REMINDER: Powhatan County Public Schools will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday is an official day of service and celebrates the civil rights leader’s life and legacy.
Get a glimpse of what awaits at Powhatan High School. From hands-on classes and competitive athletics to clubs, leadership opportunities, and student life, The PHS Experience showcases the many pathways available to students.
Join us Thursday, January 15, to explore academic programs, AP and dual enrollment options, athletics, activities, counseling supports, JROTC, college and military pathways, and more—all in one place.
Evening at a glance:
• 6:00–6:15 p.m. – Welcome and student performances (Auditorium)
• 6:15–6:45 p.m. – Counseling presentation: Pathways to Graduation and Beyond (Auditorium)
• 6:45–8:00 p.m. – Program showcases in Main Street, Commons, and gyms
Whether you are curious about a specific program or want the full picture of life at PHS, this evening is designed to help families see what’s possible. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Join us Thursday, January 15, to explore academic programs, AP and dual enrollment options, athletics, activities, counseling supports, JROTC, college and military pathways, and more—all in one place.
Evening at a glance:
• 6:00–6:15 p.m. – Welcome and student performances (Auditorium)
• 6:15–6:45 p.m. – Counseling presentation: Pathways to Graduation and Beyond (Auditorium)
• 6:45–8:00 p.m. – Program showcases in Main Street, Commons, and gyms
Whether you are curious about a specific program or want the full picture of life at PHS, this evening is designed to help families see what’s possible. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
What an incredible weekend at Powhatan High School! 🤖 The school was proud to host its first-ever FIRST Chesapeake robotics competition, welcoming 63 teams over two days for an unforgettable showcase of student innovation, problem-solving, and teamwork for the Powhatan Qualifiers. From creative robot designs to high-energy matches, the talent and dedication on display were truly inspiring.
A huge thank you to our volunteers, including our own Powhatan robotics students, staff, and community members, who helped make this event run smoothly from start to finish. A special thanks to Mr. Beasley for leading the charge as the SPEAR sponsor. We are also grateful to every team who traveled to Powhatan from Maryland, Washington, D.C., and other parts of Virginia to compete and share their hard work with our community.
Hosting this event was a milestone for Powhatan, and we could not have asked for a better first experience. We’re already looking forward to what’s next for our robotics students as they continue their season competing over the next two weekends.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Robots. Hoops. Creativity in action. 🤖🏀
Powhatan High School is hosting a regional robotics competition this weekend, and the public is invited to come cheer on student teams from across Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland.
📍 Where: Powhatan High School, 1800 Judes Ferry Road
📅 When: Saturday, January 10 & Sunday, January 11
⏰ Best time to watch: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
🔥 Playoffs (top-scoring robots): 4–6 p.m.
Students design, build, test, fail, fix, and compete with robots they created themselves—all while playing a brand-new game for this season.
🎟️ Free admission
🍔 Concessions available
🚚 Food trucks on site from 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Most matches take place in the gym, and visitors can also explore the pit area to see teams working up close (safety goggles available for $2 purchase).
Come see engineering, teamwork, and creativity on full display—and meet some of our amazing future innovators.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Powhatan High School is hosting a regional robotics competition this weekend, and the public is invited to come cheer on student teams from across Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland.
📍 Where: Powhatan High School, 1800 Judes Ferry Road
📅 When: Saturday, January 10 & Sunday, January 11
⏰ Best time to watch: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
🔥 Playoffs (top-scoring robots): 4–6 p.m.
Students design, build, test, fail, fix, and compete with robots they created themselves—all while playing a brand-new game for this season.
🎟️ Free admission
🍔 Concessions available
🚚 Food trucks on site from 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Most matches take place in the gym, and visitors can also explore the pit area to see teams working up close (safety goggles available for $2 purchase).
