We talk with our employees, who help families get accurate school information in their home language. We hear why “no bad questions” is more than a slogan and how the right support helps students stay safe, enrolled, and learning.

• Website translation tool with 60-plus languages based on enrollment needs
• Why language access helps parents support English learner students
• Anna Medina and Melina Huigua’s journeys into family and community engagement
• Bilingual support plus interpretation services for dozens of additional languages
• Practical help that spans school, city, and community resources
• Where families should start when they need help and how the team coordinates with schools
• Real barriers families face with online enrollment, QR codes, and literacy expectations
• A success story enrolling children who had never attended school locally
• “¿Sabías qué?” YouTube playlist with short Spanish videos on key topics like attendance and free and reduced lunch

Connect with us at cschools.com/amplified, and be sure to subscribe or follow us wherever you get your podcasts!

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The Stories Behind Our Story

We welcome Dr. Doug Brubaker as our new superintendent of Chesapeake Public Schools and share what we learned from his first days meeting families across the city. He explains why he leads by listening, what has impressed him about our programs, and how parents can make a real difference this school year.
• What Dr. Brubaker hears most in community Meet and Greets: strong people and strong support
• Why Chesapeake schools draw families to the community
• Early impressions of district academies and student readiness for life after high school
• What brought him to Chesapeake and what his family is excited about
• Leadership approach focused on listening, learning, and building on success
• Commitment to Empower 2030 and strategic planning
• Practical ways parents can stay engaged using ParentVue and day-to-day involvement

Connect with us at cpschools.com/amplified, and be sure to subscribe or follow us wherever you get your podcasts.

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The Stories Behind Our Story

As he prepares for retirement, Superintendent Dr. Jared Cotton joins us for a special conversation reflecting on his time leading Chesapeake Public Schools and the journey that brought him back home to serve the community that helped shape him. Throughout his tenure, Dr. Cotton has guided the division through historic challenges and significant growth, always grounded in a simple but powerful mission: Inspire Hope. In this episode, he shares memories from his years in Chesapeake, reflects on the lessons learned while leading through the COVID-19 pandemic, and discusses the initiatives that have helped expand opportunities for students and support employees across the division.

From strengthening career and technical education programs and advancing one-to-one technology access to launching innovative learning pathways and investing in staff, Dr. Cotton looks back on the accomplishments that have defined his leadership. He also shares some of the moments, people, and stories that have meant the most to him, along with his hopes for the future of Chesapeake Public Schools. Join us for a candid and heartfelt conversation as Dr. Cotton reflects on his legacy, celebrates the work of the Chesapeake community, and offers a final message before beginning his next chapter.

Connect with us at cpschools.com/amplified. And be sure to subscribe or follow us wherever you get your podcast.

Send us Fan Mail

The Stories Behind Our Story