New This Week #
Congratulations to our Beginning Teachers of the Year! #

Each year, Chesterfield County Public Schools recognizes four beginning teachers as the best among their peers. There were 37 nominees for the 2022-23 Beginning Teacher of the Year Awards, which recognize educators who excel in instructional planning and delivery, in creation of a learning environment and in professionalism. Here are this year’s Beginning Teachers of the Year (with information shared by their nominators):
- Katie Ferrell, who teaches fourth grade at Hopkins Elementary, is the Elementary School Beginning Teacher of the Year. Last year, Katie began as a long-term substitute. She worked tirelessly to get her license so she could become a full-time, first year teacher this year. Katie is a natural relationship builder, and this serves her incredibly well. She has worked very hard to create a positive, collaborative community for her students.
- Sofia Perez, who teaches English at Salem Church Middle, is the Middle School Beginning Teacher of the Year. Sofia is constantly thinking of ways to elevate the learning experience of her students and grade level. Sofia cares about her students and their success as learners but also as humans. She can be seen throughout the building helping her peers, sharing activities and ideas and supporting students.
- Clayton Chadwick, who teaches social studies at Clover Hill High, is the High School Beginning Teacher of the Year. Clayton incorporated interactive lessons into his planning and found ways for students to authentically demonstrate their learning. As students work, he constantly circulates the classroom to address any questions and push students in the direction of success. Students feel welcome, safe and comfortable in the classroom.
- Hannah Epps, who teaches first grade at Ecoff Elementary, is the overall CCPS Beginning Teacher of the Year. Hannah is familiar with the most current scientific and evidence-based literacy research and flawlessly implements all components in her daily small group literacy instruction plans. She has really created an environment where students are comfortable taking risks because they feel a sense of family in their classroom and take pride in their learning.
Share your #CCPS23 graduation photos #
- Class of 2023 students and families are invited to share their best graduation images (big smiles, happy signs, hat tosses and more).
- #CCPS23 is the hashtag to use on social media with graduation images.
High school graduations will be livestreamed #
More than 4,700 Chesterfield County students will receive high school diplomas during graduation ceremonies May 22-26. While in-person attendance at graduations is by invitation only, every ceremony will be livestreamed via the Chesterfield County Public Schools YouTube channel (@ccpsva). Here is the schedule:
- Thomas Dale High graduation will livestream at 10 a.m. May 22 from Virginia Commonwealth University.
- Midlothian High graduation will livestream at 2:30 p.m. May 22 from VCU.
- James River High graduation will livestream at 7 p.m. May 22 from VCU.
- Manchester High graduation will livestream at 10 a.m. May 23 from VCU.
- Cosby High graduation will livestream at 2:30 p.m. May 23 from VCU.
- Monacan High graduation will livestream at 7 p.m. May 23 from VCU.
- Bird High graduation will livestream at 10 a.m. May 24 from VCU.
- Meadowbrook High graduation will livestream at 2:30 p.m. May 24 from VCU.
- Clover Hill High graduation will livestream at 7 p.m. May 24 from VCU.
- Matoaca High graduation will livestream at 9 a.m. May 26 from Virginia State University.
- Carver College and Career Academy graduation will livestream at 1:30 p.m. May 26 from VSU.
VDOE Student Assessment Summary Report Available in Parentvue #
The Virginia Department of Education has released a new Student Assessment Summary report that is individualized to each student’s SOL testing history. This report is available for review in ParentVue for families of students who have taken SOLs in the past. To view the report, log into ParentVue and look under Documents. It is important to note that this report does not include 2023 spring testing results. Also in ParentVue is a letter to families from VDOE that offers additional information. If you need help logging into ParentVue, you will find instructions here.
Through the VDOE provided report, you can learn about your child’s SOL performance over time and notice any patterns that may be present in your child’s testing history. Questions about this report are addressed through information provided in the VDOE letter.
Little Feet Meet #
A total of 1,400 Special Olympic athletes from grades PK-5 throughout Chesterfield County Public Schools competed in the 2023 Little Feet Meet. As students run, jump, throw and have fun, the field day helps build acceptance and inclusion.
Mental Health Awareness Month #

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Chesterfield County Public Schools believes in playing an active role in creating environments where mental health is seen as equally important as our physical health and well-being. If you are in need of support or looking to support another, then visit these links to access additional resources.
In Case You Missed It #
School calendar dates #
As the end of the school year approaches, here are important dates on school calendars (the traditional calendar and the year-round calendar):
- May 29: Schools and school offices are closed.
- June 1-2: Students will be dismissed three hours early.
- June 2: Last day of school for students.
Free online tutoring for middle and high school students #
Chesterfield County Public Schools is partnering with Stride Tutoring to provide free online tutoring services for middle and high school students.
- This will allow our students to receive help after school in any subject for free.
- It will also allow teachers to access tutoring services to provide supplemental instruction on an individual or small group basis (up to five students) during the school day.
Here are resources for more information:
- oneCCPS.org/tutors
- FAQ for educators
- Quick-start guide for educators
- FAQ for families/students
- Quick-start guide for families/students
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.
May 26 is deadline for openings on advisory committees #
Advisory committees established by the Chesterfield County School Board are one way community members connect with their local schools. Advisory committee members are appointed from each of the county’s five magisterial districts and include parents, teachers, staff members, students and others interested in helping Chesterfield County Public Schools achieve its vision of creating a better tomorrow. Advisory committee members who are appointed by the School Board must reside in the district they represent.
Under Virginia’s open government requirements, meetings are generally required to be held in person. If you are unable to meet in person, please note that in your application under “availability for meeting attendance.” Apply by May 26 if you are eligible and interested in these openings:
Audit and Finance Committee
- Clover Hill District (July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2025)
- Midlothian District (July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2025)
Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee
- Midlothian District (partial term ending June 30, 2025)
Environmental Stewardship Advisory Committee
- Clover Hill District (July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2026)
- Dale District (July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2026)
- Midlothian District (July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2026)
Gifted Education Advisory Committee (Parent representatives must have a child participating in the school division’s gifted education program at the time of appointment.)
- Bermuda District (July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2026)
- Clover Hill District (July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2026)
- Dale District (July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2026)
- Matoaca District (July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2026)
Student Health Advisory Board (Wellness experts may be appointed from any magisterial district but should be subject matter experts with experience in the field.)
- Bermuda District (July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2026)
- Dale District (July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2026)
- Matoaca District (partial term ending June 30, 2024)
- Wellness expert on employee wellness (July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2026)
- Wellness expert on family wellness (July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2026)
- Wellness expert on student wellness (July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2026)
Special Education Advisory Committee (Parent representatives must have a child participating in a special education program within the school division at the time of appointment.)
- Clover Hill District (August 1, 2023, to July 30, 2026)
- Matoaca District (August 1, 2023, to July 30, 2026)