Today, the School District of Pickens County celebrated the grand opening of our SDPC Academy for Early Learners, a milestone in our commitment to experiential learning and innovative approaches to early childhood education.

District leaders, Board of Trustees members, community partners, educators, and special guests gathered to celebrate this exciting investment in our youngest learners. The event featured a performance by Sweet Potato Pie Kids, remarks from district leaders and project partners, and concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Liberty Primary School, where our Pre-K students helped officially open the doors to their new learning environment. Guests then toured the newly completed immersive classrooms, experiencing firsthand how these thoughtfully designed spaces will spark curiosity, creativity, and discovery.

Designed around learning through exploration, play, and hands-on experiences, the SDPC Academy for Early Learners encourages students to ask questions, solve problems, and build foundational skills in engaging, meaningful ways.

Last year, one immersive classroom opened at each of our four hub schools: Six Mile Elementary, Hagood Elementary, East End Elementary, and Liberty Primary. This summer, the remaining classrooms were completed at each site, creating a fully immersive Academy experience for every Pre-K student as they walk through our doors next week.

The SDPC Experience begins here. We can't wait to welcome our newest learners into classrooms designed for wonder, exploration, and endless possibilities.

To find out more about the Academy for Early Learners, visit our webpage: https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/preschool-programs

#SDPCAcademyForEarlyLearners #ExperienceSDPC #EngagingToday #EmpoweringTomorrow
5 days ago, School District of Pickens County
Grand Opening of SDPC Academy for Early Learners: ribbon cutting ceremony
Grand Opening of SDPC Academy for Early Learners: teachers working with student during classroom tour
Grand Opening of SDPC Academy for Early Learners: student wearing lifejacket in "boat" with teacher
Grand Opening of SDPC Academy for Early Learners: students helping to hold ribbon during ribbon cutting
Grand Opening of SDPC Academy for Early Learners: Tropics themed classroom
Grand Opening of SDPC Academy for Early Learners: student in "tent" in camping themed classroom
Grand Opening of SDPC Academy for Early Learners: students balancing on stepping stones in the "river"
Grand Opening of SDPC Academy for Early Learners: Main Street classroom, complete with wrapped walls, photos of actual locations around the town of Liberty
Grand Opening of SDPC Academy for Early Learners: teacher working with student to write her name in sand
Grand Opening of SDPC Academy for Early Learners: AEL teachers posing together and smiling
🎉 75 YEARS OF IMPACT 🎉

For 75 years, the School District of Pickens County has been more than a collection of schools - it has been a place where students discover their passions, build lasting relationships, and create memories that shape their futures.

Throughout this anniversary year, we’ve celebrated the people, places, and programs that have made SDPC special by sharing stories from across our schools and community.
Now, those stories come together in one place.

📖 "75 Years of Impact: Past. Present. Potential." is a commemorative magazine that celebrates the legacy we’ve built and the Experience SDPC that continues to make our district unique.

Inside, you’ll find the moments, milestones, and voices that reflect who we are - and the commitment that continues to guide us as we engage students today and empower them for tomorrow.

👉 Explore the magazine: https://www.flipsnack.com/BFD76799E8C/75-years-of-impact-sdpc-2026

#75YearsOfImpact #ExperienceSDPC #EngagingToday #EmpoweringTomorrow
6 days ago, School District of Pickens County
Cover of SDPC's "75 Years of Impact" commemorative magazine, featuring two smiling graduates in cap and gown
🚌 SDPC Families – Does your child need bus transportation this school year?

If your student will be riding the bus to or from school, please take a moment to complete the 📝 SDPC Transportation Form to ensure they are scheduled for 🚌 pickup and drop-off before August 1.

🔗 Find the form linked here: https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/transportation
9 days ago, School District of Pickens County
Graphic reminding parents to complete the SDPC Transportation form linked in the caption
🚌 SDPC Families – Does your child need bus transportation this school year?

If your student will be riding the bus to or from school, please take a moment to complete the 📝 SDPC Transportation Form to ensure they are scheduled for 🚌 pickup and drop-off before August 4th!

🔗 Find the form linked here: https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/transportation
15 days ago, School District of Pickens County
Graphic reminding parents to complete the SDPC transportation form linked in the caption

Please remember to pay your K5 - 5th grade student’s $25 technology fee through MySchoolBucks. This fee helps support the technology and digital resources our Bulldogs use throughout the school year.

You can make your payment here:
https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/prdembd?ref=00GLC10TP2O2VR1_ZZ6BOMBENB3J3U4

Thank you for helping us keep our Bulldogs connected, learning, and ready for success

15 days ago, Angela Spearman
Buster with his chromebook at a desk that is draped with the America Banner
🥞 FREE Meals for All Students This Year! 🍎

We’ve got great news for SDPC families!

