We are still celebrating the great work that our "Grow Our Own" interns completed this summer! Jasmine Criste, a rising STEM Academy senior at Grassfield High School, was an intern in the Communications Department.
Last summer, she interned with the Transportation Department. As a part of the Communications Department, she enjoyed the creative side of the projects and the liveliness of the workplace. One of the projects her team completed together was a "Why Chesapeake" promotional video that they debuted at our New Teacher Orientation. Take a look at their work: https://youtu.be/x-SaBsPGTI4
In the future, Jasmine plans to either become a Biomedical Engineer 🧑🔬 or Pharmacist 💊. She also participates in several extracurricular activities like basketball and volunteering for Key Club. “If an opportunity comes at you, don't ignore it or take it for granted,” Jasmine shares, “it may not always come back to you.” Luckily for Jasmine, she was able to try the program out once again. “Grow Our Own” can be a life changing experience for students, so don’t miss out!


Our teachers are back! 🍎😀
They are already busy this week participating in teambuilding activities, completing important training, and setting up their classrooms for the #FirstDayCPSVA!









Back to School Countdown 🚍🛑
Be ready for your #FirstDayCPSVA by checking your bus route information using our Bus Stop Lookup Tool: www.cpschools.com/o/cps/page/bus-routes
Video instructions for using the tool are also available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrDiQNqXtMA
Have transportation questions? Please direct all inquiries to our Transportation Department using our Let's Talk platform: www.k12insight.com/Lets-Talk/embed.aspx?k=WN6Z4DLT
Our drivers appreciate your patience during the first week of school as they meet their new students and learn new routes. 🚦

🎉 Our Debut Episode is Here! 🎧
Exciting news, everyone! We're thrilled to present the INAUGURAL installment of Amplified: The Chesapeake Public Schools Podcast! 🎙️ Join us as we kick-start this incredible journey.
In this premiere episode, Superintendent Dr. Jared Cotton shares his educational journey and commitment to guiding students toward their own unique paths. 📚💡 He also reveals new initiatives and programs for the 2023-2024 school year.
Ready to dive in? Head over to cpschools.com/amplified or your preferred podcast platforms to listen today! #InspireCPS #EmpowerCPS #CPSCelebrates

Student schedules and teacher assignments will be available by the end of today! 🍎
You will be able to view schedules in ParentVue and StudentVue. Schedules are still subject to change between now and the first day of school. Please check back for updates. If you have any specific scheduling questions, please contact your school directly. While not all requests can be accommodated, school counselors will do their best to provide changes necessary for required academic pathways.
Your teachers can’t wait to meet you! #FirstDayCPSVA 🎉

🎉Introducing "Amplified: The Chesapeake Public Schools Podcast"! 🎙🎧
Our podcast aims to share the stories behind our story and connect with our community in a whole new way. Visit cpschools.com/page/amplified to learn more and listen today! #CPSCelebrates #InspireCPS

Congratulations to Courtney Waterfield from Deep Creek Central Elementary! She was recently named the Old Dominion University Clinical Faculty Member of the Year from the Office of Clinical Experiences. 🎉
The award recognizes the excellent work of our teachers in schools who mentor and coach ODU teacher candidates and supervise student teachers. Courtney currently teaches second grade at Deep Creek Central Elementary. 💜 She was also their Reading Teacher of the Year! 📚🔖 She has worked with student teachers and practicum students for over ten years.
Courtney's nominator noted, "Ms. Waterfield has been particularly good at building a strong relationship with her teacher candidate, making her feel comfortable and safe asking questions in a non-judgmental environment." #InspireCPS #CPSCelebrates
Read more online: ww1.odu.edu/teaching/partnerships/clinical-faculty-award

Our HR and Transportation teams were out at the Touch-A-Truck event at the Great Bridge YMCA today! Students got to check out a bus and adults could learn how to join our team! 🚍
Visit our website to apply: www.cpschools.com/o/cps/page/employment-opportunities

Get back-to-school ready! 🎒📚 Now is the time to ensure that all of your child's required vaccinations are up-to-date! Vaccines are required to enter kindergarten, 7th grade, and 12th grade. 🩹
We encourage you to review these requirements by visiting the Virginia Department of Health website: www.vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/requirements/
❔ Additional FAQs for families are also available on our website: www.cpschools.com/o/cps/page/health-policies

