🎖️ Signing Day Series, Part 2: Military Commitments 🎖️
On May 7, Powhatan High School honored seniors whose chosen path after graduation is to serve our country— a path of courage, commitment, and purpose. Representatives from the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Army attended the Military Signing Day to recognize these students and speak about the pride they feel in welcoming them into the ranks. Watched by family members and staff, the ceremony was a powerful reminder of the strength and character these young people bring to their next chapter. 💪 Congratulations to these PHS students: Edgar Alejo (Marines), Deric Cypress (Marines), James Davis (Army), Blake Markel (Air Force), Cameron Oliver (Marines), Jason Peyton (Army), Isabella Shaw (Marines), and David Stauffer (Navy). We’re incredibly proud of their decision to serve — and we thank them, and their families, for their dedication.
One more Signing Day post is coming soon… stay tuned!
🏅 Signing Day Series, Part 1: Athletics 🏅
Last Friday, Powhatan High School celebrated the achievements of several of our student-athletes who are taking their talents to the next level! These hardworking, dedicated students have committed to playing college sports — and we couldn’t be more proud. 🧡⚽🏈 🏀 ⚾️ 🥍 Congratulations to: Ava Harper, Marissa Anderson, Elizabeth Weimer, Luke Wells, Jameson Britt, Conner Hedgepeth, Rhett Boyer, Max Altieri, Grayson Palmore, Mackenzie Halfon, Jamison Wallace, Emma Terry, and Jackson Morris.
Whether it’s early mornings, long practices, or balancing academics with athletics, these students have put in the work — and it’s paying off. Congrats to all of our signees!
Stay tuned as we highlight more of the amazing paths our seniors are taking after graduation. 💥 #wearepcps #teampowhatan
📣 It’s School Communicators Day — a shoutout to the folks behind the camera, behind the keyboard, and behind the stories that show the heart of our schools. The best way to celebrate? Follow along with us on Facebook and Instagram — and help us keep sharing the amazing things happening in Powhatan County Public Schools! 💬📸🎉 #wearepcps #teampowhatan #TellingOurStory
Today we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible educators at Powhatan High School as part of PCPS’s Teacher Appreciation Week celebrations! 🌟 These dedicated professionals help shape futures and open doors for students every day. Let’s honor them — share a story, a shoutout, or a word of thanks for a Powhatan High School teacher who’s had a powerful impact. 💬🍎🧡 #wearepcps #teampowhatan
🌿🌸 LAST CHANCE PLANT SALE! 🌸🌿
There are still a few plants left from the Powhatan High School Annual Plant Sale — and this Monday is the final opportunity to scoop them up!
📅 Monday, May 12
🕗 8:00–10:00 a.m. & 3:00–4:30 p.m.
📍 PHS Greenhouse (take Judes Ferry Rd to Old Church Rd, turn by the tennis courts and follow the road behind the school)
Still available:
🍅 A variety of tomato plants – Rutger's Select, Beefsteak, Brandywine Pink, Large Cherry, Supersweet (cherry), Jellybean (grape)
🌶️ Peppers ranging from sweet (Jupiter, Big Bertha) to spicy (Jalapeño, Serrano, Dragon Cayenne)
🌿 Herbs like lavender, sage, dill, oregano, and chamomile
🌼 French marigolds, coleus, salvia, assorted zinnias & dahlias
🍈 Honeydew, tomatillos
🌺 ONE Red Dragon Wing Begonia hanging basket (who will get it?)
Prices:
$2 per 4-pack or pot
$5 for bagged dahlia tubers & hanging baskets
(Cash or check only)
All proceeds support the Powhatan High School Horticulture program and FFA — helping students grow skills and experiences that last a lifetime. 🌱 #wearepcps #teampowhatan
🧡 A little late… but the love is still going strong! 🧡 Wednesday, May 7 was School Nurse Day, and while we’re a bit behind the calendar, the gratitude is still heartfelt. Our incredible school nurses are the calm in the chaos, the fixers of boo-boos, and the keepers of care. Whether it’s a scraped knee, a tough day, or something more serious — they are there, with compassion and professionalism that make a world of difference. 🩺 Thank you for being everyday heroes — we appreciate you more than words can say! 🧡🧡🧡 #wearepcps #teampowhatan
🧡 Teacher Appreciation Week: Celebrating Powhatan Elementary! 🧡
Our Human Resources team hosted special appreciation luncheons last week at every PCPS school — a thoughtful way to show gratitude ahead of the busy celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5–9).
