Congratulations to Aiden G., a Kindergarten student in Mrs. Girardeau’s class, for earning the Smart Cookie Certificate! 🎉
Aiden has mastered all 80 of his 5K sight words—what an incredible accomplishment! 👏📚 His hard work, dedication, and love of learning are truly shining bright.
We are so proud of you, Aiden! Keep up the amazing work, Dolphin! 🐬💫
#NAUESDolphins #SmartCookie #KindergartenSuccess #DolphinPride

The North Augusta Elementary Chorus, under the direction of Mr. Steven Palmer, is proud to present:
✨ Annie KIDS – A Mini Musical! ✨
Our talented Dolphin performers have been working hard and are excited to share this fun and heartwarming show with our school community.
📅 Date: Tuesday, March 24
⏰ Time: 5:30 PM
📍 Location: North Augusta Elementary Cafeteria
🚪 Doors Open: 5:00 PM
🎤 Chorus Students:
Please arrive by 5:00 PM for call time and be ready for the performance.
Come out and support our amazing Dolphin chorus students as they bring this classic story to life! We hope to see you there! 🎶🐬
#NAUESDolphins #DolphinPride #NAUESChorus #AnnieKids 🎭🎶

Get ready for a day full of fun, teamwork, and Dolphin spirit! North Augusta Elementary Field Day will take place on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, and our students are excited to enjoy a variety of outdoor games and activities.
Field Day Schedule:
☀️ Grades K–2: 8:00 AM – 10:40 AM
☀️ Grades 3–5: 11:20 AM – 2:00 PM
Families are welcome to attend and cheer on our Dolphins! Please remember that all visitors must bring a valid ID and sign in through the front office before heading to the Field Day activities.
💧 Helpful Tip for Visitors: Field Day activities take place outdoors, and it can sometimes get warm. Guests may want to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, as water supplies will be reserved for students.
We are looking forward to a fantastic day of games, laughter, and Dolphin pride! 💛💙🐬
#NAUESDolphins #FieldDayFun #DolphinPride

Honoring Leader in Me Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw 💛💙
North Augusta Elementary School proudly celebrated its March Habit Heroes of the Month on Friday, March 20, 2026, during a special recognition breakfast. This meaningful event honored one outstanding student from each class who exemplifies Leader in Me Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw.
Each student was recognized in front of peers and staff and received a certificate of recognition for demonstrating leadership through healthy habits and personal balance. We are incredibly proud of these students for modeling what it means to take care of themselves—both inside and out!
🌱 What Does “Sharpen the Saw” Mean?
Habit 7, Sharpen the Saw, focuses on self-renewal and maintaining balance in four key areas of life:
🧠 Mind – Learning, reading, and growing intellectually
💪 Body – Exercising, eating healthy, and staying active
❤️ Heart – Building relationships and showing kindness
🌟 Spirit – Finding purpose, reflecting, and maintaining a positive outlook
This habit teaches students that taking care of themselves helps them be their best in school, at home, and in their community. When students “sharpen their saw,” they are better prepared to lead, learn, and succeed.
🌍 About the Leader in Me Program
North Augusta Elementary is proud to implement the Leader in Me program, a nationally recognized leadership framework based on the principles from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. This program empowers students to become leaders of their own lives by building strong character, responsibility, and goal-setting skills.
Throughout the school year, students have learned and practiced the 7 Habits:
Be Proactive – Take responsibility for your actions
Begin with the End in Mind – Set goals and make a plan
Put First Things First – Prioritize what matters most
Think Win-Win – Seek solutions where everyone benefits
Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood – Listen with empathy
Synergize – Work together to achieve more
Sharpen the Saw – Take care of yourself to stay balanced and effective
The Habit Hero breakfasts celebrate students who truly live out these habits each day, serving as role models for others.
💡 Keeping the Habit Alive at Home & School
Although this was the final Habit Hero Breakfast of the school year, the learning doesn’t stop here! Families and teachers can continue to support students in developing strong leadership habits:
For Parents:
Encourage daily reading and curiosity (Mind) 📚
Promote physical activity and healthy routines (Body) 🏃♂️
Spend quality time together and practice kindness (Heart) 💕
Help children reflect, set goals, and stay positive (Spirit) 🌈
For Teachers:
Incorporate brain breaks and movement into lessons
Foster classroom discussions about emotions and relationships
Provide opportunities for goal setting and reflection
Model balance and self-care
By continuing to reinforce Habit 7, we help students understand that taking care of themselves is essential to becoming strong, confident leaders.
🎉 A Proud Dolphin Moment
We are so proud of our March Habit Heroes and all of our students who have worked hard to grow as leaders this year. Thank you to our teachers, staff, and families for supporting the Leader in Me journey and helping our Dolphins shine! 🐬💛💙

