
Critzer students participate in Pumpkin Patch
Second grade students from Critzer Elementary School participated in the Storybook Pumpkin Patch recently as a fun and educational activity.
Students chose a book to read, wrote a book report on that book, then decorated a pumpkin to display in the hallway to go along with their report.
Pumpkins for each classroom were delivered by Shay Dunnigan from the Pulaski County Parks and Recreation Department for the activity. Later, many students donated their pumpkins, which were used to decorate Randolph Park for the Trick or Treat tail held Saturday, Oct. 31.
Mrs. Dillon, Ms. Burcham and Mrs. Wright helped Shay Dunnigan load the pumpkins to go to Randolph Park.





Attention Cougar Football Fans heading to Patrick Henry tonight. Please be aware of this information.


Pulaski County Public Schools would like to publicly thank all of the first responders in our community who spend so much of their time and energy serving and protecting us each day. We would also like to offer up a very special thank you to all of our School Resource Officers and school nurses who serve not only the community, but serve as a positive role model and example for all of our students as they interact with them each day.
Congress officially designated October 28 as National First Responders Day in 2017. This resolution is meant to honor all of the firefighters, police officers, nurses, dispatchers, EMT’s and all of the others who are the first on the scene in stressful situations.
The Cougar Nation thanks you and salutes you!


COVID-19 cases and positive test results are thankfully dropping across the Commonwealth. PCPS continues to work hard to protect students and staff while also ensuring as much in-person learning as possible. This new program, offered on a voluntary and free basis and in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health and Primary Health, will continue to keep Pulaski County ahead of the curve in fighting COVID-19 as we move into the winter season. Please see all details in the attached letter. If you have questions, do not hesitate to contact Richard Thomas, Testing Division Coordinator, at the email address listed in the letter.



Transportation Announcement- Bus 6 will not make its afternoon run today. Bus 90 will pick up the PCMS students and Bus 47 will pick up the PCHS students. These students will be 60 to 90 minutes later than usual on an early dismissal day.

The Junior Varsity Football game scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 28, between Pulaski County and Patrick Henry has been cancelled.

Parents and Guardians.....just a reminder of the schedule for Pulaski County Public Schools this week and the first part of next week. If you would like to schedule a parent/teacher conference with your child's teacher, please contact the school. Enjoy Fall Break!


PCPS recognizes “Day of the Deployed”
In addition to the Red Ribbon Week activities currently taking place, Pulaski County Public Schools is proud to recognize Tuesday, Oct. 26, as National Day of the Deployed.
National Day of the Deployed began in 2006 when it was founded by Shelle Michaels Aberle. Ms. Aberle, who at that time had a cousin deployed with the United States Army, approached then North Dakota Governor John Hoeven to declare a day to recognize members of the military who were deployed. The date of Oct. 26 was chosen because that was the birthday of Ms. Aberle’s deployed relative.
The first event was hosted in Grand Forks, North Dakota in honor of a unit from that area that was deployed.
In 2011, Senator Hoeven led the efforts to cosponsor S.RES.295 to bring about a national day of recognition for those deployed. That resolution passed Oct. 18, 2011, with a unanimous vote. As of 2012, all 50 states observe the National Day of the Deployed.
While there may be no official ceremonies scheduled for this special day, there are several ways recommended to recognize it. Donate to a military organization that supports our troops. Send care packages through groups like “Soldiers Angels” or “Support Our Troops.” Volunteer time at a local military organization. If you know of someone with a family member who is deployed, offer to assist that family member with something and let them know they are also in your thoughts.
Pulaski County Public Schools have a long history of graduates who move on to serve their country in the United States Military. Cougar alumni have served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard, as well as the Reserve and National Guard components of those. Many of those have deployed overseas. There are Cougar alumni serving in harm’s way today, as we enjoy the many freedoms that their service protects.
Thank you to all of those who have served in our nation’s military, and today we send out a special thank you to those who are currently deployed.
Once a Cougar, Always a Cougar!


