Flat Rock Elementary School

Dive into a world of creativity at our upcoming 2024 Powhatan AP Art Exhibit. This annual showcase of Powhatan High School art students not only allows you to see some incredible artwork but to Meet the Artists! Join us for an unforgettable journey through their masterpieces, each stroke of a paintbrush, shutter of a camera, or molding of clay telling a unique story. Also enjoy special music guest Jesse Whiting. The show will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 10 at the War Memorial Cultural Arts and Community Center, 2375 Skaggs Road, Powhatan, VA. All are welcome. #wearepcps #teampowhatan #CreativityUnleashed

6 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

Print in red of a girl looking through spread wide fingers.

Drawing of a boy drawing lines in the air.

Photograph of a girl seen through thick woods.

Painting of a man with eyes closed touching his face.

Artwork featuring girl screaming into phone. Words I Pick up the phone written underneath. Repeated writings written behind her reading This is the Last time.

Painting of a man sitting on a subway bench.

Black and white photograph of books, including one open, and a string of pearls.

A clay artwork with blue swirls, hair, and reaching hands.

At the end of their oviparous (hatches from an egg) animal unit, Miss Katie’s Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) preschool students at Flat Rock Elementary did a directed drawing of a diverse group of ducks. They also did a science experiment where they mixed vinegar and water, put eggs in the mixture, and witnessed them gradually change and become bouncy. #wearepcps #teampowhatan

6 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

A teacher shows a group of preschoolers an experiment involving eggs and chemical reactions.

A teacher and group of students pose for a photo.

During P.E. class at Flat Rock Elementary, Mr. Ellison and Mrs. Leslie had the second graders from Mrs. Southward and Mr. Thompson’s classes toss bean bags to try to get them in the hula hoop of the same color. If they missed, the students picked the bean bags up and the next child tried. The game is called Bozo for the word the line yelled if one of them hit all of the loops. #wearepcps #teampowhatan

6 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

Children play a bean bag toss game called Bozo.

Children playing a bean bag toss game called Bozo sit down when one of the students hits all of the loops.

Children sit in PE class in a gym and listen to a teacher.

🟠⚫️🟠⚫️🟠⚫️🟠⚫️🟠⚫️🟠⚫️🟠⚫️ Calling ALL POP TOP TAB COLLECTORS We NEED your TABS…Tomorrow!!! Our divisionwide contest ends Friday, April 26! Please spread the word and drop your tabs off at your child’s school (or any Powhatan school)! The Ronald McDonald House thanks you, and so do we. 🟠⚫️🟠⚫️🟠⚫️🟠⚫️🟠⚫️🟠⚫️🟠⚫️ (photo courtesy of Ronald McDonald House)

7 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

Image of pop tabs arranged in the shape of a heart.

Flat Rock Elementary third graders had a blast with the past when they embraced a full day of activities for Ancient Civilization Day. In the morning, the students headed to the bus loop to compete in their own Olympic Games, with activities such as the Long Jump, Relay Race, Bowling, Javelin Throw, Disc Throw, Chariot Race, and a Foot Race. A special thanks to the Powhatan High School RHO KAPPA National Social Studies Honor Society students who volunteered to officiate the games! In the afternoon, students created mosaics and Greek vases, built the Egyptian pyramids and Great Wall of China, constructed Chinese lanterns and Roman leaf crowns, and completed an Ancient Civilizations Word Search. The students also indulged their taste buds with a food tasting made up of various foods that originated from Greece, Rome, China, and Egypt. #wearepcps #teampowhatan #elevateeducatorsva

7 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

Students compete in a long jump activity.

Students compete in a relay race activity.

Students compete in a javelin throwing activity.

Students compete in a chariot race activity.

Students compete in a potato sack race activity.

A group of teens stand in front of an elementary school.

Students compete in a disc throwing activity.

