Schools remain closed for the rest of the school year

As you may have heard, today in a press conference at 11:00 a.m. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman announced the decision that state-wide school closures would extend through the end of this school year.
 
While we certainly respect the Governor and State Superintendent’s difficult decision, we join many of you in disappointment for what will be missed as a result of this pandemic. Nothing is paramount to the health and safety of our students, staff members and families and we will recover and make up what is possible when we do return. We have surveyed the students and families of graduating seniors and look forward to reviewing your feedback and sharing plans to celebrate the Class of 2020 in an alternative way to our traditional graduation ceremonies based on your ideas and input with that survey.
 
We would encourage students to continue working on their Distance Learning Packets and to engage in regular communication with their teachers. The second phase of Distance Learning Packets will be due Friday, May 1. At that time phase three will be available for pickup or download from our website.
 
We thank you for your continued partnership in the education of your children and assure you that we will continue to do our very best to support you and your child or children throughout these challenging times.

SC state parks to reopen with restrictions

SC State Parks Set to Reopen Friday, May 1

PLEASE READ ALL INFORMATION BELOW

Following public health protocols, South Carolina State Parks plan to reopen on Friday, May 1, on a limited basis.  Group facilities like picnic shelters and community buildings, will remain closed for the time being, and visitor gathering places like interpretive centers and park offices also will remain closed initially or will operate on a limited scale.

-SCPRT will continuously monitor visitor usage and adjust visitor services as needed to ensure compliance with the guidance provided by SCDHEC and the CDC.

-Each state park plans to lower its carrying capacity, allowing a limited number of visitors at once. Levels vary by park. When a park reaches its threshold, the gates will be closed until the number of visitors decreases.

-State parks also plan to honor any existing camping and cabin reservations that were scheduled to check in on Friday, May 1, forward. Some state parks will begin taking new reservations for stays that begin May 11 forward, and all park accommodations will come back on line as staffing levels return to normal.

-State park Visitor Centers are scheduled to reopen on Monday, May 11, and feature proper signage, physical indicators and barriers in place to ensure the safety of staff and visitors. 

-All state park retail stores and spaces should open by Friday, May 15.  SCPRT will use SCDHEC and CDC guidance to determine the maximum occupancy in these common area facilities in order to maintain social distancing rules and limit contact between staff and visitors.

-Due to the difficulty of effectively cleaning equipment, all playgrounds will be closed until June 1. All playground areas will be cordoned off and signed appropriately.

ACPSD Names Director of New Tier 3 Therapeutic Program

DISTRICT NAMES EXPERIENCED EDUCATOR BETH TAYLOR AS NEW DIRECTOR OF TIER 3 ELEMENTARY THERAPEUTIC PROGRAM 

Looking for an ideal fit in the important new position of Tier 3 Elementary Therapeutic Program Director, Aiken County Public Schools turned to one of its own. The District is pleased to announce experienced educator and special programs administrator Elizabeth “Beth” Taylor as the new program’s first director.

 

“I have worked with Beth for many years. In that time, she has always impressed me with her ability to comprehend the complex challenges we face in teaching and supporting students with disabilities,” commented Aiken County Superintendent King Laurence. “We have placed another complex challenge in front of her and I cannot think of anyone better suited to confront it and lead our elementary therapeutic program to success.”

 

SCDHEC.gov/COVID19 for Updates

Latest Updates

Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers

Schools Closed through End of March

DHEC is closely monitoring a rapidly emerging national outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and is continuing to investigate and respond to cases of the virus in South Carolina.

As part of our ongoing outreach efforts, we want to make sure that we continue to update you on the latest DHEC and CDC guidance.

In addition to checking DHEC’s website, please check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website periodically for updated interim guidance from the CDC.

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