“I’ve served a lot of lunches over the years, but the most important thing to me is showing all of my kids love and care. Their smiles and little thank-yous make every day worth it and so special. I’m just grateful to be a part of their day.” -Tammy Finley, Food Service Operator at Forest Acres Elementary

As the School District of Pickens County celebrates 75 years of learning, growth, and community, it’s the people who have made the journey meaningful. From classrooms and concerts to bus routes and boardrooms, every chapter of SDPC’s story has been shaped by those who gave their time, their talent, and their heart. These short reflections - captured over the year and shared by the voices of SDPC - capture the spirit, pride, and personal moments that define who we are. Together, they form a living tribute to the legacy we share and the bright future still ahead.

This story is just one example of SDPC’s commitment to Productive, Service-Oriented Operations. From early-morning meal prep to cheerful greetings in the lunch line, our cafeteria teams go above and beyond to provide students with nutritious meals made with care. See how they serve both food and kindness across our schools: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qb3SSw9UdQc&t=1s

#75YearsOfImpact
#ProductiveServiceOrientedOperations
#EngagingToday
#EmpoweringTomorrow
about 5 hours ago, School District of Pickens County
Food Service Operator at Forest Acres Elementary
“Every child walks into the building safely. That’s goal #1… They need to know I’m here for them… It’s the eye contact, the waves… I just want them to know I’ve got you, your child is going to go to school safely, and I want to be able to give you a little bit of joy in the morning.” - Sean Ferguson, Math Teacher at Easley High School

As the School District of Pickens County celebrates 75 years of learning, growth, and community, it’s the people who have made the journey meaningful. From classrooms and concerts to bus routes and boardrooms, every chapter of SDPC’s story has been shaped by those who gave their time, their talent, and their heart. These short reflections - captured over the year and shared by the voices of SDPC - capture the spirit, pride, and personal moments that define who we are. Together, they form a living tribute to the legacy we share and the bright future still ahead.

This story highlights SDPC’s ongoing commitment to school safety and to fostering a People-Focused, Supportive Culture. Watch how Mr. Ferguson—and staff, students, and volunteers across the district—help create a safe and joyful start to each school day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WiNlwPKzw0&t=3s

#PeopleFocusedSupportiveCulture
#EngagingToday
#EmpoweringTomorrow
about 5 hours ago, School District of Pickens County
Teacher at Easley High School
“The teachers and administrators at Liberty High School were great at connecting with students and talking to us in a real way. Teachers like Carolyn Brice pushed me to do better, and Coach Shumpert went beyond just teaching leadership—he showed me how to work with all kinds of people and to always put others first. They invested in me and pushed me more than anything outside of school ever has. They let me be myself and helped set me up for success in the future.” - Sergeant Brady Autrey, Liberty High School Class of 2014

As the School District of Pickens County celebrates 75 years of learning, growth, and community, it’s the people who have made the journey meaningful. From classrooms and concerts to bus routes and boardrooms, every chapter of SDPC’s story has been shaped by those who gave their time, their talent, and their heart. These short reflections - captured over the year and shared by the voices of SDPC - capture the spirit, pride, and personal moments that define who we are. Together, they form a living tribute to the legacy we share and the bright future still ahead.

This story is just one example of SDPC’s commitment to building a People-Focused, Supportive Culture. Explore more stories highlighting our culture in the recent SDPC Strategic Plan Showcase: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMlbD1fcVjg

#75YearsOfImpact
#PeopleFocusedSupportiveCulture
#EngagingToday
#EmpoweringTomorrow
about 5 hours ago, School District of Pickens County
Former student now law enforcement
“Last year, SDPC adopted HMH Into Reading for K5–5th grade, and the results have already been remarkable for our students. Structured Literacy teaches reading by explicitly and systematically showing how the English language works. This approach has helped build a strong foundation for our kindergartners, giving them confidence in both reading and writing while enabling them to decode much more quickly. Our first grade teachers are already seeing tremendous success from students who began with Structured Literacy in kindergarten, noting how well-prepared they are as they enter first grade. As a school, it has been eye-opening to see how far our students have come and what a success this program has already been for us.” - Courtney Ray, Kindergarten Teacher at Hagood Elementary School

As the School District of Pickens County celebrates 75 years of learning, growth, and community, it’s the people who have made the journey meaningful. From classrooms and concerts to bus routes and boardrooms, every chapter of SDPC’s story has been shaped by those who gave their time, their talent, and their heart. These short reflections - captured over the year and shared by the voices of SDPC - capture the spirit, pride, and personal moments that define who we are. Together, they form a living tribute to the legacy we share and the bright future still ahead.

