VBSchools

The 2026 VBCPS Student Art Show showcased more than 1,000 student masterpieces from all 85 schools at the Joint-Use Library on the Tidewater Community College Virginia Beach campus. 🎨

For more than four decades, the annual show has celebrated student creativity and provided young artists with the opportunity to share their work with the community.

Students, families, teachers, and community members gathered May 19 to recognize the artists and celebrate the impact of fine arts education across VBCPS.

View all winning entries and read more on The CORE blog → https://www.vbcpsblogs.com/core/vbcps-student-art-show-receives-rave-reviews/

Every year, hundreds of children die from drowning — including several cases in the Hampton Roads area.

Kim Bianchi knows that loss firsthand. Her daughter, Gabriella, was 2.5 years old when she drowned in a pool in 2019.

"She was energetic, loving and caring. She made your life so much better," Bianchi said.

In the years since, Bianchi has channeled her grief into a mission: educating the community about aquatic survival skills. She founded the nonprofit Bean's Way, which has helped more than 200 children learn those skills.

As graduation approaches, the community is coming together to support VBCPS seniors and their families by helping reduce outstanding school meal balances. 🎓💙

Through a partnership with All for Lunch, Inc., every tax-deductible donation goes directly toward reducing lunch debt for graduating seniors at Virginia Beach City Public Schools.

Want to help make a difference? Visit allforlunch.org/VBCPS.
Parents and guardians can also review and pay student meal balances through SchoolCafé.

At a recent School Board meeting, VBCPS music departments were recognized as Blue Ribbon Schools for excellence in music education. 🎶

Schools honored include Frank W. Cox High School, Independence Middle, Kellam High, Kempsville High School, Landstown High, Landstown Middle School, Ocean Lakes High School, Old Donation School, Princess Anne High, Salem High School - Virginia Beach,Tallwood High, and the Visual & Performing Arts Academy at Salem High.

At a recent School Board meeting, VBCPS music programs were recognized for earning the Program of Honor Award in both orchestra and band. 🎶

Orchestra programs honored included Independence Middle, Kempsville High, Salem Middle, and the Visual and Performing Arts Academy at Salem High School.

Band programs honored included Cox High, Independence Middle, Kellam High, Landstown High, Landstown Middle School, Ocean Lakes High School, Old Donation School, Princess Anne High, Salem High School - Virginia Beach, and Tallwood High.

Additionally, Frank W. Cox High School’s Marching Falcons were recognized as Virginia Marching Band Cooperative Group 2 State Champions!

At a recent School Board meeting, more than 40 VBCPS students were recognized for being selected to All-Virginia Band, All-Virginia Chorus, All-Virginia Orchestra, Senior Honors Choir, and All-Virginia Elementary Chorus. 🎶

Students represented Bayside High, Frank W. Cox High School, First Colonial HS, Kellam High, Ocean Lakes High School, Parkway Elementary, Princess Anne High, Salem High School - Virginia Beach, the Visual and Performing Arts Academy at Salem High, and Tallwood High.

At Tuesday’s School Board meeting, Virginia Beach City Public Schools was recognized for being named a 2026 “Best Community for Music Education” by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation, marking the 17th consecutive year VBCPS has received this honor.

Additionally, Virginia School Board Association recognized XPEDITION: PORT OF CALL for its innovative career immersion experience for students.