We are proud to recognize Sarah Smith, Speech Language Pathologist, as our 2025 Exceptional Children Educator of Excellence. Mrs. Smith was nominated by Principal Smith-Williams at Eastlawn Elementary School, who shared, “Sarah is being recommended because she consistently supports teachers through collaboration, ensures understanding, and demonstrates flexibility and encouragement in meeting the needs of students and staff.”

A dedicated advocate for her students, Mrs. Smith believes that every child can achieve high expectations. We are honored and thrilled to celebrate Sarah Smith as this year’s Educator of Excellence for ABSS. She will be recognized at the 74th Conference on Exceptional Children in Greensboro, NC, this November!
about 14 hours ago, James Shuler
An educator of excellence holding a colorful purple flower arrangement surrounded by ABSS staff in a school library setting
An educator of excellence holding a colorful purple flower arrangement surrounded by ABSS staff in a school library setting
We're proud to share that Anna Sophia Steinki from R. Homer Andrews Elementary School is the 2025 ABSS Beginning Teacher of the Year! 🌟 You'd think she had many more years of experience with how she handles herself in her classroom. 📷 Today's snapshot: In the span of just a few minutes, she teaches her class how to solve a division equation, switching between English and Spanish, engaging the whole class in numerous ways, and circling around to all students to boost their confidence and check their progress. Then she stopped to do two interviews! 🤩 You can see the students respect her greatly and were eager to celebrate her today! As she'll tell you, her own confidence has grown over time thanks to the support of her BT leaders and mentors. We can't wait to show more in an upcoming video and article. For now, join us in saying CONGRATULATIONS to Ms. Steinki!
1 day ago, James Shuler
Ms. Steinki poses with two smiling students who have their arms around her. All three are looking at the camera with warm smiles in the classroom setting with other students visible working in the background.
Ms. Steinki kneels beside a young student who is making a peace sign with her hand. Both are smiling at the camera. The student wears a red and black plaid jacket, and the classroom activity continues behind them.
Ms. Steinki leans over a student's desk, providing one-on-one instruction as the student works on a math worksheet. The teacher is pointing to the student's work while other classmates work independently at their desks in the background. A smartboard displaying a math lesson is visible on the wall.
Image 1: Teacher Anna Sophia Steinki stands at the front of her classroom surrounded by enthusiastic elementary students striking celebratory poses. The students are arranged in two rows on a colorful circular carpet, with some kneeling and others standing, all making excited gestures with their hands raised. A whiteboard behind them shows a division equation (2,800 ÷ 4 = 700) and the date October 1, 2025.

It's National Custodian Day, and we're taking this opportunity to celebrate the people who work hard to keep our schools and buildings clean and safe. Thank you for all that you do! 🙌

