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.
Help us congratulate Dr. Richard Ball, a math teacher at North Augusta High School, on being named a Golden Apple Award teacher by WJBF News Channel 6.
On Friday, February 13, he was surprised at North Augusta High School alongside several community business partners, Kroger, Universal Plumbing and Great Deals on Furniture.
“I think that the goal at the end of each day is for a kid to walk out with a little bit more joy from math,” Dr. Ball said during an interview with WJBF News Channel 6. “You have to treat them like they are like kids and teaching them a subject in a way that lets them be kids is the way I like to approach each lesson.”
Dr. Ball teaches a variation of math courses at North Augusta High School from Algebra to AP Calculus. The Buffalo, NY native moved to South Carolina and says he has been welcomed with open arms calling it his home away from home.
“Dr. Ball represents exactly what this profession is about. He challenges our AP Calculus students to think deeper, push harder, and reach higher, while at the same time meeting Algebra I students right where they are and refusing to let them give up on themselves. That range is rare. He makes advanced mathematics accessible and struggling students confident. The WJBF Golden Apple Award is well deserved—our school is stronger because of his commitment to every learner who walks into his classroom.”
“I think watching them grow is the pleasure of the job,” Dr. Ball said. “Yes, it would be fantastic if we all got A’s but it’s the person they become in the room. It’s great for all of us to achieve greatness, but it’s the person and the journey that is more important.”
Two other North Augusta teachers were surprised by WJBF News Channel 6: Mrs. Heather Parliament-Griffith, a 7th grade math teacher at Paul Knox Middle School and Mrs. Christine Witt, a kindergarten teacher at Hammond Hills Elementary School.
You can catch a news segment on each of the teachers starting Feb. 17 during the 5:30 PM broadcast. The remaining segments will air on Tuesday's on WJBF News Channel 6.
Early dismissal is this Wednesday, February 18th at 12:30pm. Late arrival students should check the website for the block start and end times at https://www.acpsd.net/o/nahs/page/bell-schedule. PM career students will attend the career center this day. AM career students may come in during their regular block scheduled time or report to the accommodations lab.
Lydia Hill is the Lower State Girls Champion at 190
Nathan Seawright is the Lower State Champion at 144
Christian Hutton took 2nd at 113
Evan Woodward placed 3rd at 150
John Burke was 5th at 215
Beau McIlhargey was 7th at 106 and
Timothy Sanders at 126 placed 8th
Not only did these 7 wrestle extremely well, the North Augusta team wrestled very well placing 5th overall out of 21 teams.
From Coach Franklin, a huge shout out to the parents who showed up for every match, no matter where, and the awesome coaching staff, Brian Sautter, Doug Healy, Andrew Sanders, and Mark Franklin. Without you all, none of this happens.
Now on to States this weekend. Best of luck! WAY TO GO JACKETS!
Attention students! If you are interested in the United States Army, Staff Sergeant Philip Veasley will be holding an information session in the Counseling Department Conference Room on Tuesday, February 17 from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. If interested, there will be a sign-up sheet in the Counseling Department.
Our early learning classrooms focus on building foundational skills in literacy, math, social development, and school readiness all in a nurturing and engaging environment fostered by certified teachers. We help students build confidence, friendships, and a love for learning from day one.
Spots fill quickly, apply today at www.acpsd.net/4k
#ACPSD #ACPSD4K #EarlyLearning
Come celebrate our seniors and bring the ENERGY as we take on the Mustangs in the final games before playoffs!
⏰ Girls tip-off: 6 PM
🎓 Senior recognition before the boys game
⏰ Boys tip-off: 7:30 PM
Pack the stands, and let’s make the Nest electric! 💛🖤 #BeatValley #SeniorNight
#ACPSDCelebrates #ACPSD #SchoolBusDriverAppreciation
⏰ Girls tip at 6PM, boys at 7:30PM 🎓 Senior Night recognition follows the girls game.
Make a poster, bring your spirit, and cheer loud!
