Today, we honor the incredible team members who make our schools run smoothly every single day. From teachers to support staff, bus drivers to cafeteria teams, nurses to administrators—every role matters in creating a thriving learning environment for our students.
This week, we’re shining the spotlight on our Information Technology (IT) professionals in celebration of National IT Professionals Day on September 16. Whether it’s keeping our networks secure, solving tech challenges, or ensuring our classrooms stay connected, our IT team keeps learning moving forward.
Join us in saying THANK YOU to our IT heroes and all employees who make a difference in our schools every day!
If you know a staff member who deserves special recognition, give them a shout-out! www.acpsd.net/shine
Wednesday, September 17, 2025, is a scheduled 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 (ASA), as well as our schools in the Ridge Spring area. ASA early dismissal will be at noon, Ridge Spring-Monetta (RSM) Elementary is at 11:55 a.m., RSM Middle at 12:15 p.m. and RSM High at 12:20 p .m.
These Early Dismissal Days are part of the 2025-26 Aiken County Public School District Calendar and are necessary to support state-wide 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.
The Funnel Cake Lounge food truck is at the Aiken County Public School District Office (1000 Brookhaven Drive, Aiken) TODAY in support of the United Way of Aiken County! They’ll be serving favorites like the Sugar Momma and Cookie Crumble until 2 p.m. and again from 4–7 p.m. Parents can bring kids by after school, and the community is invited to stop by throughout the afternoon.
Every funnel cake supports United Way—a sweet way to give back while enjoying a treat that’s even better than the fair!
#PatriotDay #WeWillNeverForget #September11
AIKEN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT, SEPTEMBER 9 BOARD MEETING
The Board of Education will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, 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.
FALL INTERSESSION CODING CAMP | GRADES 3-5
During Fall Intersession, the week of September 29–October 2, a limited number of spots are available for this year’s Coding Camp for students in grades 3–5.
Coding Camp will be held at Mossy Creek Elementary School, Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Students will get a fun, hands-on introduction to coding and problem-solving through activities such as Sphero robots, drones, 3D printing, Makey-Makey, and more.
Registration opens Wednesday, September 10, at 4 p.m. for ACPSD elementary students in grades 3-5 and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to space limitations, only the first 100 students to apply will be accepted. Once the application window opens, parents/guardians can apply by scanning the QR Code or completing the Coding Camp Registration form.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided each day of camp; however, families are responsible for transportation to Mossy Creek Elementary.
For questions, contact Erica Millwood, Teaching and Learning Coordinator, at emillwood@acpsd.net.
WORLD PHYSICAL THERAPY DAY
September 8 is World Physical Therapy Day! In our schools, physical therapy plays a vital role in helping students fully participate in learning and daily routines. School-based physical therapists support students with physical disabilities, injuries, or developmental delays so they can take part in activities such as walking, sitting, climbing stairs, and participating in physical education.
We are proud to recognize our ACPSD physical therapists, Sarah Coker and Karen Turner. Their expertise and care ensure that students have the services, strategies, and equipment needed to thrive in the school environment.
We are deeply grateful for the difference our physical therapists make in the lives of students every day.
#ACPSDcelebrates #WorldPhysicalTherapyDay
This week, we pause to remember and honor 9/11, paying tribute to the lives lost and the heroes who showed courage, sacrifice, and resilience on that day.
We also take time to celebrate the incredible impact of educators and staff in Aiken County Public Schools during several national observances:
International Literacy Day – Thank you to our teachers and staff who inspire a love for reading and open doors through literacy.
National Arts in Education Week – We celebrate the creativity, imagination, and expression our arts educators bring to classrooms every day.
National Physical Therapy Day – A special thank you to our physical therapists and support staff who empower students to grow stronger, more confident, and more independent.
Together, your dedication helps our students learn, grow, and shine.
If you know a staff member who deserves special recognition, give them a shout-out! www.acpsd.net/shine
#SHINEACPSD #ACPSDcelebrates
FALL INTERSESSION LEGO WARS CAMP | GRADES 6-8
During Fall Intersession, the week of September 29-October 2, a limited number of spots are available for this year’s Fine Arts Camp, Lego Wars, for students in grades 6-8.
Lego Wars will be held at Highland Springs Middle School Monday-Thursday from 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Students will dive into creativity, the engineering design process, and project design while developing architectural skills to build strong LEGO® structures. This year’s session includes a new team challenge that will push students to think more creatively, collaborate effectively, and apply their engineering skills in exciting new ways.
Registration opens Monday, September 8, at 6 p.m. for ACPSD middle school students and is offered on a first come-first served basis. Please note that due to space limitations, only the first 50 ACPSD students to apply will be accepted. Once the application window opens, parents/guardians can apply by scanning the QR Code or completing the Lego Wars Form.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided each day of camp, however students’ families will be responsible for their own transportation to Highland Springs Middle.
Please contact Dr. Kimberly Fontanez, District Fine Arts Coordinator, at kfontanez@acpsd.net with any questions.
This Labor Day, we celebrate the incredible labor of love our employees pour into ACPSD each and every day. From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to ballfields, and every role in between—you are the heartbeat of our schools.
Thank you for your dedication, your passion, and your unwavering commitment to helping our students learn, grow, and thrive.
Happy Labor Day from ACPSD!
If you know a staff member who deserves special recognition, give them a shout-out! www.acpsd.net/shine
#SHINEACPSD #ACPSDcelebrates
HAPPY LABOR DAY
All Aiken County Public School District schools, buildings, and offices will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2025, in observance of Labor Day.
We hope everyone enjoys a safe and relaxing Labor Day weekend! We look forward to welcoming students back to school on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
#ACPSDcelebrates #LaborDay
Do you need help with Rooms and Messaging? We have made a FAQ page just for you! Whether you're having trouble signing in, seeing your students’ classes, wondering why you are receiving a SMS notification, or updating your contact info, we've got you covered.
🔗 Visit now: Rooms FAQs for Guardians | District
📲 Stay connected with your child’s school easily, quickly, and all in one place with our new messaging experience! This two-way communication tool has been updated to make it easier than ever to stay connected and informed. Learn more about our new messaging service on the Rooms FAQs for Guardians | District .
Aiken County Public School District, August 26 BOARD MEETING - The Board of Education will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, 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.
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 (ASA), as well as our schools in the Ridge Spring area. ASA early dismissal will be at noon, Ridge Spring-Monetta (RSM) Elementary is at 11:55 a.m., RSM Middle at 12:15 p.m. and RSM High at 12:20 p .m. The ASPIRE Evening Program will not be held tomorrow.
These Early Dismissal Days are part of the 2025-26 Aiken County Public School District Calendar and are necessary to support state-wide 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.
Guess what? This Wednesday marks the halfway point of the first nine weeks—our interim mark!
A huge shoutout to our incredible employees whose hard work, dedication, and passion make every day count for our students. You’re the heartbeat of ACPSD, and because of you, our students are getting the BEST education possible!
Here’s to finishing the first nine weeks strong!
If you know a staff member who deserves special recognition, give them a shout-out! www.acpsd.net/shine
#SHINEACPSD #ACPSDcelebrates
Gray skies and rain can’t dull our shine—or our appreciation for the incredible employees who brighten our schools every day!
Thank you for bringing your dedication, heart, and light no matter the forecast.
If you know a staff member who deserves special recognition, give them a shout-out! www.acpsd.net/shine
#SHINEACPSD #ACPSDcelebrates
What. A. Week! The first week of school is officially in the books, and our amazing employees didn’t miss a beat! From warm welcomes and smooth routines to big smiles and even bigger hearts, the energy across our schools has been electric!
Whether you helped a kindergartner find their classroom, kept buses rolling, served up delicious meals, or brought the joy into every lesson—YOU made this week unforgettable. Here's to a year full of moments that matter! Let’s keep the momentum going!
If you know a staff member who deserves special recognition, give them a shout-out! www.acpsd.net/shine
#SHINEACPSD #ACPSDcelebrates
With a heat index hotter than the school lunch pizza in August; our employees are still SHINING bright!
No amount of humidity can dim the dedication of Team ACPSD. From classrooms to custodial closets, buses to breakrooms, every role keeps our students cool, calm, and learning!
Thanks for sweating it out (literally) and making another amazing week happen. Stay hydrated, stay awesome, and keep on shining!
If you know a staff member who deserves special recognition, give them a shout-out! www.acpsd.net/shine
#SHINEACPSD #ACPSDcelebrates