Friday, Oct. 22, 2021, before kickoff for the Pulaski County versus Graham football game, a ceremony was held to officially recognize the press box at Kenneth J. Dobson Stadium/Joel Hicks Field as the "Dan Callahan Press Box." Mr. Callahan was a longtime sports writer and radio announcer who tirelessly promoted Pulaski County athletics through almost five decades. The ceremony began by playing a recording of the opening comments from a previous Cougar football radio broadcast that Callahan was known for, followed by a presentation to his family members, who were in attendance along with legendary former Head Coach Joel Hicks.


Congratulations to the PCHS Advanced Theatre Class on their successful rendition of the "Monty Python Edukational Show" this weekend. Our drama department is one of the best in the Commonwealth and offer our students a tremendous opportunity to learn and grow as artists.





Congratulations to the Pulaski County High School Competition Cheer team! Saturday the team traveled to the Class 4, Region D meet and brought home the hardware for the fourth season in a row. Congratulations to our REGION CHAMPIONS!!


Looking for some entertainment this weekend? Be sure to check out the PCHS Drama Department in their production of "Monty Python's Edukational Show." Performances are set for Saturday and Sunday. See the attached flyer for full information. Support our PCHS Fine Arts!


Tonight we will officially recognize the press box at Kenneth J. Dobson Stadium/Joel Hicks Field as the Dan Callahan Press Box. We do this in recognition of the many years of dedicated service by Dan Callahan in promoting and reporting on Pulaski County sports. Prior to kickoff, a special presentation will be made to honor his memory. Members of the Callahan family will be there to participate in the ceremony as the Cougars prepare to host the Graham G-Men.


Friday, October 22, will be an asynchronous day for all students. We hope you have a great virtual day and enjoy the weekend.


Transportation Announcement- Bus 33 will not make its afternoon run from SES. Bus 56 will transport students to the Shilo area. These students will be approximately 10 to 15 minutes late. Bus 68 will transport students to Draper. These students will be approximately 30 to 45 minutes late.

Pulaski County Cougar football fans: Online tickets are now available for this Friday's home game against Graham. To avoid the lines, purchase your tickets in advance at https://pcva.schoolcashonline.com.


The Lady Cougar JV and Varsity Volleyball teams will be wrapping up their regular seasons this week with a busy schedule. The teams played at Cave Spring Monday night and will host the Knights tonight. Wednesday they will travel to Salem. Thursday will be Senior Night for the Lady Cougars as they host Salem in the regular season finale. JV action is set to begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by the varsity contest. The seniors will be recognized before the varsity match Thursday. Come out and show your support for the Lady Cougars and Pulaski County athletics!



Congratulations to our Golden Cougar Marching Band! Band Director Kevin Faller and his staff recently accompanied the band to John Battle High School, where they competed in the 10th Annual Battle Marching Invitational Band Competition. With a large number of bands in attendance, the competition was tough, but the Cougars turned in an outstanding performance to earn an Excellent rating in the AAA ranks and finishing third overall for that class. The Cougars also received a third-place award for Color Guard, third-place award for Percussion, second-place award for Drum Major and a second-place award for Marching, with only 0.2 points separating the Cougars from the first-place winner. Considering that on the first day of band camp this summer, over 80% of the band had never marched before, this is an outstanding finish to their competitive season. Great job!


The Cougar football team earned an important 49-7 River Ridge District win Friday night in Blacksburg. Pulaski County will host Graham this week at Kenneth J. Dobson Stadium/Joel Hicks Field. Before the game, the press box will be officially recognized as the Dan Callahan Press Box, with members of Mr. Callahan's family on hand for the occasion. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday.





Congratulations to the PCHS Competition Cheer Squad. Saturday the team hosted the 2021 Cougar Cheer Classic with teams from around the area competing. At the end of the day, the PCHS squad earned first place in the Class 3-4 Division and were named the overall Grand Champions! Congratulations!
