As the school year draws to a close, we're thrilled to look back on a year that was a testament to our progress, innovation, and unwavering commitment to excellence. It’s incredible to think that we've reached the end of another remarkable year, and we're excited to share some of the milestones we've reached. This year was undeniably a year of change, marked by new faces, challenges, and innovative solutions.
1. New High School and Middle School Construction
Construction continued on our new High School and Middle School campus, with a specific focus this year on the ongoing construction of a new auditorium, cafeteria, and middle school gymnasium. Additionally, new middle school classrooms will sit adjacent to the new administrative suites. While building comes with logistical challenges, instructional time remained uninterrupted. Visible progress on key areas of the facility keeps us excited for the future learning environment this space will offer.
2. After-School Program Expansion
Our 21st Century Community Learning after-school programs, now available at both elementary schools, have been a resounding success. These programs provide enriching academic and extracurricular experiences that extend beyond the regular school day, offering students additional opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills, and build lasting friendships..
While we are still a work in progress, the steady growth in participation reflects the enthusiasm and need within our community. The positive impact on educational support and student engagement, whether through tutoring, homework help with the Shore Mentors, or enrichment activities with the YMCA, has contributed to improved student confidence, motivation, and overall engagement. These programs are something we can all be proud of.
3. New Elementary School Playgrounds
Thanks to strong community partnerships, our elementary students now enjoy brand-new playgrounds. These modern play areas have replaced outdated equipment, fostering creativity, social interaction, and physical activity in a safe and vibrant space. The new playgrounds feature age-appropriate structures, enhanced safety surfacing, and accessible designs that ensure all students can participate and play together. These spaces not only support physical development but also offer opportunities for students to build friendships, practice problem-solving, and develop important social skills through play. The laughter and energy filling these playgrounds each day are a wonderful reminder of the power of community collaboration and the importance of joyful learning environments.
4. New Dental Units
We proudly celebrated the grand opening of the new full-service dental unit at Occohannock Elementary School (OES). This state-of-the-art facility, launched in partnership with Eastern Shore Rural Health, provides on-site dental care for our students, eliminating barriers to essential health services and promoting overall well-being. By offering preventative and restorative care directly at school, we are supporting not just academic success, but the whole child. The dental unit has already begun serving students, making it easier for families to access care and ensuring that dental health does not become a hurdle to learning.
In addition to the OES facility, we also introduced a mobile dental unit stationed at the high school and middle school complex, further expanding access to critical dental services for older students. This mobile unit travels between sites as needed, ensuring that students across grade levels have the opportunity to receive routine dental care without leaving the school campus. The convenience and accessibility of this service help reduce missed instructional time and support the overall health and readiness of our students. We are grateful to our partners at Eastern Shore Rural Health for their vision, leadership, and dedication to improving student wellness across Northampton County Public Schools.
5. All Northampton Reads Initiative
Our division-wide reading initiative, the All Northampton Reads Initiative, has been a tremendous success. Throughout the year, elementary students have been reading together every night and participating in school-day trivia and prize activities. This literacy effort has not only connected school and home learning but also fostered a love for books that we can all take pride in.
6. Navigating Weather Disruptions with Grace
This year brought its share of winter weather. Despite delays, early dismissals, and cancellations, our educators, students, and families demonstrated resilience in adapting to the changes. Learning continued, and our academic goals stayed firmly on track. Our teachers quickly adapted lessons, our students remained engaged, and our families provided crucial support at home. Together, we ensured that academic progress stayed firmly on track. Beyond the classroom, the way our entire community came together during these weather challenges reflects the strength and spirit that define Northampton County Public Schools.
7. NCPS Book Mobile Launch
A ribbon-cutting marked the debut of the NCPS Book Mobile—a mobile, state-of-the-art library and learning space. More than a bus, it represents our belief in equitable access to knowledge and community-wide literacy. With support from the Cape Charles Rotary Club, the Northampton County Education Foundation, and many others, this initiative is already making stops and delivering stories across the county. The NCPS Bookmobile is intended to help close the gap for students who may not have easy access to libraries or transportation, ensuring that stories, learning tools, and enrichment activities are always within reach. The excitement and joy on the faces of our students as they step aboard remind us why this work is so important. The Book Mobile is not just delivering books—it is delivering possibility, curiosity, and a lifelong love of reading.
