Congratulations to those selected—we are excited for the season ahead!
To everyone who tried out: thank you for your bravery, effort, and positive attitude. Keep shining and growing. We are proud of each of you!
Adalynn Wood, Aubrey Bullard, Dalashia Kearse, Emily Zimmerman, Lillie Jeffcoat, Marlee Edney, Natalie Harrison, Sasha Whitaker, Sierra Andrades, Skylar Jones, Sophia Woriax, and Trinity Escalante
Please note the parent and cheerleader meeting April 30 at 5:30 p.m. in the Media Center.

HSMS families are invited to join us for a quick and informative Lunch & Learn session!
Friday, May 1
12–12:30 p.m.
Room D101 (Ms. Brennan’s classroom)
Topic: Blueprint of SC Ready Testing and how to prepare for SC Ready
This session is open to parents of all grade levels and will be presented by our content leads. Lunch will be provided.
We hope you can join us!

State testing is coming up, and we want our Riverhawks to be ready to do their best! Please review the important dates below and help your student prepare with plenty of rest and a healthy breakfast each morning.
• May 6: Grade 6 Science
• May 12: ELA Writing
• May 14: ELA Reading
• May 19: Math
• May 18: Fundamentals of Computing EOC
• May 20: English I EOC
• May 21: Geometry EOC
We kindly ask that parents and guardians avoid scheduling doctor’s appointments or vacations on these dates. Any missed tests will need to be made up.
Thank you for your support in helping our Riverhawks succeed!

Looking for a great summer opportunity? The Aiken County Career and Technology Center is hosting a FREE Summer Camp June 1–4, from 8:00 AM–3:00 PM each day!
Students can choose up to three hands-on courses, with options like culinary arts, cosmetology, nail design, robotics, diesel technology, and more—all led by ACCTC instructors.
Applications are due Wednesday, May 13
Apply here: forms.office.com/r/mxyk7TgFvw
Or scan the QR code on the flyer!
Don’t miss this chance for your student to learn new skills and explore future interests in a fun, engaging environment!

Join us in celebrating the creativity and talent of our students at the 2026 ACPSD Fine Arts Festival! The community is invited to experience an inspiring showcase of the arts, featuring performances by our talented student groups on Friday, May 1st at 5:00 PM.
Additionally, come explore a vibrant collection of K–12 artwork on display throughout downtown at the Aiken Center for the Arts, highlighting the imagination and skill of students across the district. Whether you enjoy visual art, music, or live performances, this festival offers something for everyone.
Bring your family and friends and be a part of this exciting celebration of the arts in our community!

Originally set for April 24, auditions will now begin at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, April 27.
Bring your energy and Riverhawk pride. We can’t wait to see you there!
Questions? Contact Coach Rood at crood@acpsd.net

HSMS Cheer Auditions have been postponed. Auditions will be rescheduled for the week of April 27.
Once the new date is confirmed, it will be shared on school social media and the HSMS website.
For questions, please contact Coach Rood at crood@acpsd.net

Join us for the HSMS Band Spring Concert as our Riverhawk musicians take you on a musical journey around the world!
-May 12
-5:30 p.m.
-HSMS Cafe
Come support our talented band students and enjoy an evening of music and adventure!

Donations are now being accepted to support special end-of-year activities for our Riverhawks, including Teacher Appreciation Week, the Semester Two Celebration, and the 8th Grade Farewell Nacho Bar.
If you would like to contribute, simply use the QR code in the graphic or the link below. Monetary donations will be accepted through May 22.
Thank you for helping make these celebrations possible for our students and staff!
Make a donation: https://shorturl.at/1HpbK

Riverhawks, it’s time for our April reading challenge! Log your minutes all month long for a chance to spin the Wheel of Fortune.
This is the last Beanstack challenge of the school year, so make it count!
Challenge dates: April 1–April 30
Grab a book, start logging, and let’s finish the year strong!

We’re building a team of Riverhawk family members who can help support upcoming daytime events at school. If you’re able to lend a hand, we’d love to have you involved.
Interested? Reach out to highlandspringspto@gmail.com to get started.

