North Augusta Elementary

🌟 Student Voice in Action! 🌟

We are incredibly proud of our outstanding student leaders — Olivia, Rohan, and Jackson — who represented North Augusta Elementary at the Aiken County Advisory Council with Superintendent Dr. Corey Murphy this week! 💛💙🐬

These student representatives shared their thoughts on important topics such as i-Ready, school culture, and ways to continue improving learning for all students across the district. Their confidence, insight, and dedication to student success truly shined!

Their voices matter — and today, they made sure they were heard. ✨ We are so proud of how brilliantly they represented NAUES and demonstrated what it means to be leaders and Dolphins of Excellence!

Way to go, scholars! Keep leading, learning, and making a positive impact! 👏📚💡

#StudentLeaders #DolphinPride #AikenCountyPublicSchools #NAUES #LeadershipInAction #StudentVoice #FutureLeaders

🌍🍁 Presentation Day for Our 5th Grade Afternoon Enrichment Groups! 🍁🌍

Today was an exciting day in 5th grade as students showcased their hard work and research during Fall Festivals Around the World Presentations! 🎤✨

Last week, our students explored how different cultures celebrate the season — from harvest festivals to community traditions — learning that while customs may vary, gratitude, family, and togetherness unite us all. 🌎❤️

During today’s presentations, students shared their findings, visuals, and reflections with confidence and enthusiasm! They practiced vital communication, research, and collaboration skills, demonstrating what it means to be lifelong learners and global citizens. 💛💙🐬

A special thank you to our amazing fifth-grade teachers for guiding students in developing independence, curiosity, and strong presentation skills through this meaningful project! 👏

📚 South Carolina Standards Connections:

ELA 5.RI.5 & 5.W.6: Gather, organize, and present information from multiple sources using evidence and details.

ELA 5.SL.4 & 5.SL.5: Present information clearly using appropriate facts, visuals, and digital tools.

Social Studies 5.1.P, 5.1.CE: Understand global cultures and how geography, tradition, and history shape celebrations and communities.

AASL Standards: Inquire, Include, and Share — fostering curiosity, respect for diversity, and effective communication.

👏 Way to go, 5th Grade Dolphins — your voices and learning shine bright! 🌟

#NAUESDolphins #DolphinPride #GlobalLearning #FallFestivals #StudentPresentations #SouthCarolinaStandards

🍎 Professional Development Day – Friday, October 31, 2025 ✏️

This Friday is a Professional Development Day for our amazing NAUES teachers! 💛💙
There will be no school for students as our staff engages in valuable learning and collaboration to continue supporting our Dolphins’ success. 🐬📚

Enjoy the long weekend, and we’ll see our students back on Monday, November 3rd! 🌟

#NAUES #DolphinPride #LeaderInMe #ProfessionalDevelopment #AlwaysLearning

📚✨ Westward Expansion Comes to Life in 5th Grade! ✨📚

Mrs. Whisnant’s fifth graders spent the day exploring Westward Expansion in Social Studies using a brand-new thinking strategy—Think Marks! 📝

Students worked collaboratively to track their understanding throughout the lesson, using think marks to monitor comprehension, spark curiosity, and guide meaningful discussions about the challenges and opportunities pioneers faced while moving west. 🌄

A special thank you to Mrs. Kelly Ann Moore for joining the class and helping facilitate this engaging lesson! 💛💙

Our young historians did an amazing job applying this new strategy and showing how Dolphins dive deep into learning! 🐬🌟

#NAUES #DolphinPride #LeaderInMe #WestwardExpansion #CriticalThinking #SocialStudies #CollaborativeLearning #EngagedLearners

🎃 Spook to Be Hungry Food Drive Ends Thursday! 🥫

NAUES Dolphins, we need your help! 💛💙
Our Spook to Be Hungry food drive wraps up this Thursday, and our collection box is still looking a little empty! Let’s come together as a school family to fill the box and support local families in need. 💕

Bring in your nonperishable food donations by Thursday morning and help make a difference in our community. Every can counts! 🐬✨

#NAUES #LeaderInMe #DolphinPride #SpookToBeHungry #CommunityHelpers #ItTakesAVillage

Reminder:
💙🐬 All Pro Dads Breakfast! 🐬💛

Dads, grandfathers & father figures — join us Thursday, Oct. 30 | 7:45–8:15 AM for our next All Pro Dads meeting! ☕🍩

