This week, we celebrate the amazing work of our school counselors who play a vital role in the lives of our students.
Their dedication to fostering a supportive and safe environment allows our students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. From providing guidance on college and career paths to offering a listening ear during tough times, our counselors are here to help every step of the way.
We are thankful for the best at GMS!!!
This past weekend we finalized results from our All-Region/All-State Band Competition. This year we have record numbers placed! One student placed for All-State and 14 students placed in All-Region! Full list is on the graphic attached! Please make sure to congratulate these students as you see them!!
We are thrilled to introduce the speakers for our Black History Month Program at Gettys Middle School on February 20, 2025!
This year’s theme, "African Americans and Labor," honors the incredible contributions of African American workers throughout history, from resilience in the face of adversity to groundbreaking entrepreneurship and collective action.
Join us as our distinguished speakers share their knowledge, experiences, and inspiration! Stay tuned for more details on their powerful messages.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 🖤✊🏽 #BHM2025 #AfricanAmericansAndLabor #GettysMiddleSchool #BlackHistoryMonth #SPC #Team74
Next week is our Scholastic Book Fair and we are having a SPIRIT WEEK to celebrate reading! We look forward to seeing everyone show off their school spirit!!
This week, our ML students will be participating in ACCESS testing! This important assessment is designed to measure English language proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing for our multilingual learners.
Good luck to all our students—we believe in you! Let’s show how much we’ve learned and shine bright!
#SuccessStartsHere #ACCESSTesting #YouGotThis #SDPC
Registration for Spring Sports at Easley Parks and Recreation ends January 31st. Please see the flyer for information. Recreational sports are wonderful ways to help students have an active lifestyle that is FUN!!
Meet Betty Garrison, a dedicated member of the Pickens County School Board who has served for 8 years and is now beginning a 3rd term representing District 5. With a 37-year career in education as a teacher, guidance counselor, and principal at Easley High School, as well as a rewarding post-retirement role at the Pickens County Adult Learning Center, Mrs. Garrison brings unmatched experience and passion to the board.
From visiting schools to supporting staff and students, Mrs. Garrison stays actively connected to the community while championing initiatives like facility improvements and academic programs that prepare students for career and college readiness. Inspired by her own high school experiences and leaders like Richard H. Gettys, Mrs. Garrison is motivated by the belief that education is an investment in the future.
When not serving on the board, Mrs. Garrison enjoys traveling, supporting Rotary Club initiatives, and promoting literacy through Preschool Pages programs. Her message to the community:
“Continue to strive for excellence, be flexible, and embrace lifelong learning.”
We are so grateful for Mrs. Garrison’s dedication and leadership as they help shape a bright future for SDPC students! #SDPC #Team74 #SchoolBoardRecognitionMonth
Meet Karla Kelley, a passionate and dedicated member of the Pickens County School Board since 2018. Inspired by the amazing teachers who shaped the lives of her three Easley High School graduates, Karla’s service is fueled by a commitment to being student-focused, teacher-inspired, and parent-determined.
With a background as an involved mother and Executive Vice President of a facility services company, Karla brings a wealth of experience to her role, from understanding parent perspectives to managing facility needs and budgets. Her sister’s journey as an educator and administrator has also given her valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of education.
Karla’s favorite part of serving on the board? Seeing students walk across the graduation stage ready for a bright future and celebrating the incredible work of the teachers who made it possible. She’s deeply invested in the district’s vision, “Innovate ’28,” with dreams of uniting community, college, and career opportunities under one roof.
Beyond her role on the board, Karla enjoys running, hot yoga, and spending time with her dogs, Tate and Sparky. Her wisdom, humor, and favorite lessons—from Legally Blonde to the Bible—motivate her to make a difference, one student at a time.
To our staff, Karla says: “You are amazing and making a difference!” To students: “Try new things and remember—we are rooting for you!” And to families: “Even on the hardest days, you are appreciated. Don’t give up!”
#SDPC #Team74
Mrs. Brady, our teacher librarian, was awarded a $500 grant from the SC Council on the Holocaust to purchase nonfiction books for our school library. Please see the press release about this wonderful opportunity and generous gift. Several students have already checked out some of the new titles.
DADS: You are invited to join other Easley area elementary and middle school dads and kids for a program of fatherhood and family topics. You'll take away some great tips and resources to help you be the best dad or father figure you can be and strengthen your relationship with your kids at the same time.
All families in SDPC are invited to attend the Strengthening Families Program hosted at West End Elementary School. Please see the flyer for details. This is a wonderful way to connect and grow as a family.
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
Scholastic Book Fair coming February 3-7!!!
