Newport News Public Schools (NNPS) announced that teachers, staff, families, and community members prepared over the summer to welcome students back for the start of the 2025–2026 school year.
According to NNPS, students returned to classrooms across the city on August 25. Teachers and staff spent the summer preparing lesson plans and learning new strategies, while community groups, families, and local organizations greeted students throughout the morning. Superintendent Dr. Michele Mitchell began a four-day tour of the 40 NNPS schools, starting at Heritage High School and Huntington Middle School, to welcome students and staff.
New and returning teachers, including first-year educators and award-winning staff, started the year with prepared lesson plans. City officials and community members, including Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones and Christopher Newport University athletic teams, participated in activities to support students. Administrators began their new roles focusing on school operations, traditions, and opportunities for student learning.
“I am looking forward to this school year,” said Ja’Rae Bolton, a new eighth-grade math teacher at Gildersleeve Middle School. “NNPS has prepared me this summer with all the tools that I need to be an innovative and intentional educator. It is my hope to change my students’ perspective on success-progress over perfection. I am ready to stand by them this year and celebrate them when they exceed their goals.”
NNPS serves about 26,000 students across 40 schools, including early childhood centers, elementary, middle, high, and combination schools. Over 1,500 students speak a language other than English. The district employs roughly 3,900 teachers, administrators, and support staff with a focus on preparing all students to graduate college-, career-, and citizen-ready. NNPS provides early learning programs, advanced science labs, and educational technology to support student and teacher success. The seven-member elected School Board governs the district with Dr. Michele Mitchell serving as superintendent. Board meetings are public with structured opportunities for citizen input.
