Clemson Elementary School

“When a student finally learns something, the lightbulb in their heads goes off and they start sparkling. We are always seeing growth in life skills and academic skills. One of my favorite things to do as a teacher is engage my students in learning. If we don’t pull them in and engage them, they won't be excited to learn. We make sure they know why they are learning something, which empowers them for their future.” - Julie Simoneaux, Kindergarten Teacher at Clemson Elementary

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 academic growth and excellence. To learn more about Clemson Elementary School, visit their website at https://cle.pickens.k12.sc.us/

#AcademicGrowthAndExcellence
#EngagingToday
#EmpoweringTomorrow

Interested in making a difference in the lives of kids? We are now hiring an Assistant Director of the Clemson Elementary After School Care Program. It is a part time position in the afternoon/early evening and works closely with the Director and After School Care Counselors. For more information and to apply, visit the website at https://pickens.schoolspring.com/

Our next Tiny Tiger Tots is Friday, October 17 from 9:00-10:00am. If you are interested, please register using the online form. Tiny Tiger Tots is sponsored by the Women United Preschool Pages and is designed to encourage early literacy skills in students ages 2 - 4. Each session includes the reading of a picture book, engaging activities and a hands-on craft. If you have questions, please reach out to our Reading Coach, Cullen Finley at cullenfinley@pickens.k12.sc.us.

October Registration: https://forms.gle/9isirVEWDCv3LGBc7

Fall school picture day is Friday, October 3.

🎃👟 Get Ready for the 2nd Annual Halloween Hustle 5K & Fun Run! 👟🎃

📍 Clemson Elementary
📅 Saturday, October 4, 2025

🧡 Schedule:
👶 Fun Run (ages 5 & under) – 8:45 AM (1 lap around the track)
🏃 Official 5K – 9:00 AM
✨ All proceeds benefit our amazing 5th grade students at Clemson Elementary!

👉 Scan the QR code on our flyer or register here: https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/prdembd?ref=00GLC10TP2O2VR1_ZZJDXBAA3Y008BN

You are welcome to come dressed in your Halloween running gear and join us for a morning of fun, fitness, and community spirit! 👻🕸️

#HalloweenHustle5K #ClemsonElementary #FunRun

Clemson Elementary is hiring a Reading Coach for the 2025-26 school year. If you are interested in the position, follow the link to apply online. https://pickens.schoolspring.com/

Do you know a child that will be four years old on or before September 1, 2025? Encourage them to sign up for our School District of Pickens County 4K program! Click the QR code on the flyer for more information or contact the school with any questions. More information about the new format and links to the application can be found here: www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/pre-k-information-page. We still have openings at our HUB school, Six Mile Elementary, and we would love to see your child in 4K next year!

Parent Event: Helping Your Family Bridge the Tech Gap 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 April 1 | 5:00–6:30 PM ALIVE Wesleyan Church - 136 Chastain Rd, Central, SC 29630 ✅ FREE and open to all SDPC parents ✅ Click here to register: https://forms.gle/GCcGHW91wGktUZmPA Let’s work together to help our kids thrive in a tech-saturated world!

Clemson Elementary will be administering SC Ready Testing at the end of April and beginning of May. Some tips for testing include: arriving to school on time, eating a healthy breakfast, getting plenty of rest and come ready to do your best! No personal electronic devices are allowed during testing. Detailed information about SC Ready Testing is being sent home with each student.

We want to welcome all rising K5 students that will attend Clemson Elementary for the 2025-2026 school year to join us for Future Tiger Day on April 8 at 8:15am or April 10 at 5:00pm! This will be a great opportunity for students and parents to tour the school, pre-register for After School Care, and ask questions. Please sign up for one of the two dates https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSee2n1U3slEwax7naFA3mUeBPnT5Cp55T2yabY48g6NUJy03g/viewform We will also have K5 screenings on April 23 and April 24. Please sign up for a date and time https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094AA4A92EA2F9CF8-55389995-20252026#/

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

Dear Parents and/or guardians, Today, we conducted a lockdown drill at Clemson Elementary School. I wanted to inform you so that you are aware in case your child has questions about the activities at school today. Our school is always committed to maintaining a secure environment. This includes keeping all external doors locked, requiring all visitors to sign in during the school day, and ensuring classroom doors remain locked at all times. During a lockdown drill, we practice additional safety measures that would be implemented in the event of an intruder. The safety and well-being of our students are our top priorities. If you have any questions about our safety procedures, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly. Thank you for your continued support. Sincerely, David Thompson Principal Clemson Elementary School

🎉 4K Applications & 5K Registration Now Open! 🎉 The time has come! 4K applications and 5K enrollment for the 2025-26 school year are officially open. 📌 Learn more & register today: www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/pre-k-information-page ✨ New for 2025-26! We're excited to enhance our preschool programs across the district. Read about these important updates here: https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/article/1937097

📢Coming soon: 2025 Pre-K & 5K Registration! 📢 Do you have a rising 4K or 5K student ready to start their learning journey? Mark your calendars, registration opens TOMORROW, January 17, 2025! ✅4K Applications - Learn about eligibility and how to apply ✅5K Enrollment - get ready for kindergarten at SDPC 📌Learn more & Register here: www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/pre-k-information-page NOTE: If you have completed any form prior to January 17., 2025, it will need to be resubmitted once registration opens. 🎉New for 2025-26! Our Preschool programs are evolving to better serve young learners. Read about these exciting updates: https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/article/1937097 Tag a friend who needs this info! 🎒📚 #engagingtoday #empoweringtomorrow

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

📱 Revised Personal Electronic Device Policy: Beginning January 2025 📱 Under a new South Carolina policy, schools are required to limit students' access to cell phones and other personal devices during the school day. The School District of Pickens County has adopted a revised Personal Electronic Device Policy to comply with state law (Budget Proviso 1.103). ✔️Devices must be silenced and stored in lockers, backpacks, or other designated areas throughout the instructional time. ✔️Devices include but are not limited to, cell phones, smart watches, tablets, and gaming devices. We encourage parents to discuss this policy with their children and support its implementation when we return in January. Thank you for partnering with us as we implement this required policy. Please visit this site for detailed information [www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/sdpc-cell-phone-policy].

Read & Rebound Winter BINGO Reading Challenge We are excited to partner with Daniel High School in their Read & Rebound Event! Kindergarten-fifth grade students will participate in a Holiday Book Bingo challenge from Monday, December 16-Friday, January 24 to encourage reading over winter break. Students who complete a Holiday Book Bingo Card (by completing a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line), will be entered to receive a free ticket to a special basketball game at DHS on January 31st and a copy of the book Swish! signed by Bryan Narcisse. Our school will have TEN winners! See the attached flyer that was sent home for more details. Please scan the QR code for more details or contact Leanne Broome (leannebroome@pickens.k12.sc.us) if you have any questions.

The best gifts are worth the wait. Order your 2024-2025 school yearbook today! Follow this link to purchase: JOSTENS.COM/YBKBOO

Next week is Red Ribbon Week October 28- November 1. Red Ribbon Week is a time for students to learn about the importance of making healthy choices and staying drug-free. Students have the opportunity to participate in dress-up days. Monday--Pajama Day Tuesday--Tacky Tourist Day Wednesday--Tie Dye Day Thursday--Red Day Friday--Favorite Team Day

Order your school yearbook today! Copy and paste this link to purchase: JOSTENS.COM/YBKBOO The yearbooks are on sale from Oct. 1, 2024 until Feb. 1, 2025.