Senior Ads: If you want your senior to have a senior recognition ad in this year's Gem yearbook, act now. You must purchase and create online. Prices increase Oct. 2 and again on Nov. 20. See the attached flyer for more details. The final deadline for Senior Ads is January 15. Purchase and create ads here: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/ybAdDesigner/1042365/-/20260707101548540118/CATALOG_SHOP/
Learn more about our trip to Puerto Rico!
Parent Meeting Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Pickens High School Media Center
Parent Meeting Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Pickens High School Media Center
SDPC is beginning the search for our next superintendent.
Following 13 years of leadership, Superintendent Dr. Danny Merck will conclude his service at the end of the 2026–2027 school year. With advance planning, the Board of Trustees is beginning the search process now to support a thoughtful and seamless transition.
The search will be guided by our Innovate ’28 Strategic Plan and shaped by input from the people who know and care about SDPC — our students, employees, families, and Pickens County community.
🗣️ Your voice matters.
The Board of Trustees, in partnership with the South Carolina School Boards Association, is gathering community input to help identify the qualities, experience, and leadership priorities that should guide the search for SDPC’s next superintendent.
The first opportunity to share your input:
📅 Tuesday, September 29, 2026
📍 Liberty High School (124 Red Devil Drive, Liberty, SC 29657)
⏰ 6:00 PM
Additional opportunities for community input will be announced as the search progresses.
Learn more about the superintendent search and how you can participate: https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/article/3112602
#SDPC #EngagingToday #EmpoweringTomorrow
Following 13 years of leadership, Superintendent Dr. Danny Merck will conclude his service at the end of the 2026–2027 school year. With advance planning, the Board of Trustees is beginning the search process now to support a thoughtful and seamless transition.
The search will be guided by our Innovate ’28 Strategic Plan and shaped by input from the people who know and care about SDPC — our students, employees, families, and Pickens County community.
🗣️ Your voice matters.
The Board of Trustees, in partnership with the South Carolina School Boards Association, is gathering community input to help identify the qualities, experience, and leadership priorities that should guide the search for SDPC’s next superintendent.
The first opportunity to share your input:
📅 Tuesday, September 29, 2026
📍 Liberty High School (124 Red Devil Drive, Liberty, SC 29657)
⏰ 6:00 PM
Additional opportunities for community input will be announced as the search progresses.
Learn more about the superintendent search and how you can participate: https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/article/3112602
#SDPC #EngagingToday #EmpoweringTomorrow
Mark your calendars, SDPC! There will be no school for students on Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day. Enjoy the long weekend!
For additional important dates throughout the school year, visit the SDPC District Calendar.
Seniors: Sign up today!
Interested in taking the ASVAB?
Underclassman Portraits:
August 18th during second period and Flex we will be taking school pictures for students in 9th-11th grade. Information will be given out in homeroom/advisory. Morning Career Center students should report to the Aux gym as soon as they arrive to the high school.
Yearbooks:
Purchase your student's yearbook before prices increase! https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/1042365/Pickens-High-School/2027-Yearbook/2026061608153331096/CATALOG_SHOP/
Senior Ads:
Order your senior's yearbook ad page early, before prices increase.
https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/ybAdDesigner/1042365/-/20260707101548540118/CATALOG_SHOP/
August 18th during second period and Flex we will be taking school pictures for students in 9th-11th grade. Information will be given out in homeroom/advisory. Morning Career Center students should report to the Aux gym as soon as they arrive to the high school.
Yearbooks:
Purchase your student's yearbook before prices increase! https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/1042365/Pickens-High-School/2027-Yearbook/2026061608153331096/CATALOG_SHOP/
Senior Ads:
Order your senior's yearbook ad page early, before prices increase.
https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/ybAdDesigner/1042365/-/20260707101548540118/CATALOG_SHOP/
The Community Eligibility Provision allows for meals at no cost for all students based on overall economic status. It eliminates the need for free or reduced meal applications.
If you're interested in taking the PSAT in October, forms are now available in the Guidance office. Forms must be turned into the front office by August 7th. This test is FREE for all 10th graders and $20 for any other students who wish to take it. Please reach out to Mrs. Faustin with questions! jillellenburg@pickens.k12.sc.us
🎉 75 YEARS OF IMPACT 🎉
For 75 years, the School District of Pickens County has been more than a collection of schools - it has been a place where students discover their passions, build lasting relationships, and create memories that shape their futures.
Throughout this anniversary year, we’ve celebrated the people, places, and programs that have made SDPC special by sharing stories from across our schools and community.
Now, those stories come together in one place.
📖 "75 Years of Impact: Past. Present. Potential." is a commemorative magazine that celebrates the legacy we’ve built and the Experience SDPC that continues to make our district unique.
Inside, you’ll find the moments, milestones, and voices that reflect who we are - and the commitment that continues to guide us as we engage students today and empower them for tomorrow.
👉 Explore the magazine: https://www.flipsnack.com/BFD76799E8C/75-years-of-impact-sdpc-2026
#75YearsOfImpact #ExperienceSDPC #EngagingToday #EmpoweringTomorrow
For 75 years, the School District of Pickens County has been more than a collection of schools - it has been a place where students discover their passions, build lasting relationships, and create memories that shape their futures.
Throughout this anniversary year, we’ve celebrated the people, places, and programs that have made SDPC special by sharing stories from across our schools and community.
Now, those stories come together in one place.
📖 "75 Years of Impact: Past. Present. Potential." is a commemorative magazine that celebrates the legacy we’ve built and the Experience SDPC that continues to make our district unique.
Inside, you’ll find the moments, milestones, and voices that reflect who we are - and the commitment that continues to guide us as we engage students today and empower them for tomorrow.
