Recent News

PPS News and Updates

Updated 3/14/24


NEW: Virginia Children’s Chorus and Portsmouth Public Schools partner for Sing for Joy concert
The Virginia Children's Chorus and Portsmouth Public Schools are partnering together for the Sing for Joy concert. The event will feature the division’s All-City Chorus (grades 4-8), the Virginia Children's Chorus Choristers as well as choirs from Churchland, I.C. Norcom, and Manor high schools. Sponsored by the Portsmouth Museum of Fine Arts Commission, this special concert will take place Tuesday, March 19, at 7 p.m., at I.C. Norcom High School.

One more SOL prep course planned for third-grade students
The Office of Title I and Special Programs is hosting one more upcoming SOL Test Prep Class to help support third-grade students as they take the SOLs for the first time. There will be a Math SOL Prep Class Wednesday, March 20, from 5:30-6:30 p.m., at the division’s Emily Spong Center. For specific questions, families can call the Office of Title I and Special Programs at 757-393-8392.

Parent Information Sessions to help families with preschool registration
PPS will host two Preschool Parent Information Sessions Thursday, March 21 (a morning session at 10:30 a.m. and an evening session at 5:30 p.m.). These sessions will help prepare parents of rising preschoolers for the application process and answer any questions they may have about the eligibility criteria. Preschool registration will begin Tuesday, April 9.

Registration open now for Fourth Annual Color Run
Portsmouth Public Schools is again hosting the PPS Runs It 3K Color Run at Churchland High School. The annual event helps to raise funds to provide swim lessons for PPS families. The run will take place Saturday, April 27, at 9 a.m., but those interested in participating must register by Friday, March 22. For more information, including the registration link, call 757-393-8743.

Math Madness back again for all Title I schools
Students from all of the division's Title I schools will head to Manor High School Saturday, March 23, for the Math Madness Basketball Tournament. The event, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., will be a day filled with basketball games, prizes, and plenty of math challenges. Schools will compete against one another to showcase their math and basketball skills. For more information, call 757-393-8392.

NEW: PPS student artwork now on display at airport exhibit
Artwork from select students in kindergarten through third grade is now being displayed in a special exhibit at Norfolk International Airport. The exhibit is being hosted in celebration of Arts In Our Schools Month, and it will be on display through Sunday, March 31. For more information, or to interview some of the student artists, please call 757-393-8743.

School Orchestra Artistic Residency program begins this week
Portsmouth Public Schools is again partnering with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra for the School Orchestra Artistic Residency (SOAR) program, where musicians will come in during the school day to work with all PPS middle and high school music programs. This successful collaboration with the school division has been in place for a number of years, and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra provides this service to teachers and students at no charge to the school division. Musicians will be at all six middle and high schools at select dates through May. For a complete list of available times, please call 757-393-8743.

Division Headlines

Open Book
PPS kicking off pilot for family reading program
Posted on 03/18/2024
This spring, all elementary schools in Portsmouth Public Schools (PPS) will take part in a special reading program, where every sixth-grader in the division will be reading the same book at the same time.   READ MORE...
PPS adopts new calendar; changes elementary school tiers for 2024-25 school year
PPS adopts new calendar; changes elementary school tiers for 2024-25 school year
Posted on 02/29/2024
At the Feb. 29 meeting of the School Board of the City of Portsmouth, the School Board voted to approve a school calendar with a pre-Labor Day start for the 2024-25 school year. This change was implemented to best align with neighboring school divisions in the region.   READ MORE...
Brighton Elementary Principal receives Phenomenal Woman Award
Brighton Elementary Principal receives Phenomenal Woman Award
Posted on 02/23/2024
Congratulations to Brighton Elementary's Dr. Heather Neal for being named a Phenomenal Woman Educator by the Portsmouth Outreach Foundation!  READ MORE...
CHS senior receives regional art award
CHS senior receives regional art award
Posted on 02/16/2024
Congratulations to Churchland High School's Zion McCallister on receiving the 2024 Hampton Roads Student Gallery Honoree Award!  READ MORE...
Patillo and Atkinson re-elected for fourth consecutive year
Patillo and Atkinson re-elected for fourth consecutive year
Posted on 01/19/2024
For the fourth year in a row, the School Board of the City of Portsmouth re-elected Dr. Cardell Patillo as its chairman and LaKeesha “Klu” Atkinson as vice-chairwoman.  READ MORE...
ICN DECA Chapter members earn several awards at conference
ICN DECA Chapter members earn several awards at conference
Posted on 01/11/2024
Congratulations to the I. C. Norcom DECA Chapter for having several members win awards at the District Leadership Conference, and securing spots to compete at the State Leadership Conference!  READ MORE...
Akilah Parker named the PPS Citywide Teacher of the Year
Akilah Parker named the PPS Citywide Teacher of the Year
Posted on 12/13/2023
Akilah Parker, a school counselor at Simonsdale Elementary School, has been named the Portsmouth Public Schools Citywide 2025 Teacher of the Year. Parker’s honor was announced at the division’s annual Teacher of the Year ceremony Tuesday, Dec. 12.  READ MORE...
Five more PPS schools earn Purple Star designation
Five more PPS schools earn Purple Star designation
Posted on 11/03/2023
I.C. Norcom High School, Manor High School, Cradock Middle School, Churchland Primary & Intermediate Elementary School and Churchland Academy Elementary School have earned the Purple Star designation by the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on the Educational Opportunity for Military Children.  READ MORE...
PPS again earns national government finance award
PPS again earns national government finance award
Posted on 10/25/2023
Portsmouth Public Schools (PPS) has once again earned the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for the division’s annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR).  READ MORE...
