Columbus County Schools Adopts MagicSchool to Support Student Learning
Artificial intelligence is now part of everyday life. It is used in health care, engineering, business, and many other fields—often in ways most people may not even realize. AI can be a valuable tool, but it also creates challenges for children whose minds are still developing.
Students need to read, write, solve problems, make mistakes, and work through difficult ideas. This effort helps their minds become strong, flexible, agile, and capable. That is one of the main purposes of education: to build the mind so students can think, adapt, create, and face new challenges.
Schools everywhere have seen students use AI to take shortcuts or avoid the work that real learning requires. This is not a problem unique to Columbus County. It is a challenge facing schools, families, and students everywhere.
Some recent media headlines about AI in schools, while well-meaning, do not tell the whole story. Columbus County Schools is not adopting MagicSchool to increase AI use. Quite the opposite—our goal is to reduce unmonitored AI use and place teachers in control.
Teachers will decide when, how, and whether students use AI. There will be many lessons and assignments in which AI is not used at all. When AI is used, it will be guided by the teacher and connected to clear learning goals.
MagicSchool will not replace reading, writing, math, critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, or original work. It will allow students to gain experience with AI without simply using it to get quick answers or avoid doing the work themselves. In many ways, MagicSchool will help Columbus County Schools use less AI—and use it better.
Our goal is not to place technology into every lesson. Our goal is to use the right tool at the right time. Sometimes that tool may be AI. At other times, students need to read, write, calculate, discuss, create, revise, and solve problems without any AI help at all.
We also need the help of our families. We encourage parents and guardians to talk with their children about AI use at home, know which AI tools they are using, and monitor how those tools are being used. AI is not necessarily bad, but it can short-circuit the thinking process when students use it to avoid their own effort. Students should understand that AI can support learning, but it should never replace their own thinking, hard work, and creativity.
Our district’s motto, “Rural Roots, Budding Futures,” reflects this approach. Columbus County has deep roots in hard work. Generations of people in our community have shown us that effort, patience, and determination bring rewards.
We want our students to carry that same work ethic forward and grow as students and as people. At the same time, we must prepare them for the future by teaching them how to use new tools wisely, responsibly, and effectively.
By adopting MagicSchool, Columbus County Schools is protecting the hard work that real learning requires while preparing students with the tools they will need to learn, grow, and succeed.
Artificial intelligence is now part of everyday life. It is used in health care, engineering, business, and many other fields—often in ways most people may not even realize. AI can be a valuable tool, but it also creates challenges for children whose minds are still developing.
Students need to read, write, solve problems, make mistakes, and work through difficult ideas. This effort helps their minds become strong, flexible, agile, and capable. That is one of the main purposes of education: to build the mind so students can think, adapt, create, and face new challenges.
Schools everywhere have seen students use AI to take shortcuts or avoid the work that real learning requires. This is not a problem unique to Columbus County. It is a challenge facing schools, families, and students everywhere.
Some recent media headlines about AI in schools, while well-meaning, do not tell the whole story. Columbus County Schools is not adopting MagicSchool to increase AI use. Quite the opposite—our goal is to reduce unmonitored AI use and place teachers in control.
Teachers will decide when, how, and whether students use AI. There will be many lessons and assignments in which AI is not used at all. When AI is used, it will be guided by the teacher and connected to clear learning goals.
MagicSchool will not replace reading, writing, math, critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, or original work. It will allow students to gain experience with AI without simply using it to get quick answers or avoid doing the work themselves. In many ways, MagicSchool will help Columbus County Schools use less AI—and use it better.
Our goal is not to place technology into every lesson. Our goal is to use the right tool at the right time. Sometimes that tool may be AI. At other times, students need to read, write, calculate, discuss, create, revise, and solve problems without any AI help at all.
We also need the help of our families. We encourage parents and guardians to talk with their children about AI use at home, know which AI tools they are using, and monitor how those tools are being used. AI is not necessarily bad, but it can short-circuit the thinking process when students use it to avoid their own effort. Students should understand that AI can support learning, but it should never replace their own thinking, hard work, and creativity.
