Third graders at Powhatan Elementary recently learned about the importance of soil by making observations of the soil components, testing the soil in the schoolyard to determine what it contained, and learning about vermiculture - composting with worms. They will use worms to compost their food scraps throughout the year. The day ended with them creating their own soil mixture to grow microgreens. #wearepcps #teampowhatan
A big thank you to the members of the Powhatan Middle School Positivity Patrol. The group was formed with the purpose of being present and more involved with their children and to be a positive influence on all middle schoolers. In doing this, they aim to show all Powhatan children that they have a community that supports and wants them to succeed! By having more adult presence in the school’s hallways, at restrooms, and in the lunchroom, they hope to assist in deterring negative behaviors. With volunteers stepping up to take on some of these monitoring roles it also allows teachers to focus on their class instruction and give more time back to their planning periods during the instructional day. #wearepcps #teampowhatan
Across the division, students and staff were asked to wear orange on Oct. 18 for Unity Day, a day that aims to show unity for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion and to send a visible message that no child should ever experience bullying. A banner at the high school made by students promoted the event, and students were asked to sign the Kindness Acceptance and Inclusion Pledge during lunch. #wearepcps #teampowhatan
The Emerging Leaders group at Powhatan High School recently conceived of and presented to district and school leaders a thoughtful way they want to have an impact at their school. The group is creating the Indian Inventory, which will be a supply closet that can provide PHS students with essential needs necessary for meeting academic success. The students researched the project to see how and why it should operate; interviewed key stakeholders to find out the greatest needs among their peers; problem solved to plan for potential issues; strategized how to fundraise and work with local businesses, community groups, and local leaders to build relationships aimed at keeping the closet stocked; created plans to promote the closet; designed a way for students in need to access supplies discretely; and began to make plans about how to make the closet sustainable. Excellent job all around by Mrs. Wilson’s students. #wearepcps #teampowhatan
Central Office staff members and school board members were invited to donate items to make up the Thanksgiving Complete Meal bags given out by the Powhatan Food Pantry for Thanksgiving. The food pantry is still accepting donations through Nov. 30. #wearepcps #teampowhatan
Mrs. Stout takes the Cool Kids Who Compost out behind the school to share the roots of composting at Pocahontas Elementary. There are big plans to clean up the outdoor classroom, have composting buckets in the cafeteria, and ultimately, having these cool kids spread the word of what composting is all about. #wearepcps #teampowhatan
We need to catch up on a recognition we missed. Mr. Payne’s Electricity 2 student, Bradley Wade, placed fifth out of 25 at the SkillsUSA State Fair Electricity Competition held Sept. 26. We are extremely proud of Bradley and other students who competed for their strong showing at the State Fair and their representation of the division’s Career and Workforce Development programs. #wearepcps #teampowhatan
Over the next few months, Powhatan County Public Schools will be spotlighting the awesome employees who joined our staff this year. Please join us in welcoming them to the PCPS family. #wearepcps #teampowhatan
The amazing first graders in Mrs. Ayers’ class at Flat Rock Elementary graciously welcomed Communications Liaison Laura McFarland into their classroom today as this week’s Mystery Reader. Ms. McFarland had a blast reading the kids “Busy Builders, Busy Week!” and “Sheep Dog and Sheep Sheep.” Both of the books are now in the classroom library. Mrs. Ayers schedules a different Mystery Reader every week to come read to the class. Before the mystery guest enters the room, their teacher builds up their excitement by giving the children three clues to see if they can guess who is coming for a visit. #wearepcps #teampowhatan
Powhatan Elementary School’s kindergarten classes recently had a Nursery Rhyme Day. Not only are nursery rhymes fun to sing, read, and act out, they’re great for building upon many literacy and listening skills. The kids got to explore new vocabulary, count syllables, match rhyming words, and begin recognizing known and unknown words. #wearepcps #teampowhatan
Curiosity was in the air for the first day of Club POCA! Before and after school, students are given the opportunity to join an extracurricular club run by Pocahontas Elementary School teachers and staff around the building. Club POCA hopes to create deeper connections to learning and passions shared amongst students and staff. Mrs. Ray began with the Sew Cool Kids Club on the basics of sewing: backstitches, embroidery hoops, and patience. #wearepcps #teampowhatan
Flat Rock Elementary School fifth graders in Mrs. Watts’ class worked on the second practice problem for Future Problem Solving. The students used technology, teamwork, division of labor, and visual representations in the exercise. #wearepcps #teampowhatan
Speaking of dogs... All About Dogs 4-H SPIN Club has been rescheduled!
