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
Jackson students showed up, leaned in, and ENGAGED during February’s Club Friday! From hands-on activities to creative exploration, our classrooms were filled with laughter, collaboration, and purposeful fun.
Club Friday is more than just a break in routine — it’s an opportunity for students to explore interests, build relationships, discover new talents, and strengthen our Jackson community. Whether students were creating, competing, designing, strategizing, or simply connecting with peers, they were fully immersed in the experience.
When students are engaged, learning becomes memorable.
When students feel connected, school becomes meaningful.
A special thank you to our teachers and sponsors who planned dynamic, thoughtful activities that gave our students something to look forward to. Your creativity and investment make all the difference.
At Jackson Middle School, engagement isn’t accidental — it’s intentional. 💙
We can’t wait for the next Club Friday!
Wednesday, February 18, is an Early Dismissal Day for students.
On Early Dismissal Days, elementary school students are dismissed at 11:30 a.m., middle school students at 12:10 p.m., and high school students at 12:30 p.m.
Early dismissal times are slightly different for Aiken Scholars Academy, as well as our schools in the Ridge-Spring area. Ridge Spring-Monetta Elementary dismissal is at 11:55 a.m., Aiken Scholars Academy dismissal is at noon, and Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle and High dismissal is at 12:15 and 12:20 p.m., respectively.
These Early Dismissal Days are part of the 2025-26 Aiken County Public School District Calendar and are necessary to support the training and development schedule for state-required teacher training. Please make any necessary arrangements for your child's early dismissal. Elementary school student after school care through Quest Zone is available.
Students receiving transportation services on half-day schedules, such as Early Learning Special Education students, will not be provided school bus transportation on Early Dismissal Days as buses will be unable to make mid-day routes.
Afternoon classes at the Aiken County Career and Technology Center are not held on Early Dismissal Days. Students enrolled in an afternoon class at the Career Center will remain at their high school on these designated days.
Silver Bluff High School student-athlete Adrian Gray is taking the next step in his football career.
On February 12, 2026, in front of family, friends, coaches, and peers, Gray signed his NCAA Letter of Intent to play football at Brevard College starting Fall 2026.
“Being able to play this sport is a good thing,” Gray said. “Especially after high school, because most people don't get to do that.”
Gray is a multi-sport athlete for the Bulldogs, playing offensive line in the fall on the football field and throwing shotput for Track and Field in the spring.
His coach, Matt Hayes, is proud of the hard work and leader Gray has become at Silver Bluff.
“When I was hired two years ago, I kind of identified that core groups of guys that would be not just starters, but the kind of guys with leadership qualities, guys that we were going to lean on in the weight room and in practice. And Adrian kind of jumped out. He's a really good football player, obviously. Works hard at his craft. A little bit undersized, but what he lacks in size, he has with technique, and he plays with the nastiness that you need to play offensive line,” Hayes said. “Being his teacher in the classroom, he takes pride in his athletics and his academics. So, Brevard is getting a student athlete, not just an athlete.”
Celebrating student athletes and their next steps into collegiate athletics is something that Silver Bluff takes pride in, according to Athletic Director Phillip Strother.
“Anytime we get an opportunity for a kid to sign and go on to the next level, you know, it means that we're obviously doing something right,” Strother said. “That's kind of my thing. I want to make sure we're doing the right thing for our kids. So, we're giving them a real idea of what life is going to be like so they're suited for real life.”
“You cannot talk about Silver Bluff without the tradition of the student athletes here,” Hayes continued. “We've had a lot of success with guys going to the next level. It's a testament to their family, this community, but also those student athletes who want more than just being a good athlete in high school. They want to take their talents to the next level. It's hard, especially in today's climate. It's very hard to go from high school to college to go compete at that level. Adrian's part of a long line of student athletes who took that challenge, and I'm excited for him and Brevard.”
Our early learning classrooms focus on building foundational skills in literacy, math, social development, and school readiness all in a nurturing and engaging environment fostered by certified teachers. We help students build confidence, friendships, and a love for learning from day one.
Spots fill quickly, apply today at www.acpsd.net/4k
#ACPSD #ACPSD4K #EarlyLearning
#ACPSDCelebrates #ACPSD #SchoolBusDriverAppreciation
Dear Jackson Middle School Families,
We want to hear from YOU! 🎉
The Jackson Middle School Title I Parent Survey is now open, and your feedback helps us improve programs and support our students.
🗓 Survey Open Now through February 27
🎁 Bonus: All parents who complete the survey will be entered into a gift basket drawing!
🌎 Spanish version available
Your input truly makes a difference, and the survey only takes a few minutes to complete. Thank you for partnering with us and sharing your voice! You can either access the survey link in this message or the QR code in the flyer.
Link to Survey: Jackson Middle School Title I Parent Involvement Survey – Fill out form
Spanish link to Survey: Jackson Middle School Encuesta de participación de padres de Título I - Español – Fill out form
Jackson Middle School
Our STEM students have been hard at work tackling a ping-pong ball challenge sponsored by Science Buddies! Through teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving, students put their engineering minds to the test—one bounce at a time.
We love seeing our students think critically, experiment boldly, and have fun while learning. Way to go, STEM stars! ⭐🏓
Our AVID students have been busy exploring their futures! After completing interest surveys to discover their strengths and passions, students selected a career that matched their interests and dove into researching what that career is all about.
They wrapped it all up with fantastic presentations, showing confidence, curiosity, and pride in their work. We are so proud of the effort, growth, and big dreams on display—way to go, AVID students! 🌟👏
Lady Indians, be proud of your accomplishments—you have done great things this season. Thank you to our faculty and staff, parents, and community for the incredible support you have given the girls throughout the season
Congratulations, Carter—we are incredibly proud of you and wish you the best of luck as you continue your spelling bee journey!
From Nurse Morgan. News you could use for the month of February!!
REGULAR OPERATIONS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3
ACPSD will return to regular operations tomorrow, Tuesday, February 3, following this weekend’s historic snow event. With temperatures below freezing overnight, please use caution in travelling as some shaded areas may still be partly frozen. We have appreciated the patience and flexibility of our school community and look forward to welcoming everyone back in person tomorrow.
Check your Schoology classes tomorrow for assignments — teachers will have everything ready for you.
Need help? Your teachers are available by email for questions or support.
Stay cozy, stay curious, and stay safe — learn from home and show us your Jackson pride!
E-LEARNING DAY /REMOTE WORKDAY FEBRUARY 2, 2026
Following this weekend’s winter storm and out of an abundance of caution for the safety of students, families, teachers and staff, tomorrow, Monday, February 2, will be an e-learning day for students. All teachers and staff will be on a remote work day as well.
Student e-learning will be available online, and our teachers are available for support. Should your student have any questions, difficulty, or need assistance with their e-learning assignments, please reach out.
Continued cold temperatures refreezing the snow that accumulated this weekend may impact our district’s operations for Tuesday as well. A decision regarding Tuesday will be announced no later than 3 p.m. tomorrow afternoon and will be made with the safety of all students, families, and employees at heart.
As always, we are grateful for the flexibility of our school community. Please be safe, enjoy the snow, and stay warm.