Get ready for a day full of fun, teamwork, and Dolphin spirit! North Augusta Elementary Field Day will take place on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, and our students are excited to enjoy a variety of outdoor games and activities.
Field Day Schedule:
☀️ Grades K–2: 8:00 AM – 10:40 AM
☀️ Grades 3–5: 11:20 AM – 2:00 PM
Families are welcome to attend and cheer on our Dolphins! Please remember that all visitors must bring a valid ID and sign in through the front office before heading to the Field Day activities.
💧 Helpful Tip for Visitors: Field Day activities take place outdoors, and it can sometimes get warm. Guests may want to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, as water supplies will be reserved for students.
We are looking forward to a fantastic day of games, laughter, and Dolphin pride! 💛💙🐬
#NAUESDolphins #FieldDayFun #DolphinPride

The North Augusta Elementary Chorus, under the direction of Mr. Steven Palmer, is proud to present:
✨ Annie KIDS – A Mini Musical! ✨
Our talented Dolphin performers have been working hard and are excited to share this fun and heartwarming show with our school community.
📅 Date: Tuesday, March 24
⏰ Time: 5:30 PM
📍 Location: North Augusta Elementary Cafeteria
🚪 Doors Open: 5:00 PM
🎤 Chorus Students:
Please arrive by 5:00 PM for call time and be ready for the performance.
Come out and support our amazing Dolphin chorus students as they bring this classic story to life! We hope to see you there! 🎶🐬
#NAUESDolphins #DolphinPride #NAUESChorus #AnnieKids 🎭🎶















A NIGHT OF EXCELLENCE: CELEBRATING THE 2026-2027 STARS OF PUBLIC EDUCATION
Tonight, at Aiken High School, the air was filled with music from the Jazz Band and a shared sense of pride as we honored the incredible individuals who make Aiken County Public Schools shine.
As Superintendent Dr. Corey Murphy reminded us, our schools are not defined by buildings or budgets, but by the people who show up every day for our students.
We are thrilled to introduce our 2026-2027 District Winners: District Teacher of the Year:
Jerry Brannon (Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle/High) A master of making complex science feel real and reachable. Mr. Brannon is a cornerstone of his school’s culture, known for meeting every learner exactly where they are with high expectations and a heart for mentorship.
First Year Teacher of the Year: Aleesha Ashe (North Augusta Elementary) In just her first year, Ms. Ashe has created a classroom filled with discovery and joy. Her poise and dedication to her 4K students prove that she is a rising star in the profession.
Principal of the Year: Dr. Charlene Heard (Warrenville Elementary) A visionary leader who believes that when educators are supported, students thrive. Dr. Heard’s leadership is rooted in the deep understanding that meaningful relationships are the foundation of academic growth.
Assistant Principal of the Year: Dr. Miranda Fulmer (Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle/High) Recognized for her innovative approach to school schedules and structures, Dr. Fulmer balances strategic data with a genuine heart for every student and staff member.
District Level Administrator of the Year: Brian Gibbons (Federal Programs) A leader of steady resolve and integrity. Mr. Gibbons is a vital guide for our principals, navigating complex responsibilities with a calm, compassionate approach.
Professional Staff Member of the Year: Carrie Adams (Hammond Hill Elementary) As a school nurse, Ms. Adams masterfully balances the well-being of our students with expert professional judgment, ensuring every child feels cared for, respected, and heard.
GEM of the Year: Karen Ulmer (North Augusta Elementary) The definition of service. Ms. Ulmer is the first to ask, "How can I help?" and brings a signature warmth to her school community that makes everyone feel at ease.
The evening also included a beautiful tribute to the legacy of Julie Revelle. Seeing so many staff members stand to honor her impact was a powerful reminder of what it means to lead with kindness.
To all our nominees and winners: Thank you for the talent and character you bring to our schools every single day!









