D.W. Daniel High School

Superintendent Search Update: Community Survey Results Available

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.

1 day ago, School District of Pickens County

Graphic announcing SDPC Board of Trustees Superintendent Search Updates

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.

3 days ago, School District of Pickens County

Photo of Board of Trustees members with Dr. Danny Merck, posing in front of plaque in G2i lobby

G2i Director Tim Johnson, posing with dedication plaque in lobby of G2i

Current stage of construction at entrance to G2i

Dr. Danny Merck speaking to the group in the lobby of G2i

Board Chair Randy Robinson speaking to the group during the dedication

Photo of Board of Trustees members with Dr. Danny Merck, Director Tim Johnson, and representatives from the construction company

Director Tim Johnson speaking to the group in the lobby of G2i during dedication

Photo of G2i staff, including Director Tim Johnson, posing in front of plaque in G2i lobby

Daniel Students and Parents, we would be honored to have the military veterans in your family join us at our annual Veterans Day assembly on November 10th at 10:00 AM in our gymnasium. Any military veteran from any generation with ties to a Daniel student is our target audience, even those currently serving. We ask that information be shared with us via the electronic form, and we will follow up with the veteran for more details. Link here: https://forms.gle/RqpGYruEJfgsPB477

3 days ago, D.W. Daniel High School

We have some great opportunities this week to knock out some testing and to support the arts as we continue our fall concert lineup!

4 days ago, D.W. Daniel High School

D.W. Daniel High School weekly schedule for October 26–30, 2026. Monday, October 26 – B Day: Regular school day. Tuesday, October 27 – A Day: - Fall WIN Testing - ACT Make-Up Testing - Chorus SCMEA Region Clinic - Orchestra Halloween Concert Wednesday, October 28 – B Day: - October Student of the Month Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. in Culler's Den. Thursday, October 29 – A Day: - Symphonic Band Concert at 6:30 p.m. Friday, October 30 – B Day: - Theatre Field Trip to Clemson Little Theatre.

Let's get ready for a great week!

Best of luck to our Lions Pride Marching Band at the SCBDA AAA State Championships on Saturday! The Lions Pride's prelim performance is at 12:30 PM at James F. Byrnes High School.

11 days ago, D.W. Daniel High School

D.W. Daniel High School weekly schedule for October 19–23, 2026. Monday, October 19 – A Day: Homeroom (2026 IGP Blitz). Tuesday, October 20 – B Day: - PSAT Make-up Testing - Coffee with the Principal at Red White & Brew, 8:30–9:30 a.m. - Spain & Portugal 2028 Trip Informational Meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the Library Learning Commons (LLC). Wednesday, October 21 – A Day: AOP 12th Grade Job Fair Field Trip, 12:30–2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 22 – B Day: - Fall SAT Make-up Testing - CADY Photography Senior Road Show 2, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. in the auditorium. Friday, October 23 – A Day: Regular school day. Saturday, October 24: Lions Pride Marching Band competes at the State Championships. Preliminary performance is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.

Join Mr. Russell this Tuesday for Coffee with the Principal at Red White & Brew in Six Mile. Come help support a great local business while having the opportunity to discuss all things Daniel!

12 days ago, D.W. Daniel High School

Flyer announcing Coffee with the Principal for the D.W. Daniel High School community. Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2026 Time: 8:30–9:30 a.m. Location: Red White & Brew, 102 S. Main Street, Six Mile, SC 29682 The flyer features a brown background with coffee beans and a cup of coffee.

Big news, students! We’ll be heading to SPAIN & PORTUGAL over summer 2028! There are limited spots available on tour so if you want to make sure that you and your friends grab the first guaranteed spots, block off your calendar and come to the meeting for first access to that enrollment link.

Register for our information meeting to learn more about this exciting opportunity using the link here: https://rsvp.eftours.com/nyhs4a7

13 days ago, D.W. Daniel High School

Flyer announcing a Spain and Portugal trip in Summer 2028 with an informational meeting for interested students and families. Meeting Date: Thursday, October 20 Time: 6:00 p.m. Location: D.W. Daniel High School Library Learning Commons Students and families are encouraged to register to learn more about the trip. Registration Link: https://bit.ly/4dbVWbB Contact: amyelrod@pickens.k12.sc.us The flyer features photographs of famous landmarks and city scenes in Spain and Portugal.

