Aiken Innovate -

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!

We’re so proud of our amazing students and can’t wait to celebrate their achievements! We invite you to watch the ceremony live from the comfort of your home. 📅 Date: May 19th 🕒 Time: 9:00am for Middle School, 1:00pm for High School 🌐 Watch Live: Visit our homepage and click “Live Awards Ceremony” or use the direct link below. 🔗 https://www.acpsd.net/o/ai/page/live-awards-ceremony (Please note: the link will become active once the event begins.) Let’s cheer on our students and honor their hard work together! 💻🎖️ #AikeniNNOVATE #VirtualCelebration #StudentSuccess

Take a moment to pause and reset. The Mindful Moments Checklist is a gentle reminder to slow down and care for your mental well-being throughout the day. Whether it's taking deep breaths, noticing your surroundings, or simply checking in with yourself, small moments can make a big difference. Start building healthy habits today—one mindful moment at a time. Download the checklist and take your first step toward greater calm and clarity.

Hope Connects SC Kids! South Carolina kids in foster care deserve to feel seen, supported, and celebrated — and YOU can help make that happen. Join the mission to bring HOPE to youth in care across the state. Donate supplies, volunteer your time, or become a mentor. Together, we can create a future where every child feels connected and cared for. Learn more & get involved: hope.connectsSCkids.org

Attention High School Students! CSRA College Night event will be held at the Augusta Convention Center in Augusta, GA. CSRA College Night serves to provide an opportunity for area students, parents, and school counselors to learn about the educational opportunities that are available from accredited colleges and universities from across the country. The SRS Education Outreach team and CSRA College Night Committee cordially invite you to participate in this year’s event. College Night is for all high school students grades 9th – 12th. Our goal is to have around 140 colleges and universities present for students to speak with. We will have seminars for students and parents pertaining to SC and GA financial aid, financial literacy, and the SRNS Apprentice Program. Strive Scan will be available for students to use during the event and scholarship opportunities will be available the night of the event for Seniors Only.

Aiken iNNOVATE Middle School Families: SCReady testing is coming up! Please review these important reminders to ensure a smooth testing week: Reminders: Charge student computers Sunday night Bring chargers to school Arrive at your zoned school by 7:45 AM on test days and report to the front office Check your email and voice messages for updates from your zoned school. Contact your zoned school with any questions. Testing Schedule: Monday, May 12 – SCReady Writing Wednesday, May 14 – SCReady Reading Part 1 Thursday, May 15 – SCReady Reading Part 2 Monday, May 21 – SCReady Math Let’s be prepared and finish strong! #SCReady #AikenInnovate #TestDaySuccess

**CTE Summer Academy 2025** Free, hands-on summer camp for current 6th and 7th graders **Dates:** June 9–12 **Time:** 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Lunch and snacks provided) **Location:** Aiken County Career & Technology Center **Cost:** Free Transportation is available for students in the Wagener-Salley and Ridge Spring-Monetta areas. Students will explore exciting programs such as: * Cosmetology and Nail Design * Robotics * Culinary Arts * Diesel Technology * And more! Space is limited. Register by Wednesday, May 28 at 11:59 PM. Register online at: https://bit.ly/43jQ37r For more information, call (803) 593-7300 \#CTESummerAcademy #FutureReady #CareerExploration #FreeCamp

Attention Aiken iNNOVATE Families! Registration for the 2025–2026 school year is now open. All students must register with their zoned, face-to-face school at acpsd.net. In addition, please complete the following form to let us know whether your child will return to in-person learning or remain with Aiken iNNOVATE next year: https://tinyurl.com/AikenInnovateForm Thank you for helping us plan for a successful school year!

🌟 Teacher Appreciation Week 🌟 Join us in celebrating the incredible educators at Aiken Innovate! From May 5th to 9th, we're honoring the dedication, passion, and hard work of our teachers with a week full of special activities and treats. 🎉 Aiken Innovate Teacher Appreciation Week May 5 - 9, 2025 Daily Themes and Activities: - Monday (Mellow Monday): Lunch from Mellow Mushroom - Tuesday (Grill and Chill): Lunch on the grill from the Admin Team - Wednesday (Wonderful Wednesday): Chick-Fil-A Breakfast - Thursday (Thankful Thursday): Heartfelt gifts from Aiken businesses - Friday (Fabulous Friday): Goodies provided by some of your biggest fans For more information, call 803.306.1036 www.acpsd.net/ai

Looking for fun, family-friendly events this weekend? We've got something for everyone — from student art to stars in the sky! District Art Show Come support our talented student artists at the Aiken Center for the Arts! Friday, May 2 5:00 PM Saturday, May 3 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (during the Fine Arts Festival) View amazing artwork created by students from Aiken iNNOVATE across the district—don’t miss this inspiring showcase of creativity! Family Earth & Sky Night Head over to the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center at USC Aiken for a night of discovery and wonder! Hands-On Activities 6:00 – 8:30 PM Night-Sky Viewing 8:30 – 10:30 PM Explore earth and space through hands-on science activities (including live animals!), planetarium shows, and telescope viewing of the moon, stars, and planets. Mrs. Boswell, Mrs. Griffin, and Mrs. Daignault will be hosting a special activity! Stop by and say hi! Club astronomers will guide you — bring a blanket or chair and enjoy the night sky! Both events are **FREE** and open to all ages. Make it a weekend to remember with art, science, and family fun!

