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..
Students can stop by, check out the different designs, and grab a favorite while supporting our PHS Art Club.
Buttons will also be available at home football games throughout the season!
🏝️ 2026 HOMECOMING: REDSKIN PARADISE
🔥 “Bringing the Heat in Redskin Paradise!”
Homecoming Week is September 28–October 2, and we’re looking forward to a full week of Redskin spirit across the district!
Check out the graphic below for your building’s dress-up days and start planning those Homecoming Week outfits!
Dress up. Show your spirit. Bring the heat.
It’s almost Homecoming Week in REDSKIN PARADISE!
📅 Thursday, September 17
⏰ 3:30 PM
📍 Mrs. Farris’ Room (312) at PJHS
Auditions are open to all PHS and PJHS students interested in being part of the production!
Come out, audition, and join us for what is sure to be a fun show! 🎭🦃
We can’t wait to see our students take the stage! ❤️🤍
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! ❤️🤍
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! ❤️🤍
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 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! ❤️🤍
