POWES Family Press
October 11th: Week 8 Updates for the '26-'27 School Year
Quick Highlights
Good Evening Powhatan Elementary Families,
This year is FLYING by as we just wrapped up week seven of school! Can you believe tomorrow will be the start of week 8?
We have ONLY 2 weeks left in the 1st quarter! Please make sure you and your child's teacher(s) are working together to ensure your child(ren) is working hard as we are quickly saying goodbye to the 1st quarter, which is on Oct. 22nd.
We can't wait to watch your kiddo(s) πLEVEL UPπ₯this year with academics and overall performance in school!
Below is what you will find in this Sunday's message regarding the 26-27 school year. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!
- POWES Updates
- Home & School Connection (Bullying)
- Fall Picture Day...Oct. 19th
- Counseling Updates...
- Watch D.O.G.S.
- Run Club at POWES
- Lunch/Snack Buddies Program!
- Attendance...We Need YOUR Student Here EVERYDAY!
- Important Dates and Resources
- Upcoming Powhatan County Events
- PTO Info
- Dr. Gill's Message
- We have Powhatan PRIDE!
- Helpful Links ALL year long for Parents
- Previous POWES Family Press Newsletters
- PCPS Calendar! Check it out...ALL of the date your kiddo is OUT of school! THIS IS THE TIME TO PLAN appointments & trips!
π POWES Updates
- Student Health Services will conduct vision and hearing screenings for PreK, K, & 3rd grade and identified transfer students on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 13th and 14th. Please ensure your student wears or brings their glasses to school on those days. You will be informed if further evaluation is necessary.
- π¨Earthquake Drill on Thursday, Oct. 15th π’
- 2nd Grade (ONLY): Learn to Swim @ the YMCA:
Your child will begin attending swim lessons at the YMCA this week (Tuesdays & Thursdays). Please check with your child's teacher to find out which day your child will attend.
- Fall PICTURE Day!!
Get YOUR smile ready...Fall Picture Day is on Monday, Oct. 19th. Keep scrolling down to find more information.
- Safety Patrol UPDATE:
PLEASE do not send your student inside the building if you are in parent drop off until 8:20 am. We do not need them any earlier. If you have any questions please reach out to Ms. Peggy Jenkins at peggy.jenkins@powhatan.k12.va.us.
- We've had numerous dads and father figures join us already as we've "kicked-off" our...Watch D.O.G.S. program! If you'd like to participate IT'S NOT TOO LATE...keep scrolling to learn more!
If you have not done so already...PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE join our POWES PTO! Without your support our school would not have all of the amazing events we have each year!
- If you have any changes in your child's NORMAL mode of transportation throughout the school year please email powespickup@powhatan.k12.va.us and your childβs teacher. Please be patient as arrival and dismissal will take a little longer the first few days.
- When your child is absent please remember to call our attendance secretary, Mrs. Yarbrough or email us at powesattendance@powhatan.k12.va.us. Please remember if you plan to have your child miss school due to a vacation or trip then you need PRIOR approval from Dr. Gill. Please send him an email (jason.gill@powhatan.k12.va.us) with the dates requested.
π Your child has learned and reviewed what it means to..."Have Powhatan PRIDE"! They have also learned and reviewed our school's expectations of: Being Respectful, Being Responsible, Being Safe, and Being Kind. Please use these same guidelines at home to bridge the gap between home and school. They will recite our school pledge each morning..."I am Respectful, Responsible, Safe, & Kind...I have Powhatan PRIDE"! π§‘
π Let's CELEBRATE POWES...Teachers & Students!! π₯³
This accomplishment is NOT EASY, but POWES 3rd-5th grade students & teachers did it in May of 2026!
For those families who are JUST joining us this year, POWES EARNED the highest performance rating last school year as well (2025). We were the ONLY elementary school to carry this honor last school year from our results in May of 2025! Our students and staff ARE the REASON for this HONOR so let's continue working together to keep POWES at the TOP! We are NOT perfect, but we have HEART, DETERMINATION, & the PASSION for doing what is RIGHT by students!
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A milestone worth celebrating
On Wednesday, October 7th, the Virginia Department of Education released accountability results for the 2025β26 school year, and Powhatan County Public Schools has plenty to celebrate: PCPS earned full accreditation, and ALL FIVE of our schools earned the stateβs highest performance category, Distinguished. π
This recognition reflects the hard work of our staff and students and the families who support them. It represents the countless moments each day when teachers challenge students, students rise to those challenges, and families partner with our schools to help their children learn and grow. We are proud of what this achievement says about the commitment of our entire school community.
