Who helps make learning happen behind the scenes? Our instructional assistants do — and we’re incredibly grateful! 🌟 From small moments of encouragement to big classroom support, they help students feel seen, safe, and ready to learn. Thank you for your patience, care, and hard work every day. 🙏
14 days ago, Surf City Elementary
Instructional assistant working with a student
Instructional assistant working with a student
Instructional assistant working with a student
Instructional assistant working with a student
Instructional assistant working with a student
We'd say that's a pretty cool resolution! 📚🤗
15 days ago, Surf City Elementary
New Years Resolution poster
Check out our stick skills! 🏒Coach Ramsey had our second graders learning the basics of hockey today.
15 days ago, Surf City Elementary
2nd graders playing hockey in PE class

In STEAM class, 2nd and 3rd grade are reading Martin's Big Words to learn about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and impact on our world. They then designed their own words on graph paper that remind them of how we should care about everyone and treat each other equally with no anger or hate. Their conversations were amazing and with such love and positivity. They also came up with some excellent "big words" themselves!

15 days ago, Surf City Elementary
lesson on MLK
students working on a MLK word project
students working on a MLK word project
students working on a MLK word project
Good morning sea turtles!
Children who ride bus 261 will ride bus 256 this afternoon. This bus will be approximately 60 minutes late. We apologize for the inconvenience. If you would like different travel arrangements for your child, please notify the front office and your child's teacher. info_sce@pender.k12.nc.us
15 days ago, Leah Smith
256
Good afternoon, Sea Turtles. Students who ride bus 261 will ride bus 256 this afternoon. This bus will be approximately 20 minutes late. We apologize for the inconvenience. These students will also ride bus 256 tomorrow morning, but per the transportation department, timing should be close to normal. Thank you for understanding as we work to secure a permanent driver for this route.
16 days ago, Leah Smith
261

✨TEACHER TUESDAY✨Ms. Stephanie Chandler teaches EC Pre-K at Surf City Elementary. Since joining the team, she has helped families feel more at ease through her communication, patience, and willingness to listen. She takes time to learn about each child and family before offering suggestions or making changes, which parents and staff appreciate.

What stands out most about Ms. Chandler is her openness to learning and her steady support of students and families during challenging or uncertain moments. She works closely with her team and is always willing to collaborate.

Ms. Chandler previously worked in Pender County Schools before relocating with her military family. Staff who knew her then say she brought the same positive attitude and teamwork during her earlier years. After returning, she has jumped right back in and continues to be grateful for feedback and guidance. She regularly follows up, puts suggestions into practice, and shows appreciation for the time others invest in helping her.

Thank you, Ms. Chandler, for your dedication to students, families, and your team at Surf City Elementary. 💛🌟

16 days ago, Bob Fankboner
TEACHER TUESDAY STEPHANIE CHANDLER
It's always a good day to read a book. 📚
16 days ago, Surf City Elementary
1st grade student reading a book
Bus 261 will be 30 minutes late AM and PM on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. We apologize for the inconvenience.
17 days ago, Leah Smith
261
🥞🍕January breakfast & lunch menu 🔗 https://bit.ly/3WtG3o2
18 days ago, Surf City Elementary
January breakfast & lunch menus
Ms. Gruber's 3rd grade class had a Grinch-tastic day of STEM learning! Students raced to stack cups to build Grinch’s Mount Crumpit, engineered Whoville Christmas trees using only toothpicks, gumdrops, and marshmallows, and finished by designing catapults to launch gumdrops at their creations. So much creativity, problem-solving, and fun packed into one day!
about 1 month ago, Surf City Elementary
3rd graders working in groups of 2 on STEM projects
3rd graders working in groups of 2 on STEM projects
3rd graders working in groups of 2 on STEM projects
3rd graders working in groups of 2 on STEM projects
3rd graders working in groups of 2 on STEM projects
Students and staff showed off their tacky holiday sweaters, added a little sparkle and shine, and wrapped up the fun in cozy holiday pajamas as we count down to Christmas break. What a joyful way to celebrate the season and spread smiles throughout our halls! ❤️🎅
about 1 month ago, Surf City Elementary
students and staff wearing their tacky holiday sweaters
students and staff wearing their holiday sparkles
students and staff wearing their cozy winter pajamas
Thank you to the LAMB Foundation of NC and congratulations to Ms. Chandler & Ms. Street who received a grant that will be used for materials for their students.
about 1 month ago, Surf City Elementary
teachers receiving award
Good afternoon Surf City Elementary Families!
This is a reminder that today is an early release day. Dismissal begins at 11:50am.
Also, the school building will be closed December 20th through January 1st due to painting and Winter Break. We hope everyone has an amazing break, and we look forward to seeing students when they return on January 6th.
about 1 month ago, Surf City Elementary
Winter Break
Happy Half Day, Sea Turtle Families! Both Routes of Bus 291 will be 45-60 minutes late this afternoon. We are so sorry for the inconvenience. We are all very ready to begin our Winter Break! If you would like to make other transportation arrangements for your child, please contact sce_info@pender.k12.nc.us. Our car line dismissal begins at 11:50 am.
about 1 month ago, Leah Smith
291
We're happy to share with you that Jane from Ms. Emery's 1st grade class is our Sea Turtle of the Week. Jane, your school is proud of you. 💙🐢💚
about 1 month ago, Surf City Elementary
sea turtle of the week announcement
🎓👏 Our 5th graders have officially completed the D.A.R.E. program!

Throughout the program, students learned important skills about making safe and responsible choices, building confidence, and standing up to peer pressure. We are so proud of their hard work, thoughtful participation, and commitment to being respectful, responsible leaders. Way to go, 5th grade! 💙🎉
about 1 month ago, Surf City Elementary
5th grader students sitting in the gym listening to the DARE program
5th grader students sitting in the gym listening to the DARE program
5th grader students sitting in the gym listening to the DARE program

🌟 Student Spotlight 🌟

Raelyn is a 5th grader at Surf City Elementary. She was nominated for showing kindness and leadership toward a younger student who was new to the school.

One morning during car drop-off, Raelyn noticed a kindergartner who was upset and unsure about walking into school. Without being asked, she offered to walk him to his classroom. Since then, she has continued to check on him, talk with him when he seems nervous, and make sure he feels included. Her support helped him settle into his new routine and feel more comfortable throughout the day.

Her actions reflect the caring environment SCE works to build. She shows responsibility and compassion, and she is a positive example for other students—especially the younger Sea Turtles.

Outside of school, Raelyn enjoys fishing and volleyball. Her favorite food is crab legs, and her favorite color is pink. She has two dogs—Koa and Ellie—and two cats, Teddy and Charlie. She also once scored the winning point in a championship basketball game.

💗 Thank you, Raelyn, for the kindness and leadership you show at Surf City Elementary.

about 1 month ago, Bob Fankboner
student spotlight raelyn sce
Good afternoon Surf City Elementary Families,
Bus 279 will be on Bus 290 today with no delay.
about 1 month ago, Surf City Elementary
bus

💚🎄 Our school was green with cheer today as students and staff showed off their best Grinch-inspired looks! From festive green outfits to mischievous smiles, the Grinch definitely made his way through our halls—bringing lots of laughter and holiday fun.

Who knew being a little Grinchy could spread so much joy? 💚✨

about 1 month ago, Surf City Elementary
staff & students dressed in green for grinch day
staff & students dressed in green for grinch day
staff & students dressed in green for grinch day
staff & students dressed in green for grinch day
staff & students dressed in green for grinch day