Dear Parents and Guardians,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to inform you about the new statewide Cell Phone Policy for Schools in South Carolina, which has been implemented to create a more focused and effective learning environment for all students.
Beginning January 1, 2025, the South Carolina Department of Education requires that personal electronic devices, including cell phones, be regulated during school hours to minimize distractions and enhance student engagement. Our district has aligned its procedures with this policy to support academic success and ensure a safe learning environment.
For the purpose of the policy, the school day is defined as the beginning of the instructional day to the dismissal of the instructional day (from bell to bell).
Key Points of the New Cell Phone Policy:
1. Classroom Use:
o Students are not permitted to use cell phones during instructional time unless explicitly authorized by the teacher for educational purposes.
o Cell phones must be turned off or placed on silent and stored securely away such as in backpacks, lockers, or designated areas during class.
2. Medical Necessity:
o Explicitly required by a student’s IEP, Medical Plan, or 504 Plan.
3. Volunteer Services
o Students who are members of a volunteer firefighting or emergency organization may be authorized to carry a telecommunication device with written permission from the District / School designee.
We understand the important role that cell phones play in staying connected with your child. However, this policy aims to promote responsible use of technology while prioritizing academic and social growth.
Your partnership in reinforcing these guidelines is crucial to the success of this initiative. Please review the policy with your child and discuss the importance of maintaining a distraction-free learning environment. If you have any questions or concerns about the new policy, feel free to reach out to your child’s school. Thank you for your support as we work together to ensure a productive and focused school experience for all students.
Sincerely,
Dr. Lori Brownlee-Brewton,
Superintendent
Class meetings are scheduled for tomorrow in the auditorium. Please make plans to attend if you have late arrival. Career Center students will be dismissed at 10:30. See you there! 11th grade @ 10:00 AM. 12th grade @ 10:45 AM.
Seniors, don't forget to pick up your senior night and graduation tickets from Mrs. Gray in the front office. Also, turn in your senior walk permission form as soon as possible. If you need a blank copy, you can pick it up in the office or check your email from Mr. White.
MyImpact Challenge is a civic engagement contest hosted by the Bill of Rights Institute. May 21st is the deadline for MyImpact Challenge submissions. Although it's close, there's still time for students to enter. Student entries can win up to $10,000 in prizes. For more information visit: https://rb.gy/e8aj1x
In conjunction with the new construction, we are launching a fundraising initiative by selling commemorative bricks. These bricks will be laid in front of the school and serve as a lasting impression of your support for AHS! #BrickByBrickAHS
https://www.bricksrus.com/donorsite/abbevillehigh
Piedmont Technical College's Dual Enrollment Office will be on the AHS campus on Wednesday, March 6, at 10:30 to provide details about the program. If you are interested but have not received an invitation, please see your counselor for eligibility.
Juniors, you are invited to attend Junior Preview Day on Friday, March 15. This event is exclusively for high school juniors. Students and their guests can meet with academic representatives from various majors, tour the campus and residence halls, and gain financial aid and scholarship advice from our experts. This is the perfect opportunity to get a jump start on the college visit process. Please fill out the college visitation form by March 12 if you'd like to attend (https://drive.google.com/file/d/18jIhmLo8OYApMXrM1oy8ZW5YIg27QAWp/view)
Permission forms for 3rd-year students to attend Piedmont Technical College's Open House are due tomorrow (March 1). Students should have received their form before the intersession break during 2nd block. Please return the signed forms to Mrs. Scott.
8th Grade Wright Middle School students visited Abbeville High School throughout the week in the "Panther for A Day" program coordinated by Counselors Sandy Rowland Scott & Blaise Bourgeois and Graduation Coach Angela Pruitt. 8th Graders experienced Abbeville High School courses, class changes, and lunch with current high school students as they rotated in small groups. Panther for a Day takes place over four days with small groups of 8th-grade students designated by Wright Middle School Counselor Meaghan McGaha. The transition from middle school to high school can be stressful, and this event assists rising 9th graders in reducing that anxiety.
Robin Broome from Erskine College will be on campus during lunch on March 5th & April 9th. Please stop by to see her and learn more about Erskine.
Winthrop University Dept. of Fine Arts Workshop day will be MARCH 23, 2024. For more information: https://www.winthrop.edu/cvpa/fine-arts/workshops.aspx
Tomorrow (Feb. 16) will be a teacher workday. There will be no school for students. Next week, we have our intersession break. Enjoy the break, and we will see students back on Monday, Feb. 26.
Our Teacher Cadets met with SC Teacher of the Year, Renee Atkinson, from Aynor High School today while at Lander University for Teacher Cadet Day.
In conjunction with the new construction, we are launching a fundraising initiative by selling commemorative bricks. These bricks will be laid in front of the school and serve as a lasting impression of your support for AHS! #BrickByBrickAHS
The University of South Carolina will be on campus for an informational presentation by Isabel Jordan, Admissions Counselor, on February 7th, in the Library at 1:15PM. Any 11th or 12th-grade student interested can sign up in the Counseling Department. Spaces are limited.
Thank you to our school counselors! We are thankful for everything you do, Mrs. Scott and Dr. B!
The Horatio Alger Association scholarships are for students overcoming adversity who want to pursue the American Dream through higher education. Apply at https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/93417-Horatio-Alger-Association?ct=t(EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_12_12_2023_14_57_COPY_01)
Any students interested in attending Limestone University's Open House on Saturday, April 13 from 8:30 am – 1:00 pm should visit the following link for more information: https://www.limestone.edu/admissions/undergraduate/open-house
Class of 2024, please plan to come to Piedmont Technical College at the Abbeville Campus on Tuesday, 2/6/24, between 5:15 PM & 6:45 PM to complete your FAFSA if you have not done so. Please go ahead and make an FSA ID today so you will be able to complete it. https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch
Attention Junior boys: American Legion Palmetto Boys State is coming this summer! Be sure to pick up an application in the Counseling Department, on the 2025 Class page, or from your email. The deadline to return is February 8th.
