Help us congratulate Dr. Richard Ball, a math teacher at North Augusta High School, on being named a Golden Apple Award teacher by WJBF News Channel 6.

On Friday, February 13, he was surprised at North Augusta High School alongside several community business partners, Kroger, Universal Plumbing and Great Deals on Furniture.

“I think that the goal at the end of each day is for a kid to walk out with a little bit more joy from math,” Dr. Ball said during an interview with WJBF News Channel 6. “You have to treat them like they are like kids and teaching them a subject in a way that lets them be kids is the way I like to approach each lesson.”

Dr. Ball teaches a variation of math courses at North Augusta High School from Algebra to AP Calculus. The Buffalo, NY native moved to South Carolina and says he has been welcomed with open arms calling it his home away from home.

“Dr. Ball represents exactly what this profession is about. He challenges our AP Calculus students to think deeper, push harder, and reach higher, while at the same time meeting Algebra I students right where they are and refusing to let them give up on themselves. That range is rare. He makes advanced mathematics accessible and struggling students confident. The WJBF Golden Apple Award is well deserved—our school is stronger because of his commitment to every learner who walks into his classroom.”

“I think watching them grow is the pleasure of the job,” Dr. Ball said. “Yes, it would be fantastic if we all got A’s but it’s the person they become in the room. It’s great for all of us to achieve greatness, but it’s the person and the journey that is more important.”

Two other North Augusta teachers were surprised by WJBF News Channel 6: Mrs. Heather Parliament-Griffith, a 7th grade math teacher at Paul Knox Middle School and Mrs. Christine Witt, a kindergarten teacher at Hammond Hills Elementary School.

You can catch a news segment on each of the teachers starting Feb. 17 during the 5:30 PM broadcast. The remaining segments will air on Tuesday's on WJBF News Channel 6.

2 months ago, Aiken County Public School District
Dr. Richard Ball is surprised in class as a Golden Apple Award winner.
Dr. Ball assists students in math class.
Dr. Richard Ball is interviewed as a Golden Apple Award teacher.

Paul Knox Parents,

Please take a moment to fill out our Annual Title I Parent Involvement Survey by Friday, February 20th.
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Paul Knox Middle School Title I Parent Involvement Survey

Thank you!

2 months ago, Paul Knox Middle School
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The Academic Team would like to thank another RED LEVEL Sponsor!
Shout out to Dr. Jimmy Hewitt II, D.O. and North Augusta's Center for Primary Care for their generous donation!
2 months ago, Paul Knox Middle School
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Join us for our February Coffee with the Counselors!
Two representatives from the Cumbee Center will be here on Wednesday, February 18 to give a presentation about teen dating violence and digital safety. If you plan to attend, please email ocrews@acpsd.net or dforrest@acpsd.net.
2 months ago, Paul Knox Middle School
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PKMS had a special guest in the building today. Brad Means from WJBF News Channel 6 - along with Kroger, Universal Plumbing and Great Deals on Furniture - presented Mrs. Heather Parliament with the Golden Apple Award 🍎 If you see Mrs. Parliament, make sure to say, "Congratulations!" Today's interview will air on WJBF News Channel 6 on Tuesday, February 24th in the 5:30 newscast.
2 months ago, Paul Knox Middle School
Mrs Parliament receiving the Golden Apple Award
Mrs. Parliament being interviewed
Golden Apple Award
Now that the winter weather has *hopefully* subsided, the Academic Team is hosting their garage sale next weekend!
Donation drop off will be Friday, February 20th from 4:30 - 7pm and the sale will be on Saturday, February 21st from 8 am - 2 pm.
2 months ago, Paul Knox Middle School
Garage Sake Flyer
Students explored a variety of experiments and activities related to matter, chemistry, and ecology at the Ruth Patrick Science Center! What an amazing outreach program for our students and community! Thank you to all of our instructors, students, chaperones, bus drivers, and teachers!
2 months ago, Paul Knox Middle School
Group photo of students and chaperones
Students watching presentation about an owl
students doing a science lab
students examining bird talon
Mr. Roberts dropped in to teach a mini lesson on the benefits of the cold frame in our garden. We also planted many new seeds in preparation for the seasonal changes. Thanks, Mr. Roberts!❤️
2 months ago, Paul Knox Middle School
Students in gardening class
Students in gardening class
Students in gardening class
Students in gardening class
Oops! We ordered too many!
Come see Mrs. Parliament tomorrow morning to get a whole bouquet of carnations for only $5 !!
Available while supplies last.

