Merry Christmas! Powhatan County Public Schools wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday. We can't wait to see everyone in 2026!
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Mrs. Peyton and Ms. Tolley’s senior English students at Powhatan High School recently kicked off their introduction to A Christmas Carol with a hands-on library activity that mixed learning with a little friendly competition. 📚🎄 One station tested students’ tossing skills while they worked together to decide whether various British holiday traditions were true or false.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Second graders at Powhatan Elementary learned the many jobs one little letter can do earlier this month. ✏️📖 In Mrs. Cheatham’s class, students explored the different sounds the letter Y can make depending on where it appears in a word. This structured literacy lesson helped students build phonics skills and deepen their understanding of how words work – one sound at a time.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
🎄🏃♀️ What a night to move! 🏃♂️🎄
Pocahontas Elementary showed up in a big way at the CarMax Tacky Light Run and Twilight 1-Mile Kids Run earlier this month. A total of 45 POCA students represented the POCA Stride Run Club, joining more than 5,000 runners in the festive 4-mile event and 785 kids in the Twilight One-Miler.
Stride Run Club leader Mrs. Britz cheered on students while running alongside participants, celebrating their commitment to healthy habits, confidence, and perseverance. A big thank-you to Sports Backers and Kids on the Move for creating fun, inclusive events that inspire lifelong fitness – 1 mile (and lots of twinkly lights!) at a time. 🌟 Way to go, POCA! 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Pocahontas Elementary showed up in a big way at the CarMax Tacky Light Run and Twilight 1-Mile Kids Run earlier this month. A total of 45 POCA students represented the POCA Stride Run Club, joining more than 5,000 runners in the festive 4-mile event and 785 kids in the Twilight One-Miler.
Stride Run Club leader Mrs. Britz cheered on students while running alongside participants, celebrating their commitment to healthy habits, confidence, and perseverance. A big thank-you to Sports Backers and Kids on the Move for creating fun, inclusive events that inspire lifelong fitness – 1 mile (and lots of twinkly lights!) at a time. 🌟 Way to go, POCA! 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Powhatan County Public Schools recently partnered with Longwood University for the second round of hearing screenings this fall. Graduate students from Longwood’s speech-language pathology program visited both the high school and middle school to conduct screenings, gaining valuable clinical experience while supporting our students’ well-being.
We’re grateful for strong community partnerships like this one that create meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities and benefit students of all ages. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
We’re grateful for strong community partnerships like this one that create meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities and benefit students of all ages. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Flat Rock Elementary students sharpened their coding skills in December with no screens required! In Mrs. Osborne’s classes, students explored coding concepts and vocabulary through hands-on, “unplugged” activities. Using puzzles, games, and mazes with Indi Cars and Ozobots, students practiced problem-solving with commands, sequences, and algorithms – all while working together as a team. These engaging tools were made possible through Curtis Grant donations from previous years, and they continue to spark creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking across grade levels. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Paula Duncan named PCPS Teacher of the Year
POWHATAN, VA – Powhatan County Public Schools is proud to announce that Powhatan High School’s Paula Duncan has been named the Division Teacher of the Year fiscal year (FY) 2027.
Mrs. Duncan serves as the Social Studies Department Chair and teaches AP Human Geography and World History II. She has spent 25 years with Powhatan County Public Schools – all of them at PHS – and has 32 years of experience in education.
The announcement was made on Thursday, December 19, during an impromptu staff meeting at the high school. Principal Mike Pierce said Mrs. Duncan is renowned among her students for her enthusiasm and engagement as well as for the strong relationships she builds with them.
Her colleagues – several of whom are her former students – praised Mrs. Duncan for her impact as both an educator and mentor. One colleague shared that her “ability to bring history to life through her energy, unmatched content knowledge and care for her students is one of the reasons I wanted to become a teacher.” Another noted, “She was a tremendous wealth of knowledge and deeply cared about helping me with my students when I was figuring out how to teacher. Without Mrs. Duncan, I wouldn’t be the teacher I am today.”
At the risk of sounding cliché, Mrs. Duncan said she simply loves Powhatan High School – the job, the workplace, and the students and staff.
“I have spent my entire career coming in here and working with phenomenal staff and phenomenal students,” she said. “I think that is what keeps me coming through the door every day and actually loving it.”
Mrs. Duncan said she was amazed and humbled by the honor, both because of the outstanding school-based winners she was nominated with and when she considers the caliber of educators she works alongside at Powhatan High School.
“I walk by some of my colleagues’ doors on a daily basis and see amazing things that they do, and I think to myself, ‘I want to be really good like that. That’s how I want to be,’” she said. “That really is inspiring to me, and that is what really makes me honored, because I am being honored by some of the best of the best.”
Beyond her work in the classroom, Mrs. Duncan has demonstrated leadership at the local, state, and national levels. She is an active member of the Virginia Geographic Alliance and the National Council for Geographic Education and has served in leadership roles with Alpha Delta Kappa. She is also a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and volunteers with the Feeding Powhatan Food Pantry.
Mrs. Duncan has also contributed to curriculum and assessment development through her service on multiple Virginia Department of Education committees, including helping to design the World History II Standards of Learning and serving on World History I test design and question development teams.
In addition to the Division Teacher of the Year, Powhatan County Public Schools is proud to recognize the following FY 2027 school-level Teachers of the Year:
• Amanda Henley, Powhatan Elementary School – Serving as Technology Resource Teacher and Innovative Learning Liaison, Mrs. Henley has spent 16 years supporting students and staff by expanding learning opportunities, encouraging creativity, and integrating technology in meaningful ways.
• Cindy Raley, Pocahontas Elementary School – A second grade teacher and team lead, Mrs. Raley has been part of the Pocahontas Elementary community for six years and brings eight years of teaching experience marked by dedication to students, colleagues, and her school.
• Kristen Bentzen, Flat Rock Elementary School – An Innovative Learning Coach supporting both Flat Rock Elementary and Powhatan High School, Ms. Bentzen is in her third year in her current role, year 11 with the division, and has 21 years in education, with a strong focus on innovation and collaboration.
• Mike Morin, Powhatan Middle School – A sixth-grade science teacher, Mr. Morin has dedicated 27 years to PCPS and 28 years to education, making a lasting impact on generations of students through his passion and commitment.
We are deeply grateful for all of our FY 2027 Teacher of the Year nominees, whose commitment to students and passion for education exemplify the very best of Powhatan County Public Schools.
POWHATAN, VA – Powhatan County Public Schools is proud to announce that Powhatan High School’s Paula Duncan has been named the Division Teacher of the Year fiscal year (FY) 2027.
Mrs. Duncan serves as the Social Studies Department Chair and teaches AP Human Geography and World History II. She has spent 25 years with Powhatan County Public Schools – all of them at PHS – and has 32 years of experience in education.
The announcement was made on Thursday, December 19, during an impromptu staff meeting at the high school. Principal Mike Pierce said Mrs. Duncan is renowned among her students for her enthusiasm and engagement as well as for the strong relationships she builds with them.
Her colleagues – several of whom are her former students – praised Mrs. Duncan for her impact as both an educator and mentor. One colleague shared that her “ability to bring history to life through her energy, unmatched content knowledge and care for her students is one of the reasons I wanted to become a teacher.” Another noted, “She was a tremendous wealth of knowledge and deeply cared about helping me with my students when I was figuring out how to teacher. Without Mrs. Duncan, I wouldn’t be the teacher I am today.”
At the risk of sounding cliché, Mrs. Duncan said she simply loves Powhatan High School – the job, the workplace, and the students and staff.
“I have spent my entire career coming in here and working with phenomenal staff and phenomenal students,” she said. “I think that is what keeps me coming through the door every day and actually loving it.”
Mrs. Duncan said she was amazed and humbled by the honor, both because of the outstanding school-based winners she was nominated with and when she considers the caliber of educators she works alongside at Powhatan High School.
“I walk by some of my colleagues’ doors on a daily basis and see amazing things that they do, and I think to myself, ‘I want to be really good like that. That’s how I want to be,’” she said. “That really is inspiring to me, and that is what really makes me honored, because I am being honored by some of the best of the best.”
