Eager NNPS students, teachers and staff start off a new school year
Posted: August 25, 2025
Charging Chromebooks, sharpening pencils and cracking open their soon-to-be-filled notebooks, Newport News Public Schools students rang in the first day of school all across the city on August 25.
Teachers and staff spent all summer learning new strategies, planning and building lesson plans in anticipation of welcoming students back into their classrooms for the 2025-2026 school year. Community groups, families and school staff were out in force early and throughout the morning to welcome and encourage students arriving at schools.
Superintendent Dr. Michele Mitchell started her tour and will visit each of the 40 NNPS schools in the first four days to welcome students and staff. She began the first day at Heritage High School and Huntington Middle School.
"It's my first year teaching and while I'm nervous about it, I'm excited to be back at Menchville and contributing to our history of excellence," said Noah Tench, a new English teacher at Menchville High School who graduated in its Class of 2019.
"We have a great team here that really isa family, and I know that because of their deep support I can serve my students all the better. The 2025-26 school year is already shaping up to be great and I can't wait to meet my students and start working with them."
Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones visited Booker T. Washington Middle School in the morning to welcome students back to school.
Christopher Newport University athletic teams were positioned at major roadway intersections with signs encouraging drivers to pay extra attention to roads now that schools are back in session.
The Newport News Fire Department, Army 733rd Mission Support Group, CNU student-athletes and representatives from various churches and groups were among those who came out to welcome and support students arriving to start the school year.
"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."
Jennifer Brown, a reading specialist at Richneck Elementary School, is among the veteran teachers bringing their valuable experience to classrooms. Brown, who is Richneck's 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year, has 26 years of experience.
"For me, the first day at Richneck is more than just the start of a school year; it's a reminder of how special our students are and that Richneck is truly a family," Brown said. "During the summer, we have missed seeing their joy, their resilience and their eagerness to learn. Our teachers are ready to work hard, support one another and continue unlocking potential in every child who walks through our doors."
Sherita Holland, first year principal at B.C. Charles Elementary School who previously served as assistant principal at Saunders Elementary School, was among the administrators starting the year off in their new positions.
"I am excited to be a part of the Mustang community for the upcoming school year," Holland said. "I look forward to continuing traditions and creating opportunities for all students to thrive."
Brand new teachers who have been preparing all month were ecstatic for the arrival of their first students.
"I am so excited to be starting my career at Hines because this is where the heart is," said Rachael Sopko, a new seventh grade science teacher at Hines Middle School."This is going to be a great school year full of laughs, mistakes, but most importantly, learning. I can't wait to see where this year takes us."
Returning to teach at her alma mater is Kaaleah Jones, a 2020 Heritage High School graduate, who will teach social studies and geography at Heritage.
"I'm both excited and a little nervous to begin my first year of teaching," Jones said. "Returning as an educator to the same high school where I grew up and learned so much feels surreal.
"As a former student, I know first-hand the impact that caring teachers and a strong, culture-focused and influence-driven community can have. And I'm eager to pour that same energy back into my students while embracing the challenges and growth this new journey will bring."
View our First Day of School 2025 photo album on Facebook.
