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! 🎉

about 20 hours ago, Chesapeake Public Schools
Perry Hunt smiling at his students.

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.

2 days ago, Chesapeake Public Schools
Full Circle with Dr. Jared A Cotton on Amplified the Chesapeake Public Schools Podcast cover art.
Dr. Cotton talking in the studio.
Jay Lewter and Dr. Cotton speaking in the studio.
The field was packed, the energy was 100%, and the annual 5th Grade vs. Teachers kickball game did not disappoint! 💥

We saw legendary home-run kicks, insane diving catches, and the loudest sideline cheering section in school history. Every single player left it all on the field and showed what 5th-grade teamwork is all about!
10 days ago, Hickory Elementary
student kicking the ball
teacher catching the ball
teacher kicking the ball
student kicking the ball
student running the bases
teacher kicking the ball
students catching the ball
teachers catching the ball
teacher kicking the ball
group picture of teachers
This morning, our elementary students got a special visit from the high school Graduating Class of 2026!
Our hallways were packed with high-fives, cheers, and maybe a few tears (mostly from the teachers!) as the seniors walked the halls where their journey first began. To our elementary kiddos, this is what your future looks like. To our graduating seniors, thank you for being incredible role models!
14 days ago, Hickory Elementary
seniors at the senior grad walk
The sun is out, the sneakers are tied, and the energy is at an all-time high! Today, our amazing 5th graders took over the fields for their final Elementary School Field Day!
14 days ago, Hickory Elementary
5th grade students playing games at field day
5th grade student getting their face painted  at field day
5th grade students playing games at field day
5th grade students playing games at field day
5th grade students playing games at field day
5th grade students playing games at field day
5th grade students playing games at field day
5th grade students playing games at field day
5th grade students playing games at field day
5th grade students playing games at field day
Last night, we celebrated our incredible 5th graders as they officially crossed the stage at their Elementary Graduation Ceremony! From learning to read to leading the school, watching these students grow has been the greatest joy. We are so proud of your hard work, your kindness, and the amazing leaders you’ve become. 🎉🎓
14 days ago, Hickory Elementary
5th grade graduation students
5th grade graduation students
5th grade graduation students
5th grade graduation students
5th grade graduation students

Let's celebrate! The HES Grad Walk will be held at Hickory Elementary School on June 12 at 8 AM. This event is ONLY for 2026 grads who formerly attended HES. Please do not arrive before 7:45 AM. Parents, guests, and spectators are prohibited, but we promised to take lots of pictures! #WatchMeSOAR 🩵🎓🩶

24 days ago, Hickory Elementary
HES Grad Walk on June 12, 2026 at 8 AM.

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 🎶🎻

about 1 month 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.
about 1 month 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!
about 1 month 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. 🌟
about 2 months 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
about 2 months 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!
about 2 months 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!
about 2 months 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!
2 months ago, Hickory Elementary
HES kindergarteners made waves tonight with their adorable performance of "Songs from the Sea." #WatchMeSOAR 🎼🌊🐬
2 months 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! 🩵
2 months 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.

2 months 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
2 months 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!
2 months ago, Hickory Elementary
HES teacher team for battle of the books
Teacher team winning 1st place