Here are just a few of the custodians our schools rely on daily. #ThisisABSS

6 days ago, James Shuler
Eight custodial staff members standing in a school cafeteria with cleaning equipment including mops, brooms, and a yellow mop bucket
Five custodial staff members posing together in a school hallway, wearing MFM uniforms and holding cleaning equipment including a broom
Custodian in black shirt smiling while operating a floor buffer machine in a school hallway near a blue door
Three custodial staff members posing in front of a colorful globe mural, holding cleaning supplies including a broom and spray bottles, with one staff member holding a sign that reads "Return key to office after each trip"Retry
Smiling custodian wearing blue work shirt over MFM uniform standing in a school hallway next to a motivational poster about kindness and success
Custodian in black shirt mopping a freshly cleaned school hallway with blue and orange striped flooring, with other staff members working in the background
Custodian in white shirt operating a floor buffing machine in a school hallway with a yellow mop bucket visible in the foreground
Two custodians smiling together in front of a colorful bulletin board decorated with "SHIP" lettering and celebration streamers
Smiling custodian wearing blue work shirt over MFM uniform standing in a school hallway next to a motivational poster about kindness and success
Our fourth graders will have their hands full of agriculture thanks to Alamance County Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Program and Alamance County Cooperative Extension Agri-Business committee today! 🐄 🌾 They spent time packing gift bags full of books, bookmarks, activity sheets, pencils, erasers, and other surprises for the upcoming Farm to Table trip at Cedarock Park.
12 days ago, James Shuler
A large group of volunteers and officials pose together in a community center room with brick walls. They're holding canvas tote bags with colorful agricultural-themed designs. In front of them are multiple blue plastic bins filled with hundreds of similar tote bags, ready for distribution.
Close-up view of blue plastic bins filled with cream-colored canvas tote bags featuring agricultural education materials. Each bag has rope handles and displays colorful farm-themed graphics on the front.
A stack of North Carolina AG MAG publications on a table. The top magazine features a large black cow on the cover with the headline "BEEF: TIME LINE OF BEEF CATTLE" and includes images of cattle in pastures.
Several men in a community center kitchen area sorting through educational materials on tables. One man wears a North Carolina Forest Service uniform. They're organizing various publications, books, and educational resources spread across multiple tables.
A busy scene in a community center with volunteers packing educational materials into tote bags. Multiple people work at tables covered with agriculture-themed publications and materials. A young woman in a floral dress waves at the camera from the left side.
An open agricultural education booklet titled "From Farm & School to Crops & North Carolina" displaying colorful illustrations of farm equipment, crops, and agricultural processes across a two-page spread with golden cornfields prominently featured.
A stack of children's agricultural education materials featuring a cartoon green tractor character with large googly eyes and a red tongue. The materials appear to be branded with "Hi-Olive" and "Cucumber Steve" characters designed to teach kids about farming.
We just had to share this great moment from Highland Elementary teacher Rachael Fowler: "A few of our 4th grade classes celebrated International Peace Day. We learned about the history of the holiday, what Peace means, how we can make the world a better place (even as kids), and how to say Peace in different languages. We finished our learning by making Peace pinwheels. Students learned that although they are still kids, they can help change the world." The future looks brighter with kids like these leading the way!
14 days ago, James Shuler
A diverse group of 4th grade students at Highland Elementary stand together in their colorful classroom holding handmade peace pinwheels. Behind them is a whiteboard display about International Day of Peace 9/21 with the question 'What is peace?' The classroom walls are decorated with educational posters and student work.
Five smiling elementary students stand outside a brick school building, each proudly holding their colorful paper peace pinwheels they made for International Peace Day. The students are wearing casual clothes and display their handcrafted pinwheels on wooden sticks.
A classroom full of 4th grade students pose with their teacher, all holding peace pinwheels they created. The organized classroom features numbered storage cubbies (5-12 visible) along the wall and educational materials. Students are arranged in multiple rows, sitting and standing, proudly displaying their colorful paper pinwheel creations.
Attention parents and students! We're hosting an information session about NC Governor's School 2026 on Monday, October 13th at 5:30 PM at the ABSS Central Office Professional Library on Vaughn Road in Burlington.

If you haven't heard of Governor's School, it's an amazing opportunity. It's actually the oldest statewide summer residential program for gifted and talented high school students in the entire nation. The program runs from mid-June to mid-July and is primarily for rising seniors, though rising juniors can apply in selected performing and visual arts areas.

This is a chance for academically motivated students to dive deep into advanced coursework, connect with brilliant peers from across North Carolina, and get a taste of college-level learning in a residential setting. It's truly a transformative experience for students who are selected.

If your student might be interested, definitely plan to attend the information session. You'll learn all about the application process, what the program entails, and get your questions answered. For more details before the session, reach out to your school counselor:

ABEC: Erin Stoker
AVS: Glennis Lesane
CHS: Kion'Shay Brown
EAHS: Genevieve Lyons
GHS: Beth Taylor
SEAHS: Kristin Rosario
SAHS: Cheryl Williams / Lisa Palazzi
WAHS: Mary Oney
WWHS: Joy Hayes