Westhaven Elementary Teacher earns state Exemplary Science Teaching Award
Westhaven Elementary Teacher earns state Exemplary Science Teaching Award
Posted on 10/23/2023
Congratulations to Westhaven Elementary's Patricia Gallop on receiving the Virginia Association of Science Teachers (VAST) 2023 Donna Sterling Exemplary Science Teaching Award for Elementary Schools!  READ MORE...
Norcom Chorus Director Joe Harmon receives Black Men Rock Image Award
Norcom Chorus Director Joe Harmon receives Black Men Rock Image Award
Posted on 10/11/2023
Churchland High School again earns national ‘Best High School’ honor
CHS again earns national ‘Best High School’ honor
Posted on 09/06/2023
Churchland High School has again been named a U.S. News & World Report’s Best High School, a designation awarded to the top ranking high schools in the nation.  READ MORE...
PPS teacher and student attend JASON Argonaut Costa Rica Expedition
PPS teacher and student attend JASON Argonaut Costa Rica Expedition
Posted on 08/24/2023
Congratulations to Churchland High School Science Teacher Carly Carmack and Manor High School Senior Ava Brooks on being selected for the 2023 Jason Argonaut Expedition to Costa Rica!  READ MORE...
PPS again earns EVERFI Empowered Seal
PPS again earns EVERFI Empowered Seal
Posted on 07/12/2023
Portsmouth Public Schools has again been awarded EVERFI’s Empowered Seal, a designation only granted to the top 10 percent of K-12 public school divisions in the United States and Canada that demonstrate an exemplary commitment to whole-child education utilizing digital programs.  READ MORE...
Families invited to meet the new PPS Transportation Coordinator
Families invited to meet the new PPS Transportation Coordinator
Posted on 07/05/2023
Staff and families are invited to a special Meet and Greet with the new Portsmouth Public Schools Transportation Coordinator Micheal King.  READ MORE...
PPS earns five national communications honors
PPS earns five national communications honors
Posted on 06/20/2023
The Portsmouth Public Schools Department of Communications brought home five honors as part of the 2023 National Schools Public Relations Association (NSPRA) School Communication Awards.  READ MORE...
Manor High School Latin Teacher selected to study abroad in Rome, Italy
Manor High School Latin Teacher selected to study abroad in Rome, Italy
Posted on 06/14/2023
Manor High School Latin Teacher Charlaine Lunsford has been selected to participate in the 2023 American Academy in Rome Summer School, a five-week program in Rome, Italy with a focus on adding depth to scholarly studies in fine arts and the humanities. Lunsford is one of only 15 participants selected nationwide.  READ MORE...
2023 Summer Food Service Program
2023 Summer Food Service Program
Posted on 06/05/2023
The Portsmouth Department of Parks & Recreation is sponsoring the USDA Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) for the summer of 2023.  READ MORE...
PPS Math Specialist named TCTM Educator of the Year
PPS Math Specialist named TCTM Educator of the Year
Posted on 06/05/2023
Congratulations to PPS Math Specialist Ryanne Richardson on being named the 2023 Educator of the Year by the Tidewater Council of Teachers of Mathematics (TCTM)!  READ MORE...
MHS Senior named Ace Parker Male Athlete of the Year
MHS Senior named Ace Parker Male Athlete of the Year
Posted on 05/11/2023
Congratulations to Manor High School's Nicolas Simmons, a senior track runner, for being named the Ace Parker Male Athlete of the Year by the Portsmouth Sports Club!  READ MORE...
PPS Superintendent elected Secretary/Treasurer for VASS
PPS Superintendent elected Secretary/Treasurer for VASS
Posted on 05/03/2023
Portsmouth Public Schools (PPS) Superintendent Dr. Elie Bracy, III has been elected as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Virginia Association of School Superintendents (VASS).  READ MORE...
Waters Middle student earns first place at FBLA State Conference
Waters Middle student earns first place at FBLA State Conference
Posted on 04/19/2023
Congratulations to Waters Middle School's Jy'Sland LeSane for winning first place statewide in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Exploring Economics Competition!  READ MORE...
Norcom librarians brought March Madness from the court to the classroom
Norcom librarians brought March Madness from the court to the classroom
Posted on 04/04/2023
When someone hears the phrase “March Madness,” the annual collegiate basketball tournaments typically come to mind. At I. C. Norcom High School, however, that reference has taken on a new meaning, thanks to a reading challenge presented by the school’s library staff.  READ MORE...
Norcom student wins first place in global music competition
Norcom student wins first place in global music competition
Posted on 03/30/2023
I. C. Norcom High School junior Courtney Connor II has earned first place in the 2022 Indie Film Music Contest, a global competition for aspiring composers with a focus on musical storytelling.  READ MORE...
CHS student earns Virginia Sports Hall of Fame award
CHS student earns Virginia Sports Hall of Fame award
Posted on 02/07/2023
Churchland High School senior Jonathan McEwen has earned the 2022 Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Student-Athlete Achievement Award for his outstanding academic performance and community involvement.  READ MORE...
Portsmouth Public Schools offering free mental health care coordination services with new partner
Portsmouth Public Schools offering free mental health care coordination services with new partner
Posted on 02/01/2023
If you or a family member are looking for help with mental health or substance use, Care Solace can help you quickly find treatment options matched to your needs regardless of the circumstance.  READ MORE...
PPS to receive federal student mental health grant
PPS to receive federal student mental health grant
Posted on 01/19/2023
Portsmouth Public Schools (PPS) has been selected by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to participate in the Federal Student Mental Health Grant Program, a national initiative to support the expansion of behavioral and mental health services for students.  READ MORE...
