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
🍦🎉 Students who have joined Pocahontas Elementary since October got a sweet surprise today—a new student ice cream party during lunchtime! Each new student got to bring a friend, making the celebration even more special, as you can see by the smiles on these kindergarteners’ faces. This tradition happens twice a year, giving new students a chance to feel seen, celebrated, and connected. 🧡 🍨 #wearepcps #teampowhatan
Time to turn in those aluminum pop tabs! 🧡 This week, all five schools are collecting tabs to recycle for the Ronald McDonald House. Don’t forget to bring them in. Which school will come out on top? #wearepcps #teampowhatan
The latest School Board Recap Newsletter is now available! Catch up on the highlights from the April 15 meeting and stay informed about the important decisions shaping our schools. Your voice matters, and we invite the entire community to engage with the information that affects us all. Read the newsletter to learn more and join the conversation about our students' futures! The link to the newsletter is in the first comment. #wearepcps #teampowhatan
Reminder: Powhatan County Public Schools will be closed on Monday, April 21. We hope all of our students and staff and their families have a safe and happy three-day holiday weekend.
🎤✨ TONIGHT at 7 p.m.! Come join us in the Powhatan High School auditorium on Friday, April 18 for an unforgettable evening of laughs, creativity, and a little unexpected glamour at the Mr. Powhatan 2025 competition! Tickets are just $5, and every single one helps raise money for Relay for Life, supporting the fight against cancer. 🎗️💜 Our brave contestants are ready to put on a show you won’t want to miss — think talent, personality, and some serious school spirit!
If you're free tonight, come cheer them on and support a great cause. We promise, it'll be a night to remember! 🙌 🧡 #wearepcps #teampowhatan
Before spring break, Mrs. Bowman’s fifth-grade class at Pocahontas Elementary was all about mastering prefixes! 📚 They dug into their HMH reading lesson and worked in pairs to read and discuss, really reinforcing what they were learning. #wearepcps #teampowhatan
🎉 B-I-N-G-O and bingo was... YOUR name! 😄
Join us Saturday, April 26th at Powhatan High School for a night of fun, food, and PRIZES — all to support PHS Football! 🏈
🕔 Doors open at 5 p.m.
🎉 Games start at 6 p.m.
🎟️ 12 Games for $25
🍽️ Grab dinner, your dauber, and get ready for some laughs (and maybe a win or two)!
🎂 Don’t miss the baked goods auction & 50/50 raffle!
Jonathan will be calling the numbers — all we need is YOU! Tag your bingo buddy and we’ll see you there! 🙌 #wearepcps #teampowhatan
The Powhatan High School Annual Plant Sale got off to a great start this morning! Thank you for those who already came out in the first hours of the plant sale to support the amazing Horticulture Program and the FFA (Future Farmers of America) and get some fantastic deals on beautiful plants to brighten up your garden. From delicious veggies to vibrant flowers and everything in between, we’ve got something for every garden enthusiast.
Mark your calendars:
April 14th - 19th
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Cash or Check only!!!
Check out the QR code in the flyer for the full list of plants and more details! A link will also be placed in the comments.
Every purchase helps fund the incredible work of our Horticulture students and supports the FFA. Thank you for your support!
Located at the PHS Greenhouse: Take Judes Ferry Road to Old Church Road. Turn by the tennis courts and follow the road to the greenhouse behind the school.
Contact emilee.meinhard@powhatan.k12.va.us with any questions!
