Good morning, Scoopers!

Let’s give a warm welcome to Ms. Katrina Almond, the new Assistant Principal at John F. Kennedy Middle School.

She brings 17 years of experience with Suffolk Public Schools, along with time serving as Dean of Students at King’s Fork Middle School.

Welcome to JFK, Ms. Almond! 🎉

🌦️ Weather

🐕 Kennel seeks city approval

⚖️ SUFF.Impact mock trial

🎉 JFK Middle School opens July 30

📅 Events

Let’s get into 👇

The News: The Suffolk Planning Commission voted 6-1 to recommend approval of a conditional use permit for Dogs at Lionheart, a commercial kennel at 2170 Joshua Lane that has operated for more than 20 years. The recommendation now heads to City Council for a final vote on August 19.

Why It Matters: Dogs at Lionheart breeds mostly German Shepherds and donates trained service dogs to veterans and first responders. But the permit also comes after Animal Control found 117 dogs on the property in June, along with incomplete rabies records. A July follow-up found many issues corrected, but some documentation was still outstanding.

👉 The Move: City Council has the final say on August 19. If approved, the permit would cap animal counts, limit outdoor exercise hours, and require proper records and vaccinations going forward.

Learn More…

The News: The Suffolk Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office partnered with SUFF.Impact this past weekend for “The Call,” a Beyond Scared Straight-style community outreach event. Staff took part in a mock trial to show young people how one bad decision can quickly change the direction of their lives.

Why It Matters: This is prevention work, reaching young people before they ever end up in a real courtroom. Programs like this connect youth with positive influences while showing the real-life consequences of their choices.

👉 The Move: Shoutout to SUFF.Impact and the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office for investing in Suffolk’s youth. Families who know a young person who could benefit can follow SUFF.Impact on Facebook for future updates.

The News: Suffolk Public Schools is hosting the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new John F. Kennedy Middle School on Thursday, July 30, from 4 to 6 p.m. School leaders, JFK alumni, community partners, and guests are invited. A guided tour of the new facility will follow the ribbon cutting.

Why It Matters: The old JFK Middle School was torn down in June, and the new building was built right behind it. The new campus includes a separate building for the Technologies Department and a dedicated Suffolk SECEP Center. Students return on August 24, 2026, for their first school year inside the brand-new building.

👉 The Move: Come celebrate on July 30 from 4 to 6 p.m. Bring the family, tour the school, and get a first look at the future of JFK Middle School.

Learn More…

Little Explorers: Scream for Ice Cream – Bennett's Creek Recreation Center – 10:30 AM–11:15 AM

Oil Painting Class (6-Week Series Begins) – Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts | 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Spooky Summer Artisan Night Market – Suffolk Art League (118 Bosley Ave) | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Band-It Live – Derl'z Restaurant & Pub (425 E Pinner St) | 7:45 PM

Monthly Bluegrass Jam Session – Nansemond Brewing Station (212 E Washington St) | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

School Supply Drive with Suffolk Virginia Sheriff's Office – Walmart (N Main St, Suffolk) | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Oil Painting Class (6-Week Series Begins) – Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts | 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Adult Recess: Kickball – Wellons Park – 6:00 PM–9:30 PM

Suffolk Parks & Recreation’s TGIF Summer Concert Series kicks off Friday, June 12 at Downtown Festival Park, 215 W. Washington St.

✅ Festivities start at 6 p.m.
✅ Live music runs from 6:30–9:30 p.m.
✅ Admission is free for all ages
✅ Food, concessions, and adult beverages for guests 21+ will be available for purchase
✅ Concerts will be held at Downtown Festival Park and Bennett’s Creek Park
✅ Bring a chair or blanket
✅ No tents or outside alcohol
✅ Free parking is available in nearby public lots

This summer’s lineup includes Island Boy, RaJazz, Slapnation, The Deloreans, The Steals, Anthony Rosano & The Conqueroos, and The Band Monarch.

For weather updates, follow Suffolk Parks & Recreation on Facebook or call 757-514-7250 ext. 5.

The 48th Annual Suffolk Peanut Fest returns to Suffolk Executive Airport from October 8 through 11 with country headliner Chris Cagle, a brand-new drone show, a live butterfly walk-through exhibit, and more. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Generations, One Picture Perfect Memory at a Time!” The festival is one of Suffolk’s biggest annual events, and this year’s new drone show and butterfly exhibit give families even more reasons to mark the calendar.

The Suffolk Virginia Sheriff’s Office is hosting a school supply drive on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 9 a.m. at Walmart on N. Main Street. Stop by during the 5-hour event to donate backpacks, notebooks, crayons, pencils, and other supplies for students in need. It’s also Tax-Free Weekend, so it’s a great time to help local kids start the school year ready.

Aria is a 2-year-old Pit Bull who is spayed, microchipped, vaccinated, and ready for a loving home. She already knows “sit,” loves toys and treats, and is eager to keep learning. Smart, playful, and affectionate, Aria would thrive with a family that enjoys training, playtime, and quality time together.

Chloe is a 6-year-old Doberman Pinscher with a gentle heart and great manners. She is vaccinated, already knows “sit” and “shake,” and has a calm, mature personality. Chloe is ready for a loving home and someone to share everyday moments with.