Highland Springs Middle School

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.

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!

Parents and Guardians now is the time to schedule a well-visit or vaccine appointment with your child’s healthcare provider to avoid the back-to-school rush before the 2025-26 school year begins on July 21! The SC Department of Public Health is also offering a vaccine clinic for students in grades 5K–12 on July 8 from 9–11:30 a.m. and 1–3:30 p.m. at the Aiken County Health Department (222 Beaufort Street NE, Aiken). Call (803) 642-7543 to make an appointment and bring vaccination and insurance records; a parent or guardian must accompany children under 16. No-cost vaccines may be available, though administration fees may apply. Don’t forget to submit your child’s updated SC Immunization Certificate to their school and note that all rising 7th graders must have a Tdap booster given at age 10 or older. Contact your child’s healthcare provider or school nurse with any questions and visit acpsd.net/page/nursing-services for more information.

Take a look at some things planned for next year with this school year's final Highland Springs Herald at https://shorturl.at/Ew5uL

Seamless Summer Meal Program – Summer 2025! Healthy meals at no cost for kids and teens! Children 18 and under, and individuals with disabilities up to age 21, can enjoy nutritious meals when school is out — all meals must be eaten on site. Adults may join their children: $3.10 for breakfast and $5.30 for lunch. When: Monday–Thursday, June 2–26, 2025 Breakfast: 7:30–8:30am Lunch: 10:30am–12:30pm Where: June 2–19 (Mon–Thurs): Busbee, Byrd, Chukker Creek, North Augusta, Redcliffe, and Ridge Spring-Monetta Elementary June 2–26 (Mon–Thurs): Aiken, Midland Valley, North Augusta, Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle-High, Silver Bluff, South Aiken, and Wagener-Salley High Let’s keep our kids fueled for summer learning, playing, and growing!

Aiken County Public School District’s full-time virtual program, Aiken iNNOVATE, is now accepting applications for the 2025–2026 school year. If you or your student are currently in 5th grade or higher and interested in a flexible, innovative learning environment, now is the time to apply. Aiken iNNOVATE offers a 100% virtual experience with certified ACPSD teachers and curriculum, providing students in grades 6–12 the opportunity to learn from anywhere while staying connected to their school community. To apply, visit www.acpsd.net/ai. If you have any questions, feel free to email Ai@acpsd.net. Don’t miss this opportunity to take charge of your education through Aiken iNNOVATE. Spots are limited.

The Seamless Summer Meal Program returns for Summer 2025! The ACPSD Child Nutrition Program will be offering nutritious meals at no cost for children aged 18 and under, as well as for individuals with disabilities up to age 21. Meals will be served Monday through Thursday from June 2 to June 26, 2025. See flyer for more details!

The biscuits are calling you ONE LAST TIME! They want YOU to support the breakfast fundraiser sponsored by the HSMS PTO! Chik-fil-a Chicken Biscuits are $5 on FRIDAY, May 23, 2025, from 7:30-8 a.m. during morning car line drop-off, while supplies last. CASH ONLY - exact amount preferred. Sales to parents only! All proceeds benefit HSMS PTO’s student programs.

Spirit Night is almost here, Riverhawks! Join us Thursday, May 15 at Marco’s Pizza – North Augusta (960 Edgefield Road) for a delicious way to support Highland Springs Middle School. Order your favorite pizza on the app or at Marcos.com and don’t forget to use the code "HAWKS" at checkout so 15% of your purchase goes directly to HSMS PTO. This event is sponsored by our amazing PTO, helping fund student celebrations and teacher appreciation efforts. Thank you for your support!

Summer Workouts for Boys at HSMS! Calling all current 6th and 7th grade Riverhawks! Get ready to level up your game this summer Where: HSMS Gymnasium When: Mondays–Wednesdays starting June 2 Basketball: 9–10:30 a.m. Football: 10:30 a.m.–Noon What to bring: - Water - Athletic shoes - T-shirt & shorts - Current physical (if you didn’t play or try out this year) Let’s put in that summer grind and come back stronger for the ’25 season!

As we gear up for the 2025–2026 school year, Highland Springs is working to raise funds for our athletic program! This year, our top goals include: • Purchasing a lawnmower to help us keep our field game-day ready; • Supporting our student-athletes by reducing or even covering the cost of “player packs” — which include practice shirts, game pants, and team warm-ups. For the past two years, Coach Murray and Coach Sheridan have gone above and beyond by mowing the field themselves to ensure our athletes have the best possible playing space. Your support can help ease that load and keep our programs running strong! Every donation makes a difference. Thank you for backing our Riverhawks! Donate at gofan.co or https://shorturl.at/rchbF

Calling all teen artists! Just a few spots left for the 2025 Teen Mural Camp at the Morris Museum of Art! Join pro muralist Jason Craig for a week of creativity as you help design and paint a real mural in downtown Augusta. Choose from: June 2–6 or June 9–13 8 a.m.–1 p.m. | Ages 13–17 $175 for members | $215 for nonmembers (includes supplies, snacks + a T-shirt) Register now on the Morris Museum website or call 706-828-3867!

Save the dates! Eighth-grade Awards Day – May 23 at 9 a.m. ; seventh-grade Awards Day – May 27 at 9 a.m. ; and sixth-grade Awards Day – May 28 at 9 a.m. Families are welcome, and students may be checked out immediately after the ceremony. Let’s celebrate our amazing Riverhawks!

It’s time for a book roundup! All HSMS library books are due back by May 9—no late cowpokes allowed! Mosey on down to the Media Center and turn ’em in!

📚 Exciting news for HSMS families! The HSMS Media Center, in partnership with the ABBE Regional Library System, is offering students the chance to get a public library card delivered right to school. Pick up an application in the media center and return it by May 16 to receive a free library card—no trip to the library needed! With a card, students can access books, audiobooks, movies, digital resources, and more from the public library. This is a great way to build reading habits and explore new learning opportunities—don’t miss out!