Congratulations to our November Student Dragon Award Winner. Osman Clark is in the 6th grade at Jasper Middle. Way to go Osman!
Today, Pickens County School District takes a moment to recognize, honor, and thank all of the incredible veterans who serve in our schools and community. We are deeply grateful for your service, sacrifice, and dedication to our country and our students.
Special thanks to Chick-fil-A Jasper for supporting our veterans with a gift card for each of them! We are grateful for community partners like you.
Special thanks to Chick-fil-A Jasper for supporting our veterans with a gift card for each of them! We are grateful for community partners like you.
Virtual academy applications will be opening on November 16th!
“Treat people the way you would like to be treated.” That was the Golden Rule Ron Hunter tried to follow as a teacher and coach. He also hoped his students and athletes would understand that hard work and determination could help them succeed, no matter their background.
Coach Hunter worked in several schools across the district, and in his final years, he returned to Pickens High as Vocational Director and Assistant Principal. Along the way, he taught vocational classes and coached football, basketball, and golf. He credits a coach with pushing him to pursue an education degree, even though he thought it wouldn’t be economically possible.
When a student was having a difficult time, Ron tried to help them stay positive. He might remind them that “the darkest day only has 24 hours” and encourage them to learn what they could from the experience. His message to his teams was simple, “All I want is all you have.” He wanted their best effort.
One golf memory still stands out. At the 1997 Region Championship, Pickens was trailing South Forsyth by one stroke when the team’s final player came in. That score lowered Pickens’ total by two strokes, and the team won the championship by one.
Ron remembers the “Friday Night Lights” fondly, but he also had many special moments in the classroom. He is grateful for colleagues Sandra Payne and Lionel Clark, who helped him find his way when he was starting out.
Ron and his wife, Linda, have been married for 47 years. Linda also taught vocational education in the district for 30 years. Their daughter, Leigh Anne, attended Pickens County Schools and went on to play golf at Shorter University. She was a three-time NAIA All-American and a two-time Academic All-American, and majored in marketing. After college, she coached women’s golf at Berry College and the University of North Georgia. She now works as a senior accountant in the business office at Kennesaw State University.
Their son, Stephen, also attended Pickens County schools. After playing basketball at Berry College and earning a degree in education, he taught and coached in Houston County and Pickens County. He is now principal at Harmony Elementary School.
These days, Ron and Linda enjoy family gatherings and time with their grandsons. They have made memories swimming, riding four-wheelers, and playing whiffle ball. Now they love watching the boys play football on the Dragon second and fourth grade teams. Ron also has more time for golf, a favorite hobby.
He misses the relationships with students, players, and staff. The Golden Rule he tried to live by is still a good way to sum up what he hoped to leave with them: treat people well, do your best, and support one another.
Thank you, Coach Hunter!
Coach Hunter worked in several schools across the district, and in his final years, he returned to Pickens High as Vocational Director and Assistant Principal. Along the way, he taught vocational classes and coached football, basketball, and golf. He credits a coach with pushing him to pursue an education degree, even though he thought it wouldn’t be economically possible.
When a student was having a difficult time, Ron tried to help them stay positive. He might remind them that “the darkest day only has 24 hours” and encourage them to learn what they could from the experience. His message to his teams was simple, “All I want is all you have.” He wanted their best effort.
One golf memory still stands out. At the 1997 Region Championship, Pickens was trailing South Forsyth by one stroke when the team’s final player came in. That score lowered Pickens’ total by two strokes, and the team won the championship by one.
Ron remembers the “Friday Night Lights” fondly, but he also had many special moments in the classroom. He is grateful for colleagues Sandra Payne and Lionel Clark, who helped him find his way when he was starting out.
Ron and his wife, Linda, have been married for 47 years. Linda also taught vocational education in the district for 30 years. Their daughter, Leigh Anne, attended Pickens County Schools and went on to play golf at Shorter University. She was a three-time NAIA All-American and a two-time Academic All-American, and majored in marketing. After college, she coached women’s golf at Berry College and the University of North Georgia. She now works as a senior accountant in the business office at Kennesaw State University.
Their son, Stephen, also attended Pickens County schools. After playing basketball at Berry College and earning a degree in education, he taught and coached in Houston County and Pickens County. He is now principal at Harmony Elementary School.
These days, Ron and Linda enjoy family gatherings and time with their grandsons. They have made memories swimming, riding four-wheelers, and playing whiffle ball. Now they love watching the boys play football on the Dragon second and fourth grade teams. Ron also has more time for golf, a favorite hobby.
He misses the relationships with students, players, and staff. The Golden Rule he tried to live by is still a good way to sum up what he hoped to leave with them: treat people well, do your best, and support one another.