Thanks to the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), all students will receive FREE breakfast and lunch every day during the 2026-2027 school year - no forms, no fees, no hassle! 🙌

✅ No need to submit a meal application
✅ Every student is automatically eligible
✅ Healthy meals = focused minds + strong bodies

This program ensures that every child has access to nutritious meals to fuel learning and success. It’s one more way we’re supporting our students - together!

Questions? Visit www.sdpcnutrition.com or contact Jenaffer Stevenson, Director of Student Nutrition Services:
📧 jenafferstevenson@pickens.k12.sc.us | 📞 864-397-1166

#SDPCNutrition #EngagingToday #EmpoweringTomorrow
16 days ago, School District of Pickens County
Graphic announcing free breakfast and lunch for SDPC students this year

📚 The first day of school for SDPC students is Tuesday, August 4! We can't wait to welcome everyone back for an amazing year of learning.



Please note: Students in our 4K and 5K programs have a staggered start to help ensure a successful transition to school.



🍎 4K Families: Your child's school will contact you to schedule:


• An assessment appointment on August 4 or 5


• A half-day orientation on August 6 or 7


• Full-day classes begin Monday, August 10



🍎 5K Families: Your child's school will contact you to schedule:


• An assessment appointment on August 4, 5, or 6


• Full-day classes begin Friday, August 7



We look forward to seeing our students soon! 💙

23 days ago, School District of Pickens County
Graphic announcing first day of school in SDPC is August 4, 2026
Help Us Shorten Your Wait at Meet the Teacher!

We have made a few changes to help make registration smoother and shorten your wait time during Meet the Teacher on Thursday, July 30, from 4:00–7:00 PM.

1. BUS TRANSPORTATION

Families who need bus transportation should complete the transportation form in advance. This information will help the transportation office determine bus assignments and provide approximate route times.

Complete the transportation form here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdelqCAol1cNpYzlDrvYSaRtJ5EVgeBGfDjDUfhvM3Jm4y2QQ/viewform?usp=send_form

2. AFTER THE BELL

Families planning to use After the Bell should complete the registration form in advance:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeA_xwQlQn4QSglPORG26obAgotmxXSIgNW7tmOclgZkmehHA/viewform?usp=header

A $95 registration fee must be paid by August 1, 2026. This fee includes the first week of school. Because K4 and K5 students have a delayed start, their fee will include the first full week their child attends.

To pay the registration fee, visit MySchoolBucks and select “AFTER THE BELL REGISTRATION FEE”:

https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/prdembd?ref=00GLC10TP2O2VR1_ZZ6B75NPOXUL4CV

After the Bell Options:

2:30–4:00 PM
• Snack
• 30-minute reading or homework block
• $30 per week
• No daily rate available

2:30–6:00 PM
• Snack
• 30-minute reading or homework block
• Outdoor and STEM activities throughout the week
• $60 per week
• No daily rate available

Please note that After the Bell is closed on in-service days, inclement weather days, and half days.

Review the East End Enrichment Program Handbook here:

https://canva.link/j1l5mdug6br0n6p

3. CAR TRANSPORTATION

This year, car tags will be distributed in your child’s classroom. The youngest child in each family will be assigned the family’s car rider number. Please pick up your car tag from your youngest child’s homeroom teacher.

We hope these changes make the wait time at Meet the Teacher much shorter and create a smoother experience for all of our Bulldog families! Thank you for completing the forms and payments in advance.
23 days ago, Angela Spearman
This is a graphic to tell families to sign up for transportation.
🍎 Still looking for the right Pre-K option for your 4-year-old this fall? We have a few openings remaining!

Give your child a great start with the SDPC Academy for Early Learners — a FREE 4K program designed to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and prepare students for kindergarten and beyond.

Through hands-on learning in immersive environments, students explore, create, problem-solve, and grow while developing important early literacy, social, and emotional skills.

🚌 FREE transportation is available to all Pre-K students!

Don’t miss this opportunity to give your child an engaging learning experience that sets the stage for future success!

🔗 Register for 4K today: https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/four-year-old-kindergarten

📩 Questions? Contact the Academy for Early Learners at aelreg@pickens.k12.sc.us or 864-397-1000.
28 days ago, School District of Pickens County
Flyer advertising openings in 4K this fall - more information at link included in post
Spanish version of flyer advertising openings in 4K this fall - more information at link included in post

Dear East End Families,

We are so excited and so ready to welcome our Bulldogs back into the building!

We wanted to share a few important updates as we prepare for the new school year. About one week before Meet the Teacher, we will send an email with your child’s assigned teacher.

We are having Meet the Teacher on July 30 from 4 pm - 7 pm.

