📅 February 2–6, 2026
This week, we proudly celebrate two very special members of our NAUES family — Ms. Brown and Ms. Hall! 🌟
Our school counselors do so much more than people realize. Every single day, they are:
✨ Helping students work through big feelings
✨ Teaching important life and social skills
✨ Supporting students during difficult moments
✨ Encouraging kindness, empathy, and respect
✨ Partnering with teachers and families
✨ Creating a safe space where every child feels seen, heard, and valued
From classroom lessons to one-on-one support, Ms. Brown and Ms. Hall help our Dolphins grow not just academically, but emotionally and socially too. They are a steady source of comfort, guidance, and positivity in our building — and our school is better because of them!
🌈 SPECIAL CELEBRATION DAY — FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6!
To thank them for making our school a brighter place, we’re asking everyone to wear BRIGHT COLORS on Friday! Let’s fill NAUES with color and joy, just like they do for our students every day. 💖🧡💛💚💙💜
Thank you, Ms. Brown and Ms. Hall, for the love, care, and support you give to our Dolphins. We appreciate you more than words can say! 💐
#NAUESDolphins #SchoolCounselorWeek #ThankYouCounselors #BrightenOurSchool
E-LEARNING DAY /REMOTE WORKDAY FEBRUARY 2, 2026
Following this weekend’s winter storm and out of an abundance of caution for the safety of students, families, teachers and staff, tomorrow, Monday, February 2, will be an e-learning day for students. All teachers and staff will be on a remote work day as well.
Student e-learning will be available online, and our teachers are available for support. Should your student have any questions, difficulty, or need assistance with their e-learning assignments, please reach out.
Continued cold temperatures refreezing the snow that accumulated this weekend may impact our district’s operations for Tuesday as well. A decision regarding Tuesday will be announced no later than 3 p.m. tomorrow afternoon and will be made with the safety of all students, families, and employees at heart.
As always, we are grateful for the flexibility of our school community. Please be safe, enjoy the snow, and stay warm.
This month at NAUES, our Dolphins are learning about Habit 6: Synergize — a leadership habit all about teamwork, cooperation, and valuing differences.
What does Synergize mean?
Synergize means working together and understanding that everyone has different strengths, ideas, and talents. When we combine those strengths, we can do more — and do it better — than we ever could alone!
💡 Students are learning that:
✔️ Everyone has something important to contribute
✔️ Different ideas make solutions stronger
✔️ Listening to others helps teams succeed
✔️ Working together leads to better results
🌟 Why is Habit 6 important?
When students learn to synergize, they:
🤝 Become better teammates
🧠 Learn to solve problems creatively
💬 Respect differences
💛 Build a stronger, more caring school community
These are lifelong skills that help children succeed in school, friendships, sports, and future careers.
🏫 How teachers encourage Habit 6 at school:
• Group projects and partner work
• Classroom discussions where all voices are heard
• Team-building activities
• Modeling cooperation and respectful communication
🏡 How families can support Habit 6 at home:
• Encourage siblings to work together on tasks
• Talk about how each family member has different strengths
• Practice taking turns and listening during conversations
• Praise teamwork, not just individual success
At NAUES, we believe together is better — and our Dolphins are stronger when they work as a team! 💙🐬
#NAUESDolphins #LeaderInMe #Habit6 #Synergize #StudentLeaders
The signing serves as a symbolic commitment to effective governance, transparency, and ethical leadership. The poster will remain on display in the boardroom throughout the year as a visible reminder of these shared principles.
Our classrooms were buzzing with excitement as high school students joined us to job shadow our amazing teachers! From morning routines to small group instruction and everything in between, these students got a real look at the heart, hard work, and joy that go into teaching each day.
