District -

AIKEN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT, JUNE 2 BOARD MEETING
The Board of Education will hold a special called meeting on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, beginning at 6:00 p.m.  Please visit https://www.acpsd.net/page/board-meeting-livestream to view the meeting agenda and access the livestream when the meeting begins. Board Meetings are open to the public, although seating is limited. Our School Board Representatives may be contacted for any questions from our community stakeholders. Their contact information is available from that link as well.

Healthy Meals at No Cost This Summer!

The Seamless Summer Meal Program is back for Summer 2026! We are dedicated to ensuring school-age children and eligible individuals have access to nutritious foods to learn, play, and grow all summer long.

Here is everything you need to know about locations, dates, and times:

Program Details

• Who Qualifies: Healthy meals are served at no cost to school-age children 18 years & under, as well as disabled persons/children 21 years and under who are enrolled in school.

• Onsite Policy: All meals MUST be eaten onsite.

• Adult Meals: Adults are welcome to eat with their children! Adult meals can be purchased at the following rates: Breakfast: $3.20 | Lunch: $5.50.

Elementary School Locations

When: Monday – Thursday, June 1 – June 18 Times: Breakfast: 7:00 AM - 7:30 AM | Lunch: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

• Belvedere Elementary: 115 Monterey Ave, North Augusta | 803-442-6330

• Busbee Elementary: 20 A. L. Corbett Circle, Wagener | 839-846-7008

• Graniteville Elementary: 1 Willis Circle, Graniteville | 803-663-9998

• JD Lever Elementary: 2404 Columbia Hwy, Aiken | 803-641-2760

• Redcliffe Elementary: 22 Double Springs Rd, Aiken | 803-827-3350

• Ridge Spring-Monetta Elementary: 1081 Trojan Road, Monetta | 839-846-7010

High School Locations

When: Monday – Thursday, June 1 – June 25 Times: Breakfast: 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM | Lunch: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

• Aiken High School: 449 Rutland Drive, Aiken | 803-641-2500

• Midland Valley High: 227 Mustang Drive, Graniteville | 803-593-7100

• North Augusta High: 2000 Knobcone Ave, North Augusta | 803-442-6100

• Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle/High: 21071 Trojan Road, Monetta | 803-846-7010

• Silver Bluff High: 64 Desoto Drive, Aiken | 803-652-8100

• South Aiken High: 223 East Pine Log Road, Aiken | 803-641-2600

• Wagener-Salley High: 326 Seivern Road, Wagener | 839-846-7006

Questions?

If you have any questions, please reach out to our Child Nutrition Program Director:

• Contact: Ebonee Maxwell

• Email: Emaxwell@acpsd.net

• Phone: 803-991-3408

That's a wrap on the Class of 2026!

Midland Valley High School graduates have officially turned their tassels and are ready to take on the world. From the classrooms to the athletic fields, this group has left an undeniable mark on our community. Keep charging forward, Mustangs!

Congratulations Midland Valley Class of 2026! #ACPSD2026Grads #ACPSDCelebrates #ACPSDGraduation

Diplomas are in hand and the celebrations are officially underway for South Aiken High School! The Class of 2026 has successfully crossed the finish line after years of hard work, grit, and unforgettable moments. They entered these halls as students, but they leave today as leaders ready to make their mark on the world.

Congratulations South Aiken Class of 2026! #ACPSD2026Grads #ACPSDCelebrates #ACPSDGraduation

And just like that, Ridge Spring-Monetta High School graduates enter the next phase of their lives. The hard work, memories, growth, academic and athletic achievements have all led to this moment for the Class of 2026. Once a Trojan, always a Trojan!

Congratulations Ridge Spring-Monetta Class of 2026! #ACPSD2026Grads #ACPSDCelebrates #ACPSDGraduation

Aiken High School's Class of 2026 celebrated years of hard work and dedication last night as they walked across the stage taking the next steps into their future. The band and chorus set the stage for a beautiful event. Please join us in congratulating this group of students. May they "Win Forever!" #ACPSDcelebrates #ACPSD2026Grads #ACPSDGraduation

Valedictorian Kennedy Ryan Rodgers spoke of the lifelong bond she and her fellow North Augusta High School graduates now share—an honor that unites the Yellow Jackets’ Class of 2026 with generations of alumni. Congratulations to this exceptional class of seniors. They leave bonded by the Friday Night Lights, the historic hurricane that reshaped their hometown, the unforgettable memory of their principal riding the BOD squad table at their first pep rally, and all the other moments that helped shape who they are today and who they will become. Congratulations, Class of 2026! #ACPSDcelebrates #ACPSD2026Grads #ACPSDGraduation

Wagener-Salley High School senior Samya Daniels will set sail with the Navy in the upcoming month. In her salutatory address last night, she encouraged her fellow graduates to find their own paths to success and with that success she hopes for them both happiness and stability.

