Testimonials

I was going to shout out something to you after you spoke at the (Kindergarten) graduation this morning. My wife said if I embarrassed her I'd have to walk home so I curbed my enthusiasm. I was going to say thanks for a good year or in our case 5 months. I learned that soon after I enrolled Kaleb in RSM Elementary/Middle in January there was some concern he was so far behind he might not make it out of kindergarten. The reason he did was the dedication, caring and experience of Mrs.Hallman. I watched her at the ceremony this morning and she was just beaming with pride over "her" kids. After mine and my children's years of school I have a new found respect and admiration for educators. I never gave much thought to what a great influence you all have in the lives of children. I realize now that you don't do it for just a paycheck. I'm not alone in my feelings about that school. I spoke with numerous people this morning and heard nothing but good. I hope more people get involved and support the school so things don't stay the same, they just get better and better. I know your work must be thankless and frustrating at times but just one success story can smooth out the bumps in the road and you will have many of those. Because of you and Mrs. Hallman and all the staff, my grandson Kaleb got a jump start in his education and life that will always serve him well.

Thank you so much,
Roger, Lynn and Stephanie Loge

Ms. Elizabeth Sweatman has been an excellent 9th grade Science teacher at South Aiken High this year. She is a very caring and understanding teacher. She sets the example of a teacher that goes above and beyond for our students. Thanks for all you have done Ms. Sweatman!

Thanks to the faculty and staff at Jackson Middle School for hosting movie night. It was a great opportunity for fellowship. This year the school has hosted several events to promote parent and/or community involvement. Job well done JMS!

Ms. Simmons

Dr. Kimberly Badger has been an outstanding Algebra teacher this year! Dr. Badger sets the examples of how a teacher should go above and beyond to ensure that each and every student understands throughly what they are working on. This is the Aiken County Public Schools motto "Helping one child at a time be successful". Even on her own time, she is willing to stay after school and even offer her assistance through the high school years. Thank you Dr. Badger you have been a blessing from heaven.

I'd like to take this time to say "Kudos" to Mrs. Jennifer Minolfo at Aiken Elementary for doing and outstanding job this year with my daughters Third grade class. She was a little nervous at the beginning of school, but with a lot of encouragement and patience, Diavian hates to see this year ending so soon. Just wanted to say "Thank you for all your hard work and perseverance" it all paid off in the end. Hope you have a great summer and we will definitely miss you!

Linda Johnson


This goes out to all of my favorite teacher's, administrators, (former teachers) and staff members. My special favorite teacher of course, is my daughter Erica, who is a 3rd grade teacher at East Aiken El. I love you, and I am so proud of you! I wish I was rich, I would buy all of you something as a token of appreciation for all you do, but I work for the school system, so this note will have to suffice. I don't know how you do it. I don't understand how you can be in a classroom full of students all day without losing your minds! People just do not understand that when the last bell rings, your job is not finished. There are lesson plans to make, faculty meetings, district in-service, teacher workdays, and re-certification classes just to name a few. You have to prepare for state testing, and teach what the state tells you to, or their poor score reflects on you and the school you work for. Some children just don't test well, so I think that is unfair to you and the school. You have to try to teach sometimes in a class full of disrespectful, disruptive students, which makes teaching the rest of your class impossible. I want you to know how much respect and admiration I have for you, I could not do what you do, and I am grateful to have each and every one of you in my life, and thank you for all your hard work, dedication, and the impact you have had on your students...which include my own children Erica 23 , and Jeremy 13. I thank God for you.

Truly,
Paulie Maclure

We would like to say a very special thank you to Greendale's PTO team. We have enjoyed the many, many lovely favors they've bestowed upon us all year long. This week we were rewarded with treats and sweets and also with a fantastic duty-free catered lunch. We appreciate their hard work and dedication and are proud to work among them!

Sincerely,
Greendale's Second Grade Teachers

Dear Dr. Everitt,

It was with great joy that I read your very strong statement during Dr. Zais visit to Schofield in support of public funding for public schools in South Carolina. Those of us who teach in public schools in Aiken County are very proud of our efforts on behalf of the students of Aiken County and we applaud your strong support of keeping public funding in our schools in these difficult economic times. We are proud to have such an vocal advocate for our public system.
Schofield has been a strong feeder school for Aiken High for many years, and Aiken County should be proud of the efforts of Schofield's faculty on behalf of their students. Dr. Zais chose to visit a jewel of a school in Schofield

Mary Kaplan
French Teacher
NBCT, World Languages
Aiken High School

I really am excited about the coming years of school for my high school student. Pat Keating is very energetic and enthusiastic about the children at his school. My daughter is doing well and encouraged to explore. She is taking Honors courses next year and I feel that all he has done for the area is going to make it stronger.

