CCPS Express
Monthly Newsletter
Superintendent's Message
CCPS Recipe for Greatness
Research documents that a joint school community effort is necessary to create sustainable change that leads to high yields! When students, educators, parents, and business/civic organizations join together under common goals, a transformative spirit is created resulting in heightened transparency, increased positive communication, and growing partnerships.
Championing this culture requires stakeholder groups feeling a sense of belonging supported by a shared purpose, seat at the table, and collective voice. This is our 24-25 Recipe for Greatness! Join us in this work... join the PTA or a CCPS parent advisory group (click here for the application
- closes on 9/6), attend a school board meeting, volunteer at your scholar's school, participate in events, nurture at-home learning, and most importantly - help your child's school and CCPS achieve our goals!
2024-2025 Goals
1.) BGES -
For every student to be a master scientist (Measure - achieve a 70% pass rate on Science SOL).
To fully implement the new Benchmark Advance English/Language Arts (ELA) instructional materials with validity across grades K- 5 (Measures - ELA SOL, Classroom Observations, Surveys).
To spotlight great Husky teaching in learning through various media, hallway displays, and parent engagement activities (Measures - event attendance, school walk throughs).
2.) LCES -
To increase pass advanced SOL benchmarks in the areas of Reading and Math.
To fully implement the new Benchmark Advance-ELA instructional materials with validity across grades K- 5 (Measures - ELA SOL, Classroom Observations, Surveys).
3.) MES -
For all Mustangs to be reading on grade level by 3rd grade (Measures - SOLs, VALLS)
To fully implement the new Benchmark Advance-ELA instructional materials with validity across grades K- 5 (Measures - ELA SOL, Classroom Observations, Surveys).
To increase attendance through reduction of chronic absenteeism (Measures - attendance meetings, attendance plans, attendance meetings)
4.) CMS -
To embed literacy across all content areas (Measures - ELA SOL Assessment, Lesson Plan Review & Feedback, Classroom Observations).
To utilize engaging teaching and learning startegies to achieve accreditation in ELA, Math and Science (Measures - Classroom Observations & SOL Assessments).
To close achievement gaps through use of strategic efforts (Measures - data analysis, programmatic evaluations, differentiation of resources).
5.) CHS -
- To increase attendance through reduction of chronic absenteeism (Measures - attendance meetings, attendance plans, attendance meetings)
- To close achievement gaps through use of strategic efforts (Measures - data analysis, programmatic evaluations, differentiation of resources, SOL assessments).
6.) Transportation - Continue to recruit and hire to achieve fully staffed status
7.) Technology - Develop a CCPS Artificial Intelligence Policy
8.) Food Service - Further increase participation through menu/recipe development
9.) Communications - Adopt a new CCPS communication platform
10.) Student Support Services - Further develop an ASCA aligned, K12 comprehensive counseling program
11) Human Resources - Create a comprehensive recruitment plan to further enahnce retention and recruitment
12.) Exceptional Education - Provide expanded professional learning focused on Specially Designed Instruction
These goals reflect a small snippet of the targeted work our students and staff will be working diligently to achieve during the 2024-2025 school year. Thank you for your support, encouragement and engagement in these efforts. Stay tuned for updates throughout the school year.
Sarah Calveric, Ph. D.
Attendance Awareness
September is Attendance Awareness Month! Missing school, whether it is excused or unexcused, can significantly impact a child's academic performance. It is important to be mindful of the days your student is missing. To assist families, we have created an Attendance Tracker that you can download for your home (this tracker is also being sent home with each elementary school student).
Parent Mental Health - Newsletter and Coaching
We hope you have settled into a new school year. It is our goal to partner with ParentGuidance.org to ensure all parents have access to the support they need to connect and support their children. One of the best tools CCPS offers through this partnership is 1:1 parent coaching. See the flier below for more information and to register or click HERE.
Additionally, the Cook Center for Human Connection's September newsletter (English/Spanish), focuses on an important issue impacting every household: peer pressure. In this newsletter, you’ll find practical advice and strategies to help your child confidently navigate peer pressure and make healthy, positive choices. Also take a moment to visit ParentGuidance.org, a site designed to support you in addressing many mental wellness topics your child may encounter. Whether you’re looking for advice from an trained expert, helpful tools, or a supportive community, we’ve got you covered.
If you have any questions, contact Coordinator of Student Support Services, Rachel Wheeler at rwheeler@ccps.us.
Caroline County Public Schools is thrilled to announce the Kindergarten through 5th grade implementation of Benchmark Advance, a high-quality, content-based literacy program rooted in the science of reading. This new English/Language Arts core curriculum is designed to build every student's foundational skills in phonics, reading strategies, writing, oral language, and knowledge and vocabulary while aligning with the VA Standards of Learning.
We applaud our dedicated teachers for their commitment to training and implementation of Benchmark Advance. Their hard work in establishing routines and expectations during the first quarter ensures that students are well-prepared for success in the program. We're excited about the positive impact this will have on our students' learning journeys!
SEEKING MEMBERS: CCPS Advisory Committees and Interest Survey
Are you looking for a way to share your voice and be more engaged? Caroline County Public Schools conducts a variety of committees to assist the division with engaging all stakeholders in meaningful educational discussions supportive of our strategic plan, Achieve 2027. The work of these committees impacts our students’ learning experiences, CCPS fiscal decision-making, and the school division's collective growth.
