🌟 Join us in celebrating Indian River High School’s #CPSTOY25 finalist, Tikia Smith!
With 17 years in education, she is currently a Special Education teacher who is truly committed to her students' success. 🌟
🍎 Tikia's educational journey began as a substitute, personal assistant, and teacher assistant, where she earned the Crystal Apple Award. She graduated summa cum laude from Norfolk State University with a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies focused on Special Education K-12 and holds an A.S. in Biology from Tidewater Community College.
🏍️ Inspired by her family, Mrs. Smith treasures time with her husband, three sons, and three granddaughters. She finds relaxation at the beach and enjoys motorcycle rides. Known for her patience, kindness, and devotion, Tikia coaches the girls’ volleyball team, attends every varsity football game, supports her students, and manages the school’s Riverbucks store with grace and composure; she never misses a beat.
Let’s celebrate her unwavering commitment to making a difference in her students’ lives! 👏 #CPSCelebrates
🧭 In honor of Veterans Day, we’re celebrating John Fedorowicz, a chemistry teacher at Indian River High and a Navy veteran. After serving in the military, John embraced a new mission in education, bringing his unique perspective and dedication to the classroom. His story is featured in WAVY’s Veterans Voices series. Check out this story highlighting his dedication to his country and students. ❤🤍💙 #InspireCPS #CPSCelebrates
📽️ https://www.wavy.com/news/veterans-voices/veterans-voices-from-the-navy-to-the-high-school-classroom-one-veteran-shares-life-as-a-chemistry-teacher/
🍩 This morning Grassfield Elementary held their Donuts for Defense event to celebrate Veterans Day! ❤️🤍💙
Thank you to all the veterans and their families who came out to celebrate – we are forever grateful for your service! #CPSCelebrates
🌟 Let’s celebrate Hickory Middle School’s #CPSTOY25 finalist, Beth Deir! ✨
🌍 Beth is a passionate Life Science teacher and leader, committed to bringing real-world science into the classroom. Recognized by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, she holds NBCT certification in Early Adolescence Science and inspires her students to think like explorers, connecting the human world with nature.
🔭 As a National Geographic mentor, Beth invites real scientists into her classroom, making science come alive and showing students the true impact of their learning. Beyond teaching, she serves as Hickory’s Assistant Athletic Director, connecting players, parents, community partners, and coaches to ensure smooth, supportive programs.
🌿 Outside of school, Beth loves spending time with family, volunteering for environmental causes, cooking, snorkeling, and hiking.
👏 Let’s applaud her commitment to inspiring the next generation! #CPSCelebrates
🌟 Congratulations to Kristen Williamson, Reading Specialist at Rena B. Wright Primary, for being named a #CPSTOY25 Finalist! 🌟
📚 With 17 years of experience in education, Kristen has taught special education, kindergarten, and first grade, and now makes an impact as a Title 1 Reading Specialist. Her dedication to literacy is boundless! With LETRS 1&2 and Orton-Gillingham training, Kristen also tutors at the Hampton Roads Center for Dyslexia, helping students become confident readers and writers.
🎒 Kristen’s commitment goes beyond her students—she creates book bags for parents to support reading at home and helps colleagues navigate new programs, leaving a lasting impact on families and fellow educators alike.
📜 With degrees from Old Dominion University and Kutztown University, plus a K-12 Reading Specialist endorsement, Kristen is a true champion of literacy in and beyond the classroom.