Thank you, Coach Hunter!
We are proud to celebrate National School Psychology Week and honor these professionals who support our students' mental health, learning, and emotional well-being every single day.
Thank you to Cyndil Smith, Carolina Teague (intern) and Amber Mulkey for all that you do for our students. We appreciate you!
Thank you to Cyndil Smith, Carolina Teague (intern) and Amber Mulkey for all that you do for our students. We appreciate you!
Congratulations to our Staff Members of the Month!
Congratulations to our Teachers of the Month!
Reminder! Virtual Day tomorrow!
It's already November and time for another Alumni Spotlight! We won't have an alumni spotlight in December and will pick back up with 5 more alumni in January.
This month, we are recognizing five outstanding Pickens County School District alumni who demonstrate Problem Solving, one of the key competencies in our Portrait of a Graduate.
Each month, we will spotlight a graduate who is enrolled, one who is enlisted, and one who is employed, as well as a current and a past PCSD employee.
We are proud to celebrate their accomplishments and share the ways their time in Pickens County Schools helped shape who they are today.
Click the link in the comments to read their stories.
A few small routines can make school mornings easier and help students get to class ready to learn. Try packing backpacks and laying out clothes the night before, setting a consistent bedtime and morning routine, and planning appointments outside school hours when possible.
We know unexpected things come up. If your child is having a hard time getting to school, please reach out to your school. We’re here to help. Every day at school is a chance to learn, connect, and be part of your school community!
We know unexpected things come up. If your child is having a hard time getting to school, please reach out to your school. We’re here to help. Every day at school is a chance to learn, connect, and be part of your school community!
All PCSD schools will have a Virtual Day next Tuesday for Election Day.
The last Principal we are celebrating for National Principal Month is Pickens County’s own Mrs. Angie Kretschmar.
Angie graduated from PHS back in 1998 (the last class in the old high school building!), and returning to Pickens County as the Assistant Principal at Hill City Elementary was a true full-circle moment. Today, as Principal, she gets up every morning thrilled to work alongside what she calls the absolute best staff, students, and West End community around.
Walk into Hill City on any given morning, and you’ll immediately feel that magic. Between the music pumping at car drop-off, warm greetings, and hallways lined with smiling teachers, the atmosphere sets the tone for the entire day. As a Leader in Me school, HCES teaches students the 7 Habits of Happy Kids. New students are even paired with a Leader in Me Ambassador who commits to being their very first friend.
For Angie, Hill City isn’t just a school, it’s a family. That bond was proven last year when Angie was diagnosed with breast cancer, and the HCES community wrapped her in endless love, prayers, and support to keep the school running smoothly.
She also brings deep personal empathy to her work. Struggling to read as a young elementary student taught her early on what perseverance looks like, and she loves inspiring kids who might be facing their own hurdles. Her staff sees that dedication firsthand. As teacher Abby Tippens put it, "Dr. Kretschmar is a great leader because she challenges us to grow and encourages us to believe we can do hard things. She consistently prioritizes student success in every decision she makes and is a tremendous asset to both our district and community."
Whether watching community volunteers share history at Heritage Day or tearing up as Kindergarten Hawks "earn their wings" at their end-of-year ceremony, Angie pours her heart into HCES.
Her takeaway for every child who passes through the doors of Hill City? "Once a Hawk, Always a Hawk. You are loved, you are important, you are valuable, and you have genius to share." Thank you, Angie, for leading with so much heart!
Angie graduated from PHS back in 1998 (the last class in the old high school building!), and returning to Pickens County as the Assistant Principal at Hill City Elementary was a true full-circle moment. Today, as Principal, she gets up every morning thrilled to work alongside what she calls the absolute best staff, students, and West End community around.
Walk into Hill City on any given morning, and you’ll immediately feel that magic. Between the music pumping at car drop-off, warm greetings, and hallways lined with smiling teachers, the atmosphere sets the tone for the entire day. As a Leader in Me school, HCES teaches students the 7 Habits of Happy Kids. New students are even paired with a Leader in Me Ambassador who commits to being their very first friend.
For Angie, Hill City isn’t just a school, it’s a family. That bond was proven last year when Angie was diagnosed with breast cancer, and the HCES community wrapped her in endless love, prayers, and support to keep the school running smoothly.
She also brings deep personal empathy to her work. Struggling to read as a young elementary student taught her early on what perseverance looks like, and she loves inspiring kids who might be facing their own hurdles. Her staff sees that dedication firsthand. As teacher Abby Tippens put it, "Dr. Kretschmar is a great leader because she challenges us to grow and encourages us to believe we can do hard things. She consistently prioritizes student success in every decision she makes and is a tremendous asset to both our district and community."
