Please note that there will be no school for students, teachers, and most staff the week of November 24–28.
Additionally, all schools and offices will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday from Wednesday, November 26 through Friday, November 28. We look forward to welcoming everyone back when we reopen on Monday, December 1.
The application for the 2026 acGATEWAY Summer Arts Program is now available. This year, the application is available in a digital format and can be completed by clicking the link below.
acGATEWAY is a rigorous and immersive summer arts opportunity for students who submit an application and go through the audition process. Current 3rd-12th graders are eligible and may choose from dance, theater, visual art, music, or creative writing.
The deadline to submit applications (online) is Monday, December 12th. No late applications will be accepted due to planning purposes.
All information about the program is detailed in the application.
Elementary Application Link: https://forms.office.com/r/6DZV4FhqCJ
Middle/High Application Link: https://forms.office.com/r/bp5s85n6tS
Aplicación en español: https://forms.office.com/r/9qAELiN8NH
For further assistance, contact:
District Fine Arts Coordinator, Dr. Kimberly Fontanez at kfontanez@acpsd.net
Looking to make new friends, explore a hobby, or just have a little extra fun this year? We’ve got clubs… lots of them! And guess what? More are coming soon! 🎉
We have clubs for gamers, creators, leaders, readers, and just about everything in between. Whether you’re into art, STEM, community service, or just want a place to hang out with people who enjoy the same things you do, we’ve got you covered.
👉 Check out the list of our current clubs here: http://bit.ly/49k9sJ1
Take a look and see what sounds interesting—you might discover your new favorite thing!
If you don’t see the perfect club for you yet… don’t worry. We’re adding more! So stay tuned for updates throughout the year.
Ready to sign up? Click Here to Sign Up for a Club: https://forms.office.com/r/0jg7GL22CS
Let’s make this year awesome—get involved, try something new, and have fun! 💙✨
🌟 Rebecca DuBose – Teacher of the Year
🌟 Paige Alexander – GEM (Giving Even More) Award Winner
🌟 Dustin Fowler – Administrator of the Year Nominee
Their dedication to our students, staff, and families is unmatched, and we’re so grateful for the heart and hard work they bring to our program. We honored them with cake, flowers, and a sweet candy bouquet for Mr. Fowler! 🍰💐🍬
Help us celebrate these STARS of education! ✨
#AikeniNNOVATE #STARSofEducation #ACPSD #AikenCountyPublicSchools
PURPLE UP FOR MILITARY FAMILIES | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14
ACPSD encourages all students, staff, and families to wear PURPLE on Friday, November 14 as we celebrate the Month of the Military Family!
This special day is our way of showing appreciation and support for the incredible military families who sacrifice and serve alongside their loved ones.
THANK YOU to our military families for your dedication, resilience, and service to our nation.
Join us in honoring our heroes—both at home and abroad—by wearing purple with pride!
Throughout November, schools across the district are recognizing Veterans Day and the Month of the Military Family with special celebrations and activities to honor the veterans and active-duty heroes in our community and across the country.
Let’s turn our schools PURPLE Friday, November 14!
To ensure the safety and security of all attendees, Aiken County Public Schools will not permit masks, face paint, or any full-face coverings at football games on Friday, October 31.
Additionally, all middle school students and younger must be accompanied by an adult for entry and throughout the event.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work together to maintain a safe, positive, and family-friendly environment. Thank you for supporting our student-athletes and showing your school spirit responsibly.
📅 Tuesday, October 28, 2025
🕕 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Aiken Technical College, Building C – Dale Phelon Tech Center, 1st Floor
High school seniors & parents — join the Financial Aid staff from USC Aiken and Aiken Tech for hands-on help completing your FAFSA!
✅ Bring your cell phone
✅ Your 2024 Federal Tax Return can be imported with parent permission
Don’t miss this chance to get expert guidance and start your financial aid process with confidence!
Tuesday, October 28 | 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Aiken County Career & Technology Center
2455 Jefferson Davis Highway, Warrenville, SC
We’re excited to welcome current students, future students, families, and community members for an evening of connection, fun, and exploration.
Don’t miss our SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT at 5:00 PM.
Highlights include:
Food trucks
Door prizes
Industry partners
Activities for all ages
For more information, visit www.acpsd.net/acctc or call (803) 593-7300.
Mark your calendar and join us!
Join us for Community Night at ACCTC
Tuesday, October 28 | 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Aiken County Career & Technology Center
2455 Jefferson Davis Highway, Warrenville, SC
We’re excited to welcome current students, future students, families, and community members for an evening of connection, fun, and exploration.
Don’t miss our SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT at 5:00 PM.
Highlights include:
Food trucks
Door prizes
Industry partners
Activities for all ages
For more information, visit www.acpsd.net/acctc or call (803) 593-7300.
Mark your calendar and join us!
12:00pm - Tips for Current Parents
2:00pm - Information Session for anyone who wants to learn more.
5:00pm - Information Session for anyone who wants to learn more.
