This is Kristie Leinthall, principal of Acme Delco Elementary School with your Bobcat News for the week of September 8th, 2025!
Thank you to the ADES PTSO for hosting a wonderful Back to School Dance for our students! The students had a fantastic time dancing and even caught the staff members dancing too!
Announcements:
Parents please be aware that buses may be later or early to pick up and drop off students! Bus routes are still stabilizing so we ask for your patience and understanding.
Parents this week we continue our Beginning of the Year assessments for I-ready Reading and Math in many grade levels. We ask that all students arrive on time each day so that we may begin our assessments on time each day! Parents, we ask that you please encourage your child to perform their best so we may have accurate data of your child’s current levels!
All Kindergarten through 3rd grade students as well as 4th grade RTA students will begin their BOY reading assessments this week! We ask that all students in these grade levels please arrive at school on time and give their best effort during testing!
All student cellphones will be collected at the beginning of the day by classroom teachers and returned to students at the end of the day every school day.
Transportation Changes must be in written form and must be completed by 2:00 PM daily. We do not accept phone calls or text message transportation change requests.
All documents, cell phone agreement, Title I compact, student profile sheet, and several other hand-outs that were sent home with your student the first week of school must be signed and returned asap! We need all updated student profile sheets in order to be able to reach parents in multiple situations.
Please remember that students are counted tardy if they are not in school by
7:45 AM. Our instructional day is from 7:45 AM to 3:00 PM daily!
Car Rider students are to be dropped off at the car rider line only and not at the front of the building due to safety concerns. Please adhere to the speed limit in the car rider drop off area. Please have students sitting on the right side of the car in order to exit safely and quickly! The car rider line will be closed at 7:43 AM daily!
Congratulations to the following students who are East Columbus Middle School Soccer Team members: CHandler Jacobs, Jesus Carachure, Damien Martinez, Dante Martinez, Robert Taylor, and Kaitlyn Villanueva. Come out and cheer these students on as they play their first match of the season on Monday at 4:00 PM in a home game at East Columbus JR/SR High School.
Cheerleading try-outs will be this week, September 8th and continue through September 11th! Please remember you must have a current physical and concussion form completed to participate in try-outs! Transportation will be provided to East Columbus for try-outs, however parents must pick up their student at 5:00 PM at East Columbus.
Dates to Remember:
September 25th- 1st 9-weeks progress reports
October 1st - Fall School Pictures (These are also for our Yearbook)
Once again, we look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow! Should you have any questions or concerns please contact the school at 910-655-2957.
Thank you and have a wonderful evening!
Thank you to the ADES PTSO for hosting a wonderful Back to School Dance for our students! The students had a fantastic time dancing and even caught the staff members dancing too!
Announcements:
Parents please be aware that buses may be later or early to pick up and drop off students! Bus routes are still stabilizing so we ask for your patience and understanding.
Parents this week we continue our Beginning of the Year assessments for I-ready Reading and Math in many grade levels. We ask that all students arrive on time each day so that we may begin our assessments on time each day! Parents, we ask that you please encourage your child to perform their best so we may have accurate data of your child’s current levels!
All Kindergarten through 3rd grade students as well as 4th grade RTA students will begin their BOY reading assessments this week! We ask that all students in these grade levels please arrive at school on time and give their best effort during testing!
All student cellphones will be collected at the beginning of the day by classroom teachers and returned to students at the end of the day every school day.
Transportation Changes must be in written form and must be completed by 2:00 PM daily. We do not accept phone calls or text message transportation change requests.
All documents, cell phone agreement, Title I compact, student profile sheet, and several other hand-outs that were sent home with your student the first week of school must be signed and returned asap! We need all updated student profile sheets in order to be able to reach parents in multiple situations.
Please remember that students are counted tardy if they are not in school by
7:45 AM. Our instructional day is from 7:45 AM to 3:00 PM daily!
Car Rider students are to be dropped off at the car rider line only and not at the front of the building due to safety concerns. Please adhere to the speed limit in the car rider drop off area. Please have students sitting on the right side of the car in order to exit safely and quickly! The car rider line will be closed at 7:43 AM daily!
