PHS Parent Newsletter

Parent-Teacher Conferences have arrived! Join us on Tuesday, November 3rd, between 11:00 AM and 6:30 PM to connect with your child’s teachers. You can schedule your conference using this link: https://ptcfast.com/schools/Powhatan_High_School

Need help? Check out our step-by-step instructions.

The week of October 26 will be EVEN/ODD/EVEN/ODD

The week of November 2 will be ALL BLOCK/EVEN/ODD

Oct 26: Student Holiday

Oct 30: Trunk or Treat

Oct 31: AP Exam Payment Deadline

Nov 2: Student Holiday

Nov 3: Student Holiday

Nov 19 (6-8pm): The PHS Experience: Come see some of the great things your student has been working on this year and start thinking about next year!

Please help us by leaving a gap for vehicles exiting the road by the greenhouse. Thanks for your help!

Dear Parents and Guardians,

At this point in time, we will not be able to proceed with the PE uniform order for this school year. All families who purchased PE uniform items will receive a refund for the items purchased. Refunds will be issued based on your original method of payment: payments made through SchoolCash Online will be refunded to the original credit card used, while payments made by cash or check will be refunded by check. We sincerely apologize for this change and appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this situation.

Please understand that the PE dress code requirements remain in effect for the remainder of the school year. All PE students are required to change into a black shirt and black bottoms for class. This requirement is not optional. Jeans, skirts, and pajama pants are not permitted.

Changing into appropriate PE clothing is important for personal hygiene and allows students to participate safely and comfortably in physical activity. Requiring students to wear the same color also supports organization, classroom management, student safety, inclusion, and consistency with our school dress code.

Students who do not wear the required black shirt and black bottoms will lose points off their PE grade. Please make sure your student has appropriate clothing available for every PE class.

Looking ahead to the 2027-2028 school year, additional information regarding the PE uniform shirts, ordering process and requirements will be communicated as we get closer to the start of the next school year.

Again, we apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your cooperation and continued support in helping us maintain a safe, organized, and inclusive PE environment for all students.

Sincerely,
PHS Administration & PE Department

Join us in celebrating kindness across our schools as Powhatan County comes together to build connections, show gratitude, and spread positivity throughout our community. We encourage all of our students and families to practice simple acts of kindness at home, in class, and in our neighborhood this week. Be sure to share your inspiring stories and photos on social media using #PowhatanIsForKindness as we work together to show that Powhatan is truly for kindness!

Math class, art class, the library, or at home - no matter where inspiration strikes, every Virginia K-12 public school student is invited to participate in the 10th Annual Thank a Teacher Art Contest, presented by the Virginia Lottery and The Supply Room.

From October 19 through November 23, 2026, students can create an original piece of artwork inspired by the teachers who make a difference in their lives. Teachers across all subjects and grade levels can make the contest an in-class activity, incorporate it into an existing lesson or send it home as an optional project.

Three students will win, one each from the elementary, middle and high school levels. Each winner receives a $200 gift card, while their school receives a $2,000 credit to The Supply Room.

Contest details and more

Want to make a positive impact in our schools? Powhatan County Public Schools (PCPS) is hiring a Clinic Assistant to support our nursing staff and care for students with medical needs. Visit the PCPS website to view the job posting and submit your application. For additional details, please contact Katie Matheny at 804-598-5700 ext. 135.

Join the PCPS Student Services Department for their monthly Powhatan Strong Coffee Chat series Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 4 PM. We will be discussing Understanding Youth Substance Use with Jordan Schellin, Powhatan County Outreach Coordinator and Tiffany Eustice, VDH Youth and Young Adult Tobacco Coordinator. To join, click the link at https://bit.ly/PowhatanStrong26-27

Powhatan High School is excited to invite local businesses, colleges, universities, technical schools, community colleges, military recruiters, and other organizations to participate as vendors in our 2026 Powhatan High School Career & College Fair for our junior and senior students.

This has always been a fun and valuable event for our students, providing them with the opportunity to network with local businesses and organizations, explore career options, learn about military opportunities, and connect with colleges and universities. We have seen many meaningful connections and opportunities come from this event over the years, and we are excited to continue this tradition!

When: Thursday, November 19th
Time: 10:15 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Powhatan High School

Who is invited?

• Military recruiters
• Colleges and universities
• Technical and trade schools
• Community colleges
• Local businesses
• Community organizations
• Anyone interested in providing high school students with information about educational or career opportunities

October is National Bullying Prevention Month

This month we join together to raise awareness, promote empathy, and take a stand against bullying.

One of the signature events of the month is Unity Day on October 21st where everyone wears Orange to show their support for bullying prevention.

Powhatan Is For Kindness

We are officially kicking off our school-wide initiative: Powhatan Is For Kindness! This school year we aren't just talking about kindness- we are rewarding it! Students and Staff can nominate their peers who are demonstrating random acts of kindness, such as holding a door open for someone, helping out a peer in class, or welcoming a new student to a lunch table. Winners from each grade level will be announced every single month and can win fun prizes. The Nomination form can be found on the PHS School Counseling Schoology page.

Please also join us by participating in our Kindness Week Spirit Days during October 19th-October 22nd to help promote kindness within our community!

Red Ribbon Week

Red Ribbon Week is the largest and longest running annual drug, tobacco, and violence prevention awareness campaign in the United States and is recognized during October 23rd-October 31st. Their goal is to mobilize communities, educate students, and promote safe, healthy, and drug free lives.

To get help during the process please reach out to our GRASP coordinator to schedule your appointment.

Here is additional information to help students and your parents fill out the FAFSA.

Each year, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) provides millions of students more than $120 billion in grants, loans, and work-study funds to help them access and complete postsecondary education. To obtain these resources, students and their families must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form.

The 2027-28 FAFSA form is now officially open. Most students can complete their section in 12 minutes or less, and they can see their results, including Federal Pell Grant eligibility and their Student Aid Index, immediately after submitting the form. Students can now complete the form at: fafsa.gov

Additonal official FAFSA completion resources:

• How to Create a StudentAid.gov Account Guide: This step-by-step guide is easy to print and share.

Our school is joining 1 Hour for Schools, a nationwide movement making it simple for parents and caregivers to give back — starting with just one hour of volunteering with PHS Parent Helpers, Boosters, and any other way this year. Every hour you pledge not only supports our school community but also enters us for a chance to win $3,500 (plus a shot at a $100 Walmart gift card for you!). No special skills or big time commitment needed — just show up. Sign up at onehourforschools.ptotoday.com using our school zip code, and help us reach our goal!

Spotting the Signs & Four Types of Bullying

Bullying manifests in four primary ways: physical, verbal, social/relational (such as spreading rumors or exclusion), and cyberbullying. While physical behavior leaves visible signs, verbal and relational harm can be just as damaging to a child's well-being. Children don't always ask for help directly, making it important to watch for subtle behavioral changes.

• Emotional Signs: Unexplained anxiety, loss of confidence, mood swings, or withdrawal.

• Physical & Academic Signs: Frequent stomachaches or headaches, sudden drop in grades, or reluctance to go to school.

• Action Step: Reach out to your child's teacher or school counselor early if you notice sudden changes in their social habits or mood.