Offering a huge congratulations to Powhatan High School Class of 2017 alumnus and current Signal Knob Middle School agricultural education teacher and FFA advisor Dakota Stroud. Earlier this month, Mr. Stroud was awarded the 2024 Virginia Association of Agricultural Educators (VAAE) “Teachers Turn the Key” scholarship. The Teachers Turn the Key Scholarship Program was created in 2003 by the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) to combat the teacher shortage in agricultural education and to encourage young agricultural teachers to remain in the profession. PCPS reached out to Mr. Stroud, who is in his third year of teaching, to congratulate him and ask him how Powhatan played a role in his path to becoming an ag teacher. He said, “The classes that influenced me began in 7th grade at Powhatan Junior High and taking Agriscience exploration with Mr. Henry Paris. This continued into the high school, where I continued to expand my skills and interests taking many different agriculture classes ranging from Veterinary Science to Horticulture with Caitlin Smith, Ed Olsen, and Chris Whitlow. In addition to these courses, I took Culinary Arts, Teachers for Tomorrow, and many more Career and Technical Education Classes.” With April being Virginia School Boards Association #WorkforceReadinessMonth, we are happy to highlight how workforce development opportunities can enable students to find what they are passionate about and to be prepared to succeed. #wearepcps #teampowhatan #teachag @visitpowhatanva #SignalKnobMiddleSchoolFFA Shenandoah County Public Schools

7 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

National Administrative Professionals' Day recognizes the professionals who keep an office running smoothly every day. With all of the activity going on in our five schools, Transportation Facility, and the Pocahontas Landmark Center, Powhatan County Public Schools couldn’t do all we do without the support of these amazing staff members. Please join us in showing our appreciation for the work they do to support our students, staff, and families. #wearepcps #teampowhatan

7 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

Pink backdrop with flowers and text that reads: Happy Administrative Professionals' Day. Thank you for all you do to support our schools.

PCPS loved welcoming part of the Class of 2037 earlier this month at the annual Kindergarten Registration Kickoff. All three elementary schools welcomed our future pupils with special themes: Flat Rock Elementary showed “We are Hungry for Learning!”; Pocahontas Elementary welcomed families to “Camp Kindergarten,” and Powhatan Elementary proved that “Kindergarten is ‘Tiki’riffic!” Have a rising kindergartner but didn’t make the event? You can still register. Anyone with a child that will be age 5 by September 30, 2024, should begin enrolling now. It is important to get students screened and on the rosters as soon as possible to be better prepared for the start of the new school year. In addition, the preschool (VPI/ Head Start) application process for children turning age 3 and 4 by September 30, 2024, is also now available online. Check the Powhatan County Public Schools website for information or contact your local school with Kindergarten Registration or Preschool Application questions. We are so excited and cannot wait to get these students on the PCPS team! #wearepcps #teampowhatan

7 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

A child poses for a photo in front of a CAmping-themed backrop.

A child poses for a photo in front of a beach-themed backrop.

Two staff members register a family for kindergarten.

An adult evaluates a child for kindergarten readiness.

A child poses for a photo in front of a butterfly-themed backrop.

Powhatan County Public Schools follows the Virginia Department of Health's Minimum Immunization Requirements (02/21). The Health Department has posted this information at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/requirements/.

7 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

Text that reads: GET YOUR CHILD READY FOR KINDERGARTEN! 4 Make an appointment with your child’s healthcare provider for a physical exam, school-required immunizations, and to complete the school entrance health form. School required immunizations* for kindergarten include: ß 4 doses of DTaP ß 4 doses of Polio ß 2 Doses of Hepatitis A ß 3 doses of Hepatitis B ß 2 doses of MMR ß 2 Doses of Varicella 4 Find your child’s original birth certificate and proof of address for school enrollment requirements. 4 Check with your child’s school about any additional requirements. Information about enrollment requirements can be found on the Virginia Department of Education website: https://www.doe.virginia.gov/parents-students/forparents/ enrollment-in-virginia-public-schools VDH has more information to help your child have a healthy start to school at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/backtoschool/ Information on the website includes: ß A back to school checklist to help families stay organized ß Places for your child to receive free vaccines ß Get a copy of your child’s vaccine records and birth certificate * Please visit the VDH website to learn more about school immunization requirements and exemptions https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/requirements/ 2023 • HEALTHY BACK TO SCHOOL •

