Allendale County Schools

On day two of our Instructional Leadership Academy, we welcomed the Center of Excellence for Education Preparation and Innovation to collaborate with our leadership team. Together, we developed goals and plans for the 2026–2027 school year focused on improving student attendance, behavior, and achievement. We also explored the vital role instructional coaches play in supporting administrators, teachers, and students to create a cohesive and successful learning environment. Through meaningful discussions and fresh perspectives, the consultants helped us refine strategies that are tailored to the unique needs and priorities of our district.

Allendale County Schools is seeking a knowledgeable and passionate librarian to serve at our Middle High School. The ideal candidate will inspire a love of reading, support student learning, and help cultivate a welcoming environment for discovery. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the academic success of our scholars while fostering lifelong learning skills. If you are ready to help shape the next generation of readers and leaders, we encourage you to apply today! Link to application: https://www.applitrack.com/acs/onlineapp/_application.aspx?posJobCodes=295&posFirstChoice=High%20School&posSpecialty=

Summer is an opportunity for growth, reflection, and preparation for the year ahead. Our administrators and instructional coaches recently participated in an Instructional Leadership Academy designed to enhance leadership effectiveness and strengthen instructional practices across the district. Starting this work now allows us to build a strong foundation and ensure consistency throughout our schools when students return. During this professional development, we explored lesson planning, pacing guides, educational technology, and other key components that support student success.

During the event Superintendent Dr. Vallerie Cave recognized several individuals for their outstanding work and dedication. Fnu Diwakar, a teacher at Allendale-Fairfax High School, was named our District Teacher of the Year. Dr. Cave also gave out a series of awards for our MVPs in the district, the people who are always kind, reliable, and diligent. She also acknowledged our Rookie Teacher of the Year, Humphrey Arkad, and our District Support Staff Person of the Year, Latonia Penn.

AFES Teacher of the Year: Sanjeev Kandula
AFMS Teacher of the Year: Arlene Sease
AFHS/District Teacher of the Year: Fnu Diwakar
AFES Support Person of the Year: Wanda Calhoun
AFMS Support Person of the Year: Hiram Davis
AFHS Support Person: Patty Dopson
Tiger Education Excellence Award: Sancia Mattis-White

Our second annual End of the Year Gala was a hit! The evening gave our staff an opportunity to dress up, unwind, and enjoy a well-deserved night of fellowship and celebration. Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner, a beautiful cake, charcuterie board, peach cobbler, dancing, and a 360 photo booth. It was the perfect way to reflect on a successful school year and celebrate the dedication and hard work of our incredible team.

A new school year means new opportunities for success, growth, and achievement! Make sure your scholar is ready by completing registration for the upcoming school year. Early registration helps our schools prepare to best support every student. We are excited for another incredible year ahead!

New Student Registration 26-27: https://registration.powerschool.com/family/gosnap.aspx?action=47164&culture=en

Returning Student Registration 26-27: https://registration.powerschool.com/family/gosnap.aspx?action=47165&culture=en

As our graduates march confidently toward their futures, we hope they will carry with them the lessons and values instilled in them throughout their time in our district. May they continue to lead with integrity, pursue excellence, and approach every opportunity with determination. The foundation they have built here will guide them as they take on new challenges and chase their dreams. No matter where life leads them, they will always be a part of our Tiger family.

Our JROTC students opened the ceremony with the presentation of the colors, marking a meaningful beginning to this special celebration. Throughout the ceremony, the AFMHS Chorus kept the audience engaged with several beautiful musical selections. Their performances added to the joy of the occasion and helped make the evening even more memorable for our graduates and their families. We are grateful to all of the students and staff that participated in this momentous occasion, and thank all of the family and friends who attended to support our scholars.

Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2026! We commend you on your hard work, perseverance, and the many accomplishments that have brought you to this incredible milestone. We are proud of all you have achieved and look forward to watching you continue to grow, lead, and succeed in this next chapter of your lives. Though your time as students have come to an end, your place as Allendale-Fairfax alumni will last forever, because once a Tiger, always a Tiger!

