Our Educational Family Inspires Excellence

Recognizing and celebrating the remarkable efforts, dedication, and excellence of our employees upholds our core values: fostering equity, cultivating innovation, modeling integrity, promoting accountability, and inspiring excellence across our district. Our employee recognition programs serve as a powerful reminder that the contributions of every staff member are essential to fulfilling our shared purpose.

We value diversity in our school division, which is demonstrated through respect, dignity, empathy, and compassion for all.

Chesapeake Public Schools Strategic Plan  

Power of the Peake - Employee Recognition

Introduced in the fall of 2024, the Power of the Peake employee recognition program highlights the remarkable contributions our district employees are making on a daily basis within their schools, departments, and communities.
The Power of the Peake award recognizes dynamic individuals and celebrates their inspiring work to provide meaningful learning experiences, engaging efforts to lead, and empowering contributions within a department.

Power of the Peake Honorees

November 2024

Meet the November recipients the Power of the Peake Award!

SUPPORT

Photo of Diane Overmiller

Diane Overmiller
Executive Assistant
Human Resources

"Diane exemplifies excellence in every aspect of her role within the Division of Human Resources. Her dedication to high-quality customer service and her compassionate, empathetic approach make her a standout member of our team. Diane's dependability is one of her greatest strengths. She consistently delivers exceptional support, ensuring tasks are completed on time and to a high standard. I frequently need her help on short notice - often due to circumstances beyond anyone's control - and she always comes through with a smile. Collaborating with Diane is truly a privilege."

 

TEACH

Photo of Dr. Melissa Oliver

Rebecca Karch
Teacher
G. W. Carver Intermediate

"Ms. Karch exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding educator. Known for her ability to deeply engage and connect with students, she consistently goes above and beyond to create a classroom environment where every student feels valued, motivated, and capable. By using a variety of teaching methods and adapting lessons to meet students at their individual levels, 'Karch' ensures that each learner has the support they need to thrive academically and personally. Beyond the classroom, she is a dedicated team player, always ready to assist fellow staff members and share resources, strategies, and time. With tireless commitment, she makes a profound impact on the school community. Her dedication, adaptability, and collaborative spirit makes 'Karch' truly deserving of this award for excellence in teaching."

 

LEAD

Photo of Van Gholston

Helene Robinson
Principal
Southwestern Elementary

"Mrs. Robinson is an amazing administrator! As my supervisor she consistently teaches her instructional team new ways of looking at things. Mrs. Robinson listens to our thoughts and always takes them into consideration before acting. The environment Mrs. Robinson has created is one of equity, trust, and empowerment. Southwestern Elementary has a warm feeling when you walk through the building and Mrs. Robinson has helped in fostering this feeling among the staff and students. As a parent of a student who attends Southwestern and a staff member, I am able to see not only how Mrs. Robinson cares for her students but, her staff as well. She is absolutely amazing!"

 

Annual Award Recipients

Meet our award-winning staff members of 2024!

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2024 Chesapeake Teacher of the Year is Alyssa May from Butts Road Primary

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2024 Excellence in Leadership for Secondary Schools is Dee Williams, principal of Oscar Smith Middle

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2024 CPS Health Services Nurse of the Year is Penny Dunbary, a member of our float nurse crew.