The Dolphin Digest

THIS WEEK

MONDAY

Get Up & Move (Grades 3-5) (7:15 AM)

TUESDAY

NO SCHOOL (Election Day & Teacher Workday)

WEDNESDAY

Get Up & Move (Grades 3-5) (7:15 AM)

THURSDAY

PTA Monthly Updates & Committee Meeting (7:45 AM)
Get Up & Move (Grades K-2) (7:15 AM)
Chess Club for 4th and 5th Grade (7:15 AM)

FRIDAY

Chess Club for 2nd and 3rd Grade (7:15 AM)

SAVE THE DATES

Nov 11: NO SCHOOL (Veterans Day Holiday)

Nov 16 - 20: Fall Book Fair

Nov 19: Grandparents Breakfast, 7am

Nov 24: Deadline (8:00 AM cut off) for Yearbook Cover Contest submissions

Nov 24: Deadline for PTA Reflections Contest submissions

Nov 25: NO SCHOOL (Teacher Workday)

Nov 26 - 27: NO SCHOOL (Thanksgiving Holiday)

Dec 3: PTA Monthly Updates & Committee Meeting (7:45am)

Dec 6: WBS Foundation Santa Brunch at Bluewater

Dec 8: Holiday Performance and PTA Meeting, 5:30pm

Dec 11: AIG Local History Fair

Dec 21 - Jan 1: Winter Break

From the Desk of Principal Jackson Norvell

“The face of an old friend

You haven’t seen in years

Stories turn to songs, laughter to tears

These things aren’t a given

They’re a gift to behold

Like the first leaves of autumn

Our breath in the cold”

-Gratitude by Drew Holcomb.

Mighty WBS Dolphins,

Greetings from the principal’s office. I hope this message finds you well rested from the extra hour, and starting to come down from that Halloween sugar high. Folks, we’ve somehow already made it to November. It’s hard to believe how fast time flies. At WBS, our character trait for the month is gratitude. Especially throughout November, we’ll be talking about it, on the lookout for it, and celebrating the power of it. As far as I can tell, from the simple to the excruciatingly difficult, through all the wins, losses, miracles, disasters, laughter, and tears that accompany all of us along the journey; finding a way to remain grateful for it all is the essence of a life well-lived.

I am eternally grateful to all of you, and for your amazing children. Thank you for sharing them with us. It is truly an honor.

Great things happen here,

Jackson

Hot off the Press: AIG Student Newsletter

Island Passages-November Edition

Island Passages, is monthly newsletter created by our AIG (Academically and Intellectually Gifted) students! Each issue is written and designed entirely by students, featuring articles, fun facts, and creative pieces that showcase their voices and talents.

The November Issue—is ready for you to read and enjoy. Take a moment to dive into Island Passages and celebrate the creativity, curiosity, and leadership of our AIG students.

Island Passages: November Edition

Unleash Your Creativity: PTA Reflections Art Contest! 🎨🐬

Calling all creative Dolphins! It’s time to let your inner artist shine. This year’s theme is "What My Culture Means to Me." What traditions, people, places, or memories make you you? Express yourself through dance, film, literature, music composition, photography, or visual arts—and you could be our next winner!

Who: Open to ALL grades
Deadline: Tuesday, November 24th (turn in at the front office)
Forms: Pick up an entry form at the front office or from Ms. Crafts.
Inspiration: Visit the Reflections Contest page to explore the theme!

Questions? Contact Lindsay Benfer at lindsaycooper06@gmail.com or 864-363-8220.

🔥 Campfire Magic: Save the Date for the Literati Book Fair! 🔥

Gather ‘round, families! Our annual book fair is right around the corner, and this year’s theme is Campfire Magic! Mark your calendars for November 16–20, as we bring a week of inspiring stories and cozy reading adventures to our school community.

☕ Grandparents & Grandfriends Morning Refreshments

Join us for a light morning treat during our Grandparents & Grandfriends Gathering on November 19 at 7:00 a.m. Special guests and students are invited to stop by to enjoy pastries, coffee, and juice together while exploring the book fair before the school day begins!

(Can't make it in person or want to share with out-of-town family? You can also shop our Online Book Fair starting October 19!)

💡 Research Spotlight: Tapping Into Passions & Choice

Cambridge research confirms that reading for pleasure in early childhood yields powerful benefits for cognitive health, brain development, and emotional well-being. A key insight from the study shows that reading pleasure is most strongly sparked when children have the autonomy to choose books that connect directly to their existing hobbies and personal passions.

📚 How the Book Fair Helps

Sparking Personal Passions: The book fair provides a fun space where students can explore diverse topics—from outer space to sports or animals—allowing them to deep-dive into what they already love.
Exploring Diverse Formats: Letting kids choose their own reading material encourages them to experiment with new formats, like graphic novels or non-fiction, which can turn even reluctant readers into enthusiastic ones.
Enriching Our School Library: Every purchase at the fair directly supports our school library by funding fresh new titles. This ensures our students can continue to self-select books matched to their evolving interests all year long!

Keep an eye out for more details as November 16 approaches. We look forward to kindling a love of reading together!

✨ Shop the Campfire Magic Online Starting Oct. 19!

Can't visit our fair in person or want to share the link with long-distance family and grandfriends? You can shop our Literati Online Book Fair starting October 19 at literati.com/store. Let your child browse and choose their favorite titles right from home!

SHOP the ONLINE Book Fair beginning October 19th

🎨 Calling All WBS Artists: Yearbook Cover Contest!

Calling all student artists! Want to see your artwork featured on the front of this year's Wrightsville Beach Elementary yearbook? We are looking for designs that show what WBS means to you!

Submission Guidelines:

Use standard 8.5" x 11" paper in a vertical (portrait) orientation.
Do NOT put your name on the front of the artwork.
Write the student's Name, Grade, and Teacher in pencil on the back.

⏰ Deadline: Submit all artwork to your teacher by 8:00 AM on Monday, November 24th.

Voting will take place on November 24th. Winners will be officially announced during the Holiday Performance and General PTA Meeting on December 8th. We can’t wait to see your creative designs! 🐬✨

Save the Date

WBS Foundation Event

Santa Brunch at Bluewater Grill!

It may only be September, but Santa is already planning his trip to the beach! Mark your calendars for Wrightsville Beach Elementary School's annual Santa Brunch on Sunday, December 6th at Bluewater Waterfront Grill. Enjoy a delicious continental or buffet brunch, holiday fun, photos with Santa, and a chance to support our school.

Event Date: Sunday, December 6th
- Continental Brunch: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- Buffet Brunch: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Bluewater Waterfront Grill
Tickets Go On Sale: October 19th

Keep an eye out for ticket information coming next month so you can secure your family's spot!

ORDER Santa Brunch Tickets (Box office opens 10/19 @ 10 AM)

Mark Your Calendars:

Spring 2027 End of Grade (E.O.G.) Testing Dates

Although spring feels a long way off, we want to give our families plenty of advance notice so you can plan ahead! Please mark your calendars for Wrightsville Beach Elementary’s 2027 End of Grade (E.O.G.) testing schedule:

Friday, May 21, 2027: Reading E.O.G. (Grades 3, 4, and 5)
Tuesday, May 25, 2027: Math E.O.G. (Grades 3, 4, and 5)
Thursday, May 27, 2027: Science E.O.G. (Grade 5 only)

Testing will begin promptly at 8:15 a.m. each day. Please ensure your students arrive on time, rested, and ready to do their best. Thank you as always for your support in setting our students up for success!