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.

What a fun way to end the school year! Students enjoyed Field Day activities and used their positive behavior points for extra activities including pieing or dumping ice water on staff members!!!

Have a safe and wonderful summer! ☀️ See you next year, Braves! ❤️

10 days ago, Indian River Middle
Students in a group during field day
Staff members ready for the cold water challenge
Students dump a bucket of cold water on a teacher during a Field Day activity.
Students throwing a pie at a staff member  during a field Day activity.
Students dump a bucket of cold water on a teacher during a Field Day activity.
Students throwing a pie at a staff member  during a field Day activity.
Students throwing a pie at a staff member  during a field Day activity.
Students standing together during field day inside
Students participating in a field day activity

🎉 We are proud of all of our students and were excited to celebrate those recognized at our 2025–2026 Academic Awards Ceremonies! 🏆📚 Congratulations to our award recipients on their hard work and achievements. Keep shining! #CPSCelebrates

17 days ago, Indian River Middle
Students receiving academic awards and recognition during the school's 2025–2026 Academic Awards Ceremony.
Students receiving academic awards and recognition during the school's 2025–2026 Academic Awards Ceremony.
Student and family receiving recognition during the school's 2025–2026 Academic Awards Ceremony.
Students receiving academic awards and recognition during the school's 2025–2026 Academic Awards Ceremony.
Students receiving academic awards and recognition during the school's 2025–2026 Academic Awards Ceremony.
Student and family receiving recognition during the school's 2025–2026 Academic Awards Ceremony.
Student and family receiving recognition during the school's 2025–2026 Academic Awards Ceremony.
Student receiving recognition during the school's 2025–2026 Academic Awards Ceremony.
Mr. Jordan recently hosted an Athletic Interest Meeting for our rising Braves! As we prepare for next school year, please make sure your student is registered in Arbiter so they are eligible and ready for upcoming tryouts.
about 1 month ago, Indian River Middle
Student Activities Coordinator at the podium presenting to rising athletes for the 26-27 school year
families attending an athletics information meeting at the school
Student Activities Coordinator at the podium presenting to rising athletes for the 26-27 school year
Student Activities Coordinator at the podium presenting to rising athletes for the 26-27 school year
Mr. Harrell’s classes have been working with SNAP Circuits to make propellers fly and create different sounds! Students are having a great time exploring hands-on STEM learning in class!!
about 1 month ago, Indian River Middle
students creating SNAP circuits in technology class
students creating SNAP circuits in technology class
students creating SNAP circuits in technology class
Congratulations to our incredible custodial team for earning TWO Chesapeake Public Schools awards for the 2025–2026 school year! 🎉🏆 Indian River Middle School was recognized with the:

✨ Superior Custodial Team for Exemplary Customer Service Award
✨ Performance & Excellence Award