Mark your calendars for October 13th and come learn about this incredible opportunity for your student!
16 days ago, ABSS Webmaster
Flyer for the NC Governor's School with the same information contained in this post.
This is what it's all about! Students exploring their future and we're so here for it! The lots were full and our buses were rolling in to the The Carolinas Association of Collegiate Registrars & Admissions Officers (CACRAO) College Fair at Alamance Community College. We loved seeing groups of students engaging with college representatives, asking great questions about campus life and academics. Our advisors were also there to provide guidance, support, and motivation. Amazing possibilities await! #ThisisABSS #ABSSCommunity
16 days ago, James Shuler
Four people pose together in a modern college building interior - three high school students and one adult. The students are holding various college brochures and informational materials, with large windows and contemporary architecture visible behind them.
A high school student and adult advisor pose together in a school hallway, both smiling. The student holds college brochures including materials from High Point University and University of Mount Olive. Other students can be seen in the background.
A large group of diverse high school students stands together outside Alamance Community College, with the college's blue and yellow signage visible behind them. Students are holding college fair materials and information packets.
Three high school students pose together indoors, each holding identical college brochures featuring a campus building with columns. The students are wearing casual clothing including hoodies and sweatshirts.
A large group of high school students gathers in what appears to be a college bookstore or student center, with "BOOKSTORE" signage visible in the background. The diverse group is smiling and some are holding college materials.
Four people pose together in a modern college building interior - three high school students and one adult. The students are holding various college brochures and informational materials, with large windows and contemporary architecture visible behind them.
Two high school students engage in conversation with a college representative at an information table. The representative, wearing blue, appears to be explaining programs while students hold informational materials.
A diverse group of high school students poses with an adult advisor in a modern college building. Students are holding various college brochures and materials, with the contemporary interior architecture of the building visible in the background.
An adult counselor or advisor poses with a high school student. The counselor wears a blue polo shirt with college branding, while the student wears a red sports jersey with "Winpot" visible on it.
High school students interact with college representatives at information tables in a busy college fair setting. Students are examining materials while representatives provide information about their institutions.
🎻 The sounds of cellos and violins are making their debut at Highland Elementary! Building upon the strong foundation already established in Rachel Hydrick's music classes, the school has introduced a new orchestra program under the guidance of Veronica Biscocho from Walter M. Williams High School. The collaboration between these two educators provides many opportunities for eager young musicians to apply what they're learning, from daily practice sessions to school-wide concerts.

Whether students are discovering rhythm and melody or diving deep into cello and violin techniques, they're building foundations that extend far beyond the music room. 🧠💡 Music education strengthens mathematical skills through rhythm and counting, enhances reading abilities through musical notation, and builds the confidence that carries into every aspect of learning.

🎥 Don't miss our special video highlight next week during Arts in Education Week!
29 days ago, James Shuler
A blonde elementary student in a gray hoodie holding a violin in playing position, with other students visible in the background of a music classroom.
Two elementary students sitting cross-legged on a classroom carpet, smiling at the camera while holding blue musical note cutouts. Classroom storage bins and chairs are visible in the background.
Close-up of adult hands guiding a child's small hands on violin strings, demonstrating proper finger placement technique on the instrument's fingerboard.
Two elementary boys sitting on a classroom floor working with blue musical note shapes and other colorful educational materials spread around them.
Elementary students sitting on a classroom carpet working with purple and orange musical note cutouts, with a "MUSIC" poster visible on the wall behind them.
A female teacher with curly hair helping an elementary student holding a paper tube, with other students visible in the background.
Three elementary students sitting in chairs, each holding cardboard paper towel tubes, appearing to be participating in a music lesson.
Profile view of a student with curly hair and glasses holding a cardboard paper towel tube, focused on the music activity with other students blurred in the background.
When that school lunch hits just right! Pleasant Grove Elementary Principal Shanice Goldsby, AP Imani Small, and Intervention Specialist Annabell Jones treated staff to a duty-free lunch with doughnuts and made these students feel extra special going into the weekend. Have a fantastic Friday!
about 1 month ago, James Shuler
Elementary students enjoy a lunch in a school cafeteria
Staff at Pleasant Grove Elementary pose for a photo in a school cafeteria
Elementary students strike a variety of poses at lunch in a school cafeteria
Principal Goldsby takes a smiling selfie with an elementary student in the school cafeteria
A young girl in a yellow shirt and denim overalls wipes down a cafeteria table
A teacher at Pleasant Grove Elementary wearing a black shirt treats herself to a doughnut on a small table in the school cafeteria
Hot off the press and straight from the heart: THANK YOU to our School Nutrition team for preparing and serving over 158,000 meals and snacks this summer! There were many scorching hot days, but this team handled the heat (and car lines) to serve our #ABSSCommunity. Here's the breakdown:

🥐 61,453 breakfasts
🍽️ 80,860 lunches
🥨 16,170 snacks
about 1 month ago, James Shuler
Five school nutrition workers in blue shirts hold bags of food for families at a summer food program serving site
It wouldn't be #BacktoSchool without buses on the road and we have to thank the amazing drivers who are working hard to safely transport our kids every day. 🚌 Drivers like Coach Falk are doing everything they can to get students picked up and dropped off on time. Thanks to everyone in our #ABSSCommunity for mindful of them on the roads during these busy first weeks of school – we really appreciate your understanding! 🙏

