Dear Parents/Guardians:
Beginning January 21 and running through February 27, 2026, all Multilingual Learners will participate in the WIDA ACCESS assessment. ACCESS is an English language proficiency assessment administered annually to all students identified as Multilingual Learners (MLs) in grades K-12. This test measures a student’s progress in acquiring academic English.
ACCESS is aligned with the WIDA English Language Development Standards and assesses each of the four language domains of Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing.
All test items are written from the model performance indicators of WIDA’s five English Language Proficiency (ELP) standards: Social and Instructional Language and language of Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. Test forms are divided into five grade-level clusters: Kindergarten, 1, 2-3, 4-5, 6-8 and 9-12.
WIDA ACCESS is a computer- adaptive test. Based on the student responses to questions, the test will automatically determine the appropriate next items for each individual student. The item difficulty level in the Speaking and Writing sections will be based on their responses to the Listening and Reading sections.
We ask for your support in ensuring that your student is well-rested, has had a nourishing breakfast and arrives to school on-time ready for testing. Students will participate in an online tutorial to familiarize them with the testing format. Students are welcome to practice with the tutorial at home too! Please select the ACCESS Test Demo or Sample Items icons at this link using Google Chrome as your browser: https://wbte.drcedirect.com/WIDA/portals/wida. Further information may be found at https://wida.wisc.edu/assess/access/preparing-students.
Thank you for all you do to support quality education at home. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s ESOL teacher or the school administration.
Sincerely,
Kate Olin, Director
Office of Accountability & Assessment
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
📍139 N Oak St
🔗 grouchos.com/givesback #TrojanPride
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.
👏 Mr. Jay Brannon – Teacher of the Year
🌟 Mrs. Ledilyn Codilla – First Year Teacher of the Year
💎 Mr. Quentin Evans – GEM (Giving Even More) of the Year
🎓 Dr. Miranda Fulmer – ACPSD Assistant Principal of the Year Nominee
Your dedication and excellence uplift our entire school community!
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.
FAFSA Night – October 28, 2025
Hosted by: USC Aiken and Aiken Technical College Financial Aid Staff
Audience: High School Seniors and Parents
High school seniors and their parents are invited to attend FAFSA Night for hands-on help completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Event Details
Date: Monday, October 28, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Aiken Technical College
Building C – Dale Phelon Tech Center, 1st Floor
What to Bring
A cell phone
Your 2024 Federal Tax Return
(This can be imported directly into the FAFSA with parental permission.)
Attendees will receive support from experienced financial aid professionals from both USC Aiken and Aiken Technical College. Take this opportunity to get your FAFSA completed early and correctly.
For more information, contact your school counselor!
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!
🎉 Mark Your Calendars! 🎉
Join us for Community Night at ACCTC — a celebration of learning, connection, and fun for all ages!
📅 Tuesday, October 28
🕓 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Aiken County Career & Technology Center
2455 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Warrenville, SC 29851
Whether you're a current student, future student, parent, educator, or community member—this night is for YOU! Come explore what ACCTC has to offer and enjoy:
🍔 Food Trucks
🎁 Door Prizes
🤝 Industry Partners
🎉 Activities for All Ages
Let’s come together to celebrate opportunity, innovation, and community spirit. Don’t miss it!
🔗 Learn more: www.acpsd.net/o/acctc
📞 Questions? Call (803) 593-7300
#ACCTCCommunityNight #AikenCountyProud #CareerAndTech #FamilyFun #SCEvents
Schedule your meeting through Rooms—your child’s teacher will reply with available times. Let’s connect and support student success! 💙
🩺💉 Calling all friends & family!
Help our Clinical Studies students prep for certification at Volunteer Day — Oct 20, 4–6 PM at RSM Room C 131-2.
Lend an arm (and your heart ❤️) for venipuncture & EKG practice under professional supervision! #TrojanPride #FutureHealthcareHeroes #RSMClinicalStudies
📅 Friday, Oct. 17 | ⏰ 5:30–7:00 PM
📍 272 Main St S, Wagener, SC
Explore career paths, build skills & connect with local industries.
📞 Info: 803-429-3371
#AikenWorks #StudentSuccess #CommunityStrong
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!
*Pictured left to right: Captains Isaac Shockney, Jose Hernandez, Erica Ferrer, Stella Edwards, Lizbeth Segura Rosas