Thank you to our custodians for their hard work, dedication, and care each day. We appreciate everything you do to make IRMS a welcoming place for our students and staff! 💙
about 1 month ago, Indian River Middle
custodial team and assistant principal posing for a photo for the custodial awards.
award for superior custodial team for exemplary customer service
award for superior custodial team for outstanding work ethic, dependability, and consistency of excellence
On Friday, our school came together for an exciting Spring 2026 Pep Rally full of school spirit and celebration! We recognized our amazing spring athletes for their hard work and dedication, and students participated in a fun SOL review challenge to get hyped and ready for their upcoming tests. 📚✨ Good luck to all of our students on their SOLs — we know you’ll do amazing things! 🎉
about 1 month ago, Indian River Middle
students cheering at a pep rally in a school gymnasium
middle school step team performing in a gymnasium at a school pep rally
teachers cheering at a pep rally in a school gymnasium
students cheering at a pep rally in a school gymnasium
teachers shooting basketballs at the pep rally in a school gymnasium
teachers shooting basketballs at the pep rally in a school gymnasium
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!
Big news at Indian River Middle School! 🎉 We’ve officially been revalidated as an AVID National Demonstration School—an honor that recognizes our commitment to rigorous instruction, meaningful student engagement, and preparing students for success beyond middle school. Even more exciting: we’re one of only FOUR schools in Virginia with this distinction and the longest-standing demonstration school in the Commonwealth! 💙
about 2 months ago, Indian River Middle
middle school students and administrators standing with an AVID National Demonstration School banner
middle school staff and administrators standing with an AVID National Demonstration School banner
middle school staff and administrators sitting in a panel for AVID revalidation day
middle school student leading a discussion using a whiteboard
middle school students smiling for the camera at the AVID revalidation day
student presenting to peers in an AVID classroom
AVID teachers and staff working with students and listening to presentations
Congratulations to Indian River Middle School! 🎉 The Braves have officially been revalidated as an AVID National Demonstration School, and one of only FOUR schools in Virginia to earn this distinction!
This honor reflects the dedication and determination of Indian River Middle's staff and students. From strong reading strategies and focused note-taking to collaboration, inquiry, and critical thinking, AVID strategies are alive in every classroom!
As a National Demonstration School, IRMS serves as a model for others across the country, showcasing what high-quality instruction and student engagement look like in action.
Congratulations on your commitment to excellence! Keeping Rising! #CPSCelebrates #EmpowerCPS
about 2 months ago, Chesapeake Public Schools
Students and administrators excited about being awarded an AVID National Demonstration School and holding a big banner!
Two students in a panel discussion.
A student teaching content to the class.
A panel discussion with students and administrators.
A lesson taking place with a student leading it and other students contributing.
Three IRM teachers smiling.
A teacher interacting with happy students.
Two students working together.
Teachers and administrators Students and administrators excited about being awarded an AVID National Demonstration School and holding a big banner!
An AVID representative working with a student.
Congratulations to our band and chorus students on a wonderful spring concert! Under the direction of Mr. Parke, Mrs. Dudley, and Dr. Owens, our students delivered an outstanding performance that showcased their talent, dedication, and hard work. Well done to all! 🎶
about 2 months ago, Indian River Middle
middle school students performing in a chorus concert
middle school students performing in a band concert
middle school students performing in a band concert
middle school students performing in a chorus concert
middle school students performing in a chorus concert
middle school students performing in a band concert
In Mr. Riffle’s Math 7 classes, students reviewed for their upcoming Unit 10 test on surface area and volume by playing a game of Connect 4! The activity kept students engaged and helped them feel confident and well-prepared for their unit test!
about 2 months ago, Indian River Middle
middle school students working together to review math skills
middle school students working together to review math skills
middle school students working together to review math skills
connect four board in a classroom used for a math review game
We are so proud of our entire track team for an amazing showing at the 2026 Chesapeake Middle School Championship Track Meet! #CPSCelebrates @cpschoolsva
about 2 months ago, Indian River Middle
Middle School Track Athletes standing in the grass at the Citywide track meet
6th grade Civics students took learning to the next level with a hands-on economics project! Students created their own businesses, identified resources, explored economic systems, graphed supply & demand, and developed strategies to attract customers using incentives. To bring it all together, they pitched their business proposals to an investor—their teacher Mr. Lowman!—to see if they could secure funding. We are proud of their creativity, critical thinking, and hard work!
about 2 months ago, Indian River Middle
6th grade students working on a civics project.
6th grade students working on a civics project.
6th grade students working on a civics project.
6th grade students working on a civics project.
6th grade students working on a civics project.
6th grade students working on a civics project.
6th grade students working on a civics project.
6th grade students working on a civics project.
Our students have been putting in the work as we prepare for SOL testing! We’re so proud of the dedication and effort they’re showing every day! A big shoutout to those who have stayed after school for our SOL Power Sessions. Your commitment does not go unnoticed! 👏

We still have a few more power sessions coming up:
May 13 – Civics & Science
May 19 – Math
May 26 – English

Let’s finish strong! Join us and keep the momentum going! 🚀
about 2 months ago, Indian River Middle
Students working together with teachers to prepare for SOL testing.
A group of students participating in an SOL review session
A group of students participating in an SOL review session
Students participating in an SOL review session
A group of students participating in an SOL review session
A group of students participating in an SOL review session
A group of students participating in an SOL review session

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
Huge congratulations to Jalen Williams on being honored as a recipient of the Chesapeake Men for Progress Black Male Achievement Middle School Award! 🎉 #CPSCelebrates @cpschoolsva
2 months ago, Indian River Middle
Middle school student stands confidently in front of a New Chesapeake Men for Progress Black Male Achievement Program banner, wearing a light shirt and looking directly at the camera
Group of middle school award recipients wearing medals pose on a stage with two adults at the New Chesapeake Men for Progress ceremony, standing in front of an event backdrop
Purple Up Day! 💜 What an incredible show of support today! So many students and staff wore purple to celebrate the Month of the Military Child and honor our military-connected students.💜#CPSCelebrates
2 months ago, Indian River Middle
Students and staff at Indian River MIddle School wearing purple for purple up day to support military children
students and staff at Indian River MIddle School wearing purple for purple up day to support military children
students and staff at Indian River MIddle School wearing purple for purple up day to support military children
students and staff at Indian River MIddle School wearing purple for purple up day to support military children
students and staff at Indian River MIddle School wearing purple for purple up day to support military children
During the Month of the Military Child, we proudly celebrate our military-connected students at Indian Rive Middle. All month, we recognize the strength and resilience of children in military families. 💜 Thank you for the sacrifices you and your families make—we are honored to support you! #CPSCelebrates
2 months ago, Indian River Middle
group of military connected students at indian river middle school
group of military connected students at indian river middle school
group of military connected students at indian river middle school