We have also updated our school supply list. You can find the updated list here: Supply List

We are looking forward to a wonderful school year at East End!

28 days ago, Angela Spearman
Save the Date Flyer - July 30th - list all the activities available

School supply lists for the 2026–2027 school year are now available!

Parents and guardians, you can find the supply lists for each grade level using the link below:

📚https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QbnBgJdfwqkXDz1UDd-4IutZ0Jmp_w6iqB31jyEhCdM/edit?usp=sharing
Now is a great time to begin gathering supplies and taking advantage of summer sales. Having the right tools on the first day helps our Bulldogs start the year ready to learn and succeed.

We can't wait to welcome our students back for another year of learning, growing, and achieving together. Thank you for helping us prepare for a successful 2026–2027 school year!

Stars, Stripes, and Student Successes!

about 2 months ago, Angela Spearman
Buster wearing his stars and stripes getting ready for school.
A HUGE thank you to My First Library and the Original Six Foundation for providing an incredible free book fair experience for all of our 5-year-old kindergarten students today at East End Elementary! Each student was able to pick out and take home 10 FREE books to build their very own home library. Watching our future Bulldogs light up with excitement over books was truly priceless! The pictures below capture the smiles, joy, and love for reading that filled the room today. We are so grateful for community partners who invest in our students and help inspire a lifelong love of literacy. A special thank you to Mr. Washington for stopping by and supporting our students during the book fair! Be sure to check out even more pictures and fun moments on our Instagram reel!
3 months ago, Angela Spearman
All smiles with our new books
We are shopping for our books
we love getting to pick out free books
K5 with all their books
K5 class with their books
K5 class with books
Two thumbs up for my books
Thumbs up for the books
all smiles with the My Little Pony book
Mr. Brewington, Mrs. Spearman, and Mr. Washington celebrating My First Library
Today we celebrate one of the quiet heroes of East End—our amazing school nurse, Ms. Collins! From tummy aches and scraped knees to big feelings and unexpected moments, Ms. Collins handles every situation with compassion, patience, and care. She is often the calm in the middle of chaos and a comforting face for so many of our students and staff. School nursing is so much more than bandages and ice packs. It’s loving children well, supporting families, encouraging students, and helping keep our school running smoothly every single day. Ms. Collins does all of that with a smile and a servant’s heart. We are beyond thankful for the care, kindness, and dedication she pours into East End Elementary each day. Thank you for loving our Bulldogs so well and for always being willing to jump in wherever needed. Happy School Nurse Day, Ms. Collins! We appreciate you more than words can say!
3 months ago, Angela Spearman
Mr Brewington recognizing Nurse Collins
Today, we are proud and excited to celebrate two incredible members of our East End family as our Teacher of the Year and Support Employee of the Year! Mrs. McDowell, our Multilingual Teacher, is truly the heart of connection at East End. As one of the first smiling faces our students and families see each morning, she sets the tone for a welcoming and inclusive day. She goes above and beyond to support her students academically and emotionally, while building strong, meaningful partnerships with families. Her dedication, compassion, and teamwork make a lasting impact on our entire school community. Officer O’Malley, our Support Employee of the Year, is another familiar and friendly face who helps start each day off right. From the crosswalk to the hallways, she brings positivity, safety, and a willingness to help wherever it’s needed. Always smiling and ready to lend a hand, Officer O’Malley plays a vital role in creating a safe and supportive environment for both students and staff. We are incredibly grateful for the love, dedication, and joy these two outstanding ladies bring to East End every single day. Congratulations, Mrs. McDowell and Officer O’Malley—you make us proud to be Bulldogs!
3 months ago, Angela Spearman
Mr. Brewington with Teacher and Support Employee of the Year.
Mr. Brewington congratulating Mrs. McDowell
Mr. Brewington congratulating Officer OMalley
McDowell family celebrating
McDowell and her ML family
O’Malley Family
OMalley with her EPD family

The East End Elementary School Improvement Council’s 2025–2026 Report to Parents provides an overview of the school’s progress, priorities, and accomplishments. The report outlines the school’s vision of excelling in academics, encouraging character, embracing community, and seeking success for every student. It highlights key goals such as increasing student achievement, strengthening parent communication and involvement, enhancing the school environment, and expanding community supports. The report also shares student performance data from SC READY assessments, recognizes awards and achievements, and details grants and programs that support early literacy and student learning. Additionally, it emphasizes professional learning for teachers, a wide range of student clubs and activities, and strong community partnerships that contribute to the overall success and growth of East End Elementary. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Oo-nrf1WvOUeLfhL59sHQ-MrKNTwKBtW/view?usp=sharing