Congratulations to the following students who are East Columbus Middle School Soccer Team members: CHandler Jacobs, Jesus Carachure, Damien Martinez, Dante Martinez, Robert Taylor, and Kaitlyn Villanueva. Come out and cheer these students on as they play their first match of the season on Monday at 4:00 PM in a home game at East Columbus JR/SR High School.
Cheerleading try-outs will be this week, September 8th and continue through September 11th! Please remember you must have a current physical and concussion form completed to participate in try-outs! Transportation will be provided to East Columbus for try-outs, however parents must pick up their student at 5:00 PM at East Columbus.
Dates to Remember:
September 25th- 1st 9-weeks progress reports
October 1st - Fall School Pictures (These are also for our Yearbook)
Once again, we look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow! Should you have any questions or concerns please contact the school at 910-655-2957.
Thank you and have a wonderful evening!
All schools will be CLOSED on Monday, September 1st, in observance of Labor Day.
This guide includes helpful info to get your school year off to a great start. Still have questions? Use the form at the bottom and we’ll be in touch!
Join us on August 21st from 4-6 pm for our Back 2 School Night!
Makeup Substitute Update Training - 9AM-12PM August 6th at Central Services.
HEARTS Foundation Presents:
Columbus County’s Largest & Longest-Running School Supply Drive!
The HEARTS Foundation is excited to invite all school-age children to receive a free backpack and school supplies—just in time for the new school year!
Important Details:
This year’s event will be drive-thru only. No walk-ups allowed.
All children must be present in the vehicle to receive supplies. No supplies will be given to adults without children present.
Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: 116 Miller Street, Chadbourn, NC
Don’t miss this opportunity to get your child ready for school—while supplies last!
Attendance Policy Update
School attendance and class participation are an integral part of academic achievement and the teaching-learning process. Regular attendance develops patterns of behavior essential to professional and personal success in life. Regular attendance by every student is mandatory: the State of North Carolina requires that every child in the State between the ages of seven (or younger if enrolled) and 16 years of age attend school.
No more than five school days per semester will be excused based on parent notes. Future absences due to personal illness, injury, or medical/dental appointments, will require a healthcare practitioner's statement to be excused.
Students may lose athletic eligibility for not following the attendance policy.
Grades K-8
Students who are chronically absent (excused, unexcused or suspended for more than 10% of the days enrolled) are at risk of not mastering the content standards. Students may be referred for academic and/or attendance interventions within a Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS). Grade retention will be considered due to a lack of mastery as a result of chronic absenteeism.
Grades 9-12
High school students who are chronically absent (excused unexcused or suspended for more than l0% of the days enrolled) are at risk of not mastering the content standards. Students may be referred for academic and/or attendance interventions within a Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS). Students who miss more than ten days (unexcused) per course will be subject to an attendance-based failure (FF).
Cell Phone Policy Update
All classes in grades K-12 in the district will be a phone-free space to help optimize teaching and learning. Phones will not be allowed at any time during the school day, including lunch periods. This update reflects requirements as signed into law by HB 959.
High School students must store their devices and device accessories in Yondr Pouches as directed by the district. Students in grades K-8 must power off and keep devices and accessories in their bookbags during the instructional day. Provisions will be made for students that use cellphones for medical purposes.
Columbus County Schools may forbid student possession of devices and device accessories on school property.
Please note that Columbus County Schools will not be responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged devices.
School attendance and class participation are an integral part of academic achievement and the teaching-learning process. Regular attendance develops patterns of behavior essential to professional and personal success in life. Regular attendance by every student is mandatory: the State of North Carolina requires that every child in the State between the ages of seven (or younger if enrolled) and 16 years of age attend school.
No more than five school days per semester will be excused based on parent notes. Future absences due to personal illness, injury, or medical/dental appointments, will require a healthcare practitioner's statement to be excused.
Students may lose athletic eligibility for not following the attendance policy.
