Congratulations to the Great Bridge Middle School Cheer Team for capturing their fourth straight CMSL Cheerleading Championship! Way to go, Wildcats! 🟢🟡🏆 #CPSCelebrates
🎉 Congratulations to #CPSTOY25 Finalist, Shannon Anderson! 🎉
Shannon is a dedicated English teacher with 12 years of experience, 8 of those at Grassfield High School. Her personal teaching philosophy draws from her favorite book, To Kill A Mockingbird: “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view - until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” 📖
Shannon holds an M.A. in English Literature and a B.A. in English from Old Dominion University. Currently, she teaches Dual Enrollment College Composition and AP Research. 🌟 Shannon’s involvement extends far beyond the classroom. She co-sponsors the senior class, helped establish the Multicultural Club, volunteers annually for Freshman Fusion, and the list goes on. Her contributions are invaluable in fostering cultural awareness and engagement throughout the school! 🌍
Surrounded by a family of educators, her husband teaches 6th grade science, and her two children teach in Virginia Beach and Colorado. On an ideal Friday night, you can find her enjoying a bubble bath, pizza, and Netflix.🛁🍕🎬
❤️ Mrs. Anderson embodies the heart and soul of education! #CPSCelebrates
💻 Military families, join us for a valuable online session covering ways to make college more affordable! We'll discuss financial aid, GI Bill, Post 9/11 GI Bill, scholarships, and more. 💲
👉For more info and to register, visit https://www.cpschools.com/events?id=35542436
🚍 One Stop Job Fair for Bus Drivers 🚍
Join us on November 21 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM at the School Administration Building!
🎉 Turkey Giveaway
🚌 Test Drive a Bus
For more info and to see other job openings, visit: https://www.cpschools.com/o/cps/page/employment-opportunities
🌟 Let’s celebrate #CPSTOY25 finalist, Stanley Dimich! Stanley is an 8th-grade U.S. History teacher at Great Bridge Middle School with eight years of experience, half of those in Chesapeake! 🌟
🎓 Mr. Dimich graduated from the University of Michigan - Flint with a dual major in Secondary Education and a B.A. in English. He also holds an M.S. in Business Administration from Old Dominion University and has endorsements in Social Studies, English, and Health & P.E.
❤️ Mr. Dimich’s impact is felt school-wide. As team leader and 504 Chairperson, his support strengthens both students and colleagues. From volunteering at the Green and Gold Games to cheering on students at sporting events, his dedication is inspiring. When he’s not making history with his students, Stan enjoys time with his wife and two children, attending their activities, reading, and playing board games with friends and family.
🎒 Mr. Dimich believes that teaching is a life of service, where educators can make a positive impact on students' lives as they prepare them for the future. He is committed to creating a safe and welcoming atmosphere for all his students, knowing that they thrive on the patience and positivity he brings to the classroom.
👏 We’re grateful for all you do, Mr. Dimich! #CPSCelebrates
❤️ Each year, the VFW honors exceptional educators with the Smart/Maher Veterans of Foreign Wars National Citizenship Education Teacher Award.
🏆 This year, Chesapeake’s VFW Post 2894 selected Wendy Burr and Tera Tyson as recipients of this prestigious award! Congratulations!
🌟Congratulations #CPSTOY25 finalist, Tori Henderson! 🌟
📚 Miss Henderson is an outstanding first-grade teacher at Thurgood Marshall Elementary with four years of experience! Starting her career during the pandemic, Tori quickly adapted to hybrid teaching and has since made a tremendous impact, both in and out of the classroom. Beyond academics, she is an active school volunteer who has served as Cheer and Spirit Coach and Tiger Academy Tutor.
As the daughter of two educators and a graduate of Norfolk State University with a B.S. in Psychology and Elementary Education, teaching is truly in her DNA! Miss Henderson’s classroom is a warm, structured environment where students feel safe, respected, and valued. Her ability to balance high expectations with a nurturing approach supports both academic and emotional growth. ❤️
In her role as Grade Level Chair, Tori fosters a collaborative environment, consistently supporting the success of both her team and students. As Chair of the Staff Engagement Committee, her enthusiasm and commitment have helped build a strong, connected school community.
👏 Join us in celebrating Tori Henderson, a teacher who brings patience, adaptability, and passion to her work every day! #CPSCelebrates
This week, Grassfield High School hosted the citywide SCA meeting. Student leaders came together to discuss strategic planning and the upcoming Teen Summit. They also teamed up with the Youth Volunteer Corps to create stuffed bears and care bags for a local homeless shelter. 🐻
🏈 Huge congratulations to the Oscar Smith Middle football team for winning the Chesapeake Middle School League Championship! 🏆 Way to go on an undefeated season, Tigers! 🐯 #CPSCelebrates
📢 November is Family and Community Engagement Month, and we're thrilled to share that our Department of Engagement's amazing work was featured in SchoolCEO magazine! 📖
The article, “When Students Speak Up: Elevating Student Voice to Connect Generations” 🎤, highlights our Teen Summit, where students come together to amplify their voices and bridge generational gaps. 🌟
We're so proud of our students and staff for making a difference in our community! 🌍 #CPSCelebrates #InspireCPS
Read the full article here: https://www.schoolceo.com/a/when-students-speak-up/
🌟 #CPSTOY25 finalist, Shiann Coleman is an incredible 4th-grade teacher at Sparrow Road Intermediate! With three years of experience in self-contained and inclusion classrooms, Miss Coleman has already made a huge impact on her students and the school community.
