As temperatures drop this week and the possibility of a Winter Storm is on everyone’s radar, please know that we are in close collaboration with local Emergency Management Officials in monitoring for impact to our area.
Confidence in a possible impact to Aiken County late in the afternoon and evening this Friday, January 10, is increasing. With a concern for students, families, and employees traveling after dark on Friday in what may be a mixture of sleet and freezing rain, all athletic practices, games, arts-activities, afterschool care, and any other school or district-sponsored event scheduled for Friday, January 10, will not take place as planned.
With temperatures expected to be below freezing until mid-day Saturday and in an abundance of caution, any athletics, arts, and other events scheduled to be held before noon on Saturday, January 11, will also be cancelled. Travel to district and/or school sponsored events inside or outside Aiken County that would require employee or student travel prior to noon on Saturday, are also included in this cancellation.
We recognize that this will cause a disruption to many, especially our families who rely on QuestZone for after school care as well as those with events, activities, and tournaments that were scheduled. Please know that we are sharing this cancellation update with as much notice as possible based on current conditions and the latest forecasts available. As we keep safety at the forefront of these difficult decisions, we appreciate your continued understanding and support. Please stay tuned for any future updates that this Winter Storm may require and take other precautions that may be recommended to keep your family safe and warm.
Friday, December 20, is a half day for students. Due to the half day schedule on Friday, only breakfast will be served in our cafeterias. Please note the following dismissal times for students on our half day schedule.
Elementary schools in the Aiken area (Area One), the North Augusta area (Area Two), the Midland Valley area (Area Three), and Jackson/New Ellenton areas (Area Five) will dismiss at 11 a.m.; middle schools at 11:30 a.m.; and high schools at 11:50 a.m. Aiken Intermediate School’s half day dismissal will be at 11:25 a.m. and Aiken Scholars Academy at 11:20. The Center for Innovative Learning dismissal will be at 1:30 p.m.
Elementary schools in the Wagener/Salley/Ridge Spring/Monetta area (Area Four) will dismiss at 11:30 a.m., middle schools at 11:40 a.m., and high schools at 11:50 a.m.
In a short video released by the district, Superintendent Dr. Corey Murphy provides detailed information on the new state-required Personal Electronic Devices policy that will be implemented as student’s return from Winter Break in January.
Aiken County’s policy will allow middle and high school students to bring cell phones and other personal electronic devices , and accessories such as earbuds and AirPods to school, but they must remain powered off, stored in the student’s backpack or bag, and out of sight during the school day.
Progressive discipline measures will be enforced for violations of the policy. Parents are encouraged to watch this video with their student and discuss the policy and the consequences for students who are in violation. We thank you in advance for your understanding and support!
https://youtu.be/4Jjqsv_vFkk?feature=shared
Join us for Aiken County Public School District’s Spring Hiring Event for Teachers and Certified Staff on Saturday, February 1, 2025!
Applicants will have the opportunity for on-site interviews and on the spot job offers! The event will take place at Aiken High School located at 449 Rutland Drive in Aiken, SC from 8 a.m. until noon.
All schools and locations will be represented, and we will be hiring for certified positions to include immediate vacancies and future 2025-26 positions.
Scan the QR code to apply now for your level of certification to secure an interview at the event. Pre-registration is highly encouraged. Walk-ins are welcome.
Direct Link to Register and Apply for the Event: https://acpsd.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx?jcat=Recruitment
We will be hiring for certified positions to include Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education. Please reach out to our Human Resources Team at (803) 641-2428 for more information.
We look forward to welcoming many new teachers and certified staff members to Aiken County in February!
Congrats to our Dec. 13 Reader Leaders of the Week! They are: Skyler Jones, Riley Chafin, and Isabella Nimmons. Keep logging those minutes, Riverhawks!
