CCPS Express

Superintendent Message

As we welcome students, families, and staff back for the 2026-2027 school year, I am filled with excitement and gratitude for the journey ahead. Throughout the summer, our dedicated teachers, administrators, support staff, and operations teams have been hard at work preparing our schools to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.

This year marks an exciting milestone as we enter the fifth and final year of ACHIEVE 2027, our strategic plan that has guided our work toward excellence across Caroline County Public Schools. Together, we have accomplished so much, but our work is not finished.

Our commitment remains steadfast as we continue to Harness GREATness by focusing on our four strategic priorities:

Teaching & Learning
Relationships
Health & Safety
Talent Management

These goals continue to serve as the foundation for everything we do and reflect our promise to provide every student with an exceptional educational experience.

As we begin this new school year, I invite our families, staff, community members, and partners to walk alongside us. Together, we will continue building strong relationships, celebrating successes, embracing opportunities, and striving for excellence in every classroom and every school.

Thank you for believing in our students and for being an essential part of the Caroline County Public Schools family. The path ahead is bright, and I look forward to all we will accomplish together.

Mark Your Calendar:

Aug. 4 - Election Day at CHS and LCES
Aug. 6 - Open House
Aug. 10 - Transition Day (PK, K, 6, and 9th Only)
Aug. 11 - First Day of School (ALL)
Sept. 1 - Secondary Back to School Night
Sept. 2 - Elementary Back to School Night
Sept. 4 & 7 - Labor Day Holiday School Closure
Sept. 11 - Interims

Here's to an incredible school year as we continue Harnessing GREATness—because together, we are #OneCaroline.

Sarah Calveric, Ph.D.

Budget Hot Topics

Joint School Board and Board of Supervisors Meeting Highlights

The Caroline County Board of Supervisors and Caroline County School Board held a productive joint meeting on July 29, 2026 focused on funding, facilities, employee compensation, and long-term priorities. Discussions included FY25 and FY26 year-end funding, completion of the FY25 audit, and potential support for temporary classroom space at Lewis & Clark Elementary School. The boards continued evaluating facility options, including a new elementary school, Madison Elementary School expansion, and additional improvements at Bowling Green Elementary School. Leaders also discussed a future potential 1% sales and use tax referendum for school capital needs, which could generate an estimated $4.5–$5 million annually if approved by voters. The FY27 budget discussion included continued efforts to move from the current proposed 3% increase toward a 4% salary increase for all employees, supported in part by state funding for SOQ positions. The next Board of Supervisors meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Community Services Center Auditorium, and the next School Board meeting will be held on Monday, August 17, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at Caroline Middle School.

CCPS Pursues State School Construction Assistance Program (SCAP) Grant Funding

Caroline County Public Schools is pursuing Virginia School Construction Assistance Program (SCAP) funding to support critical facility needs. CCPS submitted applications for a new elementary school, Madison Elementary School deferred maintenance, and Caroline Middle School deferred maintenance and expansion projects. SCAP provides competitive funding for eligible construction, modernization, renovation, and major maintenance projects. If awarded, these funds would support facility improvements and long-term planning efforts for students, staff, and the Caroline County community.

Instructional Information

Transition Day Announcement: We hope you are having a great summer. This is an important reminder that Monday August 10 is Transition Day. Transition Day is a dedicated school day for our PreK, Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grade students. Transition Day allows these students an opportunity to be introduced to their new school environments with their grade-level peers with minimal distractions. On this day, staff and students in these target grade levels will focus on procedures, safety, and building positive relationships with peers and staff through fun and engaging activities that will set the stage for a successful school year for our scholars in target grade transitions. All other students will return for their First Day of School on Tuesday, August 11. This modified opening is part of our continued effort to support students (Goal 2 of Achieve 2027) and the smooth opening of our schools. Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks from our building principals.

Back to School Information!

Important back-to-school information and updates as we prepare for the 26–27 school year.

Families, the new school year is rapidly approaching! CCPS uses Ecollect for return to school forms. Ecollect forms live in the PowerSchool Parent Portal.

After logging into the Portal through a browser and in the app, forms are located in the navigation menu. Using this application, you can update your child's demographic information, contacts and yearly agreements. Please see the linked document for specific directions. If you do not currently have a PowerSchool parent portal account, please reach out to your child's school.

Transportation Information

As we prepare for another successful school year, please review these important school bus safety reminders. Working together helps ensure every student arrives safely to and from school.

