Our recent exploration of new opportunities for our schoolsis one example of the important work happening across our community every day. Public education requires us to focus on the everyday essentials while also keeping an eye on the future and remaining open to new ideas and possibilities.
From supporting students and staff to planning for what comes next, we are committed to building a strong foundation while continuing to grow and adapt to the needs of our community.
Building the foundation: Learning and personal growth happen everywhere—from classrooms and playgrounds to community spaces and outdoor activities. Every experience is an opportunity to learn something new.
Looking ahead: As we prepare for new opportunities in the coming year, we’re celebrating the progress our schools and community have made and looking forward to what’s next.
Celebrating our community: Our students come from diverse backgrounds and bring unique…
April News & Highlights
Dear Schools community,
Our recent exploration of new opportunities for our schoolsis one example of the important work happening across our community every day. Public education requires us to focus on the everyday essentials while also keeping an eye on the future and remaining open to new ideas and possibilities.
From supporting students and staff to planning for what comes next, we are committed to building a strong foundation while continuing to grow and adapt to the needs of our community.
Building the foundation: Learning and personal growth happen everywhere—from classrooms and playgrounds to community spaces and outdoor activities. Every experience is an opportunity to learn something new.
Looking ahead: As we prepare for new opportunities in the coming year, we’re celebrating the progress our schools and community have made and looking forward to what’s next.
Celebrating our community: Our students come from diverse backgrounds and bring unique experiences, talents, and perspectives. Throughout the year, we celebrate that diversity and the strength it brings to our school community.
Each week brings new moments that make me proud of our students, staff, and the incredible community we share. Thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and partnership throughout the year!
Collective Bargaining Reaches Milestone of First Contract
We are proud to share that a historic collective bargaining agreement passed the School Board unanimously. The contract includes a 2.1% pay increase for teachers, guaranteed planning time, and structures to elevate staff voice. Learn more here.
Mark Your Calendars
Tuesday, June 4: Family Fun Night at the Community Center, 6–8pm
Saturday, June 8: Summer Kickoff Festival at Downtown Park, 11am–3pm
Monday, June 10: School Field Day, 9am–1pm
Thursday, June 13: Student Awards Ceremony, 6:30pm, Auditorium
Friday, June 14: Community Movie Night, 7:30pm, City Park
Wednesday, June 19: No School/Office Closed for Juneteenth
Friday, June 21: Last Day Before Summer Break — Early Dismissal (elementary releases at 12:15pm; grades 5–8 at 1pm; high school at 1:45pm)
The arts continue to be a source of creativity, confidence, and connection. This season, students had the opportunity to showcase their talents through performances while also taking on meaningful leadership roles. A special congratulations to the music students and their dedicated directors for another successful year. We’re proud to celebrate the hard work, collaboration, and passion that make our school’s arts programs so special! Read this terrific story .
Lots to Love at International Day
School came together for a special day focused on learning, sharing, and celebrating the diverse backgrounds of our students. Throughout the event, students had opportunities to experience different traditions, discover new activities, and learn more about the cultures represented in their school. It was a wonderful reminder that our differences bring new perspectives and help make our school community stronger.s. Find more pictures here.
Students Earn School Honors
We’re proud to recognize a group of CHS students who have been selected to participate in several competitive summer enrichment programs. These opportunities allow students to explore their interests, build new skills, and connect with peers from across the region. Congratulations to Alex Morgan, Jordan Lee, Taylor Brooks, Casey Bennett, Riley Carter, Morgan Davis, Avery Wilson, Jamie Parker, and Cameron Reed for earning this exciting opportunity! We’re also celebrating Sam Taylor, Drew Mitchell, and Quinn Harper, who were named alternates. Their accomplishments are a wonderful reflection of their hard work, curiosity, and commitment to learning.
Seniors Celebrated for Scholarship Success
Two graduating seniors have been recognized with prestigious scholarships that will help support their college journeys. Congratulations to Jordan Williams (left), who will continue their studies at Virginia Tech as a Presidential Scholar, and Maya Anderson (right), who received the top Community Leadership Scholarship!
We’re proud of their dedication, leadership, and accomplishments, and we wish them continued success in their next chapter.Learn more here.