Experiences like this are so important because they help students:
🌟 Explore different career interests
🌟 Discover their strengths and passions
🌟 See what it’s really like to work in a profession they may one day choose
Career exploration opens doors, builds confidence, and helps students begin thinking about their futures in meaningful ways. Who knows — in just a few years, some of these students may be right back here, educating and inspiring the next generation of Dolphins! 🐬💛
Thank you to these wonderful students for spending the day teaching, helping, and loving on our kids. We absolutely loved hosting you and hope this experience sparked something special for your future! 💙
#NAUESDolphins #FutureEducators #CareerExploration #LeaderInMe #InspiringTheFuture
Our school is proud to participate in the American Heart Association ❤️ through the Kids Heart Challenge, and our students are learning that even small hearts can make a BIG difference!
https://www2.heart.org/site/TR?pg=company&fr_id=12400&company_id=533088&s_src=nuclavismobile&s_subsrc=Nucl_Web_TmsQRC
Through this fun and meaningful program, students are:
❤️ Learning how to keep their hearts, brains, and bodies healthy
💪 Building lifelong healthy habits
🤝 Practicing kindness and helping others
💖 Supporting children with special hearts so they can live longer, healthier lives
This challenge is about more than just fundraising — it’s about growing leaders who care about their health and the well-being of others. Our Dolphins are showing what it means to have strong hearts inside and out!
🎉 Students can also earn rewards while helping our school and community.
⏳ Only 16 days left to join the challenge and make an impact!
Let’s work together to spread kindness, build healthy habits, and create a healthier future — one heart at a time. 💙💛
#NAUESDolphins #KidsHeartChallenge #HealthyHearts #LeaderInMe #HeartHeroes
We are so proud of our First Grade Leader Loot winners this week — and a BIG congratulations goes to our First Grade You Rock Winner… MASON! 🎉
Mason is a shining example of what it means to be a student leader at NAUES. He comes to school ready to learn, stays focused on his work, and always tries his very best each and every day. 📚✨
What makes Mason truly stand out is his leadership:
👏 He follows directions responsibly
💛 He is kind and a friend to everyone
🌟 He sets a positive example for his classmates
Mason shows us that leadership isn’t just about big moments — it’s about making good choices, working hard, and treating others with respect every single day.
Way to go, Mason! We are so proud of you! 💙🐬
#NAUESDolphins #LeaderLoot #YouRock #StudentLeaders
🌟 NAUES Habit Heroes Celebration! 🌟
This morning we proudly honored our January Habit Heroes at a special Leadership Breakfast! These amazing students were recognized for showing Leader in Me Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood.
During January, our Dolphins focused on becoming better listeners and more thoughtful leaders. Habit 5 reminds us that everyone’s thoughts, feelings, and ideas matter — and that listening to understand is one of the most important leadership skills we can have.
💬 Habit 5 in action looks like:
✔️ Listening carefully when others speak
✔️ Waiting for our turn to talk
✔️ Trying to understand how others feel
✔️ Sharing ideas respectfully
Because of these efforts, our students are:
💛 Building stronger friendships
🤝 Solving problems peacefully
👥 Working better in groups
🌟 Helping others feel heard and valued
We are so proud of our Habit Heroes for helping make NAUES a caring, respectful, and student-led school community. Good listeners truly do make great leaders!
We’re excited to share our NAUES Apparel Store with all of our Dolphin families! This is your chance to gear up and show your Dolphin pride all around town!
🛍️ Shop here:
https://communigraphics-inc.printavo.com/merch/naelem26store/
✨ When you click on an item, you’ll be able to view all available color options to find your favorite look!
👕 Available this year:
• Short-sleeve cotton tees
• Long-sleeve cotton tees
• Crew fleece
• Lightweight fleece ¼-zip pullover
• Women’s colorblock hooded raglan jacket — wind-resistant and water-repellent
• Microfleece vests
🧢 NEW this year — Trucker Caps!
📦 Delivery Info:
All orders will be processed together, then sorted and bagged. Once completed, items can be:
✔️ Sent home with students OR
✔️ Picked up at school
🗓️ Store closes February 8, 2026 — don’t miss out!