Calling all 3rd-12th grade students! Join us for the Youth Financial & Leadership Academy presented by the Aiken County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.! Date: May 10, 2025 Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Location: University of South Carolina - Aiken, Business & Education Building Lunch will be provided! Planned Topics Include: - Public Speaking - Financial Literacy - Health (Physical & Mental) - Global Awareness Let's build the next generation of leaders together! Register now: bit.ly/YouthAcademy2025 #YouthLeadership #FinancialLiteracy #PublicSpeaking #AikenEvents #EmpowerTheFuture

You're invited to our Spring Fling Open House at Kenneth Shuler North Augusta! April 24th 5PM – 7PM 1125 Knox Avenue, North Augusta, SC 29841 Come experience hands-on demos, meet our instructors and admissions team, and learn about our programs and career paths! Plus, score a free goody bag and enter to win awesome prizes like a tuition scholarship, beauty kit, and more!

Attention High School Students! CSRA College Night event will be held at the Augusta Convention Center in Augusta, GA. CSRA College Night serves to provide an opportunity for area students, parents, and school counselors to learn about the educational opportunities that are available from accredited colleges and universities from across the country. The SRS Education Outreach team and CSRA College Night Committee cordially invite you to participate in this year’s event. College Night is for all high school students grades 9th – 12th. Our goal is to have around 140 colleges and universities present for students to speak with. We will have seminars for students and parents pertaining to SC and GA financial aid, financial literacy, and the SRNS Apprentice Program. Strive Scan will be available for students to use during the event and scholarship opportunities will be available the night of the event for Seniors Only.

On March 28, our incredible athletes showed up and showed out at the Special Olympics Your hard work, determination, and sportsmanship made us all proud. Thank you for inspiring us with your amazing energy and heart! #SpecialOlympics #ProudMoment

Congratulations to Brooklyn Brown and Caitlyn Coach, our first Aiken Innovate Celebration of Character Award recipients! Brooklyn and Caitlyn will attend a special reception on May 10 at St. Angela Hall, St. Mary's Catholic Church, alongside other distinguished students from across the district. They will be honored with a certificate and various tokens of appreciation from the Joint Women's Clubs of Aiken. For over 26 years, their Character First Initiative has been dedicated to promoting positive character among Aiken County youth. This year, the Joint Women's Club is recognizing over 200 students for their exceptional character and commitment to their educational journey. We are thrilled to celebrate Brooklyn and Caitlyn for their outstanding character and dedication.

Did you know that nearly 33 thousand veterans in the United States experienced homelessnesslast year? Join our military-friendly Purple Star school district in donating basicpersonal hygiene items April to help homeless veterans locally. Donate personal hygeine items such as tissues, deodarant, shampoo, conditioner, soap, comb, brush and other items. Drop Off Donations at Any Aiken County Public School April 14-25, 2025 For more info on this and other Purple Star School Districtinitiatives, please contact our Military Community Liaison Sondra Thomas at SThomas@acpsd.net.

More Field Day Fun at Aiken iNNOVATE! Today, our middle and high school students had an awesome time at Aiken iNNOVATE’s annual Field Day! From **soccer, basketball, and badminton** to **karaoke and water bottle decorating**, there was no shortage of fun! Students also got to **spend their PBIS points** at the store and snag some great rewards! We loved seeing everyone enjoy the day—what a way to kick off Spring Break! Have a safe, relaxing, and fun-filled break!

Aiken iNNOVATE’s Field Day Was a Blast! Today, our middle and high school students brought the energy for Aiken iNNOVATE’s annual Field Da*—and what a day it was! From soccer, basketball, and badminton to karaoke and water bottle decorating, there was something for everyone! Plus, students got to cash in their PBIS points at the store for some awesome rewards! A huge thank you to everyone who joined in on the fun! Wishing you all a safe, relaxing, and amazing Spring Break!

Did you know that nearly 33 thousand veterans in the United States experienced homelessnesslast year? Join our military-friendly Purple Star school district in donating basicpersonal hygiene items April to help homeless veterans locally. Donate personal hygeine items such as tissues, deodarant, shampoo, conditioner, soap, comb, brush and other items. Drop Off Donations at Any Aiken County Public School April 14-25, 2025 For more info on this and other Purple Star School Districtinitiatives, please contact our Military Community Liaison Sondra Thomas at SThomas@acpsd.net.