Dates to Note |
Wednesday, February 25th - HCPS Black History Month Poetry Slam
Thursday, February 26th - Sports pictures for the Gymnastics team
Friday, February 27th - 8th Grade Field Trip to Air and Space Museum
Friday, February 27th - Performing Arts Cookie Dough Fundraiser Pick-Up
Monday, March 2nd - HCPS Climate Survey Opens
Friday - Sunday, March 6th-8th - Pocahontas Theatre Company presents Once Upon A Mattress
Monday, March 9th - Wednesday, March 25th - HCPS Student, Staff, and Family Climate Survey Window
Tuesday, March 17th - Middle School Matters - Mental Health Panel
Thursday, March 19th - End of Quarter 3 - Half Day for Students
ACCESS Testing - Bell Schedule Adjustments |
This week, some of our students* will be participating in ACCESS testing. To create the best testing environment possible, we are modifying the bell schedule some days this week.
All classes will still happen, the order is the only thing changing. Day 1 and Day 2 schedule will remain the same.
Tue Feb 24 (Day 1) - Blocks 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th (no bells will ring between classes)
Wed Feb 25 (Day 2) - Blocks 6th, 5th, 7th, 8th
Thu Feb 26 (Day 1) - Blocks 2nd, 1st, 3rd, 4th
Fri Feb 27 (Day 2) - Blocks 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th (no bells will ring between classes)
*Students participating in ACCESS testing have been notified.
Cookie Dough Delivery Reminders |
Whooo Hoooo - the day is almost here! The music department's Cookie Dough Deliver day is Friday, February 27th!
Families, please review these reminders!
Please reach out to Ms. Spruill, Ms. Breeden, or Ms. May with questions specific to your student! Thanks so much for the support! Our music department benefits greatly from this fundraiser!
Pocahontas Players Present - Once Upon A Mattress |
Tickets for Once Upon a Mattress: Youth Edition are on sale now! Performances will take place on March 6 at 7:00, March 7 at 2:00 and 7:00, and March 8 at 2:00.
Get your tickets and come support the Pocahontas Players! Tickets: our.show/pmsmattress.
We are so excited to see the cast and crew perform!
7th Grade Specialty Center Field Trip Opportunity |
We are excited to share an upcoming opportunity for selected students at Pocahontas Middle School. On March 13, 2026, we will attend the Spring Fair at Regency Square Mall. This event is designed to introduce middle school students to the various Specialty Centers available for high school, helping them explore academic and career pathways that align with their interests and abilities.
Why this Matters:
The Specialty Centers offer incredible opportunities for students to engage in rigorous, specialized learning experiences that align with their passions. However, many students may not be aware of these options or have had the opportunity to explore them in depth.
What to Expect:
During the event, students will participate in four interactive sessions:
● Three breakout sessions featuring different Specialty Centers, where students will engage in hands-on activities and learn about unique academic programs.
● A gallery walk where students can ask questions and gather additional information to help with their future planning.
Logistics & Permissions:
● Transportation will be provided by school bus, and students will be accompanied by staff and parent chaperones are welcome and needed to attend. Chaperones interested should contact Joan Ozolins, 7th grade school counselor, email- jmozolins@henrico.k12.va.us, or respond on the student permission slip.
● There is no cost for this trip.
● Lunch arrangements will follow normal school procedures.
● A permission slip is required for your child to attend and will be distributed to only those that sign up. Please ask your child for the form after they sign up.
Students interested in attending the trip should complete the Spring Fair Survey - 7th Grade Students Form to indicate their interest!
Avoiding March Madness - Watch Dog Volunteers Needed
Unlike basketball fans, we want to stay away from March Madness.
In March, we are having the grade levels compete to see who can earn the most positive points in Kickboard. The more positive behaviors, students demonstrate, the more points they earn.
While working to increase positive behaviors, we are looking for our WatchDog dads to volunteer. Checkout this Sign-up Genius to participate! The more the merrier!
HCPS Survey |
We want to know what you think!
HCPS will launch its annual survey on March 2, and we hope everyone will take a few minutes to complete the short questionnaire that helps us know how we’re doing and what we can do better.
