
PCPS will not offer Head Start in 2025-2026 school year
Contributed Report
In response to a recent decision by Richmond Public Schools to reduce its Head Start program allocations, Powhatan County Public Schools (PCPS) is no longer able to offer the program beginning in the 2025-2026 school year.
On April 8, the Richmond School Board voted to reduce its regional preschool program by 200 seats, including 17 slots previously filled by Powhatan students. This decision stems from evolving circumstances and shifts in regional partnerships, which unfortunately impact Powhatan’s ability to support a Head Start class next year.
PCPS remains committed to the importance of early childhood education, particularly for children who need additional support transitioning into kindergarten. Powhatan will continue to offer its Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) and Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) programs. These programs have distinct eligibility criteria and application deadlines, which parents and guardians are encouraged to review on the PCPS website.
For more information on the ECSE and VPI programs, please visit https://www.powhatan.k12.va.us/page/preschool-programs or contact the PCPS Early Childhood Education office at 804-598-5700.

In March, Powhatan High School’s Readers and Writers Club hosted a Cake Walk in the library — a sweet celebration with a deeper meaning. 🍰📚 Originally planned for February in honor of Black History Month, the event was delayed due to snow but still brought the students together when it finally happened. The cake walk has powerful roots. According to the Birmingham Historical Society, it began as a pre-Civil War dance performed by enslaved African Americans. Known then as the “prize walk,” dancers would compete for a beautifully decorated cake — the origin of familiar phrases like “takes the cake” and “cakewalk.” We’re proud our students honored this unique piece of Black cultural history with fun, learning, and reading-themed prizes. #wearepcps #teampowhatan

Time to turn in those aluminum pop tabs! 🧡 This week, all five schools are collecting tabs to recycle for the Ronald McDonald House. Don’t forget to bring them in. Which school will come out on top? #wearepcps #teampowhatan


Still smiling from all the laughs and talent at Friday night’s Mr. Powhatan 2025 competition! 🎤 Huge shoutout to all the amazing young men who took the stage—you brought the energy, the charm, and definitely the fun.
🎉 Big congrats to our new Mr. Powhatan, Alberto Sanna!
👏 First runner-up: Nolan Stamp
🙌 Second runner-up: Maki Enomoto
You guys crushed it!
Also, mad love to contestants Jackson Faris, CT Rich, Colin Murray, and Matthew Taylor—you made the night unforgettable.
And let’s not forget the awesome work by the PHS Leftovers with their fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and all of the staff members who pitched in to help. So proud of this crew! 💜🎗️ #wearepcps #teampowhatan


The latest School Board Recap Newsletter is now available! Catch up on the highlights from the April 15 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


Reminder: Powhatan County Public Schools will be closed on Monday, April 21. We hope all of our students and staff and their families have a safe and happy three-day holiday weekend.


🎤✨ TONIGHT at 7 p.m.! Come join us in the Powhatan High School auditorium on Friday, April 18 for an unforgettable evening of laughs, creativity, and a little unexpected glamour at the Mr. Powhatan 2025 competition! Tickets are just $5, and every single one helps raise money for Relay for Life, supporting the fight against cancer. 🎗️💜 Our brave contestants are ready to put on a show you won’t want to miss — think talent, personality, and some serious school spirit!
If you're free tonight, come cheer them on and support a great cause. We promise, it'll be a night to remember! 🙌 🧡 #wearepcps #teampowhatan


Earlier today, Powhatan High School held a small reception to honor students whose parents serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. April is designated as the Month of the Military Child, underscoring the important role military children play in the armed forces community. The Month of the Military Child is a time to applaud military families and their children for the daily sacrifices and the challenges they overcome. #wearepcps #teampowhatan

Junior English students at Powhatan High School had an unforgettable time at the annual Gatsby Gala in March! 🎉✨ After reading “The Great Gatsby,” students got to experience the novel in a fun, hands-on way with interactive stations set up in the library. 📚 Students tried their dance moves by learning the Charleston. They took photos in front of a green screen that could be placed on images related to the novel. They even took a peek at a 1923 pocketbook to see how the cost of living then compared to present day. A huge shoutout to our amazing teachers and librarians for teaming up to make this event such a success every year. #wearepcps #teampowhatan

🎉 B-I-N-G-O and bingo was... YOUR name! 😄
Join us Saturday, April 26th at Powhatan High School for a night of fun, food, and PRIZES — all to support PHS Football! 🏈
🕔 Doors open at 5 p.m.
🎉 Games start at 6 p.m.
🎟️ 12 Games for $25
🍽️ Grab dinner, your dauber, and get ready for some laughs (and maybe a win or two)!
🎂 Don’t miss the baked goods auction & 50/50 raffle!
Jonathan will be calling the numbers — all we need is YOU! Tag your bingo buddy and we’ll see you there! 🙌 #wearepcps #teampowhatan


The Powhatan High School Annual Plant Sale got off to a great start this morning! Thank you for those who already came out in the first hours of the plant sale to support the amazing Horticulture Program and the FFA (Future Farmers of America) and get some fantastic deals on beautiful plants to brighten up your garden. From delicious veggies to vibrant flowers and everything in between, we’ve got something for every garden enthusiast.
Mark your calendars:
April 14th - 19th
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Cash or Check only!!!
Check out the QR code in the flyer for the full list of plants and more details! A link will also be placed in the comments.
Every purchase helps fund the incredible work of our Horticulture students and supports the FFA. Thank you for your support!
Located at the PHS Greenhouse: Take Judes Ferry Road to Old Church Road. Turn by the tennis courts and follow the road to the greenhouse behind the school.
Contact emilee.meinhard@powhatan.k12.va.us with any questions!











