters! ☀️
Let's inspire others to make the world a little brighter! 🌍 #VAKINDNESSWEEK #CPSCelebrates #InspireCPS
How will YOU spread kindness this week? Let us know in the comments! ⬇️


🏫The CPS Department of New Construction will host a public meeting in conjunction with RRMM Architects to discuss the plans for a new elementary school building in the Culpepper Landing neighborhood in Deep Creek. The meeting will be held at Deep Creek High School on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
🚸 The public is welcome to attend this informational meeting. Parents and guardians of students who currently attend Deep Creek Elementary, Deep Creek Central Elementary, Grassfield Elementary, and Cedar Road Elementary will receive an email invitation to attend. The presentation will be followed by a question and answer session.
💻 For more details, visit: https://www.cpschools.com/article/2009799


Earlier today, Superintendent Dr. Jared Cotton held his second Superintendent’s Community Engagement Council of this school year. Community partners and school leaders gathered to discuss important topics including including state accreditation updates from Dr. Melissa Oliver and insights on the Virginia Literacy Act from Dr. Melissa Goodwin. A special thank you to Victoria L. Proffitt, the City of Chesapeake’s Commissioner of the Revenue Office, for providing the blessing and to Trane for sponsoring the event. ✨ We are thankful for our ongoing collaboration and support from our community. #InspireCPS #EmpowerCPS #EngageCPS

💻 The Chesapeake Virtual Academy is Now Accepting Applications! 💻
CVA is open for 2025-2026 enrollment! K-12 students in Chesapeake can learn online (full or part-time) while staying connected to their zoned school for sports, clubs, and activities! 🏫
🗓 Apply by March 10, 2025! Don’t miss out!
🔗 Apply here: https://www.cpschools.com/o/cva/page/about


🔥 Congratulations to Hugo Owens Middle School Works in Progress (WIPs) and Next Gen teams for an incredible performance at the VEX Robotics competition in Richmond this past week. Both teams stayed in the Top 10 throughout all 5 qualifying rounds, securing their spots as finalists!
🏆 Hugo's Next Gen took home the Teamwork Champions Award AND won the main event, officially qualifying for the State Championship in March! They’ll be competing for a chance to make it to the World Championships! 🌎
Way to go, teams! 🎉
📢 Catch more action this Saturday February 8, 2025 as Hugo Owens Middle joins teams from across Virginia VEX VIQC Rapid Relay Tournament at Deep Creek Middle School. The event kicks off at 9:30 AM. Come out and cheer on these amazing teams!
🎟️For more information visit- https://www.cpschools.com/events?id=36512128




🏫💬You are invited to attend the Gifted Advisory Committee Meeting to help advocate in the interest of gifted students. These meetings are open to the public.
💻For more information, visit our website: https://www.cpschools.com/o/cps/page/advisory-committees-gifted-education


⚒️ Career and technical education, or CTE, prepares students for high-wage, high-skill, and high-demand careers by offering them a pathway to certification through classroom learning, hands-on experiences, and work based opportunities. 🖥️
🚗 CTE Month® takes place each February to celebrate the value of CTE and the achievements and accomplishments of CTE programs. 🥽
👏 Thank you to all of our CTE teachers across the city. You make a difference! #CPSCelebrates
💻 Check out the courses we offer and other information about our programs: https://www.cpschools.com/article/2008340


❤️💛💚 This February, we honor Black History Month, a time to celebrate and recognize the impact, contributions, and achievements of African Americans throughout U.S. history.
The 2025 Black History Month theme, "African Americans and Labor," explores the profound impact of Black workers in shaping U.S. history. From skilled trades to unrecognized labor, both voluntary and forced, their contributions have been essential to the nation's progress.
💻 Learn more about how you can join us in celebrating: https://www.cpschools.com/article/2004399


🎉Congratulations to January’s Power of the Peake recipients!
Last week, we had the honor of surprising three incredible staff members:
🌟 SUPPORT: Tracy Gilbert- Manager- Department of Warehouse & Logistical Services
🌟 TEACH: Michael Brooks - P.E. Teacher - Jolliff Middle School
🌟 LEAD: Paul Joseph - Principal - Oscar Smith High School
These outstanding individuals go above and beyond in their roles, making a lasting impact in our district. This award celebrates their dedication, passion, and hard work!
👉 To learn more about the program and nominate someone to be the next Power of the Peake, visit: https://www.cpschools.com/o/cps/page/employee-recognition
🎥 Check out this video from our visits: https://youtu.be/VC8vzrknT88


✨ February marks the annual observance of the Virginia School Boards Association’s School Board Appreciation Month. This is a time to recognize the work of our School Board members and celebrate their contributions to public education. Your locally elected board ensures students have the opportunity to benefit from a high-quality education. Thank you to our incredible School Board for their dedication and contribution to our families and community. ❤️
Learn more about our Board using this link: https://www.cpschools.com/page/school-board


🙌 February 3-7, 2025 is National School Counseling Week!
This year’s theme, “Helping Students Thrive,” recognizes the incredible impact school counselors can have in guiding students achieve success in school and helping them plan for their future. 💕
School counselors are leaders, helpers, organizers, and often a place of refuge for the students. They are a vital part of what makes our schools so special, and we are forever grateful for all they do.
💜 Thank you, school counselors! #CPSCelebrates


✨ STREAM Night Meets the Year of the Snake! 🐍
Butts Road Primary school was full of festive cheer this past Wednesday as they celebrated STREAM Night on Chinese New Year! 🎉 Families and students participated in hands-on Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Math activities, all with a festive Lunar New Year twist!
From Fireworks in a Jar 🎆 to Glow-in-the-Dark Coloring 🎨, Coding Bots 🤖, and even crafting New Year Poppers 🎊, the school was packed with creativity, discovery, and fun.
Bravo to the creativity of the faculty and staff for making it happen! #CPSCelebrates










🎙️ New Podcast Episode Alert! 🎙️ In our latest episode, we’re highlighting the dedication and leadership of three of our outstanding principals: Quentin Hicks (Western Branch High), Brenna Stanley (Indian River Middle), and Chad Triolet (Sparrow Road Intermediate). They share their experiences, challenges, and the strategies they use to build positive school environments. From fostering meaningful relationships to engaging with students, staff, and families, their insights remind us how vital school leadership is to education. Tune in to the full episode celebrating these incredible leaders at https://www.cpschools.com/amplified or wherever you get your podcasts! 🎧 #CPSCelebrates #InspireCPS #EngageCPS #VASchoolPrincipalAppreciationWeek


🎉 Former and current Wildcat faculty had a GREAT day on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at the Great Bridge High School Faculty Reunion! 😺
From its humble beginnings in 1907 as Norfolk County's first school, Great Bridge High has a rich 118-year history! It was special to see faculty from all eras reconnect at the current (built in 1983) Hanbury Road location. Many called it "the new GBHS" 💚☺💚
Guests at the reunion enjoyed reconnecting with former colleagues and reminiscing about their time at GBH! The event also raised nearly $3,000 for the school's general fund! What a fantastic way to give back, Wildcats!
📷credit: GBH Yearbook Students: J. Minervini & R. Scott




On Monday, January 27, 2025, Grassfield High School dedicated their library in memory of Mrs. Dusty N. Gabel who served as Media Specialist from 2007-2022.
Mrs. Gabel was beloved by students and staff, and her passion for reading and learning touched countless lives. She was known for creating a warm, welcoming space that fostered creativity and connections. This dedication of the Dusty N. Gabel Library will allow her contributions to live on through this space, inspiring future generations of learners. 🐻❤️📖