AHS Students Collect Food For Local Families In Need

A few of many boxes of canned goods
collected by AHS students.

The Aynor High School Beta Club, Key Club, and FFA came together this Thanksgiving season to sponsor a canned food drive for families in our community. Each 1st block class competed to see who could bring in the most canned goods. When it was all said and done, over one thousand three hundred

AHS students sort through boxes of canned 
goods donated for needy families. 

canned goods were collected (1,323 to be exact). These products will be distributed to needy families in our school and Aynor Community. The winning class gets a free pizza party sponsored by the FFA. Way to go, Blue Jackets! 

Congratulations AHS Orchestra Students

(L to R) Sophie Chestnut, Bradley Britt,
Joey Skipper, Joey O'Neill

Four of Aynor High School's Orchestra students made All-County Orchestra this year. Congratulations to Joey Skipper, Sophie Chestnut, Bradley Britt, and Joey O'Neill. Making this cut is the initial step for students to potentially earn scholarships to summer music camp. In February, students will have the opportunity to interview for these scholarships. This is a very competitive event for students, and their success in All-County proves they are top-notch orchestra students. GO BIG BLUE!

Congratulations Blue Jacket Band and FFA!

Congratulations to our Blue Jacket Marching Band members for qualifying for State Championships in Columbia! The Marching Band placed 5th in the Lower State Competition this past weekend and will now vie for State Recognition for the 2nd year in a row. The Marching Band is directed by Mr. Mark Mendez, AHS Band Teacher. 

L to R: Zach Vorp, Buck Larrimore, Dylan Andrew, Blake Collins

Congratulations to our Blue Jacket FFA (Future Farmers of America) members who qualified for nationals in land judging! Dylan Andrew, Blake Collins, Buck Larrimore, and Zach Vorp will all travel to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in May 2016 to represent AHS in the national land judging competition. The FFA is sponsored by Mr. James Roberts, AHS Ag Teacher.

Go Big Blue! 

Make Up Days Announced

Monday, October 12 and Monday, January 4 will be used as make up days for the last two days of school that we have missed due to flooding (Monday, October 5 and Tuesday, October 6). These days were previously scheduled as Teacher Work Days, but will now be utilized as regular school days for faculty, staff, and students. 

Updates/Information/Schedule

1. School will start on a 2-hour delay for Wednesday, 10/7/15. All faculty/staff report at normal times. 
2. Our bell schedule will be as follows due to the delay: 
• 10:18 – 10:25: Warning bell and students move to 2nd block
• There will be no 1st block. 
• 10:25 – 11:40: 2nd block
• ***The remainder of the day will be a “normal” bell schedule***
3. Our football game versus Marion will be held Friday night, 10/9/15 as scheduled. 
4. Our homecoming activities will be adjusted as follows:
• Class floats will be paraded prior to the football game versus Marion, Friday night, 10/9/15 as scheduled. Since most of the floats have the “Swampfox" theme it is hard to move them to next week’s game.
• Homecoming week dress days will be moved to next week (October 12 – 16).
• Pep rally moved to Friday, 10/16/15.
• Homecoming court/Mr. Legs activities will be moved to Friday, 10/16/15 during the pep rally. 
• Homecoming court presented and Homecoming queen announced during halftime football game Friday, 10/16/15.
5. Senior Night will be held prior to the football game Friday, 10/16/15 at 7:00 p.m. 
6. Military Appreciation night, originally scheduled for Friday, 10/16/15, will be postponed until further notice. 

AHS Football Game Versus Latta Moved to Thursday Night

Blue Jacket Family: Due to the likelihood of rainy weather our Varsity Football game for this Friday night versus Latta has been moved to Thursday night, September 10 beginning at 7:30 p.m. We hope you will come out tomorrow night and support the Blue Jackets as we take on the Latta Vikings. Be sure to visit our athletic webpage for continued Blue Jacket Sports' information: http://aynorbluejackets.net/

FROM THE PRINCIPAL: Welcome Back to School/Open House (2015)

Blue Jacket Family: My name is Michael O. McCracken, and I am the principal at Aynor High. It is almost time to begin school again. I would like to welcome you to a new school year and invite you to our OPEN HOUSE on Monday, August 17 from 4 to 7:00 p.m. Students and parents may pick up class schedules at this time (not before). The schedules will be distributed in the Commons Area/cafeteria. Freshman Orientation will be the same night from 6 to 7:00 p.m. in the AHS Auditorium. To stay in the loop of events at AHS, please like our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/AynorHigh), follow us on Twitter (@AynorHighSchool), or visit our webpage (ah.horrycountyschools.net) or school blog (http://thebloggingbluejacket.blogspot.com). GO BIG BLUE!

Online Registration Assistance Day (VIDEO)

Aynor High School will be holding an “Online Registration Assistance Day” Monday, July 27 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is ONLY for parents who need assistance with the online registration process or who need access to a computer. To complete your child's online registration you may begin by visiting HCS website (www.horrycountyschools.net) and logging into your Parent Portal account. If you access the Parent Portal for online registration you SHOULD NOT need a "snap code." If you have questions, please contact our guidance department and Ms. Erin Gavin at 843-488-7130. Watch our Online Registration Video by clicking HERE. 

