Honoring Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance
Today, Aiken County Public Schools joins communities across the nation in remembering the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honor the courage and sacrifice of those who responded and served in the days that followed.
We honor the first responders, military members, volunteers and community members whose courage, compassion and service demonstrated the strength of a nation united.
We remember. We honor. We serve.
Fall Break is almost here!
ACPSD’s Fall Break is September 28–October 9, 2026, with Fall Intersession opportunities available September 28–October 1.
Families can explore a variety of learning, enrichment, and community-sponsored opportunities available for students across the District. Registration is opening soon, and space may be limited for some programs.
Be sure to review the flyers for program-specific dates, locations, grade levels, and registration details.
www.acpsd.net/page/intersession
Outside organizations are encouraged to share the details of Intersession/Fall Break opportunities with our District by sending an email to communications@acpsd.net. A list of those opportunities shared with our District offered during Intersession and Fall Break may be included on our website.
We’re looking forward to a Fall Intersession and Fall Break filled with opportunities for students to learn, explore, create, and have fun!
The Aiken County Board of Education awarded Superintendent Dr. Corey Murphy an overall rating of Excellent during his annual evaluation on September 2 and extended his contract for one additional year through the 2028-29 school year.
The Board’s actions recognize the district’s progress throughout the 2025-26 school year. That progress is detailed in the Superintendent’s 2025-26 Annual Report, which highlights accomplishments across instructional leadership, quality personnel, a culture of achievement, operational management, and communication and community relationships.
Under Dr. Murphy’s leadership, Aiken County Public Schools demonstrated strong academic momentum. Seven schools earned Excellent state report card ratings, nearly half of all schools improved overall proficiency, and 88% of high schools earned Good or Excellent College and Career Readiness ratings. Aiken Scholars Academy was also named the top high school in South Carolina for the second consecutive year.
“I appreciate the Board’s confidence and the opportunity to serve the students, employees, and families of Aiken County Public Schools,” Dr. Murphy said. “The progress highlighted in this evaluation belongs to our entire school system, and I am proud of the commitment our employees demonstrate each day. We have much to celebrate, and we remain focused on the important work ahead.”
Read the full press release on the Aiken County Public Schools website: www.acpsd.net/superintendent-performance
Being present can impact performance!
What difference can regular attendance make in the classroom? Students with fewer than five absences in a school year score, on average, 20% higher in math and reading than students who miss 10% or more of the school year.
Intersession is bringing innovation to life!
Students will have the opportunity to explore, create, and problem-solve at our CTE Innovation STEM Camp. Read below to learn more about this exciting opportunity and stay tuned for more Intersession announcements to come!
All 6th through 8th grade students are invited to participate in ACPSD's CTE Innovation STEM Camp!
WHEN: September 28th -October 1st from 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. daily
WHAT: All Aiken County Public School sixth through eighth grade students are invited to participate in ACPSD's CTE Innovation STEM Camp! Students will engage in fun, hands-on STEM challenges, build real world skills, solve problems and discover what they’re capable of creating! Students will select up to three courses to participate in throughout the day where they will learn about of drones, e-sports, robotics and cybersecurity.
WHERE: Schofield Middle School, 224 Kershaw Street, NE Aiken, SC 29801. There is no cost to participate in the camp.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT APPLICATION: Monday, September 14th by 5:00PM. Spots are limited and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, please scan the QR code on the flyer or complete the online application by clicking on the 2027 CTE STEM Innovation Camp Student Application link.
CONTACT: Alvina Jackson- Riddle at ahead@acpsd.net.
#FallIntersession #ACPSD #CTE #STEM
A new chapter has begun for Wagener-Salley High School athletics!
On Friday, September 4, the Wagener-Salley War Eagles entered a new chapter for their athletic programs.
After playing their final game at their longtime home field at the former high school on August 28, the War Eagles played their first game in their new stadium, dedicated to former principal J.O. Brown.
This new athletic complex is part of a $15 million project that include the additions of new baseball and softball fields, and an eight- lane track located on Wagener-Salley's campus.
The new 1,200 seat stadium brings equitable spaces to Wagener-Salley athletics and will set a high standard of competition of years to come. The J.O. Brown Stadium dedication marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Wagener-Salley community with all of the War Eagle spirit.
Attendance matters!