👏 Let’s show some love for Kristen’s dedication, empathy, and drive to inspire every student! 👏 #CPSCelebrates
Congratulations to the Hugo Owens Middle School baseball team for clinching the CMSL Championship with an 8-3 victory over Jolliff! 🎉⚾ The Mustangs finish the season undefeated! 🐎💪 #CPSCelebrates
Last week, students in Ms. Watson's and Mr. Ballance's classes at Deep Creek Central Elementary were transported to Andy's Room from "Toy Story" for special themed activities! 🪀🧸👒
With the classroom space decorated like Andy's room and dressed up as Woody and Jessie from the iconic movie series, the two teachers led their classes through toy-themed reading, history and STEAM activities. The activities included "Mr. Potato Head" math races, circuit board building, toy-based creative writing prompts, and more! 📓⚡💡🏫
Thank you to Ms. Watson and Mr. Balance for engaging our students in new, fun and exciting methods of learning! #InspireCPS
🎉 Yesterday marked the 25th anniversary of Greenbrier Middle School's building dedication. Since then, Greenbrier Middle has proudly served our school district and its community! Join us in celebrating the teachers, staff, students, and families contributing to the Panthers' success and excellence! #CPSCelebrates💚💙 🎥 See more here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKNOe6zPufk
🏫💬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
South Hampton Roads Regional Parent Cafe Coalition Presents: IN MY THANKFUL ERA
📅 November 19
⌚ 5:30 pm
📍 Chesapeake Regional Medical Center Lifestyle Fitness Center
💻 For more information and to RSVP, visit https://www.cpschools.com/events?id=34989933
🎉 Congratulations to Grassfield High and Hickory High for receiving the Highest Achievement Award from the Virginia Board of Education as part of their Exemplar School Recognition Program!
🌟 This honor reflects their high levels of success across all school quality indicators for the 2023-2024 school year. We're incredibly proud of the dedication shown by our students, staff, and community! 👏 #CPSCelebrates
Learn more about this recognition here: https://www.cpschools.com/article/1844434
Upcoming Calendar Reminders:
✔️ Nov. 5: Teacher Workday
✔️ Nov. 11: Veterans Day - Holiday
💻 You can view complete district calendar online: https://cpschools.com/calendar
🍂 This November, join us in honoring Native American Heritage Month—also known as American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month! 🍂
🎉 It’s a time to celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, and histories of Native communities, recognize their invaluable contributions, and learn more about their incredible resilience and strength in the face of unique challenges.
Let’s come together to raise awareness and appreciation for Native cultures! #CPSCelebrates
For more information and resources, visit: https://www.nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov/
💙Happy Family Engagement Month! When families and schools team up, it leads to amazing progress in student achievement. 💙
🍿🎥Join us TONIGHT for Family Engagement Movie Night at Hugo Owens Middle School at 6:30 P.M. Let’s celebrate together! 🎞️🎬
💻 Visit our website to learn more or connect with our Office of Family and Community Engagement: https://www.cpschools.com/events?id=31420459
💛🖤 Congratulations to the Hugo Owens Middle School Girls Soccer Team on becoming the 2024 Chesapeake Middle School League Champions! 💛🖤
🏆 After a hard fought match with the Jolliff Jaguars, they took home the trophy with a 2-1 win!
#CPSCelebrates
Does your child have an IEP or a 504 plan? Then SEAC is your voice:
JOIN US:
When: Nov 12
Time: 6:30pm
Where: School Administration Building
TOPIC OF DISCUSSION: IEP ROAD MAP
For more Info: https://www.cpschools.com/o/cps/page/special-education-advisory-committee
🚸 Come learn about Sibshops, a program that provides siblings of kids with disabilities with peer support and information. The first workshop in this series will be offered on November 13.
💻 To learn more and to register visit: https://www.cpschools.com/events?id=34990922
🎉 Congratulations to the Hickory Middle School Softball Team! 🥎 They’ve just secured their 8th consecutive CMSL Softball Tournament Championship and their 14th overall! 💪 Way to go, team! 🏆👏 #CPSCelebrates
Last night, Indian River High School hosted this year's Chesapeake Public Schools College Fair! 🎓🚀
Students and families connected with colleges, explored opportunities offered by different schools, talked to admissions representatives and took steps towards chasing their dreams! Thank you to all of the colleges, universities and families that came out to make it such a memorable evening, and to Indian River High and the ACCESS College Foundation for hosting!🌟📚🏫 #InspireCPS
🧬🖥️🌍 Join us for the Academy Information Night!
🏫 This in-person event is open to all students (& their families) interested in applying to one of our high school academies.
💻 For more information, visit https://www.cpschools.com/events?id=33394933