Text that reads: MENINGOCOCCAL VACCINES FOR PRETEENS AND TEENS Meningococcal vaccines help protect against the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease. Meningococcal vaccines are the best way to protect adolescents from getting meningococcal disease The two most common types of illnesses include infections of the: Even with treatment, about 10 to 15 out of 100 people with meningococcal disease will die from it. 4 All adolescents should get 2 doses of the meningococcal conjugate ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine. 4 They should get the first dose at ages 11-12 and a booster dose at 16 years old. SAFE EFFECTIVE LONG-LASTING Please talk with your child’s healthcare provider today about getting vaccinated against meningococcal disease. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/requirements/ Lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) Bloodstream before entering the 7th Grade Ages 11-12 1 DOSE 2 before entering the 12th Grade Age 16 DOSE • 2 doses of MenACWY vaccine are required for school enrollment/entry. • 2 doses of MenB vaccine are recommended after 16 years of age.

Text that reads: Division of Immunization: 804‐864‐8055 http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/requirements/ FAQ – Tdap School Vaccination Requirement What are the changes regarding the Tdap school vaccination requirement? In April 2018, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) changed the minimum recommended age for the tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) adolescent booster vaccine from 10 to 11 years. Although the vaccine is approved by the FDA to be given at a younger age as part of a catch‐up‐schedule, a routine adolescent booster dose of Tdap should be administered at no younger than 11 years of age. To align with current guidelines, the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation effective July 1, 2019, that changes the grade in which students are evaluated for receipt of the Tdap vaccine from sixth to seventh grade. Can a student be conditionally enrolled if the student is under 11 years of age and has not received the Tdap vaccination? Yes. If a student under 11 years of age has not received a dose of the Tdap vaccine, BUT has had one dose of a tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis containing vaccine (e.g. DTaP), they may be conditionally enrolled in school. If a student does not have one dose of such a vaccine, they must begin a catch‐up schedule. Once a student turns 11, they should receive the booster dose of the Tdap vaccine and are adequately immunized for their age and compliant with the vaccine requirement. Should students under 11 years of age wait to receive the first dose of the Tdap vaccine? Yes. If a student is following a routine vaccination schedule according to ACIP recommendations, a student must be 11 years of age to receive the booster of the Tdap vaccine. If the student is in need of a catch‐up vaccine schedule, he may receive a Tdap vaccine as early as age 7 years. An 11 year old, fully vaccinated, rising seventh grader seeks to enroll today. She received her Tdap vaccine at 10 years old. Will the Tdap dose be acceptable for entry into seventh grade? According to the Code of Virginia, the student has met the requirement by having a Tdap dose prior to seventh grade. Thus, no additional action is necessary for school admission. Parents should consult with the student’s healthcare provider regarding an additional Tdap now that the student is 11 years of age. A 12 year old, fully vaccinated, rising seventh grader seeks to enroll today. He received his Tdap vaccine at 11 years old prior to sixth grade. Does he need to get another Tdap vaccine prior to seventh grade? According to the Code of Virginia, the student has met the requirement by having a Tdap dose prior to seventh grade. Thus, no additional action is necessary for school admission. An 11‐year‐old student inadvertently received a dose of Td instead of Tdap. He/She received a 5‐dose series of DTaP in childhood. Does the student need to get the Tdap vaccine prior to admission to school? If so, how much time must go by before the Tdap can be administered? Yes, the student needs to receive the Tdap vaccine. Td does not contain the required booster for acellular pertussis required prior to entry to seventh grade. The student should receive a Tdap vaccination dose as soon as possible.