Debate team earns Top Honors
Congratulations to our CHS debate students on an outstanding season! Alex Morgan and Taylor Bennett were recognized as National Speech and Debate Association Academic All-Americans, an impressive achievement that highlights both their academic success and dedication to speech and debate.
Students also represented CHS at the regional tournament, with Alex Morgan and Jordan Lee earning 3rd place in Public Forum Debate. Taylor Bennett and Casey Wilson placed in the top five in Lincoln-Douglas Debate, while Morgan Davis earned a strong finish in Student Congress.
We’re proud of the entire team and wish them continued success as they prepare for the state championship!
Hands-On Learning Across the Community
Students recently had the chance to take their learning beyond the traditional classroom and experience new activities firsthand. Elementary students explored water safety and practiced important swimming skills during a special day at a local aquatic center.
Other students connected their classroom lessons to the outdoors by visiting a community garden, where they learned about growing food, planted seeds, sampled fresh produce, and explored the garden’s animals and plants. These experiences gave students a fun and meaningful way to learn, explore, and build new skills.
A Day Full of STEM Discovery!
Families and students came together for an exciting day of hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math activities. With interactive demonstrations, creative challenges, and plenty of opportunities to experiment, everyone had a chance to learn something new.
A big thank-you to our dedicated staff, STEM educators, student volunteers, and community partners who helped make the event such a success. Their enthusiasm and support made the day a memorable experience for everyone who attended! Browse the STEMFest photo gallery
Get Ready for Fall
Registration, New School Zones, New School Names, and More
Registration for Next Fall
With summer break just around the corner, families can start planning for a season filled with learning, creativity, and fun. Here are a few upcoming opportunities:
Summer Learning: Students can participate in optional academic programs designed to keep skills fresh during the summer months.
Library Programs: Local libraries will offer reading challenges, story times, and hands-on activities for students of all ages.
Sports Camps: Registration is open for several summer sports programs, including basketball, soccer, and volleyball.
Arts Workshops: Students can explore music, painting, theater, and other creative activities throughout June and July.
Family Activity Day: Join us on Saturday, June 22, from 10am–1pm for games, crafts, food, and outdoor activities.
Summer Meal Program: Free meals will be available at participating community locations beginning Monday, June 24.
Back-to-School Reminder: Families are encouraged to check school communications in early August for supply lists, schedules, transportation updates, and important dates.
We hope everyone has a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable summer!
Super Staff!
Golden Apple Winners
Congratulations to our 2025 Golden Apple honorees, recognized for excellence in teaching. The award is supported by Better Living Building Supply and Cabinetry, and winners will be recognized at an event on April 18.
English teacher Amy is the newestFund for Teachers Fellow, earning $1 to research best practices for working with refugee youth.
News You Can Use
School Zone Enforcement Cameras Installed
To address unsafe street conditions during student arrival and dismissal, the School has installed school zone speed cameras at ABC, XYZ, and EFG. Beginning May 19, cameras will monitor for speeding violations during arrival and dismissal (see times, below). Initially, warnings will be given to motorists instead of citations. At ABC school, enforcement times are 7:30-8:30am and 2-3pm. At XYZ, enforcement times are 8-9am and 2:45-3:45pm. Of course, we want our school zones to be safe at all times – so please observe posted speed limits and look for pedestrians and cyclists. Learn more about how the speed cameras work here.
School Board Updates, Including School Resource Officers
At the March 27 meeting, the Board's action items included approving the first agreement for collective bargaining (as mentioned above) and voting to restore School Resource Officers to the safety model. (To learn more about this decision and next steps, see anupdate shared with the community on March 28.) Other updates: at their May 1 meeting, the Board will take action on the proposed elementary school rezoning plan and will vote on a $1 retention bonus for staff.
School celebrated its annual Spring Fling with a photo booth, balloon-animal artist, face painting, dancing, cotton candy, popcorn, and more. This a great example of how school PTOs and volunteers help make our schools better!
Game Ready Day at Buford
Thanks to the Education Foundation for supporting a "Game Ready Day" of fun learning activities at Buford! The game stations reinforced key skills -- and reminded students of their progress -- before students take the Standards of Learning Tests. Watch the story here.
Readers and Leaders
From School Board members to "local elected," our schools receive special guests as readers or leaders.
Parents/guardians of current students automatically receive this monthly newsletter from the division. Other community members are welcome to subscribe here!
