Today is National 401(K) day! Students at ACCTC and across the County are learning about savings, retirement and money management through our Personal Finance curriculum. With only 70% of Americans financially prepared for retirement, understanding what they can do to make the dream of retirement a reality is important!
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
The 25-26 school year launches a new opportunity for our biomedical science scholars. Ms. Tammie Newman, aunt of former student Emily Heath, established the Emily Heath Legacy Fund. This fund covers first year fees for three deserving students.
As Ms. Newman noted, the fund provides students with "the 'financial wings' to soar into the Biomedical Sciences as our Emily would have wanted."
Emily Heath was a student in the initial cohort of our Biomedical Science program, a pioneer of the Biomedical Science Outreach Team, and our first student to earn BACE certification.
We are proud to announce the 2025-2026 recipients of the Emily Heath Legacy Fund:
Molly Bane, Midland Valley High School
A'Niyah Coates, Silver Bluff High School
Hannah Neal, Midland Valley High School
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 .
Wednesday, August 20, 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. 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.
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.
Wednesday, August 20, 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. 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.
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.
Students in our Emergency Medical Services program practiced CPR masking techniques, including the head-tilt / chin-lift technique and completing a mask seal.
Students in our Automotive Technology program practiced their tire mounting and installation skills today!
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
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.
CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2025 🎓
Aiken County Public Schools is proud to celebrate this year’s graduating class!
Graduation ceremonies will take place May 28–May 30, and we invite you to join us in honoring the Class of 2025 by viewing their commencement ceremonies virtually.
To access the live stream, visit www.acpsd.net/graduation and select the high school of your choice. Live streams will begin 15 minutes prior to each ceremony’s start time.
📅 Graduation Schedule
Wednesday, May 28
• CTE Senior Completer Ceremony – 5:00 p.m.
• Aiken Scholars Academy – 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 29
• Aiken High School – 2:00 p.m.
• Ridge Spring-Monetta High School – 5:00 p.m.
• Silver Bluff High School – 8:00 p.m.
Friday, May 30
• South Aiken High School – 9:00 a.m.
• Wagener-Salley High School – 12:00 p.m.
• Midland Valley High School – 3:00 p.m.
• North Augusta High School – 7:00 p.m.
Hats off to the Class of 2025! 🎉
#ACPSDcelebrates #ClassOf2025
Aiken County Public School District’s full-time virtual program, Aiken iNNOVATE, is now accepting applications for the 2025–2026 school year. If you or your student are currently in 5th grade or higher and interested in a flexible, innovative learning environment, now is the time to apply. Aiken iNNOVATE offers a 100% virtual experience with certified ACPSD teachers and curriculum, providing students in grades 6–12 the opportunity to learn from anywhere while staying connected to their school community. To apply, visit www.acpsd.net/ai. If you have any questions, feel free to email Ai@acpsd.net. Don’t miss this opportunity to take charge of your education through Aiken iNNOVATE. Spots are limited.
The Seamless Summer Meal Program returns for Summer 2025! The ACPSD Child Nutrition Program will be offering nutritious meals at no cost for children aged 18 and under, as well as for individuals with disabilities up to age 21. Meals will be served Monday through Thursday from June 2 to June 26, 2025.
See flyer for more details!
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who joined us at Tailgate Tavern for Children’s Place’s 30th Annual Celebrity Waiter Night. Your generous tips—and incredible spirit—helped support a meaningful cause and made the evening one to remember. 🎉💛
We’re especially proud of The Brainy Bunch—our STARS of Public Education—who traded classrooms and offices for aprons to serve as this year’s Celebrity Waiters:
🍽️ Christie Palladino, District Teacher of the Year (Aiken County Career and Technology Center)
🍽️ Theresa Reeves, First Year Teacher of the Year (Byrd Elementary)
🍽️ Rashad Roland, Professional Staff Member of the Year (Transportation)
🍽️ Ni’Jae Jerry, GEM of the Year (Busbee Elementary)
🍽️ Micki Dove, District Level Administrator of the Year Honor Court Member (Instruction)
Thanks for showing up and tipping big for a great cause! All tips and raffle ticket sales go directly to supporting the vital work of Children’s Place. #CelebrityWaiterNight #STARSofPublicEducation #STARSACPSD #TeamACPSD #ACPSDgivesback
Join The Brainy Bunch, comprised of our District’s STARS of Public Education, for dinner tonight at Tailgate Tavern during Children’s Place’s 30th Annual Celebrity Waiter Night. Serving as Celebrity Waiters are our District’s Teacher of the Year Christie Palladino (Aiken County Career and Technology Center), First Year Teacher of the Year Theresa Reeves (Byrd Elementary), Professional Staff Member of the Year Rashad Roland (Transportation), GEM (Classified Staff Member) of the Year Ni’Jae Jerry (Busbee Elementary), and District Level Administrator of the Year Honor Court Member Micki Dove (Instruction). Reservations and generous tips (with 100% of tips going to Children’s Place) are encouraged: (803) 226-0909.