Rosemary B Livingston

I would like to thank the awesome faculty and staff at Hammond Hill Elementary for making this year a great experience for me as a first year guidance counselor and for my daughter as a new student at HHE. The kind words, support, and new friendships have meant a lot to me. I feel truly blessed to be a part of this wonderful school!

Sincerely,
Christy Cosh
Guidance Counselor

I would like to thank the incredible people at Kennedy Middle School who have helped make my son's sixth grade year a wonderful experience! He was blessed to be placed in the classrooms of Ms. Lyanne Haislip, Ms. Georgia Williams, Ms. Debra Kelley, and Ms. Sarah Winship and he has thrived because of their kindness, dedication and professionalism. No matter what the question or concern, I have been met with a friendly, helpful answer and for that I am truly grateful. Ms. Paula Deen and the office staff have also gone out of their way to be especially helpful. Thank you so much for all you do every day! You are so very appreciated!!!

Sincerely,
Erika Smith

I just wanted to say thank you to the teachers and staff of Warrenville Elementary. I just love the school! It's really like one big family. My daughter loves going to school. Mrs. Moore, Mrs. McGhee, and Mrs. Lowe are all wonderful. Thanks also to Mrs.Craig and Mrs. Fulmer for encouraging the students who have a special love of art and music. I couldn't ask for a better school for my children to go to.

Jennifer Feemster

New Ellenton Middle had an awesome school-wide field trip to Atlanta, Georgia. The community was very generous in their donations which allowed us to take all students who wanted to go on the field trip. I wish to thank the community and parents for contributing, the volunteers for their time and the students for being so well behaved and deserving.

Elisa Sanders-Pee
Principal
New Ellenton Middle School

I am the mother of a senior at Ridge Spring-Monetta High School and would like to commend all the hard work and dedication that the teachers and staff give to this school. I would also like to give a special thank you to Mr. Cummings, Mrs. Abney, Mrs. Rodgers, Mrs. Bedenbaugh, Mrs. Adams and Mr. McCormick for helping me get through the high school years with my daughter. They have been there for me and my daughter when times got a little tough for both of us. I would also like to recognize all the great things that Mr. Cummings has brought to this school to make it better, not only for the staff and students, but for the community. Programs such as: Project Up (a mentoring program for students) and Career Day, where not only students, but the community were able to come and talk about job possibilities to businesses surrounding our area. He truly brings life to the proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child”. This school is definitely “The Best Little High School in South Carolina”.


Arlinda Rodriguez

I would like to congratulate and personally thank all of the students and staff at LBC Middle School for donating $4,000 to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society! We all pulled together and did something amazing for a great cause! I am so proud of the students, and I am proud to be a part of such a great school! Way to go, LBC!!!

Elaine Smoak
6th Grade Math Teacher
LBC Middle School

I would like to commend the faculty and staff at Jackson Middle School for presenting an awesome Black History Program. This is my daughter's third year attending JMS and this has been the first year the school has offered such a program. This was a wonderful way of paying homage as well as showcasing the students' talents. Kudos to Mrs. Freeman for all of her efforts in coordinating such an entertaining program.

Lisa Simmons

Last week I had the honor and privilege of escorting a group of students from North Augusta High School to USC-Aiken for a "Teacher Cadet" conference. The purpose was for each school, through student written skit or lesson, to demonstrate classroom learning skills. The students from NAHS performed an exceptional skit making it obvious that many hours after school had been devoted for this "top-notch" performance. Their dedication was also reflective of the amazing job Martha Butts (teacher) has invested in them. The relationship that exists between Mrs. Butts and her students would be envied by any adult seeking to communicate effectively with high school students. Each student genuinely adores and respects her as their teacher and mentor. Being a parent of North Augusta High School students, I have witnessed this same dedication throughout our school from the administration to the classroom. North Augusta should be VERY proud. As a school and community we are producing character-driven LEADERS OF TOMORROW!

Pam Meier
Assessments
Aiken County Public Schools
1000 Brookhaven Dr.

