Powhatan High School

Powhatan High School’s Mr. Powhatan competition to raise money for the fight against cancer was once again a wonderful success. A huge thank you to all of the young men and women who volunteered to make this night possible last week. Now on to the winners! Congratulations to Gavin Utley for being named Mr. Powhatan 2024 and Tommy Menting for being chosen as the Runner Up! We also want to recognize the specialty winners: Mr. Congeniality - Henry Bowman Photogenic - Tyler Atchison Best Dressed - Jackson Cary Best Smile - Coleman Smith Most Entertaining - Will Pollard Best Hair - Michael Saunders Thank you, gentlemen, for putting on a hilarious and energetic show for such a good cause! #wearepcps #teampowhatan

9 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

A teen boy in a crown and another in a cowboy hat.

A stage of young men in front of an audience.

A teen onstage in a dark room where audience is using phone flashligts.

A teen onstage with a crowded room with neon light display.

A stage of young men in a huddle in front of an audience.

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/.

9 months 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

Mr. Bell’s Economics and Personal Finance class recently visited Mrs. Meade’s Community Based Instruction (CBI) class at Powhatan High School. The CBI students prepared a tasty spread to help their fellow students celebrate taking the W!SE Financial Literacy Certification Test. In preparation for the visit, the CBI students made cinnamon muffins as part of a lesson to learn about fractions. Mrs. Meade said the visit also helped her students practice their social interaction skills. She said, “We are working on social skills, communication skills, helping our students meet new people in the building, and they made muffins that required using fractions from recipes.” #wearepcps #teampowhatan

9 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

A large group of teens pose for a photo.

Adults and teens share a celebration breakfast together.

Attention families of Class of 2024 graduates! PHS has set up a graduation page on its website that will be a great place to get information about graduation on May 23 and other relevant information. More updates will follow in the coming weeks as information is finalized. Check the first comment for the link. #wearepcps #teampowhatan

9 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

Screenshot of a website dedicated to Powhatan HIgh School's 2024 graduation and sharing information about it.

Earlier this semester, Mrs. Peyton's Introduction to Film students at took a field trip from Powhatan High School to the Powhatan campus of Passion Community Church to learn more about film production. Students learned about the equipment and techniques the church’s production team uses and got hands-on experience using it. A big thank you to PCC for hosting our students and increasing their real-world knowledge of how the skills they are learning in the classroom can be implemented. #wearepcps #teampowhatan

9 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

Students use professional film equipment.

A group of students and an adult pose for a photo.

A student uses professional film equipment.

Film students meet with a church production team to learn about skills.

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

9 months 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

9 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

A display of classroom assignments about key figures from the Civil War era.

In March, each PCPS elementary school sent two young competitors to participate in the Future Chefs Culinary Challenge. Students had to submit a recipe and be chosen to compete in the live competition held at Powhatan High School. With the help of assigned assistants, the students prepared their dishes and presented them to a panel of judges for consideration. All of the students did an amazing job. Congratulations to: • Quinn Ellis – First Place • Pierce Ward – Second Place • Lanie Jastram – Third Place • Charlotte Smith – Best Decorated Hat contest winner • Charlotte Smith, Holden Cooper, and Levi Luck – Chef Finalists Special thanks to: • Judges: Vicki Hurt, Susan Smith, Jeanne Wade, James Taylor, Michele Ward, Beth Teigen, Mark Robertson, and student judge Lea Butler. • Sodexo Chef Helpers: Mary Smith from Powhatan Elementary; Suzanne Johnson, manager at Flat Rock Elementary; and Shawna Highsmith, manager at Pocahontas Elementary. • Student Chef Helpers: Abbie Mills, Jackson Roop, and Kenley Dalton • All of the staff of Powhatan High School’s food service team who also lent a hand: cafeteria manager Ashley Sharp, Sharon Brown, Chakita Langhorne, Kristy Hall, Jessie Wheless, and Donna Stewart. #wearepcps #teampowhatan #SDXFutureChefs

9 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

An elementary student prepares a dish for a cooking competition. An adult helps.

