Pocahontas Middle School

Rising 7th Grade Immunization Opportunity

It is never too early to start planning for the next school year. If you are the parent or guardian of a current 6th grader (rising 7th grader), Henrico County Public Schools, in partnership with the Richmond/Henrico Health District, will be hosting immunization clinics at every middle school.

Our school’s clinic is being held on Thursday, January 22nd from 8:30-11:30 a.m.

These immunization events will provide the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and the MenACWY (meningococcal conjugate) vaccines for rising seventh graders. A full list of required vaccinations is available at the Virginia Department of Health website.

You may register for our school’s clinic using the link provided here: POCAHONTAS IMMUNIZATION CLINIC LINK. Please note that each link is unique to the school, so be sure to sign up only for your child’s school clinic.

Important registration details:

Once your form is completed and submitted, you will receive a confirmation email with additional details.

If you have any questions, please contact our school nurse.

Pocahontas Student Publications - Purchase a Yearbook

We encourage everyone to purchase a 2025-2026 yearbook for your student. The yearbook is a great keepsake. Our student-led yearbook staff is working hard to capture moments that make this year special. Please visit the Online School Payment site to make the purchase! Our final yearbook order will be made at the end of January, so now is a great time to make your purchase!

Additionally, our Hawk Herald is an online publication with articles written by our Hawks about our Hawks. Check out the articles that have been published this year!

Great job to our yearbook and newspaper staff!

Words Matter - Kindness Goes A Long Way

We are working with students to emphasise the importance of speaking kindly and respectfully to and about one another. Words carry weight, and speaking ill of someone's physical appearance, abilities, beliefs, or other personal matters can have a significant impact. Kindness goes a long, long way in building confidence, comfort, and connection.

Please continue to talk with your student about avoiding negative, drama-infused, or rumor-based conversations. Thank you for your partnership in helping us build a school community where everyone can thrive.

Dressing for the Weather

As winter weather moves into the Richmond area, we encourage students to dress for the weather. We never know when something might occur that requires us to be outside the building. Dressing with the weather in mind would help students be more comfortable if we are required to be outside.

Huddle will continue to occur in the winter months, but if temperatures are too low, we cancel Huddle for the day.

Immunization Clinic - Thursday, January 22nd

All rising 7th grade families are strongly encouraged to register their student to participate in the Immunization Clinic at Pocahontas Middle School on Thursday, January 22nd.

Full details are in the School Operations portion of the newsletter.

Register for your student to participate here: POCAHONTAS IMMUNIZATION CLINIC LINK.

The Book Fair is HERE!

We are thrilled to give students a chance to get excited about reading at the Scholastic Book Fair! As always, your Book Fair purchases help support the Pocahontas Middle School library.

The Book Fair is up and running! Students can continue purchasing items from the book store before or after school through Wednesday December 17th. We want everyone to participate!!

Book Fair Details:

Student shopping hours: Dec 8th – 17th - open daily before school 8:00AM-8:35AM & after school 3:15PM-3:45PM

Payment: Students may pay with:

Cash or check (made payable to Pocahontas Middle School PTA)

P.M. shopping hours: 

Online shopping: Dec 8th - 21st. Online orders ship directly to your home for free on book orders over $35, and still benefit our school library.

Book Fair homepage: Visit www.scholastic.com/bf/pocahontasmiddleschool now to set up an eWallet, preview the books at the fair, and order online (starting 12/8)

Thank you for supporting your child's love of reading and the Pocahontas library at our Book Fair!

Winter Sports Information

Congratulations to everyone participating on the boys' basketball and wrestling teams!

Come check out our basketball and wrestling teams as they compete this week!

Boys Basketball (tip off at 5 PM*):

Tuesday, December 16th vs. Short Pump @ Pocahontas

Thursday, December 16th vs. Quioccasin @ Pocahontas

Wrestling (tip off at 5 PM*):

Tuesday, December 16th vs Short Pump @ Short Pump

Thursday, December 18th vs Quioccasin @ Quioccasin

*Game/Match times may be altered due to transportation and team arrival.

Goodwin High School Football Conditioning Information

I am Ryan Bierlair, a health and physical education teacher at Pocahontas Middle School and one of the coaches for the Godwin football team.

I am writing to share important information about our upcoming off-season training program and how your student athlete can participate.

This off-season training program demands commitment. It is important for you to know that the level of commitment your student athlete shows in the off-season will directly dictate the order in which they receive their equipment when the season begins. Those who have shown the most commitment and dedication will receive their equipment first.

Coach John Kinney has developed an extensive weight room program, with assistance from collegiate weight training coaches. This program will begin on Moncay, December 15th, 2025. We will lift from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

Since we begin lifting at 7:00 a.m. sharp, it is imperative that your student athlete be at the football field by 6:55 a.m. We will be lifting weekly throughout the winter on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Please ensure your student athlete wears appropriate gym attire and athletic shoes for safety and participation. We will focus on teaching the proper fundamentals and techniques for each lift while carefully monitoring your student’s progress.

I am looking forward to working with your student athlete and helping them build the strength required to compete at the high school level. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions. My email address is rabierlair@henrico.k12.va.us.

Thank you so much, Ryan Bierlair

Break a Leg - Winter Music Performances

We are looking forward to hearing the upcoming performances from each of our music groups. We are cheering on each member of our band, chorus, and strings groups!

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Concert Schedule - all begin at 7 PM in the Pocahontas Auditorium

* Tuesday, December 2nd - Beginner Chorus and Band

* Thursday, December 11th - 7th and 8th Grade Chorus

* Wednesday, December 17th - Band Winter Concert (Intermediate and Advanced)

* Thursday, December 18th - Strings Winter Concert

8th Graders - RESCHEDULED - Getting to Know Godwin - Wednesday, January 7th at 7 PM

Current 8th graders (rising 9th graders) are invited to Godwin for information about courses and planning for high school.