Pocahontas Elementary School

Good evening PCPS Families. As everyone is aware, a winter storm is moving into our area tonight and ice accumulation poses a significant risk of power outages. Your students should have come this week with snow day learning packs to help keep them engaged in review and learning in the event of extended school closures. Please know that families should not feel pressure regarding these educational materials. Safety and well-being must come first. As conditions evolve and we better understand the storm's impact, decisions on school closures will be communicated as quickly as possible. Please take care and stay safe. For more information, check your email.

Much like everyone across our region, Powhatan County Public Schools are closely monitoring the forecast for potential impacts to school operations. Our team is monitoring weather reports and road conditions, as well as reviewing guidance from local officials. No final decisions have been made at this time.
In the event of delayed openings or closures, we will share official closure announcements as soon as decisions are made via:
*SchoolMessenger Email/Text/Phone Alerts
*Powhatan.k12.va.us
*PCPS Official Facebook and Instagram accounts
*Local News stations (WRIC, WTVR, WWBT)
Please stay tuned for updates. Thank you for your understanding and for helping us keep everyone safe.

Notice of a Powhatan County School Board Budget Workshop
Pursuant to Virginia Code § 2.2-3707, please take notice that the Powhatan County School Board will hold a budget workshop on: Friday, January 30, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Pocahontas Landmark Center, 4290 Anderson Hwy, Powhatan, VA. This notice is being provided in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
This meeting will be open to the public.

Miss Stech’s first grade students at Pocahontas Elementary recently created sun trackers as part of a science lesson focused on observing the sun’s movement. This hands-on activity helped students see how the sun rises in the east and sets in the west as a lead-on for a unit about the sun. ☀️
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

We’re excited to share the results of our Fall PCPS Pull Tab Contest – and they’re something to celebrate! 🎉
Together, Powhatan County Public Schools collected 516 pounds of aluminum pull tabs, resulting in a $356 donation to the Ronald McDonald House of Richmond. This is the largest collection total yet since the contest began in 2022.
Here’s how our schools contributed:
• Pocahontas Elementary: 242.12 pounds
• Powhatan Elementary: 101.3 pounds
• Powhatan Middle School: 92.4 pounds
• Flat Rock Elementary: 51.67 pounds
• Powhatan High School: 28.51 pounds
Congratulations to Pocahontas Elementary for winning the Tab Trophy!
Since the contest started, PCPS has collected 2,602 pounds of tabs, donating $1,778.69 to support families staying at the Ronald McDonald House of Richmond. Pull tabs are recycled, and the proceeds help fund operating costs for families with sick children.
This contest began as a heartfelt way for a retired PCPS employee to give back after her family experienced the support of the Ronald McDonald House firsthand. Today, it continues as a meaningful, real-world learning experience for students – combining service, math, teamwork, and a little friendly competition.
📌 The next PCPS Pull Tab Contest starts today, January 20, and runs through April 30. Tabs are collected year-round at all schools. Fun fact: it takes about 1,267 tabs to make 1 pound!
Thank you to our students, staff, families, and community for pulling together to make a difference. Let’s see if we can beat our record next round! 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

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.

In Mrs. Burgess’s third grade class at Pocahontas Elementary, students recently explored ancient China through a hands-on sorting activity that helped them identify human, capital, and natural resources. This lesson encouraged students to think critically about how different types of resources contributed to early civilizations. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

First grade classes at Pocahontas Elementary held their annual Colonial Day last semester. Students explored life in the colonial period through hands-on activities, including making orange pomanders, candles, butter, satchels, corn husk dolls, and punched tin ornaments, bringing history to life through traditional colonial crafts.
#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

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.

Before winter break, second graders at Pocahontas Elementary took a trip around the world while learning about holidays celebrated in different countries. 🌍✨ Students explored traditions through history lessons and stories, including La Befana in Italy, Hanukkah in Israel, nutcrackers in Germany, holly wreaths in Ireland, Christmas cards in England, and Mkeka mats for Kwanza in parts of Africa. Each lesson was paired with a hands-on craft or activity, helping students connect culture, history, and creativity. 🧡🖤
#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

The day before Winter Break, the Polar Express made a special stop at Pocahontas Elementary for first graders! 🚂❄️ Students enjoyed a magical experience inspired by the beloved story and each received a brand-new book to take home. A big thank-you to “Conductor” Carol Crump for helping make this memorable day special for our young readers. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

On the last day before Winter Break, Mrs. McCue’s first graders at Pocahontas Elementary put their imaginations to work during a creative writing activity centered on the prompt, “If I were an elf…” ✏️🧝‍♂️ Students created their own elves and wrote stories to match, proudly sharing their finished work together as a class. #WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan

Pocahontas Elementary kindergarteners took a community helper field trip earlier this semester to learn more about the people and places that help keep their community running. From grocery stores and banks to the courthouse, fire department, sheriff’s office, an animal hospital, and even a sweet stop along the way, students got a firsthand look at how different helpers serve others each day. We’re grateful to our local partners for welcoming our curious young learners and helping make these connections come to life. 🧡🖤
#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

🎄🏃‍♀️ What a night to move! 🏃‍♂️🎄
Pocahontas Elementary showed up in a big way at the CarMax Tacky Light Run and Twilight 1-Mile Kids Run earlier this month. A total of 45 POCA students represented the POCA Stride Run Club, joining more than 5,000 runners in the festive 4-mile event and 785 kids in the Twilight One-Miler.
Stride Run Club leader Mrs. Britz cheered on students while running alongside participants, celebrating their commitment to healthy habits, confidence, and perseverance. A big thank-you to Sports Backers and Kids on the Move for creating fun, inclusive events that inspire lifelong fitness – 1 mile (and lots of twinkly lights!) at a time. 🌟 Way to go, POCA! 🧡🖤
#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 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