🌟🎉 Throwback to an amazing day in Mrs. Smith's fifth-grade class at Pocahontas Elementary! 📚✨ They dived deep into the math lesson about data cycles and explored creative ways to graph information. 📊✏️ The students really showcased their academic excellence, sharing ideas and collaborating with enthusiasm! 👏 Keep up the great work, everyone! 🙌 #wearepcps #teampowhatan
Powhatan Middle School will host an evening of “Non-traditional High School Options” with representatives from the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School for Government and International Studies, Appomattox Regional Governor’s School for the Arts and Technology, Code RVA High School, and the Powhatan High School/Reynolds Community College for Advanced College Academy Program on October 2, 2024. This meeting aims to provide interested students and their parents with information regarding the curriculum, graduation requirements, and extracurricular activities, as well as answer questions regarding the application process for each high school option. Although the application process is open to current eighth grade students, fifth, sixth, and seventh grade students, their parents are also invited to attend to assist in course planning before they reach the eighth grade.
The evening will kick off with a review of Powhatan County Public Schools’ participation in these schools and answer some of the basic questions students and parents have about student participation in these high school program options.
Applications will be available on the PCPS website beginning on October 1. Students can also request the application link from Mrs. Haskins in the Gifted Services office (B210) and Mr. Winkler in the Counseling office. The application will be available to students currently enrolled in Algebra I. Private and homeschool families seeking applications will need to schedule an appointment with Mrs. Haskins to come to Powhatan Middle School and provide proof of residency for their student’s application to be verified and accepted. The deadline for 8th graders to submit an application is December 1, 2024.
🌟 Happy Monday everyone! We just wanted to take a moment to celebrate the amazing connections between our community and our classrooms. It’s always a joy to have community members visit and share their experiences with our students. Last week, we were thrilled to have former PCPS teacher Gail Timberlake visit Mrs. Dillon's fifth-grade social studies classes. She shared her fascinating story, “The Rescue of the Lady Slipper,” and talked about the history and rediscovery of bateau boats—such an important part of Powhatan’s local history! Thanks for being a part of our learning journey Mrs. Timberlake!
As you might know, community engagement is a big deal for us at PCPS, so much so that it’s one of our Strategic Plan goals. Last year, we revamped our curriculum to fill the gap left when we moved the Virginia Studies course down a grade. Now, our fifth graders are diving into a rich geography curriculum that includes a mandatory unit on local history, all aligned with state standards.
We’re still super proud that this new curriculum received a 2024 Achievement Award from the Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) in August! 🎉 #wearepcps #teampowhatan
🔥🎉 We’re gearing up for Homecoming at Powhatan High School, and we’d love for you to join us for a Community Bonfire! Bring your own chair and come enjoy a fun evening on Tuesday, October 8, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the high school. It’s going to be a great night with performances by the PHS Band, appearances from our JV and Varsity football teams, cheerleaders, and dancers. Plus, there will be food and games for everyone to enjoy! Just a quick note: all middle and elementary students need to be accompanied by an adult. Can’t wait to see you there! #wearepcps #teampowhatan
📚✨ Exciting things are happening in Mrs. Miller’s fourth-grade class at Pocahontas Elementary! Recently, they dove into the new Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) reading curriculum and had a good time reading “Flora and Ulysses.” The kids were engaged, answering questions using clues from the story. It’s so great to see them exploring new adventures in reading! #wearepcps #teampowhatan
Here you see Mr. Ford, a site substitute at Flat Rock Elementary School, working with a student in Mrs. Schwartz’s kindergarten class. While our schools do best when our staff members are there, we know life can throw some curveballs and substitutes are needed. PCPS partnered with ESS to manage our substitute program beginning July 1, 2024. The seasoned educational personnel and management firm has more than two decades of experience providing trained and qualified substitute staff to school districts. If you are interested in being a substitute, please visit the ESS website linked in the first comment.
🌟 September is Attendance Awareness Month, and we want to highlight the key role healthy habits and good choices can make in helping students be present and succeed in school. Regular attendance plays a huge role in academic success, social development, and building those lifelong skills. 🌟 Let’s keep encouraging our students to show up and shine! ✨#wearepcps #teampowhatan
Powhatan County Public Schools is hiring. We are looking for a Middle School Special Education teacher (math endorsement preferred). To learn more about becoming a valued member of our team, contact Human Resources at 804-598-5700 or visit the school division's website.
