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.
1 day 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!
3 days 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
7 days 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!

7 days 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
10 days 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!
14 days 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

14 days 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.
15 days 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
Mr. Clean has nothing on this crew! Over 100 staff from MFM Industries have been working throughout the summer to clean our schools from top to bottom, including washing and waxing the floors, as seen here at Southeast Alamance High School and Woodlawn Middle School. We appreciate their hard work in preparing our buildings for the first day of school!
22 days ago, James Shuler
A custodial worker in a dark shirt and jeans stands smiling in a school hallway, holding a mop. Behind him, other workers are cleaning the colorful tiled floor with professional equipment. The hallway features white walls, large windows, and a vibrant orange and blue geometric pattern on the floor.
Five people pose together in a school hallway with gleaming floors. The group includes custodial staff wearing MFM uniforms and school administrators. They're standing in front of large windows with cleaning equipment visible in the background.
A pristine classroom with spotless, reflective floors that mirror the windows and ceiling lights. The room features white walls, large windows, and appears freshly cleaned and ready for students.
A worker operates a large floor buffing machine in what appears to be a school cafeteria or multipurpose room. Yellow cleaning equipment is visible in the foreground, and the worker is focused on polishing the floors to a high shine.
Multiple custodial workers clean a school hallway using professional floor equipment and hoses. The team works together with industrial cleaning machines, demonstrating the thorough deep-cleaning process taking place throughout the summer.
A low-angle view of an extremely polished classroom floor that creates perfect reflections of the tables and chairs above. The high-gloss finish showcases the quality of the custodial team's work.
A group of five people, including custodial staff and school administrators, pose together in a classroom with stacked blue chairs visible in the background. The floors shine brilliantly, reflecting the thorough cleaning work completed.
A perfectly polished school hallway stretches into the distance, with floors so clean they create mirror-like reflections of the ceiling lights and exit signs. Yellow cleaning equipment sits against the wall, evidence of the thorough work completed.
A smiling custodial worker operates a floor buffer in what appears to be an office area, with blue doors and filing cabinets visible in the background. His expression shows pride in the meticulous work being performed.
A large group of custodial workers and administrators pose together in a school cafeteria, holding various cleaning tools including mops, brooms, and a yellow mop bucket. The diverse team displays the collaborative effort behind the school's summer deep-cleaning initiative.

We're excited to unveil these completed roof projects, paid with bond and capital funds, at B. Everett Jordan Elementary, Southern Alamance High, and Western Alamance Middle School. Ready for their debut!

24 days ago, James Shuler
Before and after aerial images of B. Everett Jordan showing roof construction
Before and after aerial images of Southern Alamance High showing roof construction
Before and after aerial images of Western Alamance Middle showing roof construction
#ABSSAlert | Due to flooding and inoperable roads, some summer feeding sites are closed. The following sites are open: Falcon Crest, Slade Park, Kool Kids, Boys and Girls Learning Center, and Graham Rec. If you registered for Weekly Non-Congregate meals at Sylvan Elementary today, those are also available. If you have a child ages 4-18 and need meals, please visit one of the open sites. Sylvan Elementary is only for weekly meal pick-ups for those who have registered. For more information about summer food options, including site addresses and hours, please visit our website: bit.ly/abss-summer-food
about 1 month ago, James Shuler
Summer Food Services Program UPDATE indicating multiple sites closed due to flooding
Thrilled to see so many joining the ABSS team! Major thanks to our HR department for onboarding support and valuable resources for new employees. Thinking about your next career move? Browse available positions and apply: https://abss.schoolspring.com/ #ThisisABSS
about 1 month ago, James Shuler
A room full of new employees filling out paperwork while a member of Human Resources introduces important staff
We continue to celebrate our amazing Class of 2025! 1,685 incredible graduates are ready to take on the world! 💰 $28.5+ MILLION in scholarships earned 📚 65% continuing their education 🇺🇸 4% serving our country through military enlistment 💼 19% jumping straight into their careers From the classroom to college campuses, military bases, and workplaces across the nation - our graduates are making their mark! Congratulations Class of 2025! ✨ *Percentages based on survey respondents - not all seniors participated.
about 2 months ago, James Shuler
Nine portraits of graduates in vertical frames above graduation statistics and the ABSS logo
We appreciate your patience in the car lines at Sylvan, Western, and Eastern as our School Nutrition department boxes up your weekly meals! 👋 Oh, about that: they've prepped and distributed over 2,500 total meals in just two days and it's just getting started. 🔥 It's not too late to sign up for future weekly meal pickups and there also daily site locations to visit. Remember, these are for ALL children ages 4-18, not just ABSS students. Our website has all the details: https://www.abss.k12.nc.us/page/summer-food
about 2 months ago, James Shuler
A team of five ABSS School Nutrition employees in blue uniforms stand together under blue tents, each holding white bags of meals, representing the collaborative effort of the Western Alamance High School summer food distribution program.
A bearded man in a blue ABSS School Nutrition polo shirt and baseball cap smiles while holding a cardboard box filled with bagged meals under a distribution tent, with vehicles and other volunteers visible in the background.