Here’s a glimpse of the joy-filled moments at POWES — a time to pause and celebrate the amazing people who help our youngest learners grow.
To every teacher and staff member at Powhatan Elementary: thank you for creating a nurturing, joyful, and inspiring environment for our students every day.
Let’s show POWES staff how much they’re appreciated — share a note of thanks or tag a team member in this morning’s post! 💬🧡 #wearepcps #teampowhatan
Today we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible educators at Powhatan Elementary as part of PCPS’s Teacher Appreciation Week celebrations! 🌟 These teachers go above and beyond to inspire curiosity and confidence in our young learners. Help us lift them up — share a moment, a kind word, or a special thank-you for a Powhatan Elementary teacher who’s left a lasting impact. 💬🍎🧡 #wearepcps #teampowhatan
🧡 Teacher Appreciation Week: Celebrating Powhatan Middle School! 🧡
Last week, we kicked off early celebrations with Staff Appreciation Luncheons across PCPS, hosted by our amazing Human Resources team. It was a chance to pause and thank our teams before the excitement of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5–9).
Here are some moments from the luncheon at PMS — where the commitment and camaraderie of our staff shined through every smile. Check out the PCPS Facebook page for more photos.
To all the educators and staff at Powhatan Middle: thank you for guiding, inspiring, and supporting our students during such a formative time. Your impact is immeasurable.
Tag a teacher or staff member from PMS in the comments of this morning’s post and let’s lift them up together! 💬🧡 #wearepcps #teampowhatan
Today we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible educators at Powhatan Middle School as part of PCPS’s Teacher Appreciation Week celebrations! 🌟From guiding students through big transitions to encouraging them to discover their passions, these teachers do it all. Join us in celebrating them — post a favorite memory or a message of appreciation for a Powhatan Middle School teacher who made a difference. 💬🍎🧡 #wearepcps #teampowhatan
📣Important announcement for PCPS Transportation📣
All PCPS Families should have received an important message from Powhatan County Public Schools regarding electing Transportation for the 2025-2026 school year.
Last year, Powhatan County Public Schools (PCPS) implemented a new opt-in system, where families were asked to sign up only if they required bus transportation. For the 2025-2026 school year, we are shifting to a new process. All families are now required to complete a transportation request form, regardless of whether or not their child(ren) will be using the bus service.
You will need your child’s ID Number or “720 number,” which is provided in the email. Be aware that a separate email will be sent to you for each child enrolled in PCPS.
🧡 Teacher Appreciation Week: Celebrating Pocahontas Elementary! 🧡
Last week, our Human Resources team hosted a heartfelt Staff Appreciation Luncheon at each school in the division — a meaningful way to honor our incredible educators before the busyness of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5–9).
Here’s a look at the celebration at POCA — a warm moment of connection, laughter, and well-deserved appreciation. See more photos on the PCPS Facebook page.
To the entire team at Pocahontas Elementary: your passion, creativity, and care shape young lives every single day. Thank you for all you do.
Don’t forget to drop a message or memory for your favorite POCA team member in this morning’s post — let’s show them the love! 💬🧡 #wearepcps #teampowhatan
Today we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible educators at Pocahontas Elementary as part of PCPS’s Teacher Appreciation Week celebrations! 🌟 Their patience, passion, and commitment help our students grow every single day. Let’s show them some love — drop a memory, a thank-you, or a shoutout to a Pocahontas teacher who’s made a difference for your child or family. 💬🍎🧡 #wearepcps #teampowhatan
🌟 Teacher Appreciation Week: Celebrating Flat Rock Elementary! 🌟
Last week, our Human Resources team hosted a special Staff Appreciation Luncheon at each school — a thoughtful way to celebrate ahead of the busy energy of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5–9).
