Celebrating Progress. Continuing the Work.
We have some good news to celebrate in Pocahontas!
Over the past several years, our district has been intentional about building a more consistent approach to teaching and learning. We have developed a districtwide strategic plan, strengthened curriculum and instructional resources, expanded the use of student data, and worked to create greater consistency in what we expect students to learn and how we respond when they need additional support.
We developed a plan, and our teachers, staff, and administrators have been doing the hard work of putting that plan into practice. Now, we are beginning to see encouraging evidence of progress.
Our 2025–26 results show:
-The percentage of students reaching Levels 3 and 4 increased in ELA, math, and science.
-Our district Achievement score increased to 86.29, its highest level in the past three years.
-In math, the percentage of students in our lowest 25% meeting their growth target increasing to 55.60%.
-Our Success Ready score reached its highest level in the past three years, while progress toward Merit and Distinction increased to 67.94%.
These results are worth celebrating. They represent students learning, teachers responding to student needs, and staff throughout our district working every day to create better opportunities for kids.
They also remind us that the work is not finished. Some areas improved significantly, while others show us where we need to continue focusing our attention.
Our goal is simple: to be better today than we were yesterday and better tomorrow than we are today.
We developed a plan. We are working the plan. We are seeing progress. And we will continue learning, responding, and improving.
Today, we celebrate our students and staff. Tomorrow, we keep working..
We have some good news to celebrate in Pocahontas!
Over the past several years, our district has been intentional about building a more consistent approach to teaching and learning. We have developed a districtwide strategic plan, strengthened curriculum and instructional resources, expanded the use of student data, and worked to create greater consistency in what we expect students to learn and how we respond when they need additional support.
We developed a plan, and our teachers, staff, and administrators have been doing the hard work of putting that plan into practice. Now, we are beginning to see encouraging evidence of progress.
Our 2025–26 results show:
-The percentage of students reaching Levels 3 and 4 increased in ELA, math, and science.
-Our district Achievement score increased to 86.29, its highest level in the past three years.
-In math, the percentage of students in our lowest 25% meeting their growth target increasing to 55.60%.
-Our Success Ready score reached its highest level in the past three years, while progress toward Merit and Distinction increased to 67.94%.
These results are worth celebrating. They represent students learning, teachers responding to student needs, and staff throughout our district working every day to create better opportunities for kids.
They also remind us that the work is not finished. Some areas improved significantly, while others show us where we need to continue focusing our attention.
Our goal is simple: to be better today than we were yesterday and better tomorrow than we are today.
We developed a plan. We are working the plan. We are seeing progress. And we will continue learning, responding, and improving.
Today, we celebrate our students and staff. Tomorrow, we keep working..
Redskin Rest Stop is giving PHS students hands-on experience while building valuable real-world skills!
From counting money and tracking inventory to organizing products and serving customers, students are learning responsibility, independence, and workplace skills along the way.
We’re proud of the work happening at Redskin Rest Stop!
EARLY RELEASE WEDNESDAY IS TODAY!
Today is an Early Release Wednesday for Pocahontas School District. Students being picked up will dismiss early, while buses will run at their regular times. Students remaining on campus will be supervised and engaged in educational activities until normal dismissal.
A few important reminders for today:
🚗 Please remain in your vehicle during car pickup.
🏷️ Have your car tag visible and ready to help keep the lines moving efficiently.
➡️ Pull all the way forward and kindly follow directions from staff assisting with traffic.
📞 Please take care of checkouts, phone calls, and dismissal plan changes before 1:15 PM, as office and phone communication will be limited after that time.
🚘 MDW car pickup: Use the outer two lanes of the horseshoe.
🚘 PJHS car pickup: Use the inner two lanes of the horseshoe. Families picking up both MDW and PJHS students should use the MDW lanes.
Thank you for planning ahead, being patient, and helping us make Early Release Wednesday run safely and smoothly for everyone! ❤️🤍
EARLY RELEASE WEDNESDAY REMINDER!
Tomorrow is Early Release Wednesday at Pocahontas School District! Students who are car riders will dismiss early, while buses will continue to run at their regular times. Students remaining on campus will be supervised and engaged in educational activities until normal dismissal.
A few important reminders to help dismissal run safely and smoothly:
🚗 Please remain in your vehicle during car pickup.
