
As temperatures drop this week and the possibility of a Winter Storm is on everyone’s radar, please know that we are in close collaboration with local Emergency Management Officials in monitoring for impact to our area.
Confidence in a possible impact to Aiken County late in the afternoon and evening this Friday, January 10, is increasing. With a concern for students, families, and employees traveling after dark on Friday in what may be a mixture of sleet and freezing rain, all athletic practices, games, arts-activities, afterschool care, and any other school or district-sponsored event scheduled for Friday, January 10, will not take place as planned.
With temperatures expected to be below freezing until mid-day Saturday and in an abundance of caution, any athletics, arts, and other events scheduled to be held before noon on Saturday, January 11, will also be cancelled. Travel to district and/or school sponsored events inside or outside Aiken County that would require employee or student travel prior to noon on Saturday, are also included in this cancellation.
We recognize that this will cause a disruption to many, especially our families who rely on QuestZone for after school care as well as those with events, activities, and tournaments that were scheduled. Please know that we are sharing this cancellation update with as much notice as possible based on current conditions and the latest forecasts available. As we keep safety at the forefront of these difficult decisions, we appreciate your continued understanding and support. Please stay tuned for any future updates that this Winter Storm may require and take other precautions that may be recommended to keep your family safe and warm.


Happy New Year, Aiken County School Families! We hope your student and family had a happy holiday season and restful Winter Break. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back this week.
Students will participate in an e-learning day tomorrow, Monday, January 6, and return to school in-person on Tuesday, January 7.
Please note the new state-required Personal Electronic Devices policy that will be in place. Middle and High School students will not be permitted to use their personal electronics and accessories at any time during the school day. There is no change to the Personal Electronic Devices policy for elementary school students as they were already not permitted.
Please assure your student that if there is an urgent need for them to reach a parent or guardian during the school day, they can come to the front office and utilize the phone there. Please also know that parents and guardians with an urgent need to communicate with their student during the school day will, of course, be able to do so as well through the front office.
Our Code of Conduct available online is updated with this new state-required policy, https://www.acpsd.net/o/district/page/cell-phone-policy.
We look forward to students participating in their e-learning tomorrow and having them back in person on Tuesday!


🎉 Hello, 2025! A Bright Start to the Second Semester! 🌟
As we ring in the new year, we celebrate the dedication and passion of our incredible staff who continue to make Aiken County Public Schools shine! 💙✨
The second semester is a fresh opportunity to inspire, support, and make a difference in the lives of our students. Let’s keep the momentum going and make 2025 a year of growth, success, and joy!
💬 Join us in sharing a shoutout to a staff member or team who’s ready to make this semester amazing! Together, we’re unstoppable. 🙌
www.acpsd.net/shine
#SHINEACPSD #ACPSDcelebrates










✨ Shining a Light on Our Incredible Employees! 🌟
While we’re out for winter break, the dedication and hard work of our staff continue to bring warmth and joy to our community! 💙👏
We’re taking this time to celebrate the outstanding employees who go above and beyond to make Aiken County Public Schools a place where students and staff thrive. Your impact is felt every day, even when the halls are quiet.
💬 Know an employee who deserves a shoutout? Let’s continue to spread positivity and gratitude this holiday season. ❄️🎉
www.acpsd.net/shine
#SHINEACPSD #ACPSDcelebrates










🎉 Even During Winter Break, Our Employees Shine Bright! 🌟
Even while schools are quiet, the impact of our amazing staff echoes loudly! 🙌💙 Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence continue to bring joy and make a difference in the lives of our students and community.💡
This week, we’re spotlighting some outstanding team members who go above and beyond! Stay tuned as we celebrate the heart and soul of what makes Aiken County Public Schools such a special place.
💬 Have a story of an employee who’s inspired you? Share it through a SHINE! ❄️
www.acpsd.net/shine
#SHINEACPSD #ACPSDcelebrates










Beginning this afternoon, Friday, December 20, schools and offices will be closed for Winter Break. We will reopen after the holidays on Monday, January 6, 2025. Students will participate on January 6 in an e-learning day, and return to school in person on Tuesday, January 7.
We thank you for your partnership throughout first semester and wish everyone a wonderful holiday!