We are looking forward to the 2026 International Language Festival tomorrow during lunch! Be sure to see our language classes' displays, sample international cuisine, and bring money for our three awesome food trucks offering Belgian fries, Belgian waffles, and Mexican food! We will see you tomorrow at lunch!

14 days ago, D.W. Daniel High School

D.W. Daniel High School flyer announcing the 2026 World Language Fair on Friday, October 16, during lunch. The graphic features a large illustration of Earth against a blue background. Students are reminded to bring money for food trucks that will be available during the event.

Daniel High School International Language Festival bell schedule for Friday, October 16, 2026. Doors Open: 8:10 a.m. Students will remain on the first floor until dismissed to first period at 8:30 a.m. 1st Period: 8:40–10:05 a.m. 2nd Period: 10:10–11:35 a.m. 3rd Period (with Lunch): 11:40 a.m.–2:00 p.m. - 1st Lunch: 11:40 a.m.–12:30 p.m. - PM Career Center students attend 1st Lunch. - 2nd Lunch: 1:10–2:00 p.m. 4th Period: 2:05–3:30 p.m.

2026 World Language Fair menu featuring 100% gluten-free Belgian-style pommes frites (fries). Menu options include regular fries ($8.50), Gnome's Gold Mine with pulled chicken ($15.50), Peaked Hill with cheddar cheese sauce and bacon ($12.50), truffle fries ($12.50), and poutine with cheese curds, bacon, and gravy ($12.50). Homemade dipping sauces are available for $2. Beverages range from $2 to $3. The World Language Fair is Friday, October 16, during lunch at Daniel High School. Students should bring money to purchase food from participating food trucks.

2026 World Language Fair menu featuring The Belgian Waffle Cart. Menu options include plain waffles ($7), strawberry waffles ($12), blueberry waffles ($12), banana waffles ($12), strawberry and banana waffles ($12), Nutella waffles ($8), and chicken and waffles ($15). Fruit waffles are served with fresh fruit and whipped cream. Chicken and waffles includes three chicken tenders on a plain waffle. The World Language Fair is Friday, October 16, during lunch at Daniel High School. Students should bring money to purchase food from participating food trucks.

2026 World Language Fair food truck menu featuring The Mexican Gastropub from Central, SC. Menu options include quessabirrias (three crispy shredded beef tacos with onions, cilantro, broth, and rice), veggie quesadillas with sautéed vegetables, and cheese quesadillas. Chicken, steak, and sautéed vegetables can be added to quesadillas. The World Language Fair is Friday, October 16, during lunch at Daniel High School. Students should bring money to purchase food from participating food trucks.

The Daniel Foundation is looking for volunteers to donate lunch items for our faculty and staff on October 20th! Click the link below for more information and to sign up. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F4AAAAC29ABF94-66208658-daniel#/

15 days ago, D.W. Daniel High School

10/12 - 10/16 Weekly Schedule

We are looking forward to the 2026 World Language Fair on Friday! More details to come!

16 days ago, D.W. Daniel High School

D.W. Daniel High School weekly schedule for October 12–16, 2026. Monday, October 12: No school. Fall Break. Tuesday, October 13: No school. Fall Break. Wednesday, October 14 – B Day: Regular school day. Thursday, October 15 – A Day: Fall SAT; Chorus Concert, “A Cup of Choir,” at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium. Friday, October 16 – B Day: World Language Fair during lunch.

Don't forget midterm exams tomorrow (1st Period) and Tuesday (2nd Period)! Also, don't forget the new grading policies. Let's end the 1st Quarter the Daniel Way!

26 days ago, D.W. Daniel High School

School District of Pickens County graphic explaining important grading changes for the 2026–27 school year. South Carolina public schools can no longer use a minimum grade floor of 50. Students will receive the actual grade they earn on assignments, assessments, and marking-period grades, even when that grade is below 50. Students are encouraged to complete and submit all assignments, as missing or incomplete work can significantly affect their overall grade. In Carnegie Unit courses, completion of required assignments is also necessary to be eligible for certain content recovery or credit recovery opportunities. Families are encouraged to regularly review grades, assignments, missing work, and attendance in Schoology, communicate with teachers, and encourage students to complete assignments on time and seek help when needed. Academic support is available through SDPC’s Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS), including teacher assistance, small-group or individualized instruction, intervention programs, tutoring, and dedicated support periods such as FLEX Time.