We can’t wait to see our halls filled with Dolphin spirit everywhere you go! 💛🐬💙
#NAUESDolphins #DolphinPride
Today was an unforgettable day for our NAUES First Graders! 💛💙 Our students had the amazing opportunity to meet a real published author — Melissa Clarke!
She read two of her books to each first grade class and then answered tons of thoughtful student questions. Our curious Dolphins wanted to know everything! 🐬💡
They learned:
📖 Her illustrator, Valerie Smith, lives all the way in Washington
📚 She has FOUR published books
💭 She has OVER 200 ideas for future books — WOW! Future stories loading!
Students loved hearing about the writing process and what it takes to turn an idea into a real book. Experiences like this help our young readers see that authors are real people — and they can be writers too! ✏️🌟
Be on the lookout for her wonderful books:
🐾 Ivy Pokey's First Day at School: Purple Porcupine Meets New Classmates in the Forest
🍯 Ivy Pokey's Search for Honey
🚽 Ivy Pokey's Potty Accident
⛈️ Ivy Pokey and the Bad Storm
Her books are available on Amazon, and soon one will be in the public library — how exciting!
Thank you, Melissa Clarke, for inspiring our students to read, write, and dream BIG! 💙📚✨
#NAUESDolphins #AuthorVisit #FutureWriters #ReadingRocks #IvyPokey
📚✂️ First Grade Readers in Action! ✂️📚
Mrs. Rutland’s First Grade students are hard at work learning about procedural texts — texts that teach us how to do something step by step!
After reading their directions carefully, each group followed a procedure to create a handmade craft. Students had to:
✔️ Read step-by-step instructions
✔️ Work together
✔️ Follow directions in order
✔️ Use pictures and words to guide their work
The results? So much creativity and teamwork — check out all this First Grade talent! 🎉💛
This activity shows students that reading isn’t just in books — it helps us build, create, and problem-solve every day!
Way to go, First Grade! Learning + creating = the perfect combo! 💙🐬 #NAUESDolphins #FirstGradeFun #ReadingInAction
🎵🐬 Our Pre-K Dolphins Are Making Beautiful Music! 🐬🎵
Our Pre-K class had a fantastic time in Music today with Mr. Palmer! These young learners explored musical dynamics, learning the difference between:
🎹 Piano – soft sounds
📣 Forte – loud sounds
Through singing, movement, and listening activities, students practiced using their voices to switch between soft and loud while joyfully singing “Old McDonald Had a Farm.” 🐷🐮 The smiles, giggles, and animal sounds filled the room!
Music class helps our littlest Dolphins build so many important skills, including:
✨ Listening and following directions
✨ Self-control and voice regulation
✨ Rhythm and coordination
✨ Confidence in participating
We are so proud of our Pre-K students for learning big music concepts in such a fun way! Way to go, little Dolphins! 💙💛 #NAUESDolphins #MusicMatters #EarlyLearning #LittleLeaders
What a fantastic turnout at today’s All Pro Dads meeting! Thank you to all of our dads, father figures, and mentors who took time out of their busy schedules to show up for our Dolphins. Your presence matters more than you know, and our students feel that support in a BIG way. 👏
🧠 This month’s topic: OPTIMISM
What is optimism?
Optimism is the habit of looking for the good, believing things can improve, and choosing to see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.
✨ Why optimism matters for kids:
Optimistic children are more likely to
• Keep trying when things feel hard
• Believe in themselves
• Handle mistakes in healthy ways
• Build positive friendships
• Stay hopeful and motivated
This mindset helps students both in the classroom and in life!
💡 Tips to help grow optimism at home & at school:
• Model positive self-talk – Let kids hear you say, “This is tough, but I can figure it out.”
• Focus on effort, not just results – Praise trying, persistence, and growth.
• Reframe setbacks – Ask, “What can we learn from this?”
• Celebrate small wins – Progress builds confidence!
• Practice gratitude – Share one good thing about the day.
