During National School Social Work Week, we are proud to recognize and thank our school social workers and student service workers for the incredible support they provide to our school community.
They play a vital role in supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being through compassionate guidance, collaboration with families and staff, and a strong commitment to helping every student succeed.
The 2026 theme, “Unite to Ignite: Celebrating Our Impact,” reflects the positive difference they make by bringing students, families, and educators together to create a caring and inclusive school environment across all Aiken County Public Schools.
#ACPSDCelebrates #ACPSD #AikenCountyPublicSchools
Help us congratulate Mrs. Christine Witt, a kindergarten teacher at Hammond Hill Elementary School, on being named a Golden Apple Award Teacher by WJBF News Channel 6.
She was surprised by WJBF News Channel 6 and sponsors Kroger, Universal Plumbing, and Great Deals on Furniture on Friday, February 13, in her classroom as a recipient of the Golden Apple Award. Her segment will air on Tuesday, March 3 during the 5:30 PM broadcast on WJBF.
“I love kindergarten," she shared. I see these children come in as a blank slate basically and see them grow and learn. Those lightbulbs that come on... they are the joy every day to get to school."
Mrs. Witt started her career at Curtis Baptist, where she started teaching Spanish and Computer Science. She has experience teaching a variety of grade levels and made the switch to kindergarten during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I had a blank slate,” Witt said. “I had to write a program to keep 20 kids engaged on a computer. I had to get the mommas, daddies and grandparents to be their learning coaches. I wanted them to not be behind... to have the same standards and the same type of teaching at home as in the classroom.”
Mrs. Witt says she enjoys giving her students life lessons for success.
“Sometimes you make mistakes but you try it again and pick it up and that’s what I teach my little ones that you will do hard things, you will make mistakes, but we are going to try it over again.”
“Mrs. Witt embodies a great example of a Golden Apple recipient," Hammond Hill Elementary's Principal Dede Scott shared. "She creates a warm, welcoming classroom where every child feels safe, valued, and excited to learn in kindergarten. Through her patience, creativity, and high expectations, she helps young learners build strong academic skills and the confidence to believe in themselves. She goes above and beyond each day for her students and families, laying the foundation for a lifetime love of learning. Her heart, dedication, and excellence make a lasting difference in every child she teaches.”
“I cannot wait to get to it in the morning and I don’t want to leave in the afternoon," Witt shared.
We are thrilled to share a formal agreement with the University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA) with Aiken County Public School District to provide cybersecurity services including network monitoring, incident investigation and response, and remediation and recovery assistance, through the university's student-run Regional Security Operations Center (RSOC).
The student-operated RSOC, staffed by cybersecurity professionals and highly trained cyber and information technology students, will augment the district’s cybersecurity and infrastructure protection procedures, giving the school system’s technology department a third-party team, constantly looking for indications of threats. RSOC clients, like the school district, receive real-time system monitoring, alerts, incident response and recovery assistance.
“With this agreement, the district gains frequent monitoring of its network, allowing for the early detection and mitigation of cyber threats. This external monitoring is key to improving the district's security posture, allowing it to better defend against threat actors and ensure that its data and network remain safe, secure, and reliable,” said Nic Carroll, Executive Director of Technology for Aiken County Public Schools. “The overall improved security posture provides assurance to stakeholders that the district's sensitive data and critical network services are protected.”
Read more about the formal agreement online by visiting our News Section.
AIKEN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT, FEBRUARY 24 BOARD MEETING
The Board of Education will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, February 24, 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 Mrs. Parliament-Griffith, a math teacher at Paul Knox Middle School, on being named a Golden Apple Award teacher by WJBF News Channel 6.
She was one of three Aiken County teachers surprised by WJBF News Channel 6 and sponsors Kroger, Universal Plumbing, and Great Deals on Furniture on Friday, February 13, in her classroom as a recipient of the Golden Apple Award. Her segment will air on WJBF News Channel 6 on Tuesday, February 24 during the 5:30 PM broadcast.
Parliament aims to create a learning environment where everyone can improve and grow their math skills.
“They know that in here it’s ok to be wrong and that I make mistakes too,” Parliament said “They feel, at least I hope they do, that it’s a safe environment for them to be able to make those mistakes and learn and grow from making those mistakes. They are all comfortable raising their hand and answering the questions whether they are right or wrong.”
She also coaches Paul Knox Middle School's Academic Team, a competitive extracurricular activity with a focus on quizzes to showcases a team’s broad knowledge across all subjects. Her team will be headed to Chicago later this year to compete in the National Championships – a back-to-back feat.
"We don’t win every single one of them," she shared, "but we are doing very well in our season. They have built up confidence. A lot of our team, they don’t play sports so they don’t get that competition anywhere else. In the classroom, that’s where they shine and we give them that opportunity so that they can still be competitive if they are like me and suck at every sport ever.”