College App Parent Night on October 7th 5:30 P.M.-6:30 P.M will be held at Daniel High School. Parents of seniors, come for guidance on the college application and FAFSA process. Guidance, college reps, and financial aid advisors will be available for questions.

College App Day for students on October 8th, 9:00 A.M. -2:00 P.M in the Library Learning Commons. Senior resumes must be completed and turned in to the guidance office to attend.

27 days ago, D.W. Daniel High School

Flyer for College App Parent Night for Daniel High School seniors and their parents. Date: Wednesday, October 7 Time: 5:30–6:30 p.m. Location: Daniel High School Families are invited to receive guidance on the college application and FAFSA process. College representatives will also be available to answer questions.

Flyer for College Application Day for Daniel High School seniors. Date: Thursday, October 8 Time: 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Location: DHS LLC Seniors can drop in anytime during the event for help with college applications. Many South Carolina colleges will waive their application fees that day. Counselors, college representatives, and college essay writing assistance will be available throughout the day. Food and drinks will be provided for all students who participate.

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.

27 days ago, School District of Pickens County

Graphic announcing no school for SDPC students on October 9 and October 12–13, 2026.

Check out the October 2026 Newsletter! https://app.smore.com/n/ba9q1z

29 days ago, Zach Arms

Happy Homecoming Week! Here is our Week 9 Weekly Schedule!

about 1 month ago, D.W. Daniel High School

D.W. Daniel Families: We want to make sure that you are aware of the new grading policies as a result of State Law.

South Carolina House Bill 5073 was signed into law by Governor McMaster and went into effect on July 1st. This law prohibits school districts from establishing grade floors. This means if a student’s grade is below a 50 now, they will keep that grade.

The new law also prohibits students from credit recovery if they are missing any major grade from the initial class. If students do not complete these grades, we cannot offer credit recovery, and they will need to take the course again.

Keep informed of your student’s grades. Please email zacharyarms@pickens.k12.sc.us if you need your Schoology Parent Access Code. Please have conversations with your student about the importance of submitting all work and passing their classes.

Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. Be sure your student is proactive in their classes!

The 1st Quarter ends 10/6

about 1 month ago, D.W. Daniel High School

D.W. Daniel Families: We want to make sure that you are aware of the new grading policies as a result of State Law. South Carolina House Bill 5073 was signed into law by Governor McMaster and went in effect on July 1st. This law prohibits school districts from establishing grade floors. This means if a student’s grade is below a 50 now, they will keep that grade. The new law also prohibits students from credit recovery if they are missing any major grade from the initial class. If students do not complete these grades we cannot offer credit recovery and they will need to take the course again. Keep informed of your student’s grades. Please email zacharyarms@pickens.k12.sc.us if you need your Schoology Parent Access Code. Please have conversations with your student about the importance of submitting all work and passing their classes. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns Be sure your student is proactive in their classes!

Join us Thursday morning for coffee with Mr. Russell! It will be 8:30 AM in Culler's Den (Auditorium Lobby). Come chat about all things Daniel. Community are welcome to attend.

about 1 month ago, Zach Arms

Check out the September 2026 Newsletter! https://app.smore.com/n/rsmcu

about 2 months ago, D.W. Daniel High School

Join our JROTC cadets on Friday, September 11th, as we honor America and the 2,977 lives lost on September 11th 2001, with the Patriot Day Stadium March. Participants will walk a step for each victim lost on that tragic day.

First responders from our community will lead the march. The first 500 finishers will receive a commemorative challenge coin.

The march will begin tomorrow, September 11th, at 9:03 AM. Can't make it to Singleton Field but still want to contribute? Go to https://tinyurl.com/dwdpatriotmarch for more information on how to donate to the cause.

about 2 months ago, D.W. Daniel High School

Join our JROTC cadets on Friday, September 11th, as we honor America and the 2,977 lives lost on September 11th 2001, with the Patriot Day Stadium March. Participants will walk a step for each victim lost on that tragic day. First responders from our community will lead the march. The first 500 finishers will receive a commemorative challenge coin. The march will begin tomorrow, September 11th, at 9:03 AM. Can't make it to Singleton Field but still want to contribute? Go to https://tinyurl.com/dwdpatriotmarch for more information on how to donate to the cause.

SDPC is beginning the search for our next superintendent.

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

about 2 months ago, School District of Pickens County