


As the School District of Pickens County celebrates 75 years of learning, growth, and community, it’s the people who have made the journey meaningful. From classrooms and concerts to bus routes and boardrooms, every chapter of SDPC’s story has been shaped by those who gave their time, their talent, and their heart. These short reflections - captured over the year and shared by the voices of SDPC - capture the spirit, pride, and personal moments that define who we are. Together, they form a living tribute to the legacy we share and the bright future still ahead.
This story highlights SDPC’s commitment to Visionary, Future-Focused Innovation. You can see Ms. Douglas and the LLC in action on a recent video highlighting our finalists for District Teacher of the Year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W43PlY5I-zY
#VisionaryFutureFocusedInnovation #EngagingToday #EmpoweringTomorrow


The School District of Pickens County and Tri-County Technical College are partnering to bring fast, flexible, and affordable workforce training programs to our community.
Join us for the EmpowerUp Open House (https://5il.co/3p6qe)
📍 Pickens County Career & Technology Center (990 Chastain Road, Liberty, SC)
🕓 Tuesday, September 9 | 4–7 p.m.
Learn about programs in commercial truck driving, construction, healthcare, business, and more – available at little to no cost!
👉 Details: tctc.edu/EmpowerUp
Don't miss this chance to empower yourself with new skills and opportunities. For more information, contact TCTC at 865-646-1700 or conted@tctc.edu.
#tctcedu #SDPC #EngagingToday #EmpoweringTomorrow


"We know that during ages birth to five, a child’s brain develops rapidly—so we’re harnessing that potential by creating immersive, active experiences that build background knowledge, laying the foundation for future reading success. Because experience matters…” - Dr. Traci Boyles, SDPC Executive Director of Early Childhood Education
As the School District of Pickens County celebrates 75 years of learning, growth, and community, it’s the people who have made the journey meaningful. From classrooms and concerts to bus routes and boardrooms, every chapter of SDPC’s story has been shaped by those who gave their time, their talent, and their heart. These short reflections - captured over the year and shared by the voices of SDPC - capture the spirit, pride, and personal moments that define who we are. Together, they form a living tribute to the legacy we share and the bright future still ahead.
This story is one of many that reflects SDPC’s commitment to Visionary Future-Focused Innovation. Find out more about SDPC’s Academy for Early Learners and its implementation of Experiential Learning in 4K classrooms here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYkVJ_jesnA&t=2s
#VisionaryFutureFocusedInnovation
#EngagingToday
#EmpoweringTomorrow




This fall, SDPC high schools will begin using the Evolv Safety Screening system as part of our commitment to providing a secure learning environment for all students and staff.
Learn more about how this system works here: 👉 https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/evolv-safety-screening
#EngagingToday #EmpoweringTomorrow


Mark your calendars, SDPC! There will be no school for students on Monday, September 1 in observance of Labor Day. This is a scheduled break on the 2025-2026 school calendar. You can view the calendar as well as future draft calendars here: https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/spdc-calendars
Enjoy the long weekend!


As the School District of Pickens County celebrates 75 years of learning, growth, and community, it’s the people who have made the journey meaningful. From classrooms and concerts to bus routes and boardrooms, every chapter of SDPC’s story has been shaped by those who gave their time, their talent, and their heart. These short reflections - captured over the year and shared by the voices of SDPC - capture the spirit, pride, and personal moments that define who we are. Together, they form a living tribute to the legacy we share and the bright future still ahead.
This story is one of many that reflects SDPC’s commitment to a People-Focused Supportive Culture. Hear more inspiring stories from the Class of 2025 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDPU85Qe9C4
#75YearsOfImpact
#EngagingToday
#EmpoweringTomorrow


Elizabeth Gunnels is a dedicated fifth grade teacher at Liberty Elementary School with 11 years of experience in education. With a Master of Education from Anderson University, she’s known for building strong, lasting relationships with students and families—often showing up to cheer on her students beyond the classroom. Her instructional expertise, mentoring of new teachers, and leadership in school-wide events make her a standout at Liberty Elementary. Described by colleagues and parents as compassionate and committed, Elizabeth exemplifies an outstanding representative for the field of education.
April Heard has been a cornerstone of SDPC Transportation Services for 15 years, progressing from bus driver to Activity Bus Supervisor, and now excelling as the administrative assistant. Known for her dependability and compassionate approach, April goes above and beyond daily to support drivers, bus companions, and school staff with a positive attitude and unwavering professionalism. She manages critical tasks like payroll for over 100 employees with precision while consistently stepping in to help wherever needed—even personally assisting drivers in urgent situations. April’s dedication, empathy, and thoroughness make her an indispensable member of the transportation team.
We are so proud for both of these valued employees to represent the School District of Pickens County! These outstanding individuals represent the very best of SDPC—dedicated, passionate, and committed to making a lasting difference for our students, staff, and community.
To learn more about these deserving individuals, read here: https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/article/2365679
#PeopleFocusedSupportiveCulture
#EngagingToday
#EmpoweringTomorrow



As the School District of Pickens County celebrates 75 years of learning, growth, and community, it’s the people who have made the journey meaningful. From classrooms and concerts to bus routes and boardrooms, every chapter of SDPC’s story has been shaped by those who gave their time, their talent, and their heart. These short reflections - captured over the year and shared by the voices of SDPC - capture the spirit, pride, and personal moments that define who we are. Together, they form a living tribute to the legacy we share and the bright future still ahead.
This story is one of many that reflects SDPC’s commitment to a People-Focused Supportive Culture. See how Pickens Middle School invests in the well-being of both staff and students here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdouBl5qt78
#75YearsOfImpact
#EngagingToday
#EmpoweringTomorrow


As the School District of Pickens County celebrates 75 years of learning, growth, and community, it’s the people who have made the journey meaningful. From classrooms and concerts to bus routes and boardrooms, every chapter of SDPC’s story has been shaped by those who gave their time, their talent, and their heart. These short reflections - captured over the year and shared by the voices of SDPC - capture the spirit, pride, and personal moments that define who we are. Together, they form a living tribute to the legacy we share and the bright future still ahead.
This story is one of many that reflect SDPC’s commitment to a People-Focused Supportive Culture. Find out more about the impact Liberty Middle School is making in our community here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulAkKBlvDgU








We’ve got great news for SDPC families!
Thanks to the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), all students will receive FREE breakfast and lunch every day during the 2025–2026 school year—no forms, no fees, no hassle! 🙌
✅ No need to submit a meal application
✅ Every student is automatically eligible
✅ Healthy meals = focused minds + strong bodies
This program ensures that every child has access to nutritious meals to fuel learning and success. It’s one more way we’re supporting our students—together!
Find out more here: https://5il.co/3me9w
Questions? Visit www.sdpcnutrition.com or contact Jenaffer Stevenson, Director of Student Nutrition Services:
📧 jenafferstevenson@pickens.k12.sc.us | 📞 864-397-1166
#SDPCNutrition #EngagingToday #EmpoweringTomorrow


📅 View the full 2025–2026 SDPC calendar and learn more about our Modified Year-Round Approach here:
🔗 https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/spdc-calendars
We can't wait to welcome our students back for an exciting new year!


If your student will be riding the bus to or from school, please take a moment to complete the 📝 SDPC Transportation Form to ensure they are scheduled for 🚌 pickup and drop-off before August 1.
🔗 Find the form linked here: https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/transportation