👉 Explore the magazine: https://www.flipsnack.com/BFD76799E8C/75-years-of-impact-sdpc-2026
#75YearsOfImpact #ExperienceSDPC #EngagingToday #EmpoweringTomorrow
🚌 SDPC Families – Does your child need bus transportation this school year?
If your student will be riding the bus to or from school, please take a moment to complete the 📝 SDPC Transportation Form to ensure they are scheduled for 🚌 pickup and drop-off before August 1.
🔗 Find the form linked here: https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/transportation
If your student will be riding the bus to or from school, please take a moment to complete the 📝 SDPC Transportation Form to ensure they are scheduled for 🚌 pickup and drop-off before August 1.
🔗 Find the form linked here: https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/transportation
🚌 SDPC Families – Does your child need bus transportation this school year?
If your student will be riding the bus to or from school, please take a moment to complete the 📝 SDPC Transportation Form to ensure they are scheduled for 🚌 pickup and drop-off before August 4th!
🔗 Find the form linked here: https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/transportation
If your student will be riding the bus to or from school, please take a moment to complete the 📝 SDPC Transportation Form to ensure they are scheduled for 🚌 pickup and drop-off before August 4th!
🔗 Find the form linked here: https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/transportation
🥞 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 2026-2027 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!
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
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 2026-2027 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!
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
Congratulations to Señora Gamboa on being named a 2026-2027 School District of Pickens County Teacher of the Year Finalist!
After first being selected as Pickens High School's Teacher of the Year, Señora Gamboa has now been recognized as one of just four district finalists. This is a remarkable achievement among an outstanding group of educators across the district. We are incredibly proud of Señora Gamboa and grateful for the dedication, passion, and care she brings to our PHS students every day!
Señora Gamboa will advance to the final interview round, with the District Teacher of the Year winner to be announced at the SDPC Teacher of the Year & Support Employee of the Year Banquet on August 25th.
Please join us in congratulating Señora Gamboa and wishing her the very best!
📚 The first day of school for SDPC students is Tuesday, August 4! We can't wait to welcome everyone back for an amazing year of learning.
Please note: Students in our 4K and 5K programs have a staggered start to help ensure a successful transition to school.
🍎 4K Families: Your child's school will contact you to schedule:
• An assessment appointment on August 4 or 5
• A half-day orientation on August 6 or 7
• Full-day classes begin Monday, August 10
🍎 5K Families: Your child's school will contact you to schedule:
• An assessment appointment on August 4, 5, or 6
• Full-day classes begin Friday, August 7
We look forward to seeing our students soon! 💙
Pickens High School Registration Schedule:
Monday, 7/20: Seniors (1-5 PM)
Tuesday, 7/21: Juniors (1-5 PM)
Wednesday, 7/22: Sophomores (1-5 PM)
Thursday, 7/23: Freshmen (1-5 PM)*
Wednesday, 7/29: Make-up Registration (1-3 PM)
Registration Reminders: Before attending your grade-level registration, be sure to complete your annual Final Forms update, upload proof of residency (required for Freshmen and new students), and review/pay fees through MySchoolBucks. At registration, students will receive schedules, Chromebooks, and parking passes (if eligible). Students requesting a parking pass must complete the parking agreement and driver safety requirement in advance. Please check your email from Mr. Culpepper for more detailed information. *Freshman Orientation will be offered as a drop-in experience and will take place during freshman registration.
🍎 Still looking for the right Pre-K option for your 4-year-old this fall? We have a few openings remaining!
Give your child a great start with the SDPC Academy for Early Learners — a FREE 4K program designed to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and prepare students for kindergarten and beyond.
Through hands-on learning in immersive environments, students explore, create, problem-solve, and grow while developing important early literacy, social, and emotional skills.
🚌 FREE transportation is available to all Pre-K students!
Don’t miss this opportunity to give your child an engaging learning experience that sets the stage for future success!
🔗 Register for 4K today: https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/four-year-old-kindergarten
📩 Questions? Contact the Academy for Early Learners at aelreg@pickens.k12.sc.us or 864-397-1000.
Give your child a great start with the SDPC Academy for Early Learners — a FREE 4K program designed to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and prepare students for kindergarten and beyond.
Through hands-on learning in immersive environments, students explore, create, problem-solve, and grow while developing important early literacy, social, and emotional skills.
🚌 FREE transportation is available to all Pre-K students!
Don’t miss this opportunity to give your child an engaging learning experience that sets the stage for future success!
🔗 Register for 4K today: https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/four-year-old-kindergarten
📩 Questions? Contact the Academy for Early Learners at aelreg@pickens.k12.sc.us or 864-397-1000.
Educator Signing Day 2026
Pickens High School proudly celebrates our seniors who will be majoring in education this fall, continuing their commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
A special thank you to Dr. Lucas, our Teacher Cadet sponsor, for the incredible impact she has made on this group. The number of students pursuing careers in education is a true reflection of her dedication and leadership.
Congratulations to Wesley McCann (top left), recipient of the SDPC Teacher Forum Scholarship.
PLEASE NOTE: We will be on a modified bell schedule for EOC testing on the following days:
-Wednesday, May 6th
-Thursday, May 7th
-Tuesday, May 12th
Please be sure to plan accordingly!
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” opens at PHS tomorrow night!
We would love for you to come out and support our incredibly talented students and see all the hard work they’ve poured into this production. It’s going to be a fantastic show!
🎭 Tickets are available here: https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/phsarts/joseph-and-the-amazing-technicolor-dreamcoat
We would love for you to come out and support our incredibly talented students and see all the hard work they’ve poured into this production. It’s going to be a fantastic show!
🎭 Tickets are available here: https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/phsarts/joseph-and-the-amazing-technicolor-dreamcoat