Showing up to school regularly can make a big difference in a student's journey toward graduation. Check out today's attendance fact and remember: every school day counts!
Happy International Literacy Day!
Literacy opens doors to learning, opportunity and lifelong success. Today, we celebrate the educators, families and community members who help our students build strong reading and literacy skills every day.
From the classroom to the home, every page read, story shared and new word learned helps build a stronger foundation for the future.
#ACPSDCelebrates #InternationalLiteracyDay
Happy World Physical Therapy Day!
Today, we are celebrating the physical therapists and physical therapy professionals who help our students and student athletes move, grow and thrive.
Your expertise, encouragement and dedication make a meaningful difference in the lives of the students you serve every day. Thank you for helping our students reach their goals and supporting their journey toward success!
AIKEN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT, SEPTEMBER 8 BOARD MEETING
The Board of Education will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, September 8, 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.
Help us congratulate Dr. Proctor at Midland Valley High School, who was recently named a Golden Apple Award winner by WJBF News Channel 6.
She was one of five Aiken County teachers to be surprised in their classrooms on Friday, August 14 by WJBF News Channel 6 and sponsor Kroger. Her segment will air on Tuesday, September 8 during the 5:30 PM broadcast.
Midland Valley is a place she has called home professionally for 33 years, and before as a student.
“This has been my life, my world. For all of my life. I love students. People say when they find out you're a high school teacher, the first thing they say is, ‘Oh, no, I can never do that.’ I just said to somebody yesterday, they don't realize that these guys are just people, like everybody else.” Dr. Proctor added. “They are the people who you can get to know, just like everybody else.”
“Dr. Ginger Proctor is proof that you can’t graduate from Midland Valley High School—you just get promoted to making it better!” Prinicpal Sheldon Higgenbottom shared. “A veteran math teacher who tackles everything from general math to AP, she somehow finds time to manage the yearbook, lead our busiest student organization Student Council, and still be the person everyone can count on. She is truly a Midland Valley High School legacy!”
This Labor Day, we recognize and celebrate the hard work, dedication, and contributions of workers who help strengthen our schools, communities, and nation.
From educators and support staff to families, community members, and workers across every profession, the work we do each day makes a difference. Please join us today as we appreciate those whose commitment and effort help keep our communities moving forward by leaving a comment below!
Labor Day, September 7th, 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, September 8, 2026.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy Labor Day!
Intersession is bringing innovation to life!
Students will have the opportunity to explore, create, and problem-solve at our CTE Innovation STEM Camp. Read below to learn more about this exciting opportunity and stay tuned for more Intersession announcements to come!
All 6th through 8th grade students are invited to participate in ACPSD's CTE Innovation STEM Camp!
WHEN: September 28th -October 1st from 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. daily
WHAT: All Aiken County Public School sixth through eighth grade students are invited to participate in ACPSD's CTE Innovation STEM Camp! Students will engage in fun, hands-on STEM challenges, build real world skills, solve problems and discover what they’re capable of creating! Students will select up to three courses to participate in throughout the day where they will learn about of drones, e-sports, robotics and cybersecurity.
WHERE: Schofield Middle School, 224 Kershaw Street, NE Aiken, SC 29801. There is no cost to participate in the camp.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT APPLICATION: Monday, September 14th by 5:00PM. Spots are limited and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, please scan the QR code on the flyer or complete the online application by clicking on the 2027 CTE STEM Innovation Camp Student Application link.
CONTACT: Alvina Jackson- Riddle at ahead@acpsd.net.
#FallIntersession #ACPSD #CTE #STEM
Showing up makes a difference!
In honor of September being Attendance Awareness month, we're going to be sharing interesting facts regarding school attendance. Consistent attendance during the early years gives students more opportunities to build the skills they need to succeed in the classroom.
Today's attendance check is on reading proficiency. Did you know that about 64% of students with consistent attendance in kindergarten and first grade read at grade level by the end of third grade.
Being present matters from the very beginning. Make sure to check back on our socials throughout this month for more fun attendance facts!
Investing in Our Students. Supporting Our Schools. Building Possibilities.
We are incredibly grateful to SRP Federal Credit Union for investing in the future of our elementary students and educators through its new Investing in Education: Unlimited Possibilities initiative.
At the kickoff event held at the WOW! Club at, SRP Park in North Augusta, SRP Federal Credit Union announced that 83 schools across 10 CSRA counties will each receive $2,500 representing a remarkable $207,500 total investment in local elementary education.
This generous support gives our principals the flexibility to respond to the unique needs of their schools — whether that means providing instructional resources, creating hands-on learning experiences, supporting teachers, or offering enriching opportunities for students.
“This investment empowers our principals to respond directly to the unique needs of their schools and create meaningful opportunities through instructional resources, hands-on learning, and enrichment experiences," Dr. Charlene Heard, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools said.
Partnerships like this remind us what is possible when our schools and community come together with a shared commitment to student success. We are proud to have SRP Federal Credit Union investing alongside us and helping create unlimited possibilities for our students!
To read more on this story, please visit www.acpsd.net/invest-education
Fall Intersession is almost here!
Our students will have opportunities to learn, explore, create and have fun during Intersession! Explore the Fine Arts opportunities below. More Intersession opportunities are coming soon!
Aiken High School: Dance (3rd-5th grade) - 8am-1pm.
Students will be immersed in creativity, rhythm, and movement while learning dance techniques and choreography. They will explore the dance creation process, build confidence in their performance skills, and develop coordination and teamwork. The dance intersession encourages students to learn new moves, work together, and express themselves through exciting and creative performances.
Highland Springs Middle: Lego Wars (6th-9th grade) - 8:30am-3pm
Students will be immersed in creativity, the Engineering Design Process, and project design while developing architectural skills to build a strong Lego structure. This year, there is a new challenge in Lego Wars that students must solve, pushing them to think more creatively, work as a team, and apply their engineering skills in exciting new ways.
Midland Valley High: Pottery (8th-12th grade) - 8:30am-3pm
Students will explore their creativity through hands-on practice while working directly with clay. Throughout the session, students will learn the different techniques needed to shape, mold, and finish their own unique ceramic pieces.
Please note the times and grade levels per group. Only students that attend a school in the Aiken County School District may attend.
Breakfast and lunch will be served daily. Students may bring their own.
TRANSPORTATION: Transportation will not be provided.
To apply, scan the QR Code located on the flyer or visit: Fall Intersession-Fine Arts- Fill Out Form
The form will open on August 31st. Seats are limited.
Please email Dr. Kimberly Fontanez with questions. (kfontanez@acpsd.net)
#FallIntersession #ACPSD #FineArts
We're officially kicking off our United Way campaign!
We attended a campaign kickoff lunch last week and were grateful to connect with the organizations doing wonderful work right here in our community everyday. The halftime show was made special by an energetic performance by East Aiken School of the Arts students.
Please keep an eye on your school's social media for information on how to give and donate throughout our campaign.
We're looking forward to a great campaign and to seeing how our ACPSD family can come together to support our community!
On Tuesday Sept. 1, Aiken County Public Schools officially broke ground on much awaited renovations to South Aiken High School. These additions were made possible with the 2024 One Percent Penny Sales Tax and will include campus expansions, new building spaces, and updates to athletic facilities.
South Aiken's groundbreaking wouldn't be possible without the valuable community input and collaboration with HG Reynolds, CFS Architects, as well as South Aiken and District leadership teams. These long-awaited improvements will provide South Aiken students with modern and updated spaces to learn, grown, and thrive for years to come.
Thank you to the South Aiken Student Council, Drumline, Cheerleading Squads and Chorus, as well as alumni and students who came to celebrate this milestone moment! The 'All Means All' Thoroughbred mentality from the community was on display during the groundbreaking ceremony.
AREA FIVE MASTER PLAN COMMUNITY INPUT MEETINGS
Aiken County Public Schools is seeking input on a possible master facilities plan for Area Five.
The plan could include constructing a middle school addition on the campus of the new Silver Bluff High School to serve students currently attending Jackson and New Ellenton middle schools. The District is also considering renovating and repurposing New Ellenton Middle School as an elementary school for students currently attending Greendale Elementary. School Board members previewed this plan during their August 25 meeting.
Community members are invited to attend one of two upcoming meetings to learn more and share their feedback:
Thursday, September 10, at 6 p.m.
New Ellenton Middle School Cafeteria
Tuesday, September 15, at 6 p.m.
Jackson Middle School Cafeteria
