Happy National School Nurse Day! Today, we celebrate the incredible dedication of our school nurses, who play a vital role in keeping our students healthy and thriving. School nurses are not just healthcare providers, they're champions of student well-being and academic success. They're there on the frontlines, providing a safety net for our most vulnerable children. Let's give a big shoutout to these everyday heroes who make a positive difference in the lives of our students each and every day! Please join us in recognizing our amazing Health Services Team: Cathy Vaden, RN, Powhatan High School Head-Nurse Michelle Short, RN, Powhatan Middle Nurse Ashley Sloan, RN, Powhatan Elementary Nurse Arla Thompson, RN, Pocahontas Elementary Nurse Jen Lawson, RN, Flat Rock Elementary Nurse Vickie Maxey - Clinic Assistant Tammy Willis - Clinic Assistant Rebecca Smartschan - Clinic Assistant #wearepcps #teampowhatan
12 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
A woman smiles at the camera.
Two women smile at the camera.
A woman smiles at the camera.
A woman smiles at the camera.
Two women smile at the camera.
Governor Glenn Youngkin has declared May 7, 2024, as National Fentanyl Awareness Day in Virginia. Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, poses a serious threat, especially to our youth. It's crucial to grasp its potency; just a tiny amount can be deadly. There are two types: medical-grade and illicit. While medical-grade is legally prescribed, illicit fentanyl, often mixed with other drugs, has led to a surge in teen overdoses. Education and action are vital! Parents, have open conversations with your kids, and be prepared with naloxone and fentanyl test strips. Remember, knowing the signs of overdose and understanding Virginia's Good Samaritan law can save lives. If you or someone you know needs help, call 988 for confidential support. Let's work together to combat this crisis. We will provide several useful links in the first comment.
12 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
Stop sign with text that reads: Stop Fentanyl
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! We want to continue the celebration of Powhatan's amazing educators with a Virtual Applause Parade. Show our teachers some love with a round of applause by posting the 👏 emoji in the comments. Let’s see how many 👏 we can get by the end of the day! We’ll start … 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 ... Your turn!
12 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
A group of clapping hands in a circle. Text that reads: Teacher Appreciation Week Virtual applause parade
The Powhatan County School Board workshop and meeting will be held at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., respectively, on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at their regular location in the School Board Meeting Room at the Pocahontas Landmark Center, 4290 Anderson Highway. The School Board will honor a large number of staff, students, and their families during the Recognitions at the beginning of the meeting. In the case of a large crowd at the meeting, the school division requests that seating be prioritized for honorees, most of whom usually leave following the Recognitions. The School Board understands there may be a large number of people who wish to attend the meeting and speak during the Public Comment period. To ensure both goals are met, there will be a 10-minute recess between the Recognitions and the first Public Comment period to enable plenty of time for a smooth transition between the two agenda items and the movement of meeting attendees. The School Board room has a maximum capacity of 160 seated people. If the room reaches capacity, an overflow location has been arranged in the cafeteria of Pocahontas Elementary School, 4294 Anderson Highway, which has a 300-seat capacity. A video conference will be set up to allow people in the overflow space to view the entire meeting and speak during the designated public comment periods. The meeting will be live and archived on the school division’s YouTube channel.
12 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
We are shining a light on educators this week as part of Teacher Appreciation Week. We would love our families to share the most impactful lesson a teacher has ever taught you. #wearepcps #teampowhatan #elevateeducatorsva #TeacherAppreciationWeek #ThankATeacher
12 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
Background is made up of Thank you written repeatedly in multi-color. Text in books in center reads: Teacher Appreciation Week. What is the most impactful lesson a teacher has ever taught you?
We are ready to celebrate the heart and soul of our school community: our incredible teachers! Teacher Appreciation Week is May 6 to 10, and we're shining a spotlight on the superheroes who inspire, educate, and uplift us every single day. From the bottom of our backpacks to the tops of our graduation caps, THANK YOU for your dedication, passion, and endless support! Powhatan teachers really do eclipse the rest! #wearepcps #teampowhatan #elevateeducatorsva #TeacherAppreciationWeek #ThankATeacher
12 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
Image of an eclipse. Text that reads: PCPS Educators eciipse the rest. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week. May 6-10, 2024
Good afternoon PCPS community. Although this is delayed, we are back again with another 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 April 16 meeting newsletter link is in the first comment.
