District

SHINE | Celebrating Our Team

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

5 months ago, Human Resources

Shine ACPSD Staff Shout Out Sunday, August 10, 2025 Presented by ACPSD's Teacher Forum

Bus Drivers Area 1 Transportation Chukker Creek Thank you to Mr. Conner, Ms. Meyer, and the amazing drivers for Bus 155, 156, 158, and 159! They worked hard to get kids approved to ride the bus and were flexible and gracious in resolving any issues during this first week of school. We appreciate their dedication to Chukker Creek and all they do to get our students home safe and sound!

Crystal Johnson Procurement Materials Department Crystal has a great attitude and is always willing to help. She does a great job communicating and explaining procurement expectations and processes. Crystal's willingness to help is noticed and very much appreciated.

Christina Chandler Millbrook Elementary Assistant Principal Christina, you have already been such a blessing to Millbrook. Your expertise and background knowledge have been exactly what we needed, and we are so thankful you chose to be part of our team. From day one, you jumped right in, and it truly feels like you’ve always been here. Thank you for your support and the positive energy you bring each day!

Cassy Ray Millbrook Elementary Secretary Thank you for all you do to help bridge the gap between school and home. You’re a calm, patient, and positive presence for everyone, staff, students, and families alike. From managing the front lines of the front office to keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes, you are truly the heart of Millbrook. We appreciate you more than words can say!

John Murphy Maintenance Department Director of Maintenance Operations A big thank you to John Murphy and our HVAC team for your fast response and ongoing support in getting our AC up and running! We truly appreciate your hard work and commitment to keeping our schools safe and comfortable.

Custodial Team Clearwater Elementary Custodians The custodial team at Clearwater go above and beyond every single day to make sure our school is clean, safe, and an inviting place to be. Our lead custodian, Mr. Sammie, along with Ms. Dominque and Mr. Zach, treat CES as though it's their home and the pride they take in that is a wonderful sight to see. Thank you!

Fran Gay Belvedere Elementary Kindergarten Teacher Fran shows patience, kindness, compassion, grace & love to each child she comes in contact with. She truly loves her job & it shows. She always has a smile for students & coworkers alike.

SHINE Spotlight

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

5 months ago, Human Resources

Joshua Poe Educational Technology LMMS Computer Technician Mr. Poe is a fabulous person to work with! His dry sense of humor keeps us laughing but more importantly, he is incredibly responsive to educators’ needs and problems regarding all things IT. He never complains when you ask for his help with an IT issue and he always finds a solution! We need more Mr. Poe’s in education!!!

Angela Still Wagener-Salley High School English Teacher You did a fabulous job with Freshman Orientation! It was an excellent opportunity provided to the students and faculty to meet, build a relationship, and gain familiarity with the school prior to the start of the year. Thank you for your efforts in making Wagener-Salley High and its students the best!!

Troy Gregory Maintenance Department HVAC Technician A big thank you to Troy Gregory for always taking such great care of us at Millbrook Elementary! We truly appreciate your dedication and hard work. We also want to give a shout-out to the entire A/C crew—you all go above and beyond to make sure every school in Aiken County is supported. Your kindness, communication, and willingness to go the extra mile never go unnoticed!

Greer Rowland North Augusta Elementary School Secretary Shout out to Mrs. Greer for gracefully managing the busy excitement of the first day of school! From ringing phones to parents checking in to walk their children to class, you handled it all with a smile and your signature friendly charm. We’re so lucky to have you as the face of our front office! Ashley Clark

Kory Futreal LBC Middle School ISS Aide Kory is amazing and always willing to help wherever needed. He comes to work every day with a smile and positive attitude, and you can depend on him being at work and is very rarely out.

Stephanie Martinez Warrenville Elementary School Special Education Teacher Ms. Stephanie Martinez is recognized for her impactful role as a teacher at the start of the 2025-2026 school year. She creates a positive environment with an organized classroom that includes dedicated areas for various subjects and a sensory corner. Ms. Martinez effectively engages students, checks in on their feelings, and implements positive behavior interventions, fostering a welcoming atmosphere that is conducive to learning and helps minimize behavioral issues. Alex Gomez

Sheldon Higgenbottom Midland Valley High School Principal Mr. Higgenbottom was a big help reaching out to Coach Justin Medlock and Coach Brent Dorn in getting prizes to support Fall Goal Setting at Gloverville Elementary. A BIG Thanks to MVHS and the Football Team!!! Nathan Lobaugh

SHINE | Hero Heat Wave

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

5 months ago, Human Resources

Shine ACPSD Staff Shout Out Sunday, August 4, 2025 Presented by ACPSD's Teacher Forum

Bridget Senterfeit Ridge-Spring Monetta Elementary Kindergarten Teacher I am so grateful that Ms. Senterfeit is a part of our kindergarten team here at RSME. Her personality is a ray of sunshine! She has a huge heart, and that is evident in the smiles on her students' faces. She brings joy to both students & staff every day!

