May Newsletter

As we near the end of the 2024–25 school year, we want to take a moment to celebrate all that our students have achieved. With just 17 school days left in May, let’s stay focused, work hard, and finish the year strong!

We wish you and your family a relaxing, rejuvenating summer filled with unforgettable memories.

Our 2nd graders will be headed to Takeoff Mini Golf for a field trip on Thursday, May 1st.

Our last PTO Hat Day of the school year will be on Friday, May 2nd. Please bring $1 to wear your favorite hat and support our incredible PTO.

Ambler Elementary is thrilled to welcome back our former students who are graduating from high school! As part of a special tradition, our current students will cheer them on with a celebratory clap-out on Friday, May 2nd at 8:00 a.m. Congratulations to the Class of 2025 — we’re so proud of you!

The last day to check out books for the 2024-25 school year is on Friday, May 2nd.

Students who completed their Greenville Drive Reading Logs will get to choose a game to attend. The 2 dates are May 4th and May 18th. Please look at your voucher for more information.

The week of May 5th - 9th is Teacher Appreciation Week!

Let’s take a moment to celebrate the incredible teachers who inspire, support, and shape our students every day. This week is all about showing our gratitude for their dedication, creativity, and the many hats they wear—from educator to cheerleader to role model. Whether it’s a heartfelt note, a small gift, or a simple “thank you,” every gesture makes a difference. Let’s make our teachers feel as special as they truly are!

Our 2nd graders are headed on a field trip to Lake Hartwell Safari on Friday, May 9th.

All checked out library books are due on Friday, May 9th.

All t-shirt entries are due by Friday, May 9th to Mrs. Vaughan. See below for the contest details that were sent home.

We will celebrate our students in K5 - 5th grade who met their typical and/or stretch goal on Tuesday, May 13th.

We will honor our retirees with the special luncheon on Wednesday, May 14th from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Our first graders will be going on a field trip to Callaham Farms on Thursday, May 15th.

Our 5th graders will be served lunch from the SDPC Food Truck on Thursday, May 15th for 50's Day.

We will celebrate our Safety Patrols with a celebration at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 15th.

Our K5 children will be celebrating Fun in the Sun Day on Friday, May 16th.

Ms. Crawford and Mrs. Mitchell will be celebrating our youngest learners with a special awards ceremony on Friday, May 16th, in the cafeteria from 9:00 - 9:30 a.m.

Our 5th graders will be traveling to Big Air Trampoline Park on Friday, May 16th.

Our end of the year classroom parties will be on Friday, May 16th.

Our 5th graders will be attending a field trip to Boundless Point Outdoor Learning on Monday, May 19th.

Monday, May 19th

6:00 p.m.

Pickens First Baptist Church

Our 4th graders are attending a field trip to Takeoff Mini Golf on Tuesday, May 20th.

Awards Day – Wednesday, May 21st
We are excited to celebrate our students' achievements during Awards Day for Kindergarten through 4th grades.

Please note:
The ceremony for 3rd and 4th grades will be by invitation only. Invitations will be sent home if your child is receiving an award.

Grade-Level Ceremony Times:

• 3rd & 4th Grades: 8:30 a.m. (invitation only)

• 1st & 2nd Grades: 9:30 a.m.

• Kindergarten Graduation: 12:00 p.m.

We look forward to recognizing the hard work and accomplishments of our students!

We will celebrate our 5th graders all day on Wednesday, May 21st. The clap out will take place at 1:00 p.m. Parents are invited to attend.

Our 5th graders will take on the staff of Ambler Elementary with our annual kickball game on Thursday, May 22nd at 8:10 a.m.

Just a reminder: School will be in session for full days on Thursday, May 22nd and Friday, May 23rd to make up for the days missed due to the hurricane.

All medications must be picked up from the Health Office by 2:00 p.m. on the last day of school, Friday, May 23rd. Any medications not collected by this time will be destroyed.

For the first time, SAFY & Children’s Trust of South Carolina will be offering the Strengthening Families Program to families in Pickens County for the SUMMER of 2025! This is a completely FREE program that serves families in our community.

Here are some of the amazing benefits of this program:

FREE family meal

FREE gas card incentive

FREE transportation via cab/Uber if needed

Weekly gift cards & raffle prizes

Weekly incentives/gifts

Topics Covered:

Problem solving

Communication

Positive parenting

Relationships/Bonding

Drugs/Alcohol dangers

Safety

Responsibilities

Congratulations to Mrs. Roberts on being named Principal of Calhoun Academy of the Arts!
We’re excited for this next chapter in her career and have no doubt she’ll thrive in her new role as she leads her very own school with passion and dedication. The mark she’s left on Ambler will be felt for years to come. Wishing her all the best!

We have three wonderful staff members who will be moving on to new opportunities at the end of this school year.

Mrs. Sarah Traynum will be transitioning to DES, where she’ll continue to inspire young minds as a 2nd grade teacher. Mrs. BreAnna McJunkin and Mrs. Klara Jaynes are embarking on exciting new paths in the business world—BreAnna will be joining a chiropractic practice, while Klara is currently pursuing her studies to become an accountant.

We are so proud of each of you and deeply grateful for the impact you’ve made here. You will be truly missed!

Wishing a wonderful retirement to Mr. Mike Alexander! May your days be filled with peace, joy, and well-deserved relaxation. You’ll be deeply missed here at Ambler.

We’re excited to welcome Mrs. Karen Corontzes as our new assistant principal for the 2025–2026 school year. Let’s give her a warm Ambler welcome.

Mark your calendars—our 2025–26 Meet the Teacher event will take place on Tuesday, July 29th. We look forward to seeing you there!