Before the Bus Arrives

Be at your assigned bus stop at least 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time.
Stand at least 10 feet away from the roadway while waiting.
Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the driver signals you to board.
Never run toward a moving bus.
Keep backpacks, drawstrings, and loose clothing secured to prevent them from getting caught.

Boarding the Bus

Board in an orderly manner—no pushing or shoving.
Use the handrail when entering the bus.
Go directly to your assigned seat if seats are assigned.
Keep aisles clear of backpacks, musical instruments, and other belongings.

While Riding

Remain seated facing forward at all times.
Keep hands, arms, feet, and objects inside the bus.
Speak quietly so the driver can concentrate on driving safely.
Follow all instructions from the bus driver and bus attendant.
Do not throw objects inside or outside the bus.
Eating, drinking, and chewing gum are not permitted unless authorized by the school division.
Help keep the bus clean by taking your belongings with you.

Exiting the Bus

Remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop.
Exit carefully using the handrail.
Walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus if you must cross the street.
Always make eye contact with the driver and wait for the driver's signal before crossing.
Never walk behind the school bus.

Around the Bus

Stay out of the Danger Zone around the bus where the driver may not be able to see you.
If you drop something near the bus, tell the driver. Never retrieve it on your own.
Stay away from the wheels and sides of the bus.

Parent/Guardian Reminders

Ensure your child knows their assigned bus number and bus stop location.
Keep emergency contact information current with your child's school.
Remember to return the student information sheet (given by driver) as soon as possible
Label backpacks, lunch boxes, and jackets with your child's name.
Review bus safety rules with your child throughout the school year.
Notify the school of any transportation changes before dismissal according to school procedures.
Younger students should have an adult present at the bus stop when appropriate.

Electronic Devices

Cell phones and electronic devices should not distract students and can only be used with headphones/ear buds.
Photography or video recording on the bus should follow school division policies and respect the privacy of others.

Remember

Safety is everyone's responsibility. Respect your bus driver, respect fellow students, and make every ride a safe ride.

Thank you for helping us provide safe, efficient, and dependable transportation for all students. We look forward to a wonderful school year!

The Countdown is On!

The first day of school is almost here, and we can't wait to welcome our students back for an incredible year of learning! Print our First Day of School sign on 8½ x 11 paper, fill in your student's information, snap a photo, and share it on Facebook! Be sure to tag Caroline County Public Schools so we can celebrate all of our amazing students as they head back to the classroom.

We can't wait to see your smiling faces! Welcome back, CCPS families—we're excited to learn, grow, and achieve together!

Nutrition Information

Caroline County Public Schools is pleased to continue participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the upcoming school year. As a result, all CCPS students will receive breakfast and lunch at no cost, helping ensure every student has access to healthy, nutritious meals each school day.

We're proud to continue supporting our students' success by making mealtime one less thing for families to worry about.

SNAP Can Help!

SNAP or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, provides monthly funds to buy groceries. It is the largest anti-hunger program in America, helping over 41 million people in 2022.

Parent Guidance & Coaching

August means back to school, a season of fresh starts, new routines, and big transitions for families and schools. We are here to help you navigate the excitement and stress of the new school year while keeping well-being and connection at the center.

Loneliness and isolation can affect your child's mental health in ways you might not expect. Discover how to recognize the signs and build the connections that help your child thrive.

August Mental Health Newsletter

A NOTE FROM CARE SOLACE & CCPS

Parents and Guardians of the Caroline County Public Schools Community:

As the new school year begins, supporting our youth's mental health is more important than ever. The new school year can bring feelings of both anxiety and excitement as students transition into a new grade or perhaps even a new school.

We have provided a Back to School resource packet for parents and families who are navigating through this time. Click here to access the kit.

By working together, we can create an environment where our children thrive. As a reminder, Care Solace partners with our school to offer valuable mental health care coordination services to connect you with community-based providers for counseling, therapy, and more.

To access Care Solace:

Call 888-515-0595: Their multilingual helpline is staffed 24/7/365.
Visit caresolace.com/carolinecps: Explore mental health providers independently or click "Book Appointment" for personalized assistance.

By joining hands as a community, we can provide a nurturing environment that supports the mental health and well-being of our youth. Let's prioritize their emotional growth and create a brighter future together.

Thank you for being dedicated parents in the Caroline County Public Schools community. Your commitment to our youth is truly commendable.

Special Education Parent Involvement Survey

Special Education Parent Involvement Survey for the 2025-26 School Year

All parents of school-aged children and youth with disabilities who receive special education services in Virginia are requested to complete the VDOE annual Special Education Parent Involvement Survey. The survey will remain open through December 11, 2026. Please complete one survey for each of your children who received special education services through the 2025-26 school year. Special Education Parent Involvement Surveys are also available in six additional languages:

Caroline Career Connections

Join the Caroline County Public Schools Team!

