Congratulations to Autumn Hobbs from Western Branch Primary and Zoe Valderrama from Indian River Middle School for placing in the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) Tidewater Regional Art Contest. Autumn placed third in the elementary category and Zoe placed first for middle school. The contest began in 1989 to promote the artistic talents of Virginia’s public school students. The winning art is displayed in the offices of the VSBA in Charlottesville and the Richmond offices of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Congratulations to the Student Council Associations (SCAs) at Western Branch Middle School (WBM) and Grassfield High School (GFH) who recently earned the National Gold Council of Excellence award.  The National Student Council’s (NatStuCo) National Council of Excellence (NCOE) program distinguishes outstanding student councils at the middle and high school level that consistently provide quality leadership activities and service to their schools and communities.  With two levels of recognition, the NCOE designation is awarded to those SCAs that have met all NatStuCo requirements, and the National Gold Council of Excellence award goes to those councils that demonstrate the highest levels of leadership and meet additional standards set by NatStuCo.

Oscar Smith High School (OSH) recently participated in the Elie Wiesel Writing and Visual Arts competition. This annual event honors Nobel Laureate and Holocaust survivor, Elie Wiesel, who wrote more than 60 books, including a work based on his experiences as a prisoner in the concentration camps. Six students placed in this year’s competition (pictured left to right): Nadiah Barekzi (Poetry, Honorable Mention), Kiera Cleveland (Essay, 2nd Place), Emma King (Poetry, 3rd Place), Izabella Sara (Poetry, 2nd Place), Reina Rodriguez (Poetry, 1st Place), and Zaria Hall (Multimedia, 2nd Place). OSH teachers and sponsors, Ms. Foss and Ms. McMillin, participants, and winners are to be congratulated for their efforts and achievements.

Congratulations to the Grassfield High School Winter Guard. After winning the Atlantic Indoor Association Scholastic A1 Championship in March, the group traveled to Dayton, Ohio, for the World Guard International (W.G.I.) World Championships. They competed against 167 other units in the Scholastic A division. Their show, “Red Rain,” came in 17^th in the World Finals. Learn more about their performance.

Chesapeake Public Schools (CPS) is a proud owner of WHRO Public Media. WHRO is owned and operated by 19 school divisions throughout Hampton Roads, including CPS. We are proud to support their mission to provide educational programming and resources to our communities. In the coming days, you’ll see ownership plaques installed in all our schools to highlight this partnership. Learn more about WHRO’s educational services.

Congratulations to Katy DeRyder, a school health advisor at Southwestern Elementary School, who recently certified as a National Asthma Educator by the Consortium for Infant and Child Health at Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS). Katy joins Michelle Prescott, who works at the Edwards Wilson Center as a Preschool Intake Nurse, as the division’s second certified National Asthma Educator.  Both Katy and Michelle are knowledgeable and passionate advocates for students, staff members, and families living with asthma.  Read more about the National Asthma Educator Certification Board on their website.

April is School Library Month, sponsored by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL). This year’s theme is “Everyone Belongs @ Your School Library” emphasizing the essential role school library programs play in a student’s learning. Chesapeake Public Schools is proud to recognize our school librarians and their innovative programs. Visit our Library Services page for more information about resources available to students.

Every year, April is designated as the Month of the Military Child.  Even though Chesapeake Public Schools recognizes the significance of our military families throughout the year, in April we emphasize the sacrifice and bravery of our students who are part of military families.  April 10, 2019, is “Purple Up for Military Kids Day.”  We hope you will join our schools and wear purple, a color representative of all military branches, to support these students.  Visit our Military Resources page for more information and opportunities for our military-connected students and families.

April is Autism Awareness Month and provides an opportunity to highlight the importance of support for research, early intervention, timely diagnosis, and appropriate resources for our students. Whether related to or acquainted with an individual who is impacted by autism, take time this month to discover how Autism Spectrum Disorder affects children and their families. Chesapeake Public Schools is proud to honor Autism Awareness Month, and we hope you will join us in promoting understanding and acceptance.