Here are a few snapshots from the luncheon at FRES — a small gesture for a mighty team. The smiles, laughter, and sense of community say it all. 🙌 You can find more photos on the PCPS Facebook page.
To every teacher, assistant, specialist, and staff member at Flat Rock: thank you for the heart, dedication, and excellence you bring to your students each and every day.
If you haven’t yet, scroll back and share your favorite memories or shout-outs to FRES staff in this morning’s post. Let’s flood them with appreciation! 💬🍎 #wearepcps #teampowhatan
📣 We're Hiring! 📣
Powhatan County Public Schools is looking for dedicated professionals to join our team.
Current Positions:
• Assistant Principal – Elementary
• Database Analyst
• Bus Drivers
• Bookkeeper – High School
• Lead Teacher – Middle School
Visit the PCPS website for more information and to apply.
Join us in making a difference every day in the lives of Powhatan children! ✨ #wearepcps #teampowhatan
🎭 Opening Night is TONIGHT!
The wait is over — Hadestown: Teen Edition hits the stage at Powhatan High School starting tonight at 7 p.m.! The cast, crew, and staff have poured their hearts into this unforgettable musical, and these rehearsal shots are just a glimpse of the magic they’re about to deliver. They are going to do Powhatan High School and Powhatan Middle School proud.
Come experience the myth, the music, and the power of live theatre.
🎟️ Tickets just $10 — available at the door.
📍 PHS Auditorium
📅 May 2 @ 7 p.m.
📅 May 3 @ 1:30 & 7 p.m.
📅 May 4 @ 1:30 p.m.
Recommended for ages 8+.
Join us and be part of the story.
#HadestownTeenEdition #wearepcps #teampowhatan #openingnight
🏃♀️ Lace up your running shoes for a great cause! 🏃♂️
Join the Morgan's Message: Powhatan Chapter for the First Annual May Miles Event this Saturday, May 3rd from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at the Powhatan High School Stadium!
This community event is all about completing laps to raise funds for Morgan's Message, an incredible PHS club supporting mental health awareness. 🌟
👉 Here’s how it works:
• There’s no entry fee – just find one adult sponsor who will pledge a donation for each lap you complete!
• Donuts, drinks, and snacks will be provided! 🍩🥤
• PHS students, staff, and community members are ALL invited to participate! Just make sure to sign up using the Google form in the comments. ✍️
Morgan's Message was founded by the Roger's family after the tragic passing of their daughter, Morgan, who died by suicide. Morgan’s Message: Powhatan Chapter was created in 2023 at Powhatan High School and has hosted a plethora of dedication games, information booths, and fundraisers to spread awareness throughout the student athlete community. See you on the track! 🏅 #wearepcps #teampowhatan
PCPS welcomes two new principals for 2025-2026 school year
Powhatan County Public Schools (PCPS) is pleased to welcome two dynamic educators to lead two of its schools in the 2025-2026 school year. Mr. Michael Pierce has been hired as Principal of Powhatan High School, and Dr. Jason Gill will serve as Principal of Powhatan Elementary School.
Both men were approved at the School Board’s April meeting and will assume their new positions effective July 1, 2025.
Mr. Pierce to lead PHS
Mr. Michael Pierce brings more than two decades of service in education and the military to his new role at Powhatan High School. Most recently serving as Principal at James H. Cary Intermediate School, Mr. Pierce said he strives to be a collaborative leader focused on instructional excellence and student success. His career spans 11 years in public education and 10 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Army.
“I’m excited to assume my role as Principal of Powhatan High School and apply the lessons I’ve learned over the past 20 years as an Army leader, teacher, coach, and administrator,” Mr. Pierce shared in a letter to the PHS community. “My guiding philosophy - the thread I can trace through the diverse journey that brought me here - is the paramount importance of building relationships and maintaining a servant’s heart.”
When working with PHS staff, Mr. Pierce said he will endeavor to provide the outstanding leadership they deserve through collaborative and data-driven decision making, ensuring that teachers have the information, tools, and time they need to accomplish their important work.
