Powhatan High School

We are continuing our Teacher Appreciation Week highlights with photos of our wonderful teachers and staff at Powhatan High School. In April, our Human Resources team hosted a staff appreciation lunch at the high school, serving team members during the different lunches. While not everyone is pictured, we want to make sure the entire PHS staff knows they are appreciated. We’re grateful for the role they play in teaching, encouraging, and supporting students each day. Feel free to share some words of encouragement for them. See more photos on the division's Facebook page.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

Looking for a way to make an impact in our schools? Powhatan County Public Schools is hiring for a variety of positions across the division. Whether you’re interested in working directly with students or supporting behind the scenes, there are opportunities to be part of our team. Check out the current openings and learn more about how to apply by going to the division’s homepage and clicking on Careers.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

Powhatan County Public Schools is hiring a bookkeeper. If you’re interested in supporting our schools through financial operations, we encourage you to apply. Follow the link in the graphic or visit the PCPS homepage and click on Careers to learn more.

#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

As technology continues to evolve, so do the questions families are asking. Join our Student Services team for this month’s Powhatan Strong: Family Connection Series session. With “Keeping Our Kids Socially & Academically Grounded in an AI World,” the session will include a presentation and time for questions, offering practical insight for supporting your child. The virtual session will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 14. The Google Meet link is on the flier or
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

Powhatan High School’s Culinary program includes a critical component called Bailey’s Café. Usually offered twice a week in late spring, every culinary class plays a role in making it happen, whether preparing food in advance or helping run the café when it is open. Pictured here, you can see Culinary 1 students cooking for and serving staff members their delicious lunches earlier this semester. Led by Mr. Robertson, the café offers students the chance to build skills in food preparation, teamwork, and customer service. Through experiences like Bailey’s Café, students can apply their learning in a real-world setting while developing skills they can carry with them beyond the classroom.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

Art, ideas, and a lot of creativity – our AP Art students are ready to share the work they’ve been creating. Fifteen Powhatan High School artists will each showcase a series of pieces built around their own personal themes. The public is invited to stop by, check out their work, and see the different directions their creativity has taken them. The AP Art Exhibition will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 14 at Powhatan War Memorial Cultural Arts & Community Center, 2375 Skaggs Road. Refreshments will be available, and Artist Awards will be announced at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

Ms. Wirt’s art students at Powhatan High School stepped into the role of studio photographers during a recent creative portrait project. The classroom was transformed into multiple studio spaces where students experimented with lighting, poses, and props to create dynamic portraits. Working together, they collaborated on setups and brought their creative ideas to life behind the camera. Here you can see some behind-the-scenes images and final products.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

Students in Mrs. Ashman’s Forensic Science class at Powhatan High School put their investigative skills to the test earlier this semester during their arson unit. Students designed and built model houses, adding furniture and occupants, and created a backstory in which a fire in the home started either accidentally or intentionally. In the next phase of the project, the class headed outside, where Mrs. Ashman ignited each house according to the group’s scenario while students observed how the fire spread. In the following class, students stepped into the role of fire investigators, analyzing another group’s scene to determine whether the fire was the result of arson or accidental causes.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

Happy Earth Day! 🌎 PCPS STEM and Powhatan High School’s Planeteers Club joined the Powhatan County Earth Day Celebration held Friday in the Village, and students and staff had a wonderful time. The two groups hosted booths filled with hands-on “make and take” activities, helping visitors of all ages learn more about caring for our planet in creative ways. We appreciate the opportunity to celebrate Earth Day and connect with our community! 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

Dive under the sea with us! 🐚✨
These cast members are bringing the magic of Disney’s The Little Mermaid to life on the PHS stage, and you won’t want to miss it. From shimmering costumes to show-stopping numbers, this production is sure to make waves all weekend long.
Join us in the PHS auditorium:
7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25
2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26
Tickets are $10 at the door or online at gofan. co by searching for Powhatan High School.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

Make a splash this weekend with Powhatan High School Theatre’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid! Mark your calendar and get ready for an unforgettable show filled with music, talent, and a whole lot of fun under the sea. Four performances will be held in the PHS auditorium: 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25; 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26. Tickets are $10 at the door or online at gofan .co by searching for Powhatan High School.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

🌱 🌿 🍃 The first day of the Powhatan High School Annual Spring Plant Sale is almost in the books, and it was truly amazing! 🌾 🌸 🌼 Thank you to everyone who came out and supported the program by purchasing plants. The sale continues in the PHS Greenhouse from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday April 17, and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 18. Take Judes Ferry Road to Old Church Road. Turn by the tennis courts and follow the road to the greenhouse behind the school. Cash or Check only. All sales benefit the PHS FFA and Horticulture programs.
The plant updated list is in the comments with the items that have sold out marked off. For questions, contact emilee.meinhard@powhatan.k12.va.us.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

PCPS celebrates the visual arts all year long, but the division has a special event going on right now with a wide variety of amazing student artworks on display. Please join us at the Pocahontas Landmark Center from 5 - 7 p.m. today, April 16 for an Opening Reception to appreciate the artwork of Powhatan County students at the Arts Celebration for Powhatan County Public Schools. It is free and open to the public.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

Powhatan High School held a special ceremony this morning in recognition of Month of the Military Child. 💜 The event honored the strength, resilience, and sacrifices of military-connected students, recognizing the unique experiences they bring to our school community. We are proud to support and celebrate our military families – not just this month, but all year long. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

