With degrees from Wayne State University, San Jose State University, and Old Dominion University, Ms. S. brings 13 years of passion to education.
Her dedication to education extends far beyond our community: Ms. Spurlin-Saravanan is the recipient of the prestigious 2025-2026 Fulbright Teacher Exchange Award!
She notes that her superpower is her belief that everyone deserves to be seen and heard. She creates a classroom culture built on well-being, encouragement, and community where every student feels valued.
A former student shares: "Ms. S. is an incredibly hardworking and caring educator who gave me the tools to become a successful college student and a responsible, educated young adult. I could not be more grateful that I had the chance to be one of her students. Ms. S. has impacted and continues to impact my life in every positive way imaginable."
Ms. Spurlin-Saravanan, thank you for seeing each student, celebrating their voice, and creating a space where everyone belongs! 💙🩵 #CPSCelebrates #CPSTOY2026
For the latest updates and additional information, visit https://www.cpschools.com/emergency
A proud Hickory High School graduate and Elizabeth City State University alum, Mrs. Spiva has dedicated 20 years to education, teaching Physical Science and Pre-Algebra. Her enthusiasm, positivity, and dedication have earned her the Essential Piece and Helping Hand awards for helping every Hawk shine.
Mrs. Spiva's superpower is her positive energy and saving the day is what she does best. From opening lockers with pliers to finding missing homework, hemming pants, gluing on nails, and even rescuing a broken shoe with hot glue, she does it all!
When she's not dressing up for spirit days, Mrs. Spiva becomes "GiGi," playing with her grandson and spending quality time with her family.
A colleague shares, "Mrs. Spiva is one of the kindest souls you will ever meet."
Thank you, Mrs. Spiva, for your boundless energy, creativity, and heart! You make Hickory Middle School an incredible place to learn and grow! 🦅🩵 #CPSCelebrates #CPSTOY2026
🌟 Please join us in honoring Alexis Brueggeman, 4th grade teacher at Hickory Elementary School, as a Teacher of the Year finalist!
An Old Dominion University graduate, Mrs. Brueggeman has touched countless lives over her 9-year career in education. She spent her first four years teaching fifth graders before finding her home in fourth grade, where she has taught for the past five years.
What sets Mrs. Brueggeman apart? She calls herself a memory maker and confidence planter. She nurtures self-confidence in every student and creates classroom moments that last a lifetime. She transforms learning into adventures that help students discover their potential inside the classroom and beyond.
Her fellow teachers call her a master of technology and the queen of keeping everything running smoothly! Mrs. Brueggeman also leads her grade level team as chair and guides social studies instruction throughout the school.
Mrs. Brueggeman, thank you for creating magic in your classroom every day! 🦅🩵 #CPSCelebrates #CPSTOY2026
🌟We are proud to recognize Teacher of the year finalist Heather Febus, Title I Instructional Coach at Georgetown Primary!🌟
Mrs. Febus brings 16 years of dedication to education, having served students and teachers in various K-5 roles including kindergarten and first grade teacher, Assistant Principal, and now Instructional Coach. A graduate of Old Dominion University, she has made a lasting impact across every role she's taken on.
At the heart of Mrs. Febus's teaching philosophy is building relationships. She strives to know each teacher and student as an individual, and her superpower is connection. Her favorite teaching memories? Those candid conversations with students that turn into teachable moments.
Fun facts about Mrs. Febus: She still loves jumping on the trampoline with her boys and karaoke always has a place at the Febus house! 🎤
Thank you, Mrs. Febus, for your commitment to our students, teachers, and school community. Your passion for education inspires us all! 💙🩵 #CPSCelebrates #CPSTOY2026
For 13 years, Mrs. Meier has been sharing her infectious love for learning with her students. Now teaching 8th grade physical science at Greenbrier Middle School, this 2009 Western Branch High School graduate and East Carolina University Alumni brings enthusiasm to the classroom every single day.