Attention ACCTC Completers! Save these Dates
ACCTC Awards
Thursday, May 15, 6pm ATC Gym
Student helpers & instructors report at 5pm; participants report at 5:30pm Dress nicely. No tickets required
District Senior Completer Ceremony (Seniors Only)
Wednesday, May 28, 5pm USC Aiken Convocation Center
Students report at 4pm to back door dressed in graduation gowns; all guests must enter through the front after 4:30pm. Every guest, must have a ticket for entry
Are you curious about Aiken County’s FREE virtual school for middle & high school students? Now’s your chance to learn all about it! 🌟
Join us for an informational meeting where parents, guardians, and community members can explore how Aiken iNNOVATE provides a high-quality virtual learning experience—taught by certified Aiken County teachers!
What Makes Aiken iNNOVATE Unique?
✅ Completely FREE for middle & high school students
✅ Live, interactive lessons with real teachers
✅ Structured schedule—just like in-person school!
✅ Engaging curriculum designed for student success
✅ Flexibility & support for different learning needs
Don’t miss this opportunity to discover a new way to learn! There will be two virtual information meetings to learn more on March 27 at 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Please RSVP at forms.office.com/r/58Zu8w25HS
📢 Help us spread the word! Share this with anyone who might be interested!
#AikeniNNOVATE #VirtualLearning #FutureOfEducation #AikenCountySchools #FreeEducation
Tomorrow, Wednesday, March 5, there is a threat of severe weather with wind gusts in the morning forecasted to exceed 40 mph. This wind speed exceeds the threshold allowed for school buses to be on roadways. This wind event will result in a need to shift to e-learning tomorrow.
Employees should plan to report to their work location on a two-hour delayed start, with no building or office opening before 10 a.m.
Afterschool extracurricular practices, games, and events will continue tomorrow as scheduled. There will be no QuestZone tomorrow.
We apologize for the challenges that this will cause our families and appreciate your continued cooperation and support!
Fifth Grade Students: APPLY NOW for our CTE Techno Camp being held on Saturday, March 15, from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Interested students must submit an application by next Wednesday, February 26, at 5 p.m. to be considered.
As part of the application, students will select their choice of two CTE programs to explore such as Under the Hood, Team Fashion Design, Photo Pea: Introduction to Photoshop, Code-A-Bot: Robotics, Digital Art and Media: Photography, Cosmetology 101, Barber Shop 101, Aiken Culinary Chefs, Nail Tech 101, An EMT to the Rescue!, The Life of a Biomedical Scientist, and Hair Braiding 101.
For more information, visit “Resources,” or call (803) 593-7300. Application Link: tinyurl.com/CTEtechnoCamp
AIKEN COUNTY CAREER & TECHNOLOGY CENTER'S CHRISTIE PALLADINO NAMED TO 2025-26 TEACHER OF THE YEAR HONOR COURT
Congratulations to Aiken County Career & Technology Center Science Teacher Christie Palladino on being named to the 2025-26 STARS of Public Education Teacher of the Year Honor Court!
District leaders surprised Teacher of the Year Honor Court members, who are the top five winners in the school district, at their schools earlier this month. The District will host all school winners, recognize top nominees, and announce District winners during the STARS of Public Education Banquet at Aiken High School on March 20, 2025.
Congratulations, Ms. Palladino! You are a star!
Stay tuned to our district website and social media as we continue to celebrate our Honor Court Members for Teacher of the Year!✨
#ACPSDcelebrates #STARSOfPublicEducation