If you cannot attend our Commencement ceremony in person please watch us live on Facebook here: https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fm.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DQqgTixTJnm8%26pp%3DiggCQAE%253D%26ra%3Dm&data=05%7C02%7Cmatthew.dennison%40acs.k12.sc.us%7C8a7ad5093a8341190b7608debdcb35f0%7C969d924d5ed64e2aad4a247e23ebd322%7C0%7C0%7C639156877642022913%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=3odKM5tlKfAua%2BW1xpXroITti%2FEm2y1B5IxtEs6EwZs%3D&reserved=0 We will begin promptly at 7:00 PM

We are thrilled to announce that Allendale County Schools is featured in the May issue of the Business Review Magazine. We are named Best in Education for the state of South Carolina for our progressive, student centered approach. The spread features our partners M.B. Kahn and Fullmind, and details all of the offerings and initiatives in our district. Find us on pages 367-376 in their virtual magazine by clicking the link here: https://businessviewmagazine.com/civil-municipal/may-2026/367/

Last call to register your students for Summer School starting June 3rd. Our program will run Monday through Thursday 7:30 AM til 2:30 PM until June 30th. We have a wide range of options for all ages so there is something for everyone! Fill out your application today using the QR code or link provided: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/Q8Q56MRCTC?origin=lprLink

We have made the decision to move our 2026 Commencement Ceremony tonight at 7 PM to the AFMHS Gymnasium. All guests will be required to enter through the front doors and be scanned by metal detectors and wands. There will be no bags allowed and balloons, noisemakers, and poppers are not permitted. However, flowers are allowed. Doors will open at 5:30 PM and close at 6:50 PM. If you arrive after 6:50 PM or after the gym reaches full capacity, you will be seated in the overflow inside the AFMHS Cafeteria to view the ceremony. Our livestream will be on our Facebook channel for those who are unable to attend in person. Please note no reentry will be allowed. After the conclusion of the ceremony, all guests must exit immediately as no loitering will be tolerated. Thank you for your continued cooperation and patience. We remain committed to maintaining a safe and secure event, so that our scholars can be properly honored and celebrated.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this celebration so special for our 5th grade scholars. We are grateful to the teachers and parents who have poured into our students throughout their elementary school journey, as well as the principals and administrators who guided them while prioritizing their academic growth. We appreciate our speakers for inspiring our students with powerful words of encouragement and purpose. To everyone who contributed to planning or came to support, please know that your presence and involvement helped make this evening even more meaningful and memorable.

We enjoyed several performances throughout the evening showcasing the talents and gifts of our scholars. Our Steel Drum Band delivered a riveting performance and the entire class presented a special musical selection. Students also shared speeches reflecting on their elementary school journey and the memories they have made along the way. Lastly, a group of students performed a rhetorical dance symbolizing the close of one chapter and the exciting beginning of the next.

Scholars received awards for their efforts during the fourth quarter and throughout the school year. They were recognized for their character, attendance, grades, and athleticism. Their hard work, growth, and determination have earned them these honors. We are so proud of each of these students for embodying excellence and hope they will continue to strive for their goals as they transition to 6th grade.

Last night, we proudly celebrated the promotional exercises for our 5th Grade class at Allendale-Fairfax Elementary School. These students have worked diligently throughout the school year and are now preparing to take the exciting next step into middle school. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished and know they are ready for the opportunities ahead. Congratulations to our rising middle school students as they begin this new chapter of their academic journey.

It’s almost time to celebrate the journey and achievements of our graduating seniors! Join us tomorrow night at 7:00 PM at the Tiger Stadium for our Commencement Ceremony for our graduating seniors! This day represents years of dedication and perseverance. We invite our community to join us in honoring this special occasion and supporting our scholars!

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed for our Kindergarten Graduation. Your support made the event memorable and meaningful for our students and their families. From the colorful decor to the adorable performances, each detail reflected the magnitude of this milestone. We want to congratulate all of the new first graders and we appreciate all the families who came to help them celebrate this achievement!