Regardless of his title, Mr. Pierce said he will always view himself as a professional educator, adding his primary place of duty is in the classrooms and common areas of PHS, working alongside its talented staff to educate the young adults of this community.
Mr. Pierce holds two master’s degrees in education from Old Dominion University and a bachelor’s degree in history from Drury University. He will be joined in Powhatan by his wife, Pamela, and their three children.
“Our family is excited to become part of this community, and Pamela and I are thrilled to place our children’s education in the capable hands of Powhatan’s teachers and coaches,” he said. “We look forward to playing an active role in the community and meeting new friends and neighbors.”
The role of interim PHS Principal is currently being filled by Aaron Boughner, who stepped into the position this spring and has done a wonderful job leading the high school. Mr. Boughner will transition to his new role as Assistant Director of Student Services and Interventions on July 1, 2025.
Dr. Gill to lead POWES
Dr. Jason Gill joins Powhatan Elementary with 24 years of educational experience, including 11 years in leadership roles within Chesterfield County Public Schools. He is currently serving as Associate Principal of Falling Creek Elementary School, where he provides instructional leadership, guides professional development, and oversees special education services and school-wide attendance initiatives.
In a letter to the POWES community, Dr. Gill emphasized his commitment to building strong relationships with staff, students, and families. He plans to spend his first 60 days meeting with school leaders to better understand the needs and strengths of the school community. He also announced plans for summer engagement opportunities, including weekly chat sessions with parents and community members, as well as a back-to-school picnic in August.
“My personal vision as a member of the Powhatan community is to provide a safe learning environment where all of our students feel loved, welcomed, and are pushed to be the best student he or she can be,” Dr. Gill said. “We can do this by working collectively to ensure we are using the most up-to-date and research-based instructional practices, making sure we have the necessary materials for our staff to use with our students, understand the social and emotional well-being of our students, and inviting parents and community partners into our school to share in this journey.”
A graduate of Virginia Tech with a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, Dr. Gill also holds a master’s degree from the University of Virginia and a bachelor’s from Longwood College.
Dr. Gill emphasized his commitment to instructional leadership, relationship building, the ability to form community partnerships as well as knowing how to make a school a fun learning environment.
Mrs. Constance Deal has helped lead Powhatan Elementary as an administrator for almost 30 years, first as Assistant Principal and then in her current role as Principal. Mrs. Deal’s outstanding 37-year career in education has taken place at Powhatan Elementary, and she has touched the lives of generations of Powhatan children in her career. She will retire as of June 30, 2025.
We want to make our PCPS families aware of an important update for the 2025–2026 school year. The School Board has approved adding 10 minutes to the school day, and adjusting bell schedules across all schools to better coordinate transportation. The new daily schedule will be as follows: Elementary students may be dropped off at 8:25 a.m., with classes starting at 8:40 a.m. and dismissal at 3:30 p.m. Middle School drop-off begins at 7:20 a.m., classes start at 7:35 a.m., and dismissal is at 2:25 p.m. High School students can be dropped off at 7:25 a.m., with a 7:40 a.m. start time and dismissal at 2:30 p.m.
In addition, the beginning of the 2025–2026 school year will begin with staggered start dates to help key grade levels ease into the new school year with extra support. For elementary students, Grades 1–5 and Pre-K/Kindergarten students with last names A–M will start on August 18. Pre-K/K students with last names N–Z will begin on August 19, and all Pre-K/K students will attend together starting August 20. For secondary students, only Grades 6 and 9 will start on August 18. Grades 7–8 and 10–12 will join them on August 19.
We encourage families to review the dates and times closely and mark their calendars now!
#wearepcps #teampowhatan
💜 April is the Month of the Military Child, and Pocahontas Elementary showed its support by participating in Purple Up! Earlier this month, students and staff wore purple to honor our military-connected children and recognize the strength and resilience they show every day. Some POCA military students stayed after school to celebrate—reading a story together, decorating cookies, and adding their handprints to a banner that now hangs proudly in the school’s front hall. We’re proud to stand with our military families and thankful for all they do! 💜 #wearepcps #teampowhatan