This story is one of many that reflects SDPC’s commitment to academic growth and excellence. To learn more about Hagood Elementary School, visit their website at https://hes.pickens.k12.sc.us/

#AcademicGrowthAndExcellence
#EngagingToday
#EmpoweringTomorrow
about 5 hours ago, School District of Pickens County
Teacher at Hagood Elementary
“When a student finally learns something, the lightbulb in their heads goes off and they start sparkling. We are always seeing growth in life skills and academic skills. One of my favorite things to do as a teacher is engage my students in learning. If we don’t pull them in and engage them, they won't be excited to learn. We make sure they know why they are learning something, which empowers them for their future.” - Julie Simoneaux, Kindergarten Teacher at Clemson Elementary

As the School District of Pickens County celebrates 75 years of learning, growth, and community, it’s the people who have made the journey meaningful. From classrooms and concerts to bus routes and boardrooms, every chapter of SDPC’s story has been shaped by those who gave their time, their talent, and their heart. These short reflections - captured over the year and shared by the voices of SDPC - capture the spirit, pride, and personal moments that define who we are. Together, they form a living tribute to the legacy we share and the bright future still ahead.

This story is one of many that reflects SDPC’s commitment to academic growth and excellence. To learn more about Clemson Elementary School, visit their website at https://cle.pickens.k12.sc.us/

#AcademicGrowthAndExcellence
#EngagingToday
#EmpoweringTomorrow
about 6 hours ago, School District of Pickens County
teacher at Clemson Elementary
“I love that there are so many different opportunities for a student to be successful and to be celebrated here. Central Academy has provided a way to celebrate my child’s creativity, his critical thinking skills… He feels brilliant and he feels celebrated and he gets all these opportunities. I just love that about this place.” - Mariah Magagnotti, Parent at Central Academy of the Arts

As the School District of Pickens County celebrates 75 years of learning, growth, and community, it’s the people who have made the journey meaningful. From classrooms and concerts to bus routes and boardrooms, every chapter of SDPC’s story has been shaped by those who gave their time, their talent, and their heart. These short reflections - captured over the year and shared by the voices of SDPC - capture the spirit, pride, and personal moments that define who we are. Together, they form a living tribute to the legacy we share and the bright future still ahead.

This story highlights SDPC’s commitment to Partnerships for Student Success. Want to know more about how Central Academy leverages the Arts to create meaningful learning opportunities for students? Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teOULYKy6T8&t=123s

#VisionaryFutureFocusedInnovation
#EngagingToday
#EmpoweringTomorrow
about 1 month ago, School District of Pickens County
Child creating art
Today, SDPC pauses to honor Patriot Day. We remember and pay tribute to the lives lost on September 11th, 2001, and we stand united in reflection, gratitude, and hope. #PatriotDay #NeverForget
about 1 month ago, School District of Pickens County
Patriot Day
“Innovation in my role has come to life most powerfully through the transformation of our school library into a Library Learning Commons. What was once a traditional space is evolving into a dynamic hub of creativity, collaboration, and curiosity. With the support of SDPC, we’ve redesigned the physical space to reflect 21st-century learning: flexible seating, creation zones, a podcast studio, and flexible shelving. But the transformation goes far beyond furniture. Our LLC has also become a launchpad for experiential and project-based learning, student voice, and literacy.” - Lindsey Douglas, Media Specialist at D.W. Daniel High School

As the School District of Pickens County celebrates 75 years of learning, growth, and community, it’s the people who have made the journey meaningful. From classrooms and concerts to bus routes and boardrooms, every chapter of SDPC’s story has been shaped by those who gave their time, their talent, and their heart. These short reflections - captured over the year and shared by the voices of SDPC - capture the spirit, pride, and personal moments that define who we are. Together, they form a living tribute to the legacy we share and the bright future still ahead.

This story highlights SDPC’s commitment to Visionary, Future-Focused Innovation. You can see Ms. Douglas and the LLC in action on a recent video highlighting our finalists for District Teacher of the Year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W43PlY5I-zY

#VisionaryFutureFocusedInnovation #EngagingToday #EmpoweringTomorrow
about 1 month ago, School District of Pickens County
Photo of Lindsey Douglas, media specialist at DW Daniel High School
Empower Your Future!

The School District of Pickens County and Tri-County Technical College are partnering to bring fast, flexible, and affordable workforce training programs to our community.

Join us for the EmpowerUp Open House (https://5il.co/3p6qe)
📍 Pickens County Career & Technology Center (990 Chastain Road, Liberty, SC)
🕓 Tuesday, September 9 | 4–7 p.m.