I would just like to Rave a teacher at Aiken Middle School, Jennifer Coffey, We recently had an area Gator clean-up at Aiken Middle that she headed up, To make our children's learning experience wider. She constantly keeps me updated via e-mail on updates from the school, PTO events, and my child's personal assignments, she also encourages my child to go above and beyond what is expected. My child is 11 years old and was encouraged by Mrs. Coffey to make her first Power Point presentation, and she did and is very proud of herself, she instills leadership and positive self esteem in the kids, when there are so much negative peer pressure in their life. All the teachers and staff at Aiken Middle have been nice and encouraged parent involvement. But Jennifer just goes above and beyond what is expected. I would like to Thank her for her dedication and time and a BIG THANK YOU for all she does to make a working parents life sweeter. And Thanks to Aiken Middle for allowing Parents to be part of the school and school functions.!!! ~GO GATORS~

Sheila Cook

I would like to thank the Silver Bluff High School Administration and Faculty that was responsible for the presentation held this week to honor my son Wil Moorhead and his accomplishment on advancing to a National Merit Scholar finalist. I appreciate them taking the time and effort to acknowledge his hard work, and present him with his certificate and a gift. It truly meant a lot to him and his family.

Angie Moorhead
Parent and teacher in ACSD

As a parent of a 3rd grader at Jefferson Elementary, I have to tell everyone how much we love the teachers there! It started with wonderful teachers in 1st grade - Mrs. Strom and Mrs. Khakee - who taught him to love to read and be inquisitive! He then went on to Mrs. Bishop's second grade class were he loved ll of the animals and recycling! And now in third grade he has been blessed by Mrs. Rutland and Mrs. Rogers who hold him to high standards and expect their very best every day! He also looks forward to every Thursday with his GT teacher Mrs. Cotton who challenges them on levels I didn't think were possible for 8 year olds! Jefferson teachers are creative, inventive, challenging, loud, unique and exactly what the world needs more of! We can't wait for 4th grade!
--A VERY happy parent!

I just wanted the District to know that my son’s third grade teacher, Mrs. Leslie Kirkland at Aiken Elementary has made a huge difference in his attitude and excitement about school. She makes learning very fun for him and keeps him engaged. He has made honor roll all year and we are so proud of him. She goes out of her way to keep my husband and I informed of any changes or issues with my son. She is a great asset and should be recognized. Thank you.

Karen Bowles, Executive Director
Hitchcock Healthcare

As the coach/teacher for the fifth grade gifted and talented team at J. D. Lever Elementary, I had to share our news. We are going to the State Robotics Challenge! We placed seventh out of seventeen against teams from all over the state of South Carolina at the Aiken Technical College Regional Robotics Competition.

The Lion Botz Robotics Team has been involved in F.I.R.S.T. Lego League's Challenge each year. This year the challenge "Body Forward" was one of the toughest ever. The students had to learn what biomedical engineering is and then come up with a creative solution for a problem in this field. The team has made me and the school very proud by scoring well in each of the following categories: 5 minute research presentation, robot building and programming presentation, teamwork presentation, and competing at the playing field. We owe special thanks to Mr. Charlie Brown, Mr. Ryan Cassaro and the entire school for supporting the team and helping us get to state.

NONICA LIVINGSTON

Dear Ms. Mack: (Principal at J.D. Lever)

I write to express sincere congratulations and heartfelt appreciation for the achievement that you and the J D Lever Elementary faculty and staff demonstrated through significant PASS score gains between 2009 and 2010. The data show growth gains of just fewer than 4 points between 2009 and 2010. This is a significant milestone for any school to achieve, but especially for J D Lever in light of the school's poverty index of 85.7.

I understand from daily interaction with J D Lever teachers, that student engagement and achievement are at the top of their minds. Receiving the Palmetto Gold and Palmetto Silver School awards clearly shows members of the Aiken County community that J D Lever teachers provide classroom action to support their belief that students, regardless of their status in life, deserve the finest instruction, resources, and services to enhance their growth and development.

J D Lever's PASS gains prove that your faculty shares a common commitment to excellence by continuing to provide a rich and fertile seedbed in which J D Lever students may grow and develop.

Again, congratulations to the entire J D Lever team for demonstrating an unwavering commitment to fostering educational excellence, emotional intelligence, and a respect for diversity through all of your decisions and actions

Kind regards,
Phillip Hare
Aiken Technical College
Training and Business Development Division Manufacturing and Technology Training Center - Room 1812

I have had nothing but pleasure for the last four years at North Aiken Elementary. Their staff is very friendly, informative and involved with the parents. I have also become a fan of their PTA. All of the children look forward to seeing me.

