As part of our ongoing STARS celebration, we are excited to recognize our First-Year Teacher of the Year Honor Court. These educators were surprised by our District Leadership, with some family members joining in to celebrate this well-deserved recognition.

Congratulations to our First-Year Teachers of the Year Honor Court!

Aleesha Ashe, 4K Teacher at North Augusta Elementary
Disaiah Whack, ELA Teacher at Kennedy Middle
Hayden Beck, 1st Grade Teacher at Belvedere Elementary
Regina Androl, 1st Grade Teacher at East Aiken School of the Arts
Ryann Kramer, Math Teacher at Highland Springs Middle

Stay tuned as we continue to highlight additional STARS Honor Court categories over the coming days and celebrate employees who shine brightly.

#ACPSD #AikenCountyPublicSchools #StarsHonorCourt #ACPSDcelebrates
4 days ago, Aiken County Public School District
Five adults pose for a picture, one female holding balloons.
A classroom of young students pose for a photograph.
A man holds balloons and appears to be surprising a female teacher in a hallway with another person looking on.
A group of six adults pose for a photo, one is holding baloons and another flowers.
A group of four adults stand behind young students in a classroom.
A female adult in a pink dress appears surprised and is holding flowers.
Family and staff celebrating First Year Teacher of the Year honoree.
First Year Teach of the Year honoree holding flowers with balloons.
Superintendent Dr. Corey Murphy shaking hands with First Year Teacher of the Year honoree.
District leadership posing with First Year Techer of the Year honoree.
ACCESS testing will run from January 21-February 27. Students who will be tested and their families will be given further information.
4 days ago, Kennedy Middle School
ACCESS testing dates January 21-February 27
ACCESS testing dates January 21-February 27

District Leadership made surprise visits at schools and offices across the District today to celebrate this year’s Stars of Public Education Honor Court. The recognition program and event honoring ACPSD’s brightest stars first began as our annual Teacher of the Year celebration, and has grown to incorporate recognition of our very best New Teachers, Principals, Assistant Principals, Classified Staff, Professionals, and District-Level Administrators. With its origin in mind, we’ll begin our first Stars of Public Education Honor Court announcements with Teacher of the Year.

Congratulations to our Teachers of the Year Honor Court!

Arrington Weston, Social Studies Teacher at Schofield Middle
Jerry Brannon, Science Teacher at RSM Middle/High
Madison Spires, Science Teacher at Silver Bluff High
Megan Maxwell, Speech Pathologist with Special Programs
Sonya Lee, Special Education Teacher at Leavelle McCampbell Middle

#ACPSD #AikenCountyPublicSchools #StarsHonorCourt #ACPSDcelebrates

6 days ago, Aiken County Public School District
Teacher Arrington Weston is surprised  as a Teacher of the Year Honor Court Member.
Group picture with District Superintendent Dr. Corey Murphy, Teacher of the  Year Honor Court Member Arrington Weston, SMS Principal Shunte Dugar, Asst Super of Middle Schools Dr. Phyllis Gamble, and Employee Relations Coordinator Kayla  Jordan.
RSM Teacher of the Year Jerry Brannon is surprised in the weight room with flowers and balloons.
Seven School and District Leaders pose for a picture to celebrate Jerry Brannon, center, being named to the Teacher of the Year Honor Court.
A Silver Bluff Teacher, Madison Spires, smiles after being surprised in her science classroom with the news that she's on the Teacher of the Year Honor Court.
Madison Spires, center, poses a group of 14 high school students  in science class.
Megan Maxwell, right, poses with her husband after being named to the Teacher of the Year Honor Court.
A group of eight educators pose for a picture with balloons.
Sonya Lee, left, appears surprised in her classroom when Kayla Jordan, right, surprises her with flowers and the announcement she's on the Teacher of the Year Honor Court.
Leavelle McCampbell Middle's administrators pose with their Teacher of the Year Honor Court member.
Welcome Back!

We are excited to welcome our students, staff, and families back to school as we kick off a new year and a new semester. January is a fresh start and full of opportunities to learn, grow, and achieve together. As we return to our classrooms, we look forward to continued collaboration, renewed focus, and celebrating the success ahead. Let's make this semester a strong one!

#ACPSD #AikenCountyPublicSchools #BackToSchool
14 days ago, Aiken County Public Schools
Welcome back to school, let's finish 2025-2026 strong!
We are grateful for the opportunity to serve Aiken County families and wish each of you a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Please note that there will be no school for students, teachers, and most staff the week of November 24–28.

Additionally, all schools and offices will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday from Wednesday, November 26 through Friday, November 28. We look forward to welcoming everyone back when we reopen on Monday, December 1.
about 2 months ago, Aiken County Public Schools
Happy Thanksgiving from Aiken County Public Schools.

PURPLE UP FOR MILITARY FAMILIES | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14

ACPSD encourages all students, staff, and families to wear PURPLE on Friday, November 14 as we celebrate the Month of the Military Family!

