Parents-
All second-grade students in South Carolina participate in the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) and Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) assessments during the month of October. Students will be taking these tests during the 2 weeks following fall break.
The primary purpose of these assessments is to identify potential students for academically gifted and talented programs. The results of these assessments provide important information regarding the individual learning needs of each student. The tests include aptitude (verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal), achievement in reading comprehension, and achievement in mathematics concepts and problem solving. The CogAT measures aptitude and the ITBS is a measure of student achievement.
Most young children have had little or no experience with standardized tests and, therefore, do not have any preconceived notions, either positive or negative, about testing. There is no need to be anxious about the testing. Students can be reminded that the teacher will use the results to better understand each student’s progress. No special preparation is required of students beyond getting a good night’s sleep and having a nutritious breakfast.
Parents will receive a summary of test results in early 2026 and prior to the end of the school year will be notified about potential qualification for gifted and talented programs.
Thank you in advance for your support and if you should have any questions or require further or more specific information, please contact the school.
All second-grade students in South Carolina participate in the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) and Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) assessments during the month of October. Students will be taking these tests during the 2 weeks following fall break.
The primary purpose of these assessments is to identify potential students for academically gifted and talented programs. The results of these assessments provide important information regarding the individual learning needs of each student. The tests include aptitude (verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal), achievement in reading comprehension, and achievement in mathematics concepts and problem solving. The CogAT measures aptitude and the ITBS is a measure of student achievement.
Most young children have had little or no experience with standardized tests and, therefore, do not have any preconceived notions, either positive or negative, about testing. There is no need to be anxious about the testing. Students can be reminded that the teacher will use the results to better understand each student’s progress. No special preparation is required of students beyond getting a good night’s sleep and having a nutritious breakfast.
Parents will receive a summary of test results in early 2026 and prior to the end of the school year will be notified about potential qualification for gifted and talented programs.
Thank you in advance for your support and if you should have any questions or require further or more specific information, please contact the school.
FALL INTERSESSION CODING CAMP | GRADES 3-5
During Fall Intersession, the week of September 29–October 2, a limited number of spots are available for this year’s Coding Camp for students in grades 3–5.
Coding Camp will be held at Mossy Creek Elementary School, Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Students will get a fun, hands-on introduction to coding and problem-solving through activities such as Sphero robots, drones, 3D printing, Makey-Makey, and more.
Registration opens Wednesday, September 10, at 4 p.m. for ACPSD elementary students in grades 3-5 and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to space limitations, only the first 100 students to apply will be accepted. Once the application window opens, parents/guardians can apply by scanning the QR Code or completing the Coding Camp Registration form.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided each day of camp; however, families are responsible for transportation to Mossy Creek Elementary.
For questions, contact Erica Millwood, Teaching and Learning Coordinator, at emillwood@acpsd.net.
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
Fall Fundraiser Time at Mossy Creek Elementary!
We’re kicking off our PTO Fall Fundraiser and need YOUR help to make it a success! Every dollar raised goes right back to supporting our students and programs!
✅ Don’t forget to register your child online
📧 Send out 7 emails to earn your Slap Starz prize!
🏆 Return your Golden Ticket for a chance at more prizes!
Let’s work together to raise the funds our school needs while having some fun along the way!
#FallFundraiser #LeaderInMe
We’re kicking off our PTO Fall Fundraiser and need YOUR help to make it a success! Every dollar raised goes right back to supporting our students and programs!
✅ Don’t forget to register your child online
📧 Send out 7 emails to earn your Slap Starz prize!
🏆 Return your Golden Ticket for a chance at more prizes!
Let’s work together to raise the funds our school needs while having some fun along the way!
#FallFundraiser #LeaderInMe
Here is our September calendar for Mossy Creek Elementary!
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 .
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.
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.
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.
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.
Celebrate Your Child's Birthday at School! 🎉
We love celebrating our students—and did you know that you can join in the fun by featuring your child’s special day on our Birthday Sign & Rock!?
Birthday Sign: Have your child’s name and birthday proudly displayed on our electronic school sign for all to see!
Birthday Rock: Let your child feel like a star! Paint or decorate our Birthday Rock with birthday wishes, fun designs, or their favorite characters.
How It Works:
Reserve your spot – Sign up in advance to book the date by contacting the front office.
Birthday Sign – We’ll handle the sign for you; just give us your child’s name and birthday.
Birthday Rock – You bring the paint and creativity! You’ll have access to decorate the rock before the date if available.
They cost $10 apiece, so do one or both!
This is a great way to make your child feel extra special on their big day!
We love celebrating our students—and did you know that you can join in the fun by featuring your child’s special day on our Birthday Sign & Rock!?
Birthday Sign: Have your child’s name and birthday proudly displayed on our electronic school sign for all to see!
Birthday Rock: Let your child feel like a star! Paint or decorate our Birthday Rock with birthday wishes, fun designs, or their favorite characters.
How It Works:
Reserve your spot – Sign up in advance to book the date by contacting the front office.
Birthday Sign – We’ll handle the sign for you; just give us your child’s name and birthday.
Birthday Rock – You bring the paint and creativity! You’ll have access to decorate the rock before the date if available.
They cost $10 apiece, so do one or both!
This is a great way to make your child feel extra special on their big day!