HSMS PTO has created an Amazon wish list to help make this a night to remember for our students.
-Parents and guardians can support by purchasing items from the list
-Shop April 21–28 using the QR code on the graphic or the provided link
Every item helps create an unforgettable experience for our Riverhawks. Thank you for your support!
Link:https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/16GAS0WMFR5BJ?ref_=wl_share

Every moment of support adds up to something bigger for our students.
This week we are proud to recognize the incredible volunteers who help bring our schools to life. It is a time to celebrate the staff, students, families, and community members who generously give their time to support learning in meaningful ways. Whether assisting in classrooms, supporting media centers, helping at school events, working behind the scenes, and so much more, our volunteers play a vital role in creating welcoming and successful school environments.
Help us say thank you and comment below to shout out a volunteer who makes a difference!
#ACPSDCelebrates #PublicSchoolVolunteerWeek #AikenCountyPublicSchools






Riverhawks, let’s help our fluffy friends! HSMS will be collecting donations for the Aiken County Animal Shelter from May 4–18.
Items you can donate:
- Gently used blankets or towels
-Wet or dry dog or cat food
-Dog or cat toys
-Dog or cat treats
This is also a grade-level competition! The grade that donates the most items will earn the chance to sit with friends at lunch on May 21. 🎉
For Beta Club members: 1 item = 1 service hour (maximum of 3 hours). Be sure to sign in at the front office when you donate so your hours count.
Let’s show up for our community and make a difference, Riverhawks!

HSMS is proud to have 35 students participating in this year’s North Augusta Cultural Arts Council Student Art Show!
Show dates: May 6–22, 2026
Location: Arts & Heritage Center of North Augusta
Reception: May 21, 5–8 p.m.
Come out to support our talented Riverhawks and celebrate their incredible creativity and hard work. We’d love to see our school community there cheering them on!

Today, we proudly Purple Up in support of our military-connected students and families.
To our military families, thank you for your service, your strength, and the many sacrifices you make. We are honored to serve your children and celebrate them not just today, but every day.
"Purple up" with Aiken County Public Schools on Friday, April 17th, as we combine Air Force blue, Army green, Navy blue, Marine red, Space Force blue and Coast Guard blue and wear PURPLE in a demonstration of support for the families of those who serve.
Help us honor the month of The Military Family by showing your support for the families of those who serve by wearing purple and thanking a military family for their bravery and service below. Make sure to tag us in your Purple Up posts!
In ACPSD we are committed to supporting every military child and ensuring they feel seen, valued, and connected no matter where their journey takes them. Visit our Purple Star webpages which provide easy access to resources, support services, transition tools, and important information to help every child thrive.
www.acpsd.net/purple-star
#ACPSDCelebrates #PurpleUp #AikenCountyPublicSchools

Is your rising seventh or eighth grade student ready to explore, create, and build this summer?
We are officially accepting applications for the 2026 CTE Summer Academy: Map Out Your Future!
Hosted at the Aiken County Career & Technology Center, this 4-day camp gives rising middle schoolers a chance to get hands-on experience in high-demand careers.
Pick your path! This year's programs include:
Culinary & Fashion Design
Biomedical Science & Health Science
Coding/Robotics & T-Shirt/Logo Creation
Cosmetology, Barbering & Nail Tech
Financial Literacy & Future Leaders Academy
The Quick Facts:
Dates: June 1st – June 4th
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Aiken County Career & Technology Center
Cost: FREE!
Must be a rising 7th or 8th grade (current 6th & 7th grade student) student that is registered to attend a school within the Aiken County Public School District for the 2025-2026 school year.
Don’t Wait! Spots are limited and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend submitting your application as soon as possible to secure your student's top choice!
To Register please complete the 2026 CTE Summer Academy Student Application
Check out the flyer or visit the CTE Camps page to learn more!


Try blackout poetry and turn ordinary pages into something powerful.
We also have novels in verse (Yes, that counts as poetry! ), plus collections by amazing poets ready for you to explore.
Stop by during Break, Advisory, or after you finish your classwork and create your own masterpiece!

We recognize the important role Assistant Principals play in supporting students, staff and operations. Their leadership, support and commitment to student success help create strong school communities where both students and staff can thrive.
Thank you for your continued dedication and service to our school communities.
Give a shoutout to an Assistant Principal who goes above and beyond for your school below!
#ACPSDCelebrates #AssistantPrincipalsWeek #AikenCountyPublicSchools