Grades K-8
Students who are chronically absent (excused, unexcused or suspended for more than 10% of the days enrolled) are at risk of not mastering the content standards. Students may be referred for academic and/or attendance interventions within a Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS). Grade retention will be considered due to a lack of mastery as a result of chronic absenteeism.
Grades 9-12
High school students who are chronically absent (excused unexcused or suspended for more than l0% of the days enrolled) are at risk of not mastering the content standards. Students may be referred for academic and/or attendance interventions within a Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS). Students who miss more than ten days (unexcused) per course will be subject to an attendance-based failure (FF).
Cell Phone Policy Update
All classes in grades K-12 in the district will be a phone-free space to help optimize teaching and learning. Phones will not be allowed at any time during the school day, including lunch periods. This update reflects requirements as signed into law by HB 959.
High School students must store their devices and device accessories in Yondr Pouches as directed by the district. Students in grades K-8 must power off and keep devices and accessories in their bookbags during the instructional day. Provisions will be made for students that use cellphones for medical purposes.
Columbus County Schools may forbid student possession of devices and device accessories on school property.
Please note that Columbus County Schools will not be responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged devices.
FREE Summer Meals for Kids Ages 1–18!
No registration required – just show up and eat! Students do not need to attend the school to be eligible. Meals must be eaten in the cafeteria.
Chadbourn Elementary
June 17 – July 30 (Monday–Thursday)
Closed: July 2–3
Breakfast: 7:30–8:30 AM
Lunch: 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
Tabor City School
June 17 – July 30 (Monday–Thursday)
Closed: June 30 – July 7
Breakfast: 7:30–8:30 AM
Lunch: 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
Acme Delco Elementary
June 17 – July 23 (Monday–Thursday)
Closed: June 30 – July 7
Breakfast: 7:45–8:30 AM
Lunch: 11:30 AM–12:15 PM
Open to all children and teens ages 1–18.
#SummerMeals #HealthyKids #ColumbusCountySchools
During a recent Board meeting, the Teachers of the Year and Principals of the Year were honored for their outstanding leadership, dedication, and impact on student success. The Board recognized these exceptional educators for their commitment to excellence and their vital role in shaping the future of Columbus County Schools.
TOY Nominees
Susan Carr
Adrienne Carroll
Connie Faulk
Karen Haley
Heather Tilly
Tonya Nobles
Michele Bolton
Darryl Spivey
Khadijah Tart
Lisa Hamilton
Kim Watson
Janet Hewett
POY Nominees
Kelly Beck
Shelly Cullipher
Leslie Faulk
At a recent board meeting, AR Ammons Poetry Winners were honored:
Division I First Place Isabella Holmes Old Dock Elementary School
Division I Honorable Mention Ainsley Ward Old Dock Elementary School
Division I Honorable Mention Kera Starnes Old Dock Elementary School
Division I Honorable Mention Coleman Smart West Columbus School
Division I Honorable Mention Lane Tompkins Tabor City School
Division I Honorable Mention Adelina Beck Old Dock Elementary
Division I Honorable Mention Lisbeth Lemus Old Dock Elementary
Division I Honorable Mention Mia Strickland Old Dock Elementary
Division I Honorable Mention Kinleigh Butler Old Dock Elementary
Division I Honorable Mention Ellorie Ward Old Dock Elementary
Division I Second Place Camille Canady Old Dock Elementary School
Division I Third Place Colton McKeithan Old Dock Elementary School
Division II First Place Anna Marie Bell Hallsboro / Artesia Elementary
Division II Honorable Mention Julie Ward Nakina Middle School
