CCPS Express

Monthly Newsletter

Superintendent's Message ~ CCPS Growth & Facilities

Our schools are growing both in student enrollment and programmatic needs such as special education, English Language Learners, reading and math interventions, and mental health offerings. To ensure any future renovation or new construction plans align with our community's voice, we invite you to stay engaged. Over the past two months, CCPS has offered approximately 20 advisory, PTA/PTO, and community meetings where demographic data, facility study results, and draft facility options have been highlighted. CCPS has collected feedback related to the draft options in four categories: strengths, concerns, recommendations, and questions. This input has been and will continue to be shared with the School Board and Board of Supervisors to guide decision making in the short term and long range plan development.

We encourage you to get involved, remain engaged, and share your thoughts. How can you do this? Attend the April 8th Board of Supervisors meeting (7:30 public comment, the April 14th School Board meeting (5:30), and the SB/BOS joint meeting on Wednesday, April 16th (5:30 at the Community Center). Additionally, check out the website for all presentations and documents related to growth and facilties. Be sure to fill ou tthe survey on the faciluty webpage. And finally, take a look at the students, staff, and parents who spoke in support of renovations/new construction during the March 25th BOS Public Comment period.

Public Comment Video: Link to Video Clip

CCPS Facility Website: https://www.ccps.us/elementor-10201

We hope to see you at future community meetings - dates to be announced in April!

Sarah Calveric, Ph.D.

Parent Guidance Corner

Monthly Mental Health Series

We are excited to continue to share a new resource available to CCPS parents/guardians and staff! In our partnership with the Cook Center and ParentGuidance.org, we invite you to be part of our new monthly mental health series. Below, you will find the calendar of Mental Health Series topics that will be presented live in April. Each event will begin at 7 & 9 PM ET. Click on the calendar to register.

Please watch this 1 minute video overview if you’d like help on how to register for the compelling live webinars we are hosting this month and thereafter. Once you register you can access all the on demand resources.

https://vimeo.com/1037509342

If you have any questions, contact our Coordinator of Student Support Services, Rachel Wheeler at rwheeler@ccps.us.

Parent Coaching

Parenting can be challenging and, at times, feel isolating. Parent coaching is here to provide support during those tough moments. Offered at no cost by your school district, parent coaching connects you with a coach and resources developed by therapists. Click here to sign up for ongoing support: https://cookcenter.info/coaching

Ask a Therapist Event

You’re invited to join us Wednesday, April 16 at 8pm ET for Ask a Therapist Live. This webinar is an opportunity to ask a licensed clinical therapist questions about parenting, your child’s well-being, or anything that’s been on your mind. Participation is anonymous and free. Click HERE to Register!

Vocabulary Development

Classrooms across the state are encouraging students to dive into the world of words through engaging in reading multiple genres and a variety of texts around a thematic topic or theme. As educators are working with families to enhance student vocabulary, you may want to share a variety of instructional approaches that have students engaged in authentic text including Read Alouds, Conversations and Questions, Cross-Curricular Vocabulary, Writing Assignments, Independent Reading, and Explicit Vocabulary Instruction. Continue to encourage families to utilize the resources found on the VDOE website as well as the "Family Supports for Reading” in the Resource Hub.

Disability Awareness: Autism

In partnership with The Advisory Council for Exceptional Education (ACEE) , The Office of Exceptional Education is highlighting this month's Disability Awareness on Autism.

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults in the United States today.

VDOE Resources

For more information on the eligibility process view the Virginia Department of Education’s Video Guide to the Special Education Evaluation Process for Families. Access these flyers for more information on steps to take when concerned about a child's development.

Flyer for VA Families - How to get Help When Concerned about Child Development (Spanish, Family Flyer)

Outside Resources

Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence Disabilities (OCALI) Autism Internet Modules - The OCALI Autism Internet Modules provide free, online professional learning in understanding the underlying characteristics and effective practices that support individuals with ASD. These modules are designed for those who support, instruct, work with, or live with someone with autism.
National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders (NPDC) - The NPDC is a multi-university center that promotes the use of evidence-based practices for children and adolescents with ASD.
Virginia Autism Council – The Virginia Autism Council is a council of autism experts seeking to define needed skill competencies and to advance higher education, training, and educational opportunities for personnel and caregivers supporting individuals with Autism. This website is Virginia’s clearinghouse on best practices and research-based education and training opportunities to advance personnel development and knowledge about autism.
Autism Society of America - The mission of the Autism Society of America is to promote lifelong access and opportunity for all individuals within the autism spectrum, and their families, to be fully included and participating members of their community. The Autism Society of America has several affiliates (chapters) in Virginia. Visit the AutismSource™ Resource Database to find a service or resource in your area.
Autism Speaks - Autism Speaks is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. They provide autism research, advocacy, services, and support including several tool kits and guides to help people with autism and those who support them thrive.
Commonwealth Autism - Commonwealth Autism collaborates to innovate, operate, and model services that support community inclusion for autistic Virginians through advocacy and resources to individuals, families, and professionals that build awareness and create engagement.

Madison Elementary School Dances Forward

Madison Elementary School was thrilled to host Dancing Classrooms Greater Richmond (DCGRVA) where all fifth-grade students participated in a 10-week program that teaches social skills, geography, and cultural awareness through dance. Throughout the 20-lesson curriculum, teachers encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones, embrace teamwork, and develop confidence.