Whether watching community volunteers share history at Heritage Day or tearing up as Kindergarten Hawks "earn their wings" at their end-of-year ceremony, Angie pours her heart into HCES.
Her takeaway for every child who passes through the doors of Hill City? "Once a Hawk, Always a Hawk. You are loved, you are important, you are valuable, and you have genius to share." Thank you, Angie, for leading with so much heart!
PUBLIC SAFETY PRESENTATION NOTICE
Pickens County School District will be hosting a public safety presentation at Pickens High School on the afternoon of October 29th.
As part of this event, an increased presence of first responders and public safety personnel may be visible on or near campus.
Please know that this is a planned event, and there is no emergency or threat to our school.
We appreciate our public safety partners and their continued collaboration and commitment to keeping our schools and community safe.
Thank you for your understanding!
Pickens County School District will be hosting a public safety presentation at Pickens High School on the afternoon of October 29th.
As part of this event, an increased presence of first responders and public safety personnel may be visible on or near campus.
Please know that this is a planned event, and there is no emergency or threat to our school.
We appreciate our public safety partners and their continued collaboration and commitment to keeping our schools and community safe.
Thank you for your understanding!
Important Reminder - Please review your child's assigned elementary school placement for the 2027–2028 school year in your Parent Portal via Infinite Campus by October 31st.
At Pickens High School, Bree Jewell is someone others know they can count on.
Bree was selected to represent October’s Portrait of a Graduate competency, Dependable. She shows up, follows through, and consistently goes above and beyond for her classmates, teammates, and school.
Along with serving in leadership roles in Student Government, FCA, and Beta Club, Bree is a multi-sport athlete and editor-in-chief of the Draca yearbook. Her teacher, Kelley Wilson, says Bree can always be counted on to do the right thing, even when no one is looking.
Bree is a wonderful example of what it means to be dependable, and she truly has the heart of a Dragon!
Way to go, Bree! We’re proud of you!
Bree was selected to represent October’s Portrait of a Graduate competency, Dependable. She shows up, follows through, and consistently goes above and beyond for her classmates, teammates, and school.
Along with serving in leadership roles in Student Government, FCA, and Beta Club, Bree is a multi-sport athlete and editor-in-chief of the Draca yearbook. Her teacher, Kelley Wilson, says Bree can always be counted on to do the right thing, even when no one is looking.
Bree is a wonderful example of what it means to be dependable, and she truly has the heart of a Dragon!
Way to go, Bree! We’re proud of you!
We are still celebrating Principal's Month! Next up is a look inside Tate Elementary with Mr. Stephens.
When Tate Elementary Principal Scott Stephens agreed to portray Colonel Sam Tate in the Marble Festival Parade, he didn't realize he'd be saying goodbye to a beard he'd worn for nearly ten years!
TES staff members Whitney Pogue and Hillary Tatum suggested the idea, and after a little convincing, Stephens shaved, put on his glasses, and stepped into character. The resemblance was so convincing that one student now calls him "Mr. Stephens' evil twin!" Stephens admits he's looking forward to growing his beard back once the 100th Birthday celebrations are over.
Stephens spent 12 years in White County and another ten in South Georgia before returning to North Georgia to lead Tate Elementary. Now living in Tate, he enjoys being close to family and part of the community he serves.
If you hang out with Mr. Stephens, you'll quickly discover he doesn't spend much time behind his desk. He prefers visiting classrooms, interacting with students, and seeing what's happening throughout the building.
TES teacher Mallory Childers describes him as a supportive, consistent leader who knows how to balance accountability with humor.
"He knows when to challenge us, when to encourage us, and when we simply need a good laugh (especially with his daily Dad jokes)," she shared.
Stephens is especially proud of his staff and the ways they care for students beyond academics. He shared how teachers purchased a Halloween costume for a student to wear at Tate’s Trunk or Treat using their own money, something he says is pretty typical for Tate teachers and staff.
That same sense of community shows in the school's celebrations. With fewer than 400 students, Tate recently welcomed approximately 600 guests for Grandparents Day and expects that many for Thanksgiving lunch. For Stephens, that kind of turnout speaks volumes about the place Tate Elementary holds in its community.
As Tate celebrates its 100th anniversary, Mr. Stephens is proud to be part of a school where generations of families have made lasting memories. With encouraging test scores, hardworking teachers, and a strong start to the school year, he's excited about where Tate Elementary is headed as it begins its next 100 years.
