WINDOW FOR AIKEN INNOVATE FAMILIES TO REQUEST TRANSFER TO FACE-TO-FACE INSTRUCTION FOR THE SECOND SEMESTER OPENS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23 - The window to submit a form to remain in AIKEN iNNOVATE or to switch to face-to-face instruction will be open through the Parent Portal from Friday, October 23rd, until Friday, November 13th. This will be the only window of time to switch to face-to-face instruction. 

Please be reminded that the switch to face-to-face will not take place until January 25, 2021, which is the first day of the second semester. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s home school.

Please note all the following important pieces of information:

- There will only be one window to switch from Ai to face-to-face. This window will open on Friday, October 23rd and close on Friday, November 13th.

- Changes from virtual to face-to-face will begin on January 25, 2021.

- All current Ai students must complete a form through Parent Portal indicating their desire to either Remain in AIKEN iNNOVATE OR Move to face-to-face instruction.

- Once students switch to face-to-face, they will not be able to switch back to virtual.

- Some high school credit courses may not be offered, or may not have available space in face-to-face classes. If this is the case, students will still participate in the course virtually, but will do so on their school’s campus.

- There is a strong possibility that teacher changes will occur for those who choose to remain in Ai for the remainder of the year.

- First semester grades will be transferred to the new teacher if a switch in teacher is made.

- If face-to-face is chosen and there is a need for bus transportation, a Transportation Form must be completed through Parent Portal.

- If face-to-face is chosen, schedules will be released to students on Tuesday, January 19, 2021. If schedules are impacted for students who remain in Ai, parents will be notified by Tuesday, January 19, 2021.

- If you do not have a Parent Portal account, please contact your child’s home school.

ONLINE ATHLETICS TICKET SALES NOW OPEN THROUGH GOFAN - In a new partnership with online athletics ticketing leader GoFan, the Aiken County Public School District (ACPSD) is pleased to announce that all middle school and high school sports programs now offer contactless ticket sales online.

Through GoFan, each ACPSD school offering athletics has a page on the platform dedicated to ticket sales. A GoFan site link will be available on the home page of each school’s website soon.

Fans are strongly encouraged to order their tickets online each week as soon as the ticket sale links are published as seating capacity at all ACPSD athletic stadiums, gymnasiums, and fields will be extremely limited due to Covid-19 health and safety measures. These measures will include mandatory social distancing and the wearing of masks and face coverings by all spectators.

Fans should take note that once a venue's capacity has been met, no additional ticket sales will take place. This means onsite ticket sales will only be available if the school's allotment of tickets does not sell out in advance.

Fans who experience difficulty purchasing online tickets are encouraged to email GoFan customer service at service@gofan.co. 

Links to each school's GoFan tickets page are provided below:

DISTRICT REMINDER TO PARENTS AND GUARDIANS REGARDING DO-NOT-PHOTO/VIDEO REQUESTS - Aiken County Public School District procedures regarding do-not-photo/video requests state that each new school year during the school registration process, parents who wish to “opt out” their children from participation in photo or video opportunities at school must submit that request in writing to the ACPSD Communications Department. 

The letter should be addressed to Director of Communications, Mike Rosier, at 1000 Brookhaven Drive, Aiken SC, 29803. It should state which student or students they wish the request to include, as well as their home school location or locations. PLEASE NOTE: If no letter is on file, students are automatically opted in for photo, video, and media opportunities in our schools as they arise. 

We welcome parents and guardians who wish to opt their children out of all photos and videos to submit a letter to us at any point prior to the end of October.

NEW TECHNOLOGY HOTLINE AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT AIKEN INNOVATE PARENTS, GUARDIANS, AND STUDENTS - The ACPSD Technology Department has implemented a helpline for AIKEN iNNOVATE parents, guardians, and students who need assistance with district-issued devices. This helpline will be able to assist with hardware, email/Office365 accounts, and internet access issues. The number is 803-641-2642.

WE ARE HIRING NEW BUS DRIVERS - Aiken County Public Schools is looking for responsible and reliable individuals to join our exciting One Team as new bus drivers. We offer free training and licensing so no experience is necessary. Anyone who may be interested in serving as a new bus driver is encouraged to contact Patrick Ott by phone at (803) 641-2428 or by email at pott@acpsd.net. Join our One Team family today! 

HOT OFF THE PRESS - View the latest version of The Path, our District-wide newsletter, located near the bottom of acpsd.net! In this edition you'll be introduced to new leadership and administration, learn about the upcoming XSEL Program, see graduation highlights and Stars of Public Education Honor Court members, and so much more!       

NOVEL CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION - Understanding that parents/guardians, teachers, and staff have concerns about the widely-publicized new or “novel” coronavirus, COVID-19, and how this new family of viruses could impact our community and public schools, our district administration wants to ensure you are made aware of preventative efforts and procedures in place related to this public health concern. Please visit our webpage devoted to sharing updates, prevention details and other information by clicking on the words "Coronavirus Prevention & Updates."