Powhatan Elementary School

A milestone worth celebrating

Today, the Virginia Department of Education released accountability results for the 2025–26 school year, and Powhatan County Public Schools has plenty to celebrate: PCPS earned full accreditation, and ALL FIVE of our schools earned the state’s highest performance category, Distinguished. 🎉

This recognition reflects the hard work of our staff and students and the families who support them. It represents the countless moments each day when teachers challenge students, students rise to those challenges, and families partner with our schools to help their children learn and grow. We are proud of what this achievement says about the commitment of our entire school community.

At the same time, we know a strong result is not a reason to stop growing. Distinguished does not mean perfect, and it does not mean there isn't more work to do. We know there are students who need additional support, opportunities we can strengthen, and ways we can continue improving the experience and outcomes for every student.

So today, we celebrate the achievement and the people behind it. Tomorrow, we keep moving forward.

Congratulations to our students, staff, and families on this accomplishment. We are proud to be PCPS, and we are always working to be better for every student.

#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

There are many reasons families may not have the time to volunteer in the ways they’ve traditionally been asked to. But supporting your child’s school and community doesn’t have to mean committing to a regular schedule or taking on a big role.
So, what are the possibilities? Join the next Powhatan Strong: Family Connection Series session Tuesday at noon to learn more about opportunities for families and community members to get involved with Powhatan County Public Schools.
Whether you have a little time, a lot of time, or something specific you’d like to contribute, there may be a way to make it work. ☕🧡🖤
Scan the QR code on the graphic or click on https://bit.ly/PowhatanStrong26-27 to join the online discussion.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

🎨 PCPS students, we want to see what the holiday season means to you!
Students in pre-K through twelfth grade are invited to submit artwork inspired by the theme “What does the holiday season mean to you and your family?” One or more student submissions will be selected to appear on the PCPS official holiday card!
Submissions are due October 30, 2026. Artwork can be turned in to your school’s front office or emailed to Stacey Pafford at stacey.pafford@powhatan.k12.va.us.
Check out the flyer for all the details and start creating! 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

Third graders in Mrs. Trigg’s class at Powhatan Elementary recently worked on language and writing skills with some hands-on activities, with help from Mrs. Reid. Students worked in groups to play games focused on prefixes before turning their attention to writing. Then they brainstormed ideas for a prompt about how to stay out of trouble and used a graphic organizer to plan their ideas into structured paragraphs. A little wordplay, a little writing, and plenty of practice! 📝🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

☕ Families are invited to join the next Powhatan Strong Coffee Chat!
The PCPS Student Services Department will host an online discussion Tuesday, October 5, at noon focused on opportunities to volunteer in Powhatan County Public Schools. If you’ve been looking for ways to get involved and support students and schools, this is a chance to learn more about how you can help.
Scan the QR code on the flyer or use the link in the comments to join online.
We hope you’ll join the conversation! 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

A new trail is opening in Powhatan, and the community is invited to celebrate!
The Education Connection Trail adds approximately 1 mile to the Fighting Creek Park trail system, creating more opportunities for recreation, connection, and community.
A ribbon cutting will take place Thursday, October 1, at 4 p.m. at Fighting Creek Park Soccer Field 2, 2201 Mann Road. Following the ceremony, Powhatan County Public Schools cross-country teams will lead an inaugural walk/run along the new trail.
Afterward, head over to the Farmers Market for local vendors, food trucks, and live music. We hope you’ll come out and enjoy this new community resource!
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
The materials attached and the activity described herein are not sponsored or endorsed by the Powhatan County School Board.

📣 PHS Juniors: Want to have a voice in local education?
Powhatan County Public Schools is looking for the first-ever Deputy Student Representative to the Powhatan County School Board!
The student representative provides a direct link between the School Board and students, bringing student perspectives and concerns to the board while gaining experience in leadership and local governance.
Applications are due November 10, 2026.
Want to learn more about the qualifications and how to apply? Visit the link in the comments or scan the QR code on the flyer.
Come be the voice of your student body! 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

Help PHS Name the 78th Volume of the Big Chief Yearbook!
The Powhatan High School Yearbook Staff is getting ready to create Volume 78 of the Big Chief, and this year, they want our entire community to be part of the process!
The PHS yearbook is a collection of the memories, moments, people, and experiences that make up a school year. Yearbook staff believe the name should be chosen by the people who make those memories possible.
** The link to vote is in the comments. **
Here’s how they’ve chosen the pieces so far:
* Students voted on the theme for this year’s book.
* The yearbook staff voted on the cover color.
* Now, they want our community to help choose the title!
They have several title options that connect to our Powhatan Indian identity while also capturing the scrapbook-inspired theme of this year’s book.
Parents, families, students, staff, alumni, and community members are all invited to vote.
Voting ends Friday, September 25 at 3:00 p.m.
Your vote will help give Volume 78 its name and make this year’s Big Chief truly a book created by our community.
Thank you for helping us make Volume 78 of the Big Chief one to remember!

📚 Literacy for the Littles! 🖍️
Preschool-age children ages 3 to 5 are invited to join Powhatan County Public Schools, Powhatan County Public Library, and local preschools for a fun evening of storytime, themed goodies, and a coloring activity designed to encourage a lifelong love of reading!
📅 Monday, October 5
⏰ 6–7 p.m.
📍 Powhatan County Public Library
And there’s an extra treat: The first 50 preschoolers will receive a free book to take home! 📖
Come celebrate the joy of reading and help us promote literacy for everyone, everywhere. We hope to see you there!
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

As a new school year gets underway, the Powhatan County School Board joins VSBA and school divisions across Virginia in celebrating students, educators, and communities that are Rooted in Public Education.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan #BacktoSchoolVA

Sometimes the best way to learn about government is to see it in action. 🏛️ A group of Mr. Cook’s students from Powhatan High School attended the Sept. 8 School Board meeting as part of their study of local government. Students from both the ACA Dual Enrollment Government and non-ACA Dual Enrollment Government classes had a firsthand look at how the School Board operates, the types of decisions made during meetings, and the ways community members can participate in local government. 🧡🖤
Their visit was especially timely, as Chief Academic Officer Dr. Angela Stewart also highlighted updates to instruction at the meeting, including the expansion of dual enrollment opportunities to all PHS students, not just those in ACA.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

Today is National IT Professionals Day, and it’s a great opportunity to recognize the PCPS Technology team! 💻 From keeping our networks and devices running to troubleshooting tech issues and supporting staff and students, our IT team does a lot behind the scenes to keep PCPS moving forward. Thank you to our technology team for all you do to keep us connected, supported, and working! 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

What happens when matter changes from a solid to a liquid or a liquid to a gas? 🤔 Ms. Kellaway’s fifth grade science students at Powhatan Elementary were challenged to think about that question as they explored the different phases of matter and learned about the law of conservation of mass.
The answer? Changing form doesn’t mean matter disappears. The same matter is still there, just in a different form!
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

Good morning PCPS Community. The Powhatan County School Board Recap for last week’s School Board meeting is ready to view. 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. You can find the link to the recap in the comments.
#TeamPowhatan #WeArePCPS

📚 Pages, Possibilities & Potential: Welcome to Literacy Night!
Families are invited to join us Tuesday, September 15, from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at Powhatan Middle School for an evening celebrating literacy, learning, and the possibilities that come with a good book.
There will be food trucks starting at 5:30 p.m., a Scholastic Book Fair, family activities, opportunities to sign up for a Powhatan County Public Library card, and information sessions designed especially for parents.
📖 Parent Sessions
• 6:30 p.m. | So Your Middle Schooler Hates to Read
• 7 p.m. | Surviving Middle School: 101
And don't forget: Come out and win points for your class!
We hope to see you there!
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

The Never Forget 343 Run is underway at Powhatan High School.
This morning’s opening ceremony brought together students, staff, runners, first responders, and community guests to begin the 343 laps in honor of the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
Principal Michael Pierce shared a brief history of the tragic events of 9/11, while Powhatan High School JROTC cadets presented the colors and participated in the event. Students from several classes came out to watch and learn.
The three runners taking on all 343 laps are Pocahontas Elementary PE teacher Bethany Britz, along with Russ Holland and Stan Edwards. During the opening ceremony, Mr. Holland shared the history of the Never Forget Run and its purpose not only to remember those who were lost, but to educate young people about the importance of that history.
The run continues throughout the day and is open to community members coming to run or walk laps. The community is especially invited to join in from 3:00–6:00 p.m., after the high school dismisses and when parking is more accessible.
A special lap for first responders will take place around 6:00-6:15 p.m., leading into tonight’s Powhatan vs. Midlothian football game at 7:00 p.m.
Come out, take a lap and help Powhatan remember, honor and never forget. ❤️🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

A few moments from this morning’s September 11 ceremony at Powhatan Middle School.
As we shared in our earlier video, members of Scouting America Troops 832 and 1833 led the flag-raising ceremony, shared the meaning of the Freedom Flag, and reflected on the significance of September 11, 2001. Eighth-grade chorus students performed the National Anthem, and invited social studies classes gathered to respectfully take part.
Twenty-five years later, we continue to remember, honor, and help the next generation understand the history of September 11.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

On November 3, our community will vote on a proposed 1% local sales tax referendum for Powhatan County Public Schools.

​​This tax could generate approximately $5 million annually, depending on retail activity, with an estimated $1 million of that coming from visitors and non-residents. That revenue could support more than $60 million in debt capacity over 20 years and help fund a significant portion of the division’s identified capital needs.
Learn more and find answers to FAQs: https://www.powhatanfuture.org.

REMINDER: The next regular School Board Meeting will be held on September 8, 2026, at Pocahontas Landmark Center, 4290 Anderson Highway, Powhatan, VA 23139. At 4:00 p.m., the regular meeting will begin with a scheduled closed session. At 6:00 p.m., the regular open meeting begins. It will also be streamed live on the PCPS YouTube channel.

☕ You’re invited to Powhatan Strong!
Join the PCPS Student Services Department for the monthly Powhatan Strong Coffee Chat on Tuesday, September 8, at 9 a.m. This month’s conversation will focus on PCPS attendance guidelines and how families and schools can work together to support students toward great attendance.
📱 Join online: Scan the QR code in the graphic or use the link in the comments.
We hope you’ll join the conversation!
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan