Saturday, November 8, 2025 • 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
North Augusta Elementary is excited to host Serve Day, and we need YOU to help us make our campus shine! ✨
We’ll be sprucing up several areas around the school, including:
🎨 Painting the media center columns
🖌️ Touching up pod border paint
🧥 Adding a fresh look to the Lost & Found hangers
🔧 …and tackling a few other beautification projects around our campus!
This is a wonderful chance for families, students, staff, and community members to roll up their sleeves, pitch in, and take pride in our school. It's always a fun, positive morning of teamwork, laughter, and Dolphin spirit! 💪🐬
If you’re able, please bring:
🧤 Gloves (to keep those hands paint-free!)
🎨 Paint brushes or rollers (optional but greatly appreciated!)
Every helping hand makes a difference — whether you stay for an hour or the whole morning. We would love to have you join us as we make NAUES look even more amazing! 💛💙
Thank you for supporting our school and our students! 🙌🐬
We’re so excited to kick off our World’s Finest Chocolate Fundraiser at North Augusta Elementary School! This sweet event helps fund student activities, classroom resources, and school improvements — and our Dolphins are already doing an amazing job! 💛💙
🎥 Watch the Prize Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZAxsO9yT48
Find out all the fun rewards students can earn for their hard work and dedication! 🎁🙌
📅 Important Dates:
Start Date: November 3, 2025
Last Day to Check Out Boxes: November 19, 2025
Money Due: November 24, 2025
💛 Parent Reminder:
All chocolate boxes must be picked up in person by a parent or guardian in the front office. Boxes cannot be sent home with students.
Thank you to all our amazing parents, students, and families for supporting our school! Your participation makes a difference and helps our Dolphins continue to learn, grow, and shine every day! 🐬✨
#NAUESDolphins #WorldsFinestChocolate #SweetSupport #DolphinPride
Our amazing third graders at North Augusta Elementary are still presenting their Biome Projects, and we are beyond impressed by their creativity and knowledge! Students have been studying how plants and animals adapt to survive in environments like the rainforest, desert, tundra, grasslands, and ocean — and their projects show incredible effort and imagination. 🌵🦜🐻❄️🌊
From colorful 3D models to detailed research displays, our Dolphin Leaders demonstrated how scientists and explorers think critically about ecosystems and life on Earth. 🌍💛💙
👏 Way to go, 3rd Grade Dolphins — you’ve made learning about biomes come alive!
📘 South Carolina Science Standards Highlighted:
3.L.5A & 3.L.5B – Organisms and Their Environments
• Demonstrate how organisms interact with their environments
• Explain how plants and animals adapt to different habitats
• Analyze how environmental changes affect living things
#NAUESDolphins #ScienceInAction #DolphinPride #3rdGradeScientists
🌟 North Augusta Elementary Celebrates Our 2026–2027 School Honorees! 🌟
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
Teacher of the Year
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
First Year Teacher of the Year
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 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! 🐬🌟
Day 2 of our 3rd grade biome presentations did not disappoint! 🤩
Our students continue to impress us with stunning models, thoughtful explanations, and confident speaking skills as they showcase biomes like the rainforest, desert, tundra, grasslands, and oceans.
From creative plant adaptations to incredible animal survival strategies, these Dolphins are demonstrating strong science knowledge and big creativity! 🌵🦜❄️🌊
We are so proud of our third graders for their hard work and excitement for learning — keep shining, leaders! 💛💙🐬
#NAUESDolphins #ThirdGradeScholars #ScienceShines #Biomes
#HandsOnLearning #SCStandards #GrowingLeaders #DolphinPride
PURPLE UP FOR MILITARY FAMILIES | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14
ACPSD encourages all students, staff, and families to wear PURPLE on Friday, November 14 as we celebrate the Month of the Military Family!
This special day is our way of showing appreciation and support for the incredible military families who sacrifice and serve alongside their loved ones.
THANK YOU to our military families for your dedication, resilience, and service to our nation.
Join us in honoring our heroes—both at home and abroad—by wearing purple with pride!
Throughout November, schools across the district are recognizing Veterans Day and the Month of the Military Family with special celebrations and activities to honor the veterans and active-duty heroes in our community and across the country.