Come see engineering, teamwork, and creativity on full display—and meet some of our amazing future innovators.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Students in Mrs. McQuiddy’s Honors Chemistry class at Powhatan High School are putting their knowledge of chemical reactions to the test this week. 🧪 During this lab-based lesson, students are predicting the products of chemical reactions and then using their lab results to support those predictions. Over several days, they are testing 13 different reactions and classifying each one into the 6 categories of chemical reactions, strengthening both their analytical and scientific reasoning skills.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Pursuant to Virginia Code § 2.2-3707
Please take notice that members of the Powhatan County School Board may be present at the Strategic Plan Meeting to be held:
DATE: Friday, January 16, 2026
TIME: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
LOCATION: Pocahontas Landmark Center
4290 Anderson Hwy, Powhatan, VA
This notice is being provided in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act due to the possibility that a quorum of school board members may be in attendance.
No official business will be conducted, and no votes or decisions will be made by the School Board at this event.
Please take notice that members of the Powhatan County School Board may be present at the Strategic Plan Meeting to be held:
DATE: Friday, January 16, 2026
TIME: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
LOCATION: Pocahontas Landmark Center
4290 Anderson Hwy, Powhatan, VA
This notice is being provided in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act due to the possibility that a quorum of school board members may be in attendance.
No official business will be conducted, and no votes or decisions will be made by the School Board at this event.
In December, ninth grade English students took part in a powerful pre-reading activity for A Long Walk to Water in the library. The hands-on experience – aimed at prompting thoughtful discussion and reflection – gave students in Mr. Jones’ and Mr. Bradbury’s classes a glimpse of the daily challenges many African villagers face due to extreme water shortages before they began reading. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Families are invited to The PHS Experience on Thursday, January 15. This evening is a chance to explore everything Powhatan High School has to offer, from academics and activities to athletics and student life. The night begins with a welcome and student performances from 6:00 to 6:15 p.m., followed by a counseling presentation on Pathways to Graduation and Beyond from 6:15 to 6:45 p.m., both in the auditorium. From 6:45 to 8:00 p.m., families can visit the Main Street, Commons, and gyms to learn more about classes, AP and dual enrollment course opportunities, clubs, athletics, counseling, financial aid, JROTC (including demonstrations), college and military options, testing, and more. We hope to see families there as they take the next step in their PHS journey. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Merry Christmas! Powhatan County Public Schools wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday. We can't wait to see everyone in 2026!
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Mrs. Peyton and Ms. Tolley’s senior English students at Powhatan High School recently kicked off their introduction to A Christmas Carol with a hands-on library activity that mixed learning with a little friendly competition. 📚🎄 One station tested students’ tossing skills while they worked together to decide whether various British holiday traditions were true or false.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Powhatan County Public Schools recently partnered with Longwood University for the second round of hearing screenings this fall. Graduate students from Longwood’s speech-language pathology program visited both the high school and middle school to conduct screenings, gaining valuable clinical experience while supporting our students’ well-being.
We’re grateful for strong community partnerships like this one that create meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities and benefit students of all ages. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
We’re grateful for strong community partnerships like this one that create meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities and benefit students of all ages. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Paula Duncan named PCPS Teacher of the Year
POWHATAN, VA – Powhatan County Public Schools is proud to announce that Powhatan High School’s Paula Duncan has been named the Division Teacher of the Year fiscal year (FY) 2027.
Mrs. Duncan serves as the Social Studies Department Chair and teaches AP Human Geography and World History II. She has spent 25 years with Powhatan County Public Schools – all of them at PHS – and has 32 years of experience in education.
The announcement was made on Thursday, December 19, during an impromptu staff meeting at the high school. Principal Mike Pierce said Mrs. Duncan is renowned among her students for her enthusiasm and engagement as well as for the strong relationships she builds with them.
Her colleagues – several of whom are her former students – praised Mrs. Duncan for her impact as both an educator and mentor. One colleague shared that her “ability to bring history to life through her energy, unmatched content knowledge and care for her students is one of the reasons I wanted to become a teacher.” Another noted, “She was a tremendous wealth of knowledge and deeply cared about helping me with my students when I was figuring out how to teacher. Without Mrs. Duncan, I wouldn’t be the teacher I am today.”
