Board Meeting Highlight: Recognize some of these awesome educators? This is the first Teach for Alamance Cohort and they were recognized at last night's Board meeting! 🍎

This robust scholarship program, a key partnership with Elon University Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education, is designed to invest directly in our future leaders. It provides full tuition and a stipend for graduates of the School of Education who enroll in Elon’s Master of Education and Innovation Program. In exchange, these fully licensed teachers commit to teaching in ABSS schools for two years while completing their advanced degrees. It's truly a win-win for our students and teachers!

We are proud to share the program's growth: it has placed eighteen talented teachers in our schools (12 first-year and 6 second-year) since starting just two years ago. A huge thank you to Dean Ann Bullock for her outstanding leadership and collaborative partnership.

Finally, congratulations to Anna Steinki, who is part of this fantastic cohort and was recently recognized as our 2025 Beginning Teacher of the Year! We'll have a video interview from her classroom to share soon. We celebrate her and all of the dedicated educators who are shaping the future of the community.
about 18 hours ago, James Shuler
A side view of four young women from the Teach for Alamance cohort sitting and listening in the audience of the meeting room. They are wearing their matching t-shirts.
A woman with short grey hair (Dean Ann Bullock) wearing a "TEACH FOR ALAMANCE" shirt stands next to a young woman (Anna Steinki) wearing a pink shirt. The young woman holds a framed certificate that reads "ABSS BEGINNING TEACHER OF THE YEAR 2024-2025: Anna Sophia Steinki." Both are smiling for the camera.
A large group of young adults wearing "TEACH FOR ALAMANCE" t-shirts are standing together for a group photo in a meeting room. Several adults are standing with them on the sides. Behind them are large posters with the ABSS logo and the "Portrait of a Graduate."
A wide shot of the Teach for Alamance cohort standing and being applauded by several adults on either side and the audience in the foreground. They are standing in front of large ABSS posters.
A close-up shot of five women in the Teach for Alamance cohort, with one woman speaking into a microphone. The woman with short grey hair stands to the far left, clapping.
A close-up side view of six members of the Teach for Alamance cohort, smiling and standing in a row in their matching t-shirts.
A group of young adults, mostly women, wearing matching light-colored t-shirts that say "TEACH FOR ALAMANCE" in red lettering, are standing in a line in a meeting room. A woman with short grey hair is clapping enthusiastically near the foreground on the left.
During tonight's Board of Education meeting, Chair Sandy Ellington-Graves was surprised by her family as she was recognized for her triumphant defeat of breast cancer. 🩷 Congratulations, Sandy!
about 18 hours ago, James Shuler
Board Chair Sandy Ellington-Graves stands surprised holding a certificate recognizing her as a breast cancer survivor. Her daughter and husband stand behind her with exuberant expressions.
Board Chair Sandy Ellington-Graves stands surprised holding a certificate recognizing her as a breast cancer survivor. Her daughter stands beside her, moving towards her for an embrace.
Family of Board Chair Sandy Ellington-Graves make their way down the aisle in the Board auditorium.
Large group of family present to recognize Sandy Ellington-Graves who is standing in the center with a certificate
School spirit was high at Graham STEAM Middle School on game day, with red and black ❤️ 🖤 on full display! Inside the classrooms, however, the focus was on learning. Teachers passionately delivered lessons while students were hard at work. We visited Ms. Grayson’s Career Lab, where students were immersed in self-paced modules to explore various career pathways. 🚀 Our visit concluded in the cafeteria, where the welcoming aroma of beef dippers led us to the talented nutrition staff preparing for the lunch rush! #ThisisABSS #ABSSCTE
4 days ago, James Shuler
A group of six smiling adults, including a School Resource Officer (SRO) and several teachers wearing red and black Graham Falcons football jerseys, posing together in a hallway.
A teacher with long dark hair and glasses leaning down to help a male student at his desk, pointing to a paper while he holds a pencil. Other students are working in the background.
A group of seven friendly Graham Middle School cafeteria staff in purple shirts, along with a man in a gray suit (Dr. Fleming), posing for a photo in the kitchen area. One staff member in the center is holding a carved orange jack-o'-lantern.
Two female students intently working on a large piece of poster board in the Career Lab, using markers and pencils to draw a design. A laptop is open in the background.
Two male students in a classroom looking at a laptop screen. One student is resting his head on his arms, and the other is navigating a website with the touchpad.
Students working on laptops at hexagonal tables in a classroom, focusing on their individual screens. The room appears to be the Career Lab, with the name "Ms. Grayson" visible on a back wall.