There are open driver positions available! Just search for "bus" on our job listings page and you can apply today! We'd love to have you. https://abss.schoolspring.com/

#ThisisABSS
about 1 month ago, James Shuler
Bus driver in a white t-shirt and hat sitting in the driver's seat with one hand on the wheel. The bus is parked.
We'll see you in the morning! Good night, #ABSSCommunity! 😴
about 2 months ago, James Shuler
A poem titled The Night Before School on a starry background - Twas the night before school, and throughout ABSS, From Pleasant Grove to Sylvan, we’re primed for success. Our teachers have prepped their lessons with care, Ready to lead with passion and flair. Students have fresh looks and spirit to boot, This year’s gonna slap, watch it take root! Time to step up and grow with your crew. It’s Day 1, a new year, success is waiting for you! Meanwhile, the parents quite comfortably lay. They never thought they’d see the day! From the car rider lines to buses rolling through, Just know, your students are in good hands, it’s true! Now, if you're reading this, consider a break. A good night's sleep is key, make no mistake! We’ll see you tomorrow and we just can’t wait. School’s back in session, so don’t be late!
Jesica Fitzgerald of the ABSS Early College at ACC has been chosen to be the 2025 Outstanding Secondary Math Teacher of the Year. This award is given by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) and the North Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCCTM). As the ABSS Math Award Recipient, Ms. Fitzgerald will receive a year's membership to NCCTM and an award presented at the NCCTM conference in November. As a 27 year veteran of education, Ms. Fitzgerald has strived for high expectations for students. "Our goal as a class is for everyone to grow! We work together to achieve that." An additional congratulations to our other nominees for this award: Katie Thorn, Southeast High School and Juliana Turner, Hugh Cummings High School.
about 2 months ago, James Shuler
Math teacher Jesica Fitzgerald holding an award certificate in front of a yellow classroom backdrop. Another educator stands beside her.
We just kicked off Day 1 of our Beginning Teacher Orientation at Elon Elementary! Join us in congratulating and welcoming nearly 80 new teachers into our #ABSSCommunity!
The agenda included warm welcomes from Dr. Fleming and members of our School Board, followed by valuable insights from former Beginning Teachers, essential first-year guidance, and comprehensive support system overviews. We are committed to setting them up for success in the coming years with:

-Comprehensive support through the Beginning Teacher Program
-Mentorship from experienced Teacher Coordinators
-Ongoing professional development

They're ready to make an impact!
about 2 months ago, ABSS Webmaster
Four new beginning teachers pose together in a school library, wearing name badges and lanyards. They stand smiling among book displays and educational materials.
Two beginning teachers sit together at a table in a classroom setting, both wearing orientation lanyards and smiling at the camera during a break in the day's activities.
Beginning teachers sit in a classroom during orientation, smiling and engaged as presenters lead a session. Classroom walls display educational posters and the "Little Phoenix Pledge" is visible in the background.
Two beginning teachers pose together in a school library, sitting at a table with educational materials nearby. Both are wearing orientation name badges and appear relaxed and happy.
A group of four people, including beginning teachers and what appears to be a mentor or coordinator, stand together in a busy school cafeteria during the orientation lunch period.
Beginning teachers engage in conversation during a networking portion of the orientation, standing in a classroom with educational materials and bookshelves visible in the background.
A large group of seven beginning teachers pose together in a school library, all wearing orientation lanyards and displaying bright smiles. The school's logo is visible on the wall behind them.
Welcome our latest Participate Learning Ambassador Teachers! 🌍✨

Another wonderful group of educators has joined our #ABSSCommunity from Honduras 🇭🇳, Jamaica 🇯🇲, and Guyana 🇬🇾!

They are settling in from a long trip and are getting ready to share their rich cultural backgrounds and teaching expertise with our students.

#ThisisABSS
2 months ago, James Shuler
New teachers from Honduras, Jamaica, and Guyana, with the Honduran and Guyana flag displayed

Governor Stein recently established the Governor's Teacher Advisory Committee, bringing together active classroom teachers from across North Carolina to provide guidance on key educational issues. We're thrilled that Broadview Middle School's Chanel Jones, Piedmont-Triad Teacher of the Year, was selected to serve on this important committee.

