You Serve Our Country, Let Us Serve You and Your Family
Military-Friendly School District
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Aiken County Public Schools, located just 16 miles from Fort Gordon across the Savannah River in beautiful South Carolina, is the district of choice for military-connected families. For additional information on our highly-rated public schools and to find out more about the benefits of living in South Carolina, please click on the words "Military Friendly."
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COVID-19 Tips
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there may be many emotions and new experiences for your family and your child. Depending on your child’s age, he or she may experience this situation differently. We want you to be fully prepared to support your child’s social-emotional and behavioral needs throughout this time.
The Department of the Army Madigan Army Medical Center has provided information and tips to help you navigate the rapid changes over the next few weeks. Understanding how school closures, social distancing and changes in daily routines may affect your child is an important step in maintaining a healthy emotional response. Please click Military Tips For COVID-19 to see the full listing.
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Our Service To You
Assign a student ambassador to your child to make them feel welcome and help them learn about their new school.
Get your child enrolled in classes as soon as possible. Bring us your transcripts before the official ones arrive to get your child enrolled quickly in the classes they need.
Work to see that your child gets credits transferred so they don't need to re-take classes.
Work to get your child enrolled in extracurricular activities, even if the period has passed to join, in order for them to develop a sense of belonging at their new school.
Honor the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children (the Compact).
Assign your family a personal contact at the school to support with transition and ongoing success.
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ACPSD is the first to be designated as a South Carolina Purple Star School District! This designation recognizes a significant commitment to supporting Military families and students of those who serve.
BENEFITS OF PURPLE STAR SCHOOLS INCLUDE:
*Dedicated Liaison
*Student Ambassador
*School Training
*Education Planning
*Military Family School Website
*Extracurricular Activites
MCEC Offers Virtual Workshops
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Military Student Ambassadors Training To Better Support Peer Transition To Their New Schools
Jose Hernandez was a happy “first day” student, and the smile on his face showed it.
The person sent to greet him on his first day at a new school had done so quite warmly, being sure to make eye contact with him. Although the person had plenty of friends in the hallway they never took their focus away from him, which was impressive. Jose felt welcomed and valued on his very first day at his new school, which was the goal of the exercise.
Jose, who is a Military Student Ambassador from Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle School, had just participated in a Junior Student-2-Student (JS2S) role-playing training held for student ambassadors from all 11 middle schools in Aiken County Public Schools. Led by trainers from the Military Child Education Coalition, it is part of the District’s Purple Star School District initiative and a continuing focus on support of military families in our community.
“It was so encouraging to see our students take this training and make it their own,” stated ACPSD Military Community Liaison Sondra Thomas. “I am excited to see the different student-led programs that will take place across the district. I am also very proud of the overall response of our students and their commitment to ensuring that every incoming student is accepted into their school community.”
Click here to read the full press release.
