NNPS students, teachers and staff make a great start on first day of school
Published August 24, 2026
Students and staff greeted one another with smiles, put each other at ease, and settled into classrooms as Newport News Public Schools began the new school year on August 24.
A summer of preparations for the return of students culminated in lesson plans at the ready, gleaming floors, tasty meals and welcoming adults to start the 2026-2027 school year.
Families, school staff and community members spent the morning giving students a warm welcome upon arrival on their first day.
Dr. Nicole Arrington, former assistant principal of instruction at Menchville High School, began the school year as the new principal at Hines Middle School.
“I’m excited to begin my first year at Hines with a staff that believes in our students and is committed to their success,” Arrington said. “Together, we’re raising expectations, strengthening teaching and learning, and cultivating a culture of excellence.”
Superintendent Dr. Michele Mitchell started her tour and will visit each of the 40 NNPS schools in the first week to welcome students and staff. She began the first day at Woodside High School and made stops throughout the morning.
Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones visited Greenwood Elementary School as students arrived to give his own personal welcome. CNU student-athletes and representatives from various community groups were among those who came out to welcome and support students.
Among the teachers full of enthusiasm is Pamela Ward, who is new to NNPS after teaching more than 30 years in another locality. A family move brought Ward to Hampton Roads, where she chose to teach in NNPS.
Anticipation for a new school year is always high for teachers as well as students, according to Ward.
“I am excited to be the eighth grade algebra teacher at Ella Fitzgerald Middle School this year, and I am so impressed with the leadership, positivity, resources, and orientation offered to teachers new to NNPS,” Ward said. “All the time spent, as we prepare for students, has been beneficial and appreciated.
“Teaching the whole student means diving into all that NNPS offers in and out of the classroom.”
Returning teachers at all grade levels were eager to meet their students and start the new year with fresh ideas, skills honed in summer training and the common roadmap of the Teaching & Learning Framework in hand.
“As the school counselor at Marshall Early Learning Center, I am extremely grateful and excited that I get to meet and work with new faces every day,” said Michele Hamilton, who is starting her 20th year and was chosen Marshall’s 2026-2027 Teacher of the Year. “I am looking forward to the best year ever with all the Pre-K learners and staff.”
Judi Overbey, a physical education teacher at Menchville High School where she is 2026-2027 Teacher of the Year, began her 21st year.
“I couldn’t be more excited for the beginning of this school year,” Overbey said. “I'm looking forward to meeting all of my new students, and I can’t wait to hear all about the great summer experiences my former students have had.”
New Gildersleeve Middle School Principal Jessica White Ottman, former assistant principal of instruction at Warwick High School, was among the administrators starting their new roles by welcoming students.
“As a new principal, I have already been overwhelmed by the warmth, dedication, and sense of community here at Gildersleeve, and I cannot wait to see our students fill the hallways again,” White Ottman said.
“This year is about coming together as one school and one community, making sure every student feels valued, supported, and excited to learn. We are ready to soar together.”
Dr. Heather Hill, former assistant principal at Katherine Johnson Elementary School, welcomed students as the new principal at Saunders Elementary School.
“I look forward to building relationships, celebrating our successes, and working alongside our staff and families to make this the best year yet,” Hill said.
