From ACPSD Superintendent King Laurence:
This afternoon, Governor McMcaster has issued an executive order to close all public schools throughout the state for a minimum period of two weeks. Our District has been preparing for the potential of a closure, and, at this time, we are expediting Distance Learning and Nutrition planning to ensure continued student learning and nutritional service throughout this mandated closure.
This school closure will begin immediately and is expected to continue at least through the end of the month. There will be no school for students in Aiken County beginning tomorrow. District leaders and school principals are asked to report to their work locations tomorrow morning to finalize planning. Teachers and other staff members should be on call tomorrow and prepared to report to work, as requested, to assist with planning.
All staff members will be essential to the success of our Distance Learning and Nutritional Service and will be called upon, as needed, to support implementation. Aiken County Public Schools will meet its financial commitment to all employees.
Additional details on the distribution of students’ printed Distance Learning Packets, remote teacher conferencing and virtual learning will be shared with parents/guardians on or before Wednesday, March 18.
Aiken County Public Schools’ has submitted required documentation to the State Department and we expect to be able to begin transporting grab-and-go student meals to students 18-years and younger throughout the county as early as Tuesday, March 17.
We can only imagine the impact that this announcement will have on our families. Please know that our school district family is committed to supporting the educational and nutritional needs of our community. We appreciate your patience in finalizing plans with essential staff members tomorrow and will have additional information after that time.