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.



With only one day left, our students took over the fields for relays, laughs, and some serious team spirit. Seeing them lift each other up and cheer across grade levels is exactly what makes our school community so special.
We are proud to celebrate Melodie Surratt of Deep Creek Middle School for being named the 2026 Virginia Department of Education Computer Science Champion for Grades 6–8. This recognition highlights her leadership in computer science education and her commitment to innovative, future-ready learning experiences aligned with Virginia’s Computer Science Standards of Learning. Her dedication continues to make a meaningful impact on students and STEM education across Chesapeake Public Schools. Congratulations on this outstanding honor! 🎥 Watch this video to learn more about the impact Melodie has on her students and Chesapeake Public Schools. #EmpowerCPS #CPSCelebrates

They are the true backbone of our community and deserve all the shine.

Together, we honored 166 dedicated employees whose service, leadership, and compassion have helped shape the lives of students, staff, families, and our entire community. Together, they represent 3,499 collective years of commitment to public education and student success. #CPSCelebrates #EmpowerCPS
📸 See the photo gallery from the ceremony: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ThqnjmPcaGbTH7Lw7
📖 View the full list of retirees: https://canva.link/cpsretirement2026
🎥 Watch the full ceremony: https://youtube.com/live/7niBtbGHZgs
From classrooms and cafeterias to buses, offices, and beyond, we thank our retirees for the lasting difference they have made across our district. 🌟










Today’s “Country vs. Country Club” Spirit Day brought out all the creativity. While the Country Club side kept it classy, the Country crew definitely brought the noise (and the boots!).

Thank you for being the calm in every storm and the friendly faces our students turn to when they aren't feeling their best. From managing daily health needs to handling emergencies with grace, your dedication keeps our school running safely. We appreciate everything you do for our students, staff, and community!
Our hallways were looking extra bright today as our students dressed out to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. We love seeing our Hornet family embrace culture and show off their school spirit with such pride!
Spirit Day: We saw an incredible turnout of Star Wars shirts to kick off SOL & Spring Sports Spirit Week! 👕💫
Teacher Appreciation Week: A huge shoutout to our PTSA for the Hardee’s biscuits this morning! What a perfect way to fuel our teachers for a busy week ahead!
A huge shoutout to our incredible SCA leaders who took time this week trading pens for garden trowels. They’ve been hard at work revitalizing our school garden, proving that leadership starts from the ground up.
We are so proud of these students for taking ownership of our campus and creating a space for everyone to enjoy.


A sea of Red, White, and Blue for our DCMS Heroes! ❤️🤍💙
Today was all about gratitude as we hosted our Military Family Luncheon. There is nothing more powerful than seeing our students’ faces light up while sharing a meal with their personal heroes. 🍔✨
To our military families: thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and for being such a vital part of our school community. We are so proud to serve you!
A huge DCMS shout-out to the team that made this magic happen:
Ms. Cason (Our incredible Military Counselor)
Mr. Clay (Guidance & Military Sponsor)
The Bayside Boys for the world-class grilling 🌭
The Savvy Senior Connections for serving our families with such kindness.
What does student-centered learning look like in your child’s classroom? In Chesapeake Public Schools, our teachers are creating engaging, meaningful learning experiences for students. In our latest episode, nationally recognized educator, author, and speaker Dr. Catlin Tucker joins us to highlight how this work is taking shape in our classrooms, from increasing student voice and choice to building stronger connections that support learning. 🎧 Listen at cpschools.com/amplified or wherever you get your podcasts.


The 7th grade took over Monticello on Friday for a field trip to remember. Seeing our students out in the sunshine, learning and laughing together, is what it’s all about.



Today at DCMS, we "Purpled Up" to honor our incredible military-connected students. Being part of a military family takes a special kind of resilience, and we are so proud that you call our hallways home. To our students and their families: thank you for your service and for making our community stronger every day. 🇺🇸✨

