A NIGHT OF EXCELLENCE: CELEBRATING THE 2026-2027 STARS OF PUBLIC EDUCATION
Tonight, at Aiken High School, the air was filled with music from the Jazz Band and a shared sense of pride as we honored the incredible individuals who make Aiken County Public Schools shine.
As Superintendent Dr. Corey Murphy reminded us, our schools are not defined by buildings or budgets, but by the people who show up every day for our students.
We are thrilled to introduce our 2026-2027 District Winners: District Teacher of the Year:
Jerry Brannon (Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle/High) A master of making complex science feel real and reachable. Mr. Brannon is a cornerstone of his school’s culture, known for meeting every learner exactly where they are with high expectations and a heart for mentorship.
First Year Teacher of the Year: Aleesha Ashe (North Augusta Elementary) In just her first year, Ms. Ashe has created a classroom filled with discovery and joy. Her poise and dedication to her 4K students prove that she is a rising star in the profession.
Principal of the Year: Dr. Charlene Heard (Warrenville Elementary) A visionary leader who believes that when educators are supported, students thrive. Dr. Heard’s leadership is rooted in the deep understanding that meaningful relationships are the foundation of academic growth.
Assistant Principal of the Year: Dr. Miranda Fulmer (Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle/High) Recognized for her innovative approach to school schedules and structures, Dr. Fulmer balances strategic data with a genuine heart for every student and staff member.
District Level Administrator of the Year: Brian Gibbons (Federal Programs) A leader of steady resolve and integrity. Mr. Gibbons is a vital guide for our principals, navigating complex responsibilities with a calm, compassionate approach.
Professional Staff Member of the Year: Carrie Adams (Hammond Hill Elementary) As a school nurse, Ms. Adams masterfully balances the well-being of our students with expert professional judgment, ensuring every child feels cared for, respected, and heard.
GEM of the Year: Karen Ulmer (North Augusta Elementary) The definition of service. Ms. Ulmer is the first to ask, "How can I help?" and brings a signature warmth to her school community that makes everyone feel at ease.
The evening also included a beautiful tribute to the legacy of Julie Revelle. Seeing so many staff members stand to honor her impact was a powerful reminder of what it means to lead with kindness.
To all our nominees and winners: Thank you for the talent and character you bring to our schools every single day!
Today we are highlighting Lynnetta Demons, Student Service Worker, and the important role she plays in supporting students and families. Read below to hear in her own words, why she does this work and what inspires her to serve our school community every day.
“My why is simple, because children don’t always tell you when something is wrong . They show you: missed Mondays, inconsistent attendance, behavior that looks like ‘acting out’, quiet compliance that looks like ‘being fine’, and frequent requests for comfort from trusted adults.
This work matters - because one persistent adult, armed with awareness, compassion, and policy, can change the trajectory of a child’s life.
This is my why. And this is what I do the work.”
For more information about the supports available to students and families, visit the Social Work Services page under Academics and Counseling section on the school’s website.
#ACPSDCelebrates #ACPSD #AikenCountyPublicSchools #SocialWorkDay
In collaboration with local emergency management authorities, District leaders have been closely monitoring the severe weather forecasted for Aiken County tomorrow. Hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes are possible. Wind gusts of 60-75 mph are forecasted, which exceeds state regulations for the safe operation of school buses.
In abundance of caution and with safety at the forefront, tomorrow, Monday, March 16, will be an e-learning day for students and a remote work day for employees. Additional information on e-learning can be found under the Academics tab on your school's website.
Students who are able to complete e-learning assignments tomorrow are encouraged to do so. Students who do not have a device, reliable internet, or who are without power due to tomorrow's storm will have ample time to complete the e-learning work. Assignments will not be due until March 27th.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation. Please remain alert for any emergency weather related precautions that may be recommended to keep your family safe with tomorrow's storms.
Applications for Aiken County Public Schools’ 4K program close March 13.
✔ Child must be 4 years old by September 1, 2026
✔ Program led by certified teachers
✔ School year begins July 20, 2026
Families can apply online or scan the QR code on the flyer.
🔗 www.acpsd.net/5k
Yearbooks are on sale for $35 until May 15, 2026.
Ways to Pay:
Flexible payment options are available on-line at jostens.com/easypay.
Pay with cash or by check made out to JMS. See Dr. Williams in the Media Center.
To attend the yearbook party at the end of the school year, a yearbook must be purchased by May 15th.
Congratulations to STEM/AVID students for entering a national essay contest sponsored by Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) and San Jose State University (SJSU). Students had to write a 400-500 word essay on a specific topic about e-bike safety. Winners will be announced by April.
CALLING ALL BASKETBALL PLAYERS FOR THE HOOPS FOR HEART CHALLENGE: 3 vs. 3 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
This challenge is to support the American Heart Association.