Aiken County elementary schools across the district got to show off all things green and lucky to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.
Activities included bingo, creating a leprechaun trap, guest readers in classrooms, searching for gold and more!










Dads and father figures are invited to join us for our next All Pro Dads Meeting at North Augusta Elementary!
📅 Thursday, March 19, 2026
⏰ 7:45 AM
📍 North Augusta Elementary School
This month’s character focus is Patience.
Patience means learning to stay calm and positive even when things are difficult, frustrating, or take longer than we would like. It helps children learn how to manage emotions, solve problems, and treat others with kindness and understanding. When students practice patience, they become better listeners, better teammates, and stronger leaders.
During our All Pro Dads meeting, dads and their children will enjoy a meaningful morning together that includes conversation, encouragement, and practical ways to practice patience at home and at school.
We hope to see many of our NAUES Dolphins and their dads or father figures there for this special time together!
#NAUESDolphins #AllProDads #LeaderInMe #DolphinPride 💙🐬💛

Calling all future innovators! Students in grades 3–5 are invited to attend an exciting Coding Camp filled with hands-on STEM learning and fun.
📅 March 29 – April 2
⏰ 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Locations: Aiken Elementary or Redcliffe Elementary
🚗 Parents are responsible for transportation.
Students will explore a variety of engaging technology activities, including:
🤖 Sphero Robots
🚁 Drones
🖨 3D Printing
🎮 Makey Makey
…and more!
🗓 Registration opens March 5, 2026 at 4:00 PM
⚠️ Space is limited, so be sure to register early!
This amazing opportunity is sponsored by Savannah River Nuclear Solutions and is a great way for students to explore coding, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
#NAUESDolphins #STEM #CodingCamp #FutureInnovators #DolphinPride


This week, North Augusta Elementary proudly hosted our School-Level Battle of the Books Competition, and what an exciting two days it was! The battles took place on Tuesday and Wednesday, and the competition was incredibly close — with teams going neck and neck as they demonstrated their knowledge of the books they have been reading all year.
For those unfamiliar, Battle of the Books is a reading competition where students work together in teams to answer questions about a list of selected books. Students must carefully read, remember details, collaborate with teammates, and respond quickly to questions that begin with the famous phrase “In which book…”. The competition encourages students to read widely, think critically, and practice teamwork while celebrating a love of reading.
After several exciting rounds, the final battle came down to a matchup between:
📖 5th Grade Team: The Book Warriors
📖 4th Grade Team: The Fantastic Five
Both teams showed outstanding teamwork and knowledge, but in the final round, The Fantastic Five claimed the victory! 🏆
🎉 Congratulations to our winning team members:
• Nevaeh G.
• Victoria C.
• Elsie M.
• Avery P.
• Carlos V.
These outstanding readers will now represent North Augusta Elementary at the District Battle of the Books Competition on April 14, 2026, in Aiken.
We are incredibly proud of all of the students who participated in this year’s battles. Trying something new can feel a little scary, but our Dolphins showed courage, effort, and cooperation throughout the competition. Watching students work together, support one another, and celebrate reading made this event truly special.
Mrs. Morin could not be prouder of every student who stepped up to participate! 💙📚🐬
Good luck to The Fantastic Five as they prepare to represent NAUES at the district competition!
#NAUESDolphins #BattleOfTheBooks #ReadersAreLeaders #DolphinPride 📚🐬💙💛



