Newport News Public Schools Welcomes New Teachers
Plus: popular burger chain opens this weekend; clear backpacks at schools this year; volunteers needed by Serve the City; “ANCESTRAL SOIL: 1865” and quilting event
Newport News Public Schools kicked off New Educator Orientation with a welcome event on August 4 at Heritage High School. The school system reported that after spending the morning of their first day at their assigned schools, new teachers gathered together that afternoon to officially begin their orientation. School Board Vice Chairman Maritsa Alger welcomed the group, expressing gratitude that they accepted the district’s invitation to be “part of a winning team.” New teachers will continue a week-long orientation before being joined by all teachers and instructional assistants on August 13, ahead of the new school year, which begins August 24.
Mayor Phillip Jones, Alger, Superintendent Dr. Michele Mitchell, and 2026-2027 NNPS Division-wide Teacher of the Year John Lovett all spoke to the incoming educators. Lovett, a 31-year veteran math teacher at Warwick High School, emphasized the lasting impact of building relationships with students, noting that years later, students remember how their teachers made them feel rather than specific lessons. Superintendent Mitchell echoed that sentiment, telling the new hires that their story now becomes part of every student’s story, and that relationships build the trust and belonging that lead to student achievement.
In other news:
Business
Habit Burger & Grill to Open Newport News Location with Free Charburger Events Habit Burger & Grill announces its Newport News restaurant will open Monday, August 10, offering residents opportunities to enjoy complimentary meals during promotional events. The first 200 guests visiting on August 8 between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. will receive a free freshly made Charburger, while the grand opening on August 10 at 10:30 a.m. will feature giveaways including Flavor Passports for the first 500 guests and custom totes with surprises for the first 100 attendees.
The new location at 12080 Jefferson Avenue follows the recent Hampton opening and marks the third Habit restaurant in Hampton Roads, with a Suffolk location planned for later this year. Jonathan Trapesonian, Head of Franchising and Real Estate for Habit Burger & Grill, notes that Hampton Roads represents a natural fit for the brand due to its location between Carolina and Richmond markets, with company officials indicating significant opportunity exists for additional restaurants in the region. Additionally, the chain revealed that on August 22, the first 50 guests at each of its three Hampton Roads locations, including Virginia Beach and Hampton, will receive a free Double Charburger to celebrate being named USA Today’s 10Best number one Burger in America for three consecutive years. (No compensation was received for this update).
Education
Families Will Need to Provide Clear Backpacks for Students in 2026-2027 School Year Families in Newport News will be responsible for providing clear backpacks for their students during the upcoming 2026-2027 school year, according to Newport News Public Schools. The district announced that the clear backpack requirement will continue for all students, maintaining the same standards currently in place. Acceptable backpacks must be fully clear on all sides and constructed of transparent material, school officials note.
NNPS posts back to school video primer for families. This Just In #858: August 3, 2026 covers tips and guidelines for students getting ready to start the new school year, including registration, supplies, open houses, buses, IDs and more. ‘This Just In’ is a weekly show that quickly highlights some of the exciting happenings in the NNPS school district.
51 Students Receive Diplomas at NNPS Summer Graduation Ceremony Newport News Public Schools reports that 51 students celebrated their academic achievement at a summer graduation ceremony held August 4 at Heritage High School. The graduates completed their diploma requirements during the summer and represented all five high schools in the city. Students and school staff gathered for the ceremony to mark this educational milestone for the summer 2026 graduating class.
Community & Services
Bonefish Grill Williamsburg to Partner with Habitat for Humanity for Community Fundraiser Night Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg announces a Give Back Night fundraiser at Bonefish Grill Williamsburg on Tuesday, August 18, from 5 to 9 p.m. Families and residents dining at the restaurant that evening can support affordable homeownership in the local community, as the restaurant will contribute 15% of participating sales to Habitat. Diners can pick up a coupon at the Habitat table and present it with their bill to ensure their purchase counts toward the fundraiser. The event takes place at Bonefish Grill Williamsburg, located at 5212 Monticello Avenue in Williamsburg, Virginia. (No compensation was received for this update.)
Serve the City Peninsula is seeking volunteers across Newport News and the Virginia Peninsula. The organization, which describes its goals as serving practical needs and transforming lives through everyday acts of kindness, recently announced upcoming events in August. Aug 8: Aug 8: Diaper Bank Packing Project, 9:30 AM–11:30 AM.
Aug 8: Diaper Bank Packing Project, 9:30 AM–11:30 AM.
Aug 8: The Heart of Giving, 9:30 AM–12:00 PM.
Aug 8: BINGO @ Spratley House, 9:30 AM–12:00 PM.
Aug 11: SAME Mobile Food Pantry, 10:30 AM–1:30 PM.
Aug 14: BINGO @ Ashe Manor, 12:45 PM–2:30 PM.
Aug 15: Community Garden, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM.
Aug 19: Captain John Smith Elementary Facelift, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM.
Aug 20: Peninsula Foodbank w/ Zion Baptist, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM; ECHO Family Care - Diaper Packing, 1:00 PM–2:30 PM.
Aug 24: SAME Support, 9:00 AM–1:30 PM.
Aug 29: EarthBond U Litter Cleanup, 8:00 AM–11:00 AM.
Aug 29: Friday Night Food Pantry @ Hilton Baptist, 5:30 PM–7:45 PM.
Aug 30: The Simple Sunflower - Arrangements, 1:30 PM–3:30 PM.
“ANCESTRAL SOIL: 1865” Exhibition Chronicles Journey of Callis Brothers from Enslavement to Land Ownership Artist Christopher Diont’e presents “ANCESTRAL SOIL: 1865 – THE FOUNDATION OF FREEMAN, VIRGINIA,” a free exhibition featuring paintings, drawings, textiles, garments and photographs honoring his family’s history. The show chronicles the remarkable story of his ancestors, Ira and Ruffin Callis, brothers who were enslaved in Louisiana, gained their freedom in 1865, and walked back to Virginia where they purchased over 1,500 acres of land that became Freeman, Virginia. The exhibition runs August 5-15, 2026 at Newport News Community Gallery 2410 Wickham Avenue.
Free Community Quilt Workshops Invite All Ages to Create Collaborative Art Installation Community Quilt Creation Workshops at the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center invite residents of all ages to participate in a free collaborative art experience on August 7, 8, and 14. Multidisciplinary artist Christopher Diont’e will guide participants in creating a community quilt that serves as a shared artistic expression of local heritage and personal identity. Families and individuals are encouraged to bring old clothing, fabric remnants, or meaningful textiles to be incorporated into the collective artwork. The workshops require no prior quilting experience and offer participants an opportunity to connect with neighbors while contributing to a lasting community art piece. 2410 Wickham Avenue.
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