Welcome to Our School
At Powell Middle School, we strive to strengthen and foster well-rounded individuals. Our students experience a vibrant collection of quality courses including advanced, pre-AP, STEM, and CTE classes as well as a variety of award-winning Performing Arts programs. Whether it is through our highly rated dance, chorus and band programs or our exceptional Tae Kwon Do classes we are proud to be a school known for creating pathways for students to discover hidden talents or nurture individual expression.
Panther Pride is more than wearing our school colors. It is a culture developed through shared experiences. While our priority is ensuring our students experience academic success, as a school family, we believe we are stronger because we create opportunities to gather together to celebrate success, encourage each other and to have fun. Due to our outstanding staff, students and parents, Powell is an A-rated school. Because we work together to balance hard work and self-discipline with curiosity and joy, we are a great school to be part of. Join us and be inspired.
Fun Facts
Powell Middle School opened in 1984 under the leadership of its first principal, Mr. Ken Bonfield. The schools original mascot was the Explorers and the colors were Black and Silver. Mr. Cy Wingrove became the Principal in 1986 and he would lead the school for 17 years until his retirement in June of 2003. Mr. Mike Ransaw followed as the schools next principal in 2003-2004 where the mascot was changed from the Explorers to the Panthers. The school colors were also changed at this time to Black and Red. Mr. Earl Deen was the schools next principal followed by Mr. Dave Dannemiller, Mrs. Jamie Young, Mrs. Lisa Cropley and the present principal is Mr. Tom Dye.
Powell Middle school is an “A” rated school and currently has a staff of 104 individuals and an enrollment of 956 students. Several staff members have extended ties to the school as they attended Powell as Middle School students. These teachers include Mrs. Renee Linsbeck Fischer, Mrs. Toni Pastore, Mr. Ross McCarthy, Mrs. Nicole Turner LaRiviere, and Mr. Derek LaRiviere. The school has had several students go on to perform on Broadway, play major league baseball, compete in the Olympics (and win a Track and Field World Championship) and play in the National Football League. Mr. Zack Poholek, aka Zack James, was a member of 30 Rock, played in the Adams Family on Broadway and toured Europe performing in Phillip Glass Musical. Mr. PJ DiGaetano performed in CATS on Broadway National Tour Star! He played the lead role of Mr. Mistoffelees. Boston Red Sox second baseman Christian Arroyo, Track and Field star John Capel, and Miami Dolphin running back Matt Breida all attended Powell Middle School.
Current Physical Education teacher, Charlene Francisco, received the Coordinator of the year in 2008 for the American Alliance of Health Physical Recreation and Dance. She has been working over the past 17 years to help Powell Middle School raise over $50,000.00 for the American Heart Association.
The school currently has sixteen staff members that have earned advanced degrees and we are thankful and appreciative to the eight staff members who served our wonderful country in the armed forces prior to joining our staff.
Testimonials
" I went to Powell for all three of my middle school years in the late 1980's. I played sports, I was a member of the honor society and I had some of the most memorable times as a child. Coming to work at Powell was one of the best decisions I have made in my teaching career because I would love for my students to have the opportunity to enjoy their years here like I did." ~ Nikki LaRiviere
"We moved to Hernando County in 2008 and my oldest daughter Hannah started as a 6th grader at Powell. I asked to volunteer and was accepted with open arms and had work to do everyday. Since I have three children, my time at Powell went from 2008 through 2014. In 2015-2016, I finally started working for Powell in the front office. I love working at Powell Middle School, it feels like home to me. Go Panthers!!" ~ Kim Whitaker
"I was a student at Powell Middle School from 1986-1988. When I was hired as a teacher, I felt like I had come home again. While things have certainly changed and improved over the years, I have many fond memories of school dances, cheerleading, being a media center assistant and playing softball. It makes me smile as I walk my students to lunch to see my 8th grade locker. Powell has retained its high quality education and family atmosphere even after all these years. ~ Renee Fischer