At the risk of sounding cliché, Mrs. Duncan said she simply loves Powhatan High School – the job, the workplace, and the students and staff.
“I have spent my entire career coming in here and working with phenomenal staff and phenomenal students,” she said. “I think that is what keeps me coming through the door every day and actually loving it.”
Mrs. Duncan said she was amazed and humbled by the honor, both because of the outstanding school-based winners she was nominated with and when she considers the caliber of educators she works alongside at Powhatan High School.
“I walk by some of my colleagues’ doors on a daily basis and see amazing things that they do, and I think to myself, ‘I want to be really good like that. That’s how I want to be,’” she said. “That really is inspiring to me, and that is what really makes me honored, because I am being honored by some of the best of the best.”
Beyond her work in the classroom, Mrs. Duncan has demonstrated leadership at the local, 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.
Mrs. Duncan has also contributed to curriculum and assessment development through her service on multiple Virginia Department of Education committees, including helping to design the World History II Standards of Learning and serving on World History I test design and question development teams.
In addition to the Division Teacher of the Year, Powhatan County Public Schools is proud to recognize the following FY 2027 school-level Teachers of the Year:
• Amanda Henley, Powhatan Elementary School – Serving as Technology Resource Teacher and Innovative Learning Liaison, Mrs. Henley has spent 16 years supporting students and staff by expanding learning opportunities, encouraging creativity, and integrating technology in meaningful ways.
• Cindy Raley, Pocahontas Elementary School – A second grade teacher and team lead, Mrs. Raley has been part of the Pocahontas Elementary community for six years and brings eight years of teaching experience marked by dedication to students, colleagues, and her school.
• Kristen Bentzen, Flat Rock Elementary School – An Innovative Learning Coach supporting both Flat Rock Elementary and Powhatan High School, Ms. Bentzen is in her third year in her current role, year 11 with the division, and has 21 years in education, with a strong focus on innovation and collaboration.
• Mike Morin, Powhatan Middle School – A sixth-grade science teacher, Mr. Morin has dedicated 27 years to PCPS and 28 years to education, making a lasting impact on generations of students through his passion and commitment.
We are deeply grateful for all of our FY 2027 Teacher of the Year nominees, whose commitment to students and passion for education exemplify the very best of Powhatan County Public Schools.
POWHATAN, VA – Powhatan County Public Schools is proud to announce that Powhatan High School’s Paula Duncan has been named the Division Teacher of the Year fiscal year (FY) 2027.
Mrs. Duncan serves as the Social Studies Department Chair and teaches AP Human Geography and World History II. She has spent 25 years with Powhatan County Public Schools – all of them at PHS – and has 32 years of experience in education.
The announcement was made on Thursday, December 19, during an impromptu staff meeting at the high school. Principal Mike Pierce said Mrs. Duncan is renowned among her students for her enthusiasm and engagement as well as for the strong relationships she builds with them.
Her colleagues – several of whom are her former students – praised Mrs. Duncan for her impact as both an educator and mentor. One colleague shared that her “ability to bring history to life through her energy, unmatched content knowledge and care for her students is one of the reasons I wanted to become a teacher.” Another noted, “She was a tremendous wealth of knowledge and deeply cared about helping me with my students when I was figuring out how to teacher. Without Mrs. Duncan, I wouldn’t be the teacher I am today.”
At the risk of sounding cliché, Mrs. Duncan said she simply loves Powhatan High School – the job, the workplace, and the students and staff.
“I have spent my entire career coming in here and working with phenomenal staff and phenomenal students,” she said. “I think that is what keeps me coming through the door every day and actually loving it.”
Mrs. Duncan said she was amazed and humbled by the honor, both because of the outstanding school-based winners she was nominated with and when she considers the caliber of educators she works alongside at Powhatan High School.
