Students in an Earth Science class at Powhatan High School explored the law of conservation of matter with a hands-on experiment using baking soda and vinegar earlier this semester. Working with a closed system, students combined the ingredients in a flask and captured the carbon dioxide gas produced by the reaction in an attached balloon. They measured the balloons and recorded their observations to investigate what happened to the matter as the chemical reaction took place. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
1 day ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
Students conduct an experiment where they combine baking soda and vinegar in a closed system, capture the carbon dioxide gas produced by the reaction in an attached balloon, and measure and record the balloons’ dimensions.
Students conduct an experiment where they combine baking soda and vinegar in a closed system, capture the carbon dioxide gas produced by the reaction in an attached balloon, and measure and record the balloons’ dimensions.
Students conduct an experiment where they combine baking soda and vinegar in a closed system, capture the carbon dioxide gas produced by the reaction in an attached balloon, and measure and record the balloons’ dimensions.
Students conduct an experiment where they combine baking soda and vinegar in a closed system, capture the carbon dioxide gas produced by the reaction in an attached balloon, and measure and record the balloons’ dimensions.
Students conduct an experiment where they combine baking soda and vinegar in a closed system, capture the carbon dioxide gas produced by the reaction in an attached balloon, and measure and record the balloons’ dimensions.
Students conduct an experiment where they combine baking soda and vinegar in a closed system, capture the carbon dioxide gas produced by the reaction in an attached balloon, and measure and record the balloons’ dimensions.
Students conduct an experiment where they combine baking soda and vinegar in a closed system, capture the carbon dioxide gas produced by the reaction in an attached balloon, and measure and record the balloons’ dimensions.
Students conduct an experiment where they combine baking soda and vinegar in a closed system, capture the carbon dioxide gas produced by the reaction in an attached balloon, and measure and record the balloons’ dimensions.
Students conduct an experiment where they combine baking soda and vinegar in a closed system, capture the carbon dioxide gas produced by the reaction in an attached balloon, and measure and record the balloons’ dimensions.
Learning a new language is a journey, and every student has to start somewhere! Earlier this semester, students in Mrs. Counoupas’ Spanish I class at Powhatan Middle School completed an assessment to help gauge their existing knowledge of Spanish. The goal isn’t to know everything on day one. Mrs. Counoupas reminded students that skills they may not have yet, including writing in Spanish, will develop as the year goes on. As they learn, students are building communication skills and gaining the ability to connect with more people and cultures. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
1 day ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
Students take an assessment in Spanish class to see what they know.
Students take an assessment in Spanish class to see what they know.
Students take an assessment in Spanish class to see what they know.
Students take an assessment in Spanish class to see what they know. A teacher helps a student.
Students take an assessment in Spanish class to see what they know. A teacher gives them instructions.
Students take an assessment in Spanish class to see what they know.
Students take an assessment in Spanish class to see what they know.
Members of the PHS Helpers parent group have already made a few rounds at Powhatan High School with a cart full of snacks for staff to enjoy. It was a thoughtful way to show appreciation for the people who work hard to support students every day.
PCPS is grateful for the parent groups across our schools that find ways to support staff and help them feel valued. Thank you for being part of what makes our school communities special! 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
1 day ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
Parent volunteers pose with treats for staff members they are deliviering with a rolling cart.
Parent volunteers serve treats to a staff member with a rolling cart.
Treats for staff members on a rolling cart.
Second graders in Ms. Tyson’s class at Flat Rock Elementary used balance scales to explore equality and inequality, seeing how quantities compare and what it means for both sides to be equal. ⚖️ The lesson built on students’ earlier work with groups of 10. Using colored manipulatives, students found different ways to represent 10 pieces of candy, then took a gallery walk to see how their classmates approached the same problem. They saw firsthand that different answers can still be correct! 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
1 day ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
Groups of students work with a balance to help them explore equality and inequality.
Groups of students work with a balance to help them explore equality and inequality.
Students work together on an assignment using 10 pieces of candy split into different combinations to explore equality and inequality.
Students sit in a circle listening to their teacher explain how a balance works as they explore equality and inequality.
Students listen to their teacher explain how a balance works as they explore equality and inequality. Some students make a tilted balance symbol with their bodies in alignment with the lesson.
A student works with a balance to help him explore equality and inequality.
A group of students works with a balance to help them explore equality and inequality.
A group of students works with a balance to help them explore equality and inequality.
Students listen to their teacher explain how a balance works as they explore equality and inequality.
Groups of students work with a balance to help them explore equality and inequality.
History is coming to life at Powhatan High School, and they need the community’s help.
Rho Kappa, the National Social Studies Honor Society, has opened the Powhatan High School Archive, bringing together three historical collections focused on Powhatan High School, Powhatan County, and U.S. and Virginia history.