Manor High School named to VHSL Sportsmanship Honor Roll
Manor High School named to VHSL Sportsmanship Honor Roll
Posted on 01/18/2023
Manor High School has made the Virginia High School League (VHSL) 2022-23 Fall Sportsmanship Honor Roll, a designation given to celebrate school athletic programs that display great character in competition.  READ MORE...
NHS Pen Pals pay it forward to next generation of students
NHS Pen Pals pay it forward to next generation of students
Posted on 01/12/2023
At I. C. Norcom, the school’s principle of “each one, teach one” is reaching far beyond the building’s walls thanks to its own Pen Pal Mentor Program.  READ MORE...
Patillo and Atkinson re-elected as Board chair, vice-chair for third year
Patillo and Atkinson re-elected as Board chair, vice-chair for third year
Posted on 01/06/2023
At its Jan. 5 reorganizational meeting, the School Board of the City of Portsmouth re-elected Dr. Cardell Patillo as its chairman and LaKeesha “Klu” Atkinson as vice-chairwoman for the third year in a row.  READ MORE...
Dr. Bracy serving as President of Urban Superintendents Association of America
Dr. Bracy serving as President of Urban Superintendents Association of America
Posted on 01/03/2023
Sunday, Jan. 1, Portsmouth Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Elie Bracy, III was installed as President of the Urban Superintendents Association of America (USAA), a professional association of more than 150 public school superintendents who serve mid-size urban districts (such as Portsmouth) in both the United States and Canada.  READ MORE...
PPS has three Purple Star Award Winners
Posted on 12/16/2022
Woods named 2024 Citywide Teacher of the Year
Woods named 2024 Citywide Teacher of the Year
Posted on 12/07/2022
I.C. Norcom High School Math Teacher Alphonso Woods was named the 2024 Citywide Teacher of the Year at the Portsmouth Public Schools Teacher of the Year celebration, held Tuesday, Dec. 6.  READ MORE...
Affordable Connectivity Program offers lower internet costs for families
Affordable Connectivity Program offers lower internet costs for families
Posted on 09/16/2022
A new program from the Federal Communications Commission is offering low-cost internet for students and families throughout the country. Since PPS takes part in the Community Eligibility Provision, all PPS families qualify for this program.  READ MORE...
UPDATE: Virginia Department of Social Services Statement on Summer 2022 P-EBT
UPDATE: Virginia Department of Social Services Statement on Summer 2022 P-EBT
Posted on 09/15/2022
The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) has recently made us aware that many households did not receive summer P-EBT benefits due to a card processing error.  READ MORE...
PPS earns EVERFI Empowered Seal
PPS earns EVERFI Empowered Seal
Posted on 09/12/2022
Portsmouth Public Schools has been awarded EVERFI’s Empowered Seal, a designation only granted to the top 10 percent of K-12 public school divisions in the United States and Canada that demonstrate an exemplary commitment to whole-child education utilizing digital programs.  READ MORE...
Two Portsmouth teachers and two PPS students taking part in JASON Argonaut Expedition
Two Portsmouth teachers and two PPS students taking part in JASON Argonaut Expedition
Posted on 09/09/2022
Two PPS teachers (Amanda Bell, from Churchland Middle School, and Paul Sarandria from Manor High School) and two PPS students (Moira Rouleau, from Churchland High School, and Elisha Williams from Manor High School) were invited to the esteemed JASON Argonaut program.  READ MORE...
PPS Science Specialist receives international honor
PPS Science Specialist receives international honor
Posted on 09/08/2022
Portsmouth Public Schools Elementary Science Program Specialist Davina Williams has been selected as part of the 2022 Class of Emerging Leaders by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD).  READ MORE...
Government Finance Officers Association again gives PPS highest financial reporting honor
Government Finance Officers Association again gives PPS highest financial reporting honor
Posted on 07/27/2022
Once again, Portsmouth Public Schools (PPS) has earned the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for the division’s comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR).  READ MORE...
Churchland sophomore wins VSBA writing contest award
Churchland sophomore wins VSBA writing contest award
Posted on 07/26/2022
Churchland Sophomore Isabel Gonzales was one of just three winners in the state of the 2022 Student Essay Contest Award, given by the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA).  READ MORE...
Historic soil from I.C. Norcom to be transformed as part of historical Chrysler exhibit
Historic soil from I.C. Norcom to be transformed as part of historical Chrysler exhibit
Posted on 07/18/2022
On a Tuesday afternoon, researchers from the Chrysler Museum of Art and the Portsmouth Colored Community Library Museum stood in the ninety-degree heat at the I.C. Norcom High School bus ramp, looking around for a perfect sample of a particular artifact that was, in fact, all around the them: soil  READ MORE...
Summer Food Service Program to provide summer meals for children
Summer Food Service Program to provide summer meals for children
Posted on 06/15/2022
The Portsmouth Department of Parks & Recreation is once again sponsoring the USDA Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).  READ MORE...
PPS earns state ‘Creating Excellence’ honor for Career & Technical Education
PPS earns state ‘Creating Excellence’ honor for Career & Technical Education
Posted on 06/13/2022
Portsmouth Public Schools (PPS) is one of just 10 Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs in the state honored by the Virginia Department of Education and Virginia’s Community Colleges’ annual “Creating Excellence” awards program.  READ MORE...
A message on school safety and mental health supports
A message on school safety and mental health supports
Posted on 05/25/2022
Superintendent Dr. Elie Bracy, III shares a message on school safety and mental health supports  READ MORE...