Learn about programs in commercial truck driving, construction, healthcare, business, and more – available at little to no cost!

👉 Details: tctc.edu/EmpowerUp

Don't miss this chance to empower yourself with new skills and opportunities. For more information, contact TCTC at 865-646-1700 or conted@tctc.edu.

#tctcedu #SDPC #EngagingToday #EmpoweringTomorrow
about 2 months ago, SDPC Communications
EmpowerUp

"We know that during ages birth to five, a child’s brain develops rapidly—so we’re harnessing that potential by creating immersive, active experiences that build background knowledge, laying the foundation for future reading success. Because experience matters…” - Dr. Traci Boyles, SDPC Executive Director of Early Childhood Education

As the School District of Pickens County celebrates 75 years of learning, growth, and community, it’s the people who have made the journey meaningful. From classrooms and concerts to bus routes and boardrooms, every chapter of SDPC’s story has been shaped by those who gave their time, their talent, and their heart. These short reflections - captured over the year and shared by the voices of SDPC - capture the spirit, pride, and personal moments that define who we are. Together, they form a living tribute to the legacy we share and the bright future still ahead.

This story is one of many that reflects SDPC’s commitment to Visionary Future-Focused Innovation. Find out more about SDPC’s Academy for Early Learners and its implementation of Experiential Learning in 4K classrooms here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYkVJ_jesnA&t=2s

#VisionaryFutureFocusedInnovation
#EngagingToday
#EmpoweringTomorrow

about 2 months ago, School District of Pickens County
4K student playing in Vet Clinic
Mark your calendars, SDPC! There will be no school for students on Monday, September 1 in observance of Labor Day. Enjoy the long weekend!
about 2 months ago, School District of Pickens County
no school on Labor Day
🔒 Enhancing School Safety

This fall, SDPC high schools will begin using the Evolv Safety Screening system as part of our commitment to providing a secure learning environment for all students and staff.

Learn more about how this system works here: 👉 https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/evolv-safety-screening

#EngagingToday #EmpoweringTomorrow
about 2 months ago, School District of Pickens County
Graphic displaying the Evolv Screening System to enhance school safety

Mark your calendars, SDPC! There will be no school for students on Monday, September 1 in observance of Labor Day. This is a scheduled break on the 2025-2026 school calendar. You can view the calendar as well as future draft calendars here: https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/spdc-calendars

Enjoy the long weekend!

about 2 months ago, School District of Pickens County
no school on Labor Day
“Your experience is what you make it to be. If you get involved, and you plug yourself in, there is truly something at every high school for every person… Nobody lies when they say that your high school years fly by because they truly do, especially your senior year. So soak it in…” - Sara Beth Brock, Student Body President at Pickens High School, Class of ‘25

As the School District of Pickens County celebrates 75 years of learning, growth, and community, it’s the people who have made the journey meaningful. From classrooms and concerts to bus routes and boardrooms, every chapter of SDPC’s story has been shaped by those who gave their time, their talent, and their heart. These short reflections - captured over the year and shared by the voices of SDPC - capture the spirit, pride, and personal moments that define who we are. Together, they form a living tribute to the legacy we share and the bright future still ahead.

This story is one of many that reflects SDPC’s commitment to a People-Focused Supportive Culture. Hear more inspiring stories from the Class of 2025 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDPU85Qe9C4

#75YearsOfImpact
#EngagingToday
#EmpoweringTomorrow
about 2 months ago, School District of Pickens County
Pickens High School Graduate
We are thrilled to announce our 🌟 2025 District Teacher of the Year and 🌟 2025 District Support Employee of the Year! Congratulations to Elizabeth Gunnels and April Heard!

Elizabeth Gunnels is a dedicated fifth grade teacher at Liberty Elementary School with 11 years of experience in education. With a Master of Education from Anderson University, she’s known for building strong, lasting relationships with students and families—often showing up to cheer on her students beyond the classroom. Her instructional expertise, mentoring of new teachers, and leadership in school-wide events make her a standout at Liberty Elementary. Described by colleagues and parents as compassionate and committed, Elizabeth exemplifies an outstanding representative for the field of education.

April Heard has been a cornerstone of SDPC Transportation Services for 15 years, progressing from bus driver to Activity Bus Supervisor, and now excelling as the administrative assistant. Known for her dependability and compassionate approach, April goes above and beyond daily to support drivers, bus companions, and school staff with a positive attitude and unwavering professionalism. She manages critical tasks like payroll for over 100 employees with precision while consistently stepping in to help wherever needed—even personally assisting drivers in urgent situations. April’s dedication, empathy, and thoroughness make her an indispensable member of the transportation team.

