Mark your calendars!
Wednesday, August 19th will be the first early dismissal day of the 2026–27 school year!
Students will be dismissed early while our teachers and staff use the afternoon for professional development, collaboration, and additional training to support student success.
Get a glimpse into what professional development looks like for our staff here at Aiken County by watching the video on YouTube at:https://youtu.be/RJ6SEXp8wUk .
Please plan accordingly, notify teachers and belvedereattendance@acpsd.net of any transportation changes for the day.
K-2 bus riders must still have an approved adult or older sibling for release at the bus stop.
📢 BEARS BULLETIN: Week of August 9th–15th 🐻✨
Happy Sunday, Belvedere Families! Here is everything you need to know for the week ahead:
🚸 NEW WALKER DISMISSAL (Grades 5K–2nd) Starting Monday, August 10th, all 5K–2nd grade walkers (without an older 3rd–5th grade sibling) will dismiss from the Kindergarten Playground on Belair Road. 🏷️ Tags Required: You’ll receive matching student & parent tags on Monday. Starting Tuesday, you must bring your parent tag to pickup. If forgotten, an ID check in the front office will be required for student safety.
🗓️ FRIDAY, AUG 14 DEADLINES
Student Leadership Applications Due: No late apps accepted for Kinder Crew, Math Masters, etc.
Staff of the Month: Cast your final votes today!
🗓️ MARK YOUR CALENDARS
🏫 Title I Open House: Tuesday, August 18th | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
⏰ Early Dismissal & Energy Bus Celebration: Wednesday, August 19th
🎭 Christmas Musical Auditions (2nd-5th): Wednesday, August 19th after school
⏰ DAILY REMINDERS
Tardies are marked at 7:30 AM—please arrive early!
All vehicle pickups must use the carline.
Have a great week! Drop a comment if you have any questions! 👇💙
Belvedere Elementary Weekly Update (Aug 2–9) 🐻
Here is what to expect this week:
✏️ i-Ready Testing (Grades 1-5): Begins Monday, Aug 3rd in homerooms. Help your student do their best with a good night's sleep and breakfast!
🥒 Pickle Sale: Friday, Aug 7th, 7:00–7:30 AM in Quarles Corner.
👕 Spirit Day: Wear your BES gear this Friday!
🚨 Quick Reminders: • Tardy bell rings at 7:30 AM daily. • Vehicle pick-ups must use the carline (walkers must travel entirely on foot). • Dress code check: Shorts/skirts within 5" of knee; no slides/crocs/hats/hoods.
📅 Save the Date: Title I Open House is Tuesday, Aug 18th (5:00-6:30 PM).
Have a great week! 🌟
We are so excited to fuel up for another incredible week! Here’s what’s on the map for the upcoming week:
🚶♂️ Monday, July 27 – Independence Day!Starting Monday, our Little Bears will be walking to their classrooms independently! Parents and guardians will drop off at the line, but don't worry—our amazing staff will be in the hallways to guide every student safely to class!
🤝 Wednesday, July 29 – PTO MeetingJoin us at 3:00 PM in the BES Library for our first PTO/SIC meeting of the year! Come hear about our plans, share ideas, and connect with other families. Together, we make this school year the BESt!
Let’s bring that positive energy and have a phenomenal week! 🌟
Don’t forget to join us tomorrow morning for our Bon Voyage Breakfast!
Drop a comment and let us know if your attending!
📅 Friday, July 24
⏰ 7:30 AM
📍 BES Cafeteria
After dropping off your student, stop by for coffee, breakfast, and a chance to connect with other BES families as we kick off an amazing school year.
All aboard! We are thrilled to officially welcome you to the 2026-2027 school year. Whether you are a returning family or joining our community for the very first time, we extend a heartfelt, warm embrace to you all.
Every new school year is the start of an extraordinary expedition. This year, Belvedere Elementary will be transitioning from the Ron Clark House Model to a new social-emotional learning program called The Energy Bus.