An elementary student prepares a dish for a cooking competition.

A young chef, an assistant, and an adult pose for a photo during a youth cooking competition awards ceremony.

An elementary student prepares a dish for a cooking competition. A teen assistant helps.

A panel of judges talks to a competitor in a youth cooking competition.

High school students try dishes made by young chefs.

The Powhatan Education Foundation (PEF) presents its 8th annual Golf Tournament on June 6, 2024, at Mill Quarter Plantation Golf Course. Shotgun start is at noon. Proceeds benefit Powhatan schools. Register now at PEF’s website, which can be found in the first comment. #wearepcps #teampowhatan

9 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

Graphics of a golf ball and tee and text that reads: Powhatan Education Foundation Presents its 8th annual Golf Tournament on June 6, 2024, at Mill Quarter Plantation Golf Course. Shotgun start is at noon. Proceeds benefit Powhatan schools. Register now at www.powhataneducation.org.

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 have been highlighting how those projects are going. Next up is a grant that purchased an upgraded 3D printer for the engineering classroom, which was submitted by Marcellus Beasley, Cody Seibel, and Elaina Buczkowski. With its increased speed, more students division-wide can use this upgraded 3D printer. With the higher quality and ability to print with a wider range of filament types, students in grades 4-12 will build better parts for their projects with the capability to create, print, and revise their designs as quickly as a single class period (PHS) or a single day in summer camp. Shown here, a student talks about using the 3D printer (in the back) to print parts for SPEAR Robotics Club’s competition robot. #wearepcps #teampowhatan

9 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

A student talks about a 3D printner and a robot.

Powhatan County Public Schools is now hiring! The 2024-2025 instructional openings include: Middle School Math, Computer Technology, Foreign Language, CTE – Welding, Elementary, Special Education, Secondary Math, and Secondary English. The non-instructional openings include Instructional Assistants and Bus Drivers. Contact Human Resources for more information: (804) 598-5700. The link for current job openings is in the first comment. Join PCPS where your career, family, and community come together.

10 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

Text that reads: Now Hiring Now Hiring Now Hiring. POWHATAN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS. INSPIRING empowering innovating. 2024-2025 instructional openings. Middle School Math, Computer Technology, Foreign Language, CTE – Welding, Elementary, Special Education, Secondary Math, Secondary English. NON-instructional openings. Instructional Assistants. Bus Drivers. Contact Human Resources for more information: (804) 598-5700. https://powhatan.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx

10 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

Because of spring break, we missed the opportunity to recognize the division’s amazing assistant principals as part of National Assistant Principals Week (April 1-5, 2024). So, we wanted to take a moment to fix that by highlighting the awesome men and women who help lead our schools and keep them running well so we can educate and help our students grow. Thank you for all you do! Flat Rock Elementary School: Meghan Ellis Pocahontas Elementary School: Amanda Johnson Powhatan Elementary School: Karen Gobble Powhatan Middle School: Chris Pearson, Kevin Socha, and Heather Storrie Powhatan High School: Aaron Boughner, Alecia Clements, Kami Louth, and Courtney Talbott #wearepcps #teampowhatan

10 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

A man and three women smile at the camera.

A woman and two men smile at the camera.

Save the date! Prepare for an incredible evening featuring the Powhatan High School JV and Varsity Winter Guard performances on Tuesday, April 16 at 6 p.m. in the Powhatan High School gymnasium. Come watch and support our Varsity Indoor Drumline as they gear up for the WGI Sport of the Arts -2024 Percussion World Championships in Dayton, Ohio! #wearepcps #teampowhatan #WinterGuard #IndoorDrumline #WGI2024 #DaytonOhio #PHSProud #PHSBandBoosters

10 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

Because of spring break, we missed the opportunity to recognize the division’s wonderful library staff when National School Librarian Day fell on April 4. We want to rectify that now by recognizing the amazing men and women who keep our school libraries organized and provide the fun, creative, and educational environments that nurture our students. Thank you all! Flat Rock Elementary School: Kelly Terry and Rosanne Rini Pocahontas Elementary School: Tiffany Ray and Kathy Duty Powhatan Elementary School: Michelle Ball and Mary Jones Powhatan Middle School: Bucky Webb and Julie Benkovitz Powhatan High School: Paul Smartschan

10 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

A man and woman pose for a photo holding books.

