Dear PMS Families,
We had another great week last week! We completed SGA testing, and students were flexible with the schedule. Please tell them thank you again for taking SGA's seriously and being flexible-- we really appreciate it! For this week, we hope to see you all at Back to School Night on Thursday!
We need your help. Some students are bringing speakers to school and turning them on in the hallway. We've collected many; however, can you please speak to your student about not bringing speakers to school? We are focusing on teaching and learning and want to keep disruptions to a minimum. Thank you for your help with this!
I hope you enjoyed the long weekend! Tomorrow is a holiday-- we will see your students on Tuesday! Please let me know if you need anything!
Warm Regards,
Courtney Jarman (Swartz)
courtney.jarman@powhatan.k12.va.us
Principal
Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, OH MY!
Students engaged in problem solving at it's best! Students, our agents, had to figure out who were the droids using 21st century skills! They then reflected on their learning. My favorite questions asked, "What did this show you about working together with others?"
Book Tasting!
Who's ready for a book tasting?! Students were exposed to many different genres of books this week! The goal was for students to find something they were interested in reading. Exposure to many different books creates the opportunity for students to connect. Our ELA teachers and librarians did an awesome job showing students the possibilities through reading!
Mrs. Humphrey, the GOAT!
Please congratulate Ms. Humphrey on being the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) this month! Ms. Humphrey is an advocate and lover of all students. She wants all students to learn, grow, and be successful. She exemplifies our theme of TEAM, and we couldn't be prouder of what she has done for her students! She put in countless hours over the summer for students to be successful this school year! Dedication, Hardworking, and Role Model are just a couple of words that describe Ms. Humphrey!
CHAMPS!
CHAMPS is an acronym that reflects the types of expectations used by staff to clarify the activity and transitions occurring in class and around the building. The acronym stands for Conversation, Help, Activity, Movement, and Participation. Randy Sprick, co-author of CHAMPS, designed CHAMPS to help classroom teachers and administrators develop a proactive and positive classroom environment so that learning time can be maximized!
The process of communicating expectations will begin with the start of each class and prior to transitioning to different activities. Providing clear expectations for students eliminates the need for students to guess what is expected of them!
CHAMPS is posted in all classrooms at PMS! Ask your student about CHAMPS and how it was used this week!
Pep Parade!
What a great way to end the first week of school! Students lined up outside the hallway and cheered as admin, teachers, parents, and central office members paraded down the hallway cheering for the new year! Our PMS band paraded with us and did an amazing job playing and getting students excited for the school year! PMS PRIDE was strong on Friday!
Back to School Night!
Back to School Night will be September 7th from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. There will be a welcome announcement from administration. Enjoy going to all of your child's classes and meeting their teachers! This is a great way to get to know the teacher and expectations for their class!
*If you haven't paid your fees, please do so by this night. You will receive information regarding fees if you have an outstanding balance. Thank you!
Fees!
All fees are paid online through SchoolCash Online. All fees will be loaded in SchoolCash Online specifically based on your student's class schedule by the orientation date. You can access SchoolCash Online through our website as well as https://powhatan.schoolcashonline.com/. If you have any questions or need help, please reach out to our bookkeeper, Mrs. Hockaday at michelle.hockaday@powhatan.k12.va.us.
PTO! Parent Teacher Organization!
2023 Powhatan Middle Dodgeball Tournament
Get ready to DIVE, DUCK & DODGE in our schoolwide dodgeball tournament!
Form a team of 6-8 people and REGISTER HERE with a team name. Powhatan Middle School Students, Parents, Teachers, and Staff are all invited to play! Come in themed uniforms, athletic shoes, and ready to play!
When? Tuesday, October 3rd, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Where? Powhatan Middle School Gym
Cost? $5 per person to PLAY or WATCH; cash or card at the door
Team spots are limited - Don't wait to register!
PTO would love your help! Below are the upcoming events for September & October with a sign up genius link for each. We appreciate as much or little as you'd like to contribute- it all helps!
If it's more convenient for you, you can always donate $ directly to our hospitality fund for these events by clicking here
Upcoming Event Opportunities:
(click on link next to each date for more info & to sign up)
September 7: Back to School Teacher Dinner
September 20: Breakfast Bar & Coffee Cart
October 3: Dodgeball Tournament (sign up genius to come. Please note that parents can play too!)
October 18: Fall Teacher Popcorn & Caramel Apple Bar
POWHATAN MIDDLE PTO FACEBOOK PAGE
POWHATAN MIDDLE PTO INSTAGRAM PROFILE
Schoology
Schoology parent account user emails were sent to parents this week. If you did not receive an email and need to request an account, use this link. Here is a link to parent user resources and more parent information will be available at school back-to-school night. If you are having trouble logging in, please email andrea.dorsey@powhatan.k12.va.us.
Parent Technology Information
Please access the link below to ensure you are prepared for communication: Traversa (transportation), Schoology (learning management system), PowerSchool (grades), etc. as well as important information and websites (myschoolbucks, schoolcash online, etc.) to be successful this year!
Happy Birthday!
Wish your favorite student a very Happy Birthday on our Powhatan Middle School Marquee!!! For $10, we will run a message for 1 week (24/7).
The message will read: Happy (age) Birthday, (student’s first name)!!
Complete this form and submit payment through School Cash Online.
Note: Please submit Requests & Payments by the dates listed below
All September Birthdays due by September 8
October Birthdays due by September 16
November Birthdays due by October 21
Social Media!
Please follow us on social media to see all the great things T.E.A.M. PMS is doing!
- Instagram: powhatanmiddle_pcps: https://www.instagram.com/powhatanmiddle_pcps/
- Facebook: Coming soon!
Band Information
Please click below for an update from Mr. Richardson and band!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1z6Fck0yiklXxzkoFaOUvhPzPy_iStdNTGhYCtSoZGts/edit
Connect With Us!
To assure that you are receiving important information, please approve the phone number 804-362-2500. Also, be sure that you have approved text messages from our SchoolMessenger system. Simply text the words OPT IN to 67587. Also monitor your Spam/Junk/Promotional mailboxes in your email account.
6th Grade Assistant Principal
Meet Mr. Socha! He's joining us with an extensive background in technology, assessment, remediation, and history! He will be working with our 6th grade students, families, and teachers! If you have any 6th grade questions or concerns, please feel free to email him at kevin.socha@powhatan.k12.va.us.
7th Grade Assistant Principal
Meet Dr. Storrie! Dr. Storrie is not new to PMS, but is moving into the Assistant Principal role! She has vast knowledge about special education and math! She will be working with our 7th grade students, families, and teachers! If you have any 7th grade questions or concerns, please feel free to email her at heather.storrie@powhatan.k12.va.us.
8th Grade Assistant Principal
Meet Mr. Ferguson! Mr. Ferguson is starting his second year at PMS and will be moving to 8th grade with his former 7th grade students! Mr. Ferguson loves PBIS, routines, and structure! He's ready to continuing working with our 8th grade students, families, and teachers! If you have any 8th grade questions or concerns, please feel free to email him at jon.ferguson@powhatan.k12.va.us.
