Please be advised that the elementary playgrounds will be closed beginning on Monday, May 25, 2026 and will remain closed throughout the summer due to ongoing construction and improvement projects on campus. In addition, there will be limited access to portions of the school campus during this time to ensure the safety of students, families, staff, and contractors.
Additionally, the main gym will also be closed, also beginning on Monday, May 25, 2026 to all individuals and groups during construction. Information regarding any athletic practices, workouts, or open gym opportunities will be coordinated and communicated with parents at a later date as construction schedules become clearer.
We appreciate your patience, flexibility, and understanding as we work to improve our facilities for our students and community. Thank you.
Additionally, the main gym will also be closed, also beginning on Monday, May 25, 2026 to all individuals and groups during construction. Information regarding any athletic practices, workouts, or open gym opportunities will be coordinated and communicated with parents at a later date as construction schedules become clearer.
We appreciate your patience, flexibility, and understanding as we work to improve our facilities for our students and community. Thank you.
Good Afternoon:
On behalf of all us at Craig County Public Schools, I want to thank everyone for your hard work, support, and dedication throughout the year. I hope each of you has a wonderful, safe, and restful summer filled with time to relax and enjoy family and friends.
Thank you for supporting Craig County Public Schools, and we look forward to seeing everyone again this fall. Have a great summer. Thank you.
We are now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 preschool program.
This program is offered through the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) and is open to children who will be 4 years old by September 30th, 2026.
VPI is a needs-based program, and acceptance is determined through an application review process. Priority will be given to children whose family or educational circumstances align most closely with VPI eligibility guidelines.
Children and grandchildren of full-time employees may also apply for the Helping Hands program. Children considered for Helping Hands must qualify as eligible peer mentors and must also be 4 years old by September 30th, 2026.
Applications are due by June 12th. Families will be notified of placement by July 10th.
Apply online here for consideration for both VPI and Helping Hands: https://families.smart2start.org/
This program is offered through the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) and is open to children who will be 4 years old by September 30th, 2026.
VPI is a needs-based program, and acceptance is determined through an application review process. Priority will be given to children whose family or educational circumstances align most closely with VPI eligibility guidelines.
Children and grandchildren of full-time employees may also apply for the Helping Hands program. Children considered for Helping Hands must qualify as eligible peer mentors and must also be 4 years old by September 30th, 2026.
Applications are due by June 12th. Families will be notified of placement by July 10th.
Apply online here for consideration for both VPI and Helping Hands: https://families.smart2start.org/
Bus 7 - Kay Hutchinson's bus is running 10 minutes late this afternoon. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Good Afternoon,
At its most recent meeting, the School Board approved a change to the school calendar. As a result, Wednesday, May 20, 2026, which is the last day of school, will now be an early release day for all students. School will dismiss at 1:30 p.m. Once again, school will dismiss at 1:30 on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
Thank you for your continued support throughout the school year. We hope everyone has a wonderful, safe, and restful summer. Thank You.
At its most recent meeting, the School Board approved a change to the school calendar. As a result, Wednesday, May 20, 2026, which is the last day of school, will now be an early release day for all students. School will dismiss at 1:30 p.m. Once again, school will dismiss at 1:30 on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
Thank you for your continued support throughout the school year. We hope everyone has a wonderful, safe, and restful summer. Thank You.
🌟 A huge shoutout to the fantastic Mrs. Sierra Frazier and Ms. Courtney Lantz! 🎉 What an unforgettable night! The CCPS Art Show was such a blast! 🌟 It was so wonderful to see so many community members come together to celebrate the amazing talents of our young artists. Their creativity and passion really shined through in every piece!
Thank you to everyone who came out, our incredible volunteers, and of course, our talented students for sharing their amazing work with us. Your artistry truly inspires us all! 🖼️❤️
Thank you to everyone who came out, our incredible volunteers, and of course, our talented students for sharing their amazing work with us. Your artistry truly inspires us all! 🖼️❤️
🌟April Employee of the Month - Melinda Huffman🌟
Melinda Huffman is a deserving choice for Employee of the Month due to her outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to supporting both staff and students. As the leader of the “Morale Mafia,” Melinda has worked throughout the year to organize events and activities that build positivity and strengthen staff morale across Craig County High School. Most recently, she played an instrumental role in coordinating an incredible Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week alongside the other members of her team. Through her organization, creativity, and attention to detail, she helped create a meaningful week that made staff members feel recognized, appreciated, and supported.