At Caroline County Public Schools, we know that great schools begin with great staff. That's why we are committed to recruiting, developing, and supporting outstanding educators who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of students.

Whether you are a recent graduate, a career changer, or someone still completing licensure requirements, our Human Resources team is here to help. We work one-on-one with prospective teachers to navigate Virginia licensure requirements, develop individualized licensure plans, and identify the best pathway into the teaching profession.

Once hired, new teachers receive ongoing support through dedicated new teacher coaches, high-quality professional development, and mentoring throughout their first years in the classroom. We also invest in our employees through tuition reimbursement, Grow Your Own programs, leadership development opportunities, and partnerships with local colleges and universities.

To learn more about teaching opportunities or discuss the different pathways into the profession, please contact Paige Tucker, Director of Human Resources, at ptucker@ccps.us. We look forward to helping the next generation of educators begin their journey with Caroline County Public Schools!

Position Postings

We are pleased to share an updated list of position postings for the 2026–2027 school year. Please help us spread the word as we continue to recruit top talent to join our team at Caroline County Public Schools!

BGE

Math Specialist

School Counselor

Instructional Assistants

LCES

Special Education Teacher

Elementary Teachers

Instructional Assistant (Special Education)

ASL Interpreter

CMS
Assistant Principal

Middle School Science Teacher

CHS

Special Education Teacher

Exceptional Education Specialist

Instructional Assistant (Special Education)

School Board Office

Gifted Teacher

Educational Diagnostician

School Psychologist

Speech Language Pathologist

Employee Referral Program

CCPS employees are eligible to receive a $500 referral bonus for successfully referring new employees.

To qualify:

The referred candidate must list the referring employee’s name on their employment application.
The bonus will be paid out once the referred employee has completed 3 months of employment with CCPS.

Substitute teachers can earn $110 per day, while long-term substitutes earn between $180 and $210 per day. Interested applicants can apply directly on our website. For any questions about substitute opportunities, contact Kendall Rodriguez at krodriguez@ccps.us. Ready to join our team? Apply here: CCPS Substitute Application.

If you’re looking to take the next step in your career and make an even greater impact, we encourage you to apply! Apply now through AppliTrack: http://applitrack.com/carolinecounty/onlineapp/

Pathways to Teaching in Caroline
Do you know anyone who is interested in becoming a full time teacher? Caroline County Public Schools offers several routes to teacher licensure for individuals holding a Bachelor's degree. Call our HR office (804) 633-5088 for more information!

School Board Highlights

Take a look at the July 13, 2026 School Board Meeting highlights:

July 13, 2026 Regular School Board Meeting

Workshop (4:30PM): FY27 Budget Update, 1% Sales Tax Discussion, & BOS/SBO Joint Agenda meeting topics for 7/29/26
School Board Meeting Agenda

Achieve 2027 Spotlight: Achieve Update and Year In Review (Booklets provided)
Recognitions: Student School Board Rep.
Information from the School Division: Summer Academy Highlights, Musical Creations Foundation, Finalized Secondary Literacy Priority Practices, 25-26 Student Data, School Construction Assistance Program (SCAP) Grant Overview, Monthly Update on Revenues, and Expenditures.
Citizen Comments: 2
Action: VPSA Technology Bond Resolution and Approval of July 29, 2026 BOS/SBO Joint Workshop Agenda Items.
New Business: Valedictorian/Salutatorian Policy Update, Partners In Education Updated CTE Courses, and VSBA Policies.

Next Regular School Board Meeting Date: Aug. 17, 2026 @ Caroline Middle School

The School Board would like to thank our citizens that attend, advocate, and speak during public comment. For more information on these topics, you can access the Boarddocs link or view the meeting at our CCPS YouTube Channel.

CCPS Partners in Education

Thank You, McKesson Corporation, for Investing in Our Students!

Caroline County Public Schools is proud to recognize and thank McKesson Corporation for its generous donation of back-to-school supplies to BGES. We appreciate their donation as we prepare our students for a successful school year.

As one of our valued Partners in Education, McKesson continues to demonstrate its commitment to strengthening our community by investing in the success of local children. The donated supplies will help ensure that students have the tools they need to begin the school year ready to learn, grow, and achieve.

McKesson Corporation in Ruther Glen, Virginia is a major medical-surgical distribution facility It acts as a key operational hub for supplying medical products and healthcare logistics