A school nutrition worker in a blue ABSS polo shirt carefully places white plastic bags containing meals into cardboard boxes under a blue tent, with cars visible in the background during the outdoor food distribution event.
An ABSS School Nutrition employee wearing sunglasses and a blue polo shirt stands beside a car, holding white paper bags and a clipboard while participating in the summer meal distribution program.
Two female ABSS School Nutrition employees in matching blue polo shirts pose together with their arms around each other in what appears to be a school kitchen, both smiling warmly at the camera.
Two school nutrition staff members in blue ABSS polo shirts stand together in a commercial kitchen setting, with one wearing glasses, both smiling while working on the summer meal program preparation.
A smiling school nutrition employee in a blue ABSS polo shirt transfers plastic bags of food from a cardboard box into a large blue cooler under a blue pop-up tent at an outdoor meal distribution site.
A colorful directional sign reading "ABSS MEALS TO-GO" features a cartoon blue pickup truck with a sun and fork/knife logo, with orange traffic cones and the meal distribution site visible in the blurred background.
🌞 Summer Meals are available starting today! There are weekly pick-ups at three school sites (sign-up required) and daily pick-ups available at multiple community locations. https://www.abss.k12.nc.us/page/summer-food
about 2 months ago, James Shuler
Summer Food Services Program starting June 16th and ending August 14th
🎉 Celebrating Our ABSS Retirees! 🎉 You've officially graduated from grading papers to grading your golf game, from lesson plans to vacation plans! 😄. A huge thank you to our Human Resources department for organizing a wonderful retirement party to celebrate them and hear their stories! With nearly 1,860 years of combined service, we honor these incredible educators and staff members retiring from Alamance-Burlington School System: Marsha Absher, Delinda Baldwin, Theresa Barry, Catherine Binkley, Carla Bopp, Martina Boudreault, Krista Boyd, Sarah Bradley, Katherine Brugh, Joyce Bulot, Mark Byers, Gayle Canaday, Shelia Capps, Santhia Carver, Lorri Chestnutt, Tameka Cloud, Barbara Cobbins, Michele Cochran, Jennifer Coleman, Rachel Couturier, Janice Davern, Shirley Degraffenried, Mary Beth Dowler, Phyllis Farlow, Lillian Farrish, Madeline Faucette, Stacy Fitch, Todd Fitch, Carla Foust, Teresa Glass, Annette Grant, Deana Green, Kimberly Hall, Marsha Hanford, Donna Harper, Cynthia Hopkins, Yolanda Johnson, Revonda Johnson, Donna Kelly, Cynthia Kint, Beverly Kirkham, Erin Kroenung, Rory Kuhns, Elizabeth Lee, Betsy Long, Rebecca Lynch, Rebecca Marsh, Susan Mattes, Jennifer May, Amy McLaughlin, Lois McPherson, Tara Miles, Nancy Moorman, Norman E. Morris, Angela Moser, Christine Naessens, Theresa O'Briant, Susan Oldham, Margaret Paschal, Pamela Payne, Mary Gwen Phillips, Christine Quigley, Karla Robbins, Marie Roberts, Faye Roberts, Sabre Robinson, Iesha Robinson, LaWanna Rogers, Andrea Rumley, Sheryl Schmidt, Tracy Schooley, Kathryn Shambley, Joseph Sisco, Randy Sodano, James Stone, Sherry Stout-Stewart, Ginger Strickland, Terry Terrell, Antonia Valentine, Caryl Van Fleet, Patrick Vernon, David Ward, Marsha Ward, Annette Wrenn, Larry Wright Thank you for your dedication to our students and community! 👏
2 months ago, James Shuler
Two women embracing warmly at a retirement party, both wearing glasses and smiling. One wears a white lace top, the other a floral dress. Black chairs and gold/black/white balloon decorations are visible in the background.
Two women posing together with arms around each other's shoulders. One woman wears a bright blue top and has blonde hair with glasses, while the other wears an olive green top and has long dark hair. Other party attendees are visible in the background.
Two men shaking hands in front of an ABSS (Alamance-Burlington School System) backdrop. One wears a light blue dress shirt, the other wears a coral/pink shirt with a colorful patterned bow tie. Both are smiling professionally.
A woman and man standing together in front of the ABSS backdrop. The woman has long gray hair, glasses, and wears a red textured top. The man wears the same coral shirt and patterned bow tie from the previous photo.
A man in a light blue plaid blazer standing next to a woman with long brown hair wearing a black top. Both are smiling at the camera with the party's balloon decorations visible in the background.
Three people posing together in front of the ABSS backdrop with gold, black, and white balloon decorations. From left: a man in a light blue polo shirt, a woman in dark clothing in the center, and a woman in a light pink top on the right.
Four people standing together in front of the same ABSS backdrop and balloon display. From left: a woman in a white cardigan over blue dress, a man in light blue polo, a woman in dark clothing, and a woman in a light pink top.
