We all know that our school attendance is a powerful predictor of student outcomes. Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school—and themselves. Here at PCSD we encourage building this habit early as good attendance will help our children do well in high school, college, and at work. That is why we want to congratulate Jasper Middle School for having the Best Student Attendance for the month of August. Way to kick off the new school year!
September 10th is Suicide Prevention Day.
We encourage you to A.C.T. - Acknowledge the signs you are seeing in yourself or a friend. Practice self-care or show a friend that you care. Tell someone if you or a friend needs help.
You are NOT alone.
If you need help, call or text 988 for help.
Important Reminder Regarding the Free & Reduced Meal Program
The carryover in benefits from last year’s Free & Reduced Meal Program will end September 13, 2024. After this date the student will return to full pay status unless a new application is submitted to re-establish the student's eligibility before the end of the carryover period.
For households that meet the income requirements we encourage you to submit a new free and reduced application now.
Here is the link below for our online or paper application:
http://frapps.horizonsolana.com/PICC01
Celebrate Arts in Education Week with us here at Pickens County School District. Arts benefits children by training right brain intelligence, encouraging exploring with colors and shapes, practicing creativity, and helping to express feelings.
All schools will be closed September 16-20, 2024 for fall break. District offices will be open normal business hours. Have a safe and restful time off!
Over the course of the last several days, a number of threat rumors related to local schools have continued to circulate on social media. We have been working with law enforcement and collaborating with other area school districts to monitor these threat rumors. At this time, none of the reported threat rumors have been found to be credible or valid by Pickens County Sheriff’s investigators or the GBI.
The Pickens County School District will continue normal operations this week under heightened security. In addition to existing school resource officers that all of our schools have, our local law enforcement will continue to provide additional presence on all of our campuses. We sincerely appreciate the diligent work of our local law enforcement, and their partnership in keeping our schools secure.
Also please remember the additional security measures each of our schools have. When visitors arrive on our campuses, they have to be given access to enter the main part of our schools. Additionally, each faculty member has a Centegix badge which activates an alert system if anything suspicious is perceived. This alert system notifies local law enforcement and our district office.
Students and parents have reached out and reported threat rumors found on social media. We ask that you please continue to report this information to law enforcement and your school’s administration.
Additionally, parents and guardians can take some additional steps to help make the difference in keeping our schools secure:
Check your child’s backpack on a daily basis to make sure they are only taking what they should be to school.
Monitor their electronic devices and social media accounts, including looking at their browser history.
Encourage them to report any suspicious activities or threats to school officials, law enforcement, or you.
Discuss the severe and very real consequences of making threats or jokes in regards to harming another student or school.
Please contact your child’s school if you need more information, support, or resources. Additionally, our school counselors are available to talk with your students if they need someone to talk to. Together, we will work to ensure students’ safety is the highest priority.
Pickens County School Districts wishes all the grandparents out there a Happy Grandparents Day!
Message from Superintendent Dr. Travis Thomas
Message from Superintendent Dr. Travis Thomas
PCSD is pleased to present this month's volunteer/organization spotlight - Tate Elementary's PTO members, Chad McPherson and Sandy Goble.
They are a two-person team at the moment, but are working hard to recruit other members. They are always going above and beyond to help make Tate's PTO amazing for all of the students and staff here at Tate Elementary.
Tate Elementary and Pickens County School District appreciates you both. We are so glad you are a part of our family.
Pickens County School District wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable Labor Day.
The buses may be parked today, but that doesn't mean the drivers aren't busy. The virtual day meant that our PCSD bus drivers had time to attend training on creating a positive bus climate in a post-COVID world. Thank you to Patti Atkinson, from North Georgia Regional Education Service Agency (NGRESA) for the interactive training session.
Today is a virtual learning day for all Pickens County School District students.
PCSD is proud to shine a spotlight on Harmony Elementary's Jamie Morgan!
Ms. Morgan’s selection for the staff spotlight celebrates her exceptional ability to foster a positive environment and helping students navigate obstacles with optimism and determination. Way to be a Harmony Eagle!!
Pickens County School District will be closed on Monday, September 2nd for Labor Day. We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable weekend.
This is just a reminder that Pickens County School District's first virtual learning day is coming up on August 30th!
It's More Than a Meal Application - Completing the Free and Reduced Lunch Application helps in many areas beyond just free or reduced price meals. Just one form ensures continued funding to support all students in Pickens County School District.
Please fill out a new application every year at https://www.pickens.k12.ga.us/o/pcs/page/free-reduced-meals.
Congratulations to Christian Wright and Brylee Deering for being selected for and completing the Governor's Honors Program!
August 9th is National Book Lovers Day! Do you have a favorite book? We'd love it if you shared it in the comments!
In an effort to keep improving the flow of traffic across our district, beginning Monday, August 12th, K-6 grade students may be dropped off as early as 7:00 a.m. at your school's designated early drop-off area. Please reach out to your respective school if you have any questions. Thank you for your continued support and patience.