CCPS Express

Monthly Newsletter

Superintendent's Message

During the month of September, CCPS increased education and awareness around suicide prevention. In this inaugural 24-25 CAVTALK Podcast, Mrs. Rachel Wheeler (Coor. of Student Support Services) and I talk with CHS podcast facilitators (Aiden and Daniel) about critical issues affecting students' well-being. We discuss varied signs of emotional distress, what CCPS and community supports are available to students and families, and the positive correlation between wellness and attendance. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, caretaker, community member, employee, or student, it is essential to listen and reflect on this potentially lifesaving podcast. Let's work together to foster a supportive environment for all!

Sarah Calveric, Ph. D.

Parent Guidance Corner

Parent Mental Health - Newsletter and Coaching

October is National Bullying Prevention month. Bullying and cyberbullying are serious issues affecting kids across the U.S. If you're feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to support your child, consider Parent Coaching. Click here to register: https://cookcenter.info/coaching

At the Cook Center for Human Connection, we understand the challenges of parenting in today’s world. In the October Newsletter (English/Spanish), we’re focusing on an urgent issue every parent faces: parenting in the age of fentanyl and substance abuse. In this newsletter, you’ll find practical advice and strategies to help your child stay safe and make informed choices in the face of these growing dangers.

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

CCPS Welcomes New Teachers From the Philippines

CCPS is excited to welcome eight new teachers from the Philippines who will be starting at CMS and CHS in October. These teachers are part of a partnership with Greenheart Teach USA which helps bring foreign teachers to the US on a J-1 Visa for three years. The objective is for exchange teachers to sharpen their professional skills and participate in cross-cultural activities in schools and communities. Our staff has been working hard to design an extensive two week onboarding program for our new teachers which will include introductions to students, shadowing teachers, and co-teaching in classrooms.

National Bully Prevention Month

October is recognized as National Bully Prevention Month. This month is designed to highlight conversation about addressing and preventing bullying within our schools. Throughout the month, we will furrher emphasize kindness, acceptance and inclusion through participation in weekly bully prevention activities. Specifically, on Wednesday, October 16, CCPS will recognize Unity Day with all students encouraged to wear orange to promote unity and prevent bully-like behaviors. Please watch your school communications for more information regarding additional Bully Prevention events.

Special Education Parent Involvement Survey for the 2024-2025 School Year

All parents of school-aged children and youth with disabilities who receive special education services in Virginia are requested to complete the VDOE annual Parent Involvement Survey.

This survey will remain open through December 13, 2024. Please complete one survey for each of your children who is currently receiving special education services during the 2024-2025 school year.

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 :Celebrating CTE and Community Partners

Caroline High School kicked off its Career and Technical Education (CTE) Advisory Committee for the 2024-2025 school year on Thursday, September 19th. The event highlighted the school’s growing commitment to connecting students with industry leaders and equipping them with practical skills to prepare for their careers.

As part of the celebration, Caroline High School is pleased to continue its apprenticeship program with Sheehy Ford of Ashland, offering students invaluable hands-on experience in the automotive industry. Juniors and seniors enrolled in the automotive technology program will have the chance to gain paid, on-the-job training at Sheehy Ford while also earning school credit. The apprenticeship, which was successfully introduced last year, has provided students with real-world exposure to vehicle diagnostics, repairs, and customer service, under the mentorship of expert technicians at Sheehy Ford.

Caroline High School is eager to continue fostering relationships with local businesses and industry leaders. The school invites more community partners to join the CTE Advisory Committee and help shape the future of education and workforce development in the region.

Important Dates:

Career Expo @ Caroline High School - November 1st
Career Exploration Day @ Caroline Middle School - November 4th
For additional information or to sign up please contact Kristina Sanders.

Contact Information

For more details on the CTE Advisory Committee or Work-Based Learning programs, please contact:

Kristina Sanders, Work-Based Learning Coordinator

ksanders@ccps.us

(804) 633-9886 ext. 5129

Melissa Frye, Assistant Principal of CTE & Work-Based Learning

mfrye@ccps.us

(804) 633-9886 ext. 5124

Check out this fantastic CTE Programs promotional video created by CHS senior Andrew Smith!

School Board Highlights

Take a look at the September 2024 School Board Meeting highlights:

Workshop: RRMM Facility Study Information Session
Achieve 2027 Spotlight: Goal 4:Talent Management: Vector Solutions
Recognitions: Superintendent Art Honor, AP Scholars, FFA Student Summer Successes, and Hanover Regional Governor's School for Career and Technical Advancement
Information from the School Division: Facility Study by RRMM, School Wide Plan Goals, School Status: ATTEND, School Activity Fund Results, and Monthly Update on Revenues and Expenditures
Action: Policy BCF: Advisory Committees to the School Board (Board Member Selection)

The next School Board Meeting is scheduled for October 7, 2024.

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.

2024 Mtg. Dates: Oct. 7, Nov. 11, Dec. 9

Partners in Education Spotlight- Sheehy Ford

Sheehy Ford Automotive is hosting several of our students in Work Based Learning programs. Michael Leitch and Keegan Nevitt are currently in apprenticeship programs and Brady Anderson completed an externship last week. Partnering to provide work based learning is an invaluable service a business or organization can provide to our students!

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

Caroline County is always looking for dynamic substitutes to work in our schools this year. Substitute teachers earn $110 a day! Hold a bachelor's degree? You may even qualify for a long term substitute position. Our long term substitutes make between $180 and $210 a day. For questions about substituting, email Alexcis Callahan at Acallahan@ccps.us. Substitute Teacher orientation is held every other Thursday. For questions about substituting, email Alexcis Callahan at Acallahan@ccps.us.

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 October 9th at 5 PM. The registration link is: https://forms.gle/txfNG8Cnwr9rDUft8.

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

Caroline's Promise Young Entrepreneur Expo 2024

Calling all young entrepreneurs! Register now for the Caroline's Promise Young Entrepreneur Expo 2024 and showcase your business or products. Perfect platform for launching your brand! Open to ages 5-18. Registration is now open and space is limited, so don't miss out on this chance to showcase your business or products and services. Click here to register: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MjEyNzI0

For Additional Information email carolinespromise@gmail.com

Local Food Pantries

If you or someone you know is looking for local food pantries, you can use this Pantry Locater Map.

There is also an app: https://fredfood.org/Pantry-Locator-App

County Line Baptist Church Food Pantry is open on Wednesdays from 8:30am-1pm. Delivery possible if NO transportation.

Free Notary Service

Caroline County Libraries have a Notary at each of their locations in Bowling Green, Dawn, Ladysmith, and Port Royal. This is a free service and the Library simply asks that you call to ensure the Notary is available. Click HERE for branch information.