In addition to her leadership in staff morale initiatives, Melinda has excelled in her role as the Division Director of Testing (DDOT). She manages the many responsibilities associated with division-wide testing with professionalism, efficiency, and accuracy. From coordinating schedules and training staff to ensuring all testing procedures are followed correctly, Melinda consistently demonstrates exceptional attention to detail and a calm, solution-oriented approach. Her ability to manage complex testing requirements while supporting schools and staff members throughout the process has been invaluable to the success of our division. Melinda’s dedication, leadership, and positive impact make her truly deserving of Employee of the Month recognition. 👏✨
Thank you, Melinda, for all you do for CCPS! We appreciate you!
Melinda Huffman is a deserving choice for Employee of the Month due to her outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to supporting both staff and students. As the leader of the “Morale Mafia,” Melinda has worked throughout the year to organize events and activities that build positivity and strengthen staff morale across Craig County High School. Most recently, she played an instrumental role in coordinating an incredible Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week alongside the other members of her team. Through her organization, creativity, and attention to detail, she helped create a meaningful week that made staff members feel recognized, appreciated, and supported.
In addition to her leadership in staff morale initiatives, Melinda has excelled in her role as the Division Director of Testing (DDOT). She manages the many responsibilities associated with division-wide testing with professionalism, efficiency, and accuracy. From coordinating schedules and training staff to ensuring all testing procedures are followed correctly, Melinda consistently demonstrates exceptional attention to detail and a calm, solution-oriented approach. Her ability to manage complex testing requirements while supporting schools and staff members throughout the process has been invaluable to the success of our division. Melinda’s dedication, leadership, and positive impact make her truly deserving of Employee of the Month recognition. 👏✨
Thank you, Melinda, for all you do for CCPS! We appreciate you!
Please see letter from Dr. Jason Wheeler regarding Canvas update.
🖌️ Don’t miss it — art, talent, and community all in one place!
#CCPSArtShow #RocketPride #StudentCreativity #SupportTheArts
Reminder of the Vaccine Clinic on May 11th! You must pre-register by calling the Craig County Health Department at (540) 864-5136. You must also return the consent forms to our school nurse, Mr. Roland Donithan. Please contact them if you have any questions!
SHOUT OUT to Missy Frazier, Karen Jones & Melinda Huffman
Shout out to these ladies for a successful first day of SOL testing yesterday! This is the first time I can recall that the test day was as smooth as butter. 🧈 If there were any hiccups today, we didn't notice. I know firsthand how stressful it is to serve as a testing coordinator, but these ladies made it look easy and graceful. We appreciate the hard work and effort they all put into pulling this off!
Thanks to each of you for all of your hard work- We appreciate YOU!
Shout out to these ladies for a successful first day of SOL testing yesterday! This is the first time I can recall that the test day was as smooth as butter. 🧈 If there were any hiccups today, we didn't notice. I know firsthand how stressful it is to serve as a testing coordinator, but these ladies made it look easy and graceful. We appreciate the hard work and effort they all put into pulling this off!
Thanks to each of you for all of your hard work- We appreciate YOU!
🏆✨ First-Ever Clayton Cassell Perseverance Award ✨🏆
We are proud to announce that the first-ever Clayton Cassell Perseverance Award, presented by WSLS, was awarded to none other than Clayton himself.
Clayton’s courageous journey—driven not by the question of “if,” but rather “how”—captured the hearts of the New Castle community. His story resonated far and wide, evident in the hundreds of likes, comments, and shares across social media and the overwhelming support he received.
Whether on the football field or in the classroom, Clayton truly personifies the meaning of perseverance. His determination, grit, and positive spirit continue to inspire everyone around him.
As his mom so perfectly said:
“He works just as hard, sometimes more mentally than half of the kids out there.”
Congratulations, Clayton. Your strength, resilience, and heart make you a role model for us all. 💙💪 #Perseverance #WellDeserved #CommunityPride #Inspiration#Rockets
We are proud to announce that the first-ever Clayton Cassell Perseverance Award, presented by WSLS, was awarded to none other than Clayton himself.
Clayton’s courageous journey—driven not by the question of “if,” but rather “how”—captured the hearts of the New Castle community. His story resonated far and wide, evident in the hundreds of likes, comments, and shares across social media and the overwhelming support he received.
Whether on the football field or in the classroom, Clayton truly personifies the meaning of perseverance. His determination, grit, and positive spirit continue to inspire everyone around him.
