Powhatan Middle School

The latest School Board Recap Newsletter is now available! Catch up on the highlights from the November 12 school board workshop and meeting and stay informed about the important decisions shaping our schools. Your voice matters, and we invite the entire community to engage with the information that affects us all. Read the newsletter to learn more and join the conversation about our students' futures! The link to the newsletter is in the first comment. #wearepcps #teampowhatan

Clara McComb, a PHS student, had her paper, "Effects of Blocking Brain Estrogen Synthesis on the Expression of Extracellular Matrix Genes in the Mouse Cortex," published on the VCU website. Clara attended the VCU Summer Neurology Internship Program. She was recognized by the School Board on Nov. 12. #teampowhatan #wearepcps

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA helps each student excel. A nonprofit national education association, SkillsUSA serves middle-school, high-school, and college/postsecondary students preparing for careers in trade, technical, and skilled service occupations. SkillsUSA held the competition at the State Fair. There were 36 competitors in the Electrical Wiring Competition, and two of our students placed: Mason Heckel, PHS Senior, placed 2nd, and Carter Estep, PHS Senior, placed 3rd. Both students were recognized by the School Board on Nov. 12. #teampowhatan #wearepcps

Powhatan High School and Middle School Future Farmers of America (FFA) students received outstanding recognition for their achievements in state-level Career Development Events (CDEs), which are designed to allow students to develop career skills in each associated area. On Nov. 12, the School Board recognized the following: Powhatan Middle School FFA State Forestry Career Development Event: 3rd Place Team; Joseph Arnold (3rd High Individual), Taylor Shenk, Hunter Smith (10th High Individual), and Hayden Columbo-Powell. Coach: Tom Walton. Middle School Plant Science Career Development Event State Convention: 4th in State; Aurora Yates (10th individual), Joseph Arnold (12th individual), and Casey Luna. Coach: Jen Baker. Middle School Ag Mechanics and Technology Career Development Event: 6th in State; Joseph Arnold (20th individual), Hayden Columbo-Powell, Aurora Yates, and Taylor Shenk. Coach: Jen Baker Middle School Small Animal Care Career Development Event: Madelyn "Madi" Chaffins (13th individual). Coach: Jen Baker. State Dairy Judging Career Development Event: Madelyn "Madi" Chaffins (4th High Individual FFA Reasons). Coaches: Albert Tucker and Johns Bailey. Powhatan High School Agricultural Mechanics: Team Members - Carter Estep, Sam Fens, Parker Smith, and Jonah Davidson. Team Award: 3rd Place Team in VA. Individual Award: Carter Estep (10th Place Indiv. Overall). Coach: Chris Whitlow. Horse Judging: Team Members - Anna Franklin, Kennedy Martin, Reghan Kerns, Savannah Morris, and Sarah Kunze. Team Award: 3rd Place Team in VA. Individual Awards: Savannah Morris (7th Place in Halter, 7th Place in Reasons, 7th Place Indivi. in VA) and Anna Franklin (7th Place in Reasons). Coach/Sponsor: Caitlin Smith and Emilee Meinhard. Horse Hippology: Team Members - Sarah Kunze, Savannah Morris, Kennedy Martin, and Regan Kerns. Team Award: 4th Place Team in VA. Individual Award: Reghan Kerns (6th Place Individual in VA). Coach: Caitlin Smith. Floriculture: Team Members - Jadyn Palka, Ava Tucker, Caris Grell, and Casey Grell. Team Awards: 11th Place Team in VA. Coach: Emilee Meinhard. Soil Team: Marilyn Robinson.Team Award: 2nd in State. Coach - Tommy Walton.