Division II Honorable Mention Henlee Ward Tabor City School
Division II Honorable Mention Brystal Ward Old Dock Elementary
Division II Honorable Mention Liam Dyson West Columbus School
Division III Honorable Mention Morgan Smith Nakina Middle School
Division III Honorable Mention Deacon Whaley Nakina Middle School
Division III Honorable Mention Annabelle Wright Nakina Middle School
Division III Honorable Mention Elizabeth Valdez Nakina Middle School
Division III Honorable Mention Laney McPherson Nakina Middle School
Division III Honorable Mention Khadijah Currie East Columbus JR/SR High
Division III Third Place Isabella Rivero Nakina Middle School
Division IV First Place Landyn Norris South Columbus High
Division IV Honorable Mention LilyAnne Long Columbus Career and College Academy
Division IV Honorable Mention Tanijia Gerald Columbus Career and College Academy
Division IV Honorable Mention Mckenna Ware-Rudnik East Columbus JR/SR High
Division IV Honorable Mention Hailey Long South Columbus High
Division IV Honorable Mention Melody Gilbert Columbus Career and College Academy
Division IV Honorable Mention Cynthia Ward West Columbus High
Division IV Honorable Mention Stephen Tatman, Jr. South Columbus High
Division IV Honorable Mention Landon Hoopes Columbus Career and College Academy
Division IV Honorable Mention Mika Williams South Columbus High
Division IV Honorable Mention Morgan Cartrette South Columbus High
Division IV Honorable Mention Mckenna Ware-Rudnik East Columbus JR/SR High
Division IV Honorable Mention Jennifer Perez South Columbus High
Division IV Second Place Aisha Skye Reyes South Columbus High
Division IV Third Place Landyn Norris South Columbus High
At a recent Board meeting, the Celebrate the Arts Gold Key winners were recognized for having the best artwork in the show. These students demonstrated remarkable creativity and artistic excellence, rising to the top among hundreds of entries. The Board commended them for their talent, hard work, and outstanding representation of the arts in Columbus County Schools.
ECJSHS Mckenna Ware-Rudnik
ECJSHS Brittany Mitchell
ECJSHS Milana Graham
ECJSHS Sophia Robertson
SCHS Greidys Avelino
SCHS Madison McMillian
SCHS India Sammons
SCHS Samuel Cunningham
SCHS Alan Rodriguez
SCHS Drake Cribb
SCHS Lily Greene
SCHS Lena Taylor
WCHS Samantha Strickland
WCHS Zayda Eddie
WCHS Brianna Thomas
WCHS Lia Specht
WCHS Karmen McDuffie
WCHS Ricky Johnson
WCHS Lindsey Hayes
WCHS Ivan Osorio-Abonza
ADES Dulce Gonzalez Gonzalez
ADES Dulce Gonzalez Gonzalez
ADES Vanessa Jauregui-Del Angel
ADES Morgan Pridgen
ECJSHS Sophia Alvarado Rivera
ECJSHS Yamileth Gonzalez-Baza
ECJSHS Luziana Cruz Perez
HAES Cara Britt
HAES Anthony Gurganious
HAES Dondria Sadler
HAES Mya Jacobs
HAES Cole Lynch
NMS Javier Diaz
NMS Sara Rivenbark
NMS Ellie Wright
NMS Sandy Nunez
NMS Bridgette Perdomo
TCS Devora Redondo
TCS Andrea Powell
TCS Kimberly Manning
TCS Loren Hinson
TCS Mileigh Stevenson
WCS Arabella Tchorz
WCS Ella Fletcher
WCS Kaylee Bethea-Davis
WCS Kenzie Martin
WCS Chantal Judd
WTS Kalie Blanton
WTS Julia Bailey
WTS Joanna Cox
WTS Aria Bowen
WTS Johnny Dominguez
WTS Johnny Domingues
WTS Legend McCray
Schools will release students at approximately 1 PM on Friday, June 6th.
Have a great summer!
Today, a system error temporarily disrupted the NCTest platform statewide, affecting all students in North Carolina who were scheduled to test this morning. The outage lasted approximately 40 minutes. Prompt corrective action restored the system, allowing students to resume testing shortly thereafter. All tests were completed successfully.
We sincerely thank our teachers and students for their patience, focus, and resilience during the disruption. At this time, we anticipate no further issues.
Reminder: All schools will be closed on Monday, May 26th, in honor of Memorial Day.
Happening Today! 10am-1pm.
