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CCPS Express
Monthly Newsletter
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Superintendent's Message
Mental health and wellness is a topic requiring deliberate and intentional staff, student, family, and community discussion and planning! Post-pandemic access to mental health providers has left households across the nation as well as Carolinians (CCPS families) unable to gain access to counselors, therapists, and physicians. With a 1:3000 medical provider to resident ratio (Source: PD16 Comprehensive Health Assessment), it is essential that CCPS works alongside our families to increase resource availaibility in Caroline County.
So how are we doing this... by partnering with Cook Center and Parentguidance.org to offer anonymous, parent mental health webinars (see article below) paired with FREE 1:1, confidential, virtual parent coaching with a trained mental health provider. Take a look at the flier to learn more, register for coaching, and download the parentguidance.org app.
Be well,
Sarah Calveric
Parent Mental Health Virtual Workshops
On January 23, CCPS joined our new partners, Cook Center and ParentGuidance.org, for the first of five parent mental health webinars. The session, "Your Child's Anxiety" was our school community's the number one selected mental health offering. Approximately 67 families/parents registered to attend, joined anonymously/confidentially, and received the recording in their inboxes the very next morning. If you missed the webinar, you can watch the recording on our website.
The second series offering is scheduled for Tuesday, February 27 from 6:30 - 7:30 and will spotlight how parents can help stop the bullying cycle. See the flyer for more information and register HERE
for this great event! If you have any questions, contact Coordinator of Student Support Services Rachel Wheeler at rwheeler@ccps.us.
"The Right To Read" Community Viewing
CCPS will host a community viewing of The Right to Read at CMS from 6pm-8pm on Thursday, February 22nd. This moving documentary captures the essence of the Science of Reading through the eyes of a young boy with disabilities. The event will include an opening presentation on the Science of Reading, why it is important, and how CCPS is making the pivot from balanced reading instruction to the Science of Reading. The movie will begin at 6:30pm followed by next steps in ways parents can partner with CCPS in promoting and learning literacy best practices. This effort is jointly sponsored by the CCPS SEAC Board and the Hanover NAACP.
Additionally, a one-day free virtual screening of The Right to Read is available online TODAY (2/1) between 12:00 am PST to 11:59 pm PST. You register to participate in this viewing by visiting
https://www.therighttoreadfilm.org/. This is a great opportunity for those who cannot attend the public screening on 2/22 to view the film from home on a smart phone or any digital device.
Math Resources for Families
VDOE has provided a 3-8 mathematics parent & caregiver resource. This resource has questions to ask your child's teacher, as well as tips and resources to support math at home.
Black History Month: A Canvas of CCPS Art & Community
Throughout the month of February, CCPS will celebrate the rich and diverse history of African American arts, artisans, and the art of being community.The essence of this theme is captured in the following National Museum of African American History and Culture's quote, “Art plays a role in communicating emotions, building community and inspiring action.”
Read on to discover just a few ways that CCPS students and staff will embrace art and building community:
The CHS Media Club will be creating podcasts focused on educating and celebrating Black History Month
BGES 4th graders will tackle the art of writing and giving voice to African Americans inspiring change through the annual Wax Museum project
LCES art classes will explore art projects aligned with Black History Month
Rev. Vincent Bray will inspire the CHS African American Studies classes with stories of his father Rev. Leroy Bray Jr, an original Richmond 34 Freedom Fighters and a CHS teacher
The CCPS Facebook page will share student artwork and alumni contributions
By engaging and supporting CCPS students in their artistic endeavors, we aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the cultural, historical, and social impact of African American artists while inspiring others and building community.
Madison Elementary Playground Update
In September 2023, a MES playground committee composed of staff, administration, families, a board member, and community stakeholders was created to review current playground needs, investigate and identify desired playground updates, and ultimately review and select vendor renderings.
While a large scale playground installation will be completed by June 2024, numerous short term actions were achieved in the fall of 2023 including regrading/drainage, pea gravel and mulch deliveries, creation of a picnic area including tables created by CHS CTE students, reseeding, extension of the sidewalk, and resurfacing of the basketball court completed by the CHS basketball team and maintenance staff. Increased ADA compliance was also a major factor involved with the planning and implementation of this project.