12 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
Screenshot of the School Board recap newsletter. Text that reads: School Board Recap Catching up on the latest board meetings Three hexagons logo. Good afternoon Powhatan Community, We are back again with another 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 message will only be hitting the highlights of the April 16 workshop and meeting, but you are invited to go back and watch the full workshop video and full meeting
Powhatan County Public Schools recently invited parents of the Class of 2037 for a Rising Kindergarten Parent Information Night. Couldn't make it to the event? Families are invited to equip themselves with the knowledge to help their child succeed by contacting their school and asking what information they need to know. PCPS is also asking for the public's help in reminding anyone with a child that will be age 5 by September 30, 2024, to begin enrolling now. This is a special time for schools to welcome their newest students. It is also 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
12 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
A woman speaks to a room full of people about kindergarten readiness.
A woman speaks to a room full of people about kindergarten readiness.
A slide about what kindergartners will experience in school.
A woman speaks to a room full of people about kindergarten readiness.
A woman speaks to a room full of people about kindergarten readiness.
A woman speaks to a room full of people about kindergarten readiness.
A room full of people learn about kindergarten readiness.
A woman speaks to a room full of people about kindergarten readiness.
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
12 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 stormy night.
Painting of a man sitting on a subway bench.
Drawing of a horse.
Black and white photograph of books, including one open, and a string of pearls.
A clay artwork with blue swirls, hair, and reaching hands.
Earlier this semester, Mrs. Rose’s third graders focused on literacy with inference stations, reading nonfiction and answering questions about what they read, and doing a word study. These literacy stars are shining bright! #wearepcps #teampowhatan
12 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
Students work at literacy stations.
Students work at literacy stations.
Students work at literacy stations.
Students work at literacy stations.
Students work at literacy stations. A teacher helps.
Students work at literacy stations.
Students work at literacy stations.
We love seeing book lovers pass on their love of literacy to younger generations! Members of the Powhatan High School Writers Club recently held their Spring Read Aloud by reading to kindergarten and first grade students. The high school students read spring-themed books to children in Pocahontas Elementary classes (shown here) and Powhatan Elementary classes to help spread the joy of reading. #wearepcps #teampowhatan
12 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
Elementary students listen to a high schooler read them a book.
A high schooler gives out bookmarks.
Elementary students listen to a high schooler read them a book.
Elementary students listen to high schoolers read them a book.
Elementary students listen to a high schooler read them a book.
Elementary students listen to a high schooler read them a book.
Elementary students listen to a high schooler read them a book.
Elementary students listen to a high schooler read them a book.
A high schooler reads a book.
🟠⚫️🟠⚫️🟠⚫️🟠⚫️🟠⚫️🟠⚫️🟠⚫️ 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)
12 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
Image of pop tabs arranged in the shape of a heart.
Mrs. Dillon's fifth-grade class at Powhatan Elementary modeled the rock cycle, beginning with igneous rock, weathering it and adding pressure to model sedimentary rock, then adding heat and pressure to model metamorphic rock, and finally melting it totally and cooling it to model igneous rock again. #wearepcps #teampowhatan
12 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
Student work on an activity to model the rock cycle.
Student work on an activity to model the rock cycle.
Student work on an activity to model the rock cycle.
Student work on an activity to model the rock cycle.
Student work on an activity to model the rock cycle.
Student work on an activity to model the rock cycle.
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
12 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
A man poses for a photo.
A man poses for a photo.
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
12 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
about 1 year 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 CAmping-themed backrop.
A child poses for a photo in front of a beach-themed backrop.
A child poses for a photo in front of a CAmping-themed backrop.
A child poses for a photo in front of a CAmping-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.
A child poses for a photo in front of a beach-themed backrop.
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/.
about 1 year 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
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 are taking time over several weeks to highlight how those projects are going. We are wrapping up this series by highlighting a PEF grant for a project called Droning Across the Curriculum, submitted by Amanda Henley, Jordan Nutt, and Cara Alexander. This proposal funded coding drones that Powhatan Elementary students have been using to engage in practical coding application through collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. #wearepcps #teampowhatan
about 1 year ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
Elementary students fly drones in a cafeteria.
Elementary students fly drones in a cafeteria.
Elementary students fly drones in a cafeteria.
Elementary students fly drones in a cafeteria.
Elementary students fly drones in a cafeteria.
Elementary students fly drones in a cafeteria.
Elementary students fly drones in a cafeteria.
Elementary students fly drones in a cafeteria.
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
about 1 year 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
about 1 year ago, Powhatan County Public Schools
Two women hold an award.
A display of classroom assignments about key figures from the Civil War era.
A display of classroom assignments about key figures from the Civil War era.
A display of classroom assignments about key figures from the Civil War era.