Fourth grade students from Mrs. Lewis’, Ms. Ware’s, and Mrs. DeLattre’s classes recently enjoyed an exciting and educational field trip to the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center, located on the campus of University of South Carolina Aiken.
During their visit, our Dolphins participated in engaging hands-on science and technology activities designed to spark curiosity and deepen their understanding of STEM concepts. Students explored the science of insulators and conductors, learning how electricity moves through different materials. They also had the opportunity to build their own electrical circuits, discovering how circuits work and experimenting to see which materials allow electricity to flow.
In addition to learning about electricity, students were introduced to the concept of algorithms through computer coding activities. By following step-by-step instructions and experimenting with coding challenges, they learned how algorithms help computers solve problems and perform tasks. These activities encouraged students to think logically, problem-solve, and work collaboratively with their classmates.
This hands-on learning experience brought science and technology to life and gave our fourth graders a wonderful opportunity to explore real-world applications of what they are learning in the classroom. A big thank you to the educators and staff at the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center for providing such an engaging and inspiring day of discovery for our students!
#NAUESDolphins #STEMLearning #FutureScientists #DolphinPride 🐬🔬⚡









Get ready for a day full of fun, teamwork, and Dolphin spirit! North Augusta Elementary Field Day will take place on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, and our students are excited to enjoy a variety of outdoor games and activities.
Field Day Schedule:
☀️ Grades K–2: 8:00 AM – 10:40 AM
☀️ Grades 3–5: 11:20 AM – 2:00 PM
Families are welcome to attend and cheer on our Dolphins! Please remember that all visitors must bring a valid ID and sign in through the front office before heading to the Field Day activities.
💧 Helpful Tip for Visitors: Field Day activities take place outdoors, and it can sometimes get warm. Guests may want to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, as water supplies will be reserved for students.
We are looking forward to a fantastic day of games, laughter, and Dolphin pride! 💛💙🐬
#NAUESDolphins #FieldDayFun #DolphinPride

St. Patrick’s Day brought a little extra magic and a lot of learning to North Augusta Elementary today! Our Dolphins enjoyed a day full of creativity, problem-solving, and festive fun across the building.
Students explored their imaginations by writing stories about following the rainbow to find a pot of gold, while others put their engineering skills to the test by designing clever leprechaun traps to try and catch the mischievous visitors. In math, students used Lucky Charms cereal to create graphs and analyze data, turning a sweet treat into a hands-on learning experience.
Of course, the day wouldn’t be complete without a little mischief! Many classes discovered that sneaky (and slightly destructive!) leprechauns had visited overnight, leaving behind clues, surprises, and plenty of giggles throughout the school.
It was a day filled with laughter, creativity, and meaningful learning experiences for our students. At NAUES, we truly feel lucky to learn and grow together! 💛🐬🍀
#NAUESDolphins #StPatricksDay #LuckyToLearn #DolphinPrid










Mr. Badillo, we hope the students of North Augusta Elementary never stop chasing rainbows on their way to finding their pot of gold!
Today our school was full of St. Patrick’s Day fun, laughter, and maybe just a little bit of leprechaun mischief. One sneaky leprechaun decided to spread some extra joy around the building by handing out coloring sheets of Mr. Badillo as a leprechaun!
We’re not saying Mr. Badillo has a pot of gold hidden somewhere in the school… but if anyone finds it, please report directly to the library! 😉
Happy St. Patrick’s Day from our lucky Dolphins! 💛🐬🍀
#NAUESDolphins #LuckyToBeADolphin #StPatricksDayFun