Celebrate your 8th-grader with a special yearbook baby ad! Sizes and prices vary, but don’t wait—the deadline is January 31, 2025! Create a lasting memory today! Scan the code for more information or follow this link: https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4726/hsms/4616276/HSMS_2024_8th_Grade_Baby_Ad_flyer.pdf
Holiday Spirit Week is coming up Dec. 16-20! Students, get ready to show your festive flair while staying in dress code. Let’s enjoy this special week together and celebrate the season in style! Monday is White Christmas, Tuesday is Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, Wednesday is Santa or Elf, Thursday is Character Day, and Friday is Ride the Polar Express.
Looking for the perfect gift for your child's favorite teacher? The HSMS PTO's Holiday Giving Tree is here to help! Teachers and staff have shared their classroom needs and personal wish lists to make gift-giving a breeze. Visit the garland tree outside the office to pick an ornament with a teacher's wish—it even doubles as a gift tag! Or click the link to sign up for a gift:
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10C0848AAA928A0FDC70-53669494-thechristmas
Gifts can be dropped off for teachers until December 19. Let's spread some holiday cheer, Riverhawks!
Get festive, HSMS! Ugly Sweater Day is coming up on Dec. 13! Wear your most outrageous holiday sweater and spread some cheer. Let’s see who has the best (or worst) style!
Get ready to sing your heart out, HSMS! Karaoke Caroling is happening Dec. 10 during all lunches. Prizes for participation and top singers! Gather your friends and bring the holiday vibes with your favorite tunes.
Join us for Career Café on Dec. 4! Learn all about veterinary medicine and equine health with Dr. Lindsey Pokrzywinski. Don't miss this opportunity to explore an exciting career path!
The HSMS Beta Club is hosting a Clothing Drive starting Jan. 7! Bring gently-used clothing to help fill our school’s emergency clothing closet. Drop off items in the Counseling Office anytime in January. Let’s make a difference together!
Attention 8th Graders! Get ready for an exciting field trip! We’ll visit UNC Charlotte to explore motorsports engineering and the NASCAR Hall of Fame to dive into racing history.
Key details:
- Applications are due January 20
- Permission forms are due to Dr. Guerry by January 28
- Keep your grades and behavior in check to qualify
Sign up using the QR code or the link provided. Don’t miss out on this awesome opportunity!
Help spread some holiday cheer with the HSMS Ambassadors Holiday Cozies Drive! We’re collecting new socks, beanies, stuffed animals, and blankets for Children’s Place. The Advisory class with the most donations will win a GIANT stocking filled with goodies! The drive runs from Dec. 2-13. Let’s make a difference together, Riverhawks!
Take a break this December and chill in the Media Center! Make a snowflake craft, color a festive design, or piece together a puzzle. Relaxation awaits!
Join us for an enchanting evening of music! The HSMS Chorus Concert will be held on Thursday, Dec. 12, at 5:30 p.m. in the café. Let our talented singers get you into the holiday spirit. See you there!
Save the Date! The HSMS Band Concert is happening on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 5:30 p.m. in the café. Come out and enjoy an evening of wonderful music performed by our talented Riverhawks. See you there!
The gnomes are coming to the Media Center this January! Get ready for fun activities, great books, and magical surprises. Don’t miss out!
Take a behind-the-scenes look at acGATEWAY in these videos created with last summer's students, get your application in, and get ready to audition for an experience unlike any other. Middle and High School acGATEWAY Student Video: https://youtu.be/qVQxpUwGcCk Elementary acGATEWAY Student Video: https://youtu.be/m1w8D-ScAX8 Applications for new and returning students are due by December 9. https://www.acpsd.net/page/gateway
Take a behind-the-scenes look at acGATEWAY in these videos created with last summer's students, get your application in, and get ready to audition for an experience unlike any other.
Middle and High School acGATEWAY Student Video: https://youtu.be/qVQxpUwGcCk
Elementary acGATEWAY Student Video: https://youtu.be/m1w8D-ScAX8
Applications for new and returning students are due by December 9. https://www.acpsd.net/o/district/page/summer-acagateway-program
