Due to the winter storm and out of an abundance of caution, all Aiken County public schools and offices will begin the day tomorrow, Monday, January 26, 2026, on a two-hour delayed start. While some areas of Aiken County experienced greater impacts from this storm than others, district leaders continue to consider conditions across the entire county. Temperatures are expected to rise today, which should improve conditions; however, some roadways—particularly bridges and secondary roads—may remain slick during the morning commute.
Important Details for Tomorrow:
• Students and Staff: The two-hour delayed start applies to all students, teachers, and staff.
• Student Meals: With the delayed start schedule, only lunch will be served in school cafeterias.
• Half-Day & Partial-Day Programs: Students on half-day and partial-day schedules, including Early Learning Special Education students, are encouraged to attend school if possible; however, school bus transportation will not be available, as buses will be unable to run mid-day routes.
• No Before-School Activities: No activities will be permitted before school begins on the two-hour delay.
• After-School Activities: After-school activities, including Quest Zone and extracurricular activities such as athletic practices, will continue as scheduled.
• Aiken County Career and Technology Center: Morning session students should report to their home high schools. The afternoon session will continue as planned.
What's Next: ACPSD continues to collaborate closely with local Emergency Management officials and monitor conditions across the county. An update regarding any changes to Tuesday’s schedule will be shared no later than 3:00 p.m. tomorrow.
We look forward to welcoming students and staff to school tomorrow and appreciate our families’ continued patience and flexibility as we prioritize safety.
Confidence in the weekend storm’s possible impact to Aiken County has decreased. However, in an abundance of caution, our District and school’s weekend activities scheduled to extend beyond noon this Saturday, January 24, will be rescheduled.
This includes numerous activities, such as Saturday’s acGATEWAY auditions, as well as the MLK Jr. Community Event previously scheduled for Sunday. Individual schools and programs will share details on these and other cancellations along with rescheduled dates and times.
Our emergency management team will continue to work closely with local officials in monitoring the storm over the coming days. As we prepare for the possibility of e-learning on Monday, students will be sent home from school tomorrow with their laptop and remote assignments.
A decision regarding the safety of operations for next week will be made as soon as possible. We recognize that school closure decisions have a tremendous impact on our community, especially parents and guardians. Please know that the safety of our students, families, teachers and staff is always our highest priority, and that every effort will be made to utilize our five designated e-learning days carefully so as to not extend the school year to meet mandated requirements. An update regarding operations for Monday, January 26, will be shared no later than 3 p.m. on Sunday, January 25.
Congratulations to our First-Year Teachers of the Year Honor Court!
Aleesha Ashe, 4K Teacher at North Augusta Elementary
Disaiah Whack, ELA Teacher at Kennedy Middle
Hayden Beck, 1st Grade Teacher at Belvedere Elementary
Regina Androl, 1st Grade Teacher at East Aiken School of the Arts
Ryann Kramer, Math Teacher at Highland Springs Middle
Stay tuned as we continue to highlight additional STARS Honor Court categories over the coming days and celebrate employees who shine brightly.
#ACPSD #AikenCountyPublicSchools #StarsHonorCourt #ACPSDcelebrates
District Leadership made surprise visits at schools and offices across the District today to celebrate this year’s Stars of Public Education Honor Court. The recognition program and event honoring ACPSD’s brightest stars first began as our annual Teacher of the Year celebration, and has grown to incorporate recognition of our very best New Teachers, Principals, Assistant Principals, Classified Staff, Professionals, and District-Level Administrators. With its origin in mind, we’ll begin our first Stars of Public Education Honor Court announcements with Teacher of the Year.
Congratulations to our Teachers of the Year Honor Court!