With an M.A.T. in Special Education and a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from James Madison University, she brings both skill and heart to the classroom. Partnering with her co-teacher, she helps students from all backgrounds and abilities reach new heights. 📚
A true leader, she’s a valuable resource for strategies, intervention techniques, and accommodations to support struggling students. She’s also Grade Level Chairman and an active member of the Emergency Response Team, School Success Team, Responsive Classroom Team, PBIS Instructional Team, and Basketball Committee.
Miss Coleman is constantly growing as an educator, currently part of the ODU/CPS Administrative Leadership Cohort. In her classroom, she creates a joyful, safe space where every student feels empowered to own their learning journey. Outside of school, she’s all about beach days with loved ones and giving back to her church community. 🌊
👏 Congratulations, Shiann! #CPSCelebrates
📙 The Anxious Generation Book Club 📙
Join us as we dive into “The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness.”
📅 Pre-register by December 13th. Meetings will begin in January 2025
💻Please complete the questionnaire for your preferred day of the week and meeting style: tinyurl.com/CPSBookClub2025
🧭 In honor of Veterans Day, we’re celebrating John Fedorowicz, a chemistry teacher at Indian River High and a Navy veteran. After serving in the military, John embraced a new mission in education, bringing his unique perspective and dedication to the classroom. His story is featured in WAVY’s Veterans Voices series. Check out this story highlighting his dedication to his country and students. ❤🤍💙 #InspireCPS #CPSCelebrates
📽️ https://www.wavy.com/news/veterans-voices/veterans-voices-from-the-navy-to-the-high-school-classroom-one-veteran-shares-life-as-a-chemistry-teacher/
🌟 Join us in celebrating Indian River High School’s #CPSTOY25 finalist, Tikia Smith!
With 17 years in education, she is currently a Special Education teacher who is truly committed to her students' success. 🌟
🍎 Tikia's educational journey began as a substitute, personal assistant, and teacher assistant, where she earned the Crystal Apple Award. She graduated summa cum laude from Norfolk State University with a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies focused on Special Education K-12 and holds an A.S. in Biology from Tidewater Community College.
🏍️ Inspired by her family, Mrs. Smith treasures time with her husband, three sons, and three granddaughters. She finds relaxation at the beach and enjoys motorcycle rides. Known for her patience, kindness, and devotion, Tikia coaches the girls’ volleyball team, attends every varsity football game, supports her students, and manages the school’s Riverbucks store with grace and composure; she never misses a beat.
Let’s celebrate her unwavering commitment to making a difference in her students’ lives! 👏 #CPSCelebrates
💖This week, we’re excited to join school districts nationwide in celebrating National School Psychology Week and recognizing the impact school psychologists have in helping our students succeed.
✨This year’s theme is Spark Discovery, highlighting how school psychologists play a crucial role in making a positive, lasting difference in children’s lives and empowering them to see the power of possibility. #InspireCPS
🍩 This morning Grassfield Elementary held their Donuts for Defense event to celebrate Veterans Day! ❤️🤍💙
Thank you to all the veterans and their families who came out to celebrate – we are forever grateful for your service! #CPSCelebrates
🌟 Let’s celebrate Hickory Middle School’s #CPSTOY25 finalist, Beth Deir! ✨
🌍 Beth is a passionate Life Science teacher and leader, committed to bringing real-world science into the classroom. Recognized by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, she holds NBCT certification in Early Adolescence Science and inspires her students to think like explorers, connecting the human world with nature.
🔭 As a National Geographic mentor, Beth invites real scientists into her classroom, making science come alive and showing students the true impact of their learning. Beyond teaching, she serves as Hickory’s Assistant Athletic Director, connecting players, parents, community partners, and coaches to ensure smooth, supportive programs.
🌿 Outside of school, Beth loves spending time with family, volunteering for environmental causes, cooking, snorkeling, and hiking.
👏 Let’s applaud her commitment to inspiring the next generation! #CPSCelebrates
Last week, students in Ms. Watson's and Mr. Ballance's classes at Deep Creek Central Elementary were transported to Andy's Room from "Toy Story" for special themed activities! 🪀🧸👒
With the classroom space decorated like Andy's room and dressed up as Woody and Jessie from the iconic movie series, the two teachers led their classes through toy-themed reading, history and STEAM activities. The activities included "Mr. Potato Head" math races, circuit board building, toy-based creative writing prompts, and more! 📓⚡💡🏫
Thank you to Ms. Watson and Mr. Balance for engaging our students in new, fun and exciting methods of learning! #InspireCPS
Congratulations to the Hugo Owens Middle School baseball team for clinching the CMSL Championship with an 8-3 victory over Jolliff! 🎉⚾ The Mustangs finish the season undefeated! 🐎💪 #CPSCelebrates
🌟 Congratulations to Kristen Williamson, Reading Specialist at Rena B. Wright Primary, for being named a #CPSTOY25 Finalist! 🌟
📚 With 17 years of experience in education, Kristen has taught special education, kindergarten, and first grade, and now makes an impact as a Title 1 Reading Specialist. Her dedication to literacy is boundless! With LETRS 1&2 and Orton-Gillingham training, Kristen also tutors at the Hampton Roads Center for Dyslexia, helping students become confident readers and writers.
🎒 Kristen’s commitment goes beyond her students—she creates book bags for parents to support reading at home and helps colleagues navigate new programs, leaving a lasting impact on families and fellow educators alike.
📜 With degrees from Old Dominion University and Kutztown University, plus a K-12 Reading Specialist endorsement, Kristen is a true champion of literacy in and beyond the classroom.
👏 Let’s show some love for Kristen’s dedication, empathy, and drive to inspire every student! 👏 #CPSCelebrates