"My love for children has charted my career path," she shares. "My cup is full as I watch my students achieve success." Mrs. Meier creates a positive environment that challenges her students to learn, grow, and develop into confident young adults.
Her advice to fellow educators? "Face each day as a new day with enthusiasm. This sets the tone for a daily fresh start, and students will respond accordingly."
Thank you for 13 years of dedication and inspiring future scientists, Mrs. Meier! 💚🩶 #CPSCelebrates #CPSTOY2026
🎉 Shout out to Teacher of the Year Finalist: Chauncey Foreman! 🎉
For 7 years, Mr. Foreman has been transforming lives through teaching. Now, he's come full circle: inspiring students at Deep Creek HS, the very place where he graduated in 2012. This Liberty University graduate and history teacher is dedicated to showing students what's possible beyond high school.
He helps students see their potential through mentorship and real-world connections. As co-founder of Men of Excellence, a life-changing mentoring group, and recipient of the WTKR People Taking Action Award for his inspiring COVID-era music video, Mr. Foreman leads by example.
Words from his former teacher still guide him: "Do what you can and let everything else work itself out."
Join us in celebrating Mr. Foreman! 💜🤍 #CPSCelebrates #CPSTOY2026
For 8 years, Ms. Lemm has been pouring her heart into educating the next generation. Currently, a first grade teacher at Deep Creek Central, this Indian River High Class of 2013 graduate and JMU degree holder knows what matters most: the beautiful relationships and trust she builds with every student and family. "No matter what happens, I'm always in their corner."
Her advice? "Learning follows connection. Create a safe space where students feel loved first. They have to feel it to believe it."
When she's not teaching, she's curled up with a good book, cheering on her favorite teams, or making memories with family and friends.
Congratulations, Ms. Lemm! 💜🤍 #CPSCelebrates #CPSTOY2026
🚌 Join the Chesapeake Public Schools Team!
We're hiring for multiple classified positions at our ONE STOP Job Fair. Come prepared to interview on the spot!
📅 Wednesday, December 10
⏰ 11 AM - 2 PM
📍 School Administration Building
💼 Now Hiring:
Bus Drivers
School Nutrition Workers
Custodians
Substitute Teachers
📋 Bring With You:
Two forms of ID (all applicants)
Transcript copies (substitute teacher applicants)
❗ This is your chance to become part of the CPS family! We can't wait to meet you.
💻 Learn more and explore additional opportunities at: https://www.cpschools.com/careers
🎉 Celebrating Our Teacher of the Year Finalist: Michael Powers, Jr.! 🎉
Mr. Powers is an 8th grade math teacher at Crestwood Middle School. For 8 years, Michael has been transforming the way students see themselves and mathematics. A proud graduate of Indian River High School (Class of 2007) and Old Dominion University, he brings both hometown heart and impressive credentials to the classroom, including experience as a former NASA Faculty Fellow and two-time National Science Foundation Summer Research Intern.
One of his proudest moments was watching a student persevere after initially failing their Math SOL, then bouncing back to pass on the second attempt - a powerful reminder that growth and resilience matter just as much as the final result.
Michael's wisdom to fellow educators says it all: "Always be yourself. Authenticity creates trust, connection, and genuine learning."
Please join us in celebrating Mr. Powers and the incredible impact he makes on our students every single day! ❤️🩵📐 #CPSCelebrates #CPSTOY2026
For 25 years, Mrs. Solis has been a dedicated Chesapeake Public Schools educator. Currently, she teaches 2nd grade at Chittum Elementary. Inspired by her own 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. Pritchard, she's spent over two decades making learning fun and meaningful for countless students.
Her superpower? Empathy. She plans every lesson with her students at the forefront of her mind, understanding that each group brings unique personalities and learning styles.
This James Madison University and Old Dominion University graduate knows that "every year is a fresh start," and she approaches each one with the same passion that sparked her love of teaching all those years ago.