Beyond her work in the classroom, Mrs. Duncan has demonstrated leadership at the local, state, and national levels. She is an active member of the Virginia Geographic Alliance and the National Council for Geographic Education and has served in leadership roles with Alpha Delta Kappa. She is also a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and volunteers with the Feeding Powhatan Food Pantry.
Mrs. Duncan has also contributed to curriculum and assessment development through her service on multiple Virginia Department of Education committees, including helping to design the World History II Standards of Learning and serving on World History I test design and question development teams.
In addition to the Division Teacher of the Year, Powhatan County Public Schools is proud to recognize the following FY 2027 school-level Teachers of the Year:
• Amanda Henley, Powhatan Elementary School – Serving as Technology Resource Teacher and Innovative Learning Liaison, Mrs. Henley has spent 16 years supporting students and staff by expanding learning opportunities, encouraging creativity, and integrating technology in meaningful ways.
• Cindy Raley, Pocahontas Elementary School – A second grade teacher and team lead, Mrs. Raley has been part of the Pocahontas Elementary community for six years and brings eight years of teaching experience marked by dedication to students, colleagues, and her school.
• Kristen Bentzen, Flat Rock Elementary School – An Innovative Learning Coach supporting both Flat Rock Elementary and Powhatan High School, Ms. Bentzen is in her third year in her current role, year 11 with the division, and has 21 years in education, with a strong focus on innovation and collaboration.
• Mike Morin, Powhatan Middle School – A sixth-grade science teacher, Mr. Morin has dedicated 27 years to PCPS and 28 years to education, making a lasting impact on generations of students through his passion and commitment.
We are deeply grateful for all of our FY 2027 Teacher of the Year nominees, whose commitment to students and passion for education exemplify the very best of Powhatan County Public Schools.
Powhatan County Public Schools is taking a Winter Break. The school division will be closed from December 22, 2025, to January 2, 2026. January 2 is a Student Holiday, Teacher Work Day. Enjoy this special season with your loved ones. Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!! #WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Mrs. Simon’s second-grade class at Powhatan Elementary School had a week of sharing and caring. One of their acts of kindness was to make cards and a basket of snacks for the Powhatan Sheriff’s Office. We love our School Resource Officers!
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Who says an exam has to be boring? 🕵️♀️🧬
Students in Mrs. Ashman’s Forensic Science class at Powhatan High School wrapped up the first semester in a creative (and investigative) way. Each student selected a crime, conducted in-depth research, and designed an evidence board showcasing what they learned about the case. From analyzing details to presenting findings visually, this hands-on exam put critical thinking and problem-solving skills front and center – just like real forensic work.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Students in Mrs. Ashman’s Forensic Science class at Powhatan High School wrapped up the first semester in a creative (and investigative) way. Each student selected a crime, conducted in-depth research, and designed an evidence board showcasing what they learned about the case. From analyzing details to presenting findings visually, this hands-on exam put critical thinking and problem-solving skills front and center – just like real forensic work.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
More than half of Powhatan Elementary’s fifth graders chose to spend their lunch time earlier this semester doing something pretty awesome — joining a book club. 📚
Hosted by Mrs. Lewis and Mrs. Johnson, the club centered on I Survived novels that tied perfectly into the class’s “Natural Disasters” unit. Students selected from five titles, met weekly in small groups to discuss their reading, and rotated roles that encouraged responsibility, collaboration, and deeper thinking.
Five chapters a week, thoughtful conversations, and lots of enthusiasm later, the group wrapped things up with a well-earned pizza celebration. 🍕 We love seeing students volunteer their time to read, connect, and grow together.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Hosted by Mrs. Lewis and Mrs. Johnson, the club centered on I Survived novels that tied perfectly into the class’s “Natural Disasters” unit. Students selected from five titles, met weekly in small groups to discuss their reading, and rotated roles that encouraged responsibility, collaboration, and deeper thinking.