🏷️ Have your car tag (PES/MDW) visible and ready to help staff quickly identify your student.
➡️ Pull all the way forward when directed and follow instructions from staff assisting with traffic.
📞 Please communicate any changes to your student’s dismissal plan before dismissal begins.
Early Release Wednesdays are marked in red on the attached school calendar.
We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation as we work together to keep Early Release Wednesday safe and efficient for all of our Redskins! ❤️🤍
Please be aware that the Flower bus route will be doubled this afternoon.
Students who ride the Flower bus may arrive home later than their normal time.
Thank you for your patience and understanding!
Today, Pocahontas School District recognizes the IT professionals who work each day to keep our district connected, supported, and moving forward.
Technology plays an important role in classrooms and across our campuses, and we appreciate the work that goes into maintaining the systems, devices, and resources our students and staff rely on every day.
Thank you to our PSD technology team for all you do to support our schools! ❤️🤍
Technology plays an important role in classrooms and across our campuses, and we appreciate the work that goes into maintaining the systems, devices, and resources our students and staff rely on every day.
Thank you to our PSD technology team for all you do to support our schools! ❤️🤍
📣 WE’RE HIRING!
Pocahontas School District is currently accepting applications for a Self-Contained Special Education Teacher (K–3).
We’re looking for a dedicated educator who is ready to support our students, make a difference each day, and become part of the Pocahontas School District team! ❤️🤍
Interested or know someone who would be a great fit? Help us spread the word!
Apply here:
https://pocahontas.schoolspring.com/
Come be part of Pocahontas School District!
Pocahontas School District is currently accepting applications for a Self-Contained Special Education Teacher (K–3).
We’re looking for a dedicated educator who is ready to support our students, make a difference each day, and become part of the Pocahontas School District team! ❤️🤍
Interested or know someone who would be a great fit? Help us spread the word!
Apply here:
https://pocahontas.schoolspring.com/
Come be part of Pocahontas School District!
Bus Route Update
The Deer bus route will be doubled this afternoon and is expected to run approximately 30 minutes later than usual.
We appreciate your patience and understanding!
DID YOU KNOW?
ALL Pocahontas School District students receive FREE breakfast and lunch this school year! But there’s one very important step we still need from our families:
📋 EVERY FAMILY is encouraged to complete the 2026–2027 meal application.
Even though students are currently receiving meals at no cost, completing the application is extremely important to helping our district maintain our meal program for future years.
Please take just a few minutes to complete yours today!
👉 Complete the Meal Application Here
Free meals today. Help us protect this opportunity for our students in the future. ❤️
ALL Pocahontas School District students receive FREE breakfast and lunch this school year! But there’s one very important step we still need from our families:
📋 EVERY FAMILY is encouraged to complete the 2026–2027 meal application.
Even though students are currently receiving meals at no cost, completing the application is extremely important to helping our district maintain our meal program for future years.
Please take just a few minutes to complete yours today!
👉 Complete the Meal Application Here
Free meals today. Help us protect this opportunity for our students in the future. ❤️
Pocahontas Elementary brought the Redskin spirit last week with a fun-filled pep rally! Our students had a great time cheering, showing their school pride, and getting excited alongside some of our older Redskins.
We love seeing our youngest students get involved in the traditions that make Pocahontas School District special!
It’s always a great day to be a Redskin! ❤️🤍
We love seeing our youngest students get involved in the traditions that make Pocahontas School District special!
It’s always a great day to be a Redskin! ❤️🤍
Bus Route Notice for Tomorrow Morning
Due to limited bus staffing tomorrow morning, the Deer bus route may experience delays. Students on the Deer route may also be picked up by a different bus driver than usual.
We appreciate our families’ patience and understanding as we work to get all students to school safely.
📚 ATLAS Interim Testing is Here!
As our students complete ATLAS Interim assessments, we want to help them be ready to do their best each day.
⭐ Be at school and on time — attendance is especially important during testing.
😴 Get a good night’s sleep — being well-rested helps students stay focused.
🍳 Eat a good breakfast — start the day fueled and ready to learn.
💪 Encourage your student — remind them to take their time, stay focused, and give their best effort.
ATLAS Interim assessments give our teachers valuable information about student progress and help guide instruction throughout the year.
Thank you for helping us set our students up for success! ❤️
🎙️ Hear from Superintendent Dr. Lance Arbuckle!
