Blue Flame Bulletin

What a start to the 2026–27 school year! As I reflect on August, what stands out most is the energy throughout Pickens High School and the way our students, staff, families, and community continue to show what it means to be True BLUE.

We have so much to celebrate! Señora Marlynde Gamboa was named the SDPC District Teacher of the Year, and SRO Allen Hudson was recognized as our Support Employee of the Year. Our students have given us plenty to cheer about as well—from big wins and outstanding athletic performances to successes in the arts, JROTC, clubs, and student organizations.

Some of my favorite moments, however, have been inside our classrooms. I have loved seeing our teachers challenge students, build relationships, and bring our Tier 1 instructional identity to life.

Yesterday, we sent home first-quarter interim reports. Please review your student's progress together, and remember that the most up-to-date grades are always available in Schoology. If your student is struggling, please don't wait. Contact the teacher for additional assistance or our Graduation Coach, Caroline Smith, at carolinesmith1@pickens.k12.sc.us.

We work at this as a team.

One important change this year is that there is no longer a minimum 50 grade floor. The grade a student earns is the grade reflected on interim reports and report cards. Our Flex schedule is designed to assist students who may need extra support. Please encourage your student to take advantage of this resource that is built into the school day.

As we move into September, we will continue emphasizing strong attendance, consistent punctuality, engagement in learning, and our Free to Focus expectations.

Thank you for the incredible support you continue to give Pickens High School.

Go Blue Flame!

Lucius Culpepper

🎬 Pickens High is rolling out the red carpet for Homecoming Spirit Week, September 14–18! Get ready for dress-up days, activities, prizes, our Friday pep rally, and the Homecoming game! 🔥🏈

One Flame, One Family! 💙❤️

FCA helps students grow in faith, build strong friendships, and make an impact on their team and school. “One team. One heart. One purpose.”

AMERICA 250 Reading Challenge 📚

Please reach out to our School Testing Coordinator, Mrs. Jill Ellenburg Faustin

A School Improvement Council (SIC) is a team made up of parents, teachers, students, administrators, and community members who work together to make the school a better place. The goal is to identify what the school needs, set goals, and create plans to help students thrive. By bringing everyone together, the committee focuses on boosting student success, building strong community connections, and improving the overall school environment. It's all about working as a team to make a real difference for students and the school community!

For questions about SIC at PHS, please contact ashleybutler@pickens.k12.sc.us

🎭 Lights, camera, Teacher Cadets! Join the PHS Teacher Cadets on September 12 from 5–6 PM for a fun-filled Variety Show featuring singing, dancing, music, comedy, and more! Proceeds support their end-of-year banquet, so come out and support our future educators! 🍎📚✨

Ticket link:
PHS Teacher Cadet Variety Show Tickets

For questions about the PHS yearbook, please reach out to Dr. Rhonda Watson!

Want to learn more about the Blue Flame Adventures program?

Join us on Thursday, September 10th at 5:45 p.m.

• RSVP here --> https://rsvp.eftours.com/bsdurj

Join the email list: https://forms.gle/E3ckuL8wcb7LaeK2A

• Exclusive access to tour scholarships and discounts
• Provide input on the itineraries that we choose
• Know which tours we are going on before anyone else
• Tell us where you want to go
• Members-only fundraising ideas
• Be the first to know all things Blue Flame Adventures

There's STILL TIME to join us in Greece, Summer 2027. Visit www.eftours.com/2896659AD.

Check out this month’s most popular books, meet our Patron of the Month, discover a new read, and learn how students can celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with the Read Through History Challenge! 🔥📖

Congratulations to Kahyla Aguerro-Murillo, a member of the PHS Class of 2026, on successfully completing U.S. Army Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri! Kahyla, who participated in the Blue Flame Battalion JROTC program throughout all four years of high school, will now begin Advanced Individual Training to become a Vertical Construction Engineer.

Way to go, Kahyla!

PHS will administer the ASVAB on Wednesday, November 4th at 9:00 AM

The ASVAB can help you discover your strengths and explore college, technical, civilian, and military career options—and taking it does not require you to enlist!

Sign up to take the ASVAB! Space is limited to 30 seats!

For more information or questions, contact John L. Rainville, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired).

October 10th at 2pm

REGISTER TODAY!

Sept.19th: SDPC Sound-Off Band Showcase at Liberty High School

Sept 26th: Foothills Tournament

Oct. 2nd: C. Philip Mcintyre Tournament of Bands

Oct. 10th: Bruce Caldwell Category 5 Invitational

🎓 Upcoming College & Career Events

• College Fair at SWU – Sept. 9 | 9–11 AM
  Meet representatives from 25+ colleges across SC and the Southeast.

• Support Before the Tassel – Sept. 17 | 9 AM–12 PM
  Seniors can hear from speaker Brooks Harper and get hands-on help with resumes, networking, and interview skills at the Pickens County Career Center. Sign up on Schoology.

• Western Carolina University Tour – Sept. 23
  Campus tour and lunch included. Cost: $15. Students must have at least a 3.0 weighted GPA. Sign up on Schoology.

• FAFSA & Financial Aid Meeting – Oct. 5 | 6 PM
  Media Center | Presented by SC Student Loans

• College Application Days – Oct. 7–8
  Media Center

🎓 12TH GRADE

Frances Hulme, Head Counselor

📚 GRADES 9–11

Shannon Nealy, A–G

Savannah Clark, H–N

Brandi Guyette, O–Z

🗂️ SUPPORT STAFF

Maghan Spooner, Registrar

Jade Chappell, Guidance Clerk

🎯 STUDENT SUCCESS

Caroline Smith, Graduation Coach

Hannah Smith, Career Coach

To ensure a smooth and timely process, please review the guidelines below for all attendance-related requests.

📧 HOW TO SUBMIT NOTES: All early dismissals & parent or medical notes must be submitted as:

• A legible written note OR
• An email sent to: shannondollar@pickens.k12.sc.us

📝 REQUIRED INFORMATION (All notes must include):

• Dates Missed
• Student’s First and Last Name
• Reason for Absence
• Parent/Guardian Name and Signature
• Parent/Guardian Phone Number

⏰ EARLY DISMISSALS

• Must be emailed at the beginning of the school day OR
• Given directly upon arrival to campus

📌 Important:

• Dismissal notes must be handed directly to the attendance office