REMINDER: We are encouraging parents and guardians to keep our District’s recently revised Personal Electronics Devices policy in mind with any holiday purchases. Beginning in January, Middle and High School students will not be permitted to use their personal electronics and accessories at any time during the school day, this includes lunch and any other non-instructional times. Student cell phones, smart watches, tablets, gaming devices, and accessories such as headphones and earbuds will be required to be powered off, stored in a backpack or bag, out of sight and not in use at any time during the school day. Our Code of Conduct is available online and has been updated with this new state-required policy. Please take some time to review it with your student over the holidays, along with the consequences for violating this new state-requirement.


Friday, December 20, is a half day for students. Due to the half day schedule on Friday, only breakfast will be served in our cafeterias. Please note the following dismissal times for students on our half day schedule.
Elementary schools in the Aiken area (Area One), the North Augusta area (Area Two), the Midland Valley area (Area Three), and Jackson/New Ellenton areas (Area Five) will dismiss at 11 a.m.; middle schools at 11:30 a.m.; and high schools at 11:50 a.m. Aiken Intermediate School’s half day dismissal will be at 11:25 a.m. and Aiken Scholars Academy at 11:20. The Center for Innovative Learning dismissal will be at 1:30 p.m.
Elementary schools in the Wagener/Salley/Ridge Spring/Monetta area (Area Four) will dismiss at 11:30 a.m., middle schools at 11:40 a.m., and high schools at 11:50 a.m.


In a short video released by the district, Superintendent Dr. Corey Murphy provides detailed information on the new state-required Personal Electronic Devices policy that will be implemented as student’s return from Winter Break in January.
Aiken County’s policy will allow middle and high school students to bring cell phones and other personal electronic devices , and accessories such as earbuds and AirPods to school, but they must remain powered off, stored in the student’s backpack or bag, and out of sight during the school day.
Progressive discipline measures will be enforced for violations of the policy. Parents are encouraged to watch this video with their student and discuss the policy and the consequences for students who are in violation. We thank you in advance for your understanding and support!
https://youtu.be/4Jjqsv_vFkk?feature=shared


Join us for Aiken County Public School District’s Spring Hiring Event for Teachers and Certified Staff on Saturday, February 1, 2025!
Applicants will have the opportunity for on-site interviews and on the spot job offers! The event will take place at Aiken High School located at 449 Rutland Drive in Aiken, SC from 8 a.m. until noon.
All schools and locations will be represented, and we will be hiring for certified positions to include immediate vacancies and future 2025-26 positions.
Scan the QR code to apply now for your level of certification to secure an interview at the event. Pre-registration is highly encouraged. Walk-ins are welcome.
Direct Link to Register and Apply for the Event: https://acpsd.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx?jcat=Recruitment
We will be hiring for certified positions to include Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education. Please reach out to our Human Resources Team at (803) 641-2428 for more information.
We look forward to welcoming many new teachers and certified staff members to Aiken County in February!


Monday, January 6, 2025 will be an e-Learning Day for students. The e-Learning Day used on September 27 ahead of Hurricane Helene has had to be reclassified as a school closure because many students were unable to access materials and their teachers due to widespread power outages after the storm,
What This Means for January 6:
• Students will take home their devices over Winter Break and complete assignments on Monday, January 6, using the e-learning platform Schoology.
• Teachers will have two hours of office hours to support students.
We apologize for any disruption that this may cause our students and families, and appreciate your understanding. For more information, please visit the Latest News on our website.


DECEMBER 10 BOARD MEETING - The Board of Education will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Please visit https://www.acpsd.net/page/board-meeting-livestream to view the meeting agenda and access the livestream when the meeting begins. Board Meetings are open to the public, although seating is limited. Our School Board Representatives may be contacted for any questions from our community stakeholders. Their contact information is available from that link as well.