Five chapters a week, thoughtful conversations, and lots of enthusiasm later, the group wrapped things up with a well-earned pizza celebration. 🍕 We love seeing students volunteer their time to read, connect, and grow together.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Eighth grade English students in Dr. Beberdick's and Mrs. Sopp’s classes kicked off their Mysteries, Myths, and Monsters research unit earlier this semester with a gallery walk in the library. From the Loch Ness Monster and Bigfoot to the Lost City of Atlantis and Area 51, students explored a variety of intriguing topics before choosing one to research more deeply. 👽 👣 🐉 🔍
This introduction set the stage for learning how to ask strong questions, evaluate reliable sources, and eventually write a fully cited research paper. #WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
This introduction set the stage for learning how to ask strong questions, evaluate reliable sources, and eventually write a fully cited research paper. #WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
We’ve already honored some great teachers this week. Excuse us while we brag about some more!
On Monday, school and Central Office administration honored four amazing educators for achieving National Board Certification for Teachers (NBCT). Educators who complete this lengthy process must show proficiency in all areas of instruction as well as excellence in school and community involvement and supreme competency in their respective content areas. Please join us in congratulating these wonderful PCPS employees for achieving this honor in their respective certificate areas:
* Anthony Davis (PHS): Mathematics/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
* Amanda Henderson (PHS): Social Studies - History/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
* Traciann Paden (FRES): Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
* Paul Smartschan (PHS): Library Media/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Certification is valid for five years, at which time NBCTs must complete a Maintenance of Certification portfolio to remain National Board Certified. We are happy to welcome these fantastic men and women to the PCPS group of National Board Certified Teachers.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
On Monday, school and Central Office administration honored four amazing educators for achieving National Board Certification for Teachers (NBCT). Educators who complete this lengthy process must show proficiency in all areas of instruction as well as excellence in school and community involvement and supreme competency in their respective content areas. Please join us in congratulating these wonderful PCPS employees for achieving this honor in their respective certificate areas:
* Anthony Davis (PHS): Mathematics/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
* Amanda Henderson (PHS): Social Studies - History/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
* Traciann Paden (FRES): Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
* Paul Smartschan (PHS): Library Media/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Certification is valid for five years, at which time NBCTs must complete a Maintenance of Certification portfolio to remain National Board Certified. We are happy to welcome these fantastic men and women to the PCPS group of National Board Certified Teachers.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Possible transportation delays: We want to make you aware of possible transportation delays this afternoon. A number of service crews are working on a line that was cut along Anderson Highway, and this may lead to slow downs and traffic rerouting that could impact our vehicles. Families should monitor the My Ride K-12 app to keep track of the location of their school bus.
We’re excited to wrap up our recognition of FY2027 school-level Teachers of the Year with another amazing educator! 🎉
We’re proud to recognize Mike Morin as the Powhatan Middle School Teacher of the Year. Mr. Morin is a sixth-grade science teacher who has dedicated 27 years to Powhatan County Public Schools and 28 years to the field of education. His passion for teaching, commitment to students, and lasting impact in the classroom have made a difference for generations of learners. Please join us in congratulating Mr. Morin on this well-deserved honor. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
We’re proud to recognize Mike Morin as the Powhatan Middle School Teacher of the Year. Mr. Morin is a sixth-grade science teacher who has dedicated 27 years to Powhatan County Public Schools and 28 years to the field of education. His passion for teaching, commitment to students, and lasting impact in the classroom have made a difference for generations of learners. Please join us in congratulating Mr. Morin on this well-deserved honor. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
We’re excited to continue celebrating our school-level FY2027 Teachers of the Year across PCPS! 🎉
Today, we’re proud to recognize Kristen Bentzen as the Flat Rock Elementary Teacher of the Year. She was surprised today while helping out in Mrs. Schwartz's kindergarten class. Ms. Bentzen serves as the Innovative Learning Coach, supporting both Flat Rock Elementary and Powhatan High School. She is in her third year in her current role, year 11 with PCPS, and has spent 21 years in education. Her commitment to innovation, collaboration, and supporting teaching and learning across schools makes a meaningful impact for both students and staff.
Congratulations, Ms. Bentzen, and thank you for all you do for our school community!