This special day is our way of showing appreciation and support for the incredible military families who sacrifice and serve alongside their loved ones.

THANK YOU to our military families for your dedication, resilience, and service to our nation.

Join us in honoring our heroes—both at home and abroad—by wearing purple with pride!

Throughout November, schools across the district are recognizing Veterans Day and the Month of the Military Family with special celebrations and activities to honor the veterans and active-duty heroes in our community and across the country.

Let’s turn our schools PURPLE Friday, November 14!

3 months ago, Aiken County Public School District
"Purple Up" Friday, November 14 to honor the month of The Military Family by showing your support for the families of those who serve by wearing purple and thanking a military family for their bravery and service.
Dear Aiken County Public School District Families and Fans,

To ensure the safety and security of all attendees, Aiken County Public Schools will not permit masks, face paint, or any full-face coverings at football games on Friday, October 31.

Additionally, all middle school students and younger must be accompanied by an adult for entry and throughout the event.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work together to maintain a safe, positive, and family-friendly environment. Thank you for supporting our student-athletes and showing your school spirit responsibly.
3 months ago, Aiken County Public Schools
Football leaning on white helmet on the field.
ASA application for the 2026-2027 school year is NOW LIVE! Current 8th grade students who are taking advanced coursework, including English 1H and Geometry H, are eligible to apply. Visit the Future Scholars tab on our website to access the application, along with all the information you need about the application process. Information sessions for interested applicants and parents will be held November 4th, December 11th, and January 7th at ASA.
3 months ago, Aiken County Public School District
Apply now to Aiken Scholars Academy. Application deadline is January 22nd. All applicants must be current 8th grade students who will complete English 1H and Geometry H this school year.

Join us for Community Night at ACCTC
Tuesday, October 28 | 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Aiken County Career & Technology Center
2455 Jefferson Davis Highway, Warrenville, SC

We’re excited to welcome current students, future students, families, and community members for an evening of connection, fun, and exploration.

Don’t miss our SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT at 5:00 PM.

Highlights include:

  • Food trucks

  • Door prizes

  • Industry partners

  • Activities for all ages

For more information, visit www.acpsd.net/acctc or call (803) 593-7300.

Mark your calendar and join us!

3 months ago, Aiken County Public School District
Community Night at ACCTC Tuesday, October 28 4-7 PM

Community Night at ACCTC – Tuesday, October 28 | 4–7 PM

You're invited! Join us for Community Night at the Aiken County Career & Technology Center on Tuesday, October 28 from 4–7 PM.

Discover the exciting opportunities in Career and Technical Education (CTE) and learn more about the programs offered at the Career Center. Students will be showcasing their skills and projects, giving you a firsthand look at what they’re learning and creating.

This family-friendly event is open to everyone including current and future students, families, and community members!

What to expect:
✔️ Live student demonstrations
✔️ Food trucks
✔️ Door prizes
✔️ Hands-on activities
✔️ Local industry partners on site

Location: 2455 Jefferson Davis Highway, Warrenville, SC
More info: www.acpsd.net/acctc
Phone: (803) 593-7300

Don't miss this evening of learning, fun, and community connection!

4 months ago, Aiken County Public School District
ACCTC Community Night. Tuesday, October 28 from 4-7 PM

FALL INTERSESSION LEGO WARS CAMP | GRADES 6-8

During Fall Intersession, the week of September 29-October 2, a limited number of spots are available for this year’s Fine Arts Camp, Lego Wars, for students in grades 6-8.

Lego Wars will be held at Highland Springs Middle School Monday-Thursday from 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Students will dive into creativity, the engineering design process, and project design while developing architectural skills to build strong LEGO® structures. This year’s session includes a new team challenge that will push students to think more creatively, collaborate effectively, and apply their engineering skills in exciting new ways.

Registration opens Monday, September 8, at 6 p.m. for ACPSD middle school students and is offered on a first come-first served basis. Please note that due to space limitations, only the first 50 ACPSD students to apply will be accepted. Once the application window opens, parents/guardians can apply by scanning the QR Code or completing the Lego Wars Form.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided each day of camp, however students’ families will be responsible for their own transportation to Highland Springs Middle.

Please contact Dr. Kimberly Fontanez, District Fine Arts Coordinator, at kfontanez@acpsd.net with any questions.

5 months ago, Aiken County Public School District
Lego Wars Fall Break sign up flyer with students building lego creations and sign-up information.

HAPPY LABOR DAY

All Aiken County Public School District schools, buildings, and offices will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2025, in observance of Labor Day.

We hope everyone enjoys a safe and relaxing Labor Day weekend! We look forward to welcoming students back to school on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

#ACPSDcelebrates #LaborDay

5 months ago, Aiken County Public Schools
Happy Labor Day. Schools and Offices closed  September 1, 2025.

Do you need help with Rooms and Messaging? We have made a FAQ page just for you! Whether you're having trouble signing in, seeing your students’ classes, wondering why you are receiving a SMS notification, or updating your contact info, we've got you covered.

🔗 Visit now: Rooms FAQs for Guardians | District
📲 Stay connected with your child’s school easily, quickly, and all in one place with our new messaging experience! This two-way communication tool has been updated to make it easier than ever to stay connected and informed. Learn more about our new messaging service on the Rooms FAQs for Guardians | District .


5 months ago, Aiken County Public School District
Rooms Support Location - FAQ for Guardians.
Wednesday, August 20, 2025, is a scheduled 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 (ASA), as well as our schools in the Ridge Spring area. ASA early dismissal will be at noon, Ridge Spring-Monetta (RSM) Elementary is at 11:55 a.m., RSM Middle at 12:15 p.m. and RSM High at 12:20 p .m. The ASPIRE Evening Program will not be held tomorrow.

These Early Dismissal Days are part of the 2025-26 Aiken County Public School District Calendar and are necessary to support state-wide 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.
5 months ago, Aiken County Public School District
2025-26 Early Dismissal Days.
Wednesday, August 20, 2025, is a scheduled 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 (ASA), as well as our schools in the Ridge Spring area. ASA early dismissal will be at noon, Ridge Spring-Monetta (RSM) Elementary is at 11:55 a.m., RSM Middle at 12:15 p.m. and RSM High at 12:20 p .m. The ASPIRE Evening Program will not be held tomorrow.

These Early Dismissal Days are part of the 2025-26 Aiken County Public School District Calendar and are necessary to support state-wide 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.
5 months ago, Aiken County Public School District
2025-26 Early Dismissal Days.
2025-26 Early Dismissal Days.
2025-26 Early Dismissal Days.
This summer, Aiken County’s most talented young artists immersed themselves in the acGATEWAY experience, which is an intensive, high-level arts program designed to challenge and inspire! From vibrant visual art displays to moving theatrical performances, students demonstrated what passion, focus, and creativity can achieve in just a few short weeks! Want to see what makes acGATEWAY so special? Watch our behind-the-scenes student videos and discover why this program has been a beloved part of Aiken County since 1992 and keep an eye out for 2026 acGATEWAY audition information for our summer 2026 opportunity. #acGATEWAY #AikenArts #GiftedAndTalented #ArtsEducation #StudentShowcase #VisualAndPerformingArts #ACPSD https://www.acpsd.net/page/gateway
6 months ago, Aiken County Public School District
Students performing on a stage during the Summer acGateway program
Football tryouts for KMS will be Thursday, July 31 and Friday, August 1, from 3:10-5:30. Interested students must have a current physical (since April 1, 2025) on file. Bring your paperwork found under the KMS athletics webpage by Wednesday, July 30th. Meet in the KMS gym on the days of tryouts. Email Coach Roberts at troberts@acpsd.net with any questions.
6 months ago, Kennedy Middle School
KMS Football Tryouts information
We invite all parents, guardians, and students to Kennedy's Meet the Teacher Event (aka Walk Your Schedule) on Thursday, July 17th from 3 PM - 6 PM. This is an opportunity to meet your child's teachers for the year, have a chance to familiarize yourself with the Kennedy building, and see/meet some new faces.

We ask all parents to stop by one of our conveniently located registration tables to ensure your registration is complete, fees are paid, and/or Proofs of Residency have been submitted. Otherwise, you will be asked to complete these items before you receive a copy of your child's schedule. We will have staff on site to help you take care of those items, if needed.

Also, visit one the food trucks set up for Meet the Teacher. Selections include the following:
Palmetto Bowls
Ollie Mae's Soul Food
Hometown Grounds

We look forward to seeing all of our Eagles on Thursday!
6 months ago, Kennedy Middle School
Walk Your Schedule on July 17, 2025 from 3:00-6:00 at Kennedy Middle 274 East Pine Log Road
Parents and Guardians now is the time to schedule a well-visit or vaccine appointment with your child’s healthcare provider to avoid the back-to-school rush before the 2025-26 school year begins on July 21! The SC Department of Public Health is also offering a vaccine clinic for students in grades 5K–12 on July 8 from 9–11:30 a.m. and 1–3:30 p.m. at the Aiken County Health Department (222 Beaufort Street NE, Aiken). Call (803) 642-7543 to make an appointment and bring vaccination and insurance records; a parent or guardian must accompany children under 16. No-cost vaccines may be available, though administration fees may apply. Don’t forget to submit your child’s updated SC Immunization Certificate to their school and note that all rising 7th graders must have a Tdap booster given at age 10 or older. Contact your child’s healthcare provider or school nurse with any questions and visit acpsd.net/page/nursing-services for more information.
7 months ago, Aiken County Public School District
Immunization Reminders Flyer for Parents ahead of the 2025-2026 school year
The school supply list for the 2025-2026 school year is posted under the Parents menu of the Kennedy website.
8 months ago, Kennedy Middle School
Picture of bookbag with school supplies in it