✨ Merry and Bright: Shining a Spotlight on Our Amazing School District Employees! ✨
We’re celebrating the stars who make our schools sparkle all year long! 🌟 Join us as we shine a spotlight on the incredible employees whose dedication, creativity, and passion make a lasting impact.
From spreading cheer to making a difference every single day, their work truly makes our district merry and bright.
If you know a staff member who deserves special recognition, give them a shout out at the link below! 💬👇
www.acpsd.net/shine
#SHINEACPSD #ACPSDcelebrates










📚🍎 Thankful for Our Amazing Educators and Staff! 🍎📚
Today and every day, we’re incredibly thankful for the dedication, passion, and hard work of our educators and staff members. 💛
You are the heart of our school, inspiring our students, shaping futures, and making a difference in countless lives. Your commitment to excellence and the love you pour into our community does not go unnoticed. 🌟
To our team—thank you for being champions of education and a source of hope for our students. Let’s continue to learn, grow, and thrive together! 💪✨
If you know a staff member who deserves special recognition, give them a shout-out! www.acpsd.net/shine💬👇
Stay tuned every Sunday as we let the light SHINE on the incredible employees making a difference and serving with greatness!
#SHINEACPSD #ACPSDcelebrates










Take a behind-the-scenes look at acGATEWAY in these videos created with last summer's students, get your application in, and get ready to audition for an experience unlike any other. Middle and High School acGATEWAY Student Video: https://youtu.be/qVQxpUwGcCk Elementary acGATEWAY Student Video: https://youtu.be/m1w8D-ScAX8 Applications for new and returning students are due by December 9. https://www.acpsd.net/page/gateway


Aiken County Public Schools' Calendars for next year (2025-2026) and 2026-2027 have been developed and are now board-approved! Planning for the requirements of a 180-day school year is no easy task! Thank you to all who were involved in creating calendars that most closely align with the requests of our families, teachers, and staff!



🍂✨ Employee of the Month Spotlight! ✨🍂
Join us in celebrating our incredible Fall Employee of the Month winners! 🏆🎉 They exemplify the qualities that make our district a truly special place. These employees have gone above and beyond.
Thank you for your passion and commitment to excellence. Your efforts inspire us all! 🍁👏
Let’s give them some love in the comments below! 💛👇
Please log into PowerSchool Records to nominate the next employee of the month and visit https://www.acpsd.net/o/district/page/employee-relations to check out all of Fall’s winners.


Shortly after the tax was voter-approved, we spent some time at South Aiken High, Silver Bluff High, Midland Valley High, and North Augusta Middle School with students, teachers, staff and principals, and with our Elementary School Student Superintendent Advisory Council. Please watch the video linked below where they share their appreciation to Aiken County voters.
https://youtu.be/IT6PbBF1JY4?si=KuGRtoQg2TxpoWUj


Earlier this month, Aiken County Career & Technology Center senior Phlebotomy students hosted a “Stick Day” for friends, family and community members to come out and have their blood drawn as they worked to meet the necessary requirements to sit for their Phlebotomy certification exam.
Each student must completed 30 successful venipunctures (veins) and 10 successful capillary punctures (finger sticks) in order to take the certification exam. Health Science Instructors Jennifer Friar and Shelby Gaskill were on hand for guidance and support as they supervised each appointment.
Phlebotomy students were booked and busy with “patients” all day as they welcomed friends, family members, former students, and even Aiken County Board of Education Member Mrs. Patrice Rhinehart-Jackson!
Thank you to all who came out to help these students reach their goals on their way to becoming certified Phlebotomists!











NOVEMBER 19 BOARD MEETING - The Board of Education will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Please visit https://www.acpsd.net/page/board-meeting-livestream to view the meeting agenda and access the livestream when the meeting begins. Board Meetings are open to the public, although seating is limited. Our School Board Representatives may be contacted for any questions from our community stakeholders. Their contact information is available from that link as well.