We wish Samya and Wagener-Salley High School’s Class of 2026 smooth sailing ahead and know that they each have what it takes to achieve their goals.

Congratulations, Class of 2026! #ACPSD2026Grads #ACPSDCelebrates #ACPSDGraduation

More than graduating — the 872 seniors celebrated at this evening’s District Completer Ceremony will step into the future with career certifications that prepare them for success beyond high school.

Among the highlights Arieonna Abney, Health Science Completer and Aiken County Career and Technology Center's Student of the Year, shared at tonight’s ceremony included 1,658 industry certifications were earned this year and that Aiken County students took part in 1,200 work-based learning experiences.  

Congratulations to the impressive Aiken County Public School District Career & Technical Education (CTE) Completers of the Class of 2026!

#ACPSD2026Grads #ACPSDCelebrates #ACPSDGraduation

Graduation week is here, and we can’t wait to celebrate the Class of 2026 at their commencement ceremonies being held at USC Aiken's Convocation Center!

To help graduation attendees enjoy a smooth, stress-free day, please remember that there will be metal detection upon arrival. We kindly ask that you review the attached graphic for prohibited items, such as bags, balloons, and outside food, so you can leave those items safely in your vehicle before heading to the entrance.

Additionally, because the lobby can become crowded after the ceremony, please plan to meet your graduate outside the venue once the event concludes.

Thank you so much for your help in keeping this milestone safe, smooth, and unforgettable for everyone!

Upcoming Graduation dates and times are below for your convenience. Tickets are limited due to space, but we invite everyone to cheer on the Class of 2026 virtually by accessing the live streamed ceremonies on our website at www.acpsd.net/graduation.

District Completer Ceremony: May 27, 2026 | 5:00pm
Wagener-Salley High School: May 27, 2026 | 7:00pm
North Augusta High School: May 28, 2026 | 2:00pm
Aiken Scholars Academy: May 28, 2026 | 5:00pm
Aiken High School: May 28, 2026 | 8:00pm
Silver Bluff High School: May 29, 2026 | 9:00am
Ridge Spring-Monetta High School: May 29, 2026 | 12:00pm
South Aiken High School: May 29, 2026 | 3:00pm
Midland Valley High School: May 29, 2026 | 7:00pm

#ACPSD2026Grads #ACPSDCelebrates #ACPSDGraduation

AIKEN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT, MAY 26 BOARD MEETING
The Board of Education will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, beginning at 6:00 p.m.  Please visit https://www.acpsd.net/page/board-meeting-livestream to view the meeting agenda and access the livestream when the meeting begins. Board Meetings are open to the public, although seating is limited. Our School Board Representatives may be contacted for any questions from our community stakeholders. Their contact information is available from that link as well.

Today we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Their courage, selflessness and dedication will never be forgotten. As we spend time with family and friends this Memorial Day, we reflect with gratitude on the freedoms their sacrifice helped protect.

As you scroll through these photos, from events such as the Enlistee Gala, Memorial Run at MVHS and other moments recognizing service and sacrifice throughout our district, we invite our community to join us in remembering and honoring our fallen heroes.

From all of us at Aiken County Public Schools, we thank and remember those who gave everything for our nation.

Memorial Day, May 25th, is a designated District Holiday, and all schools and offices will be closed. All students and staff are scheduled to return to school and work on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

#ACPSDCelebrates #MemorialDay

MIDLAND VALLEY HIGH'S FIRST ANNUAL VALLEY RUN |99 MILES. 24 HOURS. EVERY STEP HAS A PURPOSE

In honor of Memorial Day, the Midland Valley High School community is coming together for a historic first. The Valley Run is officially underway.

Starting at 9:00 AM this morning, Superintendent Dr. Corey Murphy took the first steps of an inspirational 24-hour journey to honor the 99 brave service members from South Carolina who made the ultimate sacrifice in active duty.

"For those of us who have served, those of us that have known those that serve, and those who may have lost someone protecting our country, it’s a day of honor. It’s a day of reverence. Today we celebrate, honor, and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of this country" shared Superintendent, Dr. Corey Murphy.

For every single mile conquered, a bell will ring, and the name of a fallen hero will be spoken aloud.

