In the Spotlight

October 2026

• Senior of the Month – Kalia Cotman: Kalia maintains a 3.36 GPA while challenging herself through Advanced Placement, Honors, and Dual Enrollment courses. She serves as Student Council Vice President and Photography Club President and is involved in numerous school organizations, including the National Honor Society, cheerleading, and yearbook. She is also a second-place winner in the 2026 L. Rita Davis Oratorical Contest and a recipient of the Jefferson Book Award. Following graduation, she plans to study Theology with a minor in Psychology. 
• Chickahominy Pow-wow – Chief Atkins last year as chief – It was truly a special opportunity to witness and celebrate the traditions, rituals, and rich cultural heritage of the Chickahominy Tribe. Several of our students participated in the powwow, making the experience even more meaningful. We are grateful for opportunities like this that allow us to celebrate our students, honor our community, and deepen our appreciation for the history and culture of the Chickahominy people.
• Cool Speak through the GEAR Up Grant with Longwood University – the grant primarily focuses on supporting our eighth-grade students as they prepare for future academic success, we were pleased to open this particular event to all of our high school students.
• National Night Out – Events like these remind us how important it is to build relationships beyond the school day and strengthen the connections between our schools, families, and the Charles City community.
• Infinite Scholars – Ms. Kiara Jones received $180,000 in scholarships and was accepted to the University of Lynchburg and North Carolina Wesleyan. Kalia Cotman earned $176,000 in scholarships, with acceptances to four universities. Naomi Haskins received $108,000 in scholarship offers from the University of Lynchburg. Juanita Garcia Carrera earned $88,000 in scholarships and was accepted to four colleges. Madison McGuire received between $188,000 and $196,000 in scholarship offers, including a full scholarship to Cheyney University.
• Superintendent Student Advisory Council – We appreciate their willingness to share their voices and help us continue to make Charles City County Public Schools the best it can be.
• Marching Band and Cheerleaders – We want to recognize our outstanding marching band, which has already earned awards this year! I also want to celebrate our wonderful cheerleaders, who do an excellent job supporting our football team and bringing energy and school spirit to our games.
• Football Senior Night – We are proud of these young ladies and young men for their commitment to band, cheerleading, and Panther football.
• Volleyball is showing up! Lady Panthers JV volleyball team, who recently celebrated a home-court victory!
• Virginia Tribal Education Consortium – Representatives from various Native tribes come together to discuss tribal sovereignty, the work involved in preserving and strengthening that sovereignty, and ways to partner with schools to support Indigenous students and communities.
• Drama Club presents Dinner by 8, Dead by 9 – Thank you to all of our student performers, and a special thank-you to Ms. Marr and Ms. Babb for leading this amazing club and creating opportunities for our students to shine.
• Numbers in nature STEAM Night – These hands-on experiences are wonderful ways to help students see how math and STEAM connect to the world around them. This STEAM Night was made possible by our CCEF Grant for Nature Conservation. 
• FAST Program – Families and Schools Together – The program brings families together for a series of sessions focused on building relationships, strengthening communication, and creating positive experiences for children and their families.
• Homecoming Parade, Pep Rally, and King and Queen – Congratulations to all of our court members on this special recognition. One of the highlights of the evening was the crowning of our Homecoming King, Mr. Josh Harrell, and our Homecoming Queen, Ms. Sha' Ryan Paige.
• College Pathways Night – This event provided our students with an opportunity to connect with guest presenters and explore different options as they prepare for life after high school.

September 2026

New Student School Board Representative – C/ MAJ Kaleb Shiflet!

Senior of the Month – Derequa “DeeDee” Johnson

First Day Smiles – Students fill the halls as our new school year begins!

NPR Story – Our prechool program was featured on the NPR story for first day of school!

Softball Team – Highlighted at St John Baptist Church

High School Science – Students are inthe halls learning about independent and dependent variables through hands-on learning.

Kindergarten Learning – Kindergarteners are learning through hands-on activities and embracing the love of reading!

Football Uniforms – Our football players were excited to show off their new uniforms.

Game Day Fun – Great games against Lancaster and Northumberland. 

Band and Dance Team – CCHS Band and cheerleaders joined our teams under the lights this month!

Back to School Night – Parents joined in the classrooms to learn more about “a day in the life” of their studnets during the school day. 

Friday Night Lights – JV Football and Cheerleaders hit the field.

Virtual Virginia – Our students are excited to begin their Virutal Virginia courses this semester!

Spanish II – Our spanish students are working hard and love showing off their new skills. 

August 2026

Leadership Advance – School leaders worked together to make this school year great. 

Back to School Fair – Students were able to receive school supplies and get excited for the first day of school. 

New Teacher Orientation – New staff members were training and learning to prepare for our students.

First Day Back for All CCPS Staff – All staff were in their classrooms and receiving professional development to prepare intentional instruction. 

Band Camp – Students worked hard preparing and ready to hit the field!

The Dream Big, Reach Higher Summit – Staff were a part of an amazing event that was crafted to intentionally learn and encourage new ideas.

June 2026

2026 CCPS Retirement & Service Awards Ceremony

2026 Band Banquet and Athletic Banquet

CCES Got Talent Show

CCES Career Day

2026 Maggie Walker Commencement

2026 ARGS Commencement

2026 CCHS Graduation

6^th Grade Moving Up Ceremony