At the same time, we know a strong result is not a reason to stop growing. Distinguished does not mean perfect, and it does not mean there isn't more work to do. We know there are students who need additional support, opportunities we can strengthen, and ways we can continue improving the experience and outcomes for every student.
So today, we celebrate the achievement and the people behind it. Tomorrow, we keep moving forward.
Congratulations to our students, staff, and families on this accomplishment. We are proud to be PCPS, and we are always working to be better for every student.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
π Home & School Connection: Bullying Awareness π
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.
πΈ Fall Picture Day...Monday, Oct. 19th πΈ
Monday, Oct. 19th is the DAY! Get your kiddo(s) ready for picture day! Please read the flyers below to find out how you can order pictures ahead of time if you choose. You can also send in money on the "day of" with your picture package selected on the order form that will come home.
π Counseling Update...
The counseling department will be offering small groups to help students deal with grief. This group is for children who have suffered the loss of a close loved one and still having trouble handling it or you feel has not adequately dealt with the grief. If you are interested in your child participating in this small group during school hours, please contact one of the school counselors: peggy.jenkins@powhatan.k12.va.us or maddison.pfautz@powhatan.k12.va.us.
πΆ Watch D.O.G.S. πΆ
It's HERE! The time so many of our dads/father figures have been asking about...Watch D.O.G.S.! If you are interested in participating please see the information below. We can't wait to see you in the building supporting our staff and students as ...WATCH D.O.G.S.!
We've had few Watch D.O.G.S. in the last few days! Come on and join us @ POWES...you WILL be tired by the end of the day, but it's SO worth it. Our kiddos LOVE to see our Watch D.O.G.S. in the building and ESPECIALLY in their classroom!
View the WATCH D.O.G.S. Application
View the WATCH D.O.G.S. Presentation
View the WATCH D.O.G.S. Brochure
You must fill out and return the application to our school counselors, Ms. Peggy Jenkins & Miss Maddison Pfautz, in order to be considered for participation in the program. If you have any questions please reach out to them either by email or giving them a call. They are both happy to support you.
1st Watch D.O.G.S. of the 26-27 School Year!
We had a grandfather join us as the 1st Watch D.O.G.S. of the year! We can't wait to add more Watch D.O.G.S.!
Watch D.O.G.S. @ POWES
Our kiddos LOVE it when their dad, grandfather, uncle, or father figure in their life shows up to school to spend time volunteering as a Watch D.O.G.S.!
π Run Club at POWES π
For Students Who Have SIGNED Up for Run Club ONLY...
πRun Club πTOOK OFF this past Wednesday morning! Please reference this "Welcome to the POWES Run Club!" flyer for important information.
A couple of reminders for this week (10/14):
- This week, weβll have teachers at the check-in table near the front entrance to the playground by the parking lot. Weβd like all parents to make sure their kiddos are checked in before heading down to the blacktop or dropping them off.
- All Run Club kiddos need to stay on the blacktop with the group until the morning bell rings.
"I think our first week was a success! Iβm looking forward to another fun morning with the kiddos this Wednesday at 7:50 a.m.!"
-Mrs. Alexander
π₯ͺ Lunch/Snack Buddies Program!
The Lunch/Snack Buddy program has been in our schools for over 10 years. The Lunch/Snack Buddies program is one that promotes building relationships with a student who is exhibiting a need for a positive adult role model. We provide this program in the 3 elementary schools as well as at PMS. The program begins the beginning of October and will last until end of April.
A YES commitment would look like:
- A lunch buddy would mentor an elementary student during their lunch time once a week
- A snack buddy would mentor a middle school student during ACCT time once a week.
- A brief overview training about what to expect, confidentiality protocols as well as answering your questions prior to you being partnered with a student
- You will be asked your preference of school and age of child. We will do the best to match you with a perfect student in need. If you want to mentor more than one student, we can make that happen as well.
- A background check and fingerprinting session with HR would be necessary
The activities between the student and mentor will be monitored by the school counselors but it can be anything from academic support to conversation, playing games, making crafts, and things of that nature during the set weekly lunch/snack time.