Housing the three archival collections will give students opportunities to work directly with primary sources and make historical materials available for use in history, science, and other classes. It also creates an opportunity to preserve the stories and artifacts that help tell the story of Powhatan.
Community members are invited to help grow the archive by sharing historical items and participating in oral history interviews. Do you have a story about Powhatan’s past or an artifact that could contribute to the collection? To learn more about sharing your story or contributing materials, please contact Garrett Hall at garrett.hall@powhatan.k12.va.us or Amanda Henderson at amanda.henderson@powhatan.k12.va.us.
Let’s work together to preserve Powhatan’s history for future generations! 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
6 days ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
POWHATAN HIGH HISTORICAL ARCHIVE HOSTED BY RHO KAPPA We need your help! The Powhatan High Historical Archive, hosted by Rho Kappa, is seeking community involvement in a couple different ways. DONATIONS NEEDED We are looking for donations of historical items related to: - Powhatan County history - Powhatan High School history (e.g., class rings, letterman jackets, etc.) - General historical artifacts ORAL HISTORIES We would also love to conduct oral histories of Powhatan residents surrounding historical events that have taken place in the county. ITEMS WE CANNOT ACCEPT: - Weapons - Alcohol - Tobacco containers - Live ammunition This is a special opportunity for our high school to take part in the preservation and education of history! PLEASE CONTACT: garrett.hall@powhatan.k12.va.us OR amanda.henderson@powhatan.k12.va.us
Storage room with archival boxes on shelves. A sign above the door reads Powhatan History Archive.
Four individual display cases in a high school hallway show local historical artifacts.
A large group of students pose for a photo in two rows on and in front of an auditorium stage.
REMINDER: Friday, October 23 is a Student Holiday/PCPS Teacher Work Day and Monday, October 26 is Student Holiday/Professional Development Day.
7 days ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
School reminder. Don't forget: Friday, October 23 is a Student Holiday/PCPS Teacher Work Day and Monday, October 26 is Student Holiday/Professional Development Day.
During the regular October meeting, the School Board recognized Powhatan High School junior Ryan Urban, who recently completed his Eagle Scout project by organizing and customizing nine sensory carts. One cart was donated to Flat Rock Elementary School. Others were distributed to Powhatan County Public Library, a church, and several schools in the Richmond metro area. Ryan raised about $5,000 through local donors and fundraisers to complete the carts, which cost about $600 each. From start to finish, the project took about a year, and Ryan said he couldn't be more pleased with how it turned out. He was inspired by his brother’s godmother, an elementary special education coordinator, and by friends with sensory needs whom he knew could benefit from access to resources on a sensory cart. Seeing how sensory tools can help people feel more comfortable and supported was a big part of what motivated him to create the carts.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
9 days ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
Five adults pose for a photo with two teens. One of the teens is wearing an Eagle Scout uniform and holding a certificate.
Two adults and a teen in an Eagle Scout uniform pose for a photo in front of a sensory cart the Scout donated.
Inside view of a sensory cart an Eagle Scout donated.
Inside view of a sensory cart an Eagle Scout donated.
During the regular October meeting, the School Board recognized Powhatan High School FFA members, who represented their school at the June 2026 Virginia Future Farmers of America (FFA) State Convention. Students earned 1st place in Junior Agricultural Mechanics. Additionally, the Turfgrass Management team placed 5th in the state, and this year was our 100th FFA group attending! Pictured with the School Board are PHS student winners Waylon Burns, Hayden Columbo-Powell, Charles Jamerson, and Hunter Kantzler and student advisor Chris Whitlow.

9 days ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
Six adults pose for a photo with five teens. Four of the teens are wearing FFA uniforms and holding certificates.
Four FFA members pose for a photo in front of an FFA backdrop.
Good morning PCPS Community. The Powhatan County School Board Recap for the October regular meeting is ready to view. As always, the goal of this newsletter is to help people who don't have the time to come to or watch full School Board meetings still stay abreast of what is going on in our school division. The newsletter link is here: https://app.smore.com/n/ad431.
9 days ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
PCPS logo. Text: School Board Recap. Catching up on last week's board meeting
Bailey’s Cafe is back in business! Powhatan High School’s student-run cafe opened today for the first time this school year, continuing a strong tradition of giving culinary students hands-on experience running a small cafe for PHS staff.
Under the guidance of new culinary teacher Mr. Peyton, students prepared ingredients, set up the cafe, cooked the food, and served their customers. Mr. Peyton said he was proud of the work they put into making the cafe’s first day a success.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
13 days ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
Culinary students prepare lunch in the kitchen of their student-run cafe, which is also their classroom.