A female student with long hair and bright blue glasses focused on writing notes on a sheet of paper next to her open laptop.
A teacher and two male students standing side-by-side in a classroom. The students are wearing red and black Graham Falcons football jerseys.
A group photo of four students and two teachers in a brightly lit classroom. Two students are flashing peace signs, and the adults are smiling warmly.
Two male students in the Career Lab cooking an omelet. One student is carefully stirring eggs in a small skillet on a portable burner, while the other watches with eggs and cooking tools on the counter.
They came to play and brought the energy! ☀️ The Special Olympics Alamance County Bocce Ball Tournament at Bill Cooke Park was a huge success, with our athletes bringing their A-game. 💪 They were joined by fantastic student volunteers for a day of competitive fun, exercise, and camaraderie in the sun. Thank you to Alamance Parks - Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation, Graham Recreation and Parks Department, and Special Olympics Alamance County for organizing this event, our teachers for your leadership, and all the cheering families for your support! 👏 #ThisisABSS #ABSSCommunity
5 days ago, James Shuler
A teenage girl in a bright blue t-shirt smiles at the camera with her hands clasped in front of her. Several adults and teens stand in the background on the sunny field.
A group of six young adults and teens, including participants and volunteers, pose together for a group photo on the grassy field. One girl sits in a wheelchair in the foreground, wrapped in a colorful blanket.
g A young man in a black t-shirt smiles over his shoulder at the camera, pointing back at his bicep. The photo is taken on a sunny grassy field with other people and a baseball diamond in the distance.
A close-up portrait of two teenage girls standing side-by-side on the field, smiling at the camera with their arms around each other. One girl wears a navy blue sweatshirt.
A young man in a blue and red "Warriors 15" football jersey with his red hood up smiles widely and flexes his biceps at the camera, looking strong and happy.
A young woman wearing sunglasses and wrapped in a vibrant, multi-colored zigzag blanket sits in a wheelchair. A person stands behind her, pushing the chair.
A side profile of a young man in a grey "Champion" hoodie celebrating or cheering with a clenched fist. A female volunteer in a black sweater is clapping beside him.
Three teenage girls stand on the grassy field holding hands in a circle. The girl on the right in a red sweatshirt is laughing joyfully.
A young man in a black hooded sweatshirt leans forward, reaching out with his hands as if rolling a ball for a game. An adult woman in a light blue UNC hoodie stands behind him, watching.
They came to play and brought the energy! ☀️ The Special Olympics Alamance County Bocce Ball Tournament at Bill Cooke Park was a huge success, with our athletes bringing their A-game. 💪 They were joined by fantastic student volunteers for a day of competitive fun, exercise, and camaraderie in the sun. Thank you to Alamance Parks - Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation, Graham Recreation and Parks Department, and Special Olympics Alamance County for organizing this event, our teachers for your leadership, and all the cheering families for your support! 👏 #ThisisABSS #ABSSCommunity
5 days ago, ABSS Webmaster
A group of four students and a volunteer stand side-by-side on a grassy field. The students are wearing a bright orange t-shirt, a black hoodie, and a grey lacrosse hoodie. The volunteer is in a blue long-sleeve athletic shirt.
A teenage boy in a motorized wheelchair smiles as he hits a large, multi-colored beach ball forward with his right hand during an outdoor game on a grassy field.
A group of four people—three students and one adult woman—stand together and smile for a close-up photo on the sunny field. The adult wears sunglasses and a blue polo shirt.
A close-up portrait of a smiling girl with long brown hair and a light blue shirt featuring a cartoon dog graphic. She holds her hands up with open palms on a sunny day.
A large group of high school students and volunteers stand on a sunny grassy field surrounding a seated student in a wheelchair who is holding a beach ball. Everyone is smiling for the group photo.
A large, diverse group of students and adult staff/volunteers, most wearing matching yellow "United We Play, United We Win" shirts, stand on a sunny grassy field and wave or smile for a group photo.
A large group of high school students, most wearing matching yellow shirts that say "United We Play, United We Win," pose for a spirited group photo on a grassy field, making silly faces and hand gestures.
A group of seven high school girls, all wearing matching yellow "United We Play, United We Win" shirts, stand close together on a grassy field and smile for a group photo.
A large group of high school students and volunteers stand on a sunny grassy field surrounding a seated student in a wheelchair who is holding a beach ball. Everyone is smiling for the group photo.
A close-up side view of a teenage boy in a grey t-shirt preparing to throw a small object with his right hand during a game on the grass. A red basket of balls is visible on the ground nearby.