Let’s turn our schools PURPLE Friday, November 14!
As part of our celebration, we would love to recognize the veterans connected to our NAUES families. If you have a family member who has served, please share the following to be included in our Veterans Day display and slideshow:
Veteran's Name
Branch of Service
Dates of Service
Photo (optional — if you prefer not to send a photo, we will gladly include the information alone)
📨 Please submit your information as soon as possible so we may prepare our tribute in time for the ceremony.
Thank you for helping us honor and celebrate the courageous individuals who have served and protected our nation. We are grateful for their service and for the opportunity to recognize them alongside our students. 🇺🇸✨
Our amazing third graders in Mrs. Odenweller’s class have been learning all about plants and animals in different biomes — and WOW, they have blown us away! 🤩
To show their learning, students created creative projects representing biomes like the rainforest, desert, tundra, grasslands, and oceans. They explained how animals survive, how plants adapt, and what makes each biome unique. 🌵🦜🐻❄️🌊
These pictures are from Day 1 of presentations, and their hard work, creativity, and confidence truly shined! 🎤📚✨
Mrs. Odenweller is SO proud of her students — and we are too! Dolphin Leaders working hard and showing what they know! 💛💙🐬
📘 South Carolina 3rd Grade Science Standards Highlighted
3.L.5A & 3.L.5B – Organisms & Their Environments
Demonstrate how organisms interact with their environments to survive
Explain how plants and animals adapt to different habitats
Analyze how environmental changes affect plants and animals
These third graders are mastering science and growing as confident learners! 🌟
Hashtags
#NAUESDolphins #ThirdGradeScholars #ScienceShines
#Biomes #StudentSuccess #HandsOnLearning #SCStandards #LeadersInMe
November 3–7, 2025
This week, we proudly celebrate Mrs. Catherine Okon, our exceptional School Psychologist at North Augusta Elementary School! 🐬
School psychologists play a vital role in ensuring every student has the tools and support needed to succeed. Mrs. Okon works closely with teachers, families, and staff to evaluate students’ learning and behavioral needs, helping to develop individualized plans that promote success both in and out of the classroom.
Her expertise and dedication ensure that our Dolphins receive the right supports, at the right time, in the right way — so each student can reach their full potential. 💛
We are truly grateful for Mrs. Okon’s compassion, professionalism, and commitment to our students and school community. Thank you for all that you do to make a difference! 💙
#NationalSchoolPsychologyWeek #ThankYouMrsOkon #NAUESDolphins #EveryStudentMatters #DolphinPride 🐬💛💙
North Augusta Elementary School is launching our World’s Finest Chocolate Fundraiser to support student activities and school needs! Let’s work together to make this our most successful fundraiser yet! 💛💙🐬
📅 Important Dates:
✅ Start Date: November 3, 2025
✅ Last Day to Check Out Boxes: November 19, 2025
✅ Money Due: November 24, 2025 (to qualify for prizes!)
🚫 No door-to-door selling. Please ask family & friends for support!
🍫 How It Works
1️⃣ Turn in your permission slip (going home Nov. 3rd)
2️⃣ Get your first box of chocolate
3️⃣ Sell your bars & return $60 per box
4️⃣ Earn prizes & check out another box to keep selling!
🎁 Exciting Prizes Available!
Sell more, earn more! See the flyer sent home for all the prize details—your hard work will be rewarded! ⭐🏆
🍫 What’s Inside Each Box?
Each box contains 30 delicious bars, sold for $2 each:
• 6 Milk Chocolate w/ Almonds
• 6 W.F. Crisp®
• 6 Caramel
• 6 Wafer
• 4 Milk Chocolate
• 2 Dark Chocolate
Note: 🍫 Chocolate cannot be returned once checked out.
📝 When you check out a box, you agree to sell the full box and return $60 per box by Nov. 24.
💛💙 Dolphin Nation, let’s make a splash!