“Mrs. Parliament is constantly looking for ways to support and praise students at PKMS,” Paul Knox Principal John Bush said. “She really enjoys seeing students succeed and pushes each student in her class to perform at a high level.”
For Mrs. Parliament, she wouldn’t trade her middle school classroom for anything.
“Seventh grade is the best,” she laughs. “They still laugh at my jokes and they still think I’m funny. Once they get to eighth grade they start to think I’m lame. They know how to blow their own nose, do their own thing, and follow directions for the most part. Middle school is the sweet spot.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8uv00kBT3Q
Looking for a flexible learning option for your family? 🧭 Aiken iNNOVATE is a virtual learning program for grades 6–12. Now accepting applications! ✅ Learn more and apply today at www.acpsd.net/ai
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Wednesday, February 18, is an Early Dismissal Day for students.
On Early Dismissal Days, elementary school students are dismissed at 11:30 a.m., middle school students at 12:10 p.m., and high school students at 12:30 p.m.
Early dismissal times are slightly different for Aiken Scholars Academy, as well as our schools in the Ridge-Spring area. Ridge Spring-Monetta Elementary dismissal is at 11:55 a.m., Aiken Scholars Academy dismissal is at noon, and Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle and High dismissal is at 12:15 and 12:20 p.m., respectively.
These Early Dismissal Days are part of the 2025-26 Aiken County Public School District Calendar and are necessary to support the training and development schedule for state-required teacher training. Please make any necessary arrangements for your child's early dismissal. Elementary school student after school care through Quest Zone is available.
Students receiving transportation services on half-day schedules, such as Early Learning Special Education students, will not be provided school bus transportation on Early Dismissal Days as buses will be unable to make mid-day routes.
Afternoon classes at the Aiken County Career and Technology Center are not held on Early Dismissal Days. Students enrolled in an afternoon class at the Career Center will remain at their high school on these designated days.
Help us congratulate Dr. Richard Ball, a math teacher at North Augusta High School, on being named a Golden Apple Award teacher by WJBF News Channel 6.
On Friday, February 13, he was surprised at North Augusta High School alongside several community business partners, Kroger, Universal Plumbing and Great Deals on Furniture.
“I think that the goal at the end of each day is for a kid to walk out with a little bit more joy from math,” Dr. Ball said during an interview with WJBF News Channel 6. “You have to treat them like they are like kids and teaching them a subject in a way that lets them be kids is the way I like to approach each lesson.”
Dr. Ball teaches a variation of math courses at North Augusta High School from Algebra to AP Calculus. The Buffalo, NY native moved to South Carolina and says he has been welcomed with open arms calling it his home away from home.
“Dr. Ball represents exactly what this profession is about. He challenges our AP Calculus students to think deeper, push harder, and reach higher, while at the same time meeting Algebra I students right where they are and refusing to let them give up on themselves. That range is rare. He makes advanced mathematics accessible and struggling students confident. The WJBF Golden Apple Award is well deserved—our school is stronger because of his commitment to every learner who walks into his classroom.”
“I think watching them grow is the pleasure of the job,” Dr. Ball said. “Yes, it would be fantastic if we all got A’s but it’s the person they become in the room. It’s great for all of us to achieve greatness, but it’s the person and the journey that is more important.”
Two other North Augusta teachers were surprised by WJBF News Channel 6: Mrs. Heather Parliament-Griffith, a 7th grade math teacher at Paul Knox Middle School and Mrs. Christine Witt, a kindergarten teacher at Hammond Hills Elementary School.
You can catch a news segment on each of the teachers starting Feb. 17 during the 5:30 PM broadcast. The remaining segments will air on Tuesday's on WJBF News Channel 6.
Silver Bluff High School student-athlete Adrian Gray is taking the next step in his football career.
On February 12, 2026, in front of family, friends, coaches, and peers, Gray signed his NCAA Letter of Intent to play football at Brevard College starting Fall 2026.
“Being able to play this sport is a good thing,” Gray said. “Especially after high school, because most people don't get to do that.”
Gray is a multi-sport athlete for the Bulldogs, playing offensive line in the fall on the football field and throwing shotput for Track and Field in the spring.
His coach, Matt Hayes, is proud of the hard work and leader Gray has become at Silver Bluff.
“When I was hired two years ago, I kind of identified that core groups of guys that would be not just starters, but the kind of guys with leadership qualities, guys that we were going to lean on in the weight room and in practice. And Adrian kind of jumped out. He's a really good football player, obviously. Works hard at his craft. A little bit undersized, but what he lacks in size, he has with technique, and he plays with the nastiness that you need to play offensive line,” Hayes said. “Being his teacher in the classroom, he takes pride in his athletics and his academics. So, Brevard is getting a student athlete, not just an athlete.”
Celebrating student athletes and their next steps into collegiate athletics is something that Silver Bluff takes pride in, according to Athletic Director Phillip Strother.
“Anytime we get an opportunity for a kid to sign and go on to the next level, you know, it means that we're obviously doing something right,” Strother said. “That's kind of my thing. I want to make sure we're doing the right thing for our kids. So, we're giving them a real idea of what life is going to be like so they're suited for real life.”
“You cannot talk about Silver Bluff without the tradition of the student athletes here,” Hayes continued. “We've had a lot of success with guys going to the next level. It's a testament to their family, this community, but also those student athletes who want more than just being a good athlete in high school. They want to take their talents to the next level. It's hard, especially in today's climate. It's very hard to go from high school to college to go compete at that level. Adrian's part of a long line of student athletes who took that challenge, and I'm excited for him and Brevard.”
Our early learning classrooms focus on building foundational skills in literacy, math, social development, and school readiness all in a nurturing and engaging environment fostered by certified teachers. We help students build confidence, friendships, and a love for learning from day one.
Spots fill quickly, apply today at www.acpsd.net/4k
#ACPSD #ACPSD4K #EarlyLearning
AIKEN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT, FEBRUARY 10 BOARD MEETING
The Board of Education will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Please visit Board Meeting Livestream | District 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.
#ACPSDCelebrates #ACPSD #SchoolBusDriverAppreciation
Our final category for our STARS of Public Education Honor Court is our Classified Staff finalists for the Giving Even More (GEM) award. These hard working and dedicated GEM finalists were surprised by District Leadership, family and coworkers.
Congratulations to our Classified Staff Honor Court!
Wanda Baynham, Guidance Clerk at Silver Bluff High School
James Ingram Jr., Safety Monitor at New Ellenton STEAM Middle Magnet School
Ashely MacDonald, Secretary at Greendale Elementary School
Nikki Powell, Sped Aide at Kennedy Middle School
Karen Ulmer, Student Information Clerk at North Augusta Elementary School
Congratulations to all of our Honor Court nominees!
#ACPSD #AikenCountyPublicSchools #StarsHonorCourt #ACPSDcelebrates
Congratulations to the three Principal of the Year Honor Court members!
Paige Day, Principal at Highland Springs Middle School
Charlene Heard, Principal at Warrenville Elementary School
Sheldon Higgenbottom, Principal at Midland Valley High School
We are excited to share the remainder of the ACPSD Honor Court in the coming days!
#ACPSD #AikenCountyPublicSchools #StarsHonorCourt #ACPSDcelebrates
Please join us in celebrating our January 2026 Employee of the Month, Mariah Clay!
Mariah Clay consistently goes above and beyond to support students, staff, and families with compassion, professionalism, and unwavering dedication. They are often the first to notice when a student is needs support and the first to step in, quietly, thoughtfully, and effectively, ensuring that every child feels seen, heard, and valued.
Thank you, Mariah Clay, for demonstrating excellence and making a lasting impact at Clearwater Elementary and across ACPSD. We appreciate all that you do!
Virtual Classes, Same Cap & Gown 🎓 Aiken iNNOVATE = Home School Pride 💛
What do these schools have in common? 🎓 Students can learn virtually with Aiken iNNOVATE & still graduate from their home school!
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REGULAR OPERATIONS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3
ACPSD will return to regular operations tomorrow, Tuesday, February 3, following this weekend’s historic snow event. With temperatures below freezing overnight, please use caution in travelling as some shaded areas may still be partly frozen. We have appreciated the patience and flexibility of our school community and look forward to welcoming everyone back in person tomorrow.
Aiken County Public School District celebrates and appreciates the impact of our school counselors during National School Counseling Week. This week brings public attention to the unique contributions of school counselors within our schools and the positive impact they have on students. This week highlights the vital role school counselors play in helping students achieve success.
Aiken County Public School District is proud to have 25 elementary school counselors, 21 middle school counselors, 30 high school counselors, and 5 special programs counselors. Each day, our counselors support the social, emotional, academic, and career development of our students. They are solution-focused professionals who collaborate with teachers, administrators, parents, and community organizations to help students thrive.
Thank you to our school counselors for the incredible impact you make each day in our school communities.
E-LEARNING DAY /REMOTE WORKDAY FEBRUARY 2, 2026
Following this weekend’s winter storm and out of an abundance of caution for the safety of students, families, teachers and staff, tomorrow, Monday, February 2, will be an e-learning day for students. All teachers and staff will be on a remote work day as well.
Student e-learning will be available online, and our teachers are available for support. Should your student have any questions, difficulty, or need assistance with their e-learning assignments, please reach out.
Continued cold temperatures refreezing the snow that accumulated this weekend may impact our district’s operations for Tuesday as well. A decision regarding Tuesday will be announced no later than 3 p.m. tomorrow afternoon and will be made with the safety of all students, families, and employees at heart.
As always, we are grateful for the flexibility of our school community. Please be safe, enjoy the snow, and stay warm.