History came alive in March in Mr. Nester’s and Mr. Mullins’ classes in a fun and competitive way with the annual World History I Championship! 🏆 Modeled after a March Madness-style bracket, 64 people, places, events, and ideas from the World History I curriculum were seeded and faced off in head-to-head matchups. Students reviewed and voted each round to decide what they believed was most significant in world history – until one champion remained.
Now in its fourth year, this activity continues to be a favorite, sparking thoughtful debates, energetic discussions, and deeper connections to history. Previous winners – who are retired and can’t compete again – were Jesus (2023), Fire (2024), and Abraham (2025).
In a neck-and-neck competition, 2026 champion Jerusalem beat Rome in a 100-to-99 vote victory. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

We’re still smiling from our Kindergarten Registration days last week! Thank you to all of the families who came out and to our amazing staff who made it such a fun and welcoming introduction to school for our future learners. It was a great couple of days across all three elementary schools.
We also want to thank Caring for Creatures, a sanctuary and rescue for dogs and cats, for bringing some cute, cuddly canines to Flat Rock Elementary, whose theme was “Get Ready for a PAWSOME School Year!”
If you weren’t able to attend, it’s not too late to get started. Families can still visit the Powhatan County Public Schools website, click Register/Enroll/Plan, and complete the New Student Registration form. School staff will follow up to schedule an appointment to finish the process. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

This week, we celebrate National Assistant Principals Week and recognize the incredible impact our assistant principals have on our schools each and every day. From supporting students and staff to helping create safe, positive learning environments, assistant principals play a vital role in the success of our schools and the achievement of our students. Thank you to all of our Powhatan County Public Schools assistant principals for your leadership, dedication, and commitment to our school communities. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

Earlier this semester, Powhatan High School hosted its Senior Teacher for a Day event, giving students the opportunity to step to the front of the classroom. More than 25 seniors from the Math, Science, English, and History honor societies, along with students in Teachers for Tomorrow, planned and delivered lessons across a wide range of subjects, including math, science, English, history, French, business, PE, culinary arts, administration, and chorus.
The experience gave students a firsthand look at what it takes to teach, from planning lessons to adapting on the fly – something they experienced this year when a two-hour delay meant adjusting their plans. It was a great opportunity for seniors to build confidence and leadership skills while learning from the teachers who mentored them along the way. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

Seniors in Mrs. Tolley’s class at Powhatan High School are practicing professional handshake skills as part of their English coursework. As they begin their interview unit, students are developing essential communication skills, including maintaining proper eye contact, demonstrating appropriate etiquette, and presenting themselves confidently and professionally.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

Paula Duncan named Region 1 Teacher of the Year
POWHATAN, VA – Powhatan County Public Schools is proud to announce that Powhatan High School teacher Paula Duncan has been named the fiscal year (FY) 2027 Region 1 Teacher of the Year by the Virginia Department of Education.
Mrs. Duncan, who was named the Division Teacher of the Year in December, now advances as the Region 1 representative in the statewide Virginia Teacher of the Year program.
Mrs. Duncan serves as the Social Studies Department Chair at PHS, where she teaches AP Human Geography and World History II. She has spent 25 years with Powhatan County Public Schools (PCPS) – all at the high school – and has more than three decades of experience in education.
Virginia Superintendent of Instruction Jenna Conway honored Mrs. Duncan during a surprise ceremony held April 7 at the high school.
“Mrs. Duncan sets a standard of teaching that inspires students every day through their passion, creativity, and dedication to learning,” said Superintendent Conway. “Her ability to connect history to students’ lives while challenging them to think critically about the world around them reflects the very best of the teaching profession.”
Superintendent Beth Teigen lauded Mrs. Duncan for exemplifying the very best of the Virginia teaching profession through her mastery of content and unwavering commitment to students.
“Mrs. Paula Duncan brings learning to life in ways that leave a lasting impact on students, colleagues, and our entire school community,” Dr. Teigen said. “Her extraordinary dedication, instructional excellence, commitment to lifelong learning, and leadership at every level make her a shining example of what it means to be Virginia’s Region 1 Teacher of the Year.”
Mrs. Duncan’s leadership extends beyond her classroom to both the state and national levels. She is an active member of the Virginia Geographic Alliance and the National Council for Geographic Education and has served in leadership roles with Alpha Delta Kappa. She is also a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and volunteers with the Feeding Powhatan Food Pantry.
She has contributed to curriculum and assessment development through her service on multiple Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) committees, including helping design the World History II Standards of Learning and serving on World History I test design and question development teams.
Principal Mike Pierce said Mrs. Duncan is widely recognized for her enthusiasm in the classroom, her deep content knowledge, and the strong relationships she builds with students and colleagues. Several of her former students have gone on to become educators themselves, with some returning to PHS as colleagues in the Social Studies Department.
“Mrs. Paula Duncan’s impact on Powhatan High School is both profound and far-reaching, built over three decades of exceptional teaching, leadership, and service,” Mr. Pierce said. “Her ability to inspire students, mentor colleagues, and bring global perspectives into the classroom makes her an extraordinary educator and a true embodiment of the Regional Teacher of the Year.”
Throughout her career, Mrs. Duncan has also pursued global learning experiences that she brings back to her students. She has participated in educational travel and research in countries including Japan, China, Israel, South Africa, India, and Nepal, and has led multiple student trips to Europe.
PCPS congratulates her on this well-deserved recognition and thanks her for her decades of dedication to students and the teaching profession.