If you are interested in participating as a mentor for the Lunch/Snack Buddies Program, we would be happy to have you! Send an email to lunchbuddies@powhatan.k12.va.us Please respond soon to let me know and I will be in touch about the next steps. The program starts the first week of October!
π Attendance...We Need YOUR Student Here EVERYDAY!
We need your kiddo at school every day so they can learn with us. Research shows that if your child misses 2 days a month then he or she is trending to be Chronically Absent (missing 10% or more time from school) as they move through their school career. To put this into perspective at this point of the year...if your child has missed TWO or MORE days already from school this year then your child is Chronically Absent. Now, as we continue to be in school longer and your child doesn't miss any more days then the percentage will drop drastically.
Congratulations again to 2nd grade for WINNING the "Attendance Matters" award for the month of September. Now we are back to checking out the PERFECT Attendance by Grade percentages as of Friday, Oct. 9th (% of the grade that has NOT missed a day of school YET) :
PK: 42.65%
K: 57.75%
1st: 36.54%
2nd: 59.46% π
3rd: 48.57%
4th: 57.33%
5th: 53.16%
WAY to GO 2nd grade! But watch out...kindergarten is closing in FAST! Who will have the BEST attendance at the end of October? Will it be 2nd grade again? STAY TUNED!!
We celebrate "Attendance Matters" each month with some sort of celebration (popsicle, popcorn, etc). Who will WIN our 2nd month of school? GAME ON...Let's πLEVEL UPπ₯ OUR LEARNING by being at school EVERY DAY!!
Guess What?!
Mrs. Easter's 4th grade class HAS the BEST attendance school wide as of October 6th...
99.09% of her class has been at school each day! Her class currently holds our πLEVEL UPπ₯ Award...a light up game controller! Which class will earn the HONOR of holding on to the
πLEVEL UPπ₯ Award next? STAY TUNED!
π Important Dates and Resources
October 12th: 3rd Grade STEM Day
October 13th: 1st Day for 2nd Grade Learn to Swim (Tuesdays & Thursdays: check w/teacher for your child's day)
October 13th & 14th: Student Health Services will conduct vision and hearing screenings for PreK, K, & 3rd grade & any transfer students
October 15th: 2nd day of Learn to Swim for 2nd graders (check w/teacher for specific dates)
October 15th: Earthquake DRILL!
October 19th: Fall Pictures
October 22nd: End of 1st Quarter
October 22nd: POWES Fall Festival
October 23rd: NO SCHOOL for Students (Teacher Work Day)
October 26th: NO SCHOOL for Students (Teacher PD Day)
October 30th: Report Cards Sent Home
November 2nd: No School for Students & Staff (Offices will be open)
November 3rd: No School for Students (Parent/Teacher Conference Day)
Interims: Week of Nov. 16-20
December 18th: End of 2nd Quarter (1st Semester Ends)
January 8th: Report Cards Sent Home
Interims: Week of Feb. 1-5
March 11th: End of 3rd Quarter
March 19th: Report Cards Sent Home
Interims: Week of April 19-23
June 4th: Report Cards Sent Home w/Elementary students
Additional Information
- β° REMINDER: Elementary start time: Drop off begins at 8:25 am in the front loop of the school.
***If a need arises for some reason and you need to pick your child up early from school you will NEED to bring your photo ID inside the building in order to do so...EVEN if we know you!
If you do not currently receive text messages from the school messenger program and you would like to OPT IN to receive TEXT messages. Text the words OPT IN to 67587.
Are you or someone you know interested in becoming a substitute teacher for PCPS? Apply here if you are interested! Please spread the word so we can increase our substitute pool.
π’ Upcoming Powhatan County Events π
Spooky Movie Night in the Park
Come on out & bring the WHOLE family!
Imagination Library
Celebrate Dolly Parton and join in on a COLOR RUN!
Land of the FREE because of the BRAVE!
Veteran's Day Event in Powhatan County! Please join our very own Mrs. Easter as she teams up with some incredible family members to host this AMAZING event!
Let's PULL Together...
TAB Collection! Join us in collecting aluminum pull tabs to benefit the Ronald McDonald House!
Adult GED in Powhatan
Change your path with THE GED!
Envirothon
Is your kiddo interested? Read more...
Hustle Athletic Academy Before/After School Care
Still in need of "Before and/or After" school care?
π§‘ Powhatan PTO
POWES families,
We are still looking for more families to partner with us by joining the PTO, but if you can't then please consider donating your time to help us with all of the AMAZING events we will put on this year!
