Today, we express our deepest gratitude to our veterans for their service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to protecting the freedoms we enjoy. May we never forget the sacrifices made on our behalf and the importance of passing on a legacy of patriotism, service, and respect to future generations.
To all veterans, thank you for your service. Happy Veterans Day! 🇺🇸
Pickens High School students and families, please review the upcoming End-of-Course Examination Program (EOCEP) testing schedule!
Important Reminders:
EOCEP assessments count for 20% of a student's final course grade.
Electronic devices are strictly prohibited during testing, including cell phones, smartwatches, and earbuds.
We encourage students to get plenty of rest, arrive on time, and come prepared to do their best! 💙
🎵 The Art and Science of Music: An Opportunity for Grades 6–12
Does your student enjoy singing or playing an instrument? Are they interested in songwriting, graphic design, sound and lighting, or working behind the scenes at live events?
The Art and Science of Music offers School District of Pickens County students in grades 6–12 the opportunity to work alongside musicians and entertainment professionals to create original music and help produce a live show!
Presented by the South Carolina Entertainment and Music Hall of Fame, this three-day experience will take place November 19–21, 2026, at Easley High School, concluding with a live performance alongside Hall of Fame musicians.
Students will work in small teams, contributing through music, design, promotion, stage production, and other roles. No audition is required, and students do not have to sing or play an instrument to participate.
Anticipated Schedule:
Thursday, November 19: Evening workshop beginning at approximately 5:00 PM.
Friday, November 20: Full-day workshop, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Participating students will be excused from school to attend.
Saturday, November 21: Final production preparations and a live performance at 7:00 PM. Student arrival time and additional details will be shared with participating families.
Participation Information:
Cost: $35 per student
Students must attend all three days.
Families must provide transportation to and from Easley High School.
Interested in participating?
Complete the Student Workshop Interest Form to receive registration information and additional details.
Please note: Submitting the interest form does not complete registration.
Thank you to everyone who shared their perspectives through the Community Input Survey as the SDPC Board of Trustees searches for the district's next superintendent.
The feedback received will help inform the Board as it considers the leadership qualities, experience, and priorities that are important for SDPC's next leader.
The survey results are now available for the community to review.
🔗 View the results and learn more about the superintendent search: https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/article/3112602
Thank you for being part of this important process and for your continued support of SDPC.
A vision for the future is becoming a reality!
On October 26, 2026, the SDPC Board of Trustees gathered at the Gateway to Innovation construction site for a special dedication recognizing their visionary leadership and commitment to this exciting new chapter in Career and Technical Education.
A plaque installed in the building’s lobby honors the Board for the vision and forward-thinking work that have helped bring Gateway to Innovation to life.
This project represents SDPC’s commitment to Visionary, Future-Focused Innovation and creating meaningful opportunities for students to explore career pathways, discover new interests, and develop skills for future success.
Gateway to Innovation is scheduled to open in January 2027, welcoming school groups during a soft opening in the second semester. A grand opening celebration will follow, giving the community an opportunity to see the new facility firsthand. Be on the lookout for more details!
We’re grateful for the leadership that continues to move our district forward and excited for what Gateway to Innovation will mean for students and our community.
October 28th will be the last chance to take professional senior portraits if you are wanting to buy them through the school. Reserve a session at home.cady.com
YEARBOOK ONLY SENIOR PORTRAITS:
For those who do not want to purchase senior portraits, we ask that you still participate in the event on November 4th so that your senior picture will appear in the yearbook.
*For this day, each student is scheduled in 5-minute intervals. Booking will not be available on the Cady booking site, so you will need to sign up with the Google Sheet linked below (or see Mrs. Hulme's Schoology post in the Class of 2027 page)!
https://schoology.pickens.k12.sc.us/link?a=3576580266&path=https%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2Fspreadsheets%2Fd%2F1VXbQJmVoWWwkeOaUfWDEHSWb7oeOCz-uli6n7CZvz2c%2Fedit%3Fgid%3D0%23gid%3D0&nid=8623940729
No registration necessary - Just stop by during your free time!
Representatives from: Wofford, USC, Winthrop, Tri-County, USC-Upstate, Newberry, Lander, College of Charleston, Francis Marion, and Lander will be here to help you fill out your college applications and answer any questions!
See you then!
Mark your calendars, SDPC! There will be no school for students Friday, October 9, through Tuesday, October 13. We hope our students and families enjoy the extended break!
📅 View the SDPC District Calendar for additional important dates throughout the school year.
Parent Meeting Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Pickens High School Media Center
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
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.
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
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 4th!
🔗 Find the form linked here: https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/transportation
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
📚 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! 💙