We will also be selling more candy grams tomorrow morning for $1 each.
2 months ago, Paul Knox Middle School
flash sale flyer
4K Applications Are Now Open!

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
2 months ago, Aiken County Public School District
4K applications open February 9 through March 13, to learn more please visit www.acpsd.net/4K.
Need dinner plans? Head on out to Old McDonald Fish Camp for all-you-can-eat grits, hushpuppies, and great seafood! Check out the wildlife out there, too!
The Academic Team would like to thank Old McDonald Fish Camp for their generous donation and being a RED level sponsor!

If you would like to be mentioned on our socials, consider sponsoring the Academic Team!
2 months ago, Paul Knox Middle School
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sponsor letter
Sponsor Form
This week we celebrate all of our Bus Drivers for School Bus Driver Appreciation Week! Our drivers are often the first and last school staff that our students see every day and their impact matters more than they know. Thank you for your patience, professionalism, and commitment to student safety. We appreciate you!!

#ACPSDCelebrates #ACPSD #SchoolBusDriverAppreciation
2 months ago, Aiken County Public School District
School Bus Driver Appreciation Week, February 9-13. Thank you for all that you do!

PKMS will be hosting our Black History program on Thursday, February 12, at 8:45 AM in the gym. The theme is "A Century of Black History Commemorations"

2 months ago, Paul Knox Middle School
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Don't forget to purchase your candy gram or carnation for $1 each!
See Mrs. Parliament by Thursday to ensure delivery on Friday!
3 months ago, Paul Knox Middle School
Candy gram flyer

As you may have heard, our PK 1 Academic Team has qualified for the National Championship in Chicago for the second year in a row! Chicago isn't just right up the road, so we have to pay for airfare, lodging, and food for all 8 students and coaches that are going for the weekend. With your help, our students could also experience the wonders of Chicago, such as going to the top of Willis Tower, or eating all of the deep dish pizza!
If you would like to help sponsor the team, please refer to the images below! If you have questions, or would like a PDF version of the sponsorship form, please reach out to Mrs. Parliament at hparliament@acpsd.net

We sincerely appreciate your support!

3 months ago, Paul Knox Middle School
Sponsorship Letter
Sponsorship form
PAUL KNOX GIRLS BASKETBALL AIKEN COUNTY CHAMPIONS Undefeated Season 15-0 🏆 So proud of our Lady Patriots for playing big, playing tough, and competing every single game this season. Their hard work and heart showed each time they stepped on the court. Thank you to everyone who came out, cheered loud, and supported these girls. If you’d like to celebrate this incredible season, championship sweatshirts are available here: https://carolinascreenprint.com/shop/ols/categories/paul-knox
3 months ago, Paul Knox Middle School
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Even though it is game day, our cheerleaders are focused on their education -specifically making balloon cars in Mrs. Dunbar's class!
3 months ago, Paul Knox Middle School
Even though it is game day, our cheerleaders are focused on their education -specifically making balloon cars in Mrs. Dunbar's class!
Mrs. Crews and Mr. Forrest are champions of listening- they’re here for YOU. Whether you need help with classes, planning for your future, or just someone to talk to, they’ve got your back.
3 months ago, Paul Knox Middle School
Our school counselors are champions of listening- they’re here for YOU. Whether you need help with classes, planning for your future, or just someone to talk to, they’ve got your back.
ANOTHER ONE. 🔥 Paul Knox Boys Basketball defeats Highland Springs 40–18 and is headed to the Finals, joining the girls! Championship Night TONIGHT, February 5th @ PK 🏀 Girls: 5:30 PM vs. Jackson 🏀 Boys: 6:45 PM vs. New Ellenton Both programs are undefeated. Both are No. 1 seeds. Both are playing for a championship. This doesn’t happen often. Let’s pack the gym, wear red, and show our support for just how special this is. 🏀 📣
3 months ago, Paul Knox Middle School
basketball playoff schedule
The Paul Knox Orchestra 3 class was invited by the district office to perform at the Aiken Junior Scholars Ceremony on Wednesday January 28th, 2026. The students played for all of the middle school Principals, district office staff, and for our Superintendent. They played 3 selections at the ceremony and did a fantastic job! Congratulations!
3 months ago, Paul Knox Middle School
The Paul Knox Orchestra 3 class was invited by the district office to perform at the Aiken Junior Scholars Ceremony on Wednesday January 28th, 2026. The students played for all of the middle school Principals, district office staff, and for our Superintendent. They played 3 selections at the ceremony and did a fantastic job! Congratulations!