We had a great week celebrating our Bus Drivers! Thank you so much to all of our Partners who participated in making them feel appreciated. PCSD is lucky to have such an awesome group in Transportation. Our bus drivers are a big part of what makes being a Dragon so special. Thank you again for all that you do!
Hartman Law
ETC
Alan Horne State Farm
Mountain City Auto Parts
Roper Funeral Home
Tutton Group
iThink
Amicalola EMC
Hartman Law
ETC
Alan Horne State Farm
Mountain City Auto Parts
Roper Funeral Home
Tutton Group
iThink
Amicalola EMC
Morning drop-off gives Principal Stephen Hunter a chance to do something he values every day, welcome students to school. He says students arrive genuinely excited, and greeting them brings joy to both students and staff. During Principals Month, we’re sharing a look at how that welcoming spirit carries through Harmony Elementary.
That care begins even before students enter the classroom. This year, Harmony paired new students in grades 1 through 4 with an adult outside their homeroom who checks in with them during their first month. The goal is to help each student feel welcomed and included as they adjust to a new environment.
Jamie Morgan, HES instructional coach, calls Mr. Hunter “the glue to our Harmony Family.” She says he has an open-door policy with staff and gives his full attention when they bring him a concern. She also appreciates his calm demeanor and professionalism when student misconduct arises. Students see his warmth in the smiles, high-fives and hugs he shares, while staff see him pitching in around the school, from lunch duty to carline. Morgan says his strong work ethic makes him “our head eagle.”
Mr. Hunter is quick to praise the staff, too. He says they create a school-family environment by stepping in to help one another, even when a task isn’t assigned to them. Their motto, “Every Eagle, Every Day,” reflects their commitment to supporting students academically, socially and emotionally.
At home, Mr. Hunter and his wife, Kristin, have been married for 13 years. Kristin works in the medical field locally in Jasper, and their sons, Hayes and Hayden, both attend Harmony.
When students leave HES, Mr. Hunter hopes they remember that learning can be fun and challenges help us grow. Above all, he wants them to know they were loved, supported, encouraged to try new things and always believed in. “No matter where life takes them, they will always be part of the Harmony family!”
That care begins even before students enter the classroom. This year, Harmony paired new students in grades 1 through 4 with an adult outside their homeroom who checks in with them during their first month. The goal is to help each student feel welcomed and included as they adjust to a new environment.
Jamie Morgan, HES instructional coach, calls Mr. Hunter “the glue to our Harmony Family.” She says he has an open-door policy with staff and gives his full attention when they bring him a concern. She also appreciates his calm demeanor and professionalism when student misconduct arises. Students see his warmth in the smiles, high-fives and hugs he shares, while staff see him pitching in around the school, from lunch duty to carline. Morgan says his strong work ethic makes him “our head eagle.”
Mr. Hunter is quick to praise the staff, too. He says they create a school-family environment by stepping in to help one another, even when a task isn’t assigned to them. Their motto, “Every Eagle, Every Day,” reflects their commitment to supporting students academically, socially and emotionally.
At home, Mr. Hunter and his wife, Kristin, have been married for 13 years. Kristin works in the medical field locally in Jasper, and their sons, Hayes and Hayden, both attend Harmony.
When students leave HES, Mr. Hunter hopes they remember that learning can be fun and challenges help us grow. Above all, he wants them to know they were loved, supported, encouraged to try new things and always believed in. “No matter where life takes them, they will always be part of the Harmony family!”
Meet Tate McFarland, a second grader at Tate Elementary School and our September Portrait of a Graduate honoree. September's focus was Responsible, and Tate is a great example of what that looks like!
His teacher, Lacey Jones, says Tate comes to class prepared, completes his work, and takes ownership of his responsibilities without needing reminders. He's always ready to learn, willing to help others, and is a wonderful friend to his classmates.
Through our Portrait of a Graduate initiative, we're helping students build qualities that will serve them well in school and beyond. Tate is already showing what it means to be responsible!
Way to go, Tate! We're proud of you!
His teacher, Lacey Jones, says Tate comes to class prepared, completes his work, and takes ownership of his responsibilities without needing reminders. He's always ready to learn, willing to help others, and is a wonderful friend to his classmates.
Through our Portrait of a Graduate initiative, we're helping students build qualities that will serve them well in school and beyond. Tate is already showing what it means to be responsible!
Way to go, Tate! We're proud of you!
It's Bus Driver Appreciation Week! All week long, we will be celebrating the folks who transport our Dragons to and from school. We have a full week of appreciation planned and can't wait to share pictures of the celebrations on Friday! In the meantime, please be sure to give your student's bus driver a wave and a big THANK YOU for all that they do!