Pickens High School

🔥Help Us Fuel the Flame and Ignite Student Success! 🔥

Please join us for the first School Improvement Council (SIC) meeting of the 2025–2026 school year. These meetings are open to everyone, and your voice, ideas, and collaboration are essential as we work to fuel the flame brighter and brighter for our students.

📅 Date & Time: October 1st, 2025
📍 Location: PHS Media Center

For more information, please reach out to SIC Coordinator, Jill Ellenburg.

September Testing News!

✨ Miss Gem Pageant Info Meeting ✨
Wed, Sept 17 • 3:35 PM • PHS Auditorium
Come see what it’s all about!

Paying for College: Parent & Student Presentation
Pickens High School will host a free information session on Monday, October 20, 2025, from 5:30–7:00 PM. Learn about completing the FAFSA, federal and state aid, scholarships, and understanding student loans.
💡 Assistance with creating FSA IDs will be available before the presentation.

More details at: scstudentloan.org/scholarships-grants

“Your experience is what you make it to be. If you get involved, and you plug yourself in, there is truly something at every high school for every person… Nobody lies when they say that your high school years fly by because they truly do, especially your senior year. So soak it in…” - Sara Beth Brock, Student Body President at Pickens High School, Class of ‘25

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

We are so excited to welcome students back tomorrow for the 2025-2026 school year.
All students will report to the cafeteria upon arrive to pick up a new "blue schedule".

To All Guests Attending Graduation: Please take a moment to read this important information about our PHS Graduation Ceremony this Saturday to ensure a smooth and celebratory experience.

🎓 Get Ready to Walk the Stage... but First, PRACTICE! Seniors, don’t miss these important reminders to make sure you’re fully prepared for graduation day. We look forward to seeing you at graduation practice tomorrow, May 22nd at 9:00 AM in the PHS Gym!

HUGE Congratulations to our 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year, Mr. Aaron Gravely & Support Employee of the Year, Mr. Tim Sheppard! We are so grateful to have both of you as a part of the BLUE FLAME family!

🔥 PLAYOFF GAME ALERT 🔥 📣 Come out and support our Lady Blue Flame Softball Team as they take on Wren (again) in the 3rd Round of the Playoffs! 🗓 Tuesday, May 13 ⏰ 6pm Let’s pack the stands and bring the energy! 💙🥎 #GoBlueFlame #BlueFlameSoftball #SCHSLplayoffs #SupportOurTeam

Seniors, please take a look at exam dates. Seniors exempting exams can turn in technology beginning Monday, May 12th. All other seniors will turn in technology after their exams are complete!

Please check out our EOC Exam schedule! If you are enrolled in a EOC course, You must take the exam.

Yearbooks have arrived! Books will be distributed on Class Day (Friday, May 2), and we only have a limited number of extra yearbooks to purchase. If your student has not yet purchased a book and would like to have one, they are being sold on a first-come, first-served basis. To guarantee a book will be available for your student on distribution day, please order today at www.jostens.com. Email rhondawatson@pickens.k12.sc.us with any questions.

School Choice & Student Assignment Application Parent(s)/Guardian(s) may apply for student admission to a school outside their zoned area of residence. An application for school choice should be submitted by Friday, April 4th, preceding the opening of school to enable schools to address staffing needs and budgetary considerations. The principal of the requested school, the principal of the serving school and the superintendent or his/her designee must approve any request for school choice. To apply for student admission at a school outside of your zone, please complete the form link for the requested school. Applications will be reviewed upon submission, and you will receive written notification of acceptance or denial based on availability at the school. If a student is approved for assignment outside of his/her designated attendance zone or county, the following conditions will apply: • The parent/guardian must provide safe and reliable transportation. • Student assignments are reviewed annually by principals and district administration. • The student will be expected to remain in the requested school for the entire school year. • Failure by the student or parent to comply with the policies or programs of the requested school or failure to cooperate with the school’s administration and staff may result in immediate revocation of this assignment.

Join our SIC!

Today, we celebrate the incredible men and women who ensure our students travel safely to and from school each day. It's SC Bus Driver Appreciation Day, and we want to say THANK YOU to our SDPC bus drivers and assistants! To truly capture the impact of our drivers, we spent time riding along on routes and speaking with two of our dedicated drivers—experiencing firsthand the joy, care, and commitment they bring to their work. 🎥 Watch our special tribute video here: https://youtu.be/omM_SDLXcM0

SDPC will operate on a two-hour delay on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, due to the danger of ice on secondary roads. No buses will travel on icy roads. High school students should check Schoology for adjusted schedules. Details:: https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/article/196018