Join us at Pickens Elementary for a turkey-tastic morning of stories, songs, movement, and hands-on fall fun! This month's featured book is Five Silly Turkeys, and we can't wait to share some silly adventures with our little learners!
📅 Wednesday, November 18th
⏰ 10:30 AM
📍 Pickens Elementary School
🧡 Register by November 12th using the QR code or the link below. Spaces are limited!
https://forms.gle/otR2GdxE2VwRZQg69
Sparkler Story Time is designed for children ages 1–5 who are not yet enrolled in school, along with their grown-ups.
We can't wait to see our little turkeys! 🦃🍁
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdh2Na7A_AAwfXnzVaLLADku7x-MIWI0RqMgqweTk3h3v1eIw/viewform
A new month means more delicious meals at Pickens Elementary! From student favorites to a special Thanksgiving lunch, our cafeteria staff has some tasty things planned for November!
Take a look at this month's menu and save it for easy reference. Don't forget to mark your calendars for Fall Break, November 23–27!
🦃 We are thankful for our amazing cafeteria staff who keep our Sparklers fueled and ready to learn each day!
🎵 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.
Pickens Elementary is spreading kindness this holiday season! From November 4–13, we will be collecting food items to create Thanksgiving meal kits for families in our community.
🥫 From stuffing and mashed potatoes to green beans and cranberry sauce, every donation helps make a difference!
❤️ Let's come together as a PES family to share the joy of Thanksgiving and help make the holiday a little brighter for others.
Together, we CAN make a difference! 🦃🧡
It's time for PTO Skate Night! Grab your family and friends and roll on over for an evening of skating, laughter, and fun! 💙💛
📅 Thursday, November 5th
⏰ 5:30–7:30 PM
📍 Roller Time Family Skate Center
We can't wait to see our PES families rolling into a fun night together! 🛼🎉
#PickensElementary #PTOskateNight #PESFamilyFun
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.
Get those Christmas smiles ready! ❤️💚 Our Pickens Elementary PTO is excited to offer Pictures with Santa on Friday, November 13th! 🎅
📬 Order forms will be sent home in your child's folder on Wednesday, October 28th. Be sure to check those folders so you don't miss out!
We can't wait to capture some sweet holiday memories with our students! 🎄❤️
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.
Pickens Elementary families, mark your calendars! Students will enjoy a two-day break from school next week!
📅 Monday, November 2 – Teacher In-Service Day
📅 Tuesday, November 3 – Holiday
Enjoy your extra-long weekend, and we’ll see everyone back at school on Wednesday, November 4! 🧡🍁
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.
Make your 5th grader’s final elementary school year extra special with a personalized yearbook ad! Include favorite photos, special memories, and a message they’ll treasure for years to come. 🎓✨
Ads are available in full page, half page, and quarter page options starting at just $20.
📅 Deadline: November 13th
📧 To get the link to submit your photos and information, contact Jessica Abercrombie at jessicaabercrombie@pickens.k12.sc.us.
All photos will be submitted digitally, so please do not send physical copies. Payments will be made through MySchoolBucks after contacting Dr. Abercrombie.
Don’t miss the chance to give your 5th grader their very own special spot in this year’s yearbook! 💙📖✨
We have so much going on at Pickens Elementary this October! 🍁 Please read the Parent Newsletter to see all upcoming events and important dates. 📚🎃
https://app.smore.com/n/e14h5
Check out what’s cooking at Pickens Elementary this October! 🍕🥞🍗🌮 From breakfast favorites to tasty lunch choices, there’s plenty to look forward to this month.
🎪 National School Lunch Week is October 12–16 with a fun “Cafeteria Circus” theme!
📌 A few dates to remember:
🍁 October 9 – No School/Teacher Professional Development
🍁 October 12–13 – No School
Save the menu so you can easily check what’s being served each day. 🥛🍎🍽️
Parents are invited to come meet our admin and leadership team and hear about important school information, goals, programs, and resources available to you! Two time options. The morning session will include a light breakfast, or if you choose the afternoon session, light refreshments will be served.
Please RSVP by this Friday, September 25th, for the session you wish to attend.
https://forms.gle/EVgJiB5cr5YyhLCK6
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
https://app.smore.com/n/4pbst
Which event are you most excited for?
Check out what’s cooking at Pickens Elementary this September! From Walking Tacos and Chicken Alfredo to Pizza Fridays and plenty of other student favorites, there’s something tasty on the menu all month long! 😋
📌 Reminder: There will be NO SCHOOL on Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day.
Take a look at the menu below and see what your child is looking forward to! 🍽️🐢💙