Free and accessible for anyone! Hope to see you there.
Is virtual learning the perfect fit for your family? 🤔 Discover if Aiken iNNOVATE is right for your student! Join Mr. Fowler for an informative session on October 20th (Parent-Teacher Conference Day). We'll cover everything you need to know about our program. This opportunity is for anyone looking to know more about Aiken iNNOVATE!
Choose from two convenient online sessions, the links can be found on the Aiken iNNOVATE website - just click Live Webinars.
2:00 PM
5:00 PM
Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore flexible learning options! Share with friends who might be interested.
Ready to innovate your child's education? Apply today!
➡️ www.acpsd.net/ai
ACPSD Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held Monday, October 20, from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and will take place virtually. Please sign up to meet with your student’s teachers. Each meeting will last about 15 minutes. Use the link below to register:
https://www.canva.com/design/DAG15LJk3LA/o2YxoyZxmg3KDDGCSNQaoQ/view?utm_content=DAG15LJk3LA&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hccd1a7cf23
If you have any trouble accessing the link or signing up, please contact the teacher for support.
Mr. Fowler will also host a parent-only session at 12:00 p.m. (during your lunch break). Join if you have questions about monitoring and supporting your student online. You’ll be able to ask questions live, and you may submit questions in advance to Ai@acpsd.net. The link to this virtual meeting will be on the home page of the Aiken iNNOVATE website, just go to the website and sign into the session at the start of the session. All are welcome.
We look forward to discussing student progress with you. As always, reach us at Ai@acpsd.net with any questions.
Get ready for the PSAT next week!
🗓️ Date:
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
(Except Aiken High – you’ll test on Thursday, October 23)
🕗 Time:
Arrive between 8:00- 8:10 AM
Early is better! You’ll check in at your home school’s main office to get your testing location.
📍 Where:
Main Office of your home school
Bring your laptop and charger – even if your school uses a lab, it’s better to be prepared!
More information: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt
✅ Reminders:
Eat a good breakfast 🍳
Get plenty of rest 😴
Bring your laptop & charger 💻🔌
📅 Tuesday, October 28, 2025
🕕 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Aiken Technical College, Building C – Dale Phelon Tech Center, 1st Floor
High school seniors & parents — join the Financial Aid staff from USC Aiken and Aiken Tech for hands-on help completing your FAFSA!
✅ Bring your cell phone
✅ Your 2024 Federal Tax Return can be imported with parent permission
Don’t miss this chance to get expert guidance and start your financial aid process with confidence!
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!
📅 Tuesday, October 28, 2025
🕕 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Aiken Technical College, Building C – Dale Phelon Tech Center, 1st Floor
High school seniors & parents — join the Financial Aid staff from USC Aiken and Aiken Tech for hands-on help completing your FAFSA!
✅ Bring your cell phone
✅ Your 2024 Federal Tax Return can be imported with parent permission
Don’t miss this chance to get expert guidance and start your financial aid process with confidence!
Student success in Aiken iNNOVATE is a partnership — half teachers, half families. That’s where Learning Coaches come in! A Learning Coach is a parent, guardian, or trusted adult who supports students at home to help them succeed in virtual learning. As we move into Quarter 2, let's review the role of a Learning Coach in the Aiken iNNOVATE virtual program.
Learning Coaches help by:
✔ Downloading the PowerSchool app to monitor grades
✔ Holding weekly check-ins with students about school progress
✔ Supporting time management and organization
✔ Assisting with technology and communication
✔ Downloading the ACPSD app to stay up to date with teachers and school news
✔ Creating a calm, distraction-free workspace
With consistent support at home, students thrive in the virtual classroom! 💻✨
🌟 Ready to become a partner in your child’s learning journey? Learn more and apply today at www.acpsd.net/ai
Experience Science Up Close at the SEED STEM Festival!
Join us for the 40th annual SEED STEM Festival on Saturday, September 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the University of South Carolina Aiken (USC Aiken). This free, family-friendly event is open to the public and packed with exciting hands-on activities for all ages!
Ever wanted to pet an alligator, explore the world of honeybees, drive a championship robot, or even take a virtual trip through space? At SEED, you can do all that and more!
This festival celebrates the wonders of STEM—science, technology, engineering, and math—with interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and expert presentations from scientists, engineers, and educators. You’ll have the chance to:
✔ Explore over 75 hands-on exhibits
✔ Meet experts from Aiken County EMS, Savannah River National Lab, USC Aiken, and more
✔ Discover amazing science and technology, including robotics, nuclear power, biodiversity, chemistry, and flight
Hosted by the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center at USC Aiken in partnership with the Aiken County Public School District, this annual event is designed to inspire curiosity and excitement for STEM in kids and adults alike.
Don’t miss this day of discovery, innovation, and fun! See you at SEED!
Get ready to showcase your spelling skills in this year’s Spelling Bee!
If you’re interested in participating or want more information, reach out to Ai@acpsd.net today. Don’t miss your chance to shine and spell your way to victory!