We want to give a huge shoutout to the staff, volunteers, and organizations who helped put on a great “First Responders Night” and tailgate party before Friday’s varsity game. Thank you to Old Powhatan Baptist Church, Red Lane Baptist Church, and the Powhatan Rotary Club, who teamed up and mobilized their volunteers into action to support the evening with a pre-game tailgate. Also, a huge thank you also to the military personnel who attended the tailgate and game to be recognized. We appreciate your service. #wearepcps #teampowhatan
🌟 September is Attendance Awareness Month, and we want to highlight just how important it is for our students to be present in school every day. Regular attendance plays a huge role in academic success, social development, and building those lifelong skills. 🌟 When kids are here, they get to engage in enriching activities, build strong relationships with their peers and teachers, and make the most out of their learning experiences. 💪📖 Of course, we understand that sometimes illness or other issues come up, and that’s okay! 🤒💔 But for those days when students can be here, let's make the most of them! Attendance is a team effort, and we’re all in this together. Let’s keep encouraging our students to show up and shine! ✨#wearepcps #teampowhatan
🎵🎹 During a recent visit to Pocahontas Elementary, we got to listen to music teacher Ms. Nuckols jam with Ms. Aguilera’s second graders. The musical adventure had the kids grooving with rhythmic and melodic fragments on those cool barred instruments. They had a blast singing, clapping, and playing “Icka Backa” as they rotated around the circle. What a fun way to experience music and form! 🥁🎶
🏈 Powhatan High School has some really exciting things planned tonight at the varsity football game against Manchester. The student theme for the night is “USA,” and the school and community are celebrating “First Responders Night.” Old Powhatan Baptist Church, Red Lane Baptist Church, and the Powhatan Rotary Club have teamed up and mobilized their volunteers into action to support the evening with a pre-game tailgate that begins at 5:30 p.m. at the high school. All are invited. After the tailgate, the game begins at 7 p.m., and it should be a really good one. 🏈 Our team is the 7th rated team in the area after beating Mechanicsville 46-13. 🌟 First responders, veterans, and active military get free admission to the game. Donations are being accepted to support the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. #wearepcps #teampowhatan
Our School Board Recap newsletter is back to keep you updated on the latest highlights and decisions from the School Board meetings. Check out the newsletter link in the first comment so you can stay informed and engaged with what’s happening in our schools! #wearepcps #teampowhatan
Today, Powhatan High School's JROTC cadets held a solemn and respectful 9/11 remembrance flag ceremony. 🎖️ Their dedication and poise honored the memory of those we lost and the heroes who stepped up. A powerful reminder of unity and service. 🌟 #wearepcps #teampowhatan
This morning, Powhatan Middle School honored 9/11 with a heartfelt remembrance flag ceremony. 🎖️ The event, beautifully led by members of Scouting Troops 1833 and 1832, was accompanied by a moving performance from our eighth-grade chorus. 🎶 It was a touching tribute to those who serve and remember.
📚✨ September is Attendance Awareness Month! 🌟 From the first day of school to our students’ future careers, showing up consistently can help pave the way for success at every stage of life. Let’s make every day count! 💼🎓 #wearepcps #teampowhatan
📚✨ Mrs. Meaker’s third grade class at Pocahontas Elementary is diving into literary elements with their new Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) reading curriculum! 📝 They’re exploring character and setting, and learning about first-person and third-person perspectives. It’s exciting to see them develop their storytelling skills! 🌟📖 #wearepcps #teampowhatan
Do you know a Powhatan County Public Schools employee who is Inspiring, Empowering, or Innovating? We want to hear from you. Tell us about any staff member who is making a difference in the lives of our children by inspiring, empowering or innovating. Just click on the link in the first comment to tell us about a Powhatan Schools staff member who deserves to be recognized. We welcome suggestions from students, families, co-workers or community members. #wearepcps #teampowhatan
PCPS wins statewide award for history curriculum
POWHATAN, VA – Powhatan County Public Schools’ (PCPS) efforts to develop a dynamic, in-house geography and local history curriculum for fifth graders were recently recognized with a 2024 Achievement Award from the Virginia Association of Counties (VACo).
PCPS was among 45 recipients across Virginia to receive this prestigious honor, which highlights excellence in local government programs. The award-winning curriculum, developed during the 2023-2024 school year, emphasizes local history to ignite community pride, honor our heritage, celebrate our future, and inspire future generations.
The VACo Achievement Awards are highly competitive, showcasing innovative solutions to challenges faced by counties. The winning entries announced on Thursday, August 29 addressed issues ranging from housing and recreation to communication strategies and beyond.
“Thank you to all who participated in the 22nd year of the Achievement Awards,” VACo Executive Director Dean Lynch said. “Last year we received 135 submissions, which was then our highest total ever. This year 145 entries were submitted. The program continues to grow because our member counties continue to do innovative work and find solutions to problems. The VACo Achievement Awards is a celebration of the hard work, good decision-making, and problem-solving skills of county staffs and leadership.”
The new curriculum was developed after the division moved the Virginia Studies course down a grade level, reducing the testing burden on fifth-grade teachers and students. This shift left a gap in the fifth-grade instructional program, which PCPS addressed by creating a comprehensive geography course aligned with Virginia Department of Education standards, including a mandatory unit on local history.
The curriculum was primarily crafted by Toni Kilpatrick, former K-12 History and Social Studies Curriculum Specialist, with valuable contributions from retired specialist Carol Simopoulos.
Superintendent Beth Teigen praised their efforts, stating, “I am so proud of the work Toni Kilpatrick and Carol Simopoulos spearheaded to create a unit of study focused on the geography and history of Powhatan County for all fifth graders. The noticeable boost in students' understanding and enthusiasm for local history speaks volumes about the quality and effectiveness of the program these educators have developed."
Dr. Teigen also highlighted the collaboration with the Powhatan County Historical Society, which offered resources and insights that enriched the curriculum to help bring Powhatan County’s history to life for students.
PCPS will honor the innovative work behind this award-winning curriculum at an upcoming School Board meeting.
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Students in Mrs. Hannaford’s fifth-grade class at Flat Rock Elementary School work in teams to create imaginative maps that have a title, three regions, three geographic features, examples of absolute and relative locations, and one industry. The students are learning new vocabulary they will see throughout the year in the division’s new fifth-grade geography curriculum. #wearepcps #teampowhatan #elevateeducatorsva
📚✨ Mrs. Ford's second graders at Pocahontas Elementary are having a blast diving into their new Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) reading program! 🚀 In this lesson, the students learned all about phonics—practicing their sounds and using their shiny new materials like pros. 🎉✏️ It’s amazing to see how these young readers are mastering structured literacy, and their excitement is absolutely contagious! 🌟 Keep up the great work, kiddos—your reading superpowers are growing every day! 📖 #wearepcps #teampowhatan
