Because we are committed to keeping our students safe behind the wheel, we are implementing a proactive program called Alive at 25 at all School District of Pickens County high schools.  Beginning in the 2012-2013 school year, each student who drives and/or parks on a high school campus must complete the program.

Developed by the National Safety Council, Alive at 25 is an early intervention program that focuses on the behaviors that young drivers exhibit, teaching them to recognize the consequences of those actions.  Law enforcement officers teach the 4 ½ hour course in small groups and address the dangers of speeding, failure to use seatbelts, using cell phones while driving, eating while driving, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and more.  The goal is to prevent traffic violations, collisions, and fatalities.

Beginning in April and continuing through May, classes will be offered on multiple days in all Pickens County high schools.  A student may attend at any SDPC school or at any other site in South Carolina.  Because DHS and EHS will move to new campuses, summer classes will be offered only at LHS and PHS.

To be ready for the new school year, students should take the course as soon as possible.  Students will not receive parking permits until they have successfully completed the course.  The next classes at Pickens High School are below: (Classes are held in Rm. 101)

·         Tuesday, May 22, 2012     4:00 PM to 8:30 PM

·         Saturday, May 26, 2012     9:00 AM to 1:30 PM

·         Tuesday, June 5, 2012      4:00 PM to 8:30 PM

·         Tuesday, June 19, 2012    9:00 AM to 1:30 PM

          Saturday, June 23, 2012     9:00 AM to 1:30 PM

All upcoming classes are listed on the South Carolina Alive at 25 website:  www.scaliveat25.org.   Students may register online at www.scaliveat25.org or by calling the South Carolina National Safety Council office at 803-732-6778.  During the registration process, students should specify the name of their own high schools so certificates can be sent to the proper schools. 

The one-time fee for Alive at 25 is $35.  Payment, required before the first class, can be made in three ways:  (1) through PayPal during online registration; (2) by mailing a money order to the South Carolina National Safety Council after online registration; or (3) by credit card over the phone. Credit cards will be charged a $3 transaction fee.  Any student who cannot afford the $35 registration fee may contact the South Carolina National Safety Council at the number above and ask about financial assistance.

Once the student has successfully completed Alive at 25, the certificate will be sent to the school.  The school will issue the original certificate to the student so that he/she can purchase a parking permit.  Parking permits will be issued only to students who successfully complete the course. 

Statistics show that car crashes are the number one cause of death for young people between the ages of 15 and 24.  If taking this proactive measure can save the life of one student, it will be worth the investment of our time and money.

Students interested in taking an online class through South Carolina Virtual High School this summer should register between May 21 and May 25, 2012.  Classes get full quickly so prepare to register as close to May 21 as you can.  For a full list of courses offered this summer,  please visit the VHS website at http://scvspregister.ed.sc.govor see your grade level guidance counselor.