Fedirra Bryant
PTA Treasurer
North Aiken Elementary

I just wanted to take the time to say a big thank you to all the parents of the students at Schofield Middle School. They are an amazing group of dedicated learners, and you are to thank for that. I would also like to thank the staff and fellow teachers of Schofield for making it such a great working environment. You all help make this the best county to teach in the whole state.

Aaron Knowles
7th grade history
Schofield Middle School

Note: Letter to Mr. Ryan Westberry, Band Director, Aiken High School

Dear Ryan:

I want to share with you the pure enjoyment my wife and I had while attending the AHS annual Christmas concert at USCA Monday evening. The various orchestras and ensembles were amazing and demonstrated their individual and combined talents to the fullest. It was a testimony to your leadership and skill as a teacher and musician to inspire them.

Monday evening was the third event in two days we shared with your band members. We saw them slosh through the bitter cold rain in the Aiken Christmas parade then get sleeted on and nearly blown over in the Windsor Christmas parade. They played on admirably in those adverse conditions. They capped it off with amazing performances Monday evening warming the Etherredge Center with their music and leaving the cold, wintery weather outside.

Congratulations to you and all the student musicians.

Sincerely,
Representative Bill Taylor
SC House District 86

Merry Christmas to the wonderful Faculty and Staff at Hammond Hill Elementary! May you have a blessed and restful Holiday! We appreciate your love, patience and dedication with our children. Your Faculty and Staff has such a close bond and it is great to see so many individuals work together to make each day a wonderful learning environment. You are noticed and appreciated by all!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
The Echols Family


I would like to thank all of the students at J.D Lever Elementary School for making this year's canned food drive a HUGE success. The students did an amazing job and we had 100 percent participation from every classroom. We were able to donate 3240 cans to The Salvation Army, which will in turn help feed all the hungry people in our community.

Thank-You!!!
Sarah Walton
2nd Grade Teacher
J.D Lever Elementary

I want to say what a great teacher Carol Bennett Kaune is! Her test scores continue to be tops at Jefferson but more than that, she is an awesome regular education teacher who also has a gift helping those with disabilities. She will do whatever it takes to help those children succeed. She is so passionate about her job and her students and she continues to help me even though I am at another school. Thanks for inspiring many of us Carol-you are making an incredible difference!

Carmen Downs, Special Education Teacher
Clearwater Elem.

Aiken County Public Schools has a gem in Terry Hallman. She has a wealth of knowledge on technology, and she is always available to assist teachers with questions about Smart Boards. Recently, Terry came to Kennedy Middle School to lead a Smart Board refresher course for teachers. She creates and shares resources for teachers to effectively use computers in the classroom. Terry is dedicated to helping teachers utilize technology so students are actively engaged. Her popular technology courses are valuable to educators because she is not only up-to-date on the latest technology, but her classes are enjoyable and hands-on . Terry is wonderful and we appreciate the time and knowledge she shares with teachers in Aiken County Public Schools.

Denise Parent
Grade 6 ELA
Kennedy Middle School

Aiken County loves Mrs. Gieskes. This is a special "Thank You" to our library media specialist, Mrs. Gieskes, at AL Corbett Middle School.

May God Bless You,

Virginia Quattlebaum
Aiken County Parent and Staff Member

I would like to thank Mrs. Mary Kaplan, French teacher at Aiken High for doing such a wonderful job with her students. I have a child in her class and she goes the extra mile to help her students learn. She truly cares about her students, and as a parent I appreciate that. Thanks for doing such an excellent job!!!!!

Happy French Parent

Thank you Chukker Creek Elementary! I have two students that attend there and it is truly a great school. I would especially like to thank Mrs. Rosina Zimmerman, Mrs. Caroline Clay and Mrs. Melinda Gulick. Every day I have appreciated your patience, creativity, flexibility and communication. You are doing a great job. Thank you for all that you do.

Happy Chukker Creek Parent

I would like to thank all of the students at Leavelle McCampbell Middle School for making this year's canned food drive more successful than ever before. The Student Council representitives and officers did an outstanding job of rallying their homerooms together and achieving one hundred percent participation from homeroom classes. Over 1,800 cans were collected to be donated to the local organization VOICE which will allow them to supply meals for local families during the holidays and beyond!

