Powhatan Middle School

🌟Virtual Learning Day - January 7, 2024

Tuesday, January 7th is now going to be a virtual learning day here at Powhatan Middle School due to the special election for the vacant seat for VA Senate District 10. Since Powhatan Middle is the polling place for this district, the school building will be closed for students. Below you will find logistics and additional information for this day. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

• Logistics

  • Tuesday, January 7th will be an All Class Day

  • Here is the bell schedule for January 7th

  • You will notice the first 20 minutes of each class are live synchronous instruction.

  • Students will receive a paper copy of the bell schedule on Monday, January 6th during 5th period.

  • Students will sign into their classes via a Google Meet link on each teacher’s Schoology page. Teachers will show students how to sign into Google Meet on Monday, January 6th.

  • Teachers will review Google Meet Student Expectations, as well.

• Instruction

  • Class will be split between synchronous (live) and asynchronous (work application) instruction. Students will need to log on to Google Meets during synchronous instruction, but students may log out during asynchronous instruction. 

  • Staff should stay logged on for 5 minutes after students log out to address any questions, and then may end the Google Meet.

• Internet Access

  • Recently, students were polled on whether they have reliable internet access to log into a Google Meet. If students do not have reliable access to the internet, teachers will send home paper copies of the assignments on Monday, January 6th.

• Attendance

  • Student attendance will be based on student access to Schoology and if they complete the required assignments. 

  • Our expectation is that students log on to the Google Meets in order to get live instruction from their teachers.

🌟Quick Reminders:

• 6th and 7th semester elective classes end in December. Please remind your student to check PowerSchool to see what elective they have next semester starting in January.

• Please have your students check our Lost & Found for any missing items. All items left unclaimed at the end of the day on Friday, December 20th will be donated.

🌟7th Grade Updates

• As we head into the holidays, I wanted to provide a quick update to our 7th grade families. Mr. Socha, our 7th grade assistant principal, will be out for the remainder of December for a planned surgery. We anticipate his return after the holiday break. 
  

• In the meantime, if you need any assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to our other assistant principals. They will be splitting the grade level duties alphabetically:

  
  

  • Last Names A-L: Kristal McIntire (kristal.mcintire@powhatan.k12.va.us)

  • Last Names M-Z: Chris Pearson (christopher.pearson@powhatan.k12.va.us)

🌟TAB Collection

• Our 1st Tab Collection Contest ends Friday, December 20th. Please send all of your Tabs in to your students 1st block teacher by Wednesday, December 18th for our final weigh in. 

• Thank you for your support, and continue to collect tabs over Winter Break!

🌟Birthday Marquee

• Celebrate your child’s birthday in style! You can create a memorable experience for your student with their name and a happy birthday message on our marquee. Even middle schoolers love this shout out! Click here for more directions on this amazing fundraiser for our school! [Note: Birthday Wishes over Winter Break]

🌟We are bringing winter and holiday cheer with dress up days the week of December 16th. Click here for the dress up day schedule. 

🌟School Climate Survey

• Our school, in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and the Virginia Department of Education, is conducting the Virginia School Survey of Climate and Working Conditions. We will survey students in grades 6, 7, and 8, as well as classroom instructors and staff, beginning in January 2025.

• The purpose of the student survey is to measure student support, student engagement, school discipline, and safety conditions in each school. This information will be used to guide educational practices that produce a safe and supportive school environment. Please see the included letter with more information.

🌟Christmas Mother Information - how to apply for services.

🌟PCPS STEM Expo

• We are looking for student volunteers to help out with the annual PCPS STM Expo. This year's event will be Thursday, February 27, 2025 from 5-7 pm at PHS. The middle school volunteers will help plan, set up, and run some of the activities at the event. Please fill out this interest form if you would like to be one of our 2025 PMS STEM Innovators. Email or send a Schoology message to Dr. Donia Spott (donia.spott@powhatan.k12.va.us) if you have any questions.

• 2025 PMS STEM Volunteer Interest Form

🌟Student Assessment Summary (SAS) Reports

• VDOE and local school divisions now provide parents access to their child’s SOL test performance history reports. Families will receive the SAS report and the State Superintendent's letter from their student's school on Friday, January 10th with report cards. Each Student Assessment Summary provides information about a student's SOL test patterns and may help identify places where additional educational support may be needed or highlight accelerated learning opportunities. This information along with a student’s school level information and 2024 SOL test results provides context when engaging with a student’s teachers and school about his/her education. For more information, see https://www.doe.virginia.gov/VVAAS-Parent-Resources.

🌟TOP 10 PROVEN ACTIONS TO ENSURE YOUR STUDENT IS READY TO SOAR THIS SCHOOL YEAR

🌟Stronger Together - PCPS Communications Flowchart!

🌟Community Events and Information

• Want your student to learn about firefighting? Join the JETS!

• Powhatan Leadership Institute - The Powhatan Leadership Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity organization. We offer a 15-session course that elevates all Powhatan has to offer while driving the professional development of its residents. Sign up here

• Adaptive Crossfit Classes coming soon! Click here for more information.

🌟2024-2025 Parental Opt Out Forms

🌟Yearbook Photo Submission (2024-2025)