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!!
We are very excited to announce that ticket sales are now OPEN for our school production of Mary Poppins Jr.!!! Please see the flyer for details on how to order your tickets.
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!!!
📱 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].
We look forward to seeing holiday cheer with our Holly Jolly Spirit Week!!
Congratulations to our 7th/8th grade Gettys Band students who placed in the 24-25 SDPC All-County Band. This is a new record of students making the band and we are so proud of all their hard work. Congratulations students!
The Gettys Middle School and Easley High School Orchestras would like to invite you to our Winter Orchestra Concert on December 9, 2024, in the Easley High School Auditorium. The students will be performing different holiday favorites. We hope you will come out and join us for a wonderful night of music! This concert is free and open to the public.
6th grade at 6:00 p.m.
7th grade at 6:30 p.m.
8th grade at 7:00 p.m.
EHS Orchestra at 7:30 p.m.
Substitutes and food service staff are in need. Please view the flyer for more information.
There are families and individuals in our communities who are in desperate need of our help. The SDPC United Way campaign is our major annual effort to support our County as United Way funds and helps organize education efforts, aids families in finding a path out of poverty, and supports families with basic needs.
Did you know that one of the KEY goals of United Way of Pickens County is to help children and youth achieve their potential through education? It has established a bold goal that 70% of 3rd graders will be reading at grade level by 2025.
In order to meet that goal, United Way partners with SDPC through Camp iRock. A partnership between United Way of Pickens County, the School District of Pickens County, and the YMCA of Easley, Pickens and Powdersville, Camp iRock is an innovative and award winning summer program that helps children improve their reading abilities in an enriching summer camp environment. Your gift to United Way will directly impact assisting children to learn to read.
All veterans are invited to join us for our program on Monday, November 11. Please click on this link and complete the form if you are planning to attend. https://362e.edulnk.com/e/8uy9m/cHpPsc?__$u__
DADS, check out this amazing opportunity to join other dads and children and be an All Pro Dad.