3 months ago, Angela Spearman
The East End Elementary School Improvement Council’s 2025–2026 Report to Parents provides an overview of the school’s progress, priorities, and accomplishments. The report outlines the school’s vision of excelling in academics, encouraging character, embracing community, and seeking success for every student. It highlights key goals such as increasing student achievement, strengthening parent communication and involvement, enhancing the school environment, and expanding social service supports. The report also shares student performance data from SC READY assessments, recognizes awards and achievements, and details grants and programs that support early literacy and student learning. Additionally, it emphasizes professional learning for teachers, a wide range of student clubs and activities, and strong community partnerships that contribute to the overall success and growth of East End Elementary.
The East End Elementary School Improvement Council’s 2025–2026 Report to Parents provides an overview of the school’s progress, priorities, and accomplishments. The report outlines the school’s vision of excelling in academics, encouraging character, embracing community, and seeking success for every student. It highlights key goals such as increasing student achievement, strengthening parent communication and involvement, enhancing the school environment, and expanding social service supports. The report also shares student performance data from SC READY assessments, recognizes awards and achievements, and details grants and programs that support early literacy and student learning. Additionally, it emphasizes professional learning for teachers, a wide range of student clubs and activities, and strong community partnerships that contribute to the overall success and growth of East End Elementary.
East End Elementary School is excited to welcome you back for a special tradition—our Senior Clap Out! Friday, May 15th 1:00–1:30 PM Please arrive by 12:45 PM Come walk the halls where it all began as our Bulldogs cheer you on and celebrate your journey! Parking: Gravel lot on East 2nd Avenue We can’t wait to celebrate YOU and all you’ve accomplished!
4 months ago, Angela Spearman
East End invites former students to senior clap out on Friday, May 15th at 1:00 pm
Important S.C. Ready Reminders for Parents and Students!
4 months ago, Kayla Swinyer
Attention Grades 3-5: SC Ready Important Reminders: Per district and state policy, technology is NOT permitted at school during testing days. If a student has devices, other than a chromebook, in the classroom during testing, there will be consequences. Please have your students on time for testing days. If students are late, they may not be permitted to the testing room until testing is complete. As a reminder, doors open at 7:30am and students are late after 8:00am.  Be rested for test day and go to bed early. Eat a healthy, nutritious breakfast. Students may bring a snack and a water bottle. Give your student positive encouragement for the big day. Testing Schedule: Monday, April 27, 2026 - SC Ready Writing  Wednesday, April 29, 2026 - SC Ready ELA Day 1  Thursday, April 30, 2026 - SC Ready ELA Day 2  Monday, May 4, 2026 - SC READY Math Day 1  Tuesday, May 5, 2026 - SC READY Math Day 2  Thursday, May 7, 2026 - SC READY Science (Grade 4 Only)
Celebrating School Librarians Day

Happy School Librarian Day!

Today we are celebrating one of the very best—Mrs. Lively!

Mrs. Lively creates a space where imagination grows, curiosity is sparked, and a true love for learning is nurtured every single day. From carefully selecting the best books for our students to hosting exciting book fairs that get everyone turning pages, she goes above and beyond to make reading come alive at East End.

Whether it’s helping a student discover their new favorite series or supporting teachers in finding just the right resources, Mrs. Lively is always ready with a smile and the perfect recommendation.

We are so thankful for the heart, dedication, and joy she brings to our school. 💙
4 months ago, Angela Spearman
A decorative graphic with Mrs. Lively's picture celebrating her as our school librarian.
East End Awarded Palmetto Silver We are proud to share that East End Elementary has been awarded the Palmetto Silver Award by the South Carolina Department of Education. This recognition reflects our school’s strong academic growth, along with our designation as an Excellent school on the state report card. This honor highlights the intentional work taking place each day to support student learning and achievement. This accomplishment is a direct result of the dedication of our teachers, the effort of our students, and the continued support of our families and community. We are grateful for the commitment to excellence that defines East End and look forward to continuing to build on this success for all of our students.
4 months ago, Angela Spearman
East End Faculty and Staff receiving the Palmetto Silver Award.
Mr. Brewington thank the staff for all their hard work and sharing the news of being a Palmetto Silver Award Winner.
It was such a joy to welcome our East End retirees back into the building. Seeing the faces of those who poured so much of their time, heart, and dedication into our school reminded us just how special the East End family truly is. These incredible educators helped build the foundation that makes East End the place it is today. Their years of service, love for students, and commitment to excellence shaped countless lives and helped create the traditions we continue to celebrate. We are so grateful for the impact they made and the legacy they left behind. East End was truly blessed by their leadership and service, and we are proud to carry on the tradition of excellence they started. Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog! 🐾
5 months ago, Angela Spearman
Honoring our retirees!
Honoring our retirees!
Honoring our retirees!
Honoring our retirees!
Honoring our retirees!
Honoring our retirees!