Dads and Father figures! We cannot wait to see you all again with your children for year 2 of "All Pro Dads"! We began this journey last year and hope to see it continue to grow this year. We meet once a month for about 30 minutes and hope to build stronger relationships with fathers and their children as well as the school community as a whole. Each meeting consists of a proud moment, videos and discussions, activities, and encouragement. Our first meeting is scheduled for Friday, August 29tj at 8:00 AM. Please join us if you haven't already! Please use the QR code to check out our chapter webpage and RSVP!
Mossy Creek Elementary Teacher of the Month and Staff of the Month-volunteers needed to help!
We love to celebrate our Mossy Creek Elementary faculty and staff each month , and need some sponsors to help us out! If you have a business we will share and promote you in return! If you would like to help out, please email Mrs. Herring at hherring@acpsd.net.
We love to celebrate our Mossy Creek Elementary faculty and staff each month , and need some sponsors to help us out! If you have a business we will share and promote you in return! If you would like to help out, please email Mrs. Herring at hherring@acpsd.net.
Save the Date! Our Fall Title 1 Meeting and Open House are on Tuesday, August 19th from 5:30 to 7:00 PM.
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
Happy Friday! As we begin the new school year, we are always trying to make sure our morning and afternoon arrival and dismissal procedures keep our staff, students and families safe. We appreciate your help with the following:
For carline:
• There are 2 lanes to exit, after pole one. Choose a lane either left or right, do not stay in the middle.
• No cell phone. • Do not pass cars in the car line, unless instructed to do so by a school staff member.
• Students must enter and exit from the passenger side of your vehicle. When they have to enter or exit from the driver's side, that puts them and others at risk.
• Do not exit your vehicle in carline. Allow safety patrol or school staff to assist in loading/ unloading your student.
• (Mornings and afternoons) Pull all the way up to the car in front of you. Especially at poles 1 through 5. (We are trying to get five cars in front of the brick wall.)
• (Mornings) Be ready to get out. Unbuckled and have backpack, lunch box, water bottle and everything ready to get out.
• (Mornings) Do not try to ride alongside your child. It is dangerous.
• (Afternoons) Please display your number from your rearview mirror, at all times, from the beginning to the end of Carline until after your child is in.
Also, if you are choosing to walk from the back of the school in the afternoons to pick up in the carline, you MUST park in the back parking lot, not along the curb near the bus area. Please do not pull past the bus loop and enter the area outside the cafeteria near the dumpsters. This is a safety concern in our bus loading area.
For carline:
• There are 2 lanes to exit, after pole one. Choose a lane either left or right, do not stay in the middle.
• No cell phone. • Do not pass cars in the car line, unless instructed to do so by a school staff member.
• Students must enter and exit from the passenger side of your vehicle. When they have to enter or exit from the driver's side, that puts them and others at risk.
• Do not exit your vehicle in carline. Allow safety patrol or school staff to assist in loading/ unloading your student.
• (Mornings and afternoons) Pull all the way up to the car in front of you. Especially at poles 1 through 5. (We are trying to get five cars in front of the brick wall.)
• (Mornings) Be ready to get out. Unbuckled and have backpack, lunch box, water bottle and everything ready to get out.
• (Mornings) Do not try to ride alongside your child. It is dangerous.
• (Afternoons) Please display your number from your rearview mirror, at all times, from the beginning to the end of Carline until after your child is in.
Also, if you are choosing to walk from the back of the school in the afternoons to pick up in the carline, you MUST park in the back parking lot, not along the curb near the bus area. Please do not pull past the bus loop and enter the area outside the cafeteria near the dumpsters. This is a safety concern in our bus loading area.
Welcome Back from Mrs. Hager
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.
Here is the school supply list for Mossy Creek, 2025-2026
Aiken County Public School District’s full-time virtual program, Aiken iNNOVATE, is now accepting applications for the 2025–2026 school year. If you or your student are currently in 5th grade or higher and interested in a flexible, innovative learning environment, now is the time to apply. Aiken iNNOVATE offers a 100% virtual experience with certified ACPSD teachers and curriculum, providing students in grades 6–12 the opportunity to learn from anywhere while staying connected to their school community. To apply, visit www.acpsd.net/ai. If you have any questions, feel free to email Ai@acpsd.net. Don’t miss this opportunity to take charge of your education through Aiken iNNOVATE. Spots are limited.
Wrapping Up a Wonderful School Year!
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As we enter the final week of an amazing school year, we want to take a moment to thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and partnership. It's been a joy watching your children learn, grow, and thrive this year!
Important End-of-Year Reminders:
Memorial Day Holiday-enjoy your day on Monday, as there is no school!
Awards Day Celebrations-Don't forget to join us as we continue celebrating our students’ hard work and achievements!
Our last day of school is Thursday. It will be a half day, so please plan accordingly for early dismissal. We also have a half day on Wednesday.
Looking Ahead – We're already looking forward to next year! Meet the Teacher Day will be held on Thursday, July 17th from 2 to 6 PM. Please make sure your students are registered so that they are put in a classroom and able to meet their teacher that day!
🌞 Wishing You a Safe and Happy Summer!
Enjoy the sunshine, make wonderful memories, and we’ll see you in July ready for another fantastic year!
The Seamless Summer Meal Program returns for Summer 2025! The ACPSD Child Nutrition Program will be offering nutritious meals at no cost for children aged 18 and under, as well as for individuals with disabilities up to age 21. Meals will be served Monday through Thursday from June 2 to June 26, 2025.
See flyer for more details!