Ashley Watson Human Resources Recruitment & Retention Coordinator Ashley Watson is an outstanding example of professionalism, positivity, and consistency. Her ability to clearly communicate even the most detailed information is matched only by her upbeat spirit and responsiveness. Whether navigating complex processes or simply offering support, Ashley brings a can-do attitude that I have never seen waver.

Ioana Thames Gloverville Elementary Special Education Teacher Ms. Thames did an excellent job cutting the grass and weed eating to get the front and other parts of the school ready to welcome students back on the first day of a new school year!

Traci Martin XSEL Behavior Interventionist Mrs. Martin is an amazing teacher. She goes over and beyond her teacher duties. She builds relationships with her students. Her students completely trust her. Her classroom is full of positive communication, learning, and a feeling of family! She pushes me to be a better teacher.

Caroline Grzybowski Greendale Elementary 4th Grade Teacher Caroline, you’re already doing such an incredible job! Your genuine care for your students and commitment to growing as a teacher really stand out. It’s obvious how much you want the best for your kids, and that passion will carry you far. Keep believing in yourself and keep moving forward with confidence. You’re off to a fantastic start, and I’m excited to see all the amazing things you’re going to accomplish! Summer Ray

Hayes Wimberly North Augusta High School Registrar Ms. Wimberly has an extremely important role as the Registrar at the largest high school in the district. She manages her duties with the utmost professionalism. She is kind, well-organized, and efficient! Ms. Wimberly is an asset to NAHS and our school district. Thank you, Ms. Wimberly!

Aiken County Public School District, July 29 BOARD MEETING - The Board of Education will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, July 29, 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.

5 months ago, Aiken County Public School District

Celebrating the First Week Back to School Here’s a glimpse into our first week of the 2025–26 school year, as district leaders visited schools across Aiken County and students and teachers began settling into their routines. We’re excited for the year ahead and all the meaningful learning to come! #ACPSDcelebrates #BackToSchool

5 months ago, Aiken County Public Schools

elementary students sitting on carpet in class.

superintendent and principal with class of students.

superintendent and principal in front of school gym.

two students with a teacher in the hallway.

4 school leaders with back to school sign.

5 elementary students holding up notebooks.

superintendent shakes hands with school assistant principal.

district leaders pose with school principal and staff.

This summer, Aiken County’s most talented young artists immersed themselves in the acGATEWAY experience, which is an intensive, high-level arts program designed to challenge and inspire! From vibrant visual art displays to moving theatrical performances, students demonstrated what passion, focus, and creativity can achieve in just a few short weeks! Want to see what makes acGATEWAY so special? Watch our behind-the-scenes student videos and discover why this program has been a beloved part of Aiken County since 1992 and keep an eye out for 2026 acGATEWAY audition information for our summer 2026 opportunity. #acGATEWAY #AikenArts #GiftedAndTalented #ArtsEducation #StudentShowcase #VisualAndPerformingArts #ACPSD https://www.acpsd.net/page/gateway

5 months ago, Aiken County Public School District

Students performing on a stage during the Summer acGateway program

WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL 2025-26

It’s officially back to school in Aiken County, and excitement filled the district today!

Superintendent Dr. Corey Murphy and district leaders visited schools across the county to personally welcome students, teachers, and staff. With smiling faces, cheerful greetings, and engaging classroom visits, the 2025–26 school year is off to a fantastic start.

Expectations were set, lunch routines practiced, and learning picked up without missing a beat. The future is bright, and we’re ready to make this the best year yet!

#ACPSDcelebrates #FirstDayOfSchool #BackToSchool

5 months ago, Aiken County Public Schools

three students in front of a back to school sign.

Superintendent Dr. Murphy with an elementary student.

student in front of a welcome back to school sign outside.

Superintendent shaking hands with an elementary school student.

class of elementary students with teacher in classroom.

group of high school students at lunch table.

Superintendent and new school principal.

young student on first day of school wearing a paper hat.

SHINE is Back!

After a summer break, SHINE—our weekly spotlight on outstanding ACPSD employees—is ready to light up your feed again!

We’re kicking off the 2025-2026 school year by celebrating 7 incredible team members who went above and beyond to ensure a smooth start for our students and staff. From behind-the-scenes prep to front-line support, their dedication sets the tone for an amazing year ahead!

Let’s celebrate the brilliance that powers our district—every Sunday, all year long!

If you know a staff member who deserves special recognition, give them a shout-out! www.acpsd.net/shine

5 months ago, Human Resources

Shine ACPSD Staff Shout Out Sunday, July 20, 2025 Presented by ACPSD's Teacher Forum

Mickey Jendraszek Educational Technology Computer Technician Mickey is incredibly kind and always offers to help with anything we need. Not only does she quickly take care of issues, but she does so with a smile and a "Let me know how it goes!" The great part is that she means it! She wants you to be happy and it shows! She cares about her people, her work and is absolutely priceless! Erika Smith

Dot McGhee Byrd Elementary Custodian Ms. Dot has worked tirelessly all summer to ensure that Byrd Elementary is spotless for teachers, students, and families. Kyle Davis, Byrd Elementary

Jennifer Cooney Warrenville Elementary 1st Grade Teacher This woman goes above and beyond for these young children. She works tirelessly to come up with creative ways to keep the children engaged . You can tell she loves what she does and these cares about these children. There are so many kids that are now young adults that credit her for her teaching. She deserves the biggest shout out for what she does and how much she cares! Nate Zeller

Breannah Cleveland Graniteville Elementary 5K Instructional Aide Mrs. Cleveland goes above and beyond, not only for the students in her class but for kids in every class. She is one of the most loving, caring, selfless educators that I have ever met. She is an asset to the Kindergarten team and we are lucky to have her. Jordan Mejias

Renee Reynolds Brookhaven Operations Administrative Secretary Renee is truly the backbone of Operations. She was a rock star over the summer helping everyone in Operations coordinate their interview panels for the new positions. She helps Operations get ready for the start of school and getting their leadership summit ready. She is a person with the biggest work load but will stop to help anyone and always with a smile.

Liz McClearen Belvedere Elementary School 3rd Grade Teacher The highlight of Ignite for me was "A Classroom That Shines". Liz McClearen's classroom and personality most definitely shined bright! Her classroom was warm and welcoming, and the way she broke things down for us was so intentional and informative. As a first-year teacher, I left feeling like I could take a deep breath and trust that I have a solid foundation to build from. Jelessa Smith from Hammond Hill Elementary

Debra Glover Aiken Elementary Custodian Ms. Glover did an amazing job cleaning our school over the summer. We were short-staffed the majority of the summer, and she came in every day ready to work and knocked it out. Thank you, Ms. Glover, for being a leader this summer. This school would not be so clean for our students to return to without you! Misty McConnell

Stay connected with Aiken County Public Schools anytime, anywhere with the official ACPSD App. With the app, parents can access teacher messages, school and district events, important documents, class information, and real-time notifications all in one place. Scan the QR code on the flyer to download today and stay informed.

6 months ago, Aiken County Public School District

Aiken County Public School District, July 15 BOARD MEETING - The Board of Education will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, July 15, 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.

6 months ago, Aiken County Public School District

THANK YOU to The United Way of Aiken County and everyone who came out to "Stuff the Bus" and donate school supplies at yesterday's School Tools drive. Your generosity will help ensure all students have the supplies needed for a successful start to the new school year! For more information on how you can help, visit https://www.uwaiken.org/school-tools

6 months ago, Aiken County Public School District

United Way President, ACPSD Exec Director of Comms, AHS' UW Club VP at Stuff the Bus.

IGNITE 2025 | NEW TO DISTRICT PROFESSIONAL LEARNING EVENT

On Tuesday morning, Aiken County Public Schools welcomed more than 210 new educators to our district! With the vibrant energy of high school cheerleaders from across ACPSD and the powerful beats of the North Augusta High School Drumline, we kicked off Ignite — our signature orientation event designed to spark success as we prepare to welcome students for the 2025–26 school year.

First-year teachers and veteran educators new to Aiken County had the opportunity to connect with their teams, enjoy breakfast with their principals, and engage in a variety of meaningful professional learning sessions and training designed to support their growth throughout this year and beyond.

An event highlight – the “Fashion Show!” Our school and district leaders brought the style and the standards as they walked the runway during Ignite Orientation to model dress code-appropriate attire for our newest educators! From business casual to classroom-ready, they showed how to dress for success while keeping it professional and approachable. Big thanks to our leadership team for stepping up—and stepping out in style.

A huge thank you to our speakers, session leaders, generous sponsors, and community vendors for helping make this event such a success!

We’re thrilled to welcome these passionate educators to the ACPSD family and can’t wait to see the difference they’ll make in classrooms across the district!

#ACPSDcelebrates #BackToSchool #Ignite25

6 months ago, Aiken County Public Schools

New teachers with their school principal sitting together at Ignite.

Cheerleaders perform a cheer in the cafeteria at Ignite.

Technology staff providing support to a new teacher.

Cheerleaders welcome new teachers outside of Aiken High to Ignite.

New Aiken County teacher asking a question during a session at Ignite.

Two staff members dress in wind suits for a fashion show in the cafeteria for Ignite.

New teacher working during a session at Ignite.

Two new teachers talking during a session at Ignite.

Aiken County Public Schools will be closed Thursday, July 3, and Friday, July 4, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. School district offices will reopen on Monday, July 7. Wishing you and your family a safe and joyful Fourth of July! #ACPSDcelebrates #FourthOfJuly #IndependenceDay

6 months ago, Aiken County Public Schools

Parents and Guardians now is the time to schedule a well-visit or vaccine appointment with your child’s healthcare provider to avoid the back-to-school rush before the 2025-26 school year begins on July 21! The SC Department of Public Health is also offering a vaccine clinic for students in grades 5K–12 on July 8 from 9–11:30 a.m. and 1–3:30 p.m. at the Aiken County Health Department (222 Beaufort Street NE, Aiken). Call (803) 642-7543 to make an appointment and bring vaccination and insurance records; a parent or guardian must accompany children under 16. No-cost vaccines may be available, though administration fees may apply. Don’t forget to submit your child’s updated SC Immunization Certificate to their school and note that all rising 7th graders must have a Tdap booster given at age 10 or older. Contact your child’s healthcare provider or school nurse with any questions and visit acpsd.net/page/nursing-services for more information.

6 months ago, Aiken County Public School District

Immunization Reminders Flyer for Parents ahead of the 2025-2026 school year

BACK TO SCHOOL BASH Please join your community at Roy Warner Park in Wagener on Friday, July 19, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This community event will feature a back-to-school giveaway including free backpacks, gift cards, clothing, and more. In addition to these great giveaways, there will be free music, haircuts, hair braiding, a bounce house, and a variety of fun activities for the whole family. Don’t miss this opportunity to get ready for the school year and enjoy a day of community celebration. Please see the flyer for more details.

6 months ago, Aiken County Public School District

Back to School Bash Flyer for July 19th at Roy Warner Park in Wagener

Join us at the Aiken High School Auditorium for the acGateway Showcases! -Elementary Showcase: Tonight at 7:00 PM -Middle/High School Showcase: Thursday at 7:00 PM Come celebrate our talented students as they present their hard work in visual art, creative writing, theater, music, and dance! acGATEWAY stands for “Aiken County’s Gifted and Talented Education with Artistic Youth”. The program was established in 1992 and aims to provide visual and performing arts students with an experience beyond what is possible in a regular classroom setting. Small class sizes, individual instruction, access to specialized materials, and highly knowledgeable instructors are only some of the ways students benefit from being part of this collaborative arts community. The winning t-shirt design was created by rising 11th grade student at Aiken High School, Alexandra Bennett.

6 months ago, Kimberly Fontanez Ed.D.

Winning T-Shirt Design: Artwork by Alexandra Bennett

We’re proud to share some exciting news from the national stage! 🎉 Aiken County Public School District was one of only eight districts chosen to present as an Innovative District at the Model Schools Conference in Washington, D.C. this week! Kathy Langston, Director of Elementary Teaching and Learning, and Erica Millwood, Coordinator of Elementary Teaching and Learning, had the incredible opportunity to represent ACPSD with excellence on the national platform, inspiring educators from across the country! ✨ #LeadersInACPSD #ACPSDproud #InnovativeLearning #MODELschools2025 #StudentSuccess #ProjectBasedLearning #EducationLeadership

6 months ago, Aiken County Public School District

Aiken County Public Schools listed as an Innovative District with a white finger pointing towards it.

Aiken County Public School District, June 24 BOARD MEETING - The Board of Education will hold a Special called meeting on Tuesday, June 24, 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.

6 months ago, Aiken County Public School District

CELEBRATING JUNETEENTH | JUNE 19 Juneteenth, short for “June Nineteenth,” is a special day that honors the end of slavery in the United States. On this day in 1865, news of freedom finally reached the last enslaved African Americans in Texas—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Juneteenth is a time to celebrate freedom, reflect on our shared history, and continue learning together. To explore more about the meaning and history of Juneteenth, families and students can visit the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture:: 🔗 https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/moments/juneteenth #ACPSDcelebrates #Juneteenth

7 months ago, Aiken County Public Schools

Aiken iNNOVATE is a virtual learning option offered by Aiken County Public School District for students entering grades 6 through 12. Seats are available now for your child to begin their virtual learning journey this July! To apply, simply search “Aiken iNNOVATE application” online or contact us at ai@acpsd.net. If virtual learning is the right fit for your family, don’t wait—apply today and take control of your education! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8uv00kBT3Q

7 months ago, Aiken iNNOVATE