When adults model optimism, kids learn to do the same. 💛
📅 Next All Pro Dads Meeting:
February 26, 2026
Topic: RESPONSIBILITY
Responsibility means being dependable, making good choices, and doing what you are supposed to do — even when it’s not easy.
We can’t wait to see everyone again next month! Thank you for helping our NAUES Dolphins grow into confident, capable leaders. 🐬💙 #NAUESDolphins #AllProDads #LeaderInMe #GrowingLeaders
Our Dolphins are proud to celebrate Black History Month with a special school program!
🎭 Theme: Know the Past. Shape the Future.
📅 Friday, February 27
⏰ 9:00 AM
📍 School Stage Area
This meaningful program will honor the achievements, contributions, and history that continue to inspire future generations. We are excited for our students to share their learning and talents as we reflect on the past and look ahead to the future.
💛💙 Join us as we celebrate history, culture, and the voices that help shape tomorrow! 🐬✨
Our NAUES Dolphins are invited to honor Black History Month through writing and research! 🖤✨
📝 Contest Divisions:
• Grades 2–3
• Grades 4–5
Students have TWO WEEKS to write, type, and print their essay.
📅 Submission Deadline: February 17, 2026
➡️ Turn essays in to your homeroom teacher
🚫 Late submissions will NOT be accepted
📄 Essay Requirements:
✔ Must be 1–3 pages
✔ Must choose ONE topic
✔ Student’s own work (AI-generated essays will be disqualified)
🏆 Judging Categories:
⭐ Age-Appropriateness
⭐ Content (on topic & meaningful details)
⭐ Conventions (grammar, spelling, capitalization, punctuation)
🖊️ Essay Topic Choices:
🖤 My Hero
Choose a Black American who inspires you (inventor, artist, athlete, scholar, leader) and explain why their achievements still matter today.
🌟 Beyond the Famous Few
Research a Black person you may not know about (like George Crum or Sarah Boone) and share their story and accomplishments.
💪 Overcoming Obstacles
Write about a Black individual who faced challenges but kept going — such as an athlete, leader, or changemaker.
We can’t wait to read the thoughtful writing from our Dolphins as they learn about inspiring individuals who helped shape history and continue to make a difference today! 🐬💛💙
Good luck, writers — let your words make an impact! ✨✍🏾
North Augusta Elementary students are invited to celebrate Black History Month through ART! 🖌️🖤
This year’s theme is: “My Hero”
Students will create a portrait of a significant Black figure — past or present — who inspires them.
👩🏾🎨 Contest Divisions:
• Pre-K & Kindergarten
• 1st Grade
🗓️ Timeline:
Students have TWO WEEKS to design their artwork.
📌 All entries are due by February 17, 2026
➡️ Turn artwork in to your homeroom teacher
🚫 Late submissions cannot be accepted
🖼️ Artwork Requirements:
✔ Portrait must be 8 x 10 size
✔ Must be created in the style of:
• Alma Thomas – Abstract, colorful, layered shapes using short brushstrokes
• Jean-Michel Basquiat – Bold lines, expressive symbols, and text
✔ Student name & homeroom teacher name on the back
🏆 Judging Categories:
⭐ Style – Does the art reflect the artist’s style?
⭐ Portrait – Is it clearly a portrait?
⭐ Creativity – Is it an original student creation?
We can’t wait to see our Dolphins’ creativity shine while honoring important Black leaders and artists! 🎨🌟
Good luck, young artists — let your inspiration lead the way!
Celebrating the Heart of Our Dolphin Family
At North Augusta Elementary, we are blessed with educators and staff who go above and beyond every single day for our students. This month, we are proud to shine the spotlight on two incredible individuals who truly live out what it means to be part of our Dolphin family.
🍎 You Rock Teacher of the Month: Ms. Jamie Pope (5th Grade)
Our January You Rock Teacher is the fabulous and fun-loving Ms. Jamie Pope!