Amber Bannister
8th Grade English and Social Studies
Leavelle McCampbell Middle School

I would like to thank Mrs. Patti Strom, 1st grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary. My daughter absolutely adores her. She taught her last year and made such an impact on her. She helped inspire her love for reading. More importantly, everyday she still makes my child feel so loved with her hugs and loving comments. Thanks Mrs. Patti. Jefferson Elementary has some truly special teachers!!

Kym Wheat

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the students at North Augusta Middle School who donated canned goods to benefit the Golden Harvest Food Bank. Before Thanksgiving break, the students here at NAMS collected over 7,000 food items to help feed the less fortunate here in the CSRA! This effort was sponsored by the Student Council and Beta Club, and we would like to thank everyone who made this drive a success! Yellow Jackets really care!

Laurie Frazier
Teacher

All of us here at "My Father's House", a home for women in crisis situations, want to express our thanks to the Brookhaven Employees for the recent donations of food. The food was distributed to seven women with some left over for the women who will be coming in later this month to our house. It is such a blessing to see others minister to our ladies here. It encourages them, showing them they are not alone.

God Bless you,
Deborah Lamb, Director
My Father's House
crossroadsaiken.com

I would like to compliment the South Aiken HS front office staff of Martha Hutto, Diane Mangiante, and Sharon Harrison! No matter how busy or hectic the day, they are always so pleasant when speaking over our general announcing system! I also appreciate the "go out of my way" spirit they have to help us with a request! Goodness knows they have enough on their plate! Appreciate it !!!

Larry Laughlin

Thanks to the North Augusta elementary school counselors - Ms. Cosh, Ms. Hooper, Ms. Johnson, and Ms. Taylor - for hosting a great parent workshop last Thursday evening. Officer Melanie Chavous of NA Public Safety spoke on internet safety and Ms. Susan Meehan of Aiken Youth Empowerment spoke on staying connected with your kids. I am grateful to the counselors and speakers for giving of their own time to help those of us in attendance become better informed on these topics.

Ray Fleming

Aiken Middle School would like to thank Amy Miller, Dalyn Farr, Trey McKenzie, and other active PTO members for your hard work around the school and honoring our staff/educators on numerous occasions. Your dedication and generosity does not go unnoticed. We are thankful you this holiday season.

AMS Faculty/Staff

I would just like to take a minute and thank Mrs. Jennifer Olsen at Gloverville Elementary School, my sons math teacher. She is AWESOME! This is her first year at our school and she takes her time in the afternoon and morning to help my child in math. It's such a great feeling to know that she cares so much for her students!!!
Thanks So Much Mrs.Olsen!!!!!

Karla Feagin

I just want to give a special shout out to Dr. Nobles! She is the new assistant principal at our school this year and we are so glad to have her. I just want her to know that she has certainly made a difference in our school and our community. We love you Dr. Nobles!

Proud Parent of ALC
ltb

I just want to say thanks to Mrs. Jennie Lambert for the extra effort she puts forth in helping my child succeed in Algebra. You don't find many teachers that will pull the student aside to offer them that extra attention they so often need if they are struggling in a particular subject. But Mrs. Lambert has done just that. During her planning period, she gets with my daughter and spends quality time with her, making sure she understand what is going on in her class. I think this is a very selfless act and I want the world to know that we got some good teachers at ALC. Teachers that really care about the success of our students.
Kudos to you Mrs Lambert!

Mrs. Bynem

I would like to say THANK YOU to the PTO at North Augusta Elementary. Our PTO is the absolute best! I have never seen a group of parents that work so hard and put in so many hours of service to create fun times and raise money for NAE. They set up fundraisers, organize skating parties on early release days, set up, run and clean up the carnival, make hot chocolate for Polar Express, open the Bookstore everyday, sell ice cream on Friday's, serve lunch or dessert to teachers for special occassions, and the list goes on and on... I just wanted the PTO at North Augusta Elementary to know that they are greatly appreciated! THANK YOU!

3rd Grade Teacher at NAE ~ Tracy Johannsen

I would like to thank the teachers and staff at Redcliffe Elementary School yesterday for their quick thinking and response to the report of a gunman in the school yesterday. Even though no gunman was found, I feel that the staff acted responsibly and the situation was handled properly. My only wish was that a mass message would have been sent to the parents advising them of the situation. My daughter is a 4th grader at Redcliffe and I was terrified when I heard the news, but felt confident enough in the staff to send her back to school today knowing that the staff, teachers and the Sheriff's Department would do everything in their power to keep her safe. I am thankful that the student reported what she thought she had seen (and am thankful to God that there was not a gunman found). Had this been an actual gunman she could have possibly saved lives. I hope that the school or community does not make this little girl feel she did anything wrong by coming forward. I hope nothing like this never happens again in our community, but if it does I hope that the next student is as brave as this little girl was.
Thank you all again for keeping my child safe.