Feedback from families, students and staff members helps us measure progress on our goals. Your answers can also lead to real changes, like expanded access to student programs and revamped class units. To view a preview of student surveys, which will be completed at school, visit henricoschools.us/page/annual-schools-survey.
If you do not want your student (grades 3-12) to participate in the survey, please opt out by Feb. 27 by directly contacting us. We look forward to hearing your thoughts! AND: As an incentive for completing the survey, you could help us win $500 if our school has the highest family participation rate in our magisterial district!
Save the Date: "Middle School Matters" Mental Health Panel
Tuesday, March 17
Pocahontas Middle School
5:30-6:30PM
Join us for a panel discussion about supporting middle schoolers' mental health. Copies of Phyllis Fagell's book, Middle School Matters, will be available for participants. All families welcome!
More details coming soon.
Lost and Found Pick-Up - Donations on Friday |
Is your student missing a piece of clothing or lunch box?!? Please remind your student to stop by the lost and found bins outside the cafeteria to check for missing jackets, sweatshirts, hats, waterbottles, and/or lunch boxes.
We encourage all students to write their name on their lunchboxes and waterbottles so they can be easily returned to the owner.
At the end of each month, lost and found items will be donated.
8th Grade Field Trip Details - Rescheduled |
The 8th grade field trip to the Air and Space Museum has been rescheduled for Friday, February 27th. Please keep an eye on ParentSquare messages for trip updates and information.
🚌 Departure: We will leave Pocahontas at 9:00 AM
🕓 Return: We will return to Pocahontas at approximately 4:00 PM
If you signed up to chaperone and are no longer able to attend on the new date, please let me know as soon as possible so we can adjust our plans.
At this time, we are no longer accepting additional permission forms or payments, as we have reached full capacity for our buses. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Keeping our School Beautiful |
Our Custodial and Maintanence Team work tirelessly to enusre our school is BEAUTIFUL! We need everyone's help to keep it this way.
Please talk with your student about the importance of picking up their trash, informing staff of a spill (so it can be cleaned up swiftly and correctly), and treating our facilities with the utmost respect. We have noticed an uptick in trash (wrappers, waste, etc) being left outside after huddle, in the cafeteria after lunch, and around the hallways. Little efforts to keep our school clean go a very long way!
Parking Lot and Traffic Reminders |
This is a reminder to be cautious and patient in the parking lot at all times.
During arrival and dismissal, please follow the directions of the staff. Be mindful of students and/or staff crossing the parking lot. Additionally, please execute caution while backing out of parking spots.
During dismissal, please park in a designated parking spot while waiting to pick-up your student.
If you notice something unsafe in the parking lot, please inform the staff on duty or call the main office at 804-364-0830.
Gymnastics Schedule
We are looking forward to cheering on our Pocahontas gymnastics team!! The team is filled with students who work hard and represent our school well.
Come cheer on our team at the following meets:
Monday, March 2nd vs Bell Creek @ Pocahontas (5:30 PM)
Wednesday, March 4th vs. Liberty and Chickahomony @ Chickahomony (5:30 PM)
Monday, March 9th vs Tuckahoe and Holman @ Holman (5:00 PM)
Gymnastics Pictures |
Strawbridge will be at Pocahontas to take gymnastics pictures on Thursday, February 26th. The coaches will provide athletes with their picture ordering information.
Poetry Mentorship Opportunity |
Poetry is one of the main ways young voices can share their stories- that’s why a young poet in the community, a student from Godwin, from the Poetry Society of Virginia is creating a mentorship program, where high schoolers mentor middle schoolers on a poetry passion project of their choice! It can be visual, auditory, anything - it just has to include poetry/prose. At the end of the two-month period with your mentor, your project will be displayed on a website, for everyone to see publicly. More details will be available in the form.
Don’t miss out! Fill out this form by February 24th!
Beginning Band Instrument Petting Zoo
For students signed up for Beginning Band for next school year at Pocahontas, come test out different instruments and pick which one you'll learn in the 2026-27 school year. No experience necessary!
Date: March 3 & 4 (pick which day works best for you)
Time: 4:30-7:30PM (both days)
Where: Pocahontas Middle School
Reach out to Ms. Spruill (cjspruill@henrico.k12.va.us) with questions.