Portsmouth students and staff honored at Portsmouth Sports Club Jamboree
Portsmouth students and staff honored at Portsmouth Sports Club Jamboree
Posted on 05/20/2022
At the 75th anniversary of the Portsmouth Sports Club Jamboree held earlier this month, three Portsmouth Public Schools (PPS) students were named recipients of scholarships from the Portsmouth Sports Club Foundation.  READ MORE...
27 PPS students earn an associate’s degree ahead of graduation
27 PPS students earn an associate’s degree ahead of graduation
Posted on 05/11/2022
Congratulations to the 27 Portsmouth Public Schools (PPS) seniors who were honored Monday night at Tidewater Community College’s commencement ceremony.  READ MORE...
Tara Cuffee named PPS Citywide Teacher of the Year
Tara Cuffee named PPS Citywide Teacher of the Year
Posted on 05/05/2022
Tara Cuffee, a music teacher at Cradock Elementary School, has been named the Portsmouth Public Schools (PPS) Citywide 2022 Teacher of the Year.  READ MORE...
Churchland High School again makes national ‘Best High School’ list
Churchland High School again makes national ‘Best High School’ list
Posted on 04/26/2022
Churchland High School has once again made the U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best High Schools in the nation. Churchland was selected after an analysis of its student performance data, including math, reading and science state assessments, college-level exams and graduation rates.  READ MORE...
Portsmouth Public Schools Nursing Program receives ‘Fully Accredited’ rating
Portsmouth Public Schools Nursing Program receives ‘Fully Accredited’ rating
Posted on 03/02/2022
The Portsmouth Public Schools Nursing Program was evaluated last week by The Virginia State Board of Nursing. The Nursing Board program earned a fully accredited status.  READ MORE...
Manor High School Army Junior ROTC Program earn Honor Unit of Distinction
Manor High School Army Junior ROTC Program earn Honor Unit of Distinction
Posted on 03/02/2022
The Manor High School AJROTC program was visited by the Army 4th Brigade Friday, Feb. 25 for inspection and evaluation.  READ MORE...
New masking protocols to begin Tuesday, March 1
New masking protocols to begin Tuesday, March 1
Posted on 02/24/2022
As shared previously, PPS implemented universal masking consistent with CDC guidance and advice from the Portsmouth Health Department.  READ MORE...
Costella Williams appointed as interim member
Costella Williams appointed as interim member
Posted on 02/11/2022
At the Feb. 10 meeting of the School Board of the City of Portsmouth, the Board voted to appoint Costella Williams as an interim member of the Board, filling the position left by Claude Parent.  READ MORE...
Mask mandate to remain in place for PPS
Mask mandate to remain in place for PPS
Posted on 01/20/2022
At tonight’s meeting of the School Board of the City of Portsmouth, Board members received legal counsel regarding their options in response to Gov. Youngkin’s executive order removing mask mandates in schools.  READ MORE...
Patillo, Atkinson elected School Board chairman, vice-chairwoman
Patillo, Atkinson elected School Board chairman, vice-chairwoman
Posted on 01/07/2022
At its Jan. 6 reorganizational meeting, the School Board of the City of Portsmouth re-elected Dr. Cardell Patillo as its chairman and LaKeesha “Klu” Atkinson as vice-chairwoman.  READ MORE...
A message from the Superintendent on school safety
A message from the Superintendent on school safety
Posted on 12/10/2021
We are constantly evaluating our practices and protocols to ensure we have the best safety measures and responses in place.  READ MORE...
Two PPS elementary schools earn ‘Best Elementary School’ title from U.S. News & World Report
Two PPS elementary schools earn ‘Best Elementary School’ title from U.S. News & World Report
Posted on 12/06/2021
Churchland Elementary School and Churchland Academy Elementary School have both been recognized as “Best Elementary Schools” in the country by the U.S. News and World Report, which has ranked more than 47,00 public elementary schools across the country. This is the first time U.S. News & World Report has ranked elementary schools.  READ MORE...
PPS Thanksgiving break extended; more asynchronous days added to school year
PPS Thanksgiving break extended; more asynchronous days added to school year
Posted on 11/02/2021
Understanding that this year has presented a number of unique mental health stressors and concerns for staff, students and families alike, administration has re-evaluated this school year’s calendar to identify opportunities for more flexibility for staff and students.  READ MORE...
Portsmouth School Board passes resolution regarding middle and high school students participating in sports and extracurricular activities
PPS School Board passes resolution regarding middle and high school students participating in extracurricular activities
Posted on 10/15/2021
At its Oct. 14 Regular Meeting, the School Board of the City of Portsmouth passed a resolution mandating that all middle and high school students taking part in sports programs or extracurricular activities either show proof of their COVID-19 vaccination or submit to weekly COVID-19 testing at the school.  READ MORE...
PPS Superintendent Dr. Bracy elected President-Elect of national superintendents association
PPS Superintendent Dr. Bracy elected President-Elect of national superintendents association
Posted on 10/15/2021
Portsmouth Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Elie Bracy, III has been elected to serve as the next President-Elect for the Urban Superintendents Association of America (USAA).  READ MORE...
A message from the Superintendent regarding online threats
A message from the Superintendent regarding online threats
Posted on 09/22/2021
PPS Superintendent address the threats made via social media posts.  READ MORE...
PPS offers new Hiring Incentive Program
PPS offers new Hiring Incentive Program
Posted on 08/10/2021
The Portsmouth Public Schools Department of Human Resources has unveiled a new way to bring high-quality candidates into the PPS workforce by providing new and current employees a chance to take home some extra money.  READ MORE...