The Energy Bus is built around the idea that each of us has the power to choose a positive attitude, encourage others, overcome challenges, and work together to create a supportive school community. This program aligns beautifully with our school theme of travel and adventure, reminding students that every day is a new journey and that we all play an important role in making our school a positive place to learn and grow.
While our program is changing, one thing remains the same—we will continue to recognize and celebrate students who demonstrate positive behaviors and make great choices. Through The Energy Bus, students will also learn valuable social-emotional skills and strategies, including:
Choosing a positive attitude
Building healthy relationships
Showing kindness and empathy
Solving problems respectfully
Demonstrating resilience when faced with challenges
Working together as a team
By combining positive behavior recognition with intentional social-emotional learning, we hope to equip our students with lifelong skills that will help them succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
Throughout the year, you will hear your child talking about the principles of The Energy Bus and participating in schoolwide activities that reinforce these important lessons. We encourage you to join us on this journey by asking your child what they are learning and celebrating the positive choices they make each day.
To help ensure our first week goes smoothly, please review the important morning and afternoon reminders below:
🚶 Morning Walk-In Policy & Parking
Through This Friday (July 24th): You are welcome to walk your student directly to their classroom in the mornings. Friday will be the absolute last day for walking students to class.
Starting Monday (July 27th): It will be "Independence Day!" All students will walk to class independently. Don't worry—we will have plenty of staff members stationed throughout the halls to navigate and help them find their way!
Parking Reminder: If you plan to park and walk your student into the building this week, please park exclusively in a designated parking space. Please do not park in handicap spaces unless you have the proper permit.
Bon Voyage! Don't forget our PTO Bon Voyage breakfast on Friday morning at 7:30 am!
🚗 Afternoon Carline & Car Tags
Need a Car Tag? If you still need a car tag for the afternoon carline, please call the front office.
Delivery: The front office will assign you a car number, and your physical car tag will be placed directly into your student’s bookbag to take home.
Our day will start at 7:30 am, with doors opening at 7:00 am! We begin dismissing at 2:30 pm. Please be patient with us these first few days as our staff, our families and our students adjust to drop off and dismissal procedures. I can promise you- we will be much quicker by week 2!
Thank you for trusting us with your children. Let’s fasten our seatbelts, embrace the adventure ahead, and make this a truly phenomenal year of growth and achievement!
📋 Teacher Assignments: To find out who your child's teacher is, please ensure your student is fully registered and you have submitted two proofs of residency.
🏫 Meet the Teacher Night: Join us this Thursday, July 16th from 2:00 - 6:00 PM! Feel free to bring school supplies to leave in the classroom so your student has less to carry on day one. This is also the perfect time to sign up for PTO, get volunteer trained, and pick up your car tags!
📲 Free Ways to Support BES: While shopping for back-to-school items, don't forget to download the Box Tops app and link your Kroger app to Belvedere Elementary to help us earn cash rewards for free! Let's fasten our seatbelts and get ready for a phenomenal year! See you Thursday! 🚂✨
🎒 Welcome to the 2026-2027 School Year!
The July Family Bulletin has officially landed. Before we head back to school, make sure you have all the information you need for a smooth and successful start.
Quick Checklist & Key Dates:
🗺️ Read Principal Allyson Long's welcome message
✏️ Download your grade-level school supply lists
🗓️ July 8: Kindercamp & Parent Camp (Rising Kindergarteners)
🗓️ July 16: Meet the Teacher (2:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
🗓️ July 29: First PTO Meeting (3:00 PM in the BES Library)
📥 [Download the July 2026 Bulletin (PDF)] 🚌 July Focus: "You’re the Driver of Your Bus!"
✈️ CLEAR THE RUNWAY FOR KINDERGARTEN! ✈️
Calling all rising kindergarten families! It’s almost time to pack your bags and check in for an incredible school year. We have two major events coming up this July to help your little traveler transition smoothly into 5K.
Save these dates and get ready for takeoff! 👇
🧭 EVENT 1: Travel to KinderCamp
Get a sneak peek of the classrooms and meet the crew before the school year officially launches!