Come down to the track, line the path, and help us cheer these incredible runners through the day and night!

Set your alarms for tomorrow morning! Principal Higgenbottom will take to the track to run the final, ceremonial lap to bring this powerful event home. Let’s pack the stands to welcome our runners across the finish line!

Grab lunch, a cold drink, or a sweet treat while you show your support:

• Samoan BBQ | 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

• Bubbly Bunch | 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

• Flannigan's Ice Cream | Keep an eye out for a potential sweet-treat visit!

• (Shoutout to Palmetto Bowl, who was on-site from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM kicking off our morning!)

Let’s show these runners, and the families of our fallen heroes, the true heart of The Valley and the Aiken County Public School District. See you at the track!

A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE | AIKEN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT HOSTS 28TH ANNUAL RETIREMENT CELEBRATION

In a room filled with gratitude and celebration, Aiken County Public Schools hosted its 28th Annual Retirement Banquet on Monday evening, May 18, 2026, at Newberry Hall.

The event honored dozens of retiring educators and staff members whose dedicated careers represent a staggering combined total of 1,752 years of service to the district's students and community.

The evening kicked off with a warm welcome from District Superintendent Dr. Corey Murphy. Following his opening remarks, School Board Chair Mr. Cameron Nuessle delivered greetings on behalf of the Board of Education, and Chief Financial Officer Mr. Tray Traxler offered the invocation before dinner was served.

The highlight of the banquet was the official Recognition of Retirees, led by Ms. Katrina Riley, the Director of Human Resources. One by one, the district celebrated retirees from various departments and schools across the District, ranging from classroom teachers and administrative staff to maintenance and transportation personnel.

Among the notable honorees recognized for their extraordinary longevity and deep-rooted commitment to local education were:

• Patricia Sheldon (Aiken Elementary School), celebrating an incredible 46 years of service.

• Jean Gorthy (Aiken High School), retiring with 39 years of service.

• Renae Enlow (Byrd Elementary School), capping off a 36-year career.

• Elizabeth DiGiacomo (South Aiken High School) and Andrea Wigfall (North Augusta Middle School), both completing 34 years of dedication.

• Kari Ledbetter (Homebound Department), also wrapping up 34 years of service.

You can view all of this year’s celebrated educators, including their schools and total years of dedication, by viewing the 2026 Retirement Banquet Program.

The celebration closed with remarks from Dr. Murphy, who extended the district’s deepest thanks to the retirees for leaving a lasting legacy on the generations of students they served.

The successful evening was organized by the district’s Retirement Banquet Coordinators: Ms. Deloris Brown, Mr. Zack Calhoun, Mrs. Debbie Gregory, Ms. Kimberly Hickson-Corbitt, and Mrs. Kayla Jordan. Special appreciation was also extended to the staff at Newberry Hall for providing the venue and hospitality for the milestone celebration.

Innovation, creativity, and hands-on learning are shaping the future in ACPSD through Project Lead The Way!

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a curriculum designed for college and career readiness that focuses on STEM and other CTE fields to use real-world and problem-solving skills in the classroom with project-based instruction. On May 15, 2026, seventeen biomedicine students were recognized nationally for the impact they have made on the community through PLTW.

Read about their incredible service at www.acpsd.net/pltw-news.

#ACPSD #ProjectLeadTheWay #AikenCountyPublicSchools

Register Your Student for the 2026-27 School Year

New and Returning Student Registration is underway for the upcoming 2026-27 School Year.

Please take a few minutes to review the registration information at www.acpsd.net/register or go directly to your parent portal in PowerSchool at http://aiken.powerschool.com/public.

For returning students, registration takes just a few minutes through your parent portal account as the student’s existing registration information will pre-populate. Please review and change any information that needs updating and ensure that up-to-date emergency contact information is included for each student.

Registering your student now helps us get ready to welcome your student back after the summer and ensure a smooth start to next school year, allowing teachers and classrooms to be assigned to serve your student on day one.
We thank you, as always, for your partnership in an excellent educational experience.

#ACPSDRegistration #ReturningStudentRegistration #SouthCarolinaSchoolRegistration #AikenSchoolRegistration

This week, we proudly celebrate Classified School Employee Appreciation Week and recognize the incredible individuals who help keep our schools and district running each and every day.

From transportation and nutrition services to administrative support, maintenance, technology, custodial teams, paraprofessionals, and so many more...your dedication, hard work and care make a lasting difference for our students, staff and families.

Thank you for the countless ways you support learning environments where students can grow and succeed.