Lois Snider

Note: An automated call was made to parents with factual information on the situation once all facts were compiled and cleared with Sheriff Michael Hunt. If you did not receive this call, please check with your school to make sure all contact numbers are correct for your child.

Dedicated Professionals: that’s the term that describes the faculty and staff at Jefferson Elementary. They truly care for their students and strive for each and every one of them to succeed academically and feel valued as a person. That’s why we say, “There’s no place we’d rather be than Jefferson Elementary.”

Pam Hart, Principal

Dear JD Lever staff and principal,

While I was stopping at the McDonald's near your school, the server asked me if I was visiting schools (she recognized me as the superintendent). When I told her I was visiting JD Lever, she quickly said, "I love JD Lever. I wish my kids could have gone there from k-12! Just wanted to pass on this compliment. Thanks for all your hard work and care for the children and families of Aiken County.

Dr. Beth Everitt, Superintendent

I'd like to take the time to thank Mrs. Sarah Beaulieu from Silver Bluff High School. My daughter had her last year for English II. You will never find a teacher as compassionate as Mrs. Beaulieu about education. She did take my daughter under her wing but she also didn't just give my daughter anything. My daughter earned every grade she got and Mrs. Beaulieu held my daughter accountable for her actions. Thank you Sarah for staying in contact with me about my daughter's English grade but also her math grades. Sarah Beaulieu was my lifesaver last year and words will never express how thankful I am that you have been in my daughters life.

Pammie Morgan

I would like to commend my daughter's second grade teacher, Mrs. Rita Walden, at Jefferson Elementary. Every day my child comes home so excited about the projects she is working on in class. She can't wait to get back to see what's next. It makes a mother feel good when her child enjoys going to school everyday; you know she is being taught and cared for. Thanks Mrs. Walden for an awesome job.

Kym Wheat

I wanted to write a letter of recognition for Commander Anthony Negron's cadets in the NJROTC program at Aiken High School. They have been a wonderful help in partnering with our Aiken SPCA for a number of events and fund-raisers. What a terrific group of kids! Many thanks and happy tails!

Gratefully,
Chrissy Miller

In these tough economic times, it seems that costs continue to rise while the level of service received goes down. That was not my experience today, as I was helped by Ms. Deloris Brown in the H.R. Dept. at the Brookhaven Office. Not only did Ms. Brown help me through the process of finding my way around the Insurance website, but she took the time to show me how I could actually save money with prescription medications. After reviewing at home what she had shown me, I will save a substantial amount each month with her shared knowledge of the prescription mail order benefits program. Thanks Deloris for all you do to help provide the knowledge that it takes to navigate and take advantage of the insurance benefits our employees receive.

Rose Puckett :)

I wanted to send a huge "Shout Out" for Mrs. Suzanne Peeples, 6th grade Math, Paul Knox Middle School! My daughter just got her MAP test score back and was in the 98 percentile! Mrs. Peeples was a Great teacher and it shows!

Maria
PK Mom

As a new resident in the area, and a teacher new to the Aiken County School District, I wanted to send out "kudos" to the staff and faculty at North Augusta Middle School. Coming from teaching out of state at a large district, it is SO NICE to have the at home feeling this school gives me. I truly believe the community and staff are really interested in helping promote success in all our students. And it shows! It's such a nice feeling to come to work every day, even though I still have to drive in from GA. :)
I just wanted someone to know. I'm so blessed to be here; and I am so happy I chose Aiken County!!!

MaryBeth Gokee (former Texas teacher)

My daughter attends Hammond Hills Elementary and is the 5th grade. So far, her school year is outstanding, and we have Mrs. Robin Patterson and Mrs. Amy Long to thank for that. Even a 5th grader needs love and positive feedback from their teacher, and Maddie comes home every day with a smile and loving story about each of her teachers. It's not all about the academics (even though that is most important). Children also need to feel loved - and my daughter does! Thanks Robin & Amy!

