 District-wide initiative showcases student achievement, leadership, and alignment with the PCPS Strategic Plan
PULASKI, VA — Pulaski County Public Schools (PCPS) is proud to announce its schedule of Presentations of Learning (POLs) for the 2026–2027 academic year. Held across elementary, middle, and high school campuses, these district-wide events highlight student achievement, foster strong family-school partnerships, and advance key goals within the PCPS Strategic Plan[cite: 1, 2, 3, 6, 24].
What is a Presentation of Learning?
A Presentation of Learning (POL) is an interactive, student-led experience where learners reflect on, demonstrate, and present their academic accomplishments, project-based learning, and personal growth directly to their families and community members. Rather than traditional passive report cards or conferences, POLs place students at the center of their educational journey. Guided by their own goals and reflections, students lead their guests through classroom routines, showcase projects they take pride in, and explain core concepts they have mastered.
Why Presentations of Learning?
Presentations of Learning transform how students engage with their education by shifting the role of the learner from passive receiver to active communicator. POLs provide students with authentic accountability over their progress, build public speaking confidence, and allow families to experience firsthand the daily academic environment and achievements of their children. By celebrating growth, curiosity, and effort alongside academic benchmarks, POLs instill lifelong pride in learning and strengthen the collaborative bond between home and school[cite: 1, 3, 6].
Strategic Importance to Pulaski County Public Schools
Presentations of Learning serve a vital role in fulfilling the PCPS Strategic Plan, bridging classroom instruction with core division goals:
Embodying Core Values & Mission: POLs fulfill the district’s mission to partner with the community to enhance relationships, foster belonging, and increase academic achievement. They reinforce the PCPS belief that students have the potential to be “learners, leaders, communicators, collaborators, critical thinkers, creative thinkers, and good citizens.”
Developing the “5 Cs”: POLs provide an authentic platform for students to practice the 5 Cs of the Profile of a Virginia Graduate—Critical Thinking, Creativity, Communication, Collaboration, and Citizenship—by requiring students to present projects, articulate problem-solving strategies, and engage with public audiences.
Student-Centered Ownership: By giving students “voice and choice” in presenting their learning, POLs foster a growth mindset and self-advocacy, aligning directly with the district’s commitment to student-centered learning environments.
Strengthening Family & Community Engagement: The PCPS Strategic Plan prioritizes open, intentional communication and meaningful family engagement. POLs invite families directly into the school environment to celebrate student success, strengthening the vital connection between home, school, and community[cite: 1, 2, 3, 6, 24].
“We introduced Presentations of Learning (POLs) last year as an alternative to traditional conferences, allowing students to take the lead in showcasing their learning to their families,” said Cassie Puckett, Principal of Pulaski Elementary School. “POLs create a welcoming school environment where families can celebrate student growth, experience the learning happening throughout PES, and enjoy an evening of connection, excitement, and dinner with our Panther family.”
2026–2027 District Presentations of Learning Schedule
Next Week’s Fall Events
Pulaski County High School
Date: Monday, October 26, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Event: Student Showcase & Project Presentations
Pulaski County Middle School
Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Theme: Fall in Love with Learning! (Fall 2026 Family Engagement Event)
Highlights: Student project displays, costume contest, apple nacho bar, hot apple cider, fall photo booth, and musical performances (Band at 5:30 p.m., Choir at 6:00 p.m.). RSVPs requested by October 27 to cwarden@pcva.us.
Pulaski Elementary School
Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Theme: A Day in the Life of a Panther: Panther Learning Trail
Highlights: Teacher-requested conferences (3:00–4:00 p.m.), classroom visits and Panther Learning Trail passport activity (4:30–6:00 p.m.), and complimentary family dinner served in the cafeteria (5:30–7:00 p.m.).
Critzer Elementary School
Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Highlights: Classroom and school showcase student learning and leading following a scheduled 2-hour early dismissal for students.
Coming Winter 2027
Dublin Elementary, Riverlawn Elementary, & Snowville Elementary Schools
Date: Thursday, February 25, 2027
Highlights: Winter Presentations of Learning showcasing student academic growth, hands-on projects, and seasonal milestones across grade levels. (Specific building schedules and themes will be communicated by individual school offices).
“Presentations of Learning empower our students to take true ownership of their educational accomplishments while deepening the connection between our classrooms and PCPS families,” said district leadership. “We invite our entire community to join us across these dates to celebrate the curiosity, hard work, and leadership of our students.”
Written by:
Dr. Tara Grant
Assistant Superintendent
Pulaski County Public Schools |
