Like many school divisions throughout the country, Chesterfield County Public Schools’ staffing has been challenged to keep pace with the increasing diversity of its student body. With more than half of the student population identifying as other than white, Chesterfield County Public Schools is considered a “majority-minority” school division. The diversity of division staff, however, does not reflect this, mirroring instead a nationwide shortage of teachers of color.
Chesterfield County Public Schools is committed to finding innovative solutions to this imbalance at the local level. The Office of Equity and the Office of Family and Community Engagement have been researching and collaborating with the school division’s Human Resources team, the Equity Advisory Committee and other stakeholders to develop a creative solution, Mirror Me.
Visit bit.ly/CCPSWednesdaySpotlight-March17 to learn more!
Children are spending more and more time on social media, watching videos or playing games online these days. These resources from our community partner, Common Sense Education, are sure to help parents and caregivers learn more about the apps their children are using.
Inclusion and acceptance are essential. How do we live with and love others whose beliefs might be challenged when they find out their child is part of the LGBTQ+ community?
Where do beliefs fit in if they challenge a child’s authentic self? How do siblings respond? Classmates and teachers? What support is available for families of LQBTQ+ students or who are part of the LGBTQ+ community?
In this third installment of family-focused resources, a panel discussion will share resources for families and friends of those who may be new to or part of the LGBTQ+ community.
To register for the virtual event on March 22 at 6:30 p.m., click here. This virtual event is free for CCPS families and educators; however, tickets must be registered through Eventbrite.
Chesterfield County Public Schools’ Food and Nutrition Services team is updating the meals distribution schedule in order to best serve students and families. Free meals continue to be available to students learning in person and to those participating in the virtual learning environment.
The week of March 22-26, Matoaca High curbside meals service will reopen and Matoaca Middle will close.
Curbside meals service distribution will continue to be on Tuesdays and Thursdays only.
All other pickup locations and times will remain the same. A current list of available curbside pickup locations can be found at bit.ly/CCPSMealsUpdates.
Raise Your Voice Suicide Prevention
Did you know that you are more likely to encounter someone in an emotional or mental health crisis than someone having a heart attack?
Chesterfield Suicide Awareness and Prevention Coalition (CSAPC) will host a free session for community youth leaders to learn the facts about suicide, how to identify someone in crisis, and how to connect them with the help they need.
This 45-60 minute education program will be based on The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) Talk Saves Lives presentation and will provide participants with a clear understanding of symptoms of mental illness, including the most up-to-date research on suicide prevention, and what they can do in their roles as community youth leaders to help keep youth safe.
Visit register at bit.ly/ryvcaringadult to attend Raise Your Voice on Thursday, March 25 from 7- 8:30 p.m. This session is free, but registration is required.
Curate Hope Assembly
The school division’s Student Support Services team partnered with local organizations and Curate Hope to provide a mental wellness resource for our families. Curate Hope exists to give students hope, empowerment and solutions to help reduce suicide, bullying, and despair.
Last week, they hosted an online event and have made the recording and resources available here.
Mental Health First Aid Classes
Someone you know could be experiencing a mental illness or crisis. You can learn to help them. Chesterfield County’s Mental Health Prevention Services team will offer monthly Mental Health First Aid classes from now through June. Classes are for adults only.
To see other available classes for parents, visit the Chesterfield County Prevention Programs website.
Community-based resources for students and families in crisis
At times, students and families face challenges that feel unmanageable. Our Mental Health Support Specialists have developed a list of contacts families can call for help in different areas. Many of these contacts have after-hours numbers to offer help to students and families at night and on the weekends as well.