Red Rover, Red Rover, let the Class of 2037 come over! Kindergarten registration kicks off on Thursday, April 11, and we are thrilled to meet our future students. Appointments will be held April 11 and 12 at your rising kindergartner’s future elementary school. We are asking for your 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

10 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

Photo by Powhatan County Public Schools on March 04, 2024. May be an image of 13 people, poster and text that says 'O៨ POWHATAN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Inspiring Empowering Innovating Kindergarten Registration 2024 Kindergarten Registration kicks off March 4 Appointments begin April 11 and 12 School Flat Rock Elementary School Dates & Times 4/11 9:15 11:15; 4/12 11:15; 4:15 Theme 2:40 Pocahontas Elementary School We are hungry for learning! (Hungry Hungry Caterpillar) 1:15 2:30, 4:15 6:00 2:30 Powhatan Elementary School Camp Kindergarten Welcome to the Woods! 4/11- 9:15-11;1-2:45; 4/12-9:15-11;1-2:45 Kindergarten is "Tiki"riffic! "Lei"ing the foundationfor success! For more information, visit www.powhatan.k12.va.us'.

The Powhatan County School Board workshop and meeting will be held at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., respectively, on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at their regular location in the School Board Meeting Room at the Pocahontas Landmark Center, 4290 Anderson Highway. The 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.

10 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

Powhatan County Public Schools is ready to welcome the parents 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

10 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

Educational graphics and text that reads: Powhatan County Public Schools is ready to welcome the parents of the Class of 2037 for a Rising Kindergarten Parent Information Night. Get ready for kindergarten and have your questions answered 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.

Earlier this semester, Mr. Mullins and Mr. Bird showed their World History I students at Powhatan High School how awesome the ancient city of Constantinople was and modern-day Istanbul is as part of the Byzantine Empire and Russia Unit. The Byzantine Empire and Russian Empire were continuations of Western Roman/Greco culture. This time period started in 476 CE/AD. The teachers took students to Istanbul/Constantinople to virtually visit the Walls of Constantine, the Hippodrome, and the Hagia Sophia. In addition, Constantine had one of the longest aqueducts ever built at 150 miles in length. Students were able to see how the modern city of Istanbul has built around and incorporated these ancient wonders. #wearepcps #teampowhatan

10 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

A teacher gives a presentation on the Byzantine empire.

A projection of a presentation on the Byzantine empire.

We know it's been everywhere, but we care about your eyes, so we are going to issue one more reminder ahead of today's eclipse about timing and staying safe: Today, parts of North America will be treated to a total solar eclipse! Although Powhatan won't be in the path of totality, we'll still get to enjoy around 86% coverage. PCPS will be celebrating the day with age-appropriate activities to help students understand the phenomenon. Rest assured, safety is our top priority, and we'll be providing proper eye protection and guidance on safe viewing practices for everyone involved. Peak coverage will be at 3:19 p.m. We ask for your patience as elementary school buses may be running slightly behind schedule. Secondary students will receive glasses they can bring home to safely view the eclipse. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when viewing the eclipse. #wearepcps #teampowhatan

10 months ago, Powhatan County Public Schools

Graphics showing a solar eclipse. Text that reads: Solar Eclipse SAFETY Eclipse glasses are not safe for use with cameras, binoculars, or telescopes. Special filters are needed for these devices. Don’t try to photograph the event with your phone or camera. It will damage your device. To safely view the eclipse, you must wear eclipse glasses, such as the ones we are providing you. Using regular sunglasses or looking through binoculars, a camera lens, or a telescope without special filters can damage your eyes! Before you use your eclipse glasses, check if they have any rips, scratches, or damage. If they do, don't use them – throw them away.