Your support helps us fund special experiences and opportunities for our amazing students. Thank you for supporting NAUES! 🐬✨
#DolphinPride #NAUESStrong #SupportOurStudents #ChocolateFundraiser #SweetSuccess #LeaderInMeSchool
🪶 November is Native American Heritage Month! 🪶
This month, we honor and celebrate the rich histories, vibrant cultures, and lasting contributions of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Indigenous peoples across our nation. Their stories are deeply woven into the fabric of America’s past, present, and future — reminding us of the strength, resilience, and wisdom that continue to shape our world today.
Native American Heritage Month is a time for reflection, education, and appreciation. It’s an opportunity to learn about the traditions, innovations, and values of the first peoples of this land — and to recognize the importance of preserving their heritage for future generations.
Here at North Augusta Elementary, we encourage our Dolphin community to take time this month to:
✨ Read books about Native Americans
✨ Explore Indigenous art, music, and storytelling
✨ Learn about local tribes and their history in South Carolina
✨ Honor the respect for nature, community, and culture that Native peoples embody
Together, let’s celebrate diversity, deepen our understanding, and show gratitude for the enduring contributions of Native Americans.
💛💙🐬
#NativeAmericanHeritageMonth #CelebrateDiversity #NAUESDolphins #HonorAndRespect #DolphinPride
At North Augusta Elementary, our Dolphins are learning that there’s enough success for everyone!
Habit #4: Think Win-Win means balancing courage with kindness — seeking solutions where everyone benefits instead of competing or comparing. It’s about teamwork, empathy, and building positive relationships. 💛💙🐬
💡 Why It Matters
When students practice Think Win-Win, they learn to listen, cooperate, and value others’ ideas. This habit builds a stronger classroom community and helps students develop problem-solving and leadership skills that last a lifetime.
🏠 Tips for Families
Model teamwork: Show your child how family members can share chores or make decisions that work for everyone.
Use “we” language: Encourage phrases like “Let’s find a way we both win!”
Celebrate others’ success: Help your child cheer for classmates and friends when they do well.
Solve conflicts together: Practice compromise and listening to both sides.
Together, let’s help our Dolphins make November a month full of kindness, cooperation, and win-win thinking! 🌈💙
#LeaderInMe #ThinkWinWin #NAUESDolphins #PutFirstThingsFirst #StudentLeaders #HabitHeroes
Every child deserves a safe place to call home — a place where they can learn, grow, and dream without worry. Sadly, many children and teens across our community face challenges such as unstable housing, food insecurity, and limited access to school resources.
This year, Aiken County Public Schools identified 372 homeless youth for the 2024–2025 school year. Behind each number is a story — a student who needs stability, compassion, and opportunity.
Together, we can make a difference.
This month, let’s come together to raise awareness, support our local youth, and take action to ensure that every student has the chance to thrive.
✨ Here’s how you can help:
Support local shelters and youth programs 🏠
Donate essentials such as toiletries, clothing, or school supplies 🎒
Advocate for affordable, safe housing 🗣️
Share this message to raise awareness ❤️
If you or someone you know needs assistance, please contact your local McKinney-Vento representative at 📞 (803) 335-7052 for guidance and support.
💛 Every child deserves hope, dignity, and a brighter tomorrow. 💙
#HomelessYouthAwarenessMonth #ACPSD #NAUESDolphins #TogetherWeCan #HopeForEveryChild
This month, we proudly honor and celebrate the courageous men and women who serve in our Armed Forces — and the incredible families who stand beside them. 💙 Their strength, resilience, and sacrifice remind us that freedom is not free — it is protected daily by heroes in uniform and their loved ones who serve right along with them.
Military Family Appreciation Month is a time to recognize the unique challenges military families face — from long deployments and frequent moves to the daily sacrifices made to support their service members. Their dedication to our nation inspires us all to lead with gratitude, compassion, and unity.
At North Augusta Elementary, we extend our deepest appreciation to all of our Dolphin families connected to the military. Thank you for your courage, your service, and your unwavering commitment to our country. 💛💙🐬
🎖️ We salute you — today and every day! 🇺🇸
#MilitaryFamilyAppreciationMonth #ThankYouForYourService #NAUESDolphins #ProudToBeAnAmerican #DolphinPride 💛💙🐬
We love seeing our Dolphins building joyful connections across our school! Today one of our students shared a sweet moment with one of our amazing lunchroom team members — enjoying a hand-clapping game and lots of laughter! 🤝😊✨
These everyday moments remind us that school is more than learning — it's friendships, kindness, and the caring adults who make our school feel like family. 🐬💛
Thank you to our incredible cafeteria staff for filling hearts and tummies every single day!