The Virginia Association of Agricultural Educators (VAAE) awarded the Agriculture Teacher State Recognition to this group based on the number of agriculture students they taught who have now become agriculture teachers. Chris Whitlow - VAAE Teacher of Teachers- Gold for teaching 6+ agriculture teachers. Caitlin Smith (not pictured) - VAAE Teacher of Teachers- Bronze for teaching one agriculture teacher. The School Board recognized these two outstanding teachers on Nov. 12. #teampowhatan #wearepcps

VAST (Virginia Association of Science Teachers) recognizes exemplary contributions to science education through its annual Recognition in Science Education (RISE) awards program. The RISE awards are presented to outstanding educators at all levels. In addition, school administrators and businesses are eligible to be recognized for their support of and contributions to quality science education. The VAST Awards Committee selected Powhatan County Public Schools teacher Jill Dewey to receive a VAST RISE Award. Mrs. Dewey was recognized at the School Board’s Nov. 12 meeting. #teampowhatan #wearepcps

During the Nov. 12 Recognitions, the School Board honored three Helping Hands Award recipients. With these awards, anyone (student, parent, colleague, or supervisor) can nominate any PCPS staff member who Inspires, Empowers, or Innovates to receive recognition. The following staff members were recognized as Helping Hands Award winners: Annmarie Horne, Counselor, Flat Rock Elementary, nominated for Empowering; Arla Thompson, Nursing Supervisor, Pocahontas Elementary, nominated for Empowering; and Sergeant Major Blakely, JROTC Instructor, Powhatan High School, nominated for Inspiring. #teampowhatan #wearepcps

One of the highlights of each month’s School Board meeting is recognizing the amazing students, staff, and community members during the Recognition portion of the meeting. The November 12 meeting’s Recognition time was packed, and we are going to take today to honor all of those men, women, and students for their achievements. Let’s start with the 2024-2025 PEF Classroom Innovation Grant Award Winners. The Powhatan Education Foundation (PEF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the learning experience for the students, teachers, and staff of Powhatan County Public Schools by promoting innovative educational opportunities, recognizing outstanding achievements, and developing community partnerships. Each year, the 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 received 14 grant requests. Eight grants were fully or partially funded for a total investment of $15,922.90. The recipients are: • Kimochis - Helping Educators and Families help kids manage difficult feelings and challenging behaviors. Kirsten Lightner, Dianne White, Jennifer Lavimodiere, and Taileah Rich, $2,964.01, POCA. • Turning Tables: Bringing CWD and the Performing Arts Together Through Engineering and Stagecraft. Bilal Z. Raychouni, $3,000, PHS. • Orff Instrument Xylophone Exploration. Helena Nuckols, $1,750, POCA. • POCA Pulse News. Zannatul Ferdous and Samantha Martin, $363.23, POCA. • Real World Coding in the Library. Tiffany Ray, $1,348.66, POCA. • From Crime Scene to Courtroom. Cheri Ashman and Amanda Wilson Henderson, $2,260, PHS. • Sphero Indi Coding Cars. Katy Osborne (Tech Resource), Kelly Terry (Library Resource), and Kristen Bentzen (Inn. Learning Coach), $3,000, FRES. • Unlocking Student Success with Breakout EDU, Kelly Terry and Mary Lisa Watts, $1,237, FRES. For the descriptions of each project, we will provide a link in the comments. #teampowhatan #wearepcps

October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Powhatan Middle School Student Leadership students took the time to recognize and honor the strong, courageous, and resilient staff members who have fought or are currently fighting cancer. These remarkable individuals are true examples of strength and perseverance. A special thank you to Kristal McIntyre, Kim Wasosky, Lisa Goff, Catrina Garner, Brenda Bell, Kelly Wilting, and Mike Morin for sharing their inspiring stories and being a shining example for us all. We're so proud of their victories and continue to cheer them on. We would also like to extend our deepest gratitude to the generous local businesses who supported this initiative with their donations: Powhatan Wendy's, Westchester Commons Starbucks, Powhatan Walmart, and Watkins Nursery. Your contributions helped make this event possible. Together, we stand strong in the fight against cancer. 💪💖 #teampowhatan #wearepcps

Today, we pause to recognize and thank all of the brave men and women who have served in our nation's military. Your sacrifices, dedication, and courage have protected the freedoms we hold dear, and we are forever grateful for your service. As a school division, Powhatan County Public Schools is proud to teach the next generation about the importance of service, sacrifice, and patriotism. On this Veterans Day, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all veterans, past and present. Thank you for your service and your commitment to our country. #teampowhatan #wearepcps

