Flat Rock Elementary School

We’re excited to continue celebrating our school-level FY2027 Teachers of the Year across PCPS! 🎉
Today, we’re proud to recognize Kristen Bentzen as the Flat Rock Elementary Teacher of the Year. She was surprised today while helping out in Mrs. Schwartz's kindergarten class. Ms. Bentzen serves as the Innovative Learning Coach, supporting both Flat Rock Elementary and Powhatan High School. She is in her third year in her current role, year 11 with PCPS, and has spent 21 years in education. Her commitment to innovation, collaboration, and supporting teaching and learning across schools makes a meaningful impact for both students and staff.
Congratulations, Ms. Bentzen, and thank you for all you do for our school community!
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

Good afternoon PCPS Community. We are back again with the December 2025 installment of the Powhatan County School Board Recap. 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

We’re excited to continue sharing our FY2027 school-level Teachers of the Year, and next up is Pocahontas Elementary’s Teacher of the Year! 🎉
Please join us in congratulating Cindy Raley, a second grade teacher who has been part of the Pocahontas Elementary community for six years. Mrs. Raley also serves as the second-grade team lead and brings a total of eight years of teaching experience to her work with students. Her dedication to her students, her colleagues, and her school shines through every day.
Congratulations, Mrs. Raley – we’re proud to celebrate you and the impact you make at Pocahontas Elementary! 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

We’re excited to continue sharing our school-level Teachers of the Year across PCPS! Today, we’re highlighting three of our school-level honorees, with two more coming tomorrow. 🎉
Please join us in congratulating Powhatan Elementary School’s FY2027 Teacher of the Year, Amanda Henley!
Mrs. Henley serves as the school’s Technology Resource Teacher and Innovative Learning Liaison, a role she has held throughout her 16 years at Powhatan Elementary and with the division. Her work supports both students and staff by expanding learning opportunities, encouraging creativity, and helping technology enhance instruction in meaningful ways.
Congratulations, Mrs. Henley, on this well-deserved recognition! 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

We’re so excited to finally start sharing our FY2027 Teachers of the Year winners! 🎉 Powhatan County Public Schools is proud to recognize five outstanding educators - one for each of our schools. We’ll be spotlighting three today and two more tomorrow as we celebrate the incredible work happening in our classrooms every day. Later this week, we will announce the division Teacher of the Year.
First up — Powhatan High School’s Teacher of the Year:
🎓 Paula Duncan, M.Ed. Mrs. Duncan is the Social Studies Department Chair and AP Human Geography and World History II instructor. She also serves as the National Honor Society co-sponsor.
With 25 years in PCPS – all of them at PHS – and 32 years in education, Mrs. Duncan has made a lasting impact on generations of students through her leadership, dedication, and passion for social studies. Her commitment to excellence and to her students truly reflects the best of Powhatan High School. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE
The Powhatan County School Board will hold a closed session meeting on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. at 4290 Anderson Highway, Powhatan, Va. The board will enter into closed session for the following purposes:
• pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(2) of the Code of Virginia 1950, as amended, for the purpose of a student disciplinary hearing.
• pursuant to section 2.2-3711 (A)(1) of the Code of Virginia 1950, as amended, for the purpose of discussion of the performance of a specific school board employee.

Don’t forget to send in your aluminum pull tabs tomorrow, Monday, December 15th. 🧡🖤 All tabs collected will benefit our local Ronald McDonald House, and the school that collects the greatest total weight will earn the Ronald McDonald House Tab Trophy.
Elementary families can send tabs to homeroom teachers or the front office. Middle and high school students can turn them in during first block or at the front office. Thank you for helping PCPS pull together for a great cause.
#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 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.

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 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

PCPS wishes all of our Powhatan families a Happy Thanksgiving. Whether you are staying home or traveling this holiday weekend, we hope you stay safe, restful, and happy.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan