NNPS Youth Development

We had a complete ball at our final Pawsitive Patrol visit of the year! Today, students and staff from eight schools received visits from our furry friends. Lots of smiles, pets, and laughter was a great way to spend a Wednesday! We are grateful to our friends at AK9I for the continued partnership and the joy their furry friends bring every time they come hang out with us!

Thank you, Kiahnna Patterson and WAVY TV 10 for sharing our story and highlighting the work of our amazing community partners!

200+ Community Partners recognized during NNPS Appreciation Breakfast The Newport News Public Schools Office of Youth Development & Famil...

The Newport News Public Schools Office of Youth Development & Family Engagement honored more than 200 community partners at the 2026 Community Partner Appreciation Breakfast for their dedication and tireless support of students, families, and staff. Their efforts help strengthen family engagement, promote positive youth development, and foster meaningful connections and create a more vibrant, supportive community for all!

Special thanks to Kiahnna Patterson WAVY TV 10 who served as an extraordinary Mistress of Ceremonies for the special event.

Special recognition was given to 12 honorees who have made significant contributions:

* Shoelady.org - Heart & Sole Award
* Children's Health Investment Program - Regional Partner of the Year
* Menchville High School Air Force JROTC - Distinguished Youth Leadership
* Dreams of Hope Foundation - Community Impact Champion
* All Pro Dads - Family Engagement Champion
* Carlton Ashby - Youth Impact Award
* Deuene Hickman, CEO Quality of Life Inc. - Youth Impact Award
* Newport News Police Department, Community & Youth Outreach Division - Youth Impact Award
* Roger Anderson III - Volunteer of the Year
* Youth Volunteer Corps of Hampton Roads - Civic Engagement Champion
* Ivy Baptist Church - Faith Partner In Action
* BayPort Credit Union - Corporate Sponsor of the Year

These partners exemplify the power of collaboration and the difference that committed individuals and organizations can make in the lives of our students and families.

Newport News Public Schools Family and Community Engagement

Newport News Public Schools students expressed their deep appreciation and heartfelt thoughts to teachers and staff during Teacher Appreciation Week by participating in a special STAND activity! Students presented teachers with notes that described how students see their teachers every day! Thank you, Youth Development Leads, Mentoring Coordinators and others for empowering student voice at your school!

We're grateful for the the hundreds of teachers who devote their time, energy, and talents to enriching the lives of Newport News Public Schools students and families! Teachers make a difference every day by promoting positive relationships, environments, and experience for our champions and building collaborative relationships with families! Thanks for all that you do!

Save the date! Excited to support this event that is sponsored by our youngest Blossom and RISE! champions at T Ryland Sanford Elementary School.

Save the date!

Today hundreds of Blossom students from 22 elementary schools, turned the Christopher Newport University’s Ferguson Center into a sea of pink as they enjoyed a special performance of The Virginia Arts Festival’s Dorrance Dance! This cultural experience exposed our students to elements of tap dancing, jazz music, and beats, all while growing a deeper appreciation for the arts! They even got to enjoy a special Q&A session with the performers afterwards! So many smiles, laughter and fun!