New This Week #
Gates Elementary principal wins distinguished award #
Congratulations to Gates Elementary Principal Giuliana Brink, the Chesterfield winner of this year’s R.E.B. Award for Distinguished Educational Leadership. Overseen by the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond and the R.E.B. Foundation, the award honors central Virginia principals who create an exceptional educational environment. Read more here.
Someone You Should Know #
Leticia Ayala is Someone You Should Know! She’s the bilingual family liaison at Providence Middle.
- Click here to see the full playlist of Someone You Should Know videos.
If you want to nominate Someone You Should Know, just go to bit.ly/CCPSsomeone.
USDA seeks comment about proposed changes to school nutrition standards #
The United States Department of Agriculture sets standards for school nutrition, and they are proposing updates to the current nutrition standards.Â
If adopted, the proposed changes would impactÂ
- Added sugars
- Milk
- Sodium
- Whole grains
More information about these proposed nutritional standards may be found on the USDA’s website.Â
The USDA is accepting comments on these proposed changes through May 10, 2023. This feedback will be used to inform the final standards. Submit feedback here.
Nominate Hall of Famers by June 30 #
Nominations are open through June 30 for the next inductees into the Hall of Fame of Chesterfield County Public Schools. Nominees should be memorable educators and volunteers who made a significant difference in Chesterfield County schools. Full details and a simple nomination form are available at bit.ly/CCPShall.
Chesterfield County Public Schools has been served by outstanding people across more than 150 years. Whether teachers, administrators, support staff or community volunteers, the nationally recognized school division has been supported by individuals who have given their time and talents to help students and schools succeed.
In recognition of this exceptional work, Chesterfield County Public Schools and the Chesterfield Education Foundation annually honor individuals for their superior contributions by inducting them into the Hall of Fame. See the first two Hall of Fame classes here: oneccps.org/hall_of_fame_honorees. Questions? Contact the Office of Family and Community Engagement at 804-639-8690, ext. 1111.
April is the Month of the Young Child #
In honor of April being the Month of the Young Child, here are fun and effective resources parents and caregivers can use. The QR code in the flyer links to the Basics Insights messaging program, which helps incorporate early childhood learning into everyday routines.
Autism Acceptance Month #
Autism Acceptance Month emphasizes the need for public awareness to promote acceptance, celebrate the differences and prioritize the inclusion of autistic individuals and their families. Tools for educators, administrators and parents working to improve services for students with autism spectrum disorders are available from the Virginia Department of Education.
Child Safety Fair is April 29 #
Families are invited to a Child Safety Fair 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 29 at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds. In addition to birth-to-college parenting resources, the free event will offer activities for children and free food. The Chesterfield County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office is organizing the Child Safety Fair.
Vital vaccine info for parents of rising seventh and 12th graders #
Look ahead to help get your rising seventh grader or 12th grade student ready for the fall. There are some vaccines that students must have before entering seventh and 12th grades. Last year, many people had challenges in late summer getting appointments in time for the start of school. Your student may not be able to start school on time if they do not have required immunizations.   Â
Virginia students are required to get these vaccines before entering seventh grade:
- Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap): The Tdap vaccine is required by law for all students entering seventh grade.
- Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY): Students are required to have one dose of MenACWY vaccine before entering seventh grade.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV): The HPV vaccine is required by law for students entering seventh grade. After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent/guardian may elect for their student not to receive the HPV vaccine with no additional paperwork required by Chesterfield County Public Schools. Ask your health-care provider about the benefits of the HPV vaccine.
Virginia students must meet the following vaccine requirement before entering 12th grade:
- A minimum of two doses of meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine are required by law before students enter 12th grade. The first dose should be administered before entering seventh grade. The final dose should be administered before entering 12th grade (given on or after the 16th birthday). Meningococcal vaccines help protect against the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease.
You can fulfill these vaccine requirements now and mark this item off the back-to-school to-do list. Make a wellness appointment with your health-care provider. Additionally, the Chesterfield County Health Department offers immunizations by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call 804-768-7454.
In Case You Missed It #
Summer school registration is open #
Registration is open through May 26 for in-person summer school. Summer information is available online.
- Most in-person summer classes are for students who receive a special invitation.
- There are a few in-person opportunities for students who want to take a new high school course to get ahead.Â
Please note: CCPSOnline summer registration closes April 28 for students interested in taking high school credits online.
Here’s one way to thank teachers #
Take part in the Virginia Lottery’s eighth annual Thank a Teacher campaign by sending a digital thank-you note right from the comfort of your home. To get started, visit thankateacherva.com now through May 12. Teachers will receive the notes during Teacher Appreciation Week (May 8-12). Qualifying teachers can use a unique code included with the digital note to enter a drawing for a chance to win a memorable Virginia vacation and a gift card courtesy of the Virginia Lottery, IGT and NeoPollard Interactive plus $2,500 in supplies from the Supply Room.
Registration open for CCPSOnline, kindergarten and prekindergarten #
- Kindergarten preregistration is open. Children who will be 5 years old by Sept. 30 can start kindergarten in the 2023-24 school year. Online preregistration is now open, so families can start the enrollment process online. CCPS kindergarten kickoff week will be April 17-21.
- Prekindergarten applications are open. Prekindergarten is a free, full-day program for 4-year-olds, and transportation is provided in accordance with school system guidelines. Click here for more information or to apply.
- CCPSOnline registration is open for summer and 2023-24 school year. CCPSOnline offers high school flexibility. Students can take some or all of their classes in a no-walls, no-bells, no-limits virtual environment. Registration for summer courses and for the 2023-24 school year is open through April 28. Students should talk to their school counselor about including CCPSOnline in their schedule.
Register for summer camp #
Camp EPIC (Exploring Pathways in Careers) offers exciting, hands-on career experiences for students who will be in grades 5-8 in 2023-24. Camp EPIC runs 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and the cost is $150 for each one-week session. Sign up now for one session or two sessions!
- June 5-8 at CTC@Courthouse: Opportunities include Cake Wars, Top Chef, Trading Places home improvement, Cyberhacker, Dental Explorers, Green Team agriculture, Stylin’ It makeup techniques, Motor Sports and Swift Coding.
- June 12-15 at CTC@Hull: Opportunities include Battlebots, Cake Wars, Top Chef, CSI Chesterfield, Stylin’ It makeup techniques, Project Runway, Emergency 911 first aid and emergency techniques, Swift Coding and Vet Tech.
Team MAGIK is a basketball camp for students who will be in grades 5-8 in 2023-24. Campers will improve basketball skills, develop teamwork and learn important life lessons. Team MAGIK runs 8 a.m.-noon Monday through Thursday at Midlothian Middle, and the cost is $65 for each one-week session. Sign up now for one or more sessions!
- June 26-29
- July 3-6 (Camp is closed July 4.)
- July 10-13
- July 17-20
Â
Summer Play Camps are for early childhood special education students. The weeklong camps provide enrichment experiences and help students practice play and social skills. Families are asked to register here, then school staff members will be in touch to confirm which week their child will attend camp.