CCPS Student Newsletter #5
December 2025 Resources
AES Participates in Crunch Round the Commonwealth
Altavista Elementary School Tigers joined students all across Virginia on October 9th by taking a loud bite of a fresh, Virginia-grown apple during the annual Crunch Heard ’Round the Commonwealth — celebrating Virginia Farm to School Week!
TES Celebrates Unity Day
TES students stood together against bullying and for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion by wearing orange on October 22nd. Thanks for promoting positivity and unity!
BHS Senior Recognized for Publishing a Book
Jada Fisher, a BHS Senior, was recognized for publishing a book that originated as a project in her Teachers for Tomorrow class, titled The Ballerini Who Wore Blue: Learning to Shine in Your Own True Colors at the November School Board Meeting. Congratulations on your accomplishment!
Winter Attendance Matters
Cold weather can make mornings tougher, but strong attendance helps students stay connected, confident, and on track for success.
Why Showing Up Counts
Lessons build day by day.
Students feel more confident when they’re part of daily learning.
Consistent routines support academic growth and emotional well-being.
Winter Challenges, Simple Solutions
Prep the night before: Pack backpacks and choose outfits early.
Stick to steady routines: Regular bedtimes make mornings smoother.
Build buffer time: Extra minutes help on frosty mornings.
When to Stay Home
Keep students home if they have a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or any other symptoms that make it difficult for them to participate. Otherwise, joining classmates in person keeps learning on track.
Family Partnership
Thank you for helping your student show up, grow, and develop strong habits throughout the winter months. Every day makes a difference.
Healthy Habits for Cold and Flu Season
Help your student stay well as temperatures drop and germs rise. A few simple routines make a big difference.
Quick Daily Habits
Wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds.
Cough and sneeze into elbows.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Boost Wellness
Get plenty of sleep.
Drink water throughout the day.
Choose fruits, veggies, and a whole-grain snack.
Know When to Stay Home
Students should rest at home if they have a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or other symptoms that make it difficult for them to participate in class.
At-Home Support
Encourage regular handwashing.
Pack water bottles and healthy snacks.
Keep a consistent bedtime routine.
Working Together
CCPS is committed to healthy learning environments. Thank you for helping us keep our schools strong during cold and flu season.
🍎 Food Resources in Our Community
Campbell County offers a wide range of community resources designed to support families with essential needs. We want to ensure that all families are aware of the available food assistance programs and additional support services throughout the county.
The Campbell County Social Services Community Resource Directory includes extensive information on food assistance opportunities, including:
Local food pantries and distribution centers
Community meal programs
Emergency food assistance
Organizations offering holiday food support
Programs for children, families, and older adults
You can view the full directory here:
Campbell County DSS Community Resource Directory (PDF)
https://www.campbellcountyva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1920/Campbell-County-Department-of-Social-Services-Resource-Directory?bidId=
Simple Ways to Practice Gratitude
Visit this link from the American Heart Association to view simple ways to practice gratitude as well as a healthy soup recipe you can cook with your family.
Managing Screen Time During Winter Break
Winter break is a great time for kids to rest and recharge, but cold weather often means more time indoors and more time on screens. While digital entertainment can be helpful, balancing screen use with hands-on activities supports healthier habits.
Excessive screen time has been linked to sleep issues, behavioral concerns, and increased risk of obesity. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than one hour per day of high-quality content for children ages 2–5, and consistent, age-appropriate limits for older children.
Here are seven simple ways to keep kids active and engaged without relying on devices:
1. Set daily screen limits
Agree on reasonable limits and keep devices out of sight when it’s not screen time.
2. Create a winter bucket list
Work with your child to list their favorite cold-weather activities, such as baking, sledding, or hot cocoa nights.
3. Schedule quick indoor movement breaks
Try dance breaks, hide-and-seek, or a simple obstacle course to burn energy.
4. Make game night a routine
Pick a weekly night to unplug and play board games or puzzles as a family.
5. Try seasonal crafts
Paper snowflakes, salt-dough ornaments, or cotton-ball snowmen keep hands busy and creativity flowing.
6. Build a cozy reading or audiobook nook
Encourage kids to read or listen to stories as a relaxing, screen-free alternative.
7. Explore new hobbies together
Use your winter break to discover interests such as art, cooking, music, or nature exploration.
Source: “Managing Screen Time During Winter Break: Balancing Digital Entertainment with Other Activities.” Mental Health Advocates of WNY, 2024.
Cyberbullying: Stay Safe, Stay Kind, Stay Connected
When life moves online, so do our relationships—most of the time, that brings fun, friendship, and learning. However, the digital world can sometimes feel stormy. Cyberbullying is one of those storms, and knowing how to spot it and stop it helps everyone stay safe.
What Cyberbullying Looks Like
Cyberbullying isn’t always loud or obvious. It can show up as:
Hurtful messages, posts, or comments
Sharing embarrassing photos or videos
Excluding someone from group chats or online games
Spreading rumors or false information
Creating fake accounts to tease, trick, or threaten
If it’s meant to harm, embarrass, or isolate someone, it counts.
How Students Can Protect Themselves
Think of these as your “digital raincoat” tips:
Pause before you post. If it could hurt someone, don’t send it.
Save the evidence. Screenshots help adults understand what happened.
Tell a trusted adult. A teacher, counselor, or parent can help you sort it out.
Block or report. Most platforms have tools to stop unwanted messages.
What Families Can Do
Families are the “home base” for online safety.
Keep conversations open about what kids see and feel online.
Set simple expectations for device use and kindness.
Model calm, respectful behavior on social media.
Ask kids to show you the apps and games they use.
Our Commitment
Campbell County Public Schools is committed to providing safe and supportive environments, both in-person and online. If your child ever experiences cyberbullying, please reach out. We are here to listen, respond, and help guide students toward healthier digital habits.