Three people standing together in a more casual setting. From left: a person in a green t-shirt, a woman in a light blue button-down shirt in the center, and a woman on the right wearing a patterned sweater with a name badge.
Two women sitting at a table with stacks of papers or documents. One woman wears a striped top, the other wears all black. A congratulations certificate is visible on the table between them, and bookshelves are in the background.
Close-up of a colorful flower arrangement featuring bright yellow sunflowers, pink gerbera daisies, and orange blooms in a clear vase. Food platters are blurred in the background.
Sockville was packed last night! Thanks for showing up to the Burlington Sock Puppets School's Night Out game, ABSS community! The evening kicked off perfectly when Dr. Turner threw the first pitch with excellent form, followed by a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem performed by the Smith Elementary Buzz Club led by music teacher Noah Melton. Didn't they sound great? Whiff returned in style with fireworks blazing, while Josh and the Team kept everyone entertained throughout the game with their energy. What a fantastic night topped off with a well-deserved win for the team!
2 months ago, James Shuler
A large group of children from Smith Elementary School's choir stands lined up on the baseball field, wearing matching white t-shirts, as they prepare to perform the National Anthem with their music teacher directing them.
Three young children give thumbs up gestures while smiling at the camera during the Burlington Sock Puppets School's Night Out game. Two girls and one boy are wearing white t-shirts, with stadium bleachers and other fans visible in the background.
Three young boys in matching blue "Wildcats" baseball uniforms and caps with paw print logos stand together on the field, representing one of the local youth baseball teams participating in the School's Night Out celebration.
A mascot performer in a white and red striped Sock Puppets uniform runs across the field with sparklers creating bright trails behind them as fans watch from packed stadium seats, creating an exciting pre-game or intermission entertainment moment.
A woman in a bright yellow t-shirt celebrates with both arms raised triumphantly while standing on the baseball field next to the green Sock Puppets mascot during festivities at Burlington Athletic Stadium.
A group photo on the baseball field shows the green fuzzy Sock Puppets mascot surrounded by team personnel and fans, including players in uniform and casual attendees, all posing together during the community event.
A man in a Sock Puppets uniform holds up both hands while displaying a baseball, smiling broadly as he stands near the green team mascot during pre-game activities at Burlington Athletic Stadium.
Four teenage girls pose together holding colorful handmade sock puppets they created during craft activities at the game, showing off their red fabric creations decorated with buttons and other embellishments.
A young girl wearing a character-themed baseball cap sits at a craft table, smiling as she works on decorating a red sock puppet with colorful buttons during family-friendly activities at the stadium.
A smiling young girl with face paint and a headband sits at a craft station, proudly holding up a purple hand mirror while wearing a white polo shirt decorated with children's signatures and drawings.
#ABSSClassof2025 | Every ending is a new beginning! 🐉 Alamance Virtual School Dragons, you did it! You have earned their moment to shine. Now it's time to write your own success story. 🎓 Congratulations! #ThisisABSS 📷 Thanks to Mr. Vernon for these photos!
2 months ago, James Shuler
Large group of graduating seniors from the Alamance Virtual School wearing black/purple gap and gowns
Large group of graduating seniors from the Alamance Virtual School wearing black/purple gap and gowns. Family is in the foreground taking photos.
Alamance Virtual School seniors wearing black/purple graduation attire stand in a hallway waiting for the procession to begin.
ABSS staff and Board of Education members stand in formal graduation attire on the stage at a ceremony
🎨 Congrats to our 5th graders! Trey Stanley (Pleasant Grove) and Abel Lassiter (Sylvan) earned Honorable Mentions in the NC Farm to School Calendar contest. Shoutout to their art teacher Kate Gunther! Learn more about this contest and see all entries here: https://www.ncfarmtoschool.com/programs/nc-farm-to-school-art-contest/
3 months ago, James Shuler
Student artwork of fish under water, watercolor style
Student artwork of blueberries on top of soil
#ABSSClassof2025 | 🌟 Senior Spotlight: Kaleb Long From Highland Elementary to Western Alamance Middle School and now graduating from Western Alamance High School, Kaleb Long has made his mark as a true student-athlete throughout his ABSS journey. Kaleb's love for sports, especially basketball, has been a constant throughout his high school years. When his path took an unexpected turn junior year, Kaleb showed incredible resilience by discovering new opportunities - including making the golf team his senior year. This fall, Kaleb will be heading to UNCW on an academic scholarship with an ambitious goal: becoming an marine veterinarian. We know Kaleb has exactly what it takes to succeed. From Warrior to Seahawk, Kaleb's journey is just getting started! #ThisisABSS #ABSSAchieves
3 months ago, James Shuler
Kaleb Long wearing a blue cap and gown, holding open his white dress shirt superman-style exposing a blue UNCW t-shirt
A little boy wearing a colorful striped polo and a backpack stands beside the entrance to his classroom
Kaleb Long in a white Warriors jersey springs up the basketball court with ball in hand
Kaleb tosses up his blue cap in the air outside under a stone archway
Kaleb wearing a blue and white Warriors football uniform surrounded by teammates