Good morning, Scoopers!

Let’s start today with some well-earned congratulations for Suffolk Fire & Rescue. 🚒

Lt. Manny Franco has been promoted to Captain, Master Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Thomas has been promoted to Lieutenant, and Lt. Robert Hayes has been promoted to Captain.

Big congrats to all three, and thank you for your service to Suffolk!

🌦️ Weather

🏫 Schools attendance policy

🌟 Suffolk 360 applications

🗺️ Suffolk A to Z: GIS

📅 Events

Let’s get into 👇

The News: Suffolk Public Schools is updating its attendance policy for the 2026-2027 school year. Starting this fall, students may be considered an attendance failure once they are chronically absent. That means 17 or more absences for elementary, middle, and year-long high school courses, or 9 or more absences per semester for high school students on the 4x4 block schedule.

Why It Matters: This applies to all absences, both excused and unexcused. Students will have ways to make up attendance time through Saturday Academy, before-school tutoring, and after-school tutoring. Medical exemptions will also be available with proper documentation.

👉 The Move: Families should make daily attendance a priority when students return on August 24. Full regulations are coming soon at spsk12.net.

Learn More…

The News: The Suffolk Foundation and the City of Suffolk are launching Suffolk 360: The Leadership Perspective, a new civic leadership program now accepting applications through August 15, 2026. The first cohort will include 30 participants and will run from September through December with seven biweekly evening sessions.

Why It Matters: This is a chance to go behind the scenes of how Suffolk works, from local government and public safety to business, education, infrastructure, arts, housing, and more. The program is moderated by Judge Helivi L. Holland and costs $50, which goes toward a Community Impact Project donation to a Suffolk nonprofit chosen by the group.

Topics include:

✅ Government and Suffolk history
✅ Public safety
✅ Business and economic development
✅ Conservation, recreation, arts, and culture
✅ Health and housing
✅ Education
✅ Infrastructure and community development

👉 The Move: Anyone living or working in Suffolk can apply. Submit your application by August 15 at SuffolkFoundation.org/newsroom/suffolk-360.

The News: Suffolk has a free online mapping tool called GIS, short for Geographic Information System. It lets residents look up parcel information, zoning, aerial photos, and other city map data right from a computer or phone.

Why It Matters: This is handy if you are researching a property, checking zoning, or just trying to learn more about a part of Suffolk. It puts useful city information at your fingertips without making a phone call.

👉 The Move: Explore it at suffolkva.us/367/Online-Maps and bookmark it. You may use it more than you think.

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.