Culinary students prepare lunch in the kitchen of their student-run cafe, which is also their classroom.
A culinary student cooks hamburgers on a grill.
A culinary student plates hamburgers in styrofoam containers.
We are a little late in sharing, but these moments from Pocahontas Elementary’s Open House are still worth celebrating. Families came together before the start of the school year to meet teachers, visit classrooms, and help students get ready for the year ahead. Thank you to everyone who joined us and to the staff members and volunteers who helped welcome families into the building. We’re happy to finally share a few photos from the evening and celebrate the Pocahontas community that helps make our schools special. 🧡🖤 See more photos on the PCPS Facebook page.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
14 days ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
Two adults and two children pose for a photo at an elementary school open house.
Two adults and four children pose for a photo at an elementary school open house.
Two adults and two children pose for a photo at an elementary school open house.
A teacher meets a new students and their families at an elementary school open house.
Two adults and a child pose for a photo at an elementary school open house.
Two adults and two children pose for a photo at an elementary school open house.
Two adults and a child pose for a photo at an elementary school open house.
Two adults and two children pose for a photo at an elementary school open house.
Two adults and two children pose for a photo at an elementary school open house.
Two adults and three children pose for a photo at an elementary school open house.
Learning to work with animals starts with knowing how to handle them safely! Earlier this semester, students in Ms. Smith’s Small Animal Care class at Powhatan High School got hands-on experience with Chubs the guinea pig and met two goats, Bonnie and Clyde. Through these introductions, students learned about safe animal handling while getting a closer look at the work involved in caring for animals. These experiences help connect classroom learning to real-world careers in the animal industry. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
14 days ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
A teacher holding a guinea pig talks to her small animal care class about how to properly care for him.
A teacher holding a guinea pig talks to her small animal care class about how to properly care for him.
A teacher holding a guinea pig talks to her small animal care class about how to properly care for him.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a nationwide campaign dedicated to raising awareness, educating communities, and uniting to end bullying and cyberbullying. The Powhatan County School Board and all of Powhatan County Public Schools ask our community to come together to do your part and join us in teaching our children to help prevent bullying.
Bullying manifests in four primary ways: physical, verbal, social/relational (such as spreading rumors or exclusion), and cyberbullying. While physical behavior leaves visible signs, verbal and relational harm can be just as damaging to a child's well-being. Children don't always ask for help directly, making it important to watch for subtle behavioral changes.
* Emotional Signs: Unexplained anxiety, loss of confidence, mood swings, or withdrawal.
* Physical & Academic Signs: Frequent stomachaches or headaches, sudden drop in grades, or reluctance to go to school.
* Action Step: Reach out to your child's teacher or school counselor early if you notice sudden changes in their social habits or mood.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan #stopbullying
14 days ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
Four women and one man pose for a group photo in front of a banner on a wall that reads: Kindness takes courage. #stopbullying
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library Board, in conjunction with ACG Hospice, will be sponsoring a Color Run and Family Fair at Powhatan High School on October 17th at 9:00 a.m. Proceeds from this event will support the Dolly Parton Imagination Library for Powhatan. Funds will be used to put books in the hands of children ages 0-5 years old in the county. We hope everyone can join us for this fun event in support of a great cause!
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
15 days ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
Flier sharing the details of a Color Run that will be held October 17 at Powhatan High School to benefit the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
Students in Mrs. Ayers’ and Ms. Smith’s class at Flat Rock Elementary recently rotated through language arts stations, working individually and in groups to read decodable texts, practice heart words, use those words in sentences, and work with words ending in -all, -oll, and -ull. Each station offered another opportunity to practice the foundational skills that help young readers grow! 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
16 days ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
A student whose class is rotating to different language arts stations works on an assignment.
A teacher works with a group of students at a language arts station.
A student whose class is rotating to different language arts stations works on an assignment.
A student whose class is rotating to different language arts stations works on an assignment.
A student whose class is rotating to different language arts stations works on an assignment.
A teacher works with a group of students at a language arts station.
A teacher works with a group of students at a language arts station.
REMINDER: The Powhatan County School Board’s next meeting is on October 13, 2026 at the Pocahontas Landmark Center, 4290 Anderson Highway, Powhatan, VA 23139
4:00 p.m. Regular Meetings will begin with a scheduled closed session
6:00 p.m. Regular Open Meeting Begins - Streamed Live on YouTube
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
16 days ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
School Board Meeting. October 13, 2026. 4:00 p.m. Regular Meetings will begin with a scheduled closed session. 6:00 p.m. Regular Open Meeting Begins - Streamed Live on YouTube. Pocahontas Landmark Center, 4290 Anderson Highway, Powhatan, VA 23139
A familiar face in the school building can make a student’s day! 🧡🖤
Powhatan Elementary recently welcomed its first Watch D.O.G.S. volunteer of the 2026–2027 school year, a proud grandfather who spent time supporting students and staff. The program gives dads, grandfathers, uncles, and other father figures an opportunity to volunteer, connect with students, and make a positive difference in their school community.
