‘We are so excited:’ Thousands of Aiken Co. students head back to school

AIKEN COUNTY, S.C. (WJBF) – More than 23,000 Aiken County students are back in the classroom for the start of a new school year.

After touring schools Monday, leaders say everything’s running smoothly.

“We are so excited. We got off to a great start. A smooth car line and smooth buses and everybody’s in their classes ready to learn,” Belvedere Elementary School Principal Allyson Long said.

New superintendent Dr. Corey Murphy visiting schools with new leadership to check in on their progress.

“We are trying to get a mix of middle, elementary and high schools and we’re a little bit delayed, because it’s just so much to see as we walk around schools, “Director of Communications and Community Partnerships Merry Glenne Piccolino said. “We allowed about 20 minutes per school, but it’s just never enough time for him to spend some time with the principal.”

Leaders mention last year’s wins, like the new school calendar and block scheduling for high school students. But they’re still working on challenges, like keeping teachers and finding more substitutes.

“It always happens where our teachers may need you know, a day off to handle you know, doctor’s appointments or something of that nature. If someone is interested in spending some time with our students, it’s a wonderful program. The pay is excellent,” Piccolino shared.

A cell phone ban could hit South Carolina schools in 2025, but for now in Aiken County, the policy remains the same. Upper-grade students can use their phones between classes and at lunch.

“There’s a different code of conduct for elementary, middle, and high,” she explained. “You’ll see in there our current cell phone policy. Should there be any changes to that, which we do anticipate coming down, from the state level. Those would be updated there as well. And we’ll be sharing that widely with our families and community.”

The district also has a new way for parents to connect with staff.

“A new website that includes two-way communication between the teacher and the parent. And they don’t have to do anything extra to join their teacher’s class, which is really neat and opens that door to make communication easier,” Long added.

When is the next break for Aiken County students? They will have a long weekend from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2 for Labor Day and a professional development day. Fall break is scheduled from Sept. 28 to Oct. 13.

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