Our Agriscience students are learning about plant growth, irrigation, and weed recognition.
Students in Ms. Anya Bryant's 7th grade class participated in a morning meeting today. Morning meetings are held at the beginning of each day to build positive relationships and set the tone for the day.
Good Morning,
Bus 120 is running late.
Good Morning,
Bus 60 is having technical difficulties and will be late. Thank you for your patience.
Good Evening Mustangs,
Please click the following link to view our Mustang Roundup with events and reminders for this week: https://tinyurl.com/4xatakax
Thank you and have a wonderful week!
All schools will be CLOSED on Monday, September 1st, in observance of Labor Day.
Bus 201 is running late. Thank you for your patience.
Good Evening Mustangs,
This is Shelly Cullipher, Principal of Nakina Middle School. We would like to thank everyone that joined us for Open House last Thursday. We shared information about policy changes for attendance, electronic devices, open containers, etc. We will send home a copy of the 25-26 NMS Parent/Student Handbook which contains all this information and more. Please complete and sign the back page of the handbook and return it to your child’s homeroom teacher by Friday, August. 29th.
Boys soccer tryouts will try out Tuesday ,Aug 26th and Wednesday Aug 27th from 3:10-4:45. Girls soccer tryouts will be Thursday, Aug 28th and Friday Aug 29th from 3:10-4:45. Participating students must sign up with Mr. Darrow and have a completed physical form on file in the office BEFORE trying out. Participating students must also have a ride to pick them up at 4:45.
Our doors open at 7:30 a.m. at the front awning entrance by the gym for car students and the tardy bell rings at 8:00 a.m.Our car students will dismiss at 2:55 p.m. and bus students will dismiss at 3:00 p.m.. We do have a few transportation changes as all buses will travel from Old Dock in the afternoon to pick up our students. We have 4 buses that will pull into the front parking lot to load students upon arrival to campus.
We look forward to seeing you tomorrow morning for the first day of school!
Shelly F. Cullipher
Principal
Good Evening Mustangs,
This is Shelly Cullipher, Principal of Nakina Middle School and we would like to welcome our new and returning Mustangs! We have missed you and are looking forward to a wonderful year. We have a few changes and improvements that we look forward to sharing with you during our Open House on Thursday, August 21st from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Please enter through the gym and take advantage of stations that include information about schedules, transportation, health and wellness, recreational sports, spirit wear, and how to become involved in our Mustang Club. Students in grades 6-8 will also have an opportunity to sign up for elective classes. We are proud to announce that we will be able to offer Agriscience, Art, Band, and Chorus, this year.
We will have an informational session at 6:00 p.m. in the gym for all parents, guardians, and students regarding the updated attendance and cell phone/electronic device policy as well as any other questions you may have. You will also have the opportunity to visit the classrooms and meet our wonderful Mustang staff.
The TOM’s Truck will be available with refreshing beverages to quench your thirst. Students will receive a ticket for a free beverage when they visit their homeroom teacher.
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you!
Shelly F. Cullipher
Principal
This is Shelly Cullipher, Principal of Nakina Middle School and we would like to welcome our new and returning Mustangs! We have missed you and are looking forward to a wonderful year. We have a few changes and improvements that we look forward to sharing with you during our Open House on Thursday, August 21st from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Please enter through the gym and take advantage of stations that include information about schedules, transportation, health and wellness, recreational sports, spirit wear, and how to become involved in our Mustang Club. Students in grades 6-8 will also have an opportunity to sign up for elective classes. We are proud to announce that we will be able to offer Agriscience, Art, Band, and Chorus, this year.
We will have an informational session at 6:00 p.m. in the gym for all parents, guardians, and students regarding the updated attendance and cell phone/electronic device policy as well as any other questions you may have. You will also have the opportunity to visit the classrooms and meet our wonderful Mustang staff.
The TOM’s Truck will be available with refreshing beverages to quench your thirst. Students will receive a ticket for a free beverage when they visit their homeroom teacher.
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you!
Shelly F. Cullipher
Principal
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!
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
Good Evening Mustangs,
We will have our 8th Grade Continuation Celebration at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow morning. 8th grade students should be at school by 8:00 a.m. and dress in appropriate attire for this dignified event. Jeans, shorts, sweatpants etc. t-shirts, etc. are not allowed. Dresses should be longer than 4 inches above the knee, not skin tight, and no spaghetti straps or backless dresses. Students must return their chromebooks to their homeroom teacher and pay any outstanding fees before leaving for the summer. Car students will dismiss early at 12:40 p.m. and bus students at 12:45 p.m. We appreciate your support and Mustang Pride!
Schools will release students at approximately 1 PM on Friday, June 6th.
Have a great summer!
Good Evening Mustangs,
Please be reminded that Math EOG retesting will take place tomorrow morning. We will have our 5th-7th Grade Awards at 1:00 p.m. in the gym and look forward to celebrating our students' achievements. Students also received their yearbooks today during a signing party. Students that were not present today can stop by the office to pick up their yearbook. We have a few extra yearbooks left for $45.
Thank you and we appreciate your support!