🎵 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.
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.
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.
Liberty Primary School Red Ribbon Week 2026: October 26–30
Theme: "Be a Hero. Make a Difference."
Red Ribbon Week honors Enrique Camarena, who gave his life in the fight against drugs. Liberty Primary School encourages students to be heroes by being themselves and making safe, healthy, and kind choices.
Daily Dress-Up Themes:
Monday, October 26: Be RED-y to Be a Hero! Wear red or a superhero T-shirt to school.
Tuesday, October 27: Be CRAZY About Being YOU! Style your hair in a crazy way and/or wear crazy socks.
Wednesday, October 28: Dress for Success! Choose What Is Best! Dress up for yearbook picture day.
Thursday, October 29: Dream BIG! Make Healthy Choices! Wear pajamas to school. Pajamas must be dress code appropriate.
Friday, October 30: Be a Hero with Good Character! Wear your Halloween costume to school for the Fall Festival. No masks, weapons, or scary costumes are permitted.
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.
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
It's almost time...we cannot wait to have our students back with us! Check out our newsletter to help ensure a smooth first week of school: https://app.smore.com/n/1tq7j
Also, check out our arrival and dismissal procedures here: https://app.smore.com/n/w4dhk
Please note: The first day of school for students in grades 1-2 is tomorrow, August 4. Students in our 4K and 5K programs have a staggered start to help ensure a successful transition to school.
🍎 4K Families:
• Full-day classes begin Monday, August 10
🍎 5K Families:
• Full-day classes begin Friday, August 7
We look forward to seeing our students soon!
District leaders, Board of Trustees members, community partners, educators, and special guests gathered to celebrate this exciting investment in our youngest learners. The event featured a performance by Sweet Potato Pie Kids, remarks from district leaders and project partners, and concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Liberty Primary School, where our Pre-K students helped officially open the doors to their new learning environment. Guests then toured the newly completed immersive classrooms, experiencing firsthand how these thoughtfully designed spaces will spark curiosity, creativity, and discovery.
Designed around learning through exploration, play, and hands-on experiences, the SDPC Academy for Early Learners encourages students to ask questions, solve problems, and build foundational skills in engaging, meaningful ways.
Last year, one immersive classroom opened at each of our four hub schools: Six Mile Elementary, Hagood Elementary, East End Elementary, and Liberty Primary. This summer, the remaining classrooms were completed at each site, creating a fully immersive Academy experience for every Pre-K student as they walk through our doors next week.
The SDPC Experience begins here. We can't wait to welcome our newest learners into classrooms designed for wonder, exploration, and endless possibilities.
To find out more about the Academy for Early Learners, visit our webpage: https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/preschool-programs
#SDPCAcademyForEarlyLearners #ExperienceSDPC #EngagingToday #EmpoweringTomorrow
For 75 years, the School District of Pickens County has been more than a collection of schools - it has been a place where students discover their passions, build lasting relationships, and create memories that shape their futures.
Throughout this anniversary year, we’ve celebrated the people, places, and programs that have made SDPC special by sharing stories from across our schools and community.
Now, those stories come together in one place.
📖 "75 Years of Impact: Past. Present. Potential." is a commemorative magazine that celebrates the legacy we’ve built and the Experience SDPC that continues to make our district unique.
Inside, you’ll find the moments, milestones, and voices that reflect who we are - and the commitment that continues to guide us as we engage students today and empower them for tomorrow.
👉 Explore the magazine: https://www.flipsnack.com/BFD76799E8C/75-years-of-impact-sdpc-2026
#75YearsOfImpact #ExperienceSDPC #EngagingToday #EmpoweringTomorrow
The wait is almost over! We can't wait to welcome our PACK families Under the Big Top tomorrow for Meet the Teacher!
All families should have been contacted by their child's teacher with a scheduled time to attend. If you have not heard from your teacher, please contact the school office at 864-397-4800.
Before you arrive, please be sure to:
✅ Read our Back-to-School Newsletter
✅ Update your Final Forms
✅ Complete the Transportation Form
We are so excited to kick off an amazing school year and can't wait to see everyone tomorrow!