When: Wednesday, July 8th
Session 1: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Session 2: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
For Students: Rotate through our 4 classrooms and meet each teaching team!
For Parents: Join "Parent Camp" for volunteer training, PTO sign-ups, and tips to support your student at home.
📧 RSVP: Send your RSVP to CFERRELL557@ACPSD.NET
🎫 EVENT 2: Staggered Boarding for 5K
To give our students a gentle, focused introduction to their new routine, we use a staggered start schedule by last name. Your student will only attend on their assigned day, plus the all-student day on Friday!
📅 A - G: Monday, July 20th
📅 H - M: Tuesday, July 21st
📅 N - R: Wednesday, July 22nd
📅 S - Z: Thursday, July 23rd
🎉 ALL STUDENTS BOARD: Friday, July 24th!
⚠️ Have a scheduling conflict with your assigned day? Please reach out to ALong@acpsd.net.
Mark your calendars for this year's completely free Back to School Bash, hosted by community organizer Victoria Paloma!
This exciting event will take place on July 18th, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Roy Warner Park (6021 Roy Warner Park LN, Wagener, SC 29164) to help students kick off the school year with confidence.
Available on a first-come, first-served basis, children can receive free bookbags, school supplies, brand-new outfits, shoes, gift cards, fresh haircuts, professional hair braiding, food, and much more.
Please see the attached flyer for more information.
PALMETTO CIVICS PROJECT AN INITIATIVE OF THE SC DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Families are invited to participate in Summer SC 250 activities as South Carolina prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and our state’s important role in our nation’s history. These summer activities provide meaningful opportunities for students and families to learn, explore, and connect with local and state history. Take part and help celebrate South Carolina’s rich history, heritage, and contributions to our country.
The Palmetto Civics Project is a resource-rich initiative designed to foster students’ understanding of and respect for the institutions that sustain our civic life. Our goal is simple but profound: every South Carolina graduate will leave school prepared to embrace the privileges and the responsibilities of American citizenship.
Please visit SC Palmetto Civics Project to learn more.
Healthy Meals at No Cost This Summer!
The Seamless Summer Meal Program is back for Summer 2026! We are dedicated to ensuring school-age children and eligible individuals have access to nutritious foods to learn, play, and grow all summer long.
Here is everything you need to know about locations, dates, and times:
Program Details
Who Qualifies: Healthy meals are served at no cost to school-age children 18 years & under, as well as disabled persons/children 21 years and under who are enrolled in school.
Onsite Policy: All meals MUST be eaten onsite.
Adult Meals: Adults are welcome to eat with their children! Adult meals can be purchased at the following rates: Breakfast: $3.20 | Lunch: $5.50.
Elementary School Locations
When: Monday – Thursday, June 1 – June 18 Times: Breakfast: 7:00 AM - 7:30 AM | Lunch: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Belvedere Elementary: 115 Monterey Ave, North Augusta | 803-442-6330
Busbee Elementary: 20 A. L. Corbett Circle, Wagener | 839-846-7008
Graniteville Elementary: 1 Willis Circle, Graniteville | 803-663-9998
JD Lever Elementary: 2404 Columbia Hwy, Aiken | 803-641-2760
Redcliffe Elementary: 22 Double Springs Rd, Aiken | 803-827-3350
Ridge Spring-Monetta Elementary: 1081 Trojan Road, Monetta | 839-846-7010
High School Locations
When: Monday – Thursday, June 1 – June 25 Times: Breakfast: 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM | Lunch: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Aiken High School: 449 Rutland Drive, Aiken | 803-641-2500
Midland Valley High: 227 Mustang Drive, Graniteville | 803-593-7100
North Augusta High: 2000 Knobcone Ave, North Augusta | 803-442-6100
Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle/High: 21071 Trojan Road, Monetta | 803-846-7010
Silver Bluff High: 64 Desoto Drive, Aiken | 803-652-8100
South Aiken High: 223 East Pine Log Road, Aiken | 803-641-2600
Wagener-Salley High: 326 Seivern Road, Wagener | 839-846-7006
Questions?