All PCPS elementary schools offer this opportunity to get involved. If the men in your family are interested in participating, reach out to your child’s elementary school to learn more about its Watch D.O.G.S. program and how to sign up. Those extra hands and familiar faces are always appreciated!
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
16 days ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
A man wearing a Watchdog t-shirt photos for a photo with a student.
A man wearing a Watchdog t-shirt photos for a photo with two students.
As Fire Prevention Week comes to a close, what better time to look back on a recent visit from Assistant Fire Chief Pat Schoeffel to Powhatan Middle School? 🚒 Mrs. Mesco’s Family and Consumer Sciences students learned about kitchen safety, how fires develop, and what to do if a fire breaks out. Chief Schoeffel also explained how fire extinguishers work and when they may be used and let the students practice using a fire extinguisher.
Thank you to Chief Schoeffel for sharing important fire safety knowledge that students can carry with them beyond the classroom! 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
19 days ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
A firefighter lets a student use a fire extinguisher to put out a controlled fire to learn about fire safety. Students and adults standing nearby watch.
A firefighter lets a student use a fire extinguisher to put out a controlled fire to learn about fire safety. Students and adults standing nearby watch.
A firefighter talks to a family and consumer sciences class about fire extinguisher and fire safety.
A firefighter lets a student use a fire extinguisher to put out a controlled fire to learn about fire safety. Students and adults standing nearby watch.
A firefighter lets a student use a fire extinguisher to put out a controlled fire to learn about fire safety. Students and adults standing nearby watch.
A firefighter lets a student use a fire extinguisher to put out a controlled fire to learn about fire safety. Students and adults standing nearby watch.
A firefighter lets a student use a fire extinguisher to put out a controlled fire to learn about fire safety. Students and adults standing nearby watch.
A firefighter lets a student use a fire extinguisher to put out a controlled fire to learn about fire safety. Students and adults standing nearby watch.
A firefighter lets a student use a fire extinguisher to put out a controlled fire to learn about fire safety. Students and adults standing nearby watch.
Students in a family and consumer sciences class pass around a fire extinguisher during a lesson on fire safety.
Earlier this week, preschoolers enjoyed an evening of reading, music, and dance at Literacy for the Littles, led by children’s librarian Miss Emily. Along with stories and activities, each child received a goodie bag that included a copy of The Rainbow Fish, one of the stories shared during the event. A special thank-you to the Powhatan County Public Library for partnering with PCPS to promote literacy, and to the Powhatan Imagination Library for helping foster a love of reading among our youngest learners. 🧡🖤 Stay tuned throughout the school year for more events aimed at engaging our Powhatan’s preschool-age children.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
19 days ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
Children sit and listen to a librarian reading a story during a preschool literacy event at a library. Adults watch.
Children play play during a preschool literacy event at a library.
A small child holds up a copy of the book, The Rainbow Fish.
A small child holds up a copy of the book, The Rainbow Fish.
Children sit and listen to a librarian reading a story during a preschool literacy event at a library. Adults watch.
Parents sign their children in at a preschool literacy event at a library. Children checking in receive a goodie bag.
Parents sign their children in at a preschool literacy event at a library. Children checking in receive a goodie bag.
Children play play during a preschool literacy event at a library.
Children play play during a preschool literacy event at a library. Adults watch.
Children take a small prize from a basket being held by a librarian at a preschool literacy event at a library.
Mrs. Heinike’s honors biology class recently conducted an investigation to determine if digestive enzymes were responsible for breaking down complex carbohydrates to simple carbohydrates using Benedict’s Solution as an indicator. The results didn’t turn out exactly as expected, but that’s part of doing science. As Mrs. Heinike pointed out, investigations don’t always go according to plan, and unexpected results can be part of the learning process.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

20 days ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
Biology students conduct an investigation to determine if digestive enzymes were responsible for breaking down complex carbohydrates to simple carbohydrates .
Biology students conduct an investigation to determine if digestive enzymes were responsible for breaking down complex carbohydrates to simple carbohydrates .
Biology students conduct an investigation to determine if digestive enzymes were responsible for breaking down complex carbohydrates to simple carbohydrates .
Biology students conduct an investigation to determine if digestive enzymes were responsible for breaking down complex carbohydrates to simple carbohydrates .
Biology students conduct an investigation to determine if digestive enzymes were responsible for breaking down complex carbohydrates to simple carbohydrates .