Our teachers are world-class educators who inspire, engage, and empower all learners to achieve their highest potential! There is no competition...our teachers take the gold!

It's Teacher Appreciation Week, and in this episode, we are joined by our Chesapeake Teacher of the Year, Alyssa May! Alyssa is a second-grade teacher at Butts Road Primary and she shares her incredible story with us. It is one of dedication, heart, and the transformative power of education.  Alyssa discusses her personal approach to teaching, creating a classroom atmosphere where kids learn through experience, and why integrating social-emotional learning is key to student development. Join us, in celebrating all of our teachers, who are "Gold Medal Educators!"

Don't forget to give a note to a teacher showing your support and how they have helped shape your child's future, or remind them of a gold medal moment.

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Discover the profound impact of Chesapeake Public Schools' collaboration with military-connected students, as Laura Lerf, Family and Community Engagement Specialist, and Captain Matt Frauenzimmer the Commanding Officer from NSA Hampton Roads join us. Together, they share their experiences and the specialized resources designed to ease the challenges faced by nearly a quarter of our student body with military ties. Our conversation unveils how programs like the Anchored for Life clubs and the prestigious Purple Star School designation are not just accolades but lifelines for students navigating the complexities of military family life.

This episode is a celebration of the resilience and diversity these students bring, with personal insights into the life-changing support provided by military school liaisons and Military Family Life Counselors. Tune in to hear about this successful partnership that makes our district a model for others to follow. 

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Safety within our schools takes center stage as we sit down with Penny Schultz, Assistant Director of Safety and Security, and Matt Hamel, Commonwealth's Attorney, to get a behind-the-scenes look at the strategies and dedication driving the local School Safety Task Force. Discover how collaborative efforts across city departments are keeping our schools safe. As Schultz and Hamel detail the strides taken in protecting our students, you'll gain invaluable insight into the proactive measures to keep our schools secure.

Your voice matters, and we extend an open invitation to contribute your perspective at the upcoming School Safety Forums! Together, we're not just building safer schools; we're creating a safe space for education and growth. Join us in this pivotal conversation, because when it comes to our children's future, every voice can make a world of difference. 👉 Visit https://www.cpschools.com/page/safety-and-security for more information.

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🎙🎧 In this episode, Christine Sperelakis-Babb, Coordinator of College Readiness from Chesapeake Public Schools, and Holly Desteli of Tidewater Community College guide us through a better understanding of the dual enrollment program in Chesapeake Public Schools. They share how dual enrollment not only accelerates academic achievement but also paints a clearer path for students stepping into higher education. Make sure to listen today as they take us through the benefits of dual enrollment, from earning college credits to gaining a head start on career-focused certificates. 🎓 #InspireCPS 

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Imagine a future where every student has the tools and opportunities to carve out a successful career path – it's happening right now in the world of Career and Technical Education (CTE). February's CTE Month shines a light on the experiences offered to our students. Dr. Lori Martin, Supervisor of CTE,  joins us to discuss the "Take a Peake Job Shadowing Day" which plays a pivotal role in student success stories like that of Caiden Bingham, a Western Branch High School grad who's now thriving at Manufacturing & Design Technology, thanks to the job shadowing experience. Dacia Marxrieser from MDT, Inc., shares a behind-the-scenes look at the symbiotic relationship between local schools and the industry, and how it's helping to fill the skills gap in manufacturing. Listen to this great partnership between education and business and the impact it has on our community’s future. 

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This week's heartfelt tribute to our educational leaders during Virginia School Principals Week takes you behind the scenes with two of Chesapeake Public Schools' finest, Mr. Paul Joseph and Dr. Michelle Ferebee. Uncover Paul's unexpected journey from an alternative school to his dream role at Oscar Smith High School, and trace Michelle's steps from a student in the corridors of Indian River High School to her influential position at Deep Creek Elementary School. As we honor their stories, you'll find inspiration in the unyielding commitment and passion they infuse into their roles, enriching the lives of students and setting a standard for educational leadership.

#VASchoolPrincipalsWeek
#ThanksCPSPrincipals

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Ever wondered what student leadership really entails and how it impacts the community? 

Experience firsthand the intricate workings of student councils, and the positive impact of these young leaders through our insightful conversation with Hudson King and Spencer Cocuzzo, SCA presidents from Grassfield High School and Hickory High School. We delve into their roles and their knack for keeping students engaged with exciting school events, including the Teen Summit.

We then shift gears to the world of middle school sports, introducing three new opportunities, girls' soccer, boys' soccer, and baseball. Whitney Roberson and Abigail Swisher from the Joliff Middle School Jaguars Girls Soccer championship team, share their experiences, including the importance of team spirit, and being a part of the inaugural middle school soccer season.

You also get an opportunity to listen to the talented Deep Creek High School Orchestra Quartet provide some holiday music.

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The Stories Behind Our Story:  Episode 4

Join us as we uncover the remarkable endeavors of Chesapeake Public Schools in revolutionizing the educational landscape. Tune into this fascinating discussion with Dr. Kelli Jordan, Supervisor of the Chesapeake Virtual Academy (CVA), and Cadence Weaver, a CVA student, to discover the unique features and successful program. Hear firsthand how even kindergartners have adapted to the virtual learning process and how the CVA caters to students with individual needs.

Next, we focus on the high school academies at Chesapeake Public Schools.  With Dr. Shonda Windham and Meredith Strahan, we navigate through the academies, specifically the Governor's STEM Academy, IB Academy, and the Science and Medicine Academy. Imagine your academic journey taking a leap into fields like engineering, robotics, or aerospace engineering!

For more details on these exciting programs, head over to cpschools.com. Gear up and lend your ears to this episode of Amplified: The Chesapeake Public Schools Podcast!

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Dr. Brooke Rudis and Meredith Sargol from Chesapeake Public Schools, step into the spotlight to shed light on the pervasive issue of bullying in our schools. With personal stories and professional experiences, they guide us through the murky definitions and impacts of bullying, pulling from their unique perspectives to provide us with an in-depth understanding of the power imbalances that lie at the heart of this issue.

Dr. Rudis and Mrs. Sargol also share how Chesapeake Public Schools takes a stand against bullying and inform us of the various policies and strategies to combat bullying and ways to offer support. 

Our conversation doesn't end there. With a special feature by Undersheriff Dave Rosado, we learn about his innovative approach to prevent bullying - "Be a Hero, Not a Zero!" We'll explore his magical blend of tricks and conversation, all designed to encourage kindness and positivity among students. Dave also emphasizes the vital importance of resources and the need for students to report any incidents to a trusted adult within the school. Join us on this journey towards creating a safer and more empathetic environment for our students.

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School is back in session and have you ever wondered what it's like to juggle a multitude of responsibilities as a high school senior? Buckle up as we introduce Kiera Whiteman, a senior at Deep Creek High School and SCA president. Kiera gives us a glimpse into her world, filled with diverse activities, from Scholastic Bowl to raising chickens. As you listen, you'll find yourself engrossed in Kiera's experiences and her exciting new role as co-chair of the Hospitality and HQ Committee for VSCA. She also shares her top three nuggets of wisdom for incoming high school students. Her insights encourage perseverance and inspire students to venture out of their comfort zones. 

Also, September is Attendance Awareness Month and Yvette Lagares from the Office of Student Enrollment and Attendance takes us through her journey where she found her passion for the attendance program. In her conversation with us, Yvette unwraps the significant role of attendance in fostering student success and setting a positive example for future adults. #AttendanceMattersVA

Make sure to listen today!

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