Powhatan County Public Schools -

Parent volunteers are such a critical part of Powhatan County Public Schools’ success. We appreciate the special ways our families show their appreciation, such as Powhatan Middle School PTO’s treat before Thanksgiving of sending every teacher and staff member home with a pie.
While we’re mentioning volunteering, we wanted to let people know the Powhatan Strong Coffee Chat topic for January 15, 2026, is Family Engagement and Volunteering in PCPS. Be on the lookout for more information.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

PCPS is excited that the artwork of many Powhatan students will be on display during the upcoming Powhatan Arts Festival! 🎨✨ This free community event features local artists selling handmade ceramics, felting, wire-weaving, oil paintings, quilts, woodworking, and more. You’ll also find an art show highlighting the amazing work of PCPS students. Plus, the Amish Traditions food truck will be on site. The event will be held on Saturday, December 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the War Memorial Cultural Arts and Community Center, 2375 Skaggs Road. 🧡🖤
*These materials and the activity described herein are not sponsored or endorsed by the Powhatan County School Board.

Powhatan Middle School Theatre is ready to bring some holiday cheer to the stage! 🎭✨ Join us for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson on Friday, Dec. 12, and Saturday, Dec. 13 at 7:00 p.m. in the PMS Commons.
Tickets are just $5 at the door. It’s a perfect way to kick off the season and support our talented student performers. We hope to see you there! 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

After thoroughly reviewing local road conditions throughout the day with support from our VDOT and county partners, Powhatan County Public Schools will open on a regular school schedule on Thursday, December 11, 2025. Expect possible transportation delays as our drivers exercise additional caution on their routes. Families should monitor the My Ride K-12 app to keep track of the location of their school bus.
We look forward to welcoming our students and staff back safely.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

Whenever inclement weather occurs, Powhatan County Public Schools staff members collaborate with the local Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) staff, the Powhatan Sheriff's Office, and Powhatan County Emergency Management to assess road conditions across the county. While some roads are clear, lingering snow and ice remain on numerous neighborhood and rural roads, and very low temperatures overnight mean that conditions are not likely to improve until late in the day tomorrow.

PCPS will remain closed on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. All after-school activities are canceled. We know this week’s extended closure is a hardship for some families; however, we look forward to a safe return to teaching and learning as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility.

Even though we cannot be together in our classrooms, we hope families will encourage students to stay engaged in learning. With exams approaching, this is a great opportunity for students to study, review their notes, or jot down questions for their teachers. Younger students might enjoy reading time or practicing math facts with a family member.

We also want to thank our facilities staff, who have worked diligently to clear parking lots and sidewalks so we can return to school safely as soon as possible.

Powhatan Middle School had some wild visitors last week! 🐢🐍🦨🐧 Thanks to the “Zoo to You” program from the Metro Richmond Zoo, Mrs. Anderson’s, Mrs. Schultz’s, and Mr. York’s classes got an up-close look at some incredible animal ambassadors. Zookeeper Ed Grimes introduced students to five animals while teaching them how to tell the difference between reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Students met a curious Sonoran desert tortoise named Fast Eddie, a clingy Burmese python called Nagini, a docile eastern striped skunk called Pimpernel, an affectionate African penguin named Krampus, and a noisy giant Madagascar hissing cockroach. This hands-on learning experience was made possible through funds from the library’s Curtis Grant. Thank you, Mrs. Smartschan, for planning an unforgettable way to bring science to life at PMS! 🧡🖤 #WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

Powhatan High School hosted its annual College and Career Fair in November, giving students the chance to explore future education and career pathways both here in Powhatan and beyond. Dozens of representatives shared insights into colleges, training programs, military service, and local workforce opportunities. Thank you to all of our community partners for spending the day with our students, and to the PHS staff whose hard work made this event possible. #WeArePCPS #teampowhatan

Powhatan County School Board Notice of Rescheduled Meeting
Due to the snowy road conditions, the regular school board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 9, 2025, has been rescheduled to:
* DATE: Thursday, December 11, 2025
* TIME: 4:00 PM Closed Session/6:00 PM Regular Session
* LOCATION: Pocahontas Landmark Center, 4290 Anderson Hwy, Powhatan, VA
This notice is being provided in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

Due to the heavy accumulation of snow from today’s event, Powhatan County Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. All activities scheduled for December 9th in school facilities are canceled, including school and non-school activities. The Powhatan County School Board meeting will be rescheduled to Thursday, December 11, 2025, at the Pocahontas Landmark Center. The closed session will begin at 4:00 p.m. and the regular session at 6:00 p.m.
At this time, PCPS does not anticipate a change in the upcoming exam schedules for high school students and middle school students taking high school courses. Students are encouraged to continue to review materials. Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe!