To promote the division’s strategic plan goal of family and Community Engagement Initiative, Powhatan Middle School Chorus teacher Mrs. Snyder hosted a Night of Music for parents to join their students in a typical Chorus. Parents learned what their students are learning in regard to pitch matching, posture, warm ups, and creating harmony. We are pleased to say all parents sang along! #wearepcps #teampcps

Don't forget! Tuesday, November 5 is a Student Holiday/Staff Workday. If you have scheduled a parent-teacher conference, make sure you know what time it starts.

🎉✨ Powhatan Middle School had a fantastic time celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a door contest! Students got creative during ACCT time, decorating their doors to showcase different countries. A big congratulations to Mrs. Erazo's class for winning with their amazing door celebrating Ecuador! 🎊 It was inspiring to see everyone’s hard work and creativity shine through as they honored other cultures. #wearepcps #teampowhatan

🎉 It's Red Ribbon Week at Powhatan High School! 🎉 This week, students signed the pledge to live drug-free during lunch and listened to important announcements about the campaign. A huge shoutout to HOSA for their fantastic door decorations and for helping out during lunches! From October 23 to 31, students nationwide are celebrating the importance of living drug-free, and this year’s theme, “Life is a Movie. Film Drug Free™,” encourages everyone to take control of their story with positive, healthy choices. Let’s keep the momentum going, Powhatan! ✨#wearepcps #teampowhatan

🌟🎉 Happy National Principals Month! 🎉🌟This October, we celebrate the incredible leaders who inspire our students and staff every day! Our dedicated principals not only guide our schools with vision and passion but also motivate everyone to reach their full potential. We asked our amazing principals to share their favorite inspirational quotes, and their responses are truly uplifting! 📚✨ Swipe through to see the words that inspire them and remind us all of the impact of great leadership. Thank you to all our principals for your hard work and commitment to excellence in education! #wearepcps #teampowhatan

🚍✨ As National School Bus Safety Week comes to a close, let’s take a moment to give another kudos to the incredible PCPS Transportation Department! 🙌 Their hard work and dedication ensure that all our school vehicles are running smoothly and safely transporting our students every day. Their efforts truly make a difference in our community! 🧡#wearepcps #teampowhatan

Due to a water outage at Powhatan Middle School and Powhatan Elementary, we have made the decision to dismiss students early today for their safety and well-being. Dismissal will occur at 12:45 p.m. for Powhatan Middle School. Dismissal will occur at 1:00 p.m. for Powhatan Elementary School. All afterschool activities are canceled. Parents and guardians of PMS and POWES students, please check your email for full details.

🎃👻 Get ready for some spooktacular fun! Powhatan High School SGA is excited to present its annual Trunk or Treat on October 25th from 4-6 p.m. in the PHS bus loop! Join us for a festive evening where you can visit our amazing clubs, organizations, and honor societies, all while getting your fill of treats! It’s the perfect way to kick off the night before the Pink Out Football Game, where you can also bring items to donate for JROTC’s hurricane relief drive. We can’t wait to see you there—bring your friends and your best Halloween spirit! 🕷️🍬 #wearepcps #teampowhatan

🚍✨ Happy National School Bus Safety Week! 🚍✨ We’re kicking off this important week by shining a spotlight on our incredible Transportation Department! From our dedicated drivers to our hardworking mechanics, each member of our team plays a vital role in keeping our buses safe and our students secure on their journeys to and from school. Let’s take a moment to appreciate all the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into ensuring safe travels for our kids every day. Together, we’re not just transporting students; we’re building a community committed to their safety. 🧡🚌 #wearepcps #teampowhatan

📚✨ Today, some of our dedicated staff members dove into more training on the Lexia LETRS® (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) program! They’re working hard to enhance their understanding of reading and spelling instruction, ensuring our students get the best support possible. We’re so proud of their commitment to professional growth and helping every learner succeed. Keep up the amazing work, team! 💪🧡 #wearepcps #teampowhatan