
An important reminder regarding electronic devices: Electronic devices will not be allowed inside the class on test days. This includes, but is not limited to, cell phones and smart watches. If a device is brought to school, it will be returned at the end of testing.

👏 We are also excited to celebrate that ALL FOURTH & FIFTH GRADE homerooms had PERFECT ATTENDANCE this week!
Thank you, parents, for helping make this happen by ensuring your student was at school and on time each day. Your support truly makes a difference, and we appreciate you partnering with us to help our students succeed! 💙💛
#pushingforexcellence #SCReady #PESsparklers

If you have a child who will be entering kindergarten for the 2026-2027 school year and you live in the Pickens Elementary attendance zone, you are invited to join us for Kindergarten Signing Day on Tuesday, May 12th at 5:30 PM. This session will provide you with helpful insights into what to expect in the upcoming school year and how you can support your child’s transition to school. If you have questions about the registration process, please contact Carissa Fowler at 864-397-2303 or email at carissafowler@pickens.k12.sc.us. Ms. Fowler will also be available at our Kindergarten Signing Day event to answer questions and help parents with registration.


Please be aware that smart devices will not be allowed in the testing room (except when medically necessary); this will include cell phones and smart watches. They will be returned only after all testing is done for the day.

We’re wrapping up the school year with some delicious favorites and fun treats our students love! From warm breakfasts to tasty lunches (hello, Walking Tacos and Teriyaki Chicken! 😋), there’s something to keep everyone fueled and ready to learn.
Be sure to check out special days like Lunch Hero Day, and don’t miss our Frozen Fruit Fridays for a refreshing treat! 🍓❄️
As we head toward the end of the year, we’re also celebrating with some End-of-Year Fun and a couple of Half Days to kick off summer break! ☀️
Take a look at the full menu and start planning your favorites. It’s going to be a great month!
#PickensElementary #SchoolLunch #MayMenu #EndOfYearFun

Can you feel May coming? 🌸 Swipe into spring with the PES May Parent Newsletter — full of upcoming events, family nights, and important dates to mark on your calendar. 📆✨
https://app.smore.com/n/g6qrz

Okay parents, it's time to mark your calendars and get the tissues out! Friday, May 1st at 8:00! We are inviting all our past Sparklers who are graduating to our Senior Walk-Through. All alumni should be here by 8:00 AM in the cafeteria for a group picture. Our clap out/walk thru will begin at 8:10. Parents of Seniors are invited to come take pictures. You may park across the road at the church or behind Save a Lot.


https://app.smore.com/n/14t9a

Exciting news! 🎉 Pickens Elementary has been awarded the Palmetto Silver Award for High Performance by the state — honoring our results in Student Achievement and Student Growth. This recognition is a true testament to the dedication and hard work of our wonderful teachers. Thank you to every educator, staff member, student, and family who helped make this possible! 💙🍎

Parent Event: Raising Kids with Technology (Without Losing Your Mind)!
SDPC families — you're invited to a special event with Joshua Adams from Parent ProTech, focused on how technology is shaping the lives of Gen Z and Gen Alpha.
Learn about:
✔️ Screen time trends & the science behind them
✔️ Practical strategies for healthy tech habits
✔️ How to stay connected as a family in today's digital world
Tuesday, March 24 | 6:00 pm – East Pickens Baptist Church 2244 Gentry Memorial Highway, Pickens 29671
FREE and open to all SDPC parents, grandparents, and caregivers! All families in attendance will be given access to the Parent ProTech database with resources to help your family thrive online.
✅ Click here to register: https://forms.gle/9qXHaS5Q8r5XkoXr9
Let’s work together to help our kids thrive in a tech-saturated world!

🎨 June 8–12: Dance & Visual Art
🎵 June 15–19: YAMS (Bluegrass Instruments) & Choir
🎬 June 22–26: Theatre
This FREE camp includes meals and transportation for current SDPC students. Application and teacher recommendation required.
🔗 See the flyer and apply: https://aptg.co/QFF21-
Student Application: https://bit.ly/TalentED2026

SC READY testing will be here before we know it for our 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade students. Please mark these dates on your calendar and help your student be ready to do their best!
A few reminders to help our students succeed:
✔️ Get a good night’s sleep
✔️ Eat a balanced breakfast
✔️ Arrive at school on time
✔️ Avoid early dismissals
✔️ Please do not schedule appointments on testing days if possible
Thank you for helping us support our students during SC READY testing! We know they will do great! 💙


Mark your calendars! Class Picture Day will be held on March 26th.
Order forms will be posted and sent home with students in the next few weeks, so be on the lookout for more details soon. We can’t wait to capture these special memories together! 😊

Join us on March 25th for a fun-filled Sparkler Story Time featuring the beloved book 5 Little Monkeys Jumpin’ on the Bed by Eileen Christelow! 🐒🛏️
Get ready for silly giggles, jumping monkeys, and lots of interactive fun as we read and spark a love for stories together! Sparkler Story Time is for any children ages 1-5 not currently enrolled in school. Sign up now as spots are limited.
We can’t wait to see our little readers there! 💛📖
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfYgYa41qAJYP_reD4Q7cRGHe9fPU21ajMxd_eF12HUD49Ayg/viewform


Take a look at all the delicious options we have planned for March! From student favorites to new tasty choices, there’s something for everyone. 🍕🥪🍎
⭐ Reminder: National School Breakfast Week kicks off on Monday, March 2nd! Join us as we celebrate the importance of starting the day with a healthy breakfast.
And don’t forget — ALL students receive FREE breakfast and lunch every day!
We can’t wait to see everyone in the cafeteria! 💚