Topic: Determination 💪
Teaching kids to stay focused, work hard & never give up helps them grow strong in school & life! 🌟

#NAUESDolphins #AllProDads #Determination #LeaderInMe #FamilyFirst #OnceADolphinAlwaysADolphin

💛💙🌍 Happy World Occupational Therapy Day! 🐬💙💛
October 27, 2025

Today we proudly celebrate World Occupational Therapy Day and recognize our very own Mrs. Katie Johnson, our incredible School Occupational Therapist here at North Augusta Elementary School! 🙌✨

Mrs. Johnson plays an essential role in helping our Dolphins succeed each and every day — supporting students as they develop the skills they need to thrive in school and beyond. 🏫💛

💡 What does a School Occupational Therapist do?
An OT helps students build independence and confidence by working on things like:
✏️ Fine motor skills (writing, cutting, tying shoes)
🧩 Sensory processing and attention skills
🪑 Classroom participation and posture for learning
🤝 Social and daily living skills that support success both in and out of the classroom

Mrs. Johnson’s expertise, patience, and dedication help our students grow stronger, more capable, and ready to take on each new challenge with confidence! 🌟

Thank you, Mrs. Johnson, for your compassion, creativity, and care for every Dolphin you support — you make a difference every single day! 💛💙🐬

#NAUESDolphins #WorldOTDay #ThankYouMrsJohnson #OccupationalTherapy #EveryStudentEveryDay #DolphinPride #LeaderInMe

🎃🧡 It’s Spooky to Be Hungry® — Last Chance to Give! 🧡🎃
Our school is collecting non-perishable food donations to support families in our community. The last day to donate is Thursday, October 30—let’s finish strong!

🧺 What to bring: canned veggies & fruit, soup, peanut butter, pasta, rice, beans, cereal, shelf-stable milk
📍 Drop-off: Front Office (students can bring items in the morning)

Every can = a meal. Every family = our community. Let’s show how Dolphins care—bring a donation by Oct. 30! 💛💙🐬
#ItsSpookyToBeHungry #ScareAwayHunger #NAUESDolphins #CommunityCares

❤️🎗️ Red Ribbon Week is underway at NAUES! Just 3 days left to celebrate being a Dolphin who chooses to live drug-free! 🧩✨
Theme: “Life is a Puzzle, Solve It Drug Free!”
Mon 10/27 – Pajama Day 😴
Tues 10/28 – Mixed-Match Day 🧦
Wed 10/29 – Team Day 🏈
💛💙🐬 #NAUESDolphins

🔺🔵 3D Shapes in Kindergarten! 🟩⭐

Mrs. Kowalchuk’s Kindergarten class had a sweet time learning about 3D shapes today! Students used marshmallows and toothpicks to build cubes, pyramids, and other solid shapes — turning geometry into a hands-on, creative STEM experience! 🧠✨

Through this engaging activity, our youngest Dolphins explored edges, vertices, and faces, while using teamwork, problem-solving, and fine motor skills. 💪💛

📘 South Carolina Kindergarten Math Standards:

K.G.1: Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes and describe their relative positions.

K.G.2: Correctly name shapes regardless of their orientation or overall size.

K.G.3: Identify shapes as two-dimensional (flat) or three-dimensional (solid).

K.G.5: Model shapes in the world by building shapes from components (e.g., sticks and clay).

Our Kindergarten Dolphins are building bright futures—one shape at a time! 💙🐬

#NAUESDolphins #LeaderInMe #Kindergarten #HandsOnLearning #STEM #GeometryFun #3DShapes #SCStandards #DolphinLeaders

🪨💨 Weathering, Erosion, & Deposition in Action! 🌊🧪

Ms. Ryan’s 4th-grade scientists at North Augusta Elementary had a hands-on learning experience this week exploring how rocks change over time!

Students used Airheads candy to model the rock cycle — first “weathering” (breaking down) their candy rocks, then “eroding” (moving) the pieces to new locations, and finally “depositing” them into their classmates’ bowls. Afterward, they layered their “sediments” to create their very own sedimentary rocks! 🍬🪨

This fun and interactive activity helped students see and feel the processes of weathering, erosion, and deposition—key steps in how Earth’s surface is shaped over time. 🌎✨

📘 South Carolina 4th Grade Science Standards:

4.E.2A.1 – Develop and use models to describe and classify the physical properties of Earth’s layers and rocks.

4.E.2A.2 – Construct explanations for how natural processes like weathering, erosion, and deposition change Earth’s landforms.