Deborah Carter

My son is in 2nd grade at Hammond Hill Elementary. Mrs. Williams is such a great teacher! I couldn't ask for a better a teacher for my son.

Tammie Sloan


I am a 6th grade teacher at North Augusta Middle School. Yesterday, we received our PASS scores from Mr. Head. I am writing because I just finished my degree in educational leadership over the summer and I learned a great deal about being a leader of a school. I wanted you to know what great leadership we have here at NAMS. Mr. Head leads by showing us that he cares for us and the students. I know that the teachers are the ones who teach, but without great leadership, I am not so sure we would be as great. Everything I learned in school, Mr. Head does. He is supportive and understanding of his faculty. He leads by example. I am thankful to work for a principal who cares so much about his employees and entire school community. He gives us the credit, but he deserves the same amount. I wanted to share this with you and tell you how proud I am to work at North Augusta Middle School and to work for Mr. Head. Welcome to Area 2 and I hope you have a great day!

Terra van der Linden

I am the Food Service Manager at RS-M High and would like to say I am glad to work with all the district food service staff. Mrs. Wolford, Karen, Emelina, Eileen, Michelle, Tonya and most of all our hard working secretary, Mrs. Vargo. I appreciate each one of them to no limit.

Thanks for all you all do,
Darlene
RS-M High

(In reference to the Aiken Standard "Setting the Standard" weekly segment on ASTV Channel 95)
Thank you Tammie. You are so gracious. And so elegant on the camera!! Look forward to your next visit. Maybe we could do something that highlights how good we are as a school, but we do need a new school building!!!

Linda Strojan

"Everyone I have had the opportunity to deal with in the Aiken County Public School system- from teachers, to office staff at all schools I've had the pleasure of knowing- have been wonderful. Helpful, informative teachers- receptive principals."

Terri Chavous
North Augusta

"They are always people friendly, ready to listen and help with whatever you need regarding your child."

Zaneta McCloud
North Augusta

I felt compelled to send a short note about Mr. Barry Head and the overall school climate at North Augusta Middle School. As part of my last year in this administrative program at USC, I was given a requirement to shadow a principal for the day at a different level in which I teach. Mr. Head was more than happy and willing to assist me in this endeavor. I could not have been more impressed with him and the school environment at one of your middle schools. The teachers seemed so energetic and positive about what they were doing, and Mr. Head seemed to have a such an outstanding influence on the school. He had so much great advice for me, and I was astounded that he took a few moments to help me get an outstanding experience. I can't really say enough positive items about what I saw yesterday at the school. I know you have much to do with your daily duties, but I just felt this note to his supervisor was deserving of my time to write it.

Thanks!
Jason A. Holt

My son is a junior this year and expresses great enthusiasm with school and his new principal. Thanks for the refreshing new year and looking forward to meeting the new school leader!

Doug Cartledge
North Augusta


Area Five schools are very friendly and family-oriented...that's why I love walking through the doors everyday to volunteer. Serving the students and teachers is a joy and a gift.

Cindy Boles
New Ellenton


I am very excited to be an eighth grader at Kennedy Middle this year! I can not pick out a favorite teacher, because all my teachers are awesome. I am enjoying all my classes, especially SC History and Keyboarding. Kennedy Rocks!

Madison Sutton


I wanted to let you and your webmaster know how helpful I have found your website to be. My family and I are new to the area and your site has a wealth of information. I especially found the Back Pack section helpful and my children loved the logo section with all the "This Day in History Information"

Thanks for making it even easier to Love Aiken!
Area One Parent
Jean Stevens

We have had three daughters graduate from the Aiken County School system. We are proud to say they all went on to earn Master degrees, which says something about the District!

Mr. and Mrs. R.E. Daniel


United Way of Aiken County wants to thank the Chukker Creek Elementary School Boundary Boys Choir for an AWESOME performance at our 2010 Campaign kick off last Friday. We are grateful to Aiken County Schools for supporting such an outstanding program and encouraging these wonderful young men to grow and share their talents. Aiken County Schools ROCK!!!

Warm regards,
Sharon L. Rodgers, President
United Way of Aiken County, Inc.

I just wanted to take a minute to tell you that I have been very impressed with the (Mossy Creek) morning car line this year. It seems to run much more efficiently. I enjoy seeing the older students ready to help students get out of cars and onto the sidewalk. They are very friendly and eager to help. The sign greeting people that they are on time is also very nice. It makes my morning a lot smoother.

Thanks!
Amy Hardy