Tournament will be held Friday, March 20th at the end of the day.
Teams of 3 cost $15 per team ($5 per player)
TEAMS SIGN UP March 16-18 in the Media Center during Advisory only.
Wear red on Friday, March 20, 2026.
HOOPS FOR HEART 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament Tickets
Tournament will be held at the end of the day on Fri., March 20th.
Tickets to attend the event will be sold on Friday, March 20th ONLY during Advisory
*Please bring the exact amount ($1.00 bill or 4 quarters). Please do not bring large bills.
St. Patrick's Dress Up Days
Monday 4/16 - BBQ dads and soccer moms
Tuesday 4/17 - Green day
Wednesday 4/18 - Decades Day
6th grade - 60s
7th grade - 70s
8th grade - 80s
Thursday - Adam Sandler Day
Friday - Country vs. Country Club or wear red for Hoops for Heart
A big thanks to parents, Alyssa Seagle and Dave McCarty for helping put together flower planters that our STEM students will use to beautify the grounds and grow vegetables. ❤️
Aiken County Public Schools Mourns the Loss of Assistant Superintendent Julie Revelle
Aiken County Public Schools is deeply saddened to share news of the passing of Julie Revelle, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools.
Julie dedicated her life to education and to the students, families, and educators of Aiken County. Throughout a decades-long career with our district, she has served as an English Language Arts teacher at Kennedy Middle School, Assistant Principal at North Aiken Elementary School, and Principal of Redcliffe Elementary School. In 2018, she joined the district’s Executive Leadership Team as an Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools, supporting principals and overseeing the instructional and operational work of many of the district’s elementary schools.
Throughout her career, Julie was known as a thoughtful leader and passionate advocate for students. She worked closely with school leaders and teachers across the district, offering guidance, encouragement, and support for the important work taking place in classrooms each day.
Those who worked alongside Julie will remember her not only for her dedication to education, but also for her kind and gentle spirit. She cared deeply about the people she served and supported throughout her career and took great pride in her family, including her husband, David, their daughter Beth, and grandchildren.
The loss of such a respected leader and colleague is deeply felt across the Aiken County Public Schools community. Support services are being made available for staff and school leaders as they process this loss.
Out of respect for Julie’s family, we ask that the community honor their request for privacy during this difficult time.
Aiken County Public Schools extends heartfelt condolences to Julie’s family, friends, and colleagues. Her dedication to students and educators will leave a lasting impact on our schools and the many lives she touched throughout her career.
Two Silver Bluff student athletes are making their way to collegiate athletics in football.
Gage Kirkbride and Jessie Shelley signed their NCAA Letters of Intent to play football at Newberry College and Union Commonwealth University, respectively, starting in fall 2026.
“These two young men kind of jumped out at me their junior year...their work ethic, their mindset," Silver Bluff head football coach Matt Hayes shared. "Their senior year, you saw a jump in their talents, their work ethic, and what they did in the classroom. They're signing this letter of intent because of not just their talent, but their mindset.”
Gage Kirkbride will be attending Newberry College in the fall and is thankful for the role models he had in previous teammates to help pave the way.
“I think that's what prepared me to be such a great senior is the amount of discipline that they had," Gage shared. "I looked up to the seniors as I was a freshman and sophomore. They helped me out and pushed me to be better."
Jessie Shelley, who will attend Union Commonwealth University, also credits his coaches and teammates for helping push him to the next level.
“Some coaches, they really work, they see a lot,” Shelley said. “My teammates, they really helped push. We push each other every day. They challenge each other every day to make the job the best we can.”
Kirkbride and Shelley join Adrian Gray who recently signed his NCAA Letter of Intent to play football at Brevard College (February 2026).
“I cannot talk about how much work goes in, not just from these young men, but their community, their surroundings, their support staff,” Coach Hayes continued.
One book, two books, red books, and blue books!
Today, Monday, March 2, kicks off Read Across America Week! Read Across America is presented by the National Education Association and plans literacy festivities alongside Dr. Suess's birthday.
We challenge all students across Aiken County Public Schools to pick up a book this week and start reading, and we thank the community leaders who are serving as guest readers bringing literacy to life throughout our classrooms.
During National School Social Work Week, we are proud to recognize and thank our school social workers and student service workers for the incredible support they provide to our school community.
They play a vital role in supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being through compassionate guidance, collaboration with families and staff, and a strong commitment to helping every student succeed.
The 2026 theme, “Unite to Ignite: Celebrating Our Impact,” reflects the positive difference they make by bringing students, families, and educators together to create a caring and inclusive school environment across all Aiken County Public Schools.
#ACPSDCelebrates #ACPSD #AikenCountyPublicSchools