DCGRVA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating essential life skills in children through the art of social dance. Their mission is to create schools and communities where every child feels connected, respected, and provided with a safe environment in which to thrive. Madison Elementary School was fortunate to pilot the program as part of Dancing Classrooms' mission to expand the organization to support more rural areas. The success of this pilot at Madison Elementary could pave the way for more schools to adopt Dancing Classrooms, with additional financial support such as grants.

Principal Teresa Hicks has been instrumental in bringing this initiative to Madison Elementary, demonstrating a commitment to innovative educational programs that enrich students' learning experiences. The team of teachers, though maybe hesitant at first, fully brought the vision to life by guiding students through this unique learning experience. The culminating event took place at The Barns at Mattaponi Springs, where parents and families witnessed firsthand the incredible progress their children have made. The final performances were not just about dance steps—but a celebration of personal growth, teamwork, and the power of arts in education.

Want to hear more about this great program? Check out the MES Hooftbeats Podcast and hear from students that participated!

CCPS Job Opportunities

Pathways to Teaching in Caroline

Interested in becoming a full time teacher? Caroline County Public Schools offers several routes to teacher licensure for individuals holding a Bachelor's degree. Join us for a virtual information session on Thursday, April 17 The registration link is: https://forms.gle/txfNG8Cnwr9rDUft8.

Educator Interview Days

HR is hosting Educator Interview Days on Wednesdays throughout March and April (March 26, April 9, and April 23rd). Click here to register! This fair is not for current teachers. However, other employees with bachelor's degrees (or finishing bachelor's degrees) are encouraged to apply!

To see all of our opportunities and/or apply with us online, click here.

Thank You to Virginia's Fine Arts Educators

Governor Youngkin proclaimed March 2025 as Youth Art Month in Virginia. We celebrate in March and beyond how fine arts programs exemplify and support academic expectations and reflect skills and attributes students need to excel in life beyond high school. The 2020 K-12 Dance Arts, Music, Theatre Arts, and Visual Arts SOL emphasize the importance of fine arts instruction as part of a comprehensive education. Approximately 71% of Virginia’s students are enrolled in at least one fine arts course with continued annual increases. Data demonstrates that students who engage in multiple years of fine arts in high school have lower rates of chronic absenteeism. Learn more about how schools are encouraged to celebrate by engaging students in arts-centered activities. Resources and Instructional Guides are located on the VDOE Fine Arts section of the VDOE website.

School Menus and Meal information

Click HERE to access school menus and meal information.

The Caroline School Nutrition Department uses the NutriSlice app, which gives everyone access to nutritional information about our menu:

Caroline Career Connections

March CTE Events Showcase Career Readiness and Hands-On Learning

March was a dynamic month for Career and Technical Education (CTE) students, packed with hands-on learning experiences. Automotive students explored career opportunities at Bayside Ford and Sheehy Ford, gaining insights from industry professionals. Caroline High School (CHS) also partnered with Universal Dynamics-Piovan and Ferber’s Auto Body, offering externships for students to gain real-world experience.

Finance students enhanced their financial literacy through Topside Credit Union’s Reality Fair, where they practiced budgeting and decision-making, and a visit to JA Finance Park to explore investing strategies. Meanwhile, Freshman Academy students honed professional skills through a Mock Interview event, focusing on workplace readiness, digital presence, and interview techniques.

These experiences underscore the value of industry partnerships in preparing students for successful careers. We appreciate the support of local businesses in providing opportunities that bridge the gap between education and the workforce.

April CTE Events Focus on Career Readiness and Real-World Learning

April promises another month of hands-on experiences for Career and Technical Education (CTE) students, bridging classroom learning with real-world applications.

Freshman Academy students will explore sustainability and conservation at Ft. Walker’s Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE). Cybersecurity students will visit Cyberbytes, gaining insight into industry practices and career opportunities. Nursing students will shadow professionals at Mary Washington Hospital, experiencing firsthand the demands of healthcare careers.

These opportunities, made possible by valued community partners, reinforce CTE’s mission to equip students with the skills and knowledge for future success.

School Board Highlights

March 10, 2025 Regular School Board Meeting

Take a look at the March 2025 School Board Meeting highlights:

Workshop (4:30PM): Preschool ERSEA Process Training, Generative AI, and Final Budget Review with Q&A
Achieve 2027 Spotlight: Goal 2: Health & Safety- Facility Updates
School Board Members Comments: Committee Updates
Recognitions: Moment of Silence: Vince Inman's passing, Superintendent Art Honor, 3rd Quarter ABCD Awards, Fall & Winter Athletics, BETA Club, CAV Debate Team, and Woman's History Month.
Information from the School Division: Introduction to Generative AI, Monthly Update on Revenues, Expenditures, and ADM Update.
Citizen Comments: 0
Action: Approval of Consent Agenda, School Board Meeting Date Adjustment, School Board Consideration & Approval of FY26 Superintendent's Proposed Budget.
New Business: 2025-2026 Special Education Annual Plan, Student Fees 2025-2026, and 2025-2026 Perkins Grants.

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.

Partners in Education

Partners in Education Spotlight: Rock Rooster Work Boots

CCPS is thrilled to recognize Rock Rooster for their generous donation of 122 pairs of high-quality work boots to our students last month. This incredible contribution ensures that students access to the proper protective footwear, promoting a safer and more inclusive learning environment in our Carpentry shop. Rock Rooster is not only supporting workforce readiness and vocational education but also reinforcing the importance of safety in skilled trades. Their generosity helps remove barriers for students, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning experiences.

We love our Partners in Education! If you are interested in being a Partner in Education, click HERE.

Click HERE to register for the CEF Golf Tournament!