A message from the Columbus County Health Department:
School is almost out and our summer schedule is filling up quickly!!!
Our dental team is excited to assist you with scheduling your child's
summer break dental exams and cleanings. Please contact our office at (910) 640- 6615, ext. 7041 to schedule your child's appointment.
We wish all students a happy and healthy summer break.
Hope to see your smile soon!
CCS Education Job Fair - Saturday, May 17, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: CCS Central Services, 2586 James B. White Hwy N, Whiteville
Join us for the CCS Education Job Fair, a dedicated hiring event focused on filling a variety of roles within Columbus County Schools. Call 910-642-5168 for info.
CCS Education Job Fair
Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: CCS Central Services, 2586 James B. White Hwy N, Whiteville, NC (beside Northwood Church)
Join us for the CCS Education Job Fair, a dedicated hiring event focused on filling a variety of roles within Columbus County Schools. This is your chance to meet face-to-face with school and district leaders who are actively seeking passionate educators and support staff for the 2025–2026 school year.
Good evening! This is Kristie Leinthall, principal of Acme Delco Elementary school with a reminder of our 4th - 6th grade transition night this evening, May 13th from 5:30 – 7:00 PM. This meeting will be an opportunity for all rising 4th - 6th grade students and parents to meet teachers as well as receive information regarding requirements and needs for the following school year 2025 -2026. We are looking forward to seeing our parents and students this evening!
Good evening! This is Kristie Leinthall, principal of Acme Delco Elementary School with your Bobcat News for the week of May 12th, 2025. Thank you to all our local churches and businesses as well as many individuals who donated food items for our teacher and staff appreciation week ! We certainly felt your love and support for ADES!
Announcements:
Art Students will be selling stickers that students created and designed during all lunches starting Monday, May 12th through May 22nd! The costs range from .25 to $2.00. All proceeds will benefit the ADES Art Department.
All students who have library books are reminded to turn these in as soon as possible! The last day for book check out will be Thursday, May 15th due to the end of the school year/book inventory.
All students in grades Kindergarten through 4th grade will continue their EOY assessments for Dibels this week. The window for testing is May 5th through May 29th. We ask that all students please attend school during this window in order to complete their individual assessments.
We invite all parents to attend our 4th through 6th grade transition night on Tuesday, May 6th from 5:30 – 7:00 PM. This meeting will be an opportunity for all rising 4th through 6th grade students and parents to meet teachers as well as receive information regarding requirements and needs for the following school year 2025 -2026. This is also a time to come see our fantastic display of student artwork! WE certainly have some very talented students!
The 2024-2025 Yearbook has arrived! Get your copy before they are sold out! We have a limited number of copies available! The cost is $25.00, and we accept cash or checks payable to ADES. Yearbooks will be distributed the day of the Yearbook signing party on May 16th at 1:30 PM.
Students will attend field day on Friday, May 16th! We will have water relays and encourage students to bring a change of clothing and a towel alon with sunscreen as it is going to be warm with lots of sunshine! Also as part of field day students will have the opportunity to purchase Kona Ice. The cost is $4.00 - $7.00! Don't forget to bring your refillable cups from home for a reduced price!
Attendance is important at ADES for our students! Remember we are striving to achieve a 95-96 % attendance rate weekly. Please remember that students learn best when in school with their teacher and teacher assistants.
Please remember that our school day starts promptly at 7:45 AM and ends at 3:00 PM. We ask that all students attend school regularly and to arrive on time as well as stay the entire instructional day!
Parents just a reminder that transportation changes must be in written form and submitted before 2:00 PM daily. We do not accept phone call or text message changes.
Upcoming Events:
May 23rd - End of Grade Testing for 3rd grade Reading and 5th Grade Science
May 26th - No School in honor of the Memorial Day Holiday
May 28th - End of Grade Testing for grades 4-6 in Reading
May 29th - End of Grade Testing for Grades 3-6 in Math
May 30th - EOG/Growth Water Slide/Picnic Day
Should you have any questions or concerns please contact the school at 910-655-2957. We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow! Thank you and have a great evening!