#NAUES #DolphinPride #SchoolFamily #MomentsThatMatter #KindnessInAction #WeLoveOurStaff #ChooseJoy
Ms. Cockrell’s students had an amazing time celebrating fall today! From festive treats to fun activities and smiling faces, it was the perfect way to welcome the cozy season together. 🍁✨
We love seeing our Dolphins enjoy special moments and build classroom community! 💛💙🐬
#NAUES #FallFun #FirstGradeFavorites #DolphinPride #LearningAndLaughing #SchoolCommunity 🍎🍂✨
Today our Exceptional Learners had a spook-tacular time celebrating at Halloween with a Heart! 👻✨
Hosted by WJBF, this wonderful event provides a joyful, safe, sensory-friendly environment for students with special needs to enjoy trick-or-treating, games, and Halloween fun at the Columbia County Exhibition Center.
Our Dolphins had a fabulous time exploring, collecting treats, and making magical memories together! 🎃🍬🧡
A huge thank-you to WJBF and all the community partners for creating such an inclusive and heart-warming celebration for our students. 💛💙
#NAUES #DolphinPride #EveryChildEveryDay #InclusionMatters #HalloweenWithAHeart #ExceptionalLearners #DolphinLeaders #SpookySeasonFun 🎃🐬👻
We are so proud of our amazing first graders who were recognized this week for showing leadership, responsibility, and kindness at NAUES! These students continue to shine by making great choices, showing respect, and being leaders in and out of the classroom. Way to go, young Dolphins! 💛💙
✨ You Rock Winner: Bo! ✨
A HUGE congratulations to Bo, our You Rock Winner of the week! 🌟
Bo is a wonderful student who always gives his very best. He is kind, respectful, and friendly to everyone he meets. Bo is the kind of student you can count on — he follows directions, helps others, and leads by example every single day. We are so proud of you, Bo! Keep shining and leading the Dolphin way! 🐬👏
#LeaderLoot #YouRockWinner #DolphinLeaders #FirstGradeShines #NAUES #DolphinPride #LeadershipInAction
This morning we had a fantastic turnout for our All Pro Dads meeting! Thank you to all the fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and father-figures who joined us to support our students. Your presence truly makes a difference! 👏💙
This month's focus was on Determination — the power to keep trying, even when things feel challenging. Determination helps students:
✅ build confidence
✅ improve problem-solving skills
✅ persevere when learning feels tough
✅ turn mistakes into motivation
✅ achieve their goals in school & life
📚✨ Helping Your Child Grow Determination at Home
Try these simple strategies to support your Dolphin leader:
💬 Talk About Grit — Discuss challenges and how practice helps us get better
👏 Praise Effort — Celebrate hard work, not just results (“I love how you kept trying!”)
🎯 Set Small Goals — Break big tasks into steps to build confidence
❤️ Model Persistence — Share examples of when you didn’t give up
Thank you again to our amazing NAUES All Pro Dads community. Your support helps our students build strong hearts, strong minds, and strong leadership habits! 🌟
📅 Next All Pro Dads Meeting
🗓️ November 20, 2025
⏰ 7:45 AM
🎯 Focus: Confidence
We can’t wait to see you again as we continue building leadership and character together!
#AllProDads #Determination #ConfidenceNext #LeaderInMe #DolphinPride #FamilyEngagement #NAUESLeadership
We are proud to celebrate our October PE Leaders of the Month! These students have shown outstanding sportsmanship, teamwork, effort, and leadership during physical education. 👟💛💙
They give their best every day, encourage others, and model what it means to be healthy, active Dolphins! 🐬✨
Congratulations to our amazing leaders — keep moving, keep leading, and keep shining! 🌟
#DolphinPride #PELeaders #LeaderInMe #HealthyKidsHealthyFuture #NAUES #WeAreLeaders