(They came to play and brought the energy! ☀️ The Special Olympics Alamance County Bocce Ball Tournament at Bill Cooke Park was a huge success, with our athletes bringing their A-game. 💪 They were joined by fantastic student volunteers for a day of competitive fun, exercise, and camaraderie in the sun. Thank you to Alamance Parks - Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation, Graham Recreation and Parks Department, and Special Olympics Alamance County for organizing this event, our teachers for your leadership, and all the cheering families for your support! 👏 #ThisisABSS #ABSSCommunity

5 days ago, ABSS Webmaster
Two teenage girls, one in a black hoodie and the other in a vibrant tie-dye shirt, smile and joyfully slap hands (high-five) while standing outdoors.
A group of six elementary school-aged children and three adults, all wearing bright green "Hillcrest Hornets" shirts, smile and wave at the camera on a sunny day.
A group of high school students stands on the field, focused on a game of bocce ball. One girl in a red sweatshirt is poised to roll a ball, while others watch the balls already on the ground.
A woman in a grey sweatshirt gently hugs a girl with her arms wrapped around her. A teenage boy in a black and teal sweater stands to the right, and other people are visible in the background on the sunny field.
A girl in a green "Hillcrest Hornets" shirt and glasses uses a ramp device to roll a blue ball for a game, raising her hands in excitement. Another girl and several adults stand behind her, smiling.
A group of five children and three adult staff/volunteers in blue shirts pose closely together, smiling on a sunny day. One girl is seated in a wheelchair on the far left.
A close-up of a young girl in a green shirt carefully placing a green ball into a white plastic ramp to roll it for a game. A boy stands behind her.
A large group of children and adult staff/volunteers pose together on a sunny grassy field, likely at a park. Several participants are wearing blue shirts. One boy in the front is wearing a green shirt, and a child sits in a pink and black wheelchair to the right.
A group of about ten high school-aged students, including participants and volunteers, stand together in a line on a grassy field, posing for a group photo on a sunny day.
Three high school-aged volunteers or participants stand on a sunny grassy field. The person in the center is reaching up to tap a large beach ball in the air. Other people relax on inflatable chairs and watch games in the background.

We're incredibly excited to announce that Brandon Daye, Sports & Entertainment Marketing teacher at Hugh M. Cummings High School, has been named a finalist for the 2025 Bank of America Panther Ticket Teacher of the Year Award! Brandon was nominated by his students for the Clarity, Thoughtfulness, and Passion he brings to the classroom, his commitment to student engagement, and his strong community partnerships. As a finalist, he'll be a guest of the Carolina Panthers and Bank of America at this Sunday's game and receive a prize pack. The grand prize winner will be announced soon and will receive $5,000 for their classroom! We're so proud to have Brandon representing the Alamance-Burlington School System and showcasing the incredible, student-centered learning happening in his class! #ThisisABSS

