Jackson STEM Middle School

Aiken County Public Schools Mourns the Loss of Assistant Superintendent Julie Revelle

Aiken County Public Schools is deeply saddened to share news of the passing of Julie Revelle, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools.

Julie dedicated her life to education and to the students, families, and educators of Aiken County. Throughout a decades-long career with our district, she has served as an English Language Arts teacher at Kennedy Middle School, Assistant Principal at North Aiken Elementary School, and Principal of Redcliffe Elementary School. In 2018, she joined the district’s Executive Leadership Team as an Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools, supporting principals and overseeing the instructional and operational work of many of the district’s elementary schools.

Throughout her career, Julie was known as a thoughtful leader and passionate advocate for students. She worked closely with school leaders and teachers across the district, offering guidance, encouragement, and support for the important work taking place in classrooms each day.

Those who worked alongside Julie will remember her not only for her dedication to education, but also for her kind and gentle spirit. She cared deeply about the people she served and supported throughout her career and took great pride in her family, including her husband, David, their daughter Beth, and grandchildren.

The loss of such a respected leader and colleague is deeply felt across the Aiken County Public Schools community. Support services are being made available for staff and school leaders as they process this loss.

Out of respect for Julie’s family, we ask that the community honor their request for privacy during this difficult time.

Aiken County Public Schools extends heartfelt condolences to Julie’s family, friends, and colleagues. Her dedication to students and educators will leave a lasting impact on our schools and the many lives she touched throughout her career.

Two Silver Bluff student athletes are making their way to collegiate athletics in football.

Gage Kirkbride and Jessie Shelley signed their NCAA Letters of Intent to play football at Newberry College and Union Commonwealth University, respectively, starting in fall 2026.

“These two young men kind of jumped out at me their junior year...their work ethic, their mindset," Silver Bluff head football coach Matt Hayes shared. "Their senior year, you saw a jump in their talents, their work ethic, and what they did in the classroom. They're signing this letter of intent because of not just their talent, but their mindset.”

Gage Kirkbride will be attending Newberry College in the fall and is thankful for the role models he had in previous teammates to help pave the way.

“I think that's what prepared me to be such a great senior is the amount of discipline that they had," Gage shared. "I looked up to the seniors as I was a freshman and sophomore. They helped me out and pushed me to be better."

Jessie Shelley, who will attend Union Commonwealth University, also credits his coaches and teammates for helping push him to the next level.

“Some coaches, they really work, they see a lot,” Shelley said. “My teammates, they really helped push. We push each other every day. They challenge each other every day to make the job the best we can.”

Kirkbride and Shelley join Adrian Gray who recently signed his NCAA Letter of Intent to play football at Brevard College (February 2026).

“I cannot talk about how much work goes in, not just from these young men, but their community, their surroundings, their support staff,” Coach Hayes continued.

One book, two books, red books, and blue books!

Today, Monday, March 2, kicks off Read Across America Week! Read Across America is presented by the National Education Association and plans literacy festivities alongside Dr. Suess's birthday.

We challenge all students across Aiken County Public Schools to pick up a book this week and start reading, and we thank the community leaders who are serving as guest readers bringing literacy to life throughout our classrooms.

During National School Social Work Week, we are proud to recognize and thank our school social workers and student service workers for the incredible support they provide to our school community.

They play a vital role in supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being through compassionate guidance, collaboration with families and staff, and a strong commitment to helping every student succeed.

The 2026 theme, “Unite to Ignite: Celebrating Our Impact,” reflects the positive difference they make by bringing students, families, and educators together to create a caring and inclusive school environment across all Aiken County Public Schools.

#ACPSDCelebrates #ACPSD #AikenCountyPublicSchools

Wednesday, February 18, is an Early Dismissal Day for students.

On Early Dismissal Days, elementary school students are dismissed at 11:30 a.m., middle school students at 12:10 p.m., and high school students at 12:30 p.m.

