Last night, we enjoyed the HES Strings Program at HMS, "Spring into Strings!" Thank you to Ms. Mostrom, the fifth-grade team, and all the student musicians for a beautiful performance. #WatchMeSOAR 🎶🎻

3 days ago, Hickory Elementary
Students playing strings instruments at concert.
Students playing strings instruments at concert.
Students playing strings instruments at concert.
Students playing strings instruments at concert.
Students playing strings instruments at concert.
Students playing strings instruments at concert.
Students playing with sharks for the Jaws song.
Student speaking at strings concert.
Student sitting with a shark.
Students playing strings instruments at concert.
We are beyond excited to announce our Teacher Assistant of the Year, Mrs. Julia Bruin! 🏆

The honor goes to someone who embodies what it means to be a team player. Whether it’s jumping in to help a student master a tricky math problem or taking on extra duties with a smile, Mrs. Bruin makes our school a brighter place every single day.
4 days ago, Hickory Elementary
Teacher assistant of the year
We are so excited to announce that our wonderful school nurse, Mrs. Gibson, has been named our Support Staff of the Year! 🩺

With the sweetest heart and a constant smile, Nurse Gibson takes incredible care of every student and staff member who walks through the door. Her positive attitude radiates throughout our hallways, making everyone feel safe, loved, and healthy every single day. We are so lucky to have such a dedicated hero on our team!
4 days ago, Hickory Elementary
support staff of the year
Last Thursday, we gathered for our district retirement ceremony to celebrate the “Noteworthy Impact” our 2026 retirees have made across Chesapeake Public Schools. 💙✨

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. 🌟
6 days ago, Chesapeake Public Schools
Retiree celebrating on stage!
Superintendent Dr. Cotton receiving his retirement plaque with the School Board Chair.
Retiree smiling for the camera.
A retiree crying in a happy way for being honored for her contributions.
Retiree shaking hands with the Superintendent.
Retiree smiling speaking and laughing with his principal.
Retiree waving to the crowd on stage.
Retiree smiling for the camera.
Two retirees smiling together.
Retiree celebrating on stage!
🩺Happy National School Nurse Day to the best, Nurse Gibson!
Thank you for your expertise, your kindness, and for keeping our little learners healthy and happy every single day. We appreciate you! #NationalSchoolNurseDay
11 days ago, Hickory Elementary
National School Nurse Day
Our hallways are buzzing with pride because it’s time to announce our Students of the Month! This month, we are celebrating a very special character trait: Diligence. Congratulations, Hawks! Keep up the SOAR behavior!
17 days ago, Hickory Elementary
Kindergarten students of the month for diligence
First Grade students of the month for diligence
Second grade students of the month
Third grade students of the month for diligence
Fourth Grade students of the month for diligence
5th grade students of the month for diligence
Tomorrow, April 30, at 5:30 PM, is our Kindergarten Kickoff. We can’t wait to meet our newest students and their families!
17 days ago, Hickory Elementary
Kindergarten Kickoff April 30, 2026 at 5:30
Hello Hickory Families!

The PTA's Staff Appreciation Committee is busy planning for Teacher Appreciation Week May 4-8. This year's theme is "Farmers Market", and we need your help bringing it to life. There are a couple of ways you can contribute:

Purchase an item from our Amazon Wish List

Sign up to donate an item for the luncheon we're planning

Both links are included below for your convenience.

We will also be looking for volunteers to help decorate and help with our teacher meals that week. Keep an eye on your email as well as our social media pages for those opportunities.

Amazon Wish List:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/23QDYEFGTMS9Q?ref=cm_sw_sm_r_un_un_TXg4GBLpjVdtv&content_source=fb&fb_content_id=Q9-wBQGv5zl9I0lGmyjBVpMkB6dg8cdq6TUdFzcyzP2tXXz1gAf13aAsKeAtCLIo&channel_type=fb&fbclid=IwY2xjawRUjLhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFVNklScXprdU94T2o2Smpkc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgU4Yc12MncPCSBeOxNpEza2ruf-MxthQOZScXialorAdexWFV6wCc-DEHVm_aem_tZJ03en7GD-sQ7G94gf8UQ

Teacher Luncheon Sign Up:
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10C084AACA82BA6F85-63555972-farmers?useFullSite=false

Thank you for your support!
24 days ago, Hickory Elementary
HES kindergarteners made waves tonight with their adorable performance of "Songs from the Sea." #WatchMeSOAR 🎼🌊🐬
24 days ago, Hickory Elementary
Students singing happily.
Kindergarten students performing hand motions and singing.
Teacher with flowers for a job well done
Students dancing
Student introducing a song
Students singing
Today is Administrative Professionals Day, and we are shining a massive spotlight on the incredible trio that keeps HES running: Charlene Brueggeman, Kalley Fletcher, and Robin Phillips.