Join us to welcome more than 300 new professional staff to our district including:
🍎 152 Elementary Teachers
🍎 59 Middle School Teachers
🍎 71 High School Teachers
🍎 5 School Nurses
🍎 Additional social workers, school psychologists, speech therapists, and more!
They received a warm welcome on the first day of New Teacher Orientation at Indian River High School. Michael Bonner, a motivational speaker and teacher at the Ron Clark Academy, also joined us to get teachers excited for the new school year! #InspireCPS










Our first day of school is Tuesday, September 5, 2023. One of the most important things you can do to be ready for the school year is to complete the Online Student Verification process through your ParentVue account.
The deadline for ALL families to complete this important step is September 29, 2023; however, we encourage you to complete this process before the start of the year to provide updated emergency contact information and to ensure you continue to receive important communication from the school and district.
For more information, please visit: www.cpschools.com/article/1203618

In an ongoing effort to increase student safety and ensure a safe learning environment for students and staff, we are proud to partner with the Chesapeake Sheriff's Office in a new initiative that will assign deputies to our elementary school boroughs. These deputies will be working in tandem with school administrators and staff to ensure the safety and well-being of all students and will receive the same training as the police officers who currently serve as School Resource Officers (SROs) in middle and high schools across the district.
The eight deputies were introduced to the School Board last night. Each deputy is dual-certified and completed a specialized school resource officer training course earlier this month.
Learn more about the program: www.wtkr.com/news/what-parents-are-saying-about-deputies-being-added-to-chesapeake-elementary-schools

🌟 Unveiling the Stunning Courtyard Makeover at Treakle Elementary School! 🌳
We're thrilled to share some wonderful news that's sure to bring a smile to your face. Treakle Elementary School's courtyard has undergone a remarkable transformation! 🏫✨
A heartfelt shout-out to:
👷♂️ Bridgeman Civil, Inc.
🔧 Comfort Systems of Virginia, Inc.
🏗️ Heartland Construction, Inc.
These teams joined forces to bring a touch of magic to the school's courtyard. The result? An area that includes an outdoor learning environment, sensory tables, and much more! We're immensely grateful for their commitment to creating an inspiring environment for our students and teachers.
Thank you, Bridgeman Civil, Inc., Comfort Systems of Virginia, Inc., and Heartland Construction, Inc. for your unwavering dedication and support to Chesapeake Public Schools. 👏
#InspireCPS #CPSCelebrates










IMPORTANT MEAL BENEFITS REMINDER: 🍴
Each year, families who qualify for free and reduced meal benefits must reapply so that there is no gap in benefits. ✅
The cost of reduced-price meals is being waived again this school year; therefore, students who qualify for reduced-price meals will also continue to receive meals at no cost. Families who are not automatically qualified via a Community Eligibility Program (CEP) school or other benefits should apply as soon as possible. The online application is available here: frapps.horizonsolana.com/chec04
Families that do not qualify for meal benefits should make sure their child has funds available in their MyPaymentsPlus account. Visit our website for more information: www.cpschools.com/o/cps/page/school-nutrition-services

Mr. Craig Blackman from Indian River High School was recently named the 2023 Virginia History Teacher of the Year by The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. Mr. Blackman is known for continuously looking for ways to make history relevant and exciting for his students.
Mr. Blackman is now in the running for the 2023 National History Teacher of the Year this fall! 🎉 See a full list of state winners here: www.gilderlehrman.org/programs-and-events/national-history-teacher-year/2023-state-winners #CPSCelebrates #HTOY2023

William Darden is a rising junior at GFHS🐻 and a Grow Our Own intern in the Communications Department. He enjoys working with other interns and editing videos for his department. He is happy that he was a part of this program and hopes to come back next year.



Say hello to Jayden Lassiter, a junior at OSHS 🐯and an intern in the Grow Our Own program. Jayden worked with the School Nutrition Services Department 🍎and enjoyed prepping food to give to students. Way to go Jayden!


Congratulations to our Chesapeake Council PTA (CCPTA) Chapters from Great Bridge Middle School PTA, B.M. Williams Primary PTA, and Cedar Road Elementary for being named National PTA Schools of Excellence! 🏆🥇 #CPSCelebrates

Our administrators and teacher leaders had a great two days at the Empower 2023 General Conference at Indian River High School! 🍎 We are gearing up for another great school year through interactive professional development opportunities and training! #GameOnCPS #CPSCelebrates










Our middle school students had a great time during their summer enrichment programs! 😎☀ The different programs provided options for students to explore coding, culinary arts, entrepreneurship, and robotics! 💻🍴









