Upcoming Events
Tomorrow
- New Employee OrientationWelcome to the School District of Pickens County
DHS Students Named National Merit Finalists
Seven students from Daniel High have been named finalists in the prestigious National Merit Scholarship competition. These students will advance through the selection process and be considered for National Merit Scholarships to be offered in 2012. Merit Scholarship awards are based on the student’s abilities, skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in college. Congratulations to these outstanding students! Pictured are: Kirin Khan, John Custer, Paul Fang (front row) and Henry Liu, Megan Hembree, Jessica Creager, Zachary Templeton (back row).
Board Names Merck, Pew as Finalists for Superintendent
Dr. Danny Merck and Dr. Kelly Pew, both assistant superintendents in the School District of Pickens County, have been named the finalists for the superintendent. The new superintendent will succeed Dr. Henry Hunt, who is retiring at the end of June. Dr. Merck has been assistant superintendent of administrative services since August 2011. Dr. Pew was named assistant superintendent of instructional services in May 2011 after serving as the district’s assistant superintendent of human resource services for three years.
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In a statement, Board Chairman Alex Saitta said, “Last year board members fanned out and spoke with each principal. This year we are visiting the faculties at each school. One of the questions we asked is what would you like to see in the next superintendent? All stressed the need for an internal hire, someone who knows our culture and has first-hand knowledge of our district office operation. By narrowing the search to Dr. Pew and Dr. Merck, the board has taken this input, thereby giving employees and principals some ownership in the selection.”
At a called board meeting on February 20, the board will interview each candidate. According to Saitta, the board may vote following the interviews or wait until the regular meeting on February 27. News Release
Free Tax Preparation Program Offered
United Way of Pickens County is sponsoring VITA, a volunteer tax assistance program, to low and moderate income families. Assistance is available at six sites with convenient hours including evenings and weekends. To make an appointment, call 2-1-1 or 1-877-648-9900 (toll-free). More Information
Take a Virtual Tour of Liberty High School’s New Facilities
You now have a chance to visit the new facilities at Liberty High School thanks to photos taken by Mark Lamkin Photography and provided by MacMillan|Pazdan|Smith, architects of the building. To take a virtual tour of the new facilities, follow the link on the Building Futures website under Liberty High.
Easley-Area Middle School Will Include Renovations to '39 & '79 Buildings
At a called meeting on January 31, Dr. Hunt presented the board with another option for converting Easley High School into a new Easley-area middle school. Approved unanimously, the plan includes renovation of the 1939 and 1979 buildings. The new conversion plan does not impact the original cost or schedule. The new middle school is scheduled to open for the 2013-2014 school year.
New Virtual Tour of Pickens High School’s Facilities
Have you visited the new Pickens High School? If not, you can take a virtual tour of the building and grounds. A new slideshow of pictures taken by Mark Lamkin Photography and provided by MacMillan|Pazdan|Smith, architects of the building, has been added to the page. The slideshows are posted on the Building Futures website under the Pickens High link.
SDPC’s YouTube Channel Offers Tutorial Videos
SDPC’s YouTube channel is geared toward middle and high school students with links to tutorial videos in the core academic subjects. Each three- to five-minute video provides a quick lesson overview. “We hope this site helps students who are struggling with homework or who’ve been absent from class,” said Dr. Barbara Nesbitt, coordinator of instructional technology. “We encourage everyone to check out the SDPC YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/SDPickensCounty. Our teachers are doing a great job creating videos that will help students. It’s really exciting." Look for the SDPC YouTube link under the banner on the top of our site.
Middle School Students Will Shadow Mentors
Each year, SDPC middle school students have the opportunity to participate in job shadowing. The district’s Job Shadow 2012 officially begins on February 3 as Pickens Middle students shadow workplace mentors across the county. Other SDPC middle schools will hold their events throughout February and March. In Pickens County, hundreds of businesses mentor to SDPC middle school students. Businesses include Pickens County Sheriff’s Department, Clemson University, and many local governmental departments.
“The district’s participation in the national job shadowing program provides an opportunity for our middle school students to explore a career they are interested in by talking with a career mentor and going into the workplace,” said Danny Fahey, school-to-work facilitator. “It is a great experience, and we invite students, parents and businesses to participate.” News Release
Pickens Soil & Water Conservation Poster & Essay Contest
The Pickens Soil & Water Conservation District is sponsoring a poster contest for children in grades K5 through fourth and an essay contest for students in grades fifth through eighth. The theme of the contest is Soil to Spoon. First place winners in the poster contest at each grade level will win a smoothie party for the entire class. Cash awards at each grade level in the essay contest will be $40 for first place, $30 for second place, and $20 for third place. For more information about requirements and deadlines, visit the PSWCD contests page on our website.
Worksite Screening Available for SDPC Retirees
SDPC retirees may take advantage of this year’s Worksite Screening that will be offered on Monday, February 20 at the new Liberty High School between the hours of 6:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. The co-payment for the screening is $15. The provider will collect payment at the time of screening or you can pay online during the health survey.
To schedule your appointment, email Missy Ducker, SDPC Benefits Specialist, at melissaducker@pickens.k12.sc.us. Make sure to put "Worksite Screening" in the subject line and list three preferred appointment times in the body. You will receive an email confirmation with additional instructions and more information about the health survey.
We’re Looking for Talent in Pickens County
Pickens County Has Talent, SDPC’s first county-wide talent show, will be a family-oriented fun event that will showcase the best of the best within Pickens County. Most importantly, 100% of the proceeds will be distributed to the schools for instructional supplies. Auditions, preliminary shows, and the final event will be held at our high schools, but the contest is not only for high school students. It’s open to all SDPC students and to any Pickens County resident. There’s no age limit or entrance fee. We only ask that acts are “G-rated.”
Read the contest details and get involved. Tell everyone possible about the contest. Encourage all the talented people you know to audition. If you have any questions not answered on the PCHT Web page (www.pickens.k12.sc.us; click on Upcoming—Pickens County Has Talent), contact Roy Costner at 864-270-3675 (cell), 864-843-3139 (home), or Roy.Costner@chartercom.com (email). Help to make Pickens County Has Talent a real success!
World of Energy Hosts Student Art Show
The Blue Ridge Arts Council and the World of Energy have partnered with the School Districts of Oconee and Pickens Counties to showcase the artwork of students and teachers. The show consists of three student works of art selected by each art teacher as well as a piece of art created by the teacher. The art on display will be 2D and 3D and will encompass a wide variety of styles and mediums. The show gives students a unique opportunity to see artwork created by their teachers.
On Thursday, January 12 from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m., the World of Energy will host a show opening. The event is open to the public, and admission is free. The show will remain on display until February 12 during normal business hours. The World of Energy is located at 7812 Rochester Highway in Seneca and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from noon until 5 p.m.
On Thursday, January 12 from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m., the World of Energy will host a show opening. The event is open to the public, and admission is free. The show will remain on display until February 12 during normal business hours. The World of Energy is located at 7812 Rochester Highway in Seneca and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from noon until 5 p.m.
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