Dr. Arbuckle recently sat down with Mark Holt and Todd Baltz of The CommerceCast for a great conversation about Pocahontas Public Schools, our students, and the work happening throughout our district.
We appreciate the opportunity to share more about our schools and the exciting things happening across PSD!
Take a few minutes to watch the full interview! 👇
https://youtu.be/1SJWBp4dx-4?is=6n89PPiE01xJcrpU
Bus Route Update
The Flower and Canoe bus routes will be double routed this afternoon and are expected to run approximately 25–35 minutes late.
Thank you for your patience and understanding!
PJHS Football is on the road tonight at Nettleton! Kickoff is at 7:00 PM. Come out and support our Redskins! ❤️🤍
🎟️ Nettleton is CASHLESS. Tickets must be purchased online:
https://gofan.co/event/6713256
👜 CLEAR BAG POLICY will be in effect. Please plan accordingly before arriving at the stadium.
Good luck tonight, Redskins! 🏈
SHOW YOUR REDSKIN SPIRIT & SUPPORT PROJECT GRADUATION 2027! 🏈
Get game-day ready this Friday with Redskin spirit ribbons and tattoos!
They’ll be available Friday morning at PES and M.D. Williams for just $1 each, with proceeds helping support Project Graduation 2027.
📅 Friday, September 11
⏰ 7:15–7:45 AM
📍 PES & M.D. Williams
❤️ Spirit Ribbons & Tattoos | $1 each
Get game-day ready this Friday with Redskin spirit ribbons and tattoos!
They’ll be available Friday morning at PES and M.D. Williams for just $1 each, with proceeds helping support Project Graduation 2027.
📅 Friday, September 11
⏰ 7:15–7:45 AM
📍 PES & M.D. Williams
❤️ Spirit Ribbons & Tattoos | $1 each
📣 WE’RE HIRING | PARAPROFESSIONALS NEEDED
Pocahontas School District is currently seeking paraprofessionals at Pocahontas Elementary School to join our team!
Current openings include:
• Dyslexia Paraprofessional
• Special Education Paraprofessional
Applicants must have 60 college credit hours OR have passed the Paraprofessional Assessment (ParaPro Exam).
If you’re looking for an opportunity to support our students and staff while making a difference each day, we’d love to hear from you!
🔗 Apply online: https://pocahontas.schoolspring.com
❤️🤍 Come be part of Pocahontas School District!
Pocahontas School District is currently seeking paraprofessionals at Pocahontas Elementary School to join our team!
Current openings include:
• Dyslexia Paraprofessional
• Special Education Paraprofessional
Applicants must have 60 college credit hours OR have passed the Paraprofessional Assessment (ParaPro Exam).
If you’re looking for an opportunity to support our students and staff while making a difference each day, we’d love to hear from you!
🔗 Apply online: https://pocahontas.schoolspring.com
❤️🤍 Come be part of Pocahontas School District!
There will be no Early Release today, Wednesday, September 9. All Pocahontas Public Schools campuses will follow their regular dismissal schedules.
Thank you for helping us spread the word and plan accordingly!
Pocahontas students and coaches enjoyed attending the Randolph County Chamber of Commerce 1st Friday Coffee, sponsored by First Horizon Bank and Lighthouse Coffee!
It was a great opportunity to connect with community members, learn more about Randolph County, and share about the programs and opportunities happening at Pocahontas Schools.
We’re proud to see our students and coaches representing Pocahontas in our community. Go Redskins! ❤️🤍
🇺🇸 LABOR DAY | NO SCHOOL MONDAY
Pocahontas School District will be closed Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.
Students will return to school on Tuesday, September 8.
⚠️ IMPORTANT REMINDER: Because this is a shortened school week, there will be NO Early Release Wednesday next week.
Wednesday, September 9, will follow a NORMAL school day schedule with regular dismissal times. Buses will also run on their normal schedule.
Enjoy the long weekend, Redskins! ❤️🤍
Pocahontas School District will be closed Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.
Students will return to school on Tuesday, September 8.
⚠️ IMPORTANT REMINDER: Because this is a shortened school week, there will be NO Early Release Wednesday next week.
Wednesday, September 9, will follow a NORMAL school day schedule with regular dismissal times. Buses will also run on their normal schedule.
Enjoy the long weekend, Redskins! ❤️🤍