“I walk by some of my colleagues’ doors on a daily basis and see amazing things that they do, and I think to myself, ‘I want to be really good like that. That’s how I want to be,’” she said. “That really is inspiring to me, and that is what really makes me honored, because I am being honored by some of the best of the best.”
Beyond her work in the classroom, Mrs. Duncan has demonstrated leadership at the local, 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.
Mrs. Duncan has also contributed to curriculum and assessment development through her service on multiple Virginia Department of Education committees, including helping to design the World History II Standards of Learning and serving on World History I test design and question development teams.
In addition to the Division Teacher of the Year, Powhatan County Public Schools is proud to recognize the following FY 2027 school-level Teachers of the Year:
• Amanda Henley, Powhatan Elementary School – Serving as Technology Resource Teacher and Innovative Learning Liaison, Mrs. Henley has spent 16 years supporting students and staff by expanding learning opportunities, encouraging creativity, and integrating technology in meaningful ways.
• Cindy Raley, Pocahontas Elementary School – A second grade teacher and team lead, Mrs. Raley has been part of the Pocahontas Elementary community for six years and brings eight years of teaching experience marked by dedication to students, colleagues, and her school.
• Kristen Bentzen, Flat Rock Elementary School – An Innovative Learning Coach supporting both Flat Rock Elementary and Powhatan High School, Ms. Bentzen is in her third year in her current role, year 11 with the division, and has 21 years in education, with a strong focus on innovation and collaboration.
• Mike Morin, Powhatan Middle School – A sixth-grade science teacher, Mr. Morin has dedicated 27 years to PCPS and 28 years to education, making a lasting impact on generations of students through his passion and commitment.
We are deeply grateful for all of our FY 2027 Teacher of the Year nominees, whose commitment to students and passion for education exemplify the very best of Powhatan County Public Schools.
Powhatan County Public Schools is taking a Winter Break. The school division will be closed from December 22, 2025, to January 2, 2026. January 2 is a Student Holiday, Teacher Work Day. Enjoy this special season with your loved ones. Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!! #WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Who says an exam has to be boring? 🕵️♀️🧬
Students in Mrs. Ashman’s Forensic Science class at Powhatan High School wrapped up the first semester in a creative (and investigative) way. Each student selected a crime, conducted in-depth research, and designed an evidence board showcasing what they learned about the case. From analyzing details to presenting findings visually, this hands-on exam put critical thinking and problem-solving skills front and center – just like real forensic work.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Students in Mrs. Ashman’s Forensic Science class at Powhatan High School wrapped up the first semester in a creative (and investigative) way. Each student selected a crime, conducted in-depth research, and designed an evidence board showcasing what they learned about the case. From analyzing details to presenting findings visually, this hands-on exam put critical thinking and problem-solving skills front and center – just like real forensic work.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
We’ve already honored some great teachers this week. Excuse us while we brag about some more!
On Monday, school and Central Office administration honored four amazing educators for achieving National Board Certification for Teachers (NBCT). Educators who complete this lengthy process must show proficiency in all areas of instruction as well as excellence in school and community involvement and supreme competency in their respective content areas. Please join us in congratulating these wonderful PCPS employees for achieving this honor in their respective certificate areas:
* Anthony Davis (PHS): Mathematics/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
* Amanda Henderson (PHS): Social Studies - History/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
* Traciann Paden (FRES): Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
* Paul Smartschan (PHS): Library Media/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Certification is valid for five years, at which time NBCTs must complete a Maintenance of Certification portfolio to remain National Board Certified. We are happy to welcome these fantastic men and women to the PCPS group of National Board Certified Teachers.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
On Monday, school and Central Office administration honored four amazing educators for achieving National Board Certification for Teachers (NBCT). Educators who complete this lengthy process must show proficiency in all areas of instruction as well as excellence in school and community involvement and supreme competency in their respective content areas. Please join us in congratulating these wonderful PCPS employees for achieving this honor in their respective certificate areas:
* Anthony Davis (PHS): Mathematics/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
* Amanda Henderson (PHS): Social Studies - History/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
* Traciann Paden (FRES): Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
* Paul Smartschan (PHS): Library Media/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Certification is valid for five years, at which time NBCTs must complete a Maintenance of Certification portfolio to remain National Board Certified. We are happy to welcome these fantastic men and women to the PCPS group of National Board Certified Teachers.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Possible transportation delays: We want to make you aware of possible transportation delays this afternoon. A number of service crews are working on a line that was cut along Anderson Highway, and this may lead to slow downs and traffic rerouting that could impact our vehicles. Families should monitor the My Ride K-12 app to keep track of the location of their school bus.