They are the first friendly faces we see each morning, the calm in the middle of the chaos, and the true heartbeat of our school. From juggling endless tasks to supporting our students, staff, and families, they handle it all with grace, patience, and expert skill.

Thank you for all that you do for our school! 🩵
25 days ago, Hickory Elementary
HES Administrative Professionals

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.

25 days ago, Chesapeake Public Schools
Dr. Tucker smiling proudly in front of the School Administration Building.
Making the Shift with Dr. Catlin Tucker - Amplified: The Chesapeake Public Schools Podcast. Dr. Tucker smiling sitting on a chair. Episode 29
The big countdown begins! Join us for our Kindergarten Kickoff to get your little learner ready for their first big milestone. On April 30, 2026, at 5:30 PM, we'll discuss registration, health forms, and childcare resources to make sure you're all set for day one! Learn more on our website: https://www.cpschools.com/page/kindergarten
25 days ago, Hickory Elementary
Kindergarten Kickoff April 30, 2026 at 5:30
A huge round of applause to our incredible HES Teacher Team! They competed in the Battle of the Books and brought home FIRST PLACE!
Not only did they show off their amazing reading superpowers, but they also won $1,000 for our school library! We are so proud of the hard work and sportsmanship that defines our school.

Way to go, teachers! You make reading look like a championship sport!
27 days ago, Hickory Elementary
HES teacher team for battle of the books
Teacher team winning 1st place
Huge cheers for our Battle of the Books team! This past Saturday, our students went head-to-head with teams from all across Chesapeake, and let’s just say—they were amazing!

We are so incredibly proud of the way our students represented HES with heart, hard work, and top-tier sportsmanship. You all showed us what happens when you dive deep into a good book!
27 days ago, Hickory Elementary
Battle of the Books Team
Battle of the Books Team getting ready for the competition
Battle of the Books Team talking through a question
It’s Assistant Principals Week, and our hearts are full because we have the absolute best! Mrs. Haist isn't just an assistant principal; she is the heartbeat of our hallways. 💓

From her warm, welcoming hugs to the way she remembers every student's name, she makes our school feel like one big family. Mrs. Haist is thoughtful, brilliant, and incredibly dedicated to making sure we all shine our brightest.
about 1 month ago, Hickory Elementary
Assistant principal Mrs. Haist

Our Chesapeake Preschool Initiative (CPI) program is accepting applications for the 2026-2027 school year. 🚸 CPI is a free, full-day program that gives eligible children a head start on their education.

What makes a child eligible?
Must live in the City of Chesapeake
Must be 4 years old by September 30, 2026
Must meet program eligibility criteria

Visit our website to review the details and start your application today: http://cpschools.com/cpi

about 1 month ago, Chesapeake Public Schools
Child is excited for the open registration of the Chesapeake Preschool Initiative
A huge shout out and thank you to all of the families who donated to our Share the Fair fund during our recent Book Fair. Because of you and your generosity, we collected close to $2,000 for ALL of our HES students to have the opportunity to participate and purchase items from our Book Fair. Helen Keller said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." It is community partners like yourself that embody this belief. We are grateful for your generous spirit and to be able to share in helping our students develop and flourish!
about 1 month ago, Hickory Elementary
students sitting on a stack of books reading
Kickoff the excitement of kindergarten! Join our school on April 30, 2026 at 5:30pm to discuss registration, health information, childcare resources, and more. Learn more on our website: https://www.cpschools.com/page/kindergarten
about 1 month ago, Hickory Elementary
Kindergarten kickoff

Important Calendar Updates & Reminders! 📅

April 6 - 10 is Spring Break. Schools will be closed. We hope everyone has a safe and relaxing break! 🌸

April 13 is a Teacher Workday. No school for students.

April 21 is now an Asynchronous Day for all students. Meals will also be available at select school sites. More information is available here: https://www.cpschools.com/events?id=53908933

As a reminder, you can full our full calendar of events here: https://www.cpschools.com/events

about 1 month ago, Chesapeake Public Schools
Decorative
What an incredible day of inspiration! Our school was filled with future doctors, engineers, artists, and chefs as students dressed up to represent their biggest dreams.
🌟 A Huge Thank You To:
Our Community Volunteers: Thank you for visiting and sharing your passions! You showed our students that with hard work, any career is within reach.
🌟 The Organizers: This day wouldn't have been possible without the amazing coordination of Mrs. Zook and Mrs. McNabb. Thank you for planning such a memorable experience for our kids!
Our students left today with big smiles and even bigger goals!
about 1 month ago, Hickory Elementary
MAD seasoning presentation for Career Day
Marine Biology presentation for Career Day
Career Day presentation
students dressed up for career day
students dressed up for career day
Park Ranger presentation for Career Day
students dressed up as fire fighter for career day
tow truck presentation for career day
student dressed up as chef for career day
toy seller presentation for career day