PTO Meetings:
**PTO Meeting on the 1st Thursday of each month**
π Read-a-Thon UPDATES as of Friday, October 9th! Check out the LEADER boards below!
- $6,160 raised SO far...it ends on 10/19.
- 8,293 total minutes read at this point
- MOST π° $$ Raised so far by...Prince Boone...$400
- TOP Reader π so far...Joshua Ridenhour...1,080 minutes
- Class with MOST πΈ $$ raised so far...$845...Mrs. Fields (PK-4)
- Class with MOST β minutes read so far...1,965... Mrs. Lewis (5th grade)
Let's KEEP reading! There's still time to find out who will end up getting to TP (toilet paper) Dr. Gill & Mrs. Gobble!
π’ ALL THINGS FALL FESTIVAL 2026 π...view the important info about this event
- π¬ Monty the Candy Monster is SOOO hungry! Please feed him CANDY!!
- πΏ The popcorn race is still on! Mrs. Triggβs class is still in the lead! Who will hit 100% family PTO membership and get their popcorn party first?
- Keep reading to find out all about the events coming from your PTO!
Want to be part of the PTO community? Here are a few quick links:
Join the PTO β Click here to complete the form & pay for your membership
Volunteer with us β Click here to complete the volunteer interest form
Have questions, comments, or concerns? We are always available via email. Please donβt hesitate to reach out!
You all are the π€ heartbeat π§‘ of this school & we are so grateful for your time!
π€ π§‘ your POWes PTO!π€π§‘
βKelsi, Nicole & Madison
π’ CALLING ALL POWES FAMILIES...WE WANT & NEED YOU π«΅!
Please join the PTO as we would love to have 100% of our staff and families join us as we plan and organize TONS of events for our school! We would LOVE to see ALL of you at our monthly meetings, which take place the 1st Thursday of each month at 6:30pm.
PTO Memberships by Class
There's still time to join our POWES PTO! Which class will EARN their popcorn party for hitting 100% of class membership?
Monty the Candy Monster
Support our Fall Festival on Oct. 22nd by feeding "Monty" TONS of candy!!
Meet the REAL "Monty"...
Here is the "REAL" Monty the Candy Monster! He's waiting patiently outside our cafeteria for his favorite meal...CANDY! Let's LOAD him up so we will have PLENTY of CANDY to give out as prizes at our Fall Festival on Oct. 22nd.
π Dr. Gill's Corner
Dear POWES Families,
π A few items to highlight around our school:
-
Our students are working hard as we are now down to the LAST TWO weeks before the END of the 1st Quarter (10/22)! It's amazing how fast this year is going already...almost 25% done!
- Please keep reminding your kiddo(s) to follow our PRIDE Expectations on a daily basis.
-
We are continuing with our PCPS KINDNESS Challenge so stay tuned to see if your kiddo will be recognized by his/her teacher at the end of the month! KINDNESS is our focus moving forward this year and into the years to come. Please talk with your child about our POWES PLEDGE: I am Respectful, Responsible, Safe, & Kind...I have Powhatan PRIDE"! π§‘
As always...if you ever have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out to myself or Mrs. Gobble, assistant principal.
Please make sure your student is getting the proper amount of rest as we will be CHALLENGING ALL of our students in order to πLEVEL UPπ₯this year!
Please keep scrolling down to see a section that contains the previous POWES Family Press newsletters.
We are JUMPING FOR JOY for all of what the 26-27 school year has in store for you and your kiddo(s)! Mrs. Gobble, assistant principal, and myself are so glad that each of you will be partnering with us as we πLEVEL UPπ₯ this school year. Again, I am HONORED to be your principal and I cannot wait to see all of you VERY soon!
See you soon,
Dr. Jason Gill
Your PROUD Principal
Mrs. KP Gobble
Your AMAZING Assistant Principal
π WE HAVE POWHATAN PRIDE! π§‘
π Helpful Links for Parents
View Parent Guide with ALL Things POWES!
View MySchoolBucks for lunch accounts
View the PCPS Transportation webpage for more tips and additional bus information
View SchoolCashOnline for field trip and other payment
View the 2026 - 2027 division calendar
View the PCPS website
View the PCPS Instructional website
Attendance Information
View PCPS Attendance Information
πSchool Supply Lists:
View Supply Lists for PK (3βs & 4βs)
View Supply Lists for Kindergarten, 1st, & 2nd