4.S.1A.1–6 – Use science and engineering practices to plan and carry out investigations, analyze data, and communicate results.

What an awesome way to make science stick! 🍬🔬
Our Dolphin scientists are definitely “rocking” their learning! 💛💙🐬

#NAUESDolphins #LeaderInMe #4thGradeScience #HandsOnLearning #WeatheringAndErosion #SedimentaryRocks #SCStandards #DolphinLeaders #STEAM

💛💙🐬 First Grade Leader Loot Winners! 🐬💙💛

Congratulations to our First Grade Leader Loot Winners for showing outstanding leadership, kindness, and hard work this week! 🌟

A special shout-out goes to our You Rock First Grade Winner – Journee! 🎉
Journee always shines bright with her positive personality and can-do attitude! She’s a true leader who is helpful, caring, and kind to everyone she meets. 💫 She always does the right thing—without needing to be told twice—and spreads joy wherever she goes!

We are so proud of you, Journee, and all of our First Grade Leaders for making a difference each day at NAUES! Keep shining, Dolphins! 💛💙🐬

#NAUESDolphins #LeaderInMe #LeaderLoot #YouRock #StudentLeaders #FirstGrade #HabitHeroes #DolphinPride

💡✨ Glow Party Multiplication Bingo! ✨💡

Fifth graders in Ms. Pope’s and Ms. Null’s classes had an exciting time reviewing their math facts with a Glow Party Multiplication Bingo Day! 🎉
Students practiced their fluency, teamwork, and number sense — all under the glow lights! What a fun and engaging way to review math! 💛💙🐬

📘 South Carolina 5th Grade Math Standards Addressed:

5.NBT.5: Fluently multiply multi-digit whole numbers using the standard algorithm.

5.OA.1: Use parentheses, brackets, or braces in numerical expressions and evaluate them.

5.OA.2: Write simple expressions that record calculations with numbers and interpret numerical expressions.

Our Dolphins are shining bright while building strong math skills and a love for learning! 🌟

#NAUESDolphins #LeaderInMe #GlowParty #MathFun #5thGrade #SCStandards #DolphinLeaders #EngagedLearning

🌟 October Habit Hero Breakfast: Celebrating “Put First Things First” 🌟

Date: October 24, 2025
Location: North Augusta Elementary School

This morning, our Dolphin families and students gathered to celebrate our October Habit Hero Breakfast, honoring one outstanding student from each classroom who exemplifies Habit #3: Put First Things First — one of the foundational habits in our Leader in Me journey.

🏅 What Does “Put First Things First” Mean?

Habit #3 encourages students to focus on what matters most — to set priorities, make responsible choices, and manage their time wisely. It’s all about organizing their days around what’s important rather than what’s merely urgent or distracting.
In simple terms, it means “Work first, then play.” Students who put first things first know how to balance schoolwork, responsibilities, and fun. They take initiative to complete tasks, follow through on commitments, and show dependability at school and at home.

💛 Why This Habit Matters

Developing this habit early helps students become self-disciplined and goal-oriented leaders. By practicing time management and learning how to make choices aligned with their goals, students gain confidence and ownership over their success. These skills also build resilience and prepare them for lifelong learning and leadership.

💡 Tips for Parents: Encouraging Habit #3 at Home

Families can help reinforce this important habit every day:

Create a daily routine. Encourage your child to make a checklist for morning and evening tasks.

Set priorities together. Help your child decide what must be done before leisure activities — such as completing homework or chores before screen time.

Model balance. Let your child see you scheduling time for work, family, and fun — and talk about why balance matters.

Celebrate progress. Recognize when your child follows through on responsibilities. A few kind words go a long way in building lifelong habits of success!

🌈 Looking Ahead: Habit #4 – Think Win-Win

Next month, our students will focus on Habit #4: Think Win-Win, which teaches that everyone can win. This habit promotes teamwork, empathy, and the idea that success is not a competition — it’s about cooperation. Together, we’ll explore how Dolphins can create positive outcomes for themselves and others by thinking “we,” not “me.”

🎃📚 More Trunk or Treat Fun! 🐬💛💙

We’re still smiling from our incredible Literacy Trunk or Treat Night! Our Dolphins had the best time exploring the creative trunks, reading displays, and the amazing Student Gallery Walk filled with inspiring student work.

