Suffolk Public Schools

We are excited to announce that our Suffolk Public Schools Division Superintendent, Dr. John B. Gordon, III was selected as one of 35 superintendents across the country to participate in the Network of Distinguished Educators, a joint group with the School Superintendent's Association (AASA) and Phi Delta Kappan International.

The mission of the Network is to convene, support, and elevate the work of some of our nation's most accomplished superintendents through research, professional learning, and case studies to serve as teaching tools addressing the challenges education leaders face today. Congratulations to Dr. Gordon for being a thought leader and innovator in school leadership!

All current grade 8 students are encouraged to apply for our Suffolk Public Schools Specialty Programs: The Center for Performing and Production Arts, International Baccalaureate, Project Lead the Way Engineering, and Project Lead the Way Biomedical Sciences. Students should see their school counselor for eligibility criteria.

Complete the following form to apply: Suffolk Public Schools Specialty Program Application for the 2025-2026 School Year. Please view the program requirements and additional components for the application to be considered complete. Incomplete applications will not be accepted or reviewed. The application deadline is Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ONLY SUBMIT ONE APPLICATION. For questions or to make changes to your application, contact Dr. Keisha Melvin, Coordinator of Advanced Instruction and World Languages, at keishamelvin@spsk12.net.

NOTE: Specialty Program grade 8 presentations will be at each middle school on Thursday, October 31 through Thursday, November 7.

Mark your calendars! The 2024 ACCESS College Foundation Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Expo will be held on Wednesday, November 13th, at King's Fork High School. All students, parents, and community members are welcome! For questions or additional information, contact Adrienne Miller, ACCESS Advisor, at 757-923-5240 or adriennemiller@spsk12.net.

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Suffolk Public Schools Military Family Resource Fair on Thursday, November 7, from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at King's Fork Middle School. This event is designed to support and empower military families within our school system. This event aims to connect military families with valuable resources, services, and information to enhance their educational experience and well-being. Attendees will be able to learn more about the services our school division offers to support our military families and network with other organizations that support our military community. Dinner will be provided by our SPS Food and Nutritional Services team.

Registration for this event is encouraged. To register, please complete the following Military Family Resource Fair Attendance Registration Form. If you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact our Communication and Community Engagement Officer, Anthonette Dickens, at anthonettedickens@spsk12.net or 757-925-6750.

Visit www.spsk12.net to learn more about our SPS Virtual Job Fair.

Our Suffolk Public Schools United Way Giving Campaign for the 2024-2025 school year is underway! The United Way of Southampton Roads Giving Campaign is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in our Suffolk community. Through our partnership with United Way, Suffolk Public Schools can access vital resources that enhance educational programs, provide essential support services for our families, and ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed. United Way brings a wealth of expertise and a network of partners that can provide specialized programs, funding opportunities, and volunteer support tailored to the unique needs of Suffolk Public Schools. Some of the programs that United Way of Southampton Roads has supported in Suffolk Public Schools include the:

• Fine and Performing Arts Music Production Camp
  
• STEM Extravaganza
• LEAP Summer Enrichment Program
• Reading Under The Lights with Athletes from Old Dominion University
• A Day of Action at Booker T. Washington Elementary School
• Student Needs Fund

Why Contribute to the United Way Campaign?

• Direct Impact on Education: Contributions to the United Way campaign directly support initiatives that improve educational outcomes, such as tutoring programs, mental health services, and college readiness workshops. Your support helps bridge gaps and provides students with the tools they need to succeed.
  
  

• Community Investment: Investing in United Way is investing in the future of Suffolk. A well-educated and supported youth population leads to a stronger, more prosperous community for everyone.
  
  

• Transparency and Accountability: United Way is committed to transparency and ensures that every dollar is used effectively to address the most pressing needs of our community. You can trust that your contribution is making a real difference.

We hope you will consider contributing during our campaign season. Be on the lookout for more information from your schools on student or staff campaign happenings.

Suffolk Public Schools is excited to kick off another year of All District Reads, featuring the delightful book The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney. This district-wide initiative ensures that every elementary student receives their own copy of the book, creating a shared reading experience that connects classrooms and families throughout Suffolk. Thanks to the generous support of local partners like the Rotary, the Birdsongs, and TowneBank, we are thrilled to bring this program to life once again. ADR kicks off on Friday, November 1st. Stay tuned for more information!