Arrington Weston, Social Studies Teacher at Schofield Middle
Jerry Brannon, Science Teacher at RSM Middle/High
Madison Spired, Science Teacher at Silver Bluff High
Megan Maxwell, Speech Pathologist with Special Programs
Sonya Lee, Special Education Teacher at Leavelle McCampbell Middle
#ACPSD #AikenCountyPublicSchools #StarsHonorCourt #ACPSDcelebrates
District Leadership made surprise visits at schools and offices across the District today to celebrate this year’s Stars of Public Education Honor Court. The recognition program and event honoring ACPSD’s brightest stars first began as our annual Teacher of the Year celebration, and has grown to incorporate recognition of our very best New Teachers, Principals, Assistant Principals, Classified Staff, Professionals, and District-Level Administrators. With its origin in mind, we’ll begin our first Stars of Public Education Honor Court announcements with Teacher of the Year.
Congratulations to our Teachers of the Year Honor Court!
Arrington Weston, Social Studies Teacher at Schofield Middle
Jerry Brannon, Science Teacher at RSM Middle/High
Madison Spires, Science Teacher at Silver Bluff High
Megan Maxwell, Speech Pathologist with Special Programs
Sonya Lee, Special Education Teacher at Leavelle McCampbell Middle
#ACPSD #AikenCountyPublicSchools #StarsHonorCourt #ACPSDcelebrates
We are excited to welcome our students, staff, and families back to school as we kick off a new year and a new semester. January is a fresh start and full of opportunities to learn, grow, and achieve together. As we return to our classrooms, we look forward to continued collaboration, renewed focus, and celebrating the success ahead. Let's make this semester a strong one!
#ACPSD #AikenCountyPublicSchools #BackToSchool
"The WIDA ACCESS Testing Window is January 21, 2026 - February 27, 2026.
WIDA ACCESS is a test administered to students in grades K-12 who are identified as English learners. An English learner is a student who is formally identified as needing language supports to successfully engage with academic content in English. WIDA ACCESS measures students’ English language skills in Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing."
Good afternoon,
We hope to see you at Aiken County Public School District’s Groundbreaking Ceremony at North Augusta Middle School as we celebrate the start of the highly anticipated new renovations funded by the 2024 One-Cent Sales Tax.
The exciting renovations and additions will bring flexible, light-filled classrooms; collaborative learning spaces; outdoor instructional areas; and specialized rooms for Athletics, the arts, and Student support, all thoughtfully designed to create a modern, welcoming environment for our Students and Staff.
Event Details:
• Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2025
• Time: 4:00 PM
• Location: 725 Old Edgefield Road, North Augusta, SC
We hope you can be there to help us kick off this exciting new chapter for NAMS!
Please note that there will be no school for students, teachers, and most staff the week of November 24–28.
Additionally, all schools and offices will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday from Wednesday, November 26 through Friday, November 28. We look forward to welcoming everyone back when we reopen on Monday, December 1.
PURPLE UP FOR MILITARY FAMILIES | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14
ACPSD encourages all students, staff, and families to wear PURPLE on Friday, November 14 as we celebrate the Month of the Military Family!
This special day is our way of showing appreciation and support for the incredible military families who sacrifice and serve alongside their loved ones.
THANK YOU to our military families for your dedication, resilience, and service to our nation.
Join us in honoring our heroes—both at home and abroad—by wearing purple with pride!
Throughout November, schools across the district are recognizing Veterans Day and the Month of the Military Family with special celebrations and activities to honor the veterans and active-duty heroes in our community and across the country.
Let’s turn our schools PURPLE Friday, November 14!
To ensure the safety and security of all attendees, Aiken County Public Schools will not permit masks, face paint, or any full-face coverings at football games on Friday, October 31.
Additionally, all middle school students and younger must be accompanied by an adult for entry and throughout the event.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work together to maintain a safe, positive, and family-friendly environment. Thank you for supporting our student-athletes and showing your school spirit responsibly.
Join us for Community Night at ACCTC
Tuesday, October 28 | 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Aiken County Career & Technology Center
2455 Jefferson Davis Highway, Warrenville, SC
We’re excited to welcome current students, future students, families, and community members for an evening of connection, fun, and exploration.