6 days ago, ABSS Webmaster
A close-up portrait of Brandon Daye, a teacher with a warm smile, standing in the middle of his classroom. Students are seated and working at desks in the background.
Brandon Daye stands smiling in his classroom in front of a white interactive whiteboard. The board displays a graphic for 'MR. DAYE'S SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT MARKET[ING]' with the title 'IN THE ZONE: Where Effort Meets Achievement'.
Sports Marketing teacher Brandon Daye stands in his classroom with seven students. Daye holds a basketball and smiles at the camera. The students hold items related to sports and marketing, including a 'Sports Marketing' binder and a mascot figurine.
Zig-zag lines, math around the room, identifying parts of a book, and so much more! This is what it looks like at E.M. Yoder Elementary School during morning instruction right after the bell rings; exceptional teachers leading engaged students to success! Can you spot Dr. Fleming working on his handwriting skills with the Pre-K class? #ThisisABSS
6 days ago, James Shuler
A young girl with blonde hair in a ponytail with a yellow bow, wearing a pink sweatshirt with floral design, sits at a classroom table smiling with her hand near her mouth. She has a green book in front of her while another student works beside her.
A Black female educator wearing a floral print top holds up a white paper displaying wavy line writing practice patterns, smiling broadly while another woman in a blue floral dress stands in the background in a classroom setting.
A man in a gray suit and striped tie sits at a round table with young students, smiling while children work on papers, with pairs of gray socks placed on the table surface in a classroom decorated with student artwork.
A young boy with short brown hair wearing a black t-shirt with a graphic design sits at a wooden table smiling broadly at the camera, with educational materials and cards visible on the desk and a female student working beside him.
A woman with long blonde and gray hair wearing a white top writes on a whiteboard with a blue marker, smiling while writing educational content including words like "temperate" and "high to low."
A young girl with blonde hair in pigtails wearing an orange hoodie leans forward at a desk, holding a yellow pencil and writing on paper while books are stacked nearby in a classroom setting.
A Black female educator with locs wearing a black top with textured details and a blue patterned lanyard poses with her arm around a young girl with long brown hair wearing a gray sweatshirt in a colorful classroom setting.
A young male visitor with curly blonde hair wearing a gray zip-up hoodie sits beside a young Black boy in a navy Pokémon t-shirt, both smiling at the camera in a classroom filled with learning materials and bulletin boards.
Two young girls sit at a classroom table working on papers with markers - one with blonde curly hair wearing a coral pink ruffled top, and another with hair in a bun wearing an orange shirt with small prints, both focused on their work with gray socks on the table.
A woman with her hair in a bun wearing a black jacket and teal pants smiles while kneeling beside a young blonde girl in a graphic t-shirt who holds a clipboard and orange marker, both posing together in a classroom with a window and educational displays visible behind them.
It was an energetic start to the school day at E.M. Yoder Elementary School as classes lined the halls for the Global Parade, led by our Participate Learning teachers and their students. 🌎 The parade started immediately after morning announcements from the cafeteria and went down all the main halls. A great way to kick off a full day of learning! We'll have more to share from Yoder later! #ThisisABSS
7 days ago, James Shuler
Three young children wearing Dominican Republic flag colors smile at the camera while holding small flags. They're dressed in red and blue with red-white-and-blue striped ribbons around their necks, standing in front of a brick wall in what appears to be a school cafeteria.
Five adults pose together in a school cafeteria wearing clothing representing different Latin American countries. They display traditional attire including Dominican Republic t-shirts, a traditional Dominican dress, and a colorful Colombian-style costume, with one person holding a drum.
A diverse group of children parade through a school hallway carrying various flags, including the Dominican Republic flag prominently displayed in the foreground. Students wear different colored clothing and accessories representing various countries while spectators line the hallway. Image 7: A large group of young students poses with their teacher in front of a bulletin board reading "In a world where you can BE ANYTHING BE PREPARED." All the children hold small Dominican Republic flags and wear coordinating red, white, and blue colors or ribbons. Image 8: A teacher in traditional Dominican dress with a parrot headpiece poses with students wearing animal masks representing Costa Rican wildlife. The children hold the Costa Rican flag featuring blue, white, and red horizontal stripes, and many wear green clothing. Image 9: A classroom of diverse students displays the Colombian flag while wearing various cultural accessories and holding papers. Behind them is a colorful bottle cap mural depicting Earth with continents, and a teacher stands with them in a Colombia t-shirt. Image 10: Students of various ages pose with the Colombian flag in front of a "BE ANYTHING BE PREPARED" bulletin board. They wear traditional Colombian hats (sombreros vueltiaos), hold small Colombian flags, and some wear costumes representing different aspects of Colombian culture.
Students parade through a school hallway carrying the Colombian flag with its distinctive yellow, blue, and red horizontal stripes and national coat of arms. Children wearing Colombian soccer jerseys lead the procession while other students sit along the hallway walls watching.
Two smiling students wearing Colombian national team soccer jerseys pose in a school hallway holding soccer balls. One child holds a blue ball labeled "Italia" while the other holds a yellow ball. Other students in various country attire are visible in the background.
A large group of young students poses with their teacher in front of a bulletin board reading "In a world where you can BE ANYTHING BE PREPARED." All the children hold small Dominican Republic flags and wear coordinating red, white, and blue colors or ribbons.
A teacher in traditional Dominican dress with a parrot headpiece poses with students wearing animal masks representing Costa Rican wildlife. The children hold the Costa Rican flag featuring blue, white, and red horizontal stripes, and many wear green clothing.
A classroom of diverse students displays the Colombian flag while wearing various cultural accessories and holding papers. Behind them is a colorful bottle cap mural depicting Earth with continents, and a teacher stands with them in a Colombia t-shirt.
Students of various ages pose with the Colombian flag in front of a "BE ANYTHING BE PREPARED" bulletin board. They wear traditional Colombian hats (sombreros vueltiaos), hold small Colombian flags, and some wear costumes representing different aspects of Colombian culture.
Young children walk in a school hallway parade wearing Dominican Republic colors and holding small Dominican flags on sticks. The students have red, white, and blue ribbons around their necks while other children sit along the walls watching the celebration.