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Today, we’re proud to recognize Kristen Bentzen as the Flat Rock Elementary Teacher of the Year. She was surprised today while helping out in Mrs. Schwartz's kindergarten class. Ms. Bentzen serves as the Innovative Learning Coach, supporting both Flat Rock Elementary and Powhatan High School. She is in her third year in her current role, year 11 with PCPS, and has spent 21 years in education. Her commitment to innovation, collaboration, and supporting teaching and learning across schools makes a meaningful impact for both students and staff.
Congratulations, Ms. Bentzen, and thank you for all you do for our school community!
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Good afternoon PCPS Community. We are back again with the December 2025 installment of the Powhatan County School Board Recap. As always, the goal of this newsletter is to help people who don't have the time to come to or watch full school board meetings still stay abreast of what is going on in our school division. The newsletter link is in the comments.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
We’re excited to continue sharing our FY2027 school-level Teachers of the Year, and next up is Pocahontas Elementary’s Teacher of the Year! 🎉
Please join us in congratulating Cindy Raley, a second grade teacher who has been part of the Pocahontas Elementary community for six years. Mrs. Raley also serves as the second-grade team lead and brings a total of eight years of teaching experience to her work with students. Her dedication to her students, her colleagues, and her school shines through every day.
Congratulations, Mrs. Raley – we’re proud to celebrate you and the impact you make at Pocahontas Elementary! 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Please join us in congratulating Cindy Raley, a second grade teacher who has been part of the Pocahontas Elementary community for six years. Mrs. Raley also serves as the second-grade team lead and brings a total of eight years of teaching experience to her work with students. Her dedication to her students, her colleagues, and her school shines through every day.
Congratulations, Mrs. Raley – we’re proud to celebrate you and the impact you make at Pocahontas Elementary! 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
We’re excited to continue sharing our school-level Teachers of the Year across PCPS! Today, we’re highlighting three of our school-level honorees, with two more coming tomorrow. 🎉
Please join us in congratulating Powhatan Elementary School’s FY2027 Teacher of the Year, Amanda Henley!
Mrs. Henley serves as the school’s Technology Resource Teacher and Innovative Learning Liaison, a role she has held throughout her 16 years at Powhatan Elementary and with the division. Her work supports both students and staff by expanding learning opportunities, encouraging creativity, and helping technology enhance instruction in meaningful ways.
Congratulations, Mrs. Henley, on this well-deserved recognition! 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Please join us in congratulating Powhatan Elementary School’s FY2027 Teacher of the Year, Amanda Henley!
Mrs. Henley serves as the school’s Technology Resource Teacher and Innovative Learning Liaison, a role she has held throughout her 16 years at Powhatan Elementary and with the division. Her work supports both students and staff by expanding learning opportunities, encouraging creativity, and helping technology enhance instruction in meaningful ways.
Congratulations, Mrs. Henley, on this well-deserved recognition! 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
We’re so excited to finally start sharing our FY2027 Teachers of the Year winners! 🎉 Powhatan County Public Schools is proud to recognize five outstanding educators - one for each of our schools. We’ll be spotlighting three today and two more tomorrow as we celebrate the incredible work happening in our classrooms every day. Later this week, we will announce the division Teacher of the Year.
First up — Powhatan High School’s Teacher of the Year:
🎓 Paula Duncan, M.Ed. Mrs. Duncan is the Social Studies Department Chair and AP Human Geography and World History II instructor. She also serves as the National Honor Society co-sponsor.
With 25 years in PCPS – all of them at PHS – and 32 years in education, Mrs. Duncan has made a lasting impact on generations of students through her leadership, dedication, and passion for social studies. Her commitment to excellence and to her students truly reflects the best of Powhatan High School. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
First up — Powhatan High School’s Teacher of the Year:
🎓 Paula Duncan, M.Ed. Mrs. Duncan is the Social Studies Department Chair and AP Human Geography and World History II instructor. She also serves as the National Honor Society co-sponsor.
With 25 years in PCPS – all of them at PHS – and 32 years in education, Mrs. Duncan has made a lasting impact on generations of students through her leadership, dedication, and passion for social studies. Her commitment to excellence and to her students truly reflects the best of Powhatan High School. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
