🎙️ Season 4 of Amplified is here! We’re starting the new season with Superintendent Dr. Doug Brubaker, who sits down with us to talk about his first weeks in Chesapeake. From what has impressed him about our schools and students to what brought his family to Chesapeake, Dr. Brubaker shares his early impressions and what he’s looking forward to in the year ahead.
Listen today at cpschools.com/amplified or wherever you get your podcasts! 🎧
Attention Great Bridge Middle School families!
Take advantage of Virginia's Tax Free Weekend to shop for the upcoming school year.
To help you get started, here are the essential items needed across all 3 grade levels (6th, 7th, and 8th):
Pencils (#2)
Pens (black and blue ink)
Highlighters (multi-colored)
Colored pencils
Loose-leaf paper (wide ruled for 6th and 7th grades, college ruled for 8th grade)
3x5 index cards
Glue sticks
Scissors (blunt end)
Wired headphones or earbuds
1 box of tissues
Please note that a full, detailed list of additional items specific to your child's grade level and assigned team will be accessible at Open House.
Happy shopping, and we look forward to seeing everyone soon!
It's fall sports conditioning time at GBMS! Conditioning is open to 6th-8th graders who have a valid sports physical on file. Let's go Wildcats!
Football
Dates: August 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20
Location: Great Bridge High School Field House (Weight Room)
Time:4:45-6:15 pm
Baseball
Dates: August 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20
Location : Great Bridge High School Baseball Field
Time: 8:30-10:30 am
Cheer
Dates: August 3, 5, 6, 10, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20
Location: GBMS Aux Gym
Time: 10:00 am- 12:00 pm
Girls Soccer
Dates: August 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20
Location: On the GBMS soccer field behind the school
Time: 4:00 pm- 6:00 pm
Softball
Dates: August 10, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20
Location: Great Bridge High School Softball Field
Time: 9:00-11:00 am
Attention families of rising kindergartners and students new to the City of Chesapeake: If you haven’t completed enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year yet, please submit your registration by August 3, 2026.
Registering by this deadline guarantees bus transportation for your child on the first day of school! Enrollments completed after August 3, 2026, will still receive a bus assignment as soon as possible, but enrolling early helps us plan for a smooth start to the school year! 🚌
Register today:
Kindergarten: cpschools.com/kindergarten
New to Chesapeake Students (Grades 1-12): cpschools.com/enrollment
Know a new neighbor? Help us spread the word and tag them below 👇
Students and parents/guardians are invited to attend our Fall Open House at the times listed below.
8th Grade- Thursday, September 3- 10:00-11:35
7th Grade- Thursday, September 3- 2:00-3:35
6th Grade Cool Cats and Alley Cats- Friday, September 4- 10:00-11:35
6th Grade Keen Kats and Courageous Cats- Friday, September 4- 2:00-3:35
*6th grade students can find their appropriate Open House time by checking their schedules for their assigned team when they are released in the days prior to Open House.
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.
Fall Sports Tryouts Are Coming!
Tryouts for the 2026-2027 fall sports season will run from Monday, August 24 through Wednesday, August 26 (with extra days added if needed).
Baseball @ GBHS Monday-Wednesday (8/24-26) 4:30-6:30
Softball @ GBHS Monday-Wednesday (8/24-26) 4:30-6:30
Girls' Soccer @ GBMS Fenced In Field Monday-Wednesday (8/24-26) 4:00-6:00
Cheer @ GBMS Aux Gym Monday- Wednesday (8/24-26) 4:15-6:15
Football @ GBMS Back field next to Mount Pleasant Rd. Monday -Wednesday (8-24-26) 5:00-7:00
*All those trying out for a sport need to have an athletic physical uploaded to their Arbiter account. Information can be found on the GBMS Athletics page.
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. 🌟
Join us for an information session to get the inside scoop on everything happening with the football, baseball, cheer, girls soccer, and softball teams. We will be breaking down the details for all fall sports and covering exactly what you need for conditioning and try-outs.
The Details-
Date: May 6th
Time: 5:30
Location: Great Bridge Middle School auditorium
Who: Athletes and Parents (rising 6th through 8th graders)
Go Wildcats!
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 Schedule
When: Every Tuesday and Thursday
Time: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Duration: Now through the end of the school year
Who Can Attend?
Rising 7th and 8th graders
Note: You must have a current physical on file to participate!
What to Bring:
Running shoes
Cleats
Plenty of water
Athletic/workout clothing
See you on the field!
Today, our Great Bridge Middle School staff is trading green and gold for purple to celebrate the Month of the Military Child!
Why purple? It’s the color that symbolizes all branches of the military coming together—a blend of Army green, Air Force blue, Coast Guard blue, Marine red, and Space Force and Navy blue.
To our military-connected students: we see your strength, your resilience, and the unique sacrifices you make every day. We are so proud to have you in our Wildcat family!
#PurpleUpVirginia
Purple is the color that symbolizes all branches of the military, representing the combined colors of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, Coast Guard and Space Force.
Our military children often face unique challenges such as frequent moves and long separations from loved ones. Wearing purple is a simple way to show them that we appreciate their sacrifice.
Let's make the school look united in purple!
Huge shoutout to our amazing APs who keep our hallways bright and our students thriving:
Dr. Youmans – Leading our 6th graders as they navigate their first year of middle school with confidence!
Mrs. Fleming – Supporting our 7th graders through every milestone with grace and dedication!
Mrs. Kocurek – Guiding our 8th graders as they prepare to take on the world (and high school)!
Thank you for your endless hard work, your patience, and your commitment to the Wildcat family. We appreciate everything you do!