We encourage families and community members to check the NCPS social media regularly for the Bookmobile schedule, which includes its upcoming appearances at schools, neighborhoods, and community events. Whether it’s a weekend festival, a summer gathering, or a school-based event, the NCPS Book Mobile will continue to bring the joy of reading to students and families all across Northampton County.
8. Community Partnerships that Strengthen Learning
This year, our community partnerships flourished, making a powerful and lasting impact on our schools. From the beloved Northampton County Education Foundation (NCEF) Oyster Roast, which remains a cornerstone of community support, to frequent school visits from local service organizations, businesses, and civic groups, our collaborative efforts have grown stronger and more meaningful.
Another one of our valued partners, the Cape Charles Rotary Club, played a vital role in supporting student learning and enrichment opportunities. Their generous contributions, including their instrumental support in launching the NCPS Book Mobile, directly expanded access to literacy and educational resources across the county. Their commitment to service and education exemplifies the spirit of community engagement that defines Northampton County.
Throughout the year, local professionals shared their expertise in classrooms, businesses welcomed student tours and career exploration opportunities, and service organizations provided mentorship, school supplies, and support for special initiatives. These connections brought real-world learning, leadership development, and new opportunities right to our students’ doorsteps.
9. Celebrating Athletics and Achievements
Whether on the playing fields, courts, or in the classrooms and competition halls, our students have demonstrated outstanding dedication, teamwork, and excellence.
Across thrilling victories and hard-fought matches, from innovative projects to intellectual challenges, these teams have not only showcased their talents but also embodied the spirit, pride, and perseverance of Northampton County Public Schools. Their commitment to growth, sportsmanship, and learning inspires us all and makes our community stronger. These milestones serve as a testament to the students' dedication, strong coaching, and the support of their community.
NCPS had a standout year in athletics and student achievement:
Boys Varsity Soccer claimed the Class I State Championship for the second time in three years. Additional accomplishments include Region A and Eastern Shore District Champions.
Our Robotics team ranked 17th in a tri-state competition.
Our students participated in Speech and in Scholastic Bowl, with individuals qualifying for the VHSL Regional and State Competitions.
Rylee Coates continued a stellar performance year-round in both Indoor and Outdoor Track.
Yellow Jackets Varsity Football concluded the season as the Eastern Shore District Champions.
The Boys and Girls Cross Country teams and Girls Soccer won the Eastern Shore District Championship.
10. School Safety and Security Measures to Enhance Learning
This year, Northampton County Public Schools continued to strengthen our commitment to providing a safe and secure learning environment for all students and staff. We successfully rolled out the Raptor Visitor Monitoring System across all school buildings, enhancing our ability to screen visitors efficiently and maintain campus security. This system allows us to provide better oversight while welcoming families and community members safely.
To address emerging concerns, we installed vape detectors in every school, proactively working to reduce vaping and related health risks among students. This initiative supports our ongoing efforts to promote student wellness and a substance-free school environment.
We also successfully piloted a digital hall pass system at the middle school, and intend to implement it at the high school during the upcoming school year. This system improves hallway monitoring, reduces unnecessary hallway traffic, and ensures students’ whereabouts are accounted for in real-time, enhancing overall safety.
Recognizing the impact of distractions on learning, several schools have embraced a “bell-to-bell” cell phone-free learning policy. By limiting cell phone use during instructional time, this initiative helps create focused, engaged classrooms where students can fully participate and absorb their lessons. It also fosters increased opportunities for meaningful face-to-face conversations, collaboration, and stronger connections between students and teachers throughout the school day.
Additionally, to ensure uninterrupted learning and safety, we installed new generators at both elementary schools to provide backup power in the event of an outage. This ensures that critical systems—such as security, communication, and heating and cooling—remain operational, even during emergencies.
Together, these measures represent our proactive approach to school safety and student success, striking a balance between technology, wellness, and preparedness to create the best possible environment for learning and growth.
In Closing
From playgrounds to test scores, soccer wins to book deliveries, 2024-2025 was a year to celebrate. We are incredibly grateful to all the organizations, businesses, and individuals who have invested in our schools this year. Your continued partnership is crucial in preparing our students for successful and engaged futures. NCPS remains anchored in excellence, ready for what comes next, and grateful for every student, staff member, and community partner who made this year meaningful.
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