🎉 Shoutout to our Honor Roll Stars! 🌟
We're so proud to recognize the students who made the PCPS Third Nine Week Honor Roll. 📚✨ You’ve put in the work, and it shows—way to go! Check out the full list on the PCPS website under "Spotlight on Instruction" — or just click the link in the first comment! Let’s give these students a big round of applause in the comments! 👏👏👏
We missed the official Paraprofessional Appreciation Day that fell during Spring Break, but we still want to take the time to appreciate the incredible paraprofessionals who support our schools every day. 🧡 From helping students stay on track to supporting teachers in and out of the classroom—you are vital to our school communities. Thank you for all you do, day in and day out. We’re so grateful for you! #wearepcps #teampowhatan
While we celebrated our incredible assistant principals Wednesday, we also want to give a special shoutout to Janet Raychouni, Dean of Students at Pocahontas Elementary School! 🌟 As the only Dean of Students in Powhatan County Public Schools, Mrs. Raychouni plays a unique and vital role in supporting her school community. Her dedication, leadership, and care for students and staff make a lasting impact every day. Thank you, Mrs. Raychouni, for all you do to help Pocahontas Elementary—and PCPS—thrive! 🧡 #wearepcps #teampowhatan
PCPS STEM is participating in the Annual Powhatan Community Earth Day Celebration, a County event that will be held on Friday, April 25th from 4-6 p.m. on the Courthouse Green in the Village. The free event will include children’s activities, educational exhibits, live music, and earth-friendly vendors. There will also be a free paper shredding truck. #wearepcps #teampowhatan
These materials and the activity described herein, are not sponsored or endorsed by the Powhatan County School Board.
Tomorrow is the first day of PCPS’s fantastic Kindergarten Registration! We are beyond excited to welcome our newest learners to Powhatan County Public Schools! If your child will be age 5 by September 3O, 2025, please see information on how to register below. It is important we get students in classes as soon as possible to better prepare for the start of the new school year! REGISTER NOW! APPOINTMENTS APRIL 10TH & 11TH!
1. Visit the Powhatan County Public Schools website (we will put it in the comments).
2. Click on Register/Enroll/Plan tab on the right-hand side.
3. Complete the student registration process including filling out the LINQ Enrollment form online.
4. Your child's home elementary school will contact you to schedule an appointment on April 10th or 11th to finalize the registration process!
#wearepcps #teampowhatan
Shoutout to all the amazing assistant principals in Powhatan County Public Schools! 👏🏼🎉 During National Assistant Principals Week (April 7-11), we want to recognize your hard work, dedication, and positive impact on students and staff every day. Thank you for all you do to make our schools thrive! 🙌 #wearepcps #teampowhatan
Only two more days until our awesome Kindergarten Registration days begin. We are excited to welcome our newest learners to Powhatan County Public Schools! If your child will be age 5 by September 3O, 2025, please see information on how to register below. It is important we get students in classes as soon as possible to better prepare for the start of the new school year! REGISTER NOW! APPOINTMENTS APRIL 10TH & 11TH!
1. Visit the Powhatan County Public Schools website (we will put it in the comments).
2. Click on Register/Enroll/Plan tab on the right-hand side.
3. Complete the student registration process including filling out the LINQ Enrollment form online.
4. Your child's home elementary school will contact you to schedule an appointment on April 10th or 11th to finalize the registration process!
Powhatan High School Flat Rock Elementary PTO Powhatan Elementary PTO Poca ES PTO Powhatan County, Virginia Powhatan Imagination Library
The final countdown to our fantastic Kindergarten Registration days has begun. We are excited to welcome our newest learners to Powhatan County Public Schools! If your child will be age 5 by September 3O, 2025, please see information on how to register below. It is important we get students in classes as soon as possible to better prepare for the start of the new school year! REGISTER NOW! APPOINTMENTS APRIL 10TH & 11TH!
1. Visit the Powhatan County Public Schools website (we will put it in the comments).
2. Click on Register/Enroll/Plan tab on the right-hand side.
3. Complete the student registration process including filling out the LINQ Enrollment form online.
4. Your child's home elementary school will contact you to schedule an appointment on April 10th or 11th to finalize the registration process!
@Powhatan High School @Flat Rock Elementary PTO @Powhatan Elementary PTO
@Poca ES PTO @Powhatan County, Virginia @Powhatan Imagination Library
🌞 Summer Camps are OPEN for Registration! 🌞
🎉 Get ready for an exciting summer filled with fun, learning, and new experiences! Powhatan County Public Schools has a wide range of summer camps for all ages, from coding robots 🤖 to exploring history 🌍, building 3D designs 🖨️, and much more!
📅 Camp Dates are in June and July 2025. 📍 Locations vary. 💥 Grades: Rising K-9 (Check each camp for specific age groups)
🔗 Check out the comments below for camp details and registration links! 🔗