Don’t miss our SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT at 5:00 PM.
Highlights include:
Food trucks
Door prizes
Industry partners
Activities for all ages
For more information, visit www.acpsd.net/acctc or call (803) 593-7300.
Mark your calendar and join us!
Community Night at ACCTC – Tuesday, October 28 | 4–7 PM
You're invited! Join us for Community Night at the Aiken County Career & Technology Center on Tuesday, October 28 from 4–7 PM.
Discover the exciting opportunities in Career and Technical Education (CTE) and learn more about the programs offered at the Career Center. Students will be showcasing their skills and projects, giving you a firsthand look at what they’re learning and creating.
This family-friendly event is open to everyone including current and future students, families, and community members!
What to expect:
✔️ Live student demonstrations
✔️ Food trucks
✔️ Door prizes
✔️ Hands-on activities
✔️ Local industry partners on site
Location: 2455 Jefferson Davis Highway, Warrenville, SC
More info: www.acpsd.net/acctc
Phone: (803) 593-7300
Don't miss this evening of learning, fun, and community connection!
FALL INTERSESSION LEGO WARS CAMP | GRADES 6-8
During Fall Intersession, the week of September 29-October 2, a limited number of spots are available for this year’s Fine Arts Camp, Lego Wars, for students in grades 6-8.
Lego Wars will be held at Highland Springs Middle School Monday-Thursday from 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Students will dive into creativity, the engineering design process, and project design while developing architectural skills to build strong LEGO® structures. This year’s session includes a new team challenge that will push students to think more creatively, collaborate effectively, and apply their engineering skills in exciting new ways.
Registration opens Monday, September 8, at 6 p.m. for ACPSD middle school students and is offered on a first come-first served basis. Please note that due to space limitations, only the first 50 ACPSD students to apply will be accepted. Once the application window opens, parents/guardians can apply by scanning the QR Code or completing the Lego Wars Form.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided each day of camp, however students’ families will be responsible for their own transportation to Highland Springs Middle.
Please contact Dr. Kimberly Fontanez, District Fine Arts Coordinator, at kfontanez@acpsd.net with any questions.
HAPPY LABOR DAY
All Aiken County Public School District schools, buildings, and offices will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2025, in observance of Labor Day.
We hope everyone enjoys a safe and relaxing Labor Day weekend! We look forward to welcoming students back to school on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
#ACPSDcelebrates #LaborDay
Do you need help with Rooms and Messaging? We have made a FAQ page just for you! Whether you're having trouble signing in, seeing your students’ classes, wondering why you are receiving a SMS notification, or updating your contact info, we've got you covered.
🔗 Visit now: Rooms FAQs for Guardians | District
📲 Stay connected with your child’s school easily, quickly, and all in one place with our new messaging experience! This two-way communication tool has been updated to make it easier than ever to stay connected and informed. Learn more about our new messaging service on the Rooms FAQs for Guardians | District .
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 (ASA), as well as our schools in the Ridge Spring area. ASA early dismissal will be at noon, Ridge Spring-Monetta (RSM) Elementary is at 11:55 a.m., RSM Middle at 12:15 p.m. and RSM High at 12:20 p .m. The ASPIRE Evening Program will not be held tomorrow.
These Early Dismissal Days are part of the 2025-26 Aiken County Public School District Calendar and are necessary to support state-wide 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.
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 (ASA), as well as our schools in the Ridge Spring area. ASA early dismissal will be at noon, Ridge Spring-Monetta (RSM) Elementary is at 11:55 a.m., RSM Middle at 12:15 p.m. and RSM High at 12:20 p .m. The ASPIRE Evening Program will not be held tomorrow.
These Early Dismissal Days are part of the 2025-26 Aiken County Public School District Calendar and are necessary to support state-wide 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.
