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UNPREPARED FOODS, GAS, AND MOST MEDICATIONS ARE EXEMPT FROM THE ONE CENT SALES TAX.
If renewed by voters on November 5, the One Cent Educational Capital Sales and Use Tax would result in a continuation of the One Percent Sales Tax on most purchases (one cent/dollar) in Aiken County. There are numerous exemptions to the tax, which are listed include in South Carolina’s Code of Laws, Section 12-36-2120. Among the exemptions are unprepared foods, gasoline, and most medications.
For more Penny Tax Facts, visit www.acpsd.net/OneCent.
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CONTINGENCY PROJECTS WILL ALSO APPEAR ON THE BALLOT AND INCLUDE ROOFING, SECURITY VESTIBULES AND DOOR LOCK UPGRADES AT SCHOOLS ACROSS THE DISTRICT, CLASSROOM ADDITIONS AT BYRD AND GLOVERVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS, AND REPLACEMENT OF GREENDALE ELEMENTARY.
In addition to the five primary projects voters will see on their ballot, several contingency projects are also listed that will be undertaken once primary projects are completed (or if all funding necessary for completion of the primary projects has been provided) and if additional tax revenue is available. Sales Tax funding is limited to the projects specified on the ballot and approved by voters. 2024 contingencies represent additional projects that are high priority
For more Penny Tax Facts, visit www.acpsd.net/OneCent.
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IF THE ONE CENT SALES TAX IS VOTER-APPROVED FOR A RENEWAL, A NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL WILL BE BUILT IN AREA THREE.
Space for elementary school students in Area Three, the fastest-growing area of our county, is limited. Many students in Midland Valley and Graniteville schools are already in portable classrooms.
To accommodate this growth, a new elementary school in Area Three is among the list of projects that a 2024 One Cent Sales Tax renewal would support.
For more Penny Tax Facts, visit www.acpsd.net/OneCent.
All November, it's International Games Month in the Media Center! To celebrate, we're giving away a Bluetooth speaker and hosting Win-it Wednesday games! Come by during break, advisory, or after classwork to play the game of the day. Next up on Wednesday, Nov. 6: Uno! Don't miss out on the fun!
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NORTH AUGUSTA MIDDLE (NAMS), CONSTRUCTED IN 1954, IS THE OLDEST SCHOOL AMONG THE LIST OF PROJECTS THAT A 2024 RENEWAL OF THE ONE CENT SALES WOULD BENEFIT.
Window air conditioning and heating units and metal-lined walls make indoor temperature control of this 1950s-era school (built without central heating and air) a challenge. At NAMS, the roof is leaking, doors are no longer fully shutting, and walkways and entrances to areas of the school built below grade flood on rainy days..
Part of the school was renovated previously and includes the cafeteria, science and music wing. If approved by voters, the recently updated areas are all that would remain. The original 1954 structure would be demolished, and a new, secure entryway, admin and classroom wing, media center, and gymnasium would be constructed.
For more Penny Tax Facts, visit www.acpsd.net/OneCent.
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FIVE OF EIGHT OF THE COUNTY’S HIGH SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN RECENTLY UPDATED OR REBUILT, A SALES TAX RENEWAL IN 2024 WOULD ADDRESS THE REMAINING THREE.
South Aiken High, Silver Bluff High, and Midland Valley High were each built in 1980. At the time of the One Cent Sales Tax in 2014, they were referred to as the district’s “new” high schools.
Improvements at those campuses, if approved by voters, include secure, welcoming entrances, updated athletic facilities, purpose-built classrooms for culinary arts and other CTE courses, and more.
For more Penny Tax Facts, visit www.acpsd.net/OneCent.
Join us for a fun PTO fundraiser spirit night at Putt Putt Fun Center on Tuesday, November 12, from 6-8 PM! For just $15, you’ll get unlimited Putt-Putt and laser tag! (Arcade not included.) Don’t miss out on a night of fun and supporting HSMS!
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THE SCHOOL DISTRICT WILL HOST A LIVE INFORMATIONAL MEETING ABOUT THE SALES TAX ON OCTOBER 29 AT 6PM.
ACPSD has engaged in an effort to educate the community about the One Cent Sales Tax, and has shared information in a series of meetings held throughout the county over several months.