PPS once again brings Excellence in Financial Reporting award
PPS once again brings Excellence in Financial Reporting award
Posted on 08/09/2021
The Portsmouth Public Schools Department of Budget and Finance has once again earned the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.  READ MORE...
PPS earns state Excellence in Workforce Readiness award
PPS earns state Excellence in Workforce Readiness award
Posted on 07/21/2021
The Portsmouth Public Schools (PPS) was named an Excellence in Workforce Readiness Award Winner by the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) at the annual VSBA Conference on Education.  READ MORE...
CLD
Hillian-Sanders named national CLD Teacher of the Year
Posted on 07/14/2021
Brighton Elementary School’s Lenette Hillian-Sanders has been named one of just two national Council for Learning Disabilities (CLD) 2021 Teachers of the Year. Hillian-Sanders earned his honor after being named the Virginia Council for Learning Disabilities Teacher of the Year this past spring.  READ MORE...
Overkamp named a DoD STEM Ambassador
Overkamp named a DoD STEM Ambassador
Posted on 06/30/2021
Heather Overkamp, a science teacher at I.C. Norcom High School, has been named a 2021 Department of Defense (DoD) Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Ambassador.  READ MORE...
Douglass Park student accepted to National Youth Leadership Forum
Douglass Park student accepted to National Youth Leadership Forum
Posted on 06/16/2021
Jerome Griffin, Jr, a sixth-grade student at Douglass Park Elementary School, has been accepted to the National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF), where he will participate in the summer Explore STEM program for middle school students.  READ MORE...
Churchland Middle student earns national Reflections award
Churchland Middle student earns national Reflections award
Posted on 05/24/2021
Laila Jones, seventh-grade student at Churchland Middle School, came in second place in the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Reflections competition in the intermediate literature category.  READ MORE...
For second consecutive year, Churchland High School earns ‘Best High School’ title
For second consecutive year, Churchland High School earns ‘Best High School’ title
Posted on 05/07/2021
According to rankings released from the U.S. News & World Report, Churchland High has been named a 2021 Best High School. It is the second consecutive year Churchland has earned the Best High School honor.  READ MORE...
Norcom senior named city’s Youth Poet Laureate Ambassador
Norcom senior named city’s Youth Poet Laureate Ambassador
Posted on 04/26/2021
Trinity Allen, a senior at I.C. Norcom High School, has been named the Youth Poet Laureate Ambassador for the City of Portsmouth and a runner-up to the Hampton Roads Youth Poet Laureate contest.  READ MORE...
Churchland sophomore named Virginia representative to Ms. Amazing
Churchland sophomore named Virginia representative to Ms. Amazing
Posted on 04/22/2021
Norcom NJROTC unit places first in multi-state competition
Norcom NJROTC unit places first in multi-state competition
Posted on 04/22/2021
The I.C. Norcom Navy JROTC team placed first in the National Academic Examination for Area 5 (which is made up of 47 teams from Virginia, Delaware, Maryland and Washington, D.C.).  READ MORE...
Hillian-Sanders earns state Teacher of the Year honor by VCLD
Hillian-Sanders earns state Teacher of the Year honor by VCLD
Posted on 04/20/2021
Brighton Elementary School’s Lenette Hillian-Sanders has been named the 2021 Virginia Council for Learning Disabilities (VCLD) Teacher of the Year.  READ MORE...
PPS again earns ASBO Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting
PPS again earns ASBO Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting
Posted on 04/19/2021
Portsmouth Public Schools has again earned national recognition for its financial planning and budgeting prowess.  READ MORE...
Sisters both get accepted to renowned Naval Academy seminar
Sisters both get accepted to renowned Naval Academy seminar
Posted on 04/02/2021
Two sisters in Portsmouth Public Schools have both been accepted to the 2021 Naval Academy Summer STEM Seminar, a competitive program that draws more than 5,000 applications from across the country and only selects 280 students for each of its three sessions.  READ MORE...
PTA logo
2021 PTA Reflections Award Winners Announced
Posted on 03/24/2021
The Portsmouth Council of PTAs has named the winners for the 2021 Reflections Contest.   READ MORE...
After school activities cancelled for March 18
After school activities cancelled for March 18
Posted on 03/18/2021
Due to weather forecasts calling for severe thunderstorms this evening, all PPS afterschool activities, including athletic practices, are cancelled for today, March 18.  READ MORE...
Churchland High School earned prestigious Harry F. Byrd, Jr. Leadership Award
Churchland High School earned prestigious Harry F. Byrd, Jr. Leadership Award
Posted on 03/08/2021
Myles Hunt, a senior at Churchland High School, has been named a 2021 recipient of the Harry F. Byrd, Jr. Leadership Award.  READ MORE...
Students to return to in-person learning April 12
Students to return to in-person learning April 12
Posted on 03/04/2021
The School Board of the City of Portsmouth voted 6-3 today to approve a school reopening plan that would allow students in prekindergarten through sixth grade to return for in-person instruction on a hybrid schedule (two days in person, three days virtual).  READ MORE...
Brighton Feeding site temporarily closed
Brighton Feeding site temporarily closed
Posted on 03/02/2021
PPS to hold March 4 meeting virtually
PPS to hold March 4 meeting virtually
Posted on 03/02/2021
School schedules adjusted for first four weeks of March
School schedules adjusted for first four weeks of March
Posted on 02/22/2021
For the first four weeks of March, the division is altering the school calendar to hold flipped learning days on both Wednesdays and Thursdays.  READ MORE...
Portsmouth School Board calls for a special meeting to discuss reopening plan
Portsmouth School Board calls for a special meeting to discuss reopening plan
Posted on 02/18/2021
At tonight’s meeting of the School Board of the City of Portsmouth, the Board called for a special meeting to discuss a possible plan to reopen schools.  READ MORE...
