Get ready to dance, Riverhawks! The HSMS PTO presents our Back-to-School Dance on August 21 from 4–6 p.m. in the HSMS gym. Admission is $5, with \$1 cash-only concessions available. Students attending the dance can stay after school in our supervised cafeteria until it starts. Let’s kick off the year with music, friends, and fun! Parents can purchase tickets at the following link: https://shorturl.at/8JFkt
Save the date! The HSMS Fall Book Fair, sponsored by the HSMS PTO, is coming August 25–29! Students will shop during the week, and we’re offering special parent & child shopping hours during Open House on August 28. Start early by setting up an eWallet for your child — it's a safe, cash-free way to shop! Sign up for an eWallet or add to an existing one at this link: https://shorturl.at/HTtI4
Art Club applications will be available in the office next week. Applications must be returned to the office by Aug. 15. Limited number of spots available! Art CLub will begin Sept. 2.
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.
Coffee with Counselors is Wednesday, August 20 from 8–8:30 in room D101 at HSMS. Stop by for coffee and conversation with our school counselors: Ms. Abellan (last names A–J) and Dr. Guerry (last names K–Z). Learn more about what we do and how we can help you best support your students. Drop in! ☕💬
HSMS is now forming teams for the 2025 Cyber Patriot competition! Team members will learn about cybersecurity, explore computer networks, and build skills for careers of the future.
Info Meeting: Tuesday, Aug. 19, 3:30–4 p.m., Room C100.
Can’t attend? Stop by C100 during Advisory to chat with Dr. Stone.
Info Meeting: Tuesday, Aug. 19, 3:30–4 p.m., Room C100.
Can’t attend? Stop by C100 during Advisory to chat with Dr. Stone.
Biscuit time! Swing by the HSMS morning car line on Monday, August 11 from 7:30–8 a.m. for a Bojangles breakfast — while supplies last!
Cajun Chicken Biscuit – $5
Sausage Biscuit – $3
Cash only (exact amount preferred) and sales to parents only.
All proceeds support HSMS PTO student programs. Don’t miss out on a tasty way to give back!
Cajun Chicken Biscuit – $5
Sausage Biscuit – $3
Cash only (exact amount preferred) and sales to parents only.
All proceeds support HSMS PTO student programs. Don’t miss out on a tasty way to give back!
Friday is Pizza Day! Grab a slice for \$2 and a canned soda for \$1 — cash only. All proceeds support student programs like semester celebrations and more!
Parents, please do not drop off fast food or lunches during the school day. HSMS provides free, nutritious, and delicious breakfast and lunch for all students—no outside food is needed. Help us keep our school day running smoothly!
HSMS Volleyball Tryouts
Grades 7–8
Aug. 5–7 | 3:30–5 p.m. | HSMS Gym
Bring: current sports physical, water bottle, shoes, T-shirt, and shorts
Questions? Email Coach Basile at ebasile@acpsd.net
All physical and Dragonfly forms are on the HSMS website under the Volleyball page.
Grades 7–8
Aug. 5–7 | 3:30–5 p.m. | HSMS Gym
Bring: current sports physical, water bottle, shoes, T-shirt, and shorts
Questions? Email Coach Basile at ebasile@acpsd.net
All physical and Dragonfly forms are on the HSMS website under the Volleyball page.
Ready for a Back to School Challenge? 🎉 From July 21 to August 31, log your reading in Beanstack and start earning sweet rewards!
What counts?
Stories/books/poems/magazine articles in class
Stories/books/poems/magazine articles at home
Use the Beanstack app through ClassLink or download it to your phone to track your reading.
Students who complete this challenge can earn sweet "beans" and possibly unlock schoolwide privileges like:
Eating with friends in the courtyard
Extra break time
And more surprises
Let’s start the year strong, Riverhawks—log those minutes and level up! 🦅
What counts?
Stories/books/poems/magazine articles in class
Stories/books/poems/magazine articles at home
Use the Beanstack app through ClassLink or download it to your phone to track your reading.
Students who complete this challenge can earn sweet "beans" and possibly unlock schoolwide privileges like:
Eating with friends in the courtyard
Extra break time
And more surprises
Let’s start the year strong, Riverhawks—log those minutes and level up! 🦅
Attention 8th graders! HSMS Counseling & Career is hosting a field trip to Augusta University's Summerville campus on September 11. Want to go? Sign up by August 8 using the QR code or the link. This opportunity is open to 8th-grade students with positive behavior and good grades. Selected students will receive both an HSMS and Augusta University permission slip, which must be completed and returned by August 15. Don't miss out on this chance to explore your future! Sign up with the link: https://shorturl.at/fJmp8
Have an interesting career (or know someone who does)? Want to inspire the next generation? Come share your job or career journey with our students! We’re looking for volunteers who are willing to talk about what they do and why they love it. Interested? Fill out the form using the link or scan the QR code to get started! We can’t wait to hear your story! Link: https://forms.office.com/r/ta8xRY5Kp8
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
HSMS needs you! Email a counselor to sign up for a virtual volunteer training session August 12, from 12-12:30 p.m. Email: nguerry@acpsd.net. She will send you a digital link.
The first day of school is quickly approaching, and we’re busy getting ready to welcome our Riverhawks back! Meal prices have been updated:
Breakfast: $3.20
Lunch: $5.50
Reminder: All students will still receive 1 breakfast and 1 lunch meal per day at no cost as we begin the school year.
Breakfast: $3.20
Lunch: $5.50
Reminder: All students will still receive 1 breakfast and 1 lunch meal per day at no cost as we begin the school year.
Gear up for a new year at the HSMS PTO Swag Shop. Find hats, tees, bags, and more to SOAR into the new school year. Use the QR code or follow the link: https://shorturl.at/eFTzh
Say “Happy Birthday” to your child on the school’s electronic sign! Names will be displayed on the electronic sign in front of HSMS the week of the child’s birthday, Monday through Friday. The cost is $15 and can be paid by cash or check, made out to HSMS. Fill out the form (download and print or pick up a copy in the office) and return it to the school secretary with payment. All requests must be made at least one week in advance. All funds raised support student incentive programs. Find the form at this link: https://5il.co/2lw6o
Get ready for a new school year! Walk Your Schedule will be 3-6 p.m. July 17! Food trucks will offer Ironhead BBQ and Philly Ice for sale, which benefits our awesome HSMS PTO and their student programs. Printed schedules available for returning ACPSD students registered by noon July 16; students new to ACPSD must be registered by July 14 to receive a printed schedule. WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU!