Ms. Pope brings joy, creativity, and energy into her classroom each day, creating an environment where students feel seen, understood, and excited to learn. She has a special gift for building personal connections — not only with her students, but also with colleagues across grade levels. Her classroom is a place where learning is engaging, meaningful, and filled with encouragement.
Ms. Pope is always willing to lend a helping hand and consistently gives her very best to ensure students understand the content being taught. Her dedication to collaboration and school culture does not go unnoticed. She plays an active role in helping plan and carry out major school events, supporting both students and staff behind the scenes.
One shining example of her initiative and passion for literacy is the schoolwide March Madness Read Aloud Tournament — an exciting event Ms. Pope sponsored and developed on her own to promote a love of reading across our school. Her creativity and leadership continue to make NAUES a fun and inspiring place to learn.
We are so thankful for Ms. Pope’s positive spirit, caring heart, and commitment to our Dolphins!
💛 You Rock Staff Member of the Month: Mrs. Aimee Reichling (Kindergarten Instructional Aide)
Our January You Rock Staff Member is the wonderful Mrs. Aimee Reichling, Kindergarten Instructional Aide.
Working with our energetic kindergarten students requires patience, kindness, structure, understanding, and lots of love — and Mrs. Reichling brings all of that and more every single day. She creates a supportive environment where our youngest learners feel safe, encouraged, and ready to grow.
Her students adore her, and it shows in the way they work hard, make positive choices, and take pride in their learning. Mrs. Reichling’s calm presence and caring nature help shape strong foundations not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well.
Beyond the classroom, her dedication to NAUES is felt throughout the school. She is always willing to help wherever needed, stepping in with a smile and a servant’s heart. Her kindness and teamwork make a lasting impact on both students and staff.
🐬 We Are Grateful
Ms. Pope and Mrs. Reichling are shining examples of the heart, commitment, and love that make North Augusta Elementary such a special place. Their hard work, compassion, and dedication truly make a difference in the lives of our students.
Thank you both for being a blessing to our school. You truly ROCK! 🌟💙💛
We invite all dads, father figures, and the amazing students they support to join us for this month’s All Pro Dads meeting!
🌟 January Topic: Optimism
Optimism means choosing to look for the good, even when things feel difficult. It’s about believing that challenges can be overcome and that brighter days are ahead. Teaching children to be optimistic helps them:
✅ Build confidence
✅ Stay motivated
✅ Handle challenges in positive ways
✅ Develop resilience and a healthy mindset
This month’s discussion will help families talk about what optimism looks like at school, at home, and in everyday life — and how we can model it for our children.
🕗 Date & Time:
📅 Thursday, January 29, 2026
⏰ 7:45 AM
We hope you’ll start your morning with us as we connect, learn together, and continue building strong relationships with our students. We look forward to seeing you there! 💛💙🐬
January 27, 2026: Regular Operations
Aiken County Public Schools will return to a regular schedule tomorrow, Tuesday, January 27, 2026, with no change to arrival times.
Thank you for your flexibility this morning as we operated on a two-hour delay due to the weekend’s winter storm.
Please anticipate continued cool temperatures throughout the week. District leaders will continue monitoring weather conditions alongside local Emergency Management officials, including the potential for a weather system this weekend, and will communicate any updates if changes to operations become necessary.
We are excited to share the upcoming Aiken County Career and Technology Center CTE Techno Camp for fifth grade students!
This camp will take place Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. All Aiken County Public School fifth grade students are invited to participate in the CTE Techno Camp to engage in hands-on activities lead by ACCTC instructors to show students the advantages of Career and Technical Education! Students will select up to three courses to participate in throughout the day where they will learn about robotics, diesel technology, cosmetology, nail technology, welding, culinary arts, media technology , fashion design, biomedical science, cybersecurity, graphic design and health science.
The deadline to submit the application is Wednesday. February 25th by 5:00 p.m. Spots are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please contact Alvina Jackson at ahead@acpsd.net.
#AikenCountyPublicSchools #ACCTC #ACPSD