We’re excited to wrap up our recognition of FY2027 school-level Teachers of the Year with another amazing educator! 🎉
We’re proud to recognize Mike Morin as the Powhatan Middle School Teacher of the Year. Mr. Morin is a sixth-grade science teacher who has dedicated 27 years to Powhatan County Public Schools and 28 years to the field of education. His passion for teaching, commitment to students, and lasting impact in the classroom have made a difference for generations of learners. Please join us in congratulating Mr. Morin on this well-deserved honor. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
We’re proud to recognize Mike Morin as the Powhatan Middle School Teacher of the Year. Mr. Morin is a sixth-grade science teacher who has dedicated 27 years to Powhatan County Public Schools and 28 years to the field of education. His passion for teaching, commitment to students, and lasting impact in the classroom have made a difference for generations of learners. Please join us in congratulating Mr. Morin on this well-deserved honor. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
We’re excited to continue celebrating our school-level FY2027 Teachers of the Year across PCPS! 🎉
Today, we’re proud to recognize Kristen Bentzen as the Flat Rock Elementary Teacher of the Year. She was surprised today while helping out in Mrs. Schwartz's kindergarten class. Ms. Bentzen serves as the Innovative Learning Coach, supporting both Flat Rock Elementary and Powhatan High School. She is in her third year in her current role, year 11 with PCPS, and has spent 21 years in education. Her commitment to innovation, collaboration, and supporting teaching and learning across schools makes a meaningful impact for both students and staff.
Congratulations, Ms. Bentzen, and thank you for all you do for our school community!
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Today, we’re proud to recognize Kristen Bentzen as the Flat Rock Elementary Teacher of the Year. She was surprised today while helping out in Mrs. Schwartz's kindergarten class. Ms. Bentzen serves as the Innovative Learning Coach, supporting both Flat Rock Elementary and Powhatan High School. She is in her third year in her current role, year 11 with PCPS, and has spent 21 years in education. Her commitment to innovation, collaboration, and supporting teaching and learning across schools makes a meaningful impact for both students and staff.
Congratulations, Ms. Bentzen, and thank you for all you do for our school community!
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Good afternoon PCPS Community. We are back again with the December 2025 installment of the Powhatan County School Board Recap. 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. The newsletter link is in the comments.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
We’re excited to continue sharing our FY2027 school-level Teachers of the Year, and next up is Pocahontas Elementary’s Teacher of the Year! 🎉
Please join us in congratulating Cindy Raley, a second grade teacher who has been part of the Pocahontas Elementary community for six years. Mrs. Raley also serves as the second-grade team lead and brings a total of eight years of teaching experience to her work with students. Her dedication to her students, her colleagues, and her school shines through every day.
Congratulations, Mrs. Raley – we’re proud to celebrate you and the impact you make at Pocahontas Elementary! 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Please join us in congratulating Cindy Raley, a second grade teacher who has been part of the Pocahontas Elementary community for six years. Mrs. Raley also serves as the second-grade team lead and brings a total of eight years of teaching experience to her work with students. Her dedication to her students, her colleagues, and her school shines through every day.
Congratulations, Mrs. Raley – we’re proud to celebrate you and the impact you make at Pocahontas Elementary! 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
