Good afternoon PCPS Community. Here is the installment of the Powhatan County School Board Recap for the board’s January 13, 2026 meeting. 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 in the comments.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
10 days ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
PCPS logo. Text that reads: School Board Recap Catching up on last week's board meetings. Greetings PCPS community, The Powhatan County School Board had a busy doubleheader this week. The November 12
We’re excited to share the results of our Fall PCPS Pull Tab Contest – and they’re something to celebrate! 🎉
Together, Powhatan County Public Schools collected 516 pounds of aluminum pull tabs, resulting in a $356 donation to the Ronald McDonald House of Richmond. This is the largest collection total yet since the contest began in 2022.
Here’s how our schools contributed:
• Pocahontas Elementary: 242.12 pounds
• Powhatan Elementary: 101.3 pounds
• Powhatan Middle School: 92.4 pounds
• Flat Rock Elementary: 51.67 pounds
• Powhatan High School: 28.51 pounds
Congratulations to Pocahontas Elementary for winning the Tab Trophy!
Since the contest started, PCPS has collected 2,602 pounds of tabs, donating $1,778.69 to support families staying at the Ronald McDonald House of Richmond. Pull tabs are recycled, and the proceeds help fund operating costs for families with sick children.
This contest began as a heartfelt way for a retired PCPS employee to give back after her family experienced the support of the Ronald McDonald House firsthand. Today, it continues as a meaningful, real-world learning experience for students – combining service, math, teamwork, and a little friendly competition.
📌 The next PCPS Pull Tab Contest starts today, January 20, and runs through April 30. Tabs are collected year-round at all schools. Fun fact: it takes about 1,267 tabs to make 1 pound!
Thank you to our students, staff, families, and community for pulling together to make a difference. Let’s see if we can beat our record next round! 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
10 days ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
A large group of students and their teacher pose for a photo.
Students in a classroom weigh pop tabs.
Students in a classroom weigh pop tabs.
Students in a classroom weigh pop tabs.
Students in a classroom weigh pop tabs.
Box full of pop tabs.
REMINDER: Powhatan County Public Schools will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday is an official day of service and celebrates the civil rights leader’s life and legacy.
15 days ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
Image of Dr. King. Text that reads: Powhatan County Public Schools will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday is an official day of service and celebrates the civil rights leader’s life and legacy.
In Mrs. Burgess’s third grade class at Pocahontas Elementary, students recently explored ancient China through a hands-on sorting activity that helped them identify human, capital, and natural resources. This lesson encouraged students to think critically about how different types of resources contributed to early civilizations. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
17 days ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
Children work on a sorting activity about resources in Ancient China.
Children work on a sorting activity about resources in Ancient China.
Children work on a sorting activity about resources in Ancient China.
Children work on a sorting activity about resources in Ancient China.
Children work on a sorting activity about resources in Ancient China.
Children work on a sorting activity about resources in Ancient China.
Children work on a sorting activity about resources in Ancient China.
Children work on a sorting activity about resources in Ancient China.
Children work on a sorting activity about resources in Ancient China.
A child works on a sorting activity about resources in Ancient China.
Students in Mrs. Erazo’s Spanish 1 class at Powhatan Middle School put their language skills to work last week by writing poems in Spanish about themselves. As part of an adjectives review, students described their personalities, decorated their poems, and prepared to recite them for the class. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
17 days ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
Students in Spanish class write poems about themselves in Spanish.
Students in Spanish class write poems about themselves in Spanish.
Students in Spanish class write poems about themselves in Spanish.
Students in Spanish class write poems about themselves in Spanish.
Students in Spanish class write poems about themselves in Spanish.
Students in Spanish class write poems about themselves in Spanish.
Students in Spanish class write poems about themselves in Spanish.
Students in Spanish class write poems about themselves in Spanish.
Students in Spanish class write poems about themselves in Spanish.
First grade classes at Pocahontas Elementary held their annual Colonial Day last semester. Students explored life in the colonial period through hands-on activities, including making orange pomanders, candles, butter, satchels, corn husk dolls, and punched tin ornaments, bringing history to life through traditional colonial crafts.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
18 days ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
First graders participate in a colonial craft day activity.
A first grader participates in a colonial craft day activity.
First graders participate in a colonial craft day activity.
A first grader participates in a colonial craft day activity.
A first grader participates in a colonial craft day activity. An adult helps.
A first grader participates in a colonial craft day activity. An adult helps.
A first grader participates in a colonial craft day activity.
A first grader participates in a colonial craft day activity.
Before winter break, Ms. Proffitt’s kindergarten class at Flat Rock Elementary kicked off Kindergarten Elf Day with some festive fun. Students practiced sight words using a coloring sheet and made their own elf hats to start the day, blending early literacy skills with a little holiday cheer. 🎄
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
18 days ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
Students in elf hats show off their coloring sheets.
Students in matching pajamas pose for a photo.
Students in elf hats show off their coloring sheets.
A student works at her desk on writing practice.
A teacher helps students make their elf hats.
Students in matching elf hats pose for a photo.
Students in elf hats work on coloring sheets.
Students in elf hats work on coloring sheets.
A student works on a coloring sheet.
Mrs. Woodel and Ms. Farrell recently spent two days in the Powhatan Middle School Innovation Lab with their 7th grade U.S. History 2 students participating in an assembly line airplane build. Led by Dr. Spott, the lesson connected students’ study of Henry Ford and the mechanization of the assembly line with the Wright brothers’ success in flight, giving students a hands-on way to explore how individual roles contribute to a larger system.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
18 days ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
Students work on an assembly line making airplanes in class.
Students throw wind up airplanes their class made on an assembly line.
Students work on an assembly line making airplanes in class.
Students throw wind up airplanes their class made on an assembly line.
Students throw wind up airplanes their class made on an assembly line.
Students throw wind up airplanes their class made on an assembly line.
Students throw wind up airplanes their class made on an assembly line.
Students throw wind up airplanes their class made on an assembly line.
Students work on an assembly line making airplanes in class.
Students work on an assembly line making airplanes in class. A teacher helps.
Get a glimpse of what awaits at Powhatan High School. From hands-on classes and competitive athletics to clubs, leadership opportunities, and student life, The PHS Experience showcases the many pathways available to students.
Join us Thursday, January 15, to explore academic programs, AP and dual enrollment options, athletics, activities, counseling supports, JROTC, college and military pathways, and more—all in one place.
Evening at a glance:
• 6:00–6:15 p.m. – Welcome and student performances (Auditorium)
• 6:15–6:45 p.m. – Counseling presentation: Pathways to Graduation and Beyond (Auditorium)
• 6:45–8:00 p.m. – Program showcases in Main Street, Commons, and gyms
Whether you are curious about a specific program or want the full picture of life at PHS, this evening is designed to help families see what’s possible. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
18 days ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
Students practice performing CPR.
the flier says: You are invited to The PHS Experience Thursday, January 15. a showcase of classes, sports and activities Performances and welcome from 6-6:15 p.m. in the auditorium counseling presentation: Pathways to Graduation and Beyond - from 6:15-6:45 p.m. in the auditorium from 6:45 to 8 in the main street, commons, and gyms, families can learn about academic offerings, AP and dual enrollment classes, athletic eligibility, clubs, counseling, financial aid, JROTC demos, military and college recruiters, sports, testing, and more
Culinary students in a kitchen cook lunch.
A choir director leads a group of choir students in a performance.
FFA members at a school board meeting pose for a photo with school board members.
Teach for tomorrow students look over literature.
A group of students pose for a photo wearing medals.
Students in am engineering classroom work on robots.
Students in ceramics class work on projects.
Students on the swim team swim in the pool.

What an incredible weekend at Powhatan High School! 🤖 The school was proud to host its first-ever FIRST Chesapeake robotics competition, welcoming 63 teams over two days for an unforgettable showcase of student innovation, problem-solving, and teamwork for the Powhatan Qualifiers. From creative robot designs to high-energy matches, the talent and dedication on display were truly inspiring.
A huge thank you to our volunteers, including our own Powhatan robotics students, staff, and community members, who helped make this event run smoothly from start to finish. A special thanks to Mr. Beasley for leading the charge as the SPEAR sponsor. We are also grateful to every team who traveled to Powhatan from Maryland, Washington, D.C., and other parts of Virginia to compete and share their hard work with our community.
Hosting this event was a milestone for Powhatan, and we could not have asked for a better first experience. We’re already looking forward to what’s next for our robotics students as they continue their season competing over the next two weekends.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

19 days ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
Robotics teams compete in a match at a robotics competition.
A person in a costume poses for a photo with four other people.
Volunteers help a visiting robotics team at a robotics competition.
Volunteers help a visiting robotics team at a robotics competition.
Robotics teams compete in a match at a robotics competition.
Robotics teams compete in a match at a robotics competition.
Robotics teams compete in a match at a robotics competition.
Robotics teams compete in a match at a robotics competition.
Robotics teams compete in a match at a robotics competition.
Robots in a competition ring at a robotics competition.
We’ve still got a few pre-winter break moments to share. Mrs. George and Mrs. Moring’s preschool inclusion class at Flat Rock Elementary wrapped up the days before the holidays with a gingerbread party filled with festive fun and smiles. Students enjoyed decorating personal gingerbread houses and spending time together.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
21 days ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
An adult and child work on a personal gingerbread house.
An adult and child work on a personal gingerbread house.
An adult and child work on a personal gingerbread house.
An adult and child work on a personal gingerbread house.
An adult and child work on a personal gingerbread house.
An adult and child work on a personal gingerbread house.
Robots. Hoops. Creativity in action. 🤖🏀
Powhatan High School is hosting a regional robotics competition this weekend, and the public is invited to come cheer on student teams from across Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland.
📍 Where: Powhatan High School, 1800 Judes Ferry Road
📅 When: Saturday, January 10 & Sunday, January 11
⏰ Best time to watch: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
🔥 Playoffs (top-scoring robots): 4–6 p.m.
Students design, build, test, fail, fix, and compete with robots they created themselves—all while playing a brand-new game for this season.
🎟️ Free admission
🍔 Concessions available
🚚 Food trucks on site from 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Most matches take place in the gym, and visitors can also explore the pit area to see teams working up close (safety goggles available for $2 purchase).
Come see engineering, teamwork, and creativity on full display—and meet some of our amazing future innovators.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
21 days ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
Robotics team members work on robots.
Robotics team members work on robots.
Robotics team members work on a robotics course.
A robotics team poses for a photo.
Students in Mrs. McQuiddy’s Honors Chemistry class at Powhatan High School are putting their knowledge of chemical reactions to the test this week. 🧪 During this lab-based lesson, students are predicting the products of chemical reactions and then using their lab results to support those predictions. Over several days, they are testing 13 different reactions and classifying each one into the 6 categories of chemical reactions, strengthening both their analytical and scientific reasoning skills.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
24 days ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
Students in chemistry class test chemical reactions.
Students in chemistry class test chemical reactions.
Students in chemistry class test chemical reactions.
Students in chemistry class test chemical reactions.
Students in chemistry class test chemical reactions.
Students in chemistry class test chemical reactions.
Students in chemistry class test chemical reactions.
Students in chemistry class test chemical reactions.
Students in chemistry class test chemical reactions.
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: Friday, January 16, 2026
TIME: 8:30 AM to 4:00 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.
24 days ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
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: Friday, January 16, 2026 TIME: 8:30 AM to 4:00 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.
Before winter break, second graders at Pocahontas Elementary took a trip around the world while learning about holidays celebrated in different countries. 🌍✨ Students explored traditions through history lessons and stories, including La Befana in Italy, Hanukkah in Israel, nutcrackers in Germany, holly wreaths in Ireland, Christmas cards in England, and Mkeka mats for Kwanza in parts of Africa. Each lesson was paired with a hands-on craft or activity, helping students connect culture, history, and creativity. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
25 days ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
A student participates in a holidays around the world activity.
A teacher explains a holidays around the world activity.
Students participate in a holidays around the world activity.
Students participate in a holidays around the world activity.
A teacher explains a holidays around the world activity.
Students participate in a holidays around the world activity.
A teacher explains a holidays around the world activity.
A teacher explains a holidays around the world activity.
A student participates in a holidays around the world activity.
Students participate in a holidays around the world activity.
During a visit to the Innovation Lab at Powhatan Middle School last semester, sixth graders in Mr. Hall’s science class took learning to another planet as part of their space unit. 🌌🤖 With guidance from Dr. Spott, students created two-dimensional models of Mars and programmed Finch robots from BirdBrain Technologies to navigate and explore the surface. The hands-on lesson combined science, coding, and problem-solving as students applied what they’ve learned in an engaging and creative way. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
25 days ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
Students work on a mars rover related assignment in science class.
Students work on a mars rover related assignment in science class.
Students work on a mars rover related assignment in science class.
Students work on a mars rover related assignment in science class.
Students work on a mars rover related assignment in science class.
A student works on a mars rover related assignment in science class.
Students work on a mars rover related assignment in science class. A teacher helps.
Students work on a mars rover related assignment in science class.
Students work on a mars rover related assignment in science class.
A teacher helps a student with an assignment.
In December, ninth grade English students took part in a powerful pre-reading activity for A Long Walk to Water in the library. The hands-on experience – aimed at prompting thoughtful discussion and reflection – gave students in Mr. Jones’ and Mr. Bradbury’s classes a glimpse of the daily challenges many African villagers face due to extreme water shortages before they began reading. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
25 days ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
Students walk down a hallway carrying weights.
Students walk down a hallway carrying weights.
In December, Mrs. Kellaway’s fifth graders at Powhatan Elementary turned math time into a coffee-themed experience that had everyone thinking—and collaborating. ☕📊 Students stepped into roles like barista, baker, cashier, and manager as they worked across “locations” to estimate and multiply decimals using a mock menu. Teams earned paychecks by completing tasks together, while surprise “Chance Cards” added an extra layer of probability and problem-solving. Even with a shortened week, engagement was high and the coffee-inspired math fun continued. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
25 days ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
A class and their teacher pose for a photo in front of a Starbucks themed bulletin board.
A class and their teacher pose for a photo in front of a Starbucks themed bulletin board.
Students get hot chocolate at a table.
A student and teacher pose for a photo in front of a Starbucks themed bulletin board.
Students get hot chocolate at a table.
A student and teacher pose for a photo in front of a Starbucks themed bulletin board.
A student and teacher pose for a photo in front of a Starbucks themed bulletin board.
A student and teacher pose for a photo in front of a Starbucks themed bulletin board.
A student poses for a photo in front of a Starbucks themed bulletin board.
A student poses for a photo in front of a Starbucks themed bulletin board.
Before winter break, Mrs. Garner’s kindergarten class at Flat Rock Elementary enjoyed a visit to the Penguin Patch Holiday Shop. 🐧🎁 Sponsored by the PTO, the experience gave students a chance to make thoughtful choices while shopping for gifts for family and friends. Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped make the shop happen for the kids.🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
25 days ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
Students shop at a PTO-run holiday shop.
Volunteers help students at a PTO-run holiday shop.
Volunteers help students at a PTO-run holiday shop.
Students shop at a PTO-run holiday shop.
Volunteers help students at a PTO-run holiday shop. Students shop.
A student shops at a PTO-run holiday shop.
Volunteers help students at a PTO-run holiday shop.
Volunteers help students at a PTO-run holiday shop.
Students shop at a PTO-run holiday shop.
Students shop at a PTO-run holiday shop.
Families are invited to The PHS Experience on Thursday, January 15. This evening is a chance to explore everything Powhatan High School has to offer, from academics and activities to athletics and student life. The night begins with a welcome and student performances from 6:00 to 6:15 p.m., followed by a counseling presentation on Pathways to Graduation and Beyond from 6:15 to 6:45 p.m., both in the auditorium. From 6:45 to 8:00 p.m., families can visit the Main Street, Commons, and gyms to learn more about classes, AP and dual enrollment course opportunities, clubs, athletics, counseling, financial aid, JROTC (including demonstrations), college and military options, testing, and more. We hope to see families there as they take the next step in their PHS journey. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
25 days ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
the flier says: You are invited to The PHS Experience Thursday, January 15. a showcase of classes, sports and activities Performances and welcome from 6-6:15 p.m. in the auditorium counseling presentation: Pathways to Graduation and Beyond - from 6:15-6:45 p.m. in the auditorium from 6:45 to 8 in the main street, commons, and gyms, families can learn about academic offerings, AP and dual enrollment classes, athletic eligibility, clubs, counseling, financial aid, JROTC demos, military and college recruiters, sports, testing, and more