A virtual meeting will be held this evening, Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 6PM.
Join at www.acpsd.net/OneCent.
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THE SALES TAX IS A 10-YEAR TAX AND DOESN’T AUTOMATICALLY RENEW.
Aiken County voters will have an opportunity to consider a renewal of the 2014 One Cent Sales Tax on Election Day. If renewed, the One Cent Sales Tax will extend for an additional 10 years and benefit school facility projects listed on the 2024 ballot. If not renewed, the 2014 One Cent Sales Tax will sunset (expire).
For more Penny Tax Facts, visit www.acpsd.net/OneCent.
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BEFORE THE 2014 SALES TAX SUCCESS, IT HAD BEEN 38 YEARS SINCE A SCHOOL REFERENDUM PASSED.
Prior to 2014, 1976 was the year of the last successful referendum benefitting the county's public schools. Without funds available, school maintenance needs were deferred over decades.
For more Penny Tax Facts, visit www.acpsd.net/OneCent.
Order your HSMS yearbook now! Don't miss out on capturing all the amazing memories from this school year! Pre-order your HSMS yearbook today and secure your copy. Visit the front office or order online to reserve yours at this link: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/3248936/Highland-Springs-Middle-School/2025-Yearbook/2024062604230409069/CATALOG_SHOP
Join us for a community chorus concert! Highland Springs, Paul Knox Middle, and North Augusta High will be showcasing their talented voices on October 29 at 7 PM at Grace UMC. Come out for a night of amazing and FREE music and support our students!
Hey HSMS students! Want to help out and earn a chance to sit with your friends at lunch? Donate to the HSMS Hygiene Drive! We're accepting items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, body wash, and hairbrushes throughout November. Each grade level will have a box outside the front office. The grade that donates the most will get to sit with their friends at lunch on Dec. 3!
Attention 8th-Grade students and parents! It's time to sign up for your IGP sessions. This is an important step in planning for high school and beyond! Make sure you schedule your session soon!
Dr. Guerry's Sign Up Link (Last Names K-Z)
https://signup.com/go/mjaPqHw
Mrs. Abellan's Sign Up Link (Last Names A-J)
https://signup.com/go/UrZCwJj
Attention 8th-grade parents and students! Join us for IGP Night on November 7 at 5:30 PM. This is a great opportunity to plan for high school and beyond! Don't miss it!
ONE POINT ABOUT THE ONE %
SC PUBLIC SCHOOLS GET NO FUNDING FOR CONSTRUCTION/MAINTENANCE
Upkeep, maintenance, and construction of schools is considered a “local responsibility” in South Carolina. School Facilities are funded locally through voter support of sales taxes and bond referendums.
We will be sharing information and facts about the One Cent Sales Tax as we lead up to Election Day on Tuesday, November 5. For more information, please visit our website at www.acpsd/OneCent.
Please make plans to join us at 6 p.m., Monday or Tuesday night this week for an informational meeting. Tonight’s meeting, Monday, October 28, will be at Midland Valley High School, and tomorrow, Tuesday, October 29, you can join us virtually as we’ll live stream an informational meeting from our District office to our website where viewers can join online from the comfort of their own home.
Attention 8th Graders! HSMS is looking for 48 students to visit the Clemson University Science Outreach Center on Jan. 16, 2025! This is an amazing opportunity, but remember: Grades & actions MATTER. Students must have a 70 or higher in all classes to participate.
Behavior records will be reviewed for selection. Applications and permission forms are due by Dec. 15—don’t miss out! Scan the QR code to sign up using your student email. Let’s represent Highland Springs Middle School with pride!
WHOA! 77% of HSMS Students are reading & logging on Beanstack! We are absolutely crushing it, Riverhawks! 77% of our students are reading, logging their minutes, and growing their brains while enjoying amazing stories. Keep it up! We are awesome! It's NEVER too late to join in and win
Join the Beanstack Hallow-Read Challenge! Log your reading in Beanstack before Oct. 31, complete the challenge, and win a treat bag full of goodies! Winners will be notified by student email, so be sure to check it daily. Keep reading, Riverhawks!
School picture retake day is Oct. 24. Remember to dress your best and avoid wearing green. We can't wait to see those smiles!