After much research, vendor presentations, and student/staff/community voting, Cunningham Recreation was selected to complete the installation of new equipment outlined in the below photos. Upon completion of this project, approximately $400,000 of funding will have been appropriated to thai project, with MES working diligently as a school community to fundraise in support of this endeavor. We look forward to hosting a Popsicles on the Playground Ribbon Cutting over the summer at MES!
VDOE ALL In Plan
In the fall of 2023, Governor Youngkin charged all school divisions acrossed the Commonwealth to utilize one-time, ALL In funds to further expand supports in resources addressing acceleration tutoring, VA Literacy Act, and Chronic Asbeteeism. The CCPS ALL In plan is well underway.
- High Impact Tutoring: CCPS leaders, teachers, and support staff will use Lexia (reading), ZEARN (math), and Varsity Tutoring platforms to support reading and math acceleration at school and in the home. Accelerated learning in grades 3-8 will occur during the school day. Additionally, select students will receive additional support before and after school and during our Saturday Acceleration sessions. More information forthcoming!
- The Virginia Literacy Act (VLA): All K-3 teachers are currently involved in intensive professional learning (LETRS), which will support CCPS' readiness for the July 1, 2024 VLA "go live" date. Additionally, 11 classroom teachers are currentl enrolled in a CCPS sponsored Reading Specialist Master's/Post-Master's Certificate Reading Specialist program through William and Mary.
- Chronic Absenteeism: ALL In funds will provide school-based incentives for students, pay attendance bonuses to eligible bus and car drivers, a new countywide attendance specialist, and provide mental health family supports through the Cook Center/ParentGuidance.org.
Varsity Tutors for Schools
CCPS is excited to announce that high-quality, division-sponsored (FREE to YOU), virtual remediation and homework help is back! Varsity Tutors has replaced FEV in providing all schools in grades 3-12 access to 24/7 on demand tutoring, on demand essay editing and coaching, college prep admissions materials, and self study practice resources. Click HERE for directions on how to access.
CHS TEAM WINS BATTLEFIELD DISTRICT SCHOLASTIC BOWL CHAMPIONSHIP
Congratulations to the CHS Scholastic Bowl team who won the Battlefield District Scholastic Bowl Championship and placed 3rd at the Regional Competition in January. Scholastic Bowl is a game played by two teams competing to answer questions about academic subjects such as literature, science, history, philosophy, and fine arts. Click HERE to listen to several team members talking about the competition, how they got into competing, and why they recommend joining!
2024-2025 PRESCHOOL PROGRAM RECRUITMENT OPENING IN FEBRUARY
On February 20, 2024, the CCPS Preschool program will open recruitment for the 2024-2025 school year. If you have a child that will be 3 or 4 by September 30, 2024, he/she could be eligible. If interested, please check the CCPS website on February 20th for important information and the link to apply. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Family Engagement Coordinator at your home school.
Caroline Career Connections
February is CTE Month! To celebrate, CCPS has several events for staff, students, parents and community members:
Tuesday, February 6th - Intern Expo at Fredericksburg Convention Center. CHS students have been working hard to prepare for this event by creating resumes, practicing interviewing skills and discussing how to dress for success! We appreciate the donations that have been received for the Career Closet, as it has been a great help in preparing students.
Tuesday, February 20th - CTE Advisory Committee Dinner. ALL are welcome to attend this celebratory dinner held at CHS from 5 - 6:30 p.m. See the attached flier to sign up to attend.
Thursday, February 29th - Countywide CTE Day. This will be a fun-filled event for all schools to learn all about Career & Technical Education!
In January, Sheehy Ford of Ashland provided CHS Senior Abigail Taylor an Apprenticeship opportunity where she can pursue her goals in the automotive industry. In addition to apprenticeships, Sheehy Ford will be also be providing 40-hour Externship opportunities. We appreciate the partnership with Sheehy Ford of Ashland and CHS Alumni Moe Kiely.
If you are a business that would like to learn more about hosting internships, externships, or field trips, please contact Kristina Sanders at Caroline High School via e-mail at ksanders@ccps.us or office (804) 633-9886.
CCPS Celebrates School Counselors During National School Counseling Week
National School Counseling Week 2024 will be celebrated from Feb. 5–9, 2024. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.
