Family Updates

DECEMBER 12, 2024

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL FAMILIES

Chesapeake Public Schools Teacher of the Year 2025. 48 Teachers of the Year smiling with Dr. Cotton and Mrs. Angela Swygert.

Last Thursday, The Indian River High School auditorium was filled with 48 wicked smart, wicked talented educators as we celebrated our annual Teacher of the Year Awards Ceremony. The event showcased our teachers' profound impact on their students, colleagues, and communities and how their work truly changes lives for the better.

During the ceremony, we proudly revealed the elementary, middle, high school, and district-wide teacher of the year. These educators exemplify the idea that teaching is not just a profession—it’s a calling that leaves an everlasting mark for good.

✨ Relive the celebration by viewing the highlights here and the resources below.

📷 Photo Gallery
📖 Program
📽 Recap Video
📽 Ceremony
📽 Slideshow

2025 Citywide Chesapeake Teacher of the Year

Kaitlyn Gabriel
Oscar Smith Middle

Chesapeake Public Schools Teacher of the Year Kaitlyn Gabriel. Kaitlyn smiling.

2025 Elementary School
Teacher of the Year

Julie Carey King
Butts Road Intermediate

Chesapeake Public Schools Elementary Teacher of the Year Julie Carey King. Julie smiling.

2025 Middle School
Teacher of the Year

Beth Deir
Hickory Middle

Chesapeake Public Schools Middle School Teacher of the Year Beth Deir. Beth smiling.

2025 High School
Teacher of the Year

Shannon Anderson
Grassfield High

Chesapeake Public Schools High School Teacher of the Year Shannon Anderson Shannon smiling.

❄ Winter Break Holiday Reminder ❄

All schools will be closed for students and teachers from Monday, December 23, 2024, through and including Friday, January 3, 2025, for winter break.

Classes will resume on a regular schedule on Monday, January 6, 2025.

12-month employee Winter Break = December 23, 2024, through January 1, 2025

Click here to view our full calendar.

Roadmap to 2030 Strategic Plan Input Sessions

Join Us: Help Shape Our District’s Strategic Plan!

We’re excited to invite you to participate in shaping the future of our school district! Your voice is essential as we create a new strategic plan to guide us over the next five years. Please join us for one or more of the following virtual input sessions:

  • December 17, 2024, 6:30–7:30 PM

  • December 18, 2024, 6:30–7:30 PM

Your input will directly influence our district's goals and priorities. Let’s work together to create a roadmap for Chesapeake Public Schools! We look forward to seeing you there.

RSVP Here: Strategic Plan Input Session Registration

Governor's Steam Academy, Science and Medicine Academy, International Baccalaureate

Academies Application Window is Open

The online application process is open for our three academies. Eighth-grade students are eligible to apply to one or more of our high school academy programs. Completed academy applications are due by December 18, 2024. We offer three high school academy programs for students.

  • Governor’s STEM Academy

  • Science and Medicine Academy

  • International Baccalaureate

Click here for more information, including how to apply.

HIGH SCHOOL END OF COURSE SOL TESTING

High School Testing Reminders

High school students will take their fall semester Standards of Learning (SOL) tests between December 16, 2024, and January 17, 2025. Each high school maintains its own testing schedule and will communicate testing schedules with students and families. All SOL tests are administered in a secure testing environment and must be taken in school. There are no asynchronous testing days this year. All students are expected to be in attendance on testing days. Click here for more information.

Power of the Peake Employee Recognition Program

Power of the Peake Nominations

Don’t forget to nominate a deserving employee to be our next Power of the Peake by clicking here.

Each month, three exceptional staff members representing three categories, “support, teach, and lead,” who go above and beyond to impact our district and community positively, will get spotlighted through our Power of the Peake Employee Recognition Program!

📢 Calling Future Substitute Teachers

Now Hiring Substitute Teachers Apply Today. www.cpschools.com/jobs

Apply to become a substitute teacher and make a difference in our community!
If you are interested in becoming a substitute teacher, click here.

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Chesapeake Public Schools
1421 Kristina Way, Chesapeake, VA 23320
(757) 547-0153

Inspire | Engage | Empower

Chesapeake Public Schools