Mentor Monday: Meet Samantha Luzzatti!
Samantha Luzzatti is the dedicated School Librarian at Midland Valley High School!
"I chose to mentor because I am excited to guide a future librarian into the best job in the world!"
Samantha’s passion for literacy and leadership is shaping the next generation of school librarians, one chapter at a time. Thank you for investing in future educators!
Gray skies and rain can’t dull our shine—or our appreciation for the incredible employees who brighten our schools every day!
Thank you for bringing your dedication, heart, and light no matter the forecast.
If you know a staff member who deserves special recognition, give them a shout-out! www.acpsd.net/shine
#SHINEACPSD #ACPSDcelebrates









At the Aiken County Career & Technology Center, students don’t just learn—they build, create, and launch their futures!
ACCTC offers hands-on learning in high-demand career fields such as:
- Automotive Technology
- Cybersecurity & IT
- Culinary Arts
- Health Science
- Electrical Technology
- Firefighting
- Cosmetology
…and so much more!
Through industry certifications, dual enrollment opportunities, and work-based learning, ACCTC students are graduating career-ready and college-prepared—many entering the workforce or post-secondary training with a major head start.
ACCTC is a hub of innovation and opportunity for Aiken County’s high school students.
Future-focused. Skill-driven. Student-powered. That’s the ACCTC way.

Think About It Thursday | Teaching Pathways
There are different pathways to become a teacher. One is through alternative certification in which you must hold at least a bachelor's degree. Another way is through obtaining a bachelor's degree in education that leads to teaching certification.
For questions, please contact Kimmerie Allen, Teacher Pathway Coordinator, kimmerielee@acpsd.net

Work For Us Wednesday | We need you!
Looking to make a difference behind the scenes? We’re hiring custodians to help keep our schools clean, safe, and welcoming for students and staff.
Custodians are essential team members who support learning environments by taking pride in every hallway swept and every classroom cared for.
Join our team of everyday heroes!
Full-time roles available
Great benefits & retirement options
Opportunity to grow and serve your community
Apply today and help us shine! acpsd.schoolspring.com

Say hello to Michelle Lorio, our Certified Recruitment & Staffing Coordinator at ACPSD!
Michelle plays a vital role in making sure our middle and high schools are fully staffed with outstanding certified educators and athletic coaches. From the classroom to the playing field, she’s committed to placing the right people in the right roles.
What drives Michelle?
"I love knowing that the teachers I help place are making a real difference in the lives of students in our community."
Thanks to Michelle’s work, students across the district are supported by passionate, high-quality educators every day!
"I chose to mentor a student teacher because I believe in the importance of giving back to the profession and helping shape the next generation of educators. Teaching is a constantly evolving field, and I see mentorship as a way to reflect on and refine my own practice while supporting someone at the beginning of their journey. Being a mentor allows me to share the knowledge and experience I’ve gained over the years, not just in classroom management and lesson planning, but in navigating the real-world challenges of the profession. I remember those that mentored me when I was first starting out with Aiken County Public Schools, and it truly made a difference in my life and prepared me for my career. I hope to be able to pass on the baton in the same way it was given to me."
With a heat index hotter than the school lunch pizza in August; our employees are still SHINING bright!
No amount of humidity can dim the dedication of Team ACPSD. From classrooms to custodial closets, buses to breakrooms, every role keeps our students cool, calm, and learning!
Thanks for sweating it out (literally) and making another amazing week happen. Stay hydrated, stay awesome, and keep on shining!
If you know a staff member who deserves special recognition, give them a shout-out! www.acpsd.net/shine
#SHINEACPSD #ACPSDcelebrates









Feature Friday | July Employee of the Month
Meet Tim Lott, Custodian at Midland Valley High School!
With a heart for service and a can-do attitude, Timothy lives out what it means to be a team player every single day.
“Why not help someone else? I really enjoy pitching in. It's always good to help out. At the end of the day, you just do what you need to do to get the job done.” – Timothy Lott
We’re incredibly grateful for Timothy’s dedication, positive spirit, and willingness to go the extra mile. Thank you for making a difference at MVHS and across ACPSD!

Aiken County Public Schools employs 3,572 employees. 1896 certified educators—plus over a thousand of classified staff including bus drivers, cafeteria teams, custodians, aides, and support personnel.
That’s a powerful community working every day behind the scenes and in front of the classroom—making a real difference for our students.
Join #TeamACPSD and be part of something bigger: purposeful work, meaningful impact, and a career that matters.