Five advisory committees are currently seeking new stakeholder members for the
24-25 school year: Capital Improvement Planning Committee (CIP), Superintendent's Budget Advisory Committee, Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), Instructional Calendar Committee (24-25), & Superintendent's Parent Advisory Committee
If interested in learning more about each committee's primary goals and associated time commitment, please sign up by application. Application responses are due by Wednesday, September 6, 2024. Each committee's facilitator will review applications and notify participants of the committee's meeting dates by Friday, September 13, 2024. Thank you for your continued support of CCPS!
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.
Transition Day Success - Survey Results
Transition Day, aligned with Achieve 2027 Goals 2 & 3 (Relationships and Health and Safety), focused on fostering positive relationships, learning procedures, practicing safety protocols, and engaging students in activities to integrate them into their new school community. Based on Transition Day Survey responses from 205 students, 166 parents, and 236 employees, the August 12 event was a success!
- Attendees felt the day met its goals, with families appreciating the focus on teaching expectations and safety.
- Students reported reduced anxiety and enjoyed the opportunity to transition, eat, and socialize in a low-stress environment.
- Feedback highlighted the value of the event, with one parent noting it helped their child acclimate smoothly, and teachers and staff valued the chance to connect with students.
Recommendations for improvement include including new CCPS students, adding hallway signage for better student navigation, and ensuring supporting students with reading their schedules. Overall, Transition Day achieved its mission, and CCPS aims to further enhance the event next year.
Caroline Career Connections
CCPS CTE is excited to celebrate the multiple CHS students who were hired as Summer Interns and Apprentices at several local businesses. Many of these students will continue their journey during the 24-25 school year.
Caroline High School is continuing to expand the Work-Based Learning program and is looking for businesses who are willing to offer student internships, externships (40 hours of job shadowing), facility tours for the CHS career cohort participants, or even serve as a guest speaker. If interested, please reach out to Kristina Sanders (ksanders@ccps.us or (804) 633-9886 ext. 5129). The opportunities are endless on how you and your business can support our students this year while possibly training a future employee!
Help us continue to grow 3E Ready (enrolled, enlisted, and employed) opportunities for our Cavaliers by becoming a member of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Advisory Committee. To express interest, please take a moment to complete THIS FORM. We will have the first meeting on Thursday, September 19th at 5:00 p.m. in the Caroline High School Library. You will get to meet the CTE teachers, tour their labs, and learn more about our programs.
Finally, Caroline High School will be hosting a Career Day at the High School later this Fall. Stay tuned for more information about this great event! If you are a business that would like to promote your career field and employment opportunities, please reach out to Kristina Sanders at ksanders@ccps.us.
Cavalier Academies Kick Off
On August 18th at 2:00 PM, each 10th grade Cavalier received an email instructing them of a surprise event. By 2:20, students gathered in designated locations, many curious and filled with questions. The reveal... what Academy had each child been assigned to per their ranked preferences: Public and Human Services; Business, Communication & Entrepreneurship; or Skilled and Technical Science.
During the event, students learned about the courses they would take in their respective academies and the various career, military, and college pathways available to them. Administrators shared key personality traits associated with success in these fields, offering valuable insight into the world ahead.
Each student left with a certificate announcing their academy placement, and the excitement was palpable. It was an inspiring day, leaving students feeling motivated and prepared for the future!
School Board Highlights
Take a look at the August 2024 School Board Meeting highlights:
- Achieve 2027 Spotlight: "On the Road with STEM" Summer STEM Popups
- Recognitions: Secondary Summer Accomplishments (Spring Athletic Honors, CMS FFA Accomplishments, Odyssey of the Mind, VDOE Summer Residential Governor's Schools & Fredericksburg Regional Governor's School)
- Information from the School Division: Transition Day, Energy Performance Contract Phase 1 Update, CCPS Staffing Update, Crisis Plans, Policy Committee, and Monthly Update on Revenues and Expenditures
- Action: FY24 Budget Amendment #1 and #4, Cell Phone Policy, and School Board Meeting Date Change from October 14th to October 7th.
The next School Board Meeting is scheduled for September 9, 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: Aug. 12, Sept. 9, Oct. 7, Nov. 11, Dec. 9
Partners in Education Spotlight- TYL INC.
TYL Inc., a Caroline commercial and residential contractor served as a Platinum Level Sponsor for our CCPS New Teacher Orientation this year. TYL, Inc. purchased lunch for all new teachers and thanked each new "team member" for choosing Caroline!
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. 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.
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 September 11th at 5 PM. The registration link is: https://forms.gle/txfNG8Cnwr9rDUft8. Email our HR Director, Paige Tucker, at ptucker@ccps.us for more information.
To see all of our opportunities and/or apply with us online, click here.
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.
Important Dates
Suicide Prevention Month
Attendance Awareness Month
September 15-October 15: Hispanic Heritage Month
September 2: Labor Day (SCHOOLS CLOSED)
September 8: Grandparents Day
September 11: Patriot Day
September 17: Constitution Day
September 20: CHS Football Spirit Night for Elementary Schools
September 17: National IT Professional Day
September 23: National Family Day
September 27: CHS Football Spirit Night for CMS Fall Athletics and Clubs
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