CHS Feeding Site closed
CHS Feeding Site closed
Posted on 02/01/2021
The Churchland High School Feeding Program Site will be closed beginning tomorrow, Feb. 2, until further notice for kitchen maintenance.  READ MORE...
Portsmouth Public Schools and Portsmouth Health Department are ‘Here to Help’
Portsmouth Public Schools and Portsmouth Health Department are ‘Here to Help’
Posted on 02/01/2021
With schools operating virtually for almost a full calendar year, Portsmouth Public Schools and the Portsmouth Health Department are working to remind students, staff members and families there is support for those who may be feeling the mental and emotional toll of being apart this long.  READ MORE...
Two PPS teachers named to two leading educational advisory boards
Two PPS teachers named to two leading educational advisory boards
Posted on 01/29/2021
Two Portsmouth Public Schools teachers have been added to two separate educational advisory boards.  READ MORE...
Churchland Primary and Intermediate Feeding Site closed until Feb. 3
Posted on 01/21/2021
The Churchland Primary and Intermediate School Feeding Site will be closed from Jan. 22 through Feb. 3.  READ MORE...
PPS School Board appoints Costella Williams to Board
Posted on 01/20/2021
In a special meeting of the School Board of the City of Portsmouth, the Board voted to appoint Costella Williams as the interim member of the Board, filling the position left by De’Andre Barnes following his election to City Council. Williams will serve this role beginning Jan. 20 through Nov. 2.  READ MORE...
CMS teacher named to national educational advisory
Posted on 01/19/2021
Amanda Bell, an eighth-grade science teacher at Churchland Middle School, has been named to JASON Learning’s Teacher Advisory Panel.  READ MORE...
Churchland High School teacher to be honored by Urban League of Hampton Roads
Posted on 01/15/2021
Churchland High School Science Teacher Isaiah Marriner will be honored as a “Rising Leader” by The Urban League of Hampton Roads. Marriner will be one of just eight distinguished leaders to be honored at the organization’s 37th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Leaders Event.  READ MORE...
PPS cancels winter sports
Posted on 01/13/2021
After a thorough review of the city's health metrics, administration has made the difficult decision to cancel all winter sports for the 2020-2021 season.  READ MORE...
Patillo, Atkinson elected School Board chairman, vice-chairwoman
Patillo, Atkinson elected School Board chairman, vice-chairwoman
Posted on 01/08/2021
At its Jan. 7 reorganizational meeting, the School Board of the City of Portsmouth elected a new chairman, Rev. Cardell Patillo, and vice-chairwoman, LaKeesha “Klu” Atkinson.  READ MORE...
PPS to remain in all-virtual setting through start of the second semester
PPS to remain in all-virtual setting through start of the second semester
Posted on 01/07/2021
At the Jan. 7 meeting of the School Board of the City of Portsmouth, the Board voted to keep students in an all-virtual setting until COVID-19 positivity rates drop dramatically.  READ MORE...
Longshoremen make children at three Portsmouth schools smile  with the donation of brand-new bicycles
Longshoremen make children at three Portsmouth schools smile with the donation of brand-new bicycles
Posted on 12/18/2020
This year three Portsmouth elementary schools, Simonsdale, Westhaven and Hodges Manor, participated in the program. On Friday, Dec. 18, each school received 25 bicycles to share with some very deserving students.  READ MORE...
PPS Athletics temporarily suspends conditioning and practices
PPS Athletics temporarily suspends conditioning and practices
Posted on 12/16/2020
Effective Thursday, Dec. 17, all Portsmouth Public Schools athletic practices and conditioning will be suspended throughout the Winter Break (Dec. 21-Jan.1). Athletic practices can resume on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021.  READ MORE...
Three Portsmouth schools to be renamed beginning in July 2021
Three Portsmouth schools to be renamed beginning in July 2021
Posted on 12/03/2020
Following months of input from the community and two public hearings, the School Board of the City of Portsmouth has voted to officially change the name of three of its schools: Woodrow Wilson High School, James Hurst Elementary School and John Tyler Elementary School.  READ MORE...
Five take their oaths of office for Portsmouth School Board
Five take their oaths of office for Portsmouth School Board
Posted on 12/03/2020
Two current Portsmouth School Board members and three School Board members- elect recently took their oaths of office in individual swearing-in ceremonies held in the city’s Judicial Center.  READ MORE...
Churchland High School's MCJROTC Unit Receives Naval Honor School Designation
Churchland High School's MCJROTC Unit Receives Naval Honor School Designation
Posted on 11/30/2020
For the second year, Churchland High School’s Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (MCJROTC) unit has been awarded the Naval Honor School designation. The Marine Corps Training and Education Command, headquartered in Quantico, recently notified the school of its selection.  READ MORE...
Woodrow Wilson High School Teacher Selected to Participate In Prestigious Fellowship Program
Woodrow Wilson High School Teacher Selected to Participate In Prestigious Fellowship Program
Posted on 11/30/2020
Karen Roberts, a career and technical education teacher at Woodrow Wilson High School, is one of 24 teachers nationwide selected to participate in the National Leadership Fellowship Program for the Association for Career & Technical Education (ACTE).  READ MORE...
Swearing-in Ceremonies Scheduled for Portsmouth School Board Members
Swearing-in Ceremonies Scheduled for Portsmouth School Board Members
Posted on 11/23/2020
Two current Portsmouth School Board members, who were recently re-elected, and two newly elected Board members will be sworn into office at ceremonies to be held in Portsmouth Circuit Court.  READ MORE...
