Alachua Elementary School

💚💛 Once an Alligator, always an Alligator! 💛💚
Yesterday, we were honored to welcome Mike Peterson, Alachua Elementary alumni, back to AES!

Through his foundation, Mr. Peterson generously donated items to support AES families this holiday season. During his visit, he also took a special trip down memory lane—spending time in our cafeteria and visiting the media center where his AES journey began.

Thank you, Mr. Peterson, for giving back and for reminding our students that AES roots last a lifetime. 🐊✨

#WeAreAES

It’s Wacky Tacky Wednesday at AES!
Today our campus was full of fun and flair as students and staff rocked their tacky sweaters for Wacky Tacky Wednesday!

Check out these great looks from today! 😄

#WeAreAES 💚💛

📚✨ Learning through teamwork in 3rd grade! ✨📚
On Monday, Ms. Acevedo’s 3rd grade class worked in teams to explain and discuss different characters’ perspectives while using teaming strategies.
#WeAreAES 💚💛

🎄✨ A little festive fun at AES! ✨🎄
Last Friday, our campus was filled with smiles thanks to a special Elf on the Shelf sighting — courtesy of Ms. Benson!

Moments like these help make AES such a joyful place to learn and work. Thanks for spreading the cheer and bringing smiles to our students and staff!

#WeAreAES 💚💛

Feeling grateful this holiday season! 🎁✨
Thank you to the R.T. Schafer Lodge No. 350 and the Begonia Circle of the Gainesville Garden Club for their generous support and donations to AES. Our students and staff truly appreciate your partnership.
#WeAreAES

🎉 Congratulations to our 5th Grade Spelling Bee Champions! 🐊📚
We are so proud of all our participants in today’s AES Spelling Bee!

A huge congratulations to Amir, our 2025 Spelling Bee Winner, who sealed his victory by correctly spelling the word “guttural.” 🌟 He will go on to represent Alachua Elementary at the district competition!

And a big shoutout to Timothy, our impressive runner-up — fantastic job!

Way to go, Gators! 🐊💚💛

AES Families: ❄️ Today is the LAST DAY to purchase Winter Grams! Students can turn in the form with cash, or families may purchase online at https://alachua.givebacks.com/shop/items/89aa03e3358c
.
Want it to be a surprise? Online is a great option! 🐊

🌟 Cafeteria Role Models in Action! 🌟

These students were recognized for showing outstanding CHOMP behavior every day and for helping their classes rise to the top as Golden Spatula winners! Their positive choices and helpful attitudes truly make a difference. We are so proud of them!

⛄❄️ Undercover Spirit Day: Snowman Day! ❄️⛄

Our staff was secretly challenged to dress as snowmen or show off their favorite snowflake apparel—and they did not disappoint! From frosty fashion to snowy smiles, the winter spirit was shining all around our school today!

Our 3rd graders shined on stage last night! 🌟🎶
Thank you to our amazing students, families, and staff for a festive evening of holiday music and holiday cheer. ❤️💚
#WeAreAES

❄️ Winter Grams Are On Sale This Week! ❄️
Alligator families, Winter Grams are available now through our AES PTA! Students can spread kindness by sending a Winter Gram to friends, classmates, or staff.

You can purchase in two easy ways:

📌 Students may return the form with cash
OR
📌 Families can purchase online:
https://alachua.givebacks.com/shop/items/89aa03e3358c

Want to surprise your student? 🎁
Buying online is the perfect way to keep it a secret!

Thank you for supporting our AES PTA and the fun experiences they help create! 🐊💙

Each week, students who receive a positive referral for following our school-wide CHOMP expectations are recognized during the morning announcements. These students truly went above and beyond and earned the title of our Awesome Alligators!

We are so proud of you—way to go! 💚👏

You may have heard your student talking about our Undercover Staff Spirit Days—and now you know why! Each week, on a different surprise day, our staff secretly dress according to a hidden theme. Students get a chance to guess the theme and can submit their guess by being on time and letting a staff member know their guess before morning announcements for a chance to win!

From all the correct and on-time guesses, one lucky student is drawn to win a prize ! 🕵️‍♂️🎁

This past Friday, our staff showed up in style for Flannel Friday—and the cozy vibes were strong! 🧡🖤

Stay tuned for more undercover fun!

🌱🥕 AES students have been busy in the garden!
This week our young gardeners harvested fresh greens and bright, crunchy carrots — straight from the beds they’ve been caring for all season. We love watching their excitement as they learn where their food comes from and take pride in their hard work. Great job, Alligators! 🌿🐊

🎉 Parents’ Night Out is almost here! 🎉
Alachua Elementary is partnering with Okito America for a fun-filled night your kids will LOVE!

🗓 Friday, December 12th
⏰ 6:00–9:00 PM
💲 $35 per child (sibling discounts available!)

Kids will enjoy:
🍕 Food
🎮 Games
🎨 Arts & Crafts
🌀 Ninja Fun
… and so much more!

A portion of all proceeds will go right back to the Alachua PTA, so your participation helps support our school! 💚

Scan the QR code on the flyer to register—spots go fast!
Let your child have the BEST NIGHT EVER while you enjoy a night out! 🌟

✨ What a magical night at Carols & Cocoa! ✨
Thank you to all our AES families who joined us on Tuesday for an evening full of music, treats, and holiday cheer. Our AES Chorus gave a wonderful performance, and families enjoyed hot cocoa, festive snacks, and pictures with Santa.

A huge thank-you to our PTA, chorus families, and everyone who helped make this event such a warm and joyful celebration of the season. ❤️🎄

We loved seeing our school community come together—enjoy these highlights from the night! ☕🎶📸

#WeAreAES

🐊💚 Shout out to our Awesome Alligators for November! 💚🐊

These students are being recognized for showing the character pillar of Gratitude every day at Alachua Elementary. We are so proud of the way they lead by example and make our school a better place to learn and grow. 🌟