Our district’s motto, “Rural Roots, Budding Futures,” reflects this approach. Columbus County has deep roots in hard work. Generations of people in our community have shown us that effort, patience, and determination bring rewards.
We want our students to carry that same work ethic forward and grow as students and as people. At the same time, we must prepare them for the future by teaching them how to use new tools wisely, responsibly, and effectively.
By adopting MagicSchool, Columbus County Schools is protecting the hard work that real learning requires while preparing students with the tools they will need to learn, grow, and succeed.
Use this guide to quickly identify vacation days for schools following the traditional calendar (all schools except CCCA).
Download this graphic here -https://aptg.co/8Lg90Q
The 26-27 calendars can be found here:
https://www.columbus.k12.nc.us/page/calendarsevents
Sub training sessions...
The HEARTS Foundation will host a Back-to-School Drive-Thru on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 116 Miller Street in Chadbourn, behind Worthington Funeral Home. Children must be present in the vehicle to receive a backpack and school supplies. The event will take place rain or shine.
Information on upcoming vaccine clinics.
Come see us at the Tabor City School Cafeteria!
Stop by and grab a delicious breakfast or lunch. We'd love to serve you!
🥞 Breakfast: 8:00 am–8:30 am
🍽️ Lunch: 12:00 pm–12:30 pm
We can't wait to see you! 💜
Summer Meals at ADES, HAES, TCS, and WCS! Students can visit any site, regardless of their school.
Summer Meals at CES!
The TCS Junior Beta Club attended the National Convention in Nashville this week. Our students placed 1st in the Nation in Book Battle, 4th in Nation in Musicology, and 10th in Nation in Quiz Bowl. The girls did TCS proud.
Good Luck, Brody!
We would like to wish WTS, 7th grader, Brody Reaves the very best as he campaigns for National Beta Club President this week in Nashville, Tennessee!
After earning the title of NC State Beta President, Brody is now taking on nationals with the support of students and communities from Williams Township School, Tabor City School, and West Columbus School.
Pictured are middle school students from WTS, TCS, and WCS wrapping up a practice session for Brody’s campaign skit. We are incredibly proud of the hard work, dedication, and leadership these students have shown throughout this journey.
Stay tuned—we will share a link so you can watch Brody’s speech, campaign skit, and on-stage question live! The big moment is Wednesday at 6:30 PM when Brody campaigns!
Let’s show Brody some support and wish him luck as he represents Columbus County and NC on the national stage!
#BrodyForNationalBetaPresident #ColumbusCounty #ColumbusCountyStrong
During the June board meeting, the current Principals of the Year were recognized:
Herman Bland
Chadbourn Elementary
Christian Godwin
Columbus Career & College Academy
Leslie Faulk
Old Dock Elementary
Herman Bland
Chadbourn Elementary
Christian Godwin
Columbus Career & College Academy
Leslie Faulk
Old Dock Elementary
During the June meeting, the Board recognized the current Teachers of the Year.:
Acme Delco Elementary
Alicia Freeman
Chadbourn Elementary
Tonya White
Columbus Career and College Acdemy
Angela Jordan
East Columbus
Ebony Murchinson
Hallsboro-Artesia Elementary
Amber Archie
Nakina Middle
Dawn Holt
Old Dock Elementary
Polly Whitesides
South Columbus H.S.
Breanna Seckman
Tabor City School
Terra Coats
West Columbus School
Dana Fipps
West Columbus High School
Jessica Williamson
Williams Township School
Maxie McPherson
During the June board meeting, the Board thanked the retirees for their many years of service to Columbus County Schools:
Central Services: Phillip Matt Edwards, Selina Gore, Jimmy Faulk, and Georgann Pigott.
Hallsboro-Artesia Elementary School: Barbara Campbell and Darlene Graham.
Nakina Middle School: Julie Sellers.
Old Dock Elementary School: Kimberly Andrews and Cheryl Gerald.
South Columbus High School: Cheryl Cartrette, Carlton Cox, Melissa Jones, Connie Mills, and Denise Price.
Tabor City School: Wanda Hardee, Kelly Miller, and Carolyn Strickland.
Technology Department: Troy Snowden.
Transportation Department: Roy Batten.
West Columbus School: Tullie Herring.