We are so proud for both of these valued employees to represent the School District of Pickens County! These outstanding individuals represent the very best of SDPC—dedicated, passionate, and committed to making a lasting difference for our students, staff, and community.

To learn more about these deserving individuals, read here: https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/article/2365679

#PeopleFocusedSupportiveCulture
#EngagingToday
#EmpoweringTomorrow
2 months ago, School District of Pickens County
April Heard, SDPC Employee of the Year
Elizabeth Gunnels, SDPC Teacher of the Year
“We love our House System at Pickens Middle. Sixth grade students are excited to find out what House they are in, and our seventh and eighth grade students are excited to welcome them in. On day one, our House System creates immediate connection and a sense of belonging for our students.” -Dr. James King, Principal of Pickens Middle School

As the School District of Pickens County celebrates 75 years of learning, growth, and community, it’s the people who have made the journey meaningful. From classrooms and concerts to bus routes and boardrooms, every chapter of SDPC’s story has been shaped by those who gave their time, their talent, and their heart. These short reflections - captured over the year and shared by the voices of SDPC - capture the spirit, pride, and personal moments that define who we are. Together, they form a living tribute to the legacy we share and the bright future still ahead.

This story is one of many that reflects SDPC’s commitment to a People-Focused Supportive Culture. See how Pickens Middle School invests in the well-being of both staff and students here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdouBl5qt78

#75YearsOfImpact
#EngagingToday
#EmpoweringTomorrow
2 months ago, School District of Pickens County
Students at Pickens Middle School welcoming a 6th grader on the first day of school House assembly
“You can feel it when you walk in the door of our school… We know our students. We know their stories. We know their families. And we’re really able to build those relationships and make connections with them before we ever start the teaching process… From day one, that’s our number one priority.” -Dr. Lisa Cassidy, Principal of Liberty Middle School

As the School District of Pickens County celebrates 75 years of learning, growth, and community, it’s the people who have made the journey meaningful. From classrooms and concerts to bus routes and boardrooms, every chapter of SDPC’s story has been shaped by those who gave their time, their talent, and their heart. These short reflections - captured over the year and shared by the voices of SDPC - capture the spirit, pride, and personal moments that define who we are. Together, they form a living tribute to the legacy we share and the bright future still ahead.

This story is one of many that reflect SDPC’s commitment to a People-Focused Supportive Culture. Find out more about the impact Liberty Middle School is making in our community here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulAkKBlvDgU
2 months ago, School District of Pickens County
75 Years of Impact: Principal hugging student at graduate
Behind every clean hallway, shining floor, and well-kept campus is a team of hardworking heroes. Our custodian teams and grounds crews have worked all summer to prepare our schools for a strong start - and it shows! Join us in thanking them for the pride and care they pour into every corner of our buildings as we prepare to welcome students back on Friday! #ProductiveServiceOrientedOperations #EngagingToday #EmpoweringTomorrow
3 months ago, School District of Pickens County
SDPC Custodian with cleaning cart and mop
SDPC Grounds Crew member cutting grass
SDPC  Custodian cleaning table
SDPC Custodians moving furniture in classroom
SDPC Grounds Crew member cutting grass
🥞 FREE Meals for All Students This Year! 🍎

We’ve got great news for SDPC families!

Thanks to the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), all students will receive FREE breakfast and lunch every day during the 2025–2026 school year—no forms, no fees, no hassle! 🙌

✅ No need to submit a meal application
✅ Every student is automatically eligible
✅ Healthy meals = focused minds + strong bodies

This program ensures that every child has access to nutritious meals to fuel learning and success. It’s one more way we’re supporting our students—together!

Find out more here: https://5il.co/3me9w

Questions? Visit www.sdpcnutrition.com or contact Jenaffer Stevenson, Director of Student Nutrition Services:
📧 jenafferstevenson@pickens.k12.sc.us | 📞 864-397-1166

#SDPCNutrition #EngagingToday #EmpoweringTomorrow
3 months ago, School District of Pickens County
Graphic announcing free meals for SDPC students in 2025-2026
📅 Mark your calendars — the first day of school is August 1, 2025!

📅 View the full 2025–2026 SDPC calendar and learn more about our Modified Year-Round Approach here:
🔗 https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/spdc-calendars

We can't wait to welcome our students back for an exciting new year!
3 months ago, School District of Pickens County
Graphic reminder about first day of school - August 1, 2025