As his mom so perfectly said:
“He works just as hard, sometimes more mentally than half of the kids out there.”
Congratulations, Clayton. Your strength, resilience, and heart make you a role model for us all. 💙💪 #Perseverance #WellDeserved #CommunityPride #Inspiration#Rockets
🎉🏆 RECORD BROKEN! 🏆🎉
We were incredibly proud to celebrate Caleb Cregger at our April School Board meeting. Caleb shattered the school record in High Jump with an amazing leap of 6 feet! 🙌
With this outstanding performance, Caleb has automatically qualified for the State Championship in June — an incredible accomplishment and a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Join us in congratulating Caleb on this historic achievement and wishing him the best as he heads to state! 💙🚀
#SchoolRecord #HighJump #StateBound #StudentAthletePride #HardWorkPaysOff
We were incredibly proud to celebrate Caleb Cregger at our April School Board meeting. Caleb shattered the school record in High Jump with an amazing leap of 6 feet! 🙌
With this outstanding performance, Caleb has automatically qualified for the State Championship in June — an incredible accomplishment and a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Join us in congratulating Caleb on this historic achievement and wishing him the best as he heads to state! 💙🚀
#SchoolRecord #HighJump #StateBound #StudentAthletePride #HardWorkPaysOff
SHOUT OUT to Sherry Crowder & The Cafeteria Team
Our cafeteria staff is amazing! They work tirelessly to make sure our kids are fed for breakfast and lunch, whether at school or on a field trip. You can tell the cafeteria staff truly cares about the well-being of every kid in CCPS. In every respect, not just being fed.
Sherry Crowder has such attention to detail and wants to make sure every kid has something they can eat here at school. Thank you for all the unseen hard work everyone puts in each day! ♥️
Thank you so much for all you do here at CCPS- We appreciate all of YOU!!
Our cafeteria staff is amazing! They work tirelessly to make sure our kids are fed for breakfast and lunch, whether at school or on a field trip. You can tell the cafeteria staff truly cares about the well-being of every kid in CCPS. In every respect, not just being fed.
Sherry Crowder has such attention to detail and wants to make sure every kid has something they can eat here at school. Thank you for all the unseen hard work everyone puts in each day! ♥️
Thank you so much for all you do here at CCPS- We appreciate all of YOU!!
🎨✨ Celebrating Craig County’s Artistic Youth! ✨🎨
We are so proud to recognize the talented students from Craig County whose artwork has been selected to be on display at the Craig County Courthouse for the next year! 🖌️🏛️
This honor showcases the creativity, imagination, and hard work of our young artists and highlights the incredible talent growing right here in our community. If you visit the courthouse over the coming year, be sure to take a moment to admire these amazing works of art created by our students.
Congratulations to our featured artists—you inspire us all! 💙🎉
#CraigCountyProud #StudentArtists #ArtInOurCommunity #FutureCreators
We are so proud to recognize the talented students from Craig County whose artwork has been selected to be on display at the Craig County Courthouse for the next year! 🖌️🏛️
This honor showcases the creativity, imagination, and hard work of our young artists and highlights the incredible talent growing right here in our community. If you visit the courthouse over the coming year, be sure to take a moment to admire these amazing works of art created by our students.
Congratulations to our featured artists—you inspire us all! 💙🎉
#CraigCountyProud #StudentArtists #ArtInOurCommunity #FutureCreators
SHOUT OUT to Alyssa Schulke
"Huge shout-out to Alyssa Schulke for all of her hard work on the musical! Opening night was a huge success, and it was such a great show! If you didn't see it last night, please go see those kids shine!"
We are so proud of the CCPS Performing Arts Team for the program they are building, their hard work, and dedication are showing on stage! We appreciate YOU!
"Huge shout-out to Alyssa Schulke for all of her hard work on the musical! Opening night was a huge success, and it was such a great show! If you didn't see it last night, please go see those kids shine!"
We are so proud of the CCPS Performing Arts Team for the program they are building, their hard work, and dedication are showing on stage! We appreciate YOU!
SHOUT OUT to Erica Crabtree-
Erica Crabtree has made such a positive impact as our elementary PE teacher. She is incredibly creative and always finds new, fun ways to get students active and excited about PE. What truly stands out is her kindness, as she goes out of her way to help others without hesitation. Whether it’s covering classes at the end of the day, giving up her planning time on Thursdays to support coworkers, stepping in when we’re short-staffed, or jumping in to take on extra lunch duties when she notices someone is out—without ever being asked—she consistently looks for ways to lighten the load for those around her. She’s also out on the playground multiple times a week, building relationships with students by playing kickball, football, and basketball right alongside them. On a personal note, she has made a huge difference for my own children—especially one who never loved athletics but now loves PE and is even showing interest in sports because of her. She truly brings energy, heart, and positivity to our school every single day.
