Welcome to the complete back-to-school guide for Ambler Elementary School in Pickens, South Carolina. Whether you’re preparing for your child’s very first day of kindergarten or getting ready to send a fifth grader back for another exciting year, this guide brings together the information families need in one convenient place.
We’ll continue updating this page throughout the summer as Ambler Elementary and the School District of Pickens County release additional information.
Quick Information
School Address
838 Ambler School Road
Pickens, SC 29671
Phone
(864) 397-1200
Grades
Kindergarten–5th Grade
Start Time: 8:00 a.m. (Doors usually open for early drop-off at 7:15 a.m.)
Dismissal Time: 2:30 p.m.
School Website
https://aes.pickens.k12.sc.us/
2026–2027 Important Dates
Thursday, July 30
Meet the Teacher
Time: 3:00–5:30 p.m.
Meet the Teacher is a great opportunity for students and parents to:
- Meet classroom teachers
- Visit classrooms
- Drop off school supplies
- Learn classroom expectations
- Ask questions
- Become familiar with the school before the first day
Tuesday, August 4
First Day of School
Students in 1st through 5th Grade report for the first day of the 2026–2027 school year.
August 4–6
Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA)
Incoming kindergarten students will attend an individual assessment appointment before beginning classes.
Families will receive appointment information directly from Ambler Elementary.
Friday, August 7
First Day of Kindergarten
Kindergarten students begin school following completion of their Kindergarten Readiness Assessment.
School Hours
Bus Arrival
School buses typically arrive between 7:10 and 7:15 a.m. and unload students at the front entrance. Afternoon bus dismissal occurs from the same location.
Student School Day
Start Time: 8:00 a.m. (Doors usually open for early drop-off at 7:15 a.m.)
Dismissal Time: 2:30 p.m.
Student Registration
Returning Students
Returning students should complete the School District of Pickens County’s Annual Information Update before school begins.
Completing this information early helps ensure that emergency contacts, transportation information, and student records are up to date before the first day of school.
New Students
Families new to Ambler Elementary should register as early as possible to allow sufficient time for classroom placement before Meet the Teacher.
School Supplies
Each grade level has its own supply list.
Transportation
Families should verify transportation plans before the first day of school.
Arrival & Dismissal Procedures
Getting students to and from school safely is one of Ambler Elementary’s top priorities. Please review the following procedures before the first day of school.
🚌 Bus Riders
Morning Arrival
- Buses arrive between 7:10 and 7:15 a.m.
- Students are dropped off at the school’s front entrance.
- Students should proceed directly into the building upon arrival.
Afternoon Dismissal
- Bus riders are dismissed beginning at 2:30 p.m.
- Students should walk quickly and quietly to their assigned bus.
- Afternoon bus loading takes place at the same front entrance used for morning drop-off.
Questions about bus routes?
Contact the School District of Pickens County Transportation Office at (864) 397-1100, Ext. 1173.
🚗 Car Riders
Morning Drop-Off
- Car riders should be dropped off at the front entrance.
- Do not drop students off before 7:15 a.m. The school building remains locked until that time, and staff are not available to supervise students before then.
Afternoon Pick-Up
Afternoon car riders remain in their classrooms until the buses have departed.
As vehicles enter campus, the principal, assistant principal, or another staff member will call students to the designated loading stations. Station numbers are clearly marked on the walkway columns.
When your vehicle reaches the loading area, a staff member will assist students by opening and closing the vehicle door to help ensure a safe and efficient dismissal.
Traffic Flow
To help keep dismissal moving smoothly, Ambler Elementary uses a three-lane traffic pattern at campus entry.
- Three lanes are available as vehicles enter the school.
- Two lanes loop near the tree line before merging into a single loading lane.
- This system allows multiple vehicles to be loaded at the same time, helping reduce wait times for families.
Please follow staff directions, remain in the designated traffic pattern, and drive cautiously while on campus to help keep all students safe.
Breakfast & Lunch
One less thing parents have to worry about this school year—all Ambler Elementary students receive one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day through the School District of Pickens County’s Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). No application is required.
What’s Included?
A complete school meal includes:
Breakfast
Students must choose 3 of the 4 meal components, and one of those items must be a fruit or vegetable.
Breakfast components include:
- Grain/Bread
- Meat or Meat Alternate
- Fruit
- Milk
Lunch
Students must choose 3 of the 5 meal components, and one selection must be a fruit or vegetable.
Lunch components include:
- Meat or Meat Alternate
- Grain/Bread
- Vegetable
- Fruit
- Milk
Selecting fewer than the required meal components results in the items being charged individually rather than counted as a complete meal.
Second Meals & Extras
Each student receives:
- ✅ One free breakfast
- ✅ One free lunch
Students who would like:
- A second breakfast
- A second lunch
- À la carte snacks
- Bottled water or other specialty items
must have money available in their cafeteria account.
Manage Your Child’s Meal Account
Even though meals are free, creating a MySchoolBucks account is recommended. Parents can:
- View cafeteria purchases
- Check account balances
- Add money for second meals or snacks
- Set spending limits
- Enable automatic payments
- View transaction history
Visit: https://www.myschoolbucks.com
Monthly Menus
The School District of Pickens County publishes updated breakfast and lunch menus each month.
Parents can view the latest menus on the Student Nutrition Services website:
Food Allergies & Dietary Needs
If your child has food allergies or requires dietary accommodations, contact Student Nutrition Services and the school nurse before the first day of school so appropriate meal accommodations can be arranged.
Need Help?
Student Nutrition Services
110 West Jones Avenue
Pickens, SC 29671
Phone:
- (864) 397-1166
- (864) 397-1167
Parent Communication
Ambler Elementary communicates with families throughout the school year regarding:
- School announcements
- Weather delays
- Classroom information
- PTO events
- Field trips
- Testing dates
- School reminders
Parents should make sure their phone number and email address are up to date before school begins.
School Calendar
Download The Official 2026-2027 School Calendar
Helpful Resources
We’ll continue adding helpful resources throughout the summer, including:
- Student Handbook
- Attendance Information
- Transportation Information
- PTO Information
- Volunteer Opportunities
- School History
- School Newsletters
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Meet the Teacher?
Thursday, July 30 from 3:00–5:30 p.m.
When does school start?
- Grades 1–5: Tuesday, August 4
- Kindergarten: Friday, August 7
Why does kindergarten start later?
During the first three days of school, kindergarten teachers conduct individual Kindergarten Readiness Assessments (KRA) with each incoming student before their first full day of class.
When should new students register?
As early as possible to ensure classroom placement before Meet the Teacher.
Official Resources
- Ambler Elementary Home Page
- School District of Pickens County
- Student Registration
- District Calendar
- Bus office number is 397-1100 extension 1173
- Food Services
We’ll Keep This Guide Updated
This guide is designed to be your one-stop resource for everything related to the start of the school year at Ambler Elementary. As additional information becomes available throughout the summer—including supply lists, transportation details, cafeteria menus, school hours, and more—we’ll update this page so families always have the latest information in one place.