🎉 Shoutout to our Honor Roll Stars! 🌟
We're so proud to recognize the students who made the PCPS Third Nine Week Honor Roll. 📚✨ You’ve put in the work, and it shows—way to go! Check out the full list on the PCPS website under "Spotlight on Instruction" — or just click the link in the first comment! Let’s give these students a big round of applause in the comments! 👏👏👏


We missed the official Paraprofessional Appreciation Day that fell during Spring Break, but we still want to take the time to appreciate the incredible paraprofessionals who support our schools every day. 🧡 From helping students stay on track to supporting teachers in and out of the classroom—you are vital to our school communities. Thank you for all you do, day in and day out. We’re so grateful for you! #wearepcps #teampowhatan


While we celebrated our incredible assistant principals Wednesday, we also want to give a special shoutout to Janet Raychouni, Dean of Students at Pocahontas Elementary School! 🌟 As the only Dean of Students in Powhatan County Public Schools, Mrs. Raychouni plays a unique and vital role in supporting her school community. Her dedication, leadership, and care for students and staff make a lasting impact every day. Thank you, Mrs. Raychouni, for all you do to help Pocahontas Elementary—and PCPS—thrive! 🧡 #wearepcps #teampowhatan


PCPS STEM is participating in the Annual Powhatan Community Earth Day Celebration, a County event that will be held on Friday, April 25th from 4-6 p.m. on the Courthouse Green in the Village. The free event will include children’s activities, educational exhibits, live music, and earth-friendly vendors. There will also be a free paper shredding truck. #wearepcps #teampowhatan
These materials and the activity described herein, are not sponsored or endorsed by the Powhatan County School Board.


Shoutout to all the amazing assistant principals in Powhatan County Public Schools! 👏🏼🎉 During National Assistant Principals Week (April 7-11), we want to recognize your hard work, dedication, and positive impact on students and staff every day. Thank you for all you do to make our schools thrive! 🙌 #wearepcps #teampowhatan


Before Spring Break, Mr. Whitlow's Power Systems class at Powhatan High School was hard at work crafting chisels! Students focused on learning the art of creating a working tool by heating, hammering, grinding, and cutting it to perfection. 🔥💪 As part of their rotating stations, they got hands-on experience with arc welding and gas welding, building important skills in the process. #wearepcps #teampowhatan

Tomorrow is the first day of PCPS’s fantastic Kindergarten Registration! We are beyond excited to welcome our newest learners to Powhatan County Public Schools! If your child will be age 5 by September 3O, 2025, please see information on how to register below. It is important we get students in classes as soon as possible to better prepare for the start of the new school year! REGISTER NOW! APPOINTMENTS APRIL 10TH & 11TH!
1. Visit the Powhatan County Public Schools website (we will put it in the comments).
2. Click on Register/Enroll/Plan tab on the right-hand side.
3. Complete the student registration process including filling out the LINQ Enrollment form online.
4. Your child's home elementary school will contact you to schedule an appointment on April 10th or 11th to finalize the registration process!
#wearepcps #teampowhatan


Only two more days until our awesome Kindergarten Registration days begin. We are excited to welcome our newest learners to Powhatan County Public Schools! If your child will be age 5 by September 3O, 2025, please see information on how to register below. It is important we get students in classes as soon as possible to better prepare for the start of the new school year! REGISTER NOW! APPOINTMENTS APRIL 10TH & 11TH!
1. Visit the Powhatan County Public Schools website (we will put it in the comments).
2. Click on Register/Enroll/Plan tab on the right-hand side.
3. Complete the student registration process including filling out the LINQ Enrollment form online.
4. Your child's home elementary school will contact you to schedule an appointment on April 10th or 11th to finalize the registration process!
Powhatan High School Flat Rock Elementary PTO Powhatan Elementary PTO Poca ES PTO Powhatan County, Virginia Powhatan Imagination Library


Fair warning: This post includes a cow eye dissection! If you're squeamish, you might want to skip this one, but if you're ready for some hands-on science, keep going!
Before Spring Break, Mrs. Ashman’s Anatomy class at Powhatan High School took their study of the physiology of the eye to the next level! 👁️ Instead of just reading about it, students got hands-on with a cow eye dissection! 🐄🔬 A little squeamishness aside, this was an awesome way to bring the lesson to life to help the students really understand how the eye works.🌟 #wearepcps #teampowhatan