Bell Schedule for Last Two Days of School (2015)

There will be a 2 1/2 hour early dismissal for Wednesday, June 3 and Thursday, June 4. See the bell schedule below:

Wednesday, June 3, 2015 (3rd & 4th Block Underclassmen Exams)
7:45                    1st bell
8:18                    warning bell, students report to 3rd block
8:25 – 10:30       3rd block exam
8:25 – 9:25         3A
9:25 – 9:30         change class
9:30 – 10:30       3B
10:30 – 10:35     change class
10:35 – 12:35     4th block exam
12:35 – 12:55      lunch

Thursday, June 4, 2015 (1st & 2nd Block Underclassmen Exams)
7:45                     1st bell
8:18                     warning bell, students report to 1st block
8:25 – 10:25        1st block exam
10:25 – 10:30      change class
10:30 – 12:30      2nd block exam
12:30 – 12:55      lunch

Senior Exams (Class of 2015)

Senior Exam Schedule:

Friday, May 29: 3^rd and 4^th block senior exams/normal bell schedule

Monday, June 1: 1^st and 2^nd block senior exams/normal bell schedule

Softball Advances to State Championship Round

photo courtesy of Dean Johnson

Friday, May 15, 2015: The Lady Blue Jacket Softball team has defeated Johnsonville with a score of 3-2 to advance to the State Championship round. The Lady Jackets will travel to Andrew Jackson Monday, May 18 to play the first of a best of three series. The Jackets will be back on home turf mid-week with a deciding third game, if necessary, to be played at a neutral site. Make sure to come out and support the Blue Jackets. Good luck, and GO BIG BLUE!

Class of 2015 Important Information (links)

See the links below for important senior information concerning Senior Awards Night, Graduation, and more. This information was shared today (Wednesday, May 6, 2015) in a meeting with the senior class. Click HERE for important dates. Click HERE for more information concerning the Class of 2015. 

UPDATED: Senior Class Meeting (Class of 2015)

Parents and Students of the Class of 2015: There will be a senior class meeting at Aynor High School on Wednesday, May 6 at 2:00 p.m. in the auditorium. This meeting is very important, and attendance is mandatory.  THIS IS FOR STUDENTS ONLY. PARENTS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO ATTEND. Information regarding Senior Awards Night and Graduation will be discussed. PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!

Scholarship Opportunity (Deadline: May 8, 2015)

Midland Elementary has established a scholarship in memory of former teacher, JoAnn Singleton. The Midland faculty have helped establish this scholarship, available only to AHS Seniors, in the amount of $1,000.00 per year for up to 4 years. The deadline to complete the application is May 8, 2015. Any interested senior should stop by the guidance office to complete the application. Help us spread the word regarding this and all scholarship opportunities. For additional information, contact the AHS Guidance Department at 843-488-7122. 

Scholarship Opportunity (Deadline: April 20)

The McDonald’s Scholarship Program will honor students who demonstrate the characteristics exemplified by McDonald’s founder, Ray Kroc—persistence, determination, hard work and a dedication to excellence. The award honors the unsung heroes of the class—not necessarily those identified as recipients of prestigious sports or scholarship awards, but those students who have earned the respect of his/her peers and teachers alike.  Applications are available for interested senior students that have been accepted at a 2 or 4-year college. Your local McDonald’s Owner/Operators are happy to be offering one student at each participating high school a $1,000 scholarship.  Applications can be picked up in the guidance department.  Students must return the completed applications to the guidance department by April 20.

Summer Scholar's Program Application Now Available

Horry County Schools’ Summer Scholars Program is a special experience that provides academic enrichment opportunities to students in grades 3-11. Summer Scholars recognizes the importance of allowing gifted and high achieving young people the opportunity for critical thinking and learning through creative exploration.

On-Line registration begins March 27, 2015 and ends May 8, 2015 or you may see guidance for a paper application.
http://apps.horrycountyschools.net/SummerScholars/

Contact AHS Guidance Secretary, Sandy DePoalo, for paper applications. Ms. DePoalo may be reached at 843-488-7122. 

ACT Test-taking Strategies for Juniors

In lieu of upcoming state testing for all 11th graders, AHS has posted helpful test taking strategies for students via short videos. Students and parents can access these videos via our school website or by clicking HERE. All Juniors will take the ACT and WorkKeys assessments April 28-29, 2015. 

AHS Wrestling State Champions

Congratulations to our Blue Jacket Wrestlers, T.J. Fox and Landon Lawson, for bringing home State Championships! Check out the complete article on the State Champs and all of our wrestlers who qualified for the State Championship Round by visiting our Sport's Webpage (aynorbluejackets.net) or by clicking State Champs.

HGTC Meeting RE: Dual Enrollment

Horry Georgetown Technical College will hold a meeting at Aynor High School in the Community Room Tuesday, March 17 from 6:00-7:00 p.m.  Information will be presented about dual enrollment, also known as the PACE program.  This meeting is being held for all juniors and their parents.  This is a great opportunity to learn about the program and ask any questions you may have. Contact your child's guidance counselor for more information. 

Changes to State Testing for Spring 2015

Spring 2015 will mark the beginning of changes to state testing in South Carolina for high school students. All juniors (11th graders) will take two assessments this spring based on legislation passed by the SC General Assembly in 2014. The assessments to be given are the ACT, a college and career readiness assessment, and the WorkKeys, which measures essential workforce skills. Click HERE for information on the ACT; click HERE for information on the WorkKeys. 

Aynor High Juniors will have a class meeting on March 25 during Blue Jacket Time to review ACT test taking tips, get an overview of the ACT, to set up an online account for practice ACT tests, and to to receive practice test booklets. The assessments will be given at AHS on April 28-29, 2015. 

Scholarship Opportunity

The Joye Law Firm is proud to present the 2015 Joye Law Firm Scholarship to all seniors in South Carolina that will be attending a 4-year university. For the last 9 years, Joye Law Firm has given over $100,000 to students in South Carolina and will be choosing six (6) recipients this year. Each recipient will receive $2,000 towards their education. 

You can find out more about the scholarship and how to apply by clicking HERE.