Portsmouth City School Board Vacancy Announcement
Portsmouth City School Board Vacancy Announcement
Posted on 11/19/2020
Portsmouth School Board approves changes due to COVID-19
Portsmouth School Board approves changes due to COVID-19
Posted on 11/17/2020
Portsmouth School Board Approves a Number of Changes to Address the Region’s Increase in COVID-19 Cases  READ MORE...
Portsmouth School Board receives two financial awards
Portsmouth School Board receives two financial awards
Posted on 11/14/2020
The Portsmouth School Board has received two prestigious financial awards. They are a Certificate for Excellence in Financial Reporting Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and the Meritorious Budget Award from the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO)  READ MORE...
PPS School Board to host special meeting Nov. 17
PPS School Board to host special meeting Nov. 17
Posted on 11/13/2020
The Portsmouth School Board has scheduled a special meeting for Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 5:30 p.m. at John Tyler Elementary School.  READ MORE...
PPS return-to-work/school plans outlined
PPS return-to-work/school plans outlined
Posted on 11/05/2020
In its Thursday, Nov. 5 meeting, the Portsmouth School Board set Monday, Nov. 23 as the date all employees will be expected to return to their physical work locations on their normal operating schedules. Instructional staff will be permitted to work remotely on Wednesdays (Flipped Learning Days).   READ MORE...
PPS Feeding Program to accommodate weekend meals
PPS Feeding Program to accommodate weekend meals
Posted on 10/30/2020
PPS to continue virtual learning through December 2020
PPS to continue virtual learning through December 2020
Posted on 10/08/2020
At the Oct. 8 meeting of the School Board of the City of Portsmouth, the Board voted to continue virtual learning for all students through the end of 2020. The last school day before winter break is Friday, Dec. 18.  READ MORE...
Public Hearings for renaming schools to be held Sept. 28 and Oct. 5
Public Hearings for renaming schools to be held Sept. 28 and Oct. 5
Posted on 09/15/2020
The School Board of the City of Portsmouth is holding two public hearings to discuss the proposed renaming of Woodrow Wilson High School, James Hurst Elementary and John Tyler Elementary.  READ MORE...
PPS earns VDOE grant to prepare students for STEM competitions
PPS earns VDOE grant to prepare students for STEM competitions
Posted on 09/01/2020
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has awarded Portsmouth Public Schools (PPS) a $10,000 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) competition team grant.  READ MORE...
PPS Science Program earns $15,000 grant for new modeling and simulation pathway
PPS Science Program earns $15,000 grant for new modeling and simulation pathway
Posted on 08/31/2020
Daniel Lewandowski, a secondary science program specialist for Portsmouth Public Schools (PPS), received a $15,000 grant from the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation.  READ MORE...
All PPS students to receive free meals for the 2020-2021 school year
All PPS students to receive free meals for the 2020-2021 school year
Posted on 08/27/2020
Norcom’s Heather Overkamp earns national Society for Science and the Public grant
Norcom’s Heather Overkamp earns national Society for Science and the Public grant
Posted on 08/20/2020
Heather Overkamp, a teacher at I.C. Norcom High School, has earned a $5,000 grant from The National Society for Science and the Public.  READ MORE...
Churchland High School teacher named one of the best math and science teachers in the country
Churchland High School teacher named one of the best math and science teachers in the country
Posted on 08/04/2020
Portsmouth Public Schools to start 2020-2021 school year with virtual instruction
Portsmouth Public Schools to start 2020-2021 school year with virtual instruction
Posted on 07/29/2020
Wilson High School teacher earns Society for Classical Studies Award for Excellence in Teaching
Wilson High School teacher earns Society for Classical Studies Award for Excellence in Teaching
Posted on 07/29/2020
VDOE
Five PPS schools earn 2020 Board of Education Continuous Improvement Award
Posted on 06/18/2020
Cradock Middle, I.C. Norcom High, Lakeview Elementary, Park View Elementary and Westhaven Elementary each earned the 2020 Board of Education Continuous Improvement Award.   READ MORE...
CTE honor
PPS earns state CTE honor
Posted on 06/18/2020
The Portsmouth Public Schools (PPS) Career and Technical Education (CTE) Advisory Board has been selected by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) as the Region 2 winner of the 2020 Creating Excellence Advisory Award.  READ MORE...
Portsmouth Council of PTAs announces annual organization honorees
Portsmouth Council of PTAs announces annual organization honorees
Posted on 06/11/2020
James Hurst Elementary named National Beta School of Distinction
James Hurst Elementary named National Beta School of Distinction
Posted on 06/05/2020
Information for new families enrolling at Churchland Elementary and Churchland Academy
Information for new families enrolling at Churchland Elementary and Churchland Academy
Posted on 04/30/2020
Simonsdale Elementary’s Apiphanie Hill named PPS Citywide Teacher of the Year
Simonsdale Elementary’s Apiphanie Hill named PPS Citywide Teacher of the Year
Posted on 04/26/2020
Churchland High School earns ‘Best High School’ honor from U.S. News and World Report
Churchland High School earns ‘Best High School’ honor from U.S. News and World Report
Posted on 04/21/2020
PPS Feeding Program Schedule
PPS Feeding Program Schedule
Posted on 03/27/2020
Dr. Elie Bracy, III named Region 2 Superintendent of the Year
Dr. Elie Bracy, III named Region 2 Superintendent of the Year
Posted on 03/18/2020
The latest information and updates on the Coronavirus
The latest information and updates on the Coronavirus
Posted on 03/10/2020
School Board votes against Funding Formula
School Board votes against Funding Formula
Posted on 03/06/2020
Portsmouth Public Schools unveils new ‘Shining Brighter Together’ logo
Portsmouth Public Schools unveils new ‘Shining Brighter Together’ logo
Posted on 01/24/2020
Churchland High School senior part of national journalism project
Churchland High School senior part of national journalism project
Posted on 01/23/2020
Parent, Patillo re-elected as Board chairman, vice-chair
Parent, Patillo re-elected as Board chairman, vice-chair
Posted on 01/13/2020
PPS named to the AP District Honor Roll
PPS named to the AP District Honor Roll
Posted on 12/05/2019
Portsmouth Public Schools (PPS) is one of the only 250 school divisions across both the United States and Canada to be named to the College Board’s 10th Annual AP ® District Honor Roll.  READ MORE...