It will take place on Wednesdays, Nov 1, 8, and 14, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Powhatan Landmark Center in Parks & Rec’s training room. If you are thinking about getting a pet, especially with the holidays coming up, or already have one and want your little ones to learn about the responsibility involved, this class is for you. You may register your child for this session at the following link: https://forms.gle/PxQtiYGfN7CGYSg67, or scan the QR code in the ad. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Extension Office with questions, (804) 598-5640.
Powhatan County Public Schools welcomes Ron Henley to the team as the New Director of Transportation. #wearepcps #teampowhatan
Last Thursday, ecology students from Powhatan High School had the opportunity to explore the Robins Nature Center at Maymont, a 29,000-square-foot attraction that holds close to 30,000 gallons of aquaria showcasing animals of the James River and Chesapeake Bay. During their visit, the students delved into the fascinating world of Virginia's native wildlife and gained insights into the intricate dynamics of ecosystems. #wearepcps #teampowhatan
Dancing for a Pawsome Cause at Powhatan Middle School! The school’s student leadership team hosted a fantastic dance on Oct. 6, with profits going to a cause chosen by students. They voted overwhelmingly to support the Powhatan Animal Shelter and were thrilled to present Deputy Riviere with a check for $3,800 for the shelter. Thank you, Powhatan Middle School students and families, for making a real difference for our furry friends. #wearepcps #teampowhatan
Powhatan Elementary School recently welcomed Michael J. Corman, who came to talk to the school’s first graders as part of Disability History and Awareness Month. Mr. Corman talked to the students about living without sight, stressing it doesn’t stop him from living life, including becoming an attorney, an accomplished pianist, a family man with two children, and speaking several languages. Accompanied by his seeing eye dog, Elton, Mr. Corman performed a few songs for the children, read a book in braille, and answered some thoughtful questions from the students. #wearepcps #teampowhatan
During their Virginia Studies class with Mrs. Dillon, fifth graders at Powhatan Elementary School made models of Native Virginia homes. The classes took turns visiting the STEM Lab and having the kids work in three-person groups to create their take on a native house. Mrs. Dillon said: “It was fun to give the students a different setting that allowed them to work together and be creative in order to model Native Virginian homes. The students loved being innovative!” #wearepcps #teampowhatan #elevateeducatorsva
Mrs. Farrell and Mrs. Lambert recently taught the seniors in the Nurse Aide Program at Powhatan High School how to administer CPR so they could be CPR certified. The certification is required both by the Board of Nursing and so the seniors can start their first clinical rotations. The program, which is part of the division’s Career and Workforce Development offerings, sends the students to work in units with patients. “If something were to happen, it’s very important that the students know how to respond correctly and accordingly,” Mrs. Farrell said. “Of course, they’re students so the staff would quickly take over, but they need to know how to respond. Also, just out in the community being good citizens. Every year, we have students in this program that volunteer with the Rescue Squad. And this training is required for all of that.” This class is a state-accredited nurse aide course and meets all course requirements necessary for students to receive their CNA certificate. “If they pass the State Boards they are fully certified, and, honestly, they are instantly employable as nurse aides,” she added. #wearepcps #teampowhatan
Powhatan County Public Schools kicks off its Let’s Pull Together Tab Collection today. Now through Dec. 11, bring your aluminum pull tabs to your child’s school. The tabs will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Richmond, which provides a "home away from home" for families traveling to the Richmond area while their children receive medical treatment in local hospitals. By collecting the pop tops from aluminum cans and bringing them to RMHC Richmond, PCPS can help RMHC continue to carry out its mission of keeping families close. #wearepcps #teampowhatan