Thanks so much, Coach Crabtree, for all you do here at CCPS- We appreciate YOU!!
Erica Crabtree has made such a positive impact as our elementary PE teacher. She is incredibly creative and always finds new, fun ways to get students active and excited about PE. What truly stands out is her kindness, as she goes out of her way to help others without hesitation. Whether it’s covering classes at the end of the day, giving up her planning time on Thursdays to support coworkers, stepping in when we’re short-staffed, or jumping in to take on extra lunch duties when she notices someone is out—without ever being asked—she consistently looks for ways to lighten the load for those around her. She’s also out on the playground multiple times a week, building relationships with students by playing kickball, football, and basketball right alongside them. On a personal note, she has made a huge difference for my own children—especially one who never loved athletics but now loves PE and is even showing interest in sports because of her. She truly brings energy, heart, and positivity to our school every single day.
Thanks so much, Coach Crabtree, for all you do here at CCPS- We appreciate YOU!!
📢 **Attention Parents and Guardians!** 📚
We want to remind you that required vaccines for rising 7th and 12th grade students are coming up soon! 💉
➡️ Information and consent forms have been sent home with your student. Please take a moment to review them.
📞 To pre-register your child for the vaccine clinic, call us at 540-864-5136. Don't forget to return the signed consent form to the school nurse!
🗓️ **Mark your calendars!** The vaccine clinic will take place on **May 11, 2026.**
Thank you for helping us keep our students healthy!
We want to remind you that required vaccines for rising 7th and 12th grade students are coming up soon! 💉
➡️ Information and consent forms have been sent home with your student. Please take a moment to review them.
📞 To pre-register your child for the vaccine clinic, call us at 540-864-5136. Don't forget to return the signed consent form to the school nurse!
🗓️ **Mark your calendars!** The vaccine clinic will take place on **May 11, 2026.**
Thank you for helping us keep our students healthy!
🚀 Community Spotlight: Craig County Rockets Booster Club 🚀
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Craig County Rockets Booster Club for their continued dedication and unwavering support of our students, athletes, and programs. This past year, the Boosters donated over $11,000 to our programs! THANK YOU!!!!!
Your time, generosity, and commitment help create opportunities that enrich the student experience and strengthen our Rocket community. Because of you, our students are able to thrive both on and off the field.
We truly appreciate all that you do to support the Rockets! ❤️🤍
#RocketPride #CommunitySupport #ThankYou #CraigCountyRockets
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Craig County Rockets Booster Club for their continued dedication and unwavering support of our students, athletes, and programs. This past year, the Boosters donated over $11,000 to our programs! THANK YOU!!!!!
Your time, generosity, and commitment help create opportunities that enrich the student experience and strengthen our Rocket community. Because of you, our students are able to thrive both on and off the field.
We truly appreciate all that you do to support the Rockets! ❤️🤍
#RocketPride #CommunitySupport #ThankYou #CraigCountyRockets
🌟 Employee of the Month – Alex Ward 🌟
Please join us in celebrating Alex Ward, our incredible Systems Administrator and the true man behind the curtain for all of our School Board meetings! 💻🎥
Alex is always positive, genuinely happy, and more than willing to jump in wherever help is needed. From keeping our technology running smoothly to ensuring every meeting goes off without a hitch, his behind-the-scenes work makes a big impact every single day.
Thank you, Alex, for your dedication, teamwork, and can-do attitude. We are so grateful for all that you do! 👏✨
#EmployeeOfTheMonth #TeamCCPS #ThankYouAlex #BehindTheScenes
Please join us in celebrating Alex Ward, our incredible Systems Administrator and the true man behind the curtain for all of our School Board meetings! 💻🎥
Alex is always positive, genuinely happy, and more than willing to jump in wherever help is needed. From keeping our technology running smoothly to ensuring every meeting goes off without a hitch, his behind-the-scenes work makes a big impact every single day.
Thank you, Alex, for your dedication, teamwork, and can-do attitude. We are so grateful for all that you do! 👏✨
#EmployeeOfTheMonth #TeamCCPS #ThankYouAlex #BehindTheScenes