Text that reads: TAKE A SHOT AT CANCER! Protect your child from HPV-related cancers by vaccinating. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) spreads easily, and most people don’t know they have it. 90% of cervical cancers are caused by HPV 70% of mouth & throat cancers are caused by HPV The HPV vaccine protects your child’s future. The vaccine is recommended with other routine adolescent vaccinations Meningitis HPV Tdap & Prevents types of cancer HPV can be prevented in both girls and boys through vaccination. Boys and girls should complete the vaccine series by age 13. Ages 9-10 Good Ages 11-12 Perfect Timing! Ages 13-14 Still Time! Ages 15-26 Overdue 7th Grade SAFE EFFECTIVE LONG-LASTING Talk to your child’s provider today about preventing cancer! www.vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/requirements/ www.cdc.gov/HPV

Mrs. Ayers’ first graders at Flat Rock Elementary created hot air balloons for Read Across America Week. The kids drew and painted the balloons and had an accompanying writing assignment where they were asked where they would go if they could go anywhere. This was inspired by reading Dr. Seuss’s “Oh, the Places I’ll Go! By ME, Myself.” #wearepcps #teampowhatan

7 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

Individually decorated hot air balloons with writing by students of where they would like to travel.

Reminder: We are only a few hours away from welcoming the families of the Class of 2037 for a Rising Kindergarten Parent Information Night. We invite you to equip yourself with the knowledge to help your child succeed at the information meeting, which will be held on Wednesday, April 17 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Flat Rock Elementary School. Presentations will focus on: What to expect in kindergarten, how to prepare your kindergartener over the summer, helping your child work through big emotions, and community resources for family support. #wearepcps #teampowhatan

7 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

Image of three kindergartners posing in front of different backdrops. Text reads: Attention! Families of RIsing Kindergartners.

Pocahontas Elementary’s Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Altizer were recently named the first recipients of the Instructional Technology Team’s new Innovative Learning Shout Out award for their work designing instruction to develop creative communicators. For a culminating activity, students acted as historians to research a notable figure from the Civil War era and write a mini-biography. The students used their knowledge of the person and era to create a book cover. They designed the book cover using Canva design tools and practiced being artificial intelligence (AI) prompt engineers to create unique images. Congratulations to these awesome educators! #wearepcps #teampowhatan #elevateeducatorsva

7 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

A display of classroom assignments about key figures from the Civil War era.

In March, each PCPS elementary school sent two young competitors to participate in the Future Chefs Culinary Challenge. Students had to submit a recipe and be chosen to compete in the live competition held at Powhatan High School. With the help of assigned assistants, the students prepared their dishes and presented them to a panel of judges for consideration. All of the students did an amazing job. Congratulations to: • Quinn Ellis – First Place • Pierce Ward – Second Place • Lanie Jastram – Third Place • Charlotte Smith – Best Decorated Hat contest winner • Charlotte Smith, Holden Cooper, and Levi Luck – Chef Finalists Special thanks to: • Judges: Vicki Hurt, Susan Smith, Jeanne Wade, James Taylor, Michele Ward, Beth Teigen, Mark Robertson, and student judge Lea Butler. • Sodexo Chef Helpers: Mary Smith from Powhatan Elementary; Suzanne Johnson, manager at Flat Rock Elementary; and Shawna Highsmith, manager at Pocahontas Elementary. • Student Chef Helpers: Abbie Mills, Jackson Roop, and Kenley Dalton • All of the staff of Powhatan High School’s food service team who also lent a hand: cafeteria manager Ashley Sharp, Sharon Brown, Chakita Langhorne, Kristy Hall, Jessie Wheless, and Donna Stewart. #wearepcps #teampowhatan #SDXFutureChefs

7 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

An elementary student prepares a dish for a cooking competition. An adult helps.

An elementary student prepares a dish for a cooking competition.

A young chef, an assistant, and an adult pose for a photo during a youth cooking competition awards ceremony.

An elementary student prepares a dish for a cooking competition. A teen assistant helps.

A panel of judges talks to a competitor in a youth cooking competition.

High school students try dishes made by young chefs.