A big THANK YOU again to our families, staff, and volunteers who made this night unforgettable — and to everyone who donated candy to help spread joy and literacy throughout the evening! 💛📚💙

#NAUESDolphins #TrunkOrTreat #LiteracyNight #LeaderInMe #OnceADolphinAlwaysADolphin

🎃📚 What a Night, Dolphins! 🐬💛💙

Our Literacy Trunk or Treat Night was a HUGE success — and it’s all thanks to our amazing families, students, and staff! We had an incredible turnout of over 900 attendees enjoying candy, creativity, and literacy fun.

Everyone loved exploring the Student Gallery Walk and viewing all of the wonderful and creative student work on display. A big THANK YOU to our talented students for their hard work and to our dedicated teachers for making this event — and every learning day — so special. 💛📚💙

A special thank you to all the families who sent in candy donations to support this event — without your generosity, we could not have made this night so special for so many students! 🍬🐬

And an extra shout-out to Mrs. Kelly Ann Moore and our Academic Action Team for their leadership and dedication in planning this fantastic event. You truly made the night a success!

#NAUESDolphins #TrunkOrTreat #LiteracyNight #LeaderInMe #OnceADolphinAlwaysADolphin

💛💙🐬 Friendly Reminder, Dolphin Families! 🐬💙💛

Friday, October 31st will be a Professional Development Day for our amazing teachers and staff! 🍎✨

Students will not report to school on this day as our educators take part in important training and collaboration to strengthen instruction and continue making learning at NAUES the best it can be. 📚💡

We’re so thankful for our teachers’ dedication to lifelong learning—and we hope our students enjoy a fun and restful long weekend! 🌟💛

#NAUESDolphins #ProfessionalDevelopmentDay #AlwaysLearning #TeacherLeaders #DolphinPride #LeaderInMe

🌟 Gnomes of Goodness Awards! 🌟

Celebrating Positive Leadership and Behavior in Our Activity Classes!

The Activity teachers have once again spread a little extra goodness around North Augusta Elementary by recognizing the next group of Gnomes of Goodness Award Winners! 🧙‍♂️✨

These awards honor one class per grade level that has demonstrated outstanding behavior, teamwork, and leadership during Activity time over the past few weeks. Our students continue to impress us with their focus, kindness, and commitment to living out the 7 Habits of effective leaders!

This time, the friendly competition was closer than ever — every class has been working hard, showing respect, and giving their best effort in PE, Music, Art, Library, and Writing Lab. Our Dolphins are proving that being proactive, synergizing, and putting first things first make a real difference in our school community. 💪🐬

🎉 Congratulations to our Gnomes of Goodness Winners!

🏆 Kindergarten: Mrs. King’s Class
🏆 First Grade: Mrs. Avila’s Class
🏆 Second Grade: Dr. Doyle’s Class
🏆 Third Grade: Mrs. Davis-Raby’s Class
🏆 Fourth Grade: Mrs. Jones’s Class
🏆 Fifth Grade: Mrs. Whisnant’s Class

Each of these classes has modeled what it means to be a Leader in Me school—working together, showing kindness, and creating a positive environment for all. We are so proud of our students’ efforts and can’t wait to see who will earn the next round of Gnomes of Goodness!

Keep leading the way, Dolphins! 💛💙🐬
#NAUESDolphins #LeaderInMe #GnomesOfGoodness #DolphinPride #Synergize #BeProactive #PositiveLeadership #OnceADolphinAlwaysADolphin

🎯 Balancing Equations in First Grade! 🧮💛💙

Our first-grade students in Mrs. Cockrell’s class had an exciting time exploring balancing equations during math! Working in pairs, students took turns writing equations and then finding another equation that equaled the same value. Through teamwork and problem-solving, they strengthened their understanding that both sides of an equation must be equal.

Laughter, learning, and collaboration filled the room as our young mathematicians worked together to find perfect equation “matches.” What a fun and hands-on way to bring math to life! 🌟

This engaging activity supports the South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Standards for Mathematics, specifically:
📘 1.ATO.7 — Understand the meaning of the equal sign and determine if equations involving addition and subtraction are true.
📘 1.ATO.8 — Determine the unknown whole number in an addition or subtraction equation relating three whole numbers.

And a special welcome back to Mrs. Cockrell, who has just returned from maternity leave — we’re so happy to have her back leading our first-grade Dolphins! 🐬💛💙

#NAUESDolphins #DolphinPride #LeaderInMe #NAUESFirstGrade #HandsOnLearning #MathIsFun #OnceADolphinAlwaysADolphin