Amplified: The Chesapeake Public Schools Podcast

We sit down with Dr. Fallon Graham to unpack how our school calendar gets built, why Labor Day timing matters, and how state rules, summer projects, and family needs all fit into one plan. We share the two-year proposal and invite our community to weigh in with informed feedback.

• late Labor Day and its ripple effects
• 180 days, 990 hours, and high school seat time
• four-by-four block benefits and constraints

Our Superintendent, Dr. Jared Cotton, shares his excitement for the new school year, even after 34 years in education! In this conversation, he dives into the district’s Empower 2030 strategic plan, developed through collaboration with students, teachers, and the community. The plan highlights student mental health, innovative learning, and school improvements. Dr. Cotton also discusses the new SmithTech program at Oscar Smith Midd...

Three extraordinary student-athletes share their journeys of balancing high-level competitive sports with academic excellence. Sophie Rambo (track), Caleb Neal (wrestling), and Jaden Dabbs (football) discuss what it takes to succeed in both arenas while maintaining focus and determination.

• Sophie Rambo from Grassfield High has won nine state titles in track and placed second at New Balance Nationals, with goals to compet...

Our 20th episode pulls back the curtain on the powerful community partnerships that help us excel. We're joined by DeShonna Brown (Chesapeake Council PTA President), Chris Crouch (Educational Foundation Chair), and Sean Murphy (Foundation Board Member and Grassfield alumnus) for a candid conversation about supporting our schools.

Whether you're a parent wondering how to get involved, a business looking to connect with scho...

School safety is paramount and in this episode, we delve into the innovative strategies that we employ to ensure the well-being of our students. We highlight key initiatives like the Raptor Alert system and student ID badges that help in monitoring attendance and security. During our discussion, educators share their experiences and emphasize the importance of forming strong relationships with students to promote a culture of safet...

Launched in the fall of 2024, the Power of the Peake is our new Employee Recognition Program and this episode shines a light on the program and our first award recipients in the areas of SUPPORT, TEACH, and LEAD. Listen today as they share their story and why they are the Power of the Peake!

October Power of the Peake Recipients:

• SUPPORT: Van Gholston (Western Branch Primary Custodian)
• TEACH: Laura Labyak (Indian River M...

Explore how technology is transforming education with Maria Kainz, a first-year English teacher at Oscar Smith High, and Andrew LeClair, a technology innovation coach from Hickory Middle. Together, they discuss the opportunities and challenges of incorporating AI into classrooms, offering insights on how it can enhance personalized learning and prepare students for a tech-driven world. This episode highlights their dedication to cr...

In our latest podcast episode, Dr. Jeffrey Faust, our Chief Technology Innovation Officer, explores how we are starting to incorporate artificial intelligence in our schools. He shares AI’s practical applications, addressing how it helps streamline teacher workloads, while also touching on critical considerations such as data privacy and the ethical implications of AI in learning environments.

Listen today on your favorite...

Today, we sit down with Matt Graham and Chris Vail to unpack Chesapeake Public Schools' "Away for the Day" cell phone policy, aligned with Governor Youngkin's Executive Order 33. You'll hear firsthand accounts from Principal Jeff Johnson, teacher Corey Perillo, and senior Katelynn Diehl from Great Bridge High School. They share their unique experiences, challenges faced, and the surprisingly positive outcom...

Get ready for an enlightening conversation with Superintendent Dr. Jared Cotton as he shares the extensive preparations that pave the way for a smooth and successful new school year. He also provides invaluable tips for parents, teachers, and students to start the year off right. Listen today on your favorite podcast platforms and visit cpschools.com/amplified to learn more about the podcast!

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Relive the excitement of your senior year! This episode captures the spirit and determination of our graduates. One senior from each of the high schools joined the podcast sharing their memorable moments and future endeavors,  offering advice for future high school students, and sending heartfelt shout-outs to those who helped them along their way. Congratulations to the entire Class of 2024!

Thanks again to the seniors be...

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 th...

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 conversa...

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 stud...

🎙🎧 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 to...

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...

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 i...

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 ev...