Technology is woven into nearly every part of our schools—from the devices in students’ hands to the systems that keep classrooms, offices, and campuses connected.
On IT Professionals Day, we’re shining a light on the people behind the scenes who keep it all running. When the network goes down, a device stops cooperating, or a technical problem threatens to derail the day, they’re the ones working to get things back on track.
To our IT professionals: thank you for keeping our district connected, supported, and moving forward. We appreciate everything you do—especially the things most people never see.

Help us congratulate Mrs. Cassie Remson, a third grade teacher at Belvedere Elementary, for being named a Golden Apple Award winner by WJBF News Channel 6!
She was one of five Aiken County teachers that were surprised in their classrooms by WJBF News Channel 6 and sponsor Kroger as a Golden Apple Award winner. Her segment will air on WBJF News Channel 6 on Tuesday, September 15 during the 5:30 PM broadcast.
She credits her experience at Belvedere to helping foster a learning environment that is poised for success and academic achievement.
“Who you work with and who you work for makes all the difference in everything in life. I say it all the time, but Belvedere is just in an amazingly special place and we have admin that will support us in literally any way they possibly can,” Mrs. Remson added. “They'll make copies, they'll help you grade tests. It's amazing. I've never been so supported in my career, and that's what’s amazing. Also, my co-teacher happens to be my real-life best friend. We spend three dinners together a week, and the kids always think we're joking, and I'm like, no, no, we really are really best friends. Our husbands, our best friends. And so, I'm really fortunate.”
“We are so proud of Cassie and thankful she joined our team two years ago,” Belvedere Principal Allyson Long shared. “She is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure every student can make their personal best progress. What I appreciate most is that she creates a classroom environment where all are welcome and feel accepted. That creates classroom experiences her students will never forget.”
Early attendance builds a strong foundation!
Frequent absences in kindergarten and first grade can make it more difficult for children to reach grade-level reading skills by third grade.
Stay tuned for more attendance facts throughout this month!

Through music, visual arts, theater, dance, and other creative opportunities, students have the chance to explore new ideas, discover their talents, build confidence, and see the world from different perspectives.
We’re proud to celebrate the educators, students, families, and community partners who help make the arts an important part of learning.
Let’s continue to create, inspire, and give every student the opportunity to find their voice through the arts.

The NFL regular season kicks off this weekend and you may see a familiar face from ACPSD!
Drew Stevens (North Augusta Class of '22) makes his NFL kicking debut with the Washington Commanders this Sunday. Drew joined the Commanders following the NFL Draft where he was invited to training camp and made the official 53-man roster.
We are so proud to support Drew as he begins his NFL career and seeing his growth from his time as an ACPSD student-athlete.
Read more about Drew's journey to the NFL on the Aiken County Public Schools website.

From sharing stories and traditions to offering encouragement, guidance, and unconditional love, grandparents play a special role in helping children feel connected to their families and communities.
Today, we thank the grandparents who show up, cheer us on, and remind us where we come from.
Happy Grandparents Day!

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


