North Augusta Elementary School is thrilled to announce our Teacher of the Year, First Year Teacher of the Year, and Giving Even More (GEM) Staff Member of the Year for the 2026–2027 school year! These three outstanding individuals go above and beyond each day to make our school an inspiring, welcoming, and joyful place for students and staff alike.
🎨 Teacher of the Year: Mrs. Kristina Todd
Art Teacher – North Augusta Elementary School
North Augusta Elementary is proud to recognize Mrs. Kristina Todd as our 2026–2027 Teacher of the Year!
Mrs. Todd brings color, creativity, and kindness to everything she does. As our art teacher, she inspires students from kindergarten through fifth grade to express themselves, take creative risks, and see the world through an artistic lens. Her classroom is a place where every student feels valued, and where art truly is for everyone.
Mrs. Todd’s dedication extends far beyond the art room. She thoughtfully plans and prepares unique art experiences for six different grade levels every day, often staying late to ensure every detail is ready for her students. Her lessons integrate creativity with core academic skills, helping students make meaningful connections between art, history, and culture.
She is also known for her teamwork and leadership across the school. Whether she’s helping design bulletin boards, leading hallway decoration projects, or contributing her artistic eye to special events, Mrs. Todd brings joy and beauty to every corner of our building.
Her passion for teaching, unwavering positivity, and genuine care for students make her truly deserving of this honor. Congratulations, Mrs. Todd — your creativity and dedication brighten our halls and our hearts! 💛💙🎨
🍎 First Year Teacher of the Year: Ms. Alee “Ms. Alee” Ashe
4K Teacher – North Augusta Elementary School
We are excited to celebrate Ms. Alee Ashe, affectionately known by her students as “Ms. Alee,” as our 2026–2027 First Year Teacher of the Year!
Although this is her first year in the classroom, Ms. Ashe has quickly proven herself to be a natural educator with an extraordinary gift for connecting with young learners. Teaching four-year-olds requires patience, love, and creativity — and Ms. Ashe embodies all three.
Her 4K classroom is a joyful and nurturing space where children feel safe to explore, play, and learn. She skillfully balances structure and imagination, guiding her students through foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional growth — all while making learning fun and engaging.
Colleagues describe Ms. Ashe as a “ray of sunshine” who brings energy and enthusiasm to every school day. She approaches each challenge with a smile and a “can-do” attitude, working closely with her team to support both students and families.
Ms. Ashe’s dedication, warmth, and passion for teaching make her an outstanding example of what it means to be a Dolphin Leader. We are so proud of her accomplishments and can’t wait to see all she will achieve in the years to come! 🐬✨
💎 GEM (Giving Even More) Staff Member of the Year: Mrs. Karen Ulmer
Attendance Clerk – North Augusta Elementary School
Our GEM Staff Member of the Year, Mrs. Karen Ulmer, truly lives up to the award’s name — she gives even more every single day!
While her official title is School Attendance Clerk, her impact reaches far beyond attendance records. Mrs. Ulmer is an essential part of the front office — and one of the first friendly face that greets students, staff, and families each morning. Her warmth and compassion help create the welcoming environment that defines North Augusta Elementary.
Known for her dependability and generous spirit, Mrs. Ulmer never hesitates to step in wherever she’s needed. Whether she’s assisting with school events, coordinating logistics, decorating for special celebrations, or helping students and families navigate daily needs, Mrs. Ulmer does it all with grace and excellence.
She is also a master organizer and a creative force behind the scenes, ensuring that every event — from awards programs to parent nights — runs smoothly and looks beautiful. Her teammates describe her as the “glue that holds everything together,” and her cheerful attitude lifts everyone around her.
Mrs. Ulmer’s dedication, kindness, and heart for service make her an irreplaceable part of the Dolphin family. 💛🐬💙
💛💙 Celebrating Our Dolphin Leaders!
These three remarkable women — Mrs. Todd, Ms. Ashe, and Mrs. Ulmer — embody the spirit of North Augusta Elementary. Their commitment to excellence, compassion for others, and leadership make a lasting difference in the lives of our students and community.
Please join us in congratulating our 2026–2027 School Honorees for their outstanding contributions to North Augusta Elementary School. We are proud to call them part of our Dolphin family! 🐬🌟