Blue Flame Bulletin

As we begin October and our second quarter, I want to take a moment to reflect on the many great things happening at Pickens High School. From success in our classrooms and athletic programs to special opportunities for our students and continued growth across our campus, there is so much to be proud of. I especially appreciate the school spirit and positivity our students, staff, families, and athletic teams continue to bring to our Blue Flame Family.

As we move into the second quarter, I also want to remind families of the important role we all play in supporting students who may be struggling academically. One of the most effective ways to help a student be successful is also one of the simplest: be at school, be in class on time, and actively participate. Every day and every class period matters.

Our Flex period is another valuable opportunity for students to receive additional support. We have many students who could benefit from using this time more intentionally to meet with teachers, ask questions, complete missing work, or receive extra help. I encourage families to talk with their students about how they are using Flex and whether they are taking advantage of the support available to them.

I also want to express my sincere gratitude to our families and the entire Pickens community for the tremendous support shown to our students, staff, and the Ellenburg family following the loss of Cruz Ellenburg. The outpouring of love, prayer, encouragement, and support was instrumental in helping our Blue Flame Family navigate this incredibly difficult time. If your student continues to need support, please reach out to our Guidance Office. Counseling services remain available for any student who needs them.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Pickens High School. I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I look forward to continuing to Believe, Learn, Unite, and Excel as we move through the second quarter.

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.”

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

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

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.

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).

PHS Varsity Football players and Cheerleaders had a great time greeting students at Hagood and Pickens Elementary! We loved seeing all the smiles, high-fives, and Blue Flame spirit from our future Flames! 🏈📣🔥

October 10th at 2pm

Oct. 10th: Bruce Caldwell Category 5 Invitational

Oct. 17th: Pride of Pendleton Marching Classic @ Pendleton High School

Oct. 24th: SCBDA 3A State Championships @ Byrnes High School

🎓 OCTOBER 7–8

College Application Days
📍 PHS Media Center
Get help completing and submitting college applications!

💼 OCTOBER 21

Industry Career Showcase
📍 Anderson Civic Center
For Seniors interested in exploring employment opportunities after graduation.
🔗 Sign Up: bit.ly/AOPforPHS26

🚌 OCTOBER 28

Lander University + Erskine College Tour
For Juniors & Seniors
Spend the day touring two college campuses and learning more about what each has to offer.

🔗 Sign Up: bit.ly/LanderErskine26Tour
⏰ Deadline: October 23

📝 NOVEMBER 4

ASVAB at PHS
For Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors
Explore your strengths, career interests, and potential career pathways.

🔗 Sign Up: bit.ly/ASVABatPHS26

🌱 NOVEMBER 6

Agriculture + Entrepreneurship Industry Tour
Students interested in agriculture or entrepreneurship will visit Table Rock Tea Company and Homesteader’s Dream.

🔗 Sign Up: bit.ly/TEAtour26
⏰ Deadline: October 23

🔥 Don’t miss out!

Take advantage of these opportunities to explore what comes next after PHS!

🎓 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