The committee members work as education ambassadors, attending events on behalf of the Governor, connecting with local school boards and educators statewide, and identifying ways to better support teachers in their vital work.

We are so proud of Chanel for this incredible achievement and for using her voice to advocate for teachers across North Carolina!

2 months ago, James Shuler
Three women collaborate around a large sheet of paper with yellow sticky notes arranged on it. They appear to be engaged in a brainstorming or planning activity, with colored markers visible on the table.
A man in a dark suit presents to a diverse group of educators seated at tables in a modern conference room. Participants have name placards, water bottles, and materials in front of them. A large screen displays "10" in the background.
A close-up view of meeting participants seated at conference tables. A woman in a black top smiles in the background while a man in a navy suit with an orange tie is shown in the foreground, both engaged in discussion.
A large group photo showing approximately 20 people, mostly women, standing together in a conference room. A man in a suit stands in the center, surrounded by participants dressed in professional attire in various colors including orange, striped patterns, and business casual clothing.
Three women raise their hands while seated at a conference table with name placards and water bottles. The woman in the center, wearing a black top, smiles as she participates in what appears to be a group activity or vote.
Lots of school supplies are coming in up thanks to Alamance Chamber's Classroom Collection campaign! Many shopping carts were loaded up at Walmart! 📝 These supplies are provided to students in need throughout the year. 💙 #ABSSCommunity
2 months ago, James Shuler
Woman in dark shirt loading school supplies into shopping cart while Walmart employee in blue vest and gloves helps organize backpacks at checkout counter inside store.
Walmart cashier in blue vest and gloves scanning colorful pocket folders and school supplies at checkout register, with various educational items visible on counter.
Close-up of school supplies including stacks of Crayola markers, colored pencils, highlighters, and other educational materials organized in shopping cart.
Vehicle trunk packed full with donated school supplies including numerous backpacks, bags of supplies, and educational materials collected for students in need.
Meet our new Participate Learning Ambassador Teachers!

We're excited to welcome these educators from Jamaica, Colombia, Honduras, Philippines, and Peru to our #ABSSCommunity! This is the first cohort to arrive. Each teacher has traveled far from home, bringing unique perspectives that will enrich our classrooms and create amazing cultural connections for our students.

With comprehensive support from Participate Learning, including training, professional development, and a strong educator network, our Ambassador Teachers are ready to make this year extraordinary!

Here's to a fantastic year of global learning and growth!
2 months ago, James Shuler
Seven Participate Learning Ambassador Teachers stand in a row holding flags from their home countries in a classroom setting. From left to right, they hold flags of Jamaica (green, yellow, and black), Colombia (yellow, blue, and red), Honduras (blue and white with stars), Philippines (blue, white, and red with yellow sun and stars), and Peru (red and white with coat of arms). Behind them is a projection screen displaying "Welcome! to the Alamance-Burlington School System" with colorful flag graphics. The teachers are smiling and wearing casual clothing with name badges, standing on gray carpeting in what appears to be a school conference or training room.

We're counting down to another #ABSSFirstDay! Under 1 week for ABEC and just over 3 weeks for all other schools! ✨

In preparation for the first day of school, we have compiled useful resources such as school calendars, menus, start and dismissal times, and much more on our Back to School Portal: https://www.abss.k12.nc.us/page/back-to-school-portal 🎒

Additionally, information about the Infinite Campus Parent Portal to keep track of grades and attendance will be live on Monday, August 4th at 9 AM, so bookmark this page! 📌 If you had prior access to Powerschool, you should also be receiving an email from the district with this information.

#ThisisABSS

2 months ago, James Shuler
Graphic showing two countdown timers, one for Early College (August 6) and all other schools (August 25) with the ABSS logo and web address bit.ly/abssbts
With Early College @ ACC's first day next week, staff have been busy getting everything ready! Today's focus was on mindfulness training as they're implementing the Be CALM Program, a research-backed approach that teaches educators and students essential skills in emotion regulation, stress management, and mindful responding.
2 months ago, ABSS Webmaster
A room of around 10 educators sitting in a semi-circle, the one in the foreground has training materials in a folder open on her lap
Two teachers sitting in orange chairs with their arms crossed and smiling
Educators sitting in a semi-circle around a presenter beside a projector screen