First-year teachers enjoy a sweet introduction to the Aiken County Public School District

Induction teachers from the Aiken County Public School District enjoyed an ice cream social on Aug. 14 — the first in a string of monthly meetup sessions for teachers in the district who are stepping into the role for the first time.

ACPSD Educator Effectiveness Coordinator Christen Sikes said the event was designed to let first-year teachers “come and feel appreciated and meet one another.”

“And of course, ice cream with a cherry on top makes everything better,” she added.

New teachers were served up frozen treats by ACPSD cabinet members at the district's Brookhaven Drive location while getting to know each other better.

Complimentary tote bags were provided to teachers from SRP Federal Credit Union, as well as a small cash gift from the Aiken Chamber of Commerce. “We want you to know the business community is here to support you,” said Charlie Hartz, Aiken Chamber board chairman.

Annabella Black, a first-year human geography teacher at North Augusta High School, said that she knew she wanted to go into the field when she was still in high school. “I always had, like, a passion for learning and helping others,” she said.

Her first impressions of the Aiken County Public School District have been good: “I love it, absolutely,” she said.

Aleshia Campbell, who is in her second year as an English language arts teacher at Ridge Spring-Monetta Elementary School, said she didn’t get to attend all of the first-year teacher events last year due to medical issues.

Campbell said she’s looking forward to participating in induction events this year. “It’s really inclusive and feels like home and community,” she said about the school district.