West Columbus High School: Dean Byerly.
Williams Township School: Martha Buffkin, Janet Hewett, Wendy Maguire, and Kimberly Parker.
Congratulations to Ari Britt for being awarded the "Heart of a Champion" award from the NCHSAA Wednesday June 10 at their annual awards ceremony in Greensboro! Ariana Britt was nominated by her cheer coach Tasha Dyson. Ari was also awarded the NCHSAA/Cheersounds scholarship as well as the North Carolina Cheer Coaches Association Cheer Scholarship this year!
TCS Elementary Beta Competition in Greensboro !! Very proud of our Betas!
Columbus County Schools is proud to present live coverage of the Class of 2026 graduation ceremonies. Join us as we celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates from West Columbus High School on June 5 at 6:00 PM, South Columbus High School on June 6 at 10:00 AM, and East Columbus Junior-Senior High School on June 6 at 4:00 PM. All ceremonies will be available live through the Columbus County Schools and school Facebook pages, the Columbus County Schools YouTube channel, Spectrum Channel 1304, the Columbus County Schools Mobile App, and the Columbus County Schools Roku App. We invite our community to tune in and celebrate this important milestone as the Class of 2026 takes the next step toward a bright future.
Summer Food Service Program 2026 - Ages 1-18 - Free Meals!
Locations:
Acme-Delco Elementary
Hallsboro-Artesia Elementary
Tabor City School
West Columbus School
Dates: Monday–Thursday, June 15–July 22, 2026
Breakfast: 8:00–8:30 a.m.
Lunch: 12:00–12:30 p.m.
Closed: June 29–July 6, 2026
Chadbourn Elementary
Dates: Monday–Thursday, June 15–July 29, 2026
Breakfast: 8:00–8:30 a.m.
Lunch: 12:00–12:30 p.m.
Locations:
Acme-Delco Elementary
Hallsboro-Artesia Elementary
Tabor City School
West Columbus School
Dates: Monday–Thursday, June 15–July 22, 2026
Breakfast: 8:00–8:30 a.m.
Lunch: 12:00–12:30 p.m.
Closed: June 29–July 6, 2026
Chadbourn Elementary
Dates: Monday–Thursday, June 15–July 29, 2026
Breakfast: 8:00–8:30 a.m.
Lunch: 12:00–12:30 p.m.
Southeastern Community College and Columbus County Schools are partnering to present a FREE Visual Arts Camp for rising 9th–12th grade students this summer!
Areas of concentration will include drawing, painting, paper crafting, 3D typography, and more. The camp will culminate in a student art showcase at SCC, highlighting the creativity and work developed throughout the program. Transportation and lunch will be provided for participating students.
Slots are extremely limited, and interested students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Contact Kelly Jones at kjones@columbus.k12.nc.us if you need more information.
Areas of concentration will include drawing, painting, paper crafting, 3D typography, and more. The camp will culminate in a student art showcase at SCC, highlighting the creativity and work developed throughout the program. Transportation and lunch will be provided for participating students.
Slots are extremely limited, and interested students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Contact Kelly Jones at kjones@columbus.k12.nc.us if you need more information.
THERE WILL BE NO SCHOOL
on Monday, May 25th in observance of Memorial Day.
on Monday, May 25th in observance of Memorial Day.
We still have a few slots left for this FREE camp!!!
Application is here - https://tinyurl.com/26ccsmquncw
Highlights from last year here- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enVnL4fOCy8
University of North Carolina Wilmington MarineQuest is offering a free four-day marine biology camp from July 27–30, 2026, for current 5th, 6th, and 7th graders at NMS, TCS, and WTS. During the day camp, students will travel to UNCW to explore the ecology of coastal habitats, kayak on the Cape Fear River, study wave dynamics through boogie boarding, build a remotely operated vehicle, investigate the effects of climate change on the ocean, and tour the UNCW campus. The program also introduces students to marine chemistry, geology, physics, and sustainable fisheries through hands-on activities and guidance from UNCW research scientists. Transportation to and from the camp, as well as meals, will be provided for all participants. Students will be selected based on grades and teacher recommendations, and applications are due by June 6th.