Please watch our social media for ways we celebrate this week. Parents or community members with specific questions or concerns about school counseling programs should contact the school counselors at their local schools. More general information can also be found on ASCA’s website, www.schoolcounselor.org.
Global Day of Play
Attendance Matters
Daily attendance is critical to your child's learning and socialization. Additionally, regular attendance also supports our division efforts to reduce our chronic absenteeism rates. CCPS strives to partner with our parents/guardians to recognize that every absence matters at every grade level. Each day a student misses school, they miss instruction and interaction with teachers and other students that cannot be recovered. For more information and data regarding the importance of attendance, please reference this article from Attendance Works : Absences Add Up: How School Attendance Influence Student Success. As always, if your child is sick, we encourage the parent to kep the student at home!
School Board Highlights
January 11, 2024 Reorganization Meeting
- Elected 2024 Chair: Mr. Shawn Kelley, Madison District
- Elected 2024 Vice Chair: Mr. Calvin Taylor, Port Royal District
- Approved 2024 School Board Meeting Dates: Jan. 29, Feb. 12, Mar. 11, Apr. 8, May 13, June 10, July 8, Aug. 12, Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 11, Dec. 9
- Appointment of Clerk, Lisa Stevens and Deputy Clerk: Terri Harrison
- Approved 2024 Superintendent Designee: Dr. Herb Monroe
- Approved 2024 CCPS School Board Code of Ethics
January 29, 2024 Regular School Board Meeting
- Workshop (4:30PM): FY 25 Budget Information Session
- Achieve 2027 Spotlight: Mid Year Update and Highlights
- Special Recognitions: 2024 Student School Board Announcement
- Recognitions: Superintendent Art Honor, Chief Operations Officer recognized for award, ABCD Awards, and celebrating Principal Appreciation Week
- Information from the School Division: CCPS All In Plan Update, CMS HVAC Update, MES Playground Update, Academies of Caroline Overview, and Monthly Update on Revenues, Expenditures, and ADM
- Action: No Action Items
- New Business: Proposed Instructional Calendar for FY25 and FY26
- Public Hearing (6:30PM): FY25 Operational Budget
The School Board would like to thank our citizens that attend, advocate, and speak during public comment. For more information on these topics, you can access the Boarddocs link or view the meeting at our CCPS YouTube Channel. The next regularly scheduled School Board Meeting is Monday, February 12, 2024.
2024 Meeting Dates: January 29, Feb. 12, March 11, April 8, May 13, June 10, July 8, Aug. 12, Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 11, Dec. 9
Meet Our 24-25 Student School Board Representative
Congratulations to Malik Johnson who will be serving as our Student School Board Representative for the 24-25 school year. Malik is a current junior who displays a positive attitude, professionalism, leadership, and teamwork as a football player, member of the Principal Advisory Committee, and active cosmetology student. He was interested in this role because it gives him a chance to show his communication skills and leadership skills to create and establish goals for our school district, bringing positive outcomes. We look forward to seeing the great things he accomplishes this year for Caroline County Public Schools.
Partner in Education Spotlight- Builders First Source
Builders First Source has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to nurturing the next generation of builders. BFS' $20,000 contibution of materials to the CHS Future Builders Program supports students constructing a Habitat for Humanity home and showcases their investment in providing practical, hands-on learning experiences to our Cavaliers.
We love our Partners in Education! If you are interested in being a Partner in Education, click HERE.
COMMUNITY RESOURCE CORNER
Foster Families Needed
Click HERE for the Caroline Foster Family Interest Form.
Local Food Pantries
If you or someone you know is looking for local food pantries, you can use this Pantry Locater Map: https://fredfood.org/Pantry-Locator-Map.
There is also an app: https://fredfood.org/Pantry-Locator-App
Important Dates
African American History Month
Career and Technical Education Month
School Board Appreciation Month
Love the Bus Month
February 7: Global School Day of Play
February 5-9: National School Counseling Week
February 12-16: National FCCLA Week and Kindness Week
February 22: School Bus Driver's Appreciation Day
February 26: Family BINGO Night
February 29: Digital Learning Day
February 29: CCPS Career and Technical Education Day
Caroline County Public Schools
Website: www.ccps.us
School Board: 16261 Richmond Tnpk., Bowling Green, VA, USA
Phone: (804)633-5088 Twitter: @carolineschools
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolineschools