Notice of a Powhatan County School Board Budget Workshop
Pursuant to Virginia Code § 2.2-3707, please take notice that the Powhatan County School Board will hold a budget workshop on: Friday, January 30, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Pocahontas Landmark Center, 4290 Anderson Hwy, Powhatan, VA. This notice is being provided in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
This meeting will be open to the public.
Pursuant to Virginia Code § 2.2-3707, please take notice that the Powhatan County School Board will hold a budget workshop on: Friday, January 30, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Pocahontas Landmark Center, 4290 Anderson Hwy, Powhatan, VA. This notice is being provided in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
This meeting will be open to the public.
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
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
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.
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
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
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
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
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
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
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
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.
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, 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
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
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
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
In the last few months, second graders from all three PCPS elementary schools traveled to the Elizabeth Randolph Lewis Powhatan YMCA to participate in the Learn to Swim program. The free swimming lessons are supported by fundraising efforts of YMCA donors with the goal of saving lives through water safety education and swimming instruction. At the end of the program, students receive a certification of achievement and a Learn to Swim T-shirt. Throughout the lessons, the kids learned critical water safety skills such as asking permission to enter the water, swim-float-swim, dog paddling, and how to save someone who is drowning without putting themselves in danger. PCPS thanks the YMCA and the amazing instructors who make this important skill so fun and engaging for our second graders. Check out some of these fun Learn to Swim moments with Flat Rock Elementary students in Ms. Tyson’s and Ms. Korté’s classes right before Winter Break. #wearepcps #teampowhatan
Students in Mrs. Schwartz’s kindergarten class at Flat Rock Elementary recently spent a special day creating handmade keepsakes for their families and friends. With help from parent volunteers, students rotated through several craft stations before wrapping up the day with a holiday party – complete with decorating Mrs. Schwartz as a Christmas tree. 🎄🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Ms. Yates, Ms. Phillips, and Ms. Plazola’s preschool class at Flat Rock Elementary recently started their school day by making cards for their Teach for Tomorrow student teacher, a Powhatan High School senior, to show their love. A sweet moment of reading, gratitude, and connection across grade levels. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Merry Christmas! Powhatan County Public Schools wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday. We can't wait to see everyone in 2026!
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Flat Rock Elementary students sharpened their coding skills in December with no screens required! In Mrs. Osborne’s classes, students explored coding concepts and vocabulary through hands-on, “unplugged” activities. Using puzzles, games, and mazes with Indi Cars and Ozobots, students practiced problem-solving with commands, sequences, and algorithms – all while working together as a team. These engaging tools were made possible through Curtis Grant donations from previous years, and they continue to spark creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking across grade levels. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Paula Duncan named PCPS Teacher of the Year
POWHATAN, VA – Powhatan County Public Schools is proud to announce that Powhatan High School’s Paula Duncan has been named the Division Teacher of the Year fiscal year (FY) 2027.
Mrs. Duncan serves as the Social Studies Department Chair and teaches AP Human Geography and World History II. She has spent 25 years with Powhatan County Public Schools – all of them at PHS – and has 32 years of experience in education.
The announcement was made on Thursday, December 19, during an impromptu staff meeting at the high school. Principal Mike Pierce said Mrs. Duncan is renowned among her students for her enthusiasm and engagement as well as for the strong relationships she builds with them.
Her colleagues – several of whom are her former students – praised Mrs. Duncan for her impact as both an educator and mentor. One colleague shared that her “ability to bring history to life through her energy, unmatched content knowledge and care for her students is one of the reasons I wanted to become a teacher.” Another noted, “She was a tremendous wealth of knowledge and deeply cared about helping me with my students when I was figuring out how to teacher. Without Mrs. Duncan, I wouldn’t be the teacher I am today.”
At the risk of sounding cliché, Mrs. Duncan said she simply loves Powhatan High School – the job, the workplace, and the students and staff.
“I have spent my entire career coming in here and working with phenomenal staff and phenomenal students,” she said. “I think that is what keeps me coming through the door every day and actually loving it.”
Mrs. Duncan said she was amazed and humbled by the honor, both because of the outstanding school-based winners she was nominated with and when she considers the caliber of educators she works alongside at Powhatan High School.
“I walk by some of my colleagues’ doors on a daily basis and see amazing things that they do, and I think to myself, ‘I want to be really good like that. That’s how I want to be,’” she said. “That really is inspiring to me, and that is what really makes me honored, because I am being honored by some of the best of the best.”
Beyond her work in the classroom, Mrs. Duncan has demonstrated leadership at the local, state, and national levels. She is an active member of the Virginia Geographic Alliance and the National Council for Geographic Education and has served in leadership roles with Alpha Delta Kappa. She is also a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and volunteers with the Feeding Powhatan Food Pantry.
Mrs. Duncan has also contributed to curriculum and assessment development through her service on multiple Virginia Department of Education committees, including helping to design the World History II Standards of Learning and serving on World History I test design and question development teams.
In addition to the Division Teacher of the Year, Powhatan County Public Schools is proud to recognize the following FY 2027 school-level Teachers of the Year:
• Amanda Henley, Powhatan Elementary School – Serving as Technology Resource Teacher and Innovative Learning Liaison, Mrs. Henley has spent 16 years supporting students and staff by expanding learning opportunities, encouraging creativity, and integrating technology in meaningful ways.
• Cindy Raley, Pocahontas Elementary School – A second grade teacher and team lead, Mrs. Raley has been part of the Pocahontas Elementary community for six years and brings eight years of teaching experience marked by dedication to students, colleagues, and her school.
• Kristen Bentzen, Flat Rock Elementary School – An Innovative Learning Coach supporting both Flat Rock Elementary and Powhatan High School, Ms. Bentzen is in her third year in her current role, year 11 with the division, and has 21 years in education, with a strong focus on innovation and collaboration.
• Mike Morin, Powhatan Middle School – A sixth-grade science teacher, Mr. Morin has dedicated 27 years to PCPS and 28 years to education, making a lasting impact on generations of students through his passion and commitment.
We are deeply grateful for all of our FY 2027 Teacher of the Year nominees, whose commitment to students and passion for education exemplify the very best of Powhatan County Public Schools.
POWHATAN, VA – Powhatan County Public Schools is proud to announce that Powhatan High School’s Paula Duncan has been named the Division Teacher of the Year fiscal year (FY) 2027.
Mrs. Duncan serves as the Social Studies Department Chair and teaches AP Human Geography and World History II. She has spent 25 years with Powhatan County Public Schools – all of them at PHS – and has 32 years of experience in education.
The announcement was made on Thursday, December 19, during an impromptu staff meeting at the high school. Principal Mike Pierce said Mrs. Duncan is renowned among her students for her enthusiasm and engagement as well as for the strong relationships she builds with them.
Her colleagues – several of whom are her former students – praised Mrs. Duncan for her impact as both an educator and mentor. One colleague shared that her “ability to bring history to life through her energy, unmatched content knowledge and care for her students is one of the reasons I wanted to become a teacher.” Another noted, “She was a tremendous wealth of knowledge and deeply cared about helping me with my students when I was figuring out how to teacher. Without Mrs. Duncan, I wouldn’t be the teacher I am today.”
At the risk of sounding cliché, Mrs. Duncan said she simply loves Powhatan High School – the job, the workplace, and the students and staff.
“I have spent my entire career coming in here and working with phenomenal staff and phenomenal students,” she said. “I think that is what keeps me coming through the door every day and actually loving it.”
Mrs. Duncan said she was amazed and humbled by the honor, both because of the outstanding school-based winners she was nominated with and when she considers the caliber of educators she works alongside at Powhatan High School.
“I walk by some of my colleagues’ doors on a daily basis and see amazing things that they do, and I think to myself, ‘I want to be really good like that. That’s how I want to be,’” she said. “That really is inspiring to me, and that is what really makes me honored, because I am being honored by some of the best of the best.”
Beyond her work in the classroom, Mrs. Duncan has demonstrated leadership at the local, state, and national levels. She is an active member of the Virginia Geographic Alliance and the National Council for Geographic Education and has served in leadership roles with Alpha Delta Kappa. She is also a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and volunteers with the Feeding Powhatan Food Pantry.
Mrs. Duncan has also contributed to curriculum and assessment development through her service on multiple Virginia Department of Education committees, including helping to design the World History II Standards of Learning and serving on World History I test design and question development teams.
In addition to the Division Teacher of the Year, Powhatan County Public Schools is proud to recognize the following FY 2027 school-level Teachers of the Year:
• Amanda Henley, Powhatan Elementary School – Serving as Technology Resource Teacher and Innovative Learning Liaison, Mrs. Henley has spent 16 years supporting students and staff by expanding learning opportunities, encouraging creativity, and integrating technology in meaningful ways.
• Cindy Raley, Pocahontas Elementary School – A second grade teacher and team lead, Mrs. Raley has been part of the Pocahontas Elementary community for six years and brings eight years of teaching experience marked by dedication to students, colleagues, and her school.
• Kristen Bentzen, Flat Rock Elementary School – An Innovative Learning Coach supporting both Flat Rock Elementary and Powhatan High School, Ms. Bentzen is in her third year in her current role, year 11 with the division, and has 21 years in education, with a strong focus on innovation and collaboration.
• Mike Morin, Powhatan Middle School – A sixth-grade science teacher, Mr. Morin has dedicated 27 years to PCPS and 28 years to education, making a lasting impact on generations of students through his passion and commitment.
We are deeply grateful for all of our FY 2027 Teacher of the Year nominees, whose commitment to students and passion for education exemplify the very best of Powhatan County Public Schools.
Powhatan County Public Schools is taking a Winter Break. The school division will be closed from December 22, 2025, to January 2, 2026. January 2 is a Student Holiday, Teacher Work Day. Enjoy this special season with your loved ones. Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!! #WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
We’ve already honored some great teachers this week. Excuse us while we brag about some more!
On Monday, school and Central Office administration honored four amazing educators for achieving National Board Certification for Teachers (NBCT). Educators who complete this lengthy process must show proficiency in all areas of instruction as well as excellence in school and community involvement and supreme competency in their respective content areas. Please join us in congratulating these wonderful PCPS employees for achieving this honor in their respective certificate areas:
* Anthony Davis (PHS): Mathematics/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
* Amanda Henderson (PHS): Social Studies - History/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
* Traciann Paden (FRES): Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
* Paul Smartschan (PHS): Library Media/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Certification is valid for five years, at which time NBCTs must complete a Maintenance of Certification portfolio to remain National Board Certified. We are happy to welcome these fantastic men and women to the PCPS group of National Board Certified Teachers.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
On Monday, school and Central Office administration honored four amazing educators for achieving National Board Certification for Teachers (NBCT). Educators who complete this lengthy process must show proficiency in all areas of instruction as well as excellence in school and community involvement and supreme competency in their respective content areas. Please join us in congratulating these wonderful PCPS employees for achieving this honor in their respective certificate areas:
* Anthony Davis (PHS): Mathematics/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
* Amanda Henderson (PHS): Social Studies - History/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
* Traciann Paden (FRES): Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
* Paul Smartschan (PHS): Library Media/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Certification is valid for five years, at which time NBCTs must complete a Maintenance of Certification portfolio to remain National Board Certified. We are happy to welcome these fantastic men and women to the PCPS group of National Board Certified Teachers.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Possible transportation delays: We want to make you aware of possible transportation delays this afternoon. A number of service crews are working on a line that was cut along Anderson Highway, and this may lead to slow downs and traffic rerouting that could impact our vehicles. Families should monitor the My Ride K-12 app to keep track of the location of their school bus.
We’re excited to wrap up our recognition of FY2027 school-level Teachers of the Year with another amazing educator! 🎉
We’re proud to recognize Mike Morin as the Powhatan Middle School Teacher of the Year. Mr. Morin is a sixth-grade science teacher who has dedicated 27 years to Powhatan County Public Schools and 28 years to the field of education. His passion for teaching, commitment to students, and lasting impact in the classroom have made a difference for generations of learners. Please join us in congratulating Mr. Morin on this well-deserved honor. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
We’re proud to recognize Mike Morin as the Powhatan Middle School Teacher of the Year. Mr. Morin is a sixth-grade science teacher who has dedicated 27 years to Powhatan County Public Schools and 28 years to the field of education. His passion for teaching, commitment to students, and lasting impact in the classroom have made a difference for generations of learners. Please join us in congratulating Mr. Morin on this well-deserved honor. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
