Dear Blue Flame Families,
We have had an incredible start to the school year! Each day makes me realize more and more what a blessing it is to serve as principal of Pickens High School. I do not take lightly the responsibility of serving this community, your families, and most importantly, your students. Thank you for trusting us with them each day.
During the first week of school, we held class meetings with each grade level during Flex Time. I wanted to share a few of the areas we emphasized with students and ask for your continued partnership at home.
Attendance Matters
One of our biggest messages to students has been the importance of simply being at school. While we certainly do not want students coming to school when they are sick, consistent attendance may be one of the most important factors in a student's success this year. When students are here, they have access to incredible teachers, support, and opportunities that are difficult to replicate when they are absent.
Just as important is being in class and on time. We want our students to develop habits that will serve them well not only in high school, but also in college, the military, and the workforce.
eHallpass & Time Out of Class
We utilize the eHallpass system to help us know where students are when they are outside of their classrooms and to limit unnecessary time away from instruction.
Each student is allowed three student-generated passes per day that can be used for the restroom, water, and other needs before additional approval is required. Students who have specialized passes because of a health need or guidance plan are not limited by this process.
Our goal is simple: we want students in class and learning as much as possible.
New Tardy Notifications for Families
Another step we are taking to improve communication with families is our new tardy notification system. When a student receives an unexcused (UNX) tardy, an email notification will be sent to the parent/guardian email address we have on file.
These notifications will come from no-reply@pickens.k12.sc.us.
Some families have reported that these messages are being sent to their spam or junk folders. Please consider adding this email address to your approved or safe sender list so you do not miss these notifications.
We are working with students to understand that being on time matters. Learning to arrive to class on time now helps build the same responsibility they will need when it comes to arriving at work, college classes, appointments, and other commitments in the future.
Free to Focus: Phones & Earbuds
We also spent significant time reviewing expectations connected to South Carolina's Free to Focus requirements. We ask all students to have phones and earbuds put away from 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., including in classrooms, hallways, and the cafeteria.
We understand that emergencies happen and that students may occasionally need to contact home. Students may use the telephone in the main office with a pass or during lunch when needed.
If a student is seen with a phone in the hallway or cafeteria, many times the response will simply be a reminder to put it away. However, a phone being out during classroom instructional time will result in a discipline referral.
We would greatly appreciate your support in reinforcing this expectation with your student. We are also making a morning announcement each day to remind students of the expectation.
Safety Update: Evolv & Clear Bags
Earlier this week, we held our first day utilizing our Evolv security system, and our students did a fantastic job working through the process.
As a reminder to families, Evolv systems will also be utilized at many sporting events throughout Pickens County this school year. We will also be implementing a clear bag policy for events. Please keep these procedures in mind as you prepare to come support our Blue Flame throughout the year.
We have so much to look forward to, and I could not be more excited about the year ahead. Thank you for your partnership, your support of Pickens High School, and most importantly, for allowing us the opportunity to teach, encourage, and serve your students each day.
Go Blue Flame!
Lucius Culpepper
