School is starting back soon in Aiken County. Here's what you need to know.

Stephanie Hill, Aiken Standard, S.C.
·2 min read

Aug. 6—The 2022-23 school year in Aiken County begins on Aug. 15, and here's what you need to know.

The Aiken County Board of Education approved the 2022-23 academic calendar in February. Jeanie Glover, the chief officer of instruction, said that while the school year will have the required 180 days for students, but there is a weeklong fall break from Oct. 17-21.

The full calendar has students returning on Monday, Aug. 15, the fall break will be Oct. 17-21, and Thanksgiving break would be Wednesday, Nov. 23, through Friday, Nov. 25.

Christmas break would be Dec. 19, 2022, through Jan. 3, 2023, for students. In February, there would be a weather make-up day on Friday, Feb. 17, and President's Day holiday on Monday, Feb. 20.

Spring break would be April 3-7, 2023. The last day of school would be Thursday, June 8, for students and Friday, June 9, 2023 for teachers. Graduation would be June 7, 8, and 9.

With the start of the new school year, students will see some changes to the student code of conduct, which school board members discussed in June.

Dr. Corey Murphy, the chief officer of operations and student services, said the code of conduct has been revised and streamlined, and it will be online for students and parents to view.

"High schools may now have zones where cellphone use is allowed (such as cafeterias)," Murphy said. "Some infractions have been reclassed from their previous levels, as well."

In regards to bus routes, the school district said that while the bus routes change every year based on attendance zones and riders, no unusual changes are expected. The increase in fuel costs also will not affect the bus routes due to the fuel being paid for by the state, the district said.

With the COVID-19 vaccine now available to young children, Monica Mazzell, the supervisor of nursing/health services for the Aiken County public school district, said immunization requirements for school attendance are set by S. C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.

"Students are not required to get the COVID vaccine," Mazzell said. "We encourage parents to discuss all matters concerning their child's health, including COVID vaccination, with their medical provider."

The start of school also means more traffic on the road as parents and guardians drop off their students at school.

Murphy asked for everyone to be patient during the first few days of school.

"Many parents opt to drive their students to schools during the first few days, so the lines may be longer," Murphy said. "Please plan to arrive early enough to accommodate the potential increase."