The 2026–27 school year is almost here, and this week has been all about preparing for an incredible first day.
We were thrilled to welcome 192 new teachers to Aiken County Public School District during IGNITE, our annual new teacher orientation. From an enthusiastic welcome by student cheerleaders to breakfast with school leaders, our newest educators experienced the warmth, support, and pride that make ACPSD such a special place. Throughout IGNITE, they built connections, explored district expectations, and participated in professional learning designed to set them up for success from day one.
As always the event highlight was the "Fashion Show!" From business casual to classroom ready, our school and district leaders showed how to dress for success while keeping it professional and dress-code appropriate. Big thank you to our leadership for walking in style.
At the same time, our new and returning principals and assistant principals came together for ASCEND: A Leadership Summit for Excellence, where they collaborated, sharpened their leadership skills, and prepared to welcome students, staff, and families for another outstanding year.
Thank you to our speakers, session leaders, generous sponsors, and community vendors for helping make this events such a success!
There is nothing quite like the excitement of a new school year, and we can't wait to welcome our students back on Monday, July 20!
Let's make it our best year yet!
Aiken County Public Schools will be closed Thursday, July 2, and Friday, July 3, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. School district offices will reopen on Monday, July 6. Wishing you and your family a safe and joyful Fourth of July! #ACPSDcelebrates #FourthOfJuly #IndependenceDay
5K Families: Don't Forget About Staggered Start!
As we get ready to welcome our youngest learners back to school, our kindergarten students will be using a staggered start for the first days of the school year. Your child's assigned start date and other important details will come directly from your child's school.
Be sure to check your:
Email
Parent Portal
School's Website
School's Social Media
If you haven't received any information, it's possible your student's registration is not yet complete. Please complete your student's registration as soon as possible so you don't miss important back-to-school updates. Contact your child's school for any questions.
We can't wait to welcome students back for a great school year!
Congratulations to Sharon Morton of Highland Springs Middle School!
Sharon is an exceptional custodian who takes genuine pride in her work. She is consistently thorough, reliable, and attentive to the details that help keep her school clean, welcoming, and well cared for.
Her positive attitude and strong work ethic make a noticeable difference each day. Sharon is truly a valued asset and a pleasure to work with.
Thank you, Sharon, for your dedication and for the care you bring to your work every day!
AIKEN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT, JUNE 30th SPECIALLY CALLED BOARD MEETING
The Board of Education will hold a specially called meeting on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Please visit www.acpsd.net/board-live 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.
We invite newly enrolled families who speak a non-English language at home to attend one of our Multilingual Learner Registration & Language Screening Events.
This event is designed to help identify students who may qualify for language support services before the start of the school year. At this event, newly enrolled students will complete a 30–60-minute language screening before meeting the Multilingual Learners (ML) Teacher Team and learn about available school supports.
Interpreters will be available to assist families throughout the event.
Events at Six Points:
Monday, July 6th | 1:00pm - 7:00pm
Tuesday, July 7th | 1:00pm - 7:00pm
Thursday, July 9th | 1:00pm - 7:00pm
Event at Ridge-Spring Monnetta Middle/High:
Wednesday, July 8th | 1:00pm - 7:00pm
Registration help will be available; returning students should bring two proofs of residency and their parent portal login info. New students should bring two proofs of residency, a copy of their birth certificate, and their immunization records. Our goal is to ensure every multilingual learner begins the school year with the services, resources, and support they need to succeed from day one.
Have questions? Please contact the Director of Multilingual Learners, Dr. Elisabeth Hardy, at ehardy@acpsd.net or (803) 641-2428.
We look forward to seeing you there!
#ACPSDRegistration #ACPSDMultilanguageLearners #MultilingualLearners
On Thursday, June 25th, we proudly celebrated the graduation of this year’s Junior Leadership class at the North Augusta Municipal Building.
This program is designed for rising ninth graders and takes place each June. Throughout seven sessions, students explore their leadership styles and strengths, meet community and industry leaders, and gain insight into careers that may interest them.
We are incredibly proud of these students!
#ACPSDCelebrates #ACPSD #AikenCountyPublicSchools
Mark your calendars for this year's completely free Back to School Bash, hosted by community organizer Victoria Paloma!
This exciting event will take place on July 18th, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Roy Warner Park (6021 Roy Warner Park LN, Wagener, SC 29164) to help students kick off the school year with confidence.
Available on a first-come, first-served basis, children can receive free bookbags, school supplies, brand-new outfits, shoes, gift cards, fresh haircuts, professional hair braiding, food, and much more.
Please see the attached flyer for more information.
Don’t Forget to Register Your Student for the 2026-27 School Year!
This is an important reminder to complete registration for the upcoming school year. While we need all new and returning students registered as soon as possible, we are issuing a special call to action for our incoming 5K (Kindergarten) families. Registering your rising kindergartener right now is essential for classroom planning and ensuring our littlest learners have a perfect start on Day One!
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 #ACPSD5K #KindergartenRegistration #ReturningStudentRegistration #SouthCarolinaSchoolRegistration #AikenK-12SchoolRegistration
Help United Way of Aiken County Stuff the Bus for ACPSD Students!
We invite our community to help provide the essential tools local students need to succeed in the upcoming school year.
Event Dates and Locations:
Friday, June 19 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Richland Ave. Walmart
3581 Richland Ave., Aiken, SC 29081
Friday, July 10 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Sam’s Club Aiken
220 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Aiken, SC 29081
Most Needed School Supplies:
Composition Notebooks
No. 2 Pencils
Crayons (24-count)
Glue Sticks
Pocket Folders
Every single donation directly impacts a child's education. Please consider sharing this post to help spread the word to neighbors, colleagues, and friends.
See flyer for more information!
AIKEN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT, JUNE 9 BOARD MEETING
The Board of Education will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, June 9, 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.
Join us as we celebrate the Aiken County Public School District Class of 2026!
We are excited to share a video highlighting this years graduation ceremonies. From the first steps across the stage to the dreams that lie ahead, this special graduation film highlights the achievements, memories, and aspirations of graduates from across our district. Featuring messages from graduates and their family members, this video captures the pride, perseverance, and promise that defines the class of 2026.
To watch the video please visit: https://youtu.be/un1GlK9bodA?si=qmtFcZ06OcF6vIzA
We are proud to celebrate our graduates across Aiken County and in addition to watching this video we invite you to please take a moment and read about their amazing accomplishments at www.acpsd.net/2026-grads.
Congratulations to our graduates as they begin the next chapter of their journey. Your story is just beginning.
#ACPSDCelebrates #ACPSD2026Grads #AikenCountyPublicSchools #2026Graduation
Congratulations to Tracey Johnson of Corbett Middle School!
Ms. Johnson is known for going above and beyond for both students and staff. Her compassion, patience, and willingness to stop what she is doing to listen to students make a meaningful difference each day.
Her experience and knowledge also make her a trusted “go-to” person for her coworkers. Ms. Johnson does not do what she does for recognition. She does it because of the special kind of person she is.
PALMETTO CIVICS PROJECT AN INITIATIVE OF THE SC DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Families are invited to participate in Summer SC 250 activities as South Carolina prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and our state’s important role in our nation’s history. These summer activities provide meaningful opportunities for students and families to learn, explore, and connect with local and state history. Take part and help celebrate South Carolina’s rich history, heritage, and contributions to our country.
The Palmetto Civics Project is a resource-rich initiative designed to foster students’ understanding of and respect for the institutions that sustain our civic life. Our goal is simple but profound: every South Carolina graduate will leave school prepared to embrace the privileges and the responsibilities of American citizenship.
Please visit SC Palmetto Civics Project to learn more.
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