The Powhatan Education Foundation (PEF) presents its 8th annual Golf Tournament on June 6, 2024, at Mill Quarter Plantation Golf Course. Shotgun start is at noon. Proceeds benefit Powhatan schools. Register now at PEF’s website, which can be found in the first comment. #wearepcps #teampowhatan

7 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

Graphics of a golf ball and tee and text that reads: Powhatan Education Foundation Presents its 8th annual Golf Tournament on June 6, 2024, at Mill Quarter Plantation Golf Course. Shotgun start is at noon. Proceeds benefit Powhatan schools. Register now at www.powhataneducation.org.

Each year, the Powhatan Education Foundation (PEF) awards Innovative Classroom Grants that present ideas for achieving the county’s curricular goals, enhancing students’ personal development, and/or encouraging links with the community. This year, PEF fully or partially funded six grants for a total investment of $16,146.28, and we have been highlighting how those projects are going. Next up is a grant that purchased an upgraded 3D printer for the engineering classroom, which was submitted by Marcellus Beasley, Cody Seibel, and Elaina Buczkowski. With its increased speed, more students division-wide can use this upgraded 3D printer. With the higher quality and ability to print with a wider range of filament types, students in grades 4-12 will build better parts for their projects with the capability to create, print, and revise their designs as quickly as a single class period (PHS) or a single day in summer camp. Shown here, a student talks about using the 3D printer (in the back) to print parts for SPEAR Robotics Club’s competition robot. #wearepcps #teampowhatan

7 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

A student talks about a 3D printner and a robot.

Powhatan County Public Schools is now hiring! The 2024-2025 instructional openings include: Middle School Math, Computer Technology, Foreign Language, CTE – Welding, Elementary, Special Education, Secondary Math, and Secondary English. The non-instructional openings include Instructional Assistants and Bus Drivers. Contact Human Resources for more information: (804) 598-5700. The link for current job openings is in the first comment. Join PCPS where your career, family, and community come together.

7 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

Text that reads: Now Hiring Now Hiring Now Hiring. POWHATAN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS. INSPIRING empowering innovating. 2024-2025 instructional openings. Middle School Math, Computer Technology, Foreign Language, CTE – Welding, Elementary, Special Education, Secondary Math, Secondary English. NON-instructional openings. Instructional Assistants. Bus Drivers. Contact Human Resources for more information: (804) 598-5700. https://powhatan.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx

7 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

Because of spring break, we missed the opportunity to recognize the division’s amazing assistant principals as part of National Assistant Principals Week (April 1-5, 2024). So, we wanted to take a moment to fix that by highlighting the awesome men and women who help lead our schools and keep them running well so we can educate and help our students grow. Thank you for all you do! Flat Rock Elementary School: Meghan Ellis Pocahontas Elementary School: Amanda Johnson Powhatan Elementary School: Karen Gobble Powhatan Middle School: Chris Pearson, Kevin Socha, and Heather Storrie Powhatan High School: Aaron Boughner, Alecia Clements, Kami Louth, and Courtney Talbott #wearepcps #teampowhatan

7 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

A man and three women smile at the camera.

A woman and two men smile at the camera.

Save the date! Prepare for an incredible evening featuring the Powhatan High School JV and Varsity Winter Guard performances on Tuesday, April 16 at 6 p.m. in the Powhatan High School gymnasium. Come watch and support our Varsity Indoor Drumline as they gear up for the WGI Sport of the Arts -2024 Percussion World Championships in Dayton, Ohio! #wearepcps #teampowhatan #WinterGuard #IndoorDrumline #WGI2024 #DaytonOhio #PHSProud #PHSBandBoosters

7 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

Because of spring break, we missed the opportunity to recognize the division’s wonderful library staff when National School Librarian Day fell on April 4. We want to rectify that now by recognizing the amazing men and women who keep our school libraries organized and provide the fun, creative, and educational environments that nurture our students. Thank you all! Flat Rock Elementary School: Kelly Terry and Rosanne Rini Pocahontas Elementary School: Tiffany Ray and Kathy Duty Powhatan Elementary School: Michelle Ball and Mary Jones Powhatan Middle School: Bucky Webb and Julie Benkovitz Powhatan High School: Paul Smartschan

7 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

A man and woman pose for a photo holding books.