When she's not shaping young minds, you'll find her cheering on her own children from the sidelines- whether it's at baseball fields, dance studios, or volleyball courts.
Mrs. Solis, thank you for 25 years of making a difference where it matters most! 💙💛 #CPSTOY2026 #CPSCelebrates
For 6 years, Mrs. Ratz has been a beacon of kindness at B.M. Williams Elementary, teaching English Language Learners in grades K-5. Her superpower? Giving students the universal language of kindness and love.
Her commitment to leading with kindness earned her the Virginia Department of Education's Ambassador of Kindness Award 2025, and her impact extends far beyond academics. As she reminds us: "You may be the very best part of their day and the only positive impact they may have that day. You will change lives!"
This Liberty University grad loves fishing, backpacking through the mountains, and cheering on her college football team with her incredible husband and three remarkable kids.
Congratulations, Mrs. Ratz! 💙💛 #CPSTOY2026 #CPSCelebrates
🌟 Support: Timothy Jackson, School Security Officer, Western Branch Intermediate
🌟 Teach: Arika Green, Science Teacher, Deep Creek Middle
🌟 Lead: Naomi Dunbar, Principal, Indian River High
👏 We are proud to recognize these individuals who exemplify dedication, professionalism, and excellence in their roles. Learn more about each of our honorees or submit a nomination at https://www.cpschools.com/o/cps/page/employee-recognition
Kicking off the holiday season in style!
This afternoon, Great Bridge Intermediate hosted its annual Thanksgiving parade in advance of the upcoming holiday!
From Monopoly to Guess Who, students and teachers brought their "board game" theme to life, dressing up as their favorite tabletop games. Big thanks to the Great Bridge High marching band and Santa for joining the fun!
As a reminder, schools and offices are closed from November 26th to November 28th for the Thanksgiving Holiday!
We're planning the 2026-27 school budget and need YOUR input. Whether you're a parent, student, staff member, or community member, your voice matters. Our quick 5-minute survey is open until Nov 30: https://www.cpschools.com/surveys
Huge thanks to Orchestra teacher, Mrs. Kate Malaby, for arranging this special masterclass through the Virginia Arts Festival Education Program.
Students were first treated to a stunning performance by the professional quartet. Then, they received personalized, expert coaching from the musicians! The focus? Their upcoming December concert piece: Themes from the Nutcracker, arranged by Gruselle.
Happy Education Support Professionals Day! 🎉
Today we celebrate the incredible ESPs who make our schools run smoothly every single day. Thank you for your dedication, your compassion, and the countless ways you support our students and staff. We see you, we appreciate you, and we couldn't do this without you! #CPSCelebrates #WeLoveOurESPs
✨ Happy GIS Day! ✨🌍
🌍 Today we celebrate Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the powerful technology that helps us map, analyze, and understand our world! From weather forecasting to urban planning, GIS shapes the world around us every day.
Here's to curiosity, exploration, and the incredible young minds who are mapping a brighter future for all of us!🚀#CPSCelebrates
Yesterday, several 9th graders from across our district embarked on a journey exploring their future possibilities! This inaugural Future Focus event was a full day of career exploration, touring facilities, asking questions, and learning what different careers entail.
🔧 Morning: Students toured the Chesapeake Career Center, discovering diverse technical training pathways.
📚 Mid-morning: At the Central Library, city representatives- including police officers, firefighters, public works professionals, Human Services staff, City Planning experts, and many more- shared insights into public service careers.
🏥 Afternoon: Students visited Chesapeake Regional Healthcare and toured different hospital departments (surgical units, labor & delivery, labs, and more), speaking directly with healthcare professionals.
This hands-on exploration gave our freshmen an invaluable glimpse into the many career paths available right here in our community. We're incredibly grateful to all the professionals who shared their time and expertise!
Here's to the first of many Future Focus events! ✨ #InspireCPS