Churchland Middle’s Perry-Campbell wins local doctoral competition
Churchland Middle’s Perry-Campbell wins local doctoral competition
Posted on 12/02/2019
Churchland Middle School Assistant Principal Janeen Perry-Campbell is currently working on her doctorate in education at Old Dominion University (ODU).  READ MORE...
Dr. Bracy
Dr. Bracy to earn CCIA honor for leadership in education
Posted on 11/12/2019
Portsmouth Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Elie Bracy, III has been named an honoree of Church and Community in Action (CCIA) for the organization’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast, which will be held Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.   READ MORE...
Calendar Survey
Calendar Survey Available Now
Posted on 11/04/2019
Jamill Jones photo
Churchland Elementary Principal named President of VAESP
Posted on 10/25/2019
Churchland Elementary School Principal Dr. Jamill Jones has been named as the President of the Virginia Association of Elementary Schools Principals (VAESP).   READ MORE...
Wilson logo
Wilson High earns Project Ignition grant, students to attend the National Youth Leadership Council training
Posted on 10/21/2019
ASBO
Budget department earns ASBO Honor
Posted on 10/11/2019
Portsmouth Public Schools has earned the Meritorious Budget Award (MBA) from the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) for excellence in its budget presentation.   READ MORE...
Accreditation
Portsmouth Public Schools maintains accreditation standing
Posted on 09/30/2019
For the second year in a row, 14 of the 19 Portsmouth Public Schools (PPS) testing schools have earned full accreditation, according to data released today by the Virginia Department of Education. In 2015, the division just six of 19 schools were accredited.   READ MORE...
NJROTC
Churchland High School named Naval Honor School
Posted on 09/09/2019
Churchland High School’s Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (MCJROTC) program was recently designated as a Naval Honor School based on activity that took place during the 2018-19 school year.  READ MORE...
football
Football games rescheduled
Posted on 09/04/2019
In preparation for the anticipated weather later this week, high schools have all proactively moved their home football games scheduled for Friday night.   READ MORE...
School Board Meetings
School Board meeting announcement updates
Posted on 08/14/2019
Effective Sept. 1, 2019, School Board meetings/agendas will no longer be published in the Sunday Bridges.  READ MORE...
United Way
PPS donates more than $34,000 to United Way
Posted on 07/18/2019
Portsmouth Public Schools was recently honored with a special plaque honoring the division’s more than $34,000 donation to the United Way of South Hampton Roads.  READ MORE...
Zahraoui headshot
Churchland math teacher named finalist for Presidential Award for instruction
Posted on 07/02/2019
Churchland High School's Aziz Zahraoui has been named a 2019 Virginia state-level finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).  READ MORE...
Ribbon
Portsmouth Public Schools earns top financial reporting honor
Posted on 06/24/2019
Portsmouth Public Schools earned the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for the division’s comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR).   READ MORE...
Johnson Photo
Frances Johnson named PPS Nurse of the Year
Posted on 05/23/2019
At the last staff meeting for all Portsmouth Public Schools school nurses for the 2018-19 school year, Olive Branch Preschool Nurse Frances Johnson was named the 2019 School Nurse of the Year.   READ MORE...
Kindergartner
Portsmouth Public Schools hosting annual Preschool and Kindergarten Registration events
Posted on 05/09/2019
Families with rising preschoolers and kindergartners can attend one of a series upcoming registration events held by Portsmouth Public Schools (PPS) to help streamline the process and provide answers to questions about the division’s programs.  READ MORE...
Advocates logo
Norcom teacher named to national science mentoring program
Posted on 04/30/2019
Norcom High School Teacher Heather Overkamp has been named to the Society for Science & the Public’s 2019-2020 Advocate Grant Program. Overkamp was one of just 60 of the professionals across the country selected for the program.  READ MORE...
Advocates logo
Norcom teacher named to national science mentoring program
Posted on 04/30/2019
Norcom High School Teacher Heather Overkamp has been named to the Society for Science & the Public’s 2019-2020 Advocate Grant Program. Overkamp was one of just 60 of the professionals across the country selected for the program.  READ MORE...
Karen Roberts - Wilson Teacher Earns National Honor
Wilson High School teacher earns national honor from FCCLA
Posted on 04/29/2019
Wilson High School Career and Technology Teacher Karen Roberts has been named the recipient of the 2019 National Educated Adviser Award from the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA).  READ MORE...
Special School Board Meeting Cancelled
Posted on 04/22/2019
Special School Board Meeting this Thursday, April 25th  READ MORE...
We Love Our Volunteers
PPS Salutes Its Many Volunteers
Posted on 04/12/2019
In PPS, we are blessed with many wonderful volunteers. Read about a few examples here...  READ MORE...
Budget Planning
Important Budget Update: City Council Informally Agrees to Provide an Additional $2.6 Million
Posted on 04/10/2019
The city manager's budget proposal, if adopted, will cut the school system's request by $3.1 million.  READ MORE...
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