Early dismissal times are slightly different for Aiken Scholars Academy, as well as our schools in the Ridge-Spring area. Ridge Spring-Monetta Elementary dismissal is at 11:55 a.m., Aiken Scholars Academy dismissal is at noon, and Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle and High dismissal is at 12:15 and 12:20 p.m., respectively.

These Early Dismissal Days are part of the 2025-26 Aiken County Public School District Calendar and are necessary to support the training and development schedule for state-required teacher training. Please make any necessary arrangements for your child's early dismissal. Elementary school student after school care through Quest Zone is available.

Students receiving transportation services on half-day schedules, such as Early Learning Special Education students, will not be provided school bus transportation on Early Dismissal Days as buses will be unable to make mid-day routes.

Afternoon classes at the Aiken County Career and Technology Center are not held on Early Dismissal Days. Students enrolled in an afternoon class at the Career Center will remain at their high school on these designated days.

Silver Bluff High School student-athlete Adrian Gray is taking the next step in his football career.

On February 12, 2026, in front of family, friends, coaches, and peers, Gray signed his NCAA Letter of Intent to play football at Brevard College starting Fall 2026.

“Being able to play this sport is a good thing,” Gray said. “Especially after high school, because most people don't get to do that.”

Gray is a multi-sport athlete for the Bulldogs, playing offensive line in the fall on the football field and throwing shotput for Track and Field in the spring.

His coach, Matt Hayes, is proud of the hard work and leader Gray has become at Silver Bluff.

“When I was hired two years ago, I kind of identified that core groups of guys that would be not just starters, but the kind of guys with leadership qualities, guys that we were going to lean on in the weight room and in practice. And Adrian kind of jumped out. He's a really good football player, obviously. Works hard at his craft. A little bit undersized, but what he lacks in size, he has with technique, and he plays with the nastiness that you need to play offensive line,” Hayes said. “Being his teacher in the classroom, he takes pride in his athletics and his academics. So, Brevard is getting a student athlete, not just an athlete.”

Celebrating student athletes and their next steps into collegiate athletics is something that Silver Bluff takes pride in, according to Athletic Director Phillip Strother.

“Anytime we get an opportunity for a kid to sign and go on to the next level, you know, it means that we're obviously doing something right,” Strother said. “That's kind of my thing. I want to make sure we're doing the right thing for our kids. So, we're giving them a real idea of what life is going to be like so they're suited for real life.”

“You cannot talk about Silver Bluff without the tradition of the student athletes here,” Hayes continued. “We've had a lot of success with guys going to the next level. It's a testament to their family, this community, but also those student athletes who want more than just being a good athlete in high school. They want to take their talents to the next level. It's hard, especially in today's climate. It's very hard to go from high school to college to go compete at that level. Adrian's part of a long line of student athletes who took that challenge, and I'm excited for him and Brevard.”

Dear Jackson Middle School Families,

We want to hear from YOU! 🎉
The Jackson Middle School Title I Parent Survey is now open, and your feedback helps us improve programs and support our students.

🗓 Survey Open Now through February 27
🎁 Bonus: All parents who complete the survey will be entered into a gift basket drawing!
🌎 Spanish version available

Your input truly makes a difference, and the survey only takes a few minutes to complete. Thank you for partnering with us and sharing your voice! You can either access the survey link in this message or the QR code in the flyer.

Link to Survey: Jackson Middle School Title I Parent Involvement Survey – Fill out form

Spanish link to Survey: Jackson Middle School Encuesta de participación de padres de Título I - Español – Fill out form

Jackson Middle School

From Nurse Morgan. News you could use for the month of February!!

REGULAR OPERATIONS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3

ACPSD will return to regular operations tomorrow, Tuesday, February 3, following this weekend’s historic snow event. With temperatures below freezing overnight, please use caution in travelling as some shaded areas may still be partly frozen. We have appreciated the patience and flexibility of our school community and look forward to welcoming everyone back in person tomorrow.