WORK WITH US WEDNESDAY | WE’RE HIRING!
Interested in making a difference with a district that values people, purpose, and growth?
Please enjoy this photo carousel highlighting:
Who we are as a district | The types of roles we’re hiring for | Why YOU should join our team | How to apply and get started
We’re looking for passionate individuals ready to serve, lead, and grow with us at ACPSD.
Apply today at acpsd.schoolspring.com





Say hello to Amy Gregory, our dedicated Induction Coach here at ACPSD!
Amy plays a vital role in setting up our newest educators for success—bringing a wealth of knowledge from her years in the classroom and leadership. She also supports training on our educator evaluation rubric, helping ensure continuous growth and excellence across the district.
After a brief retirement, Amy’s passion for teaching brought her back to support the next generation—and we’re so glad it did!
What Amy loves most about her job?
“I get to work with new teachers whose energy and excitement are truly inspiring. I love visiting schools across the district and seeing the incredible talent and commitment in our classrooms. It’s an honor to be part of their journey.”
We’re lucky to have Amy guiding and growing our future educators!

“Mentoring allows me to give back and help train the next generation of educators—not just to be great, but to be BEYOND extraordinary! College lays the groundwork, but I strive to share the real-world tools, insight, and support they can’t get in a classroom. It’s about building confidence, modeling professionalism, and sparking a lasting passion for teaching. This year, I’m grateful to mentor Jacob Shryock from Augusta University and look forward to supporting his journey toward becoming an exceptional special education teacher. “

What. A. Week! The first week of school is officially in the books, and our amazing employees didn’t miss a beat! From warm welcomes and smooth routines to big smiles and even bigger hearts, the energy across our schools has been electric!
Whether you helped a kindergartner find their classroom, kept buses rolling, served up delicious meals, or brought the joy into every lesson—YOU made this week unforgettable. Here's to a year full of moments that matter! Let’s keep the momentum going!
If you know a staff member who deserves special recognition, give them a shout-out! www.acpsd.net/shine









We did it—our first week back to school was a success!
From bright smiles and new routines to high-fives and hallway hugs, this week was full of energy, excitement, and connection.
A HUGE thank you to our amazing:
Teachers for inspiring from day one
Bus drivers for safely starting and ending each day
Staff for keeping everything running smoothly
Parents and guardians for your support and partnership
Students for bringing joy, curiosity, and heart into our schools
Here’s to a strong start to a phenomenal year!
At ACPSD, we believe supporting you means more than just a job—it means enhancing your life.
Local Discounts & Treats
Enjoy exclusive perks—from local business discounts to special giveaways and sweet surprises during staff appreciation events!
Employee Assistance Program
Life can throw curveballs. Our Employee Assistance Program is here to support you and your family when you need it most—providing expert guidance and resources for tough times.
Health, Dental & Life Insurance
We offer comprehensive coverage for you and your eligible dependents—because your well‑being matters to us inside and outside of the classroom.


At Aiken County Public Schools, our diversity is our strength—and we’re looking for passionate educators to support our Multilingual Learner Program!
Do you have a heart for language, culture, and helping students succeed across languages and backgrounds? Join our team of educators who uplift, empower, and celebrate the many languages spoken in our schools.
Your work will help bridge communication, build confidence, and open doors for multilingual learners every single day.

Team Member Tuesday: Meet Lou Wakefield!
Say hello to Lou Wakefield, our Human Resources Associate supporting Certification, Evaluation, and Educator Effectiveness here at ACPSD!
Lou plays a vital role in helping educators maintain, renew, and advance their certifications—ensuring our teachers stay at the top of their game.
What Lou loves most? “The relationships I’ve built over the years. I love seeing people grow and transition, and I’m grateful to play a small part in their journey.”
Fun Fact: Lou was selected for the GEM Honor Court for the 2024–2025 school year—because she truly Goes the Extra Mile!
"Let me tell you about a full circle moment…This beautiful lady, Emily Holdman, sat in my third grade class way back when she was one of my students. This semester I was lucky enough to have her as my intern. And it even gets better… now she is my coworker!!! I am beyond proud of you Emily! Your were an amazing student, a phenomenal intern, and I cannot wait to see you thrive teaching. God has already chosen the students that you will grow and have such an amazing impact on, and I cannot wait to see it and support you through it! Congratulations beautiful lady!!"