If you have any questions, please reach out to our Child Nutrition Program Director:
Contact: Ebonee Maxwell
Email: Emaxwell@acpsd.net
Phone: 803-991-3408
Healthy Meals at No Cost This Summer!
The Seamless Summer Meal Program is back for Summer 2026! We are dedicated to ensuring school-age children and eligible individuals have access to nutritious foods to learn, play, and grow all summer long.
Here is everything you need to know about locations, dates, and times:
Program Details
Who Qualifies: Healthy meals are served at no cost to school-age children 18 years & under, as well as disabled persons/children 21 years and under who are enrolled in school.
Onsite Policy: All meals MUST be eaten onsite.
Adult Meals: Adults are welcome to eat with their children! Adult meals can be purchased at the following rates: Breakfast: $3.20 | Lunch: $5.50.
Elementary School Locations
When: Monday – Thursday, June 1 – June 18 Times: Breakfast: 7:00 AM - 7:30 AM | Lunch: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Belvedere Elementary: 115 Monterey Ave, North Augusta | 803-442-6330
Busbee Elementary: 20 A. L. Corbett Circle, Wagener | 839-846-7008
Graniteville Elementary: 1 Willis Circle, Graniteville | 803-663-9998
JD Lever Elementary: 2404 Columbia Hwy, Aiken | 803-641-2760
Redcliffe Elementary: 22 Double Springs Rd, Aiken | 803-827-3350
Ridge Spring-Monetta Elementary: 1081 Trojan Road, Monetta | 839-846-7010
High School Locations
When: Monday – Thursday, June 1 – June 25 Times: Breakfast: 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM | Lunch: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Aiken High School: 449 Rutland Drive, Aiken | 803-641-2500
Midland Valley High: 227 Mustang Drive, Graniteville | 803-593-7100
North Augusta High: 2000 Knobcone Ave, North Augusta | 803-442-6100
Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle/High: 21071 Trojan Road, Monetta | 803-846-7010
Silver Bluff High: 64 Desoto Drive, Aiken | 803-652-8100
South Aiken High: 223 East Pine Log Road, Aiken | 803-641-2600
Wagener-Salley High: 326 Seivern Road, Wagener | 839-846-7006
Questions?
If you have any questions, please reach out to our Child Nutrition Program Director:
Contact: Ebonee Maxwell
Email: Emaxwell@acpsd.net
Phone: 803-991-3408
Graduation week is here, and we can’t wait to celebrate the Class of 2026 at their commencement ceremonies being held at USC Aiken's Convocation Center!
To help graduation attendees enjoy a smooth, stress-free day, please remember that there will be metal detection upon arrival. We kindly ask that you review the attached graphic for prohibited items, such as bags, balloons, and outside food, so you can leave those items safely in your vehicle before heading to the entrance.
Additionally, because the lobby can become crowded after the ceremony, please plan to meet your graduate outside the venue once the event concludes.
Thank you so much for your help in keeping this milestone safe, smooth, and unforgettable for everyone!
Upcoming Graduation dates and times are below for your convenience. Tickets are limited due to space, but we invite everyone to cheer on the Class of 2026 virtually by accessing the live streamed ceremonies on our website at www.acpsd.net/graduation.
District Completer Ceremony: May 27, 2026 | 5:00pm
Wagener-Salley High School: May 27, 2026 | 7:00pm
North Augusta High School: May 28, 2026 | 2:00pm
Aiken Scholars Academy: May 28, 2026 | 5:00pm
Aiken High School: May 28, 2026 | 8:00pm
Silver Bluff High School: May 29, 2026 | 9:00am
Ridge Spring-Monetta High School: May 29, 2026 | 12:00pm
South Aiken High School: May 29, 2026 | 3:00pm
Midland Valley High School: May 29, 2026 | 7:00pm
#ACPSD2026Grads #ACPSDCelebrates #ACPSDGraduation
Attending 5th grade awards tonight, 5/26 at 5:30pm? Check out where to park at North Augusta High School to enter Jacket Arena. Photo attached!