Flat Rock Elementary School’s Kindness Club recently wrapped up its donation drive with a special visit from Christmas Mother 2025 Amien Dulio and former Christmas Mother Betsy Blandford. They stopped by to thank the students for their kindness and pick up the donated items. #WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

Due to the winter weather expected to begin during the morning commute and continue throughout the day, Powhatan County Public Schools will be closed on Monday, December 8th. All activities scheduled for December 8th are cancelled. PCPS staff, please check your email.
We recognize this change may be inconvenient for many families, but we are acting out of an abundance of caution to ensure the safety of our students and staff. We also wanted to notify you early so you can make necessary plans.

Let’s see if these snow day vibes can fuel a flurry of creativity! The Virginia Lottery’s 9th annual Thank a Teacher Art Contest is open for entries. We would love to have many of our Powhatan students participate and let their artistic talents shine. They could win big prizes for themselves and their school! Details and submission guidelines can be found below.
🖌️ Contest Details:
• Who Can Enter: All K–12 public school students in Virginia
• Entry Period: October 20, 2025 – February 2, 2026
• How to Enter: Visit thankateacherva .com to submit artwork online

🏆 Prizes:
One winner will be selected from each grade level: Elementary School , Middle School , and High School .. Each winner will receive:
o A $200 Visa® gift card
o $2,000 in art supplies for their school’s art department (courtesy of The Supply Room)
o Their artwork featured on hundreds of thousands of thank-you notes distributed to teachers across Virginia during National Teacher Appreciation Week in May

Note: These materials and the activity described herein are not sponsored or endorsed by the Powhatan County School Board.

Due to the anticipated inclement weather, Powhatan County Public Schools will be closed on Friday, December 5th. All activities scheduled for December 5th, 6th, and 7th are cancelled. We hope everyone has a safe and happy Snow Day.

Pocahontas Elementary kindergarteners got a very special visit during their Community Helpers unit in November – Mrs. Stout’s husband, the talented painter behind R. Stout Painting Contractors! He showed her class his work tools, demonstrated the use of painters tape, and even let the class help paint the pantry doors.
It was the sweetest mix of hands-on learning, creativity, and real-world job exploration. Huge thanks to this amazing duo for making the lesson one our kiddos won’t soon forget! 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

Powhatan County School Board Notice of Special Meeting Attendance
Pursuant to Virginia Code § 2.2-3707, please take notice that members of the Powhatan County School Board may be present at the Strategic Plan Meeting to be held:
DATE: Monday, December 8, 2025
TIME: 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM
LOCATION: Pocahontas Landmark Center
4290 Anderson Hwy, Powhatan, VA
This notice is being provided in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act due to the possibility that a quorum of school board members may be in attendance.
No official business will be conducted, and no votes or decisions will be made by the School Board at this event.

Powhatan High School's National Technical Honor Society held its fall induction ceremony in November, welcoming 31 new members into the organization. The special evening included remarks from PCPS Career and Workforce Development Coordinator Kathryn Garrett and a traditional candle-lighting ceremony.
Founded in 1984, NTHS recognizes the accomplishments of students in career and technical education and supports them as they develop the skills needed for successful careers in today’s global workforce. Its core pillars – career development, recognition, leadership, and service – were highlighted throughout the event. A reception followed the ceremony as families, staff, and friends celebrated the newest inductees. A special thank you to PHS JROTC cadets for presenting the colors. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

The second-grade team at Powhatan Elementary wrapped up a two-week study of the Powhatan, Lakota, and Pueblo tribes with a hands-on “Native American Museum” for families and friends right before Thanksgiving break. Students showed off what they learned by creating models like teepees and canoes, building artifacts, and sharing artwork they made with Ms. Webster in art class. The museum proved to be a fun and highly educational experience for the entire school community. 🧡🖤 #WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

Powhatan County Public Schools is committed to supporting the well-being of our students, families, and community. As part of our Powhatan Strong: Family Connection Series, we are partnering with Goochland Powhatan Community Services to offer a free virtual course on Suicide Prevention: Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR).
This training will provide participants with the skills to recognize the common causes and warning signs of suicidal behavior and how to get help for someone in crisis. Attendees will learn how to appropriately Question, Persuade, and Refer someone who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts.
The course will be held virtually on December 15, 2025, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Space is limited to 30 participants.
Please use the QR code in the graphic or the link in the comments to register.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

Pocahontas Elementary held a Stuff’d Pals Reading Buddy Fundraiser earlier this semester to support reading and raise money for big projects like cafeteria and gym improvements, classroom initiatives, and student and staff celebrations. Students who raised at least $50 earned a special reward: choosing their very own Stuff’d Pal and watching it come to life at a celebration event. 🧡🖤 These photos capture the special moment when some of the students picked out their new reading buddies and saw them stuffed right before their eyes. #WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan