During Fall Intersession, the “Lego Wars” Camp brought creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving to life at Highland Springs Middle School, with students from 10 Aiken County middle schools participating.
Throughout the four-day camp, students became teams of architects, challenged to design a community center or venue for teenagers to help address a real-world issue: “After severe storms, neighborhoods are experiencing blocked roads and limited access to supplies. Create a Technic rescue vehicle that can clear debris, deliver supplies, or even carry mini Lego people to safety. Also, build a relief supply shop where the community can pick up emergency kits, food, and water."
Using STEAM principles and the Engineering Design Process, students worked in teams as they brainstormed, built, and refined their designs before presenting their final projects to a panel of judges.
"We’re extremely proud of these students for showcasing teamwork, creativity, and forward-thinking as they stepped into the role of architects and took on a real-world design challenge”, shared Dr. Kimberly Fontanez, District Fine Arts Coordinator.
🏆 Congratulations to our winners!
🥇 1st Place: Dorothea Viner, Tyler Alexander, Hunter Rex, & Twan Hughes
🥈 2nd Place: Marcella Syring, Kambrinn Edwards, & Aaron Hunt
🥉 3rd Place: Becket Singer, Max Padilla, Sophia Vargas Lasalle, & Ruhi Patel
Thank you to our wonderful STEAM Facilitators:
Christine Walcott
Dr. Scott Sutherland
Skylar Delaney
A special thank you to our judges for their time and thoughtful feedback:
Brian Gibbons, ACPSD Director of Federal Programs
David Broaden, President, CSRA National Society of Black Engineers Jr. Chapter
Dr. Amy Edwards, ACPSD Chief Instructional Officer
We’re also grateful to Highland Springs Middle School and Principal Paige Day for hosting this exciting event and to everyone who helped make “Lego Wars” a success!
Catch a glimpse of the creativity and teamwork behind “Lego Wars” in these photos!
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
#OnlineSchool #ParentChoice #StudentSuccess #AikenSC #EdTech
Today we celebrate the often unsung heroes of our schools and district buildings—our incredible custodians! 🧹🧼
From early mornings to late evenings, our custodians work tirelessly to keep our schools safe, clean, and welcoming for students, staff, and families. Their dedication ensures classrooms are ready for learning, hallways shine with pride, and facilities are maintained for everyone who walks through our doors. 🏫💛
Though much of their work happens behind the scenes, the impact is felt everywhere. Our custodians make a difference each and every day, and today we proudly celebrate and thank them for all they do. 🙌
Join us in showing gratitude for the amazing custodial teams across Aiken County Public Schools who keep our district thriving!
#ACPSDcelebrates #NationalCustodianAppreciationDay
Lunch plans? We’ve got you covered! The Spuddering Around Food Truck is serving up loaded baked potatoes at the Aiken County Public School District Office (1000 Brookhaven Drive, Aiken) from 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. today.
Come out, try a spud, and support our United Way Campaign at the same time. 💛
Community Night at ACCTC – Tuesday, October 28 | 4–7 PM
You're invited! Join us for Community Night at the Aiken County Career & Technology Center on Tuesday, October 28 from 4–7 PM.
Discover the exciting opportunities in Career and Technical Education (CTE) and learn more about the programs offered at the Career Center. Students will be showcasing their skills and projects, giving you a firsthand look at what they’re learning and creating.
This family-friendly event is open to everyone including current and future students, families, and community members!
What to expect:
✔️ Live student demonstrations
✔️ Food trucks
✔️ Door prizes
✔️ Hands-on activities
✔️ Local industry partners on site
Location: 2455 Jefferson Davis Highway, Warrenville, SC
More info: www.acpsd.net/acctc
Phone: (803) 593-7300
Don't miss this evening of learning, fun, and community connection!
PALMETTO BOWLS FOOD TRUCK FOR UNITED WAY
Stop by our District Office (1000 Brookhaven Drive, Aiken) from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. today and grab a fresh acai bowl as part of our United Way Campaign!
Choose from favorites like the Nutty Bowl, Tropical Bowl, Almond Joy, or seasonal Fall Bowl 🍂. Stock up too—these bowls freeze perfectly for later!
A portion of today’s sales supports United Way.💛
Aiken iNNOVATE offers a flexible, personalized approach to education — right from the comfort of home. With dedicated teachers and tailored support, students can thrive in a safe and nurturing virtual environment.
📚 Quarter 2 is here — now is the perfect time to apply and see if Aiken iNNOVATE is the right fit for your student’s success!
✨ Apply today at www.acpsd.net/ai ✨
AIKEN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT, SEPTEMBER 23 BOARD MEETING
The Board of Education will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, September 23, 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.
Kajunsoul is rolling up to our District Office today from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. at 1000 Brookhaven Drive, Aiken, as part of our Food Trucks for United Way fundraiser!
Known for their slogan “Good Food Made Fresh,” Kajunsoul is serving up favorites like seafood pasta, fish and fries, spicy beef burgers, chicken sandwich combos, and shrimp po’ boys.
Swing by during your lunch break—or bring a friend—and enjoy a fresh, flavorful meal while supporting the United Way of Aiken County! 💛
Kona Ice is rolling up to the Aiken County Public School District Office (1000 Brookhaven Drive, Aiken) this afternoon from 2–5 p.m. as part of our Food Trucks for United Way fundraiser!
Bring the kids after school, invite family and friends, and cool off with a Kona classic from the “choose your own adventure” Flavorwave® station. Mix and match favorites like Blue Raspberry, Tiger’s Blood, Groovy Grape, Piña Colada, Ninja Cherry, Watermelon Wave—and even a mystery flavor!
Beat the heat, enjoy a sweet treat, and support the United Way of Aiken County at the same time. 🍧
Today we celebrate our talented and innovative ACPSD IT professionals! From keeping networks secure and devices running to supporting teachers and students with technology, they make tech a seamless part of teaching and learning. We’re grateful for their expertise, creativity, and dedication to advancing technology across our district!
#ACPSDcelebrates #NationalITProfessionalsDay
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.