We love seeing ABSS alumni returning to teach! This week, Alba Canales joined Haw River Elementary as an ML Beginning Teacher. She is a graduate of Grove Park, Turrentine, and Williams. Welcome, Alba! #ThisisABSS

8 days ago, James Shuler
A young teacher wearing a black shirt and pants with khaki sweater stands in front of a bulletin board themed around Hispanic Heritage.
Kindergarteners at AO Elementary have been celebrating #HispanicHeritageMonth through stories, music, and hands-on activities. To close out the celebration, AO custodian and parent, Marcella, visited classes to share a special cultural experience: making tortillas! Students had the opportunity to knead the dough and use a tortillera (tortilla press) to shape their own tortillas. While the tortillas cooked on the griddle, students engaged in thoughtful conversations, practicing how to ask and answer questions about Hispanic traditions and culture. It was a fun, flavorful, and meaningful way to wrap up the month!
12 days ago, James Shuler
A young girl with blonde hair in a ponytail stands at a table with a tortilla press, smiling at the camera. An adult woman in a black t-shirt stands nearby wearing food service gloves. The background features a vibrant rainbow balloon arch with colorful fringe streamers and a sign reading "I can understand cultural practices of our community and around the world."
A young girl with blonde hair wearing a purple shirt uses a wooden tortilla press on a table. An adult woman in black stands beside her holding scissors near a griddle with tortillas. The table displays a bowl of masa dough, glasses of water, and finished tortillas on an embroidered cloth. Rainbow balloons and streamers decorate the background.
A young girl with long brown hair wearing a white t-shirt with a character design uses a wooden tortilla press, placing dough onto the press surface. The table shows a bowl of masa, water glasses, and finished tortillas on an embroidered cloth. Rainbow balloon garland and colorful fringe streamers create a festive backdrop.
A young girl with dark hair in a ponytail wearing an animal print shirt operates a wooden tortilla press at a demonstration table. She looks upward while pressing. A bowl of masa dough, water glass, and finished tortillas are visible on the table. Colorful balloon garland and fringe decorations fill the background.
A young girl with blonde hair in a high ponytail wearing a tie-dye t-shirt uses both hands to operate a wooden tortilla press. She looks down concentrating on her work. The press sits on a table with finished tortillas, and rainbow balloons form an arch behind her.
A woman with dark hair pulled back, wearing a black t-shirt with text about tortillas and Mexico, laughs heartily while holding a fresh tortilla in both gloved hands. Rainbow balloons create a colorful backdrop, and a sign partially visible behind her reads "WELCOME TO KINDERGARTEN."
A young boy with short dark hair wearing a blue dinosaur t-shirt sits at a table working with the tortilla press. He smiles while handling dough. Orange scissors sit on the table corner near a bowl of masa and a glass of water. Rainbow balloon garland and colorful streamers decorate the background.
Wide view of a kindergarten classroom where children sit cross-legged on the floor in a large group, facing a demonstration table with a rainbow balloon arch. Two adults stand at the table conducting a presentation. A "Welcome to Kindergarten" sign is visible on the wall, along with decorative paper flowers hanging from the ceiling.
An adult woman in a black t-shirt with food service gloves helps a young girl wearing a blue gingham dress. The girl smiles at the camera while the woman guides her hands from behind. Rainbow balloons and streamers create a festive setting behind them.
A woman with dark hair wearing a black long-sleeve shirt holds up an embroidered white cloth with lace trim displaying the word "MICHOACÁN" surrounded by colorful floral embroidery. She stands at a table with a bowl, a bag of Maseca corn flour, and a container visible. Rainbow balloons decorate the background.
That moment when you walk down the hallway and every teacher is mid-lesson and all classes are engaged in learning! Today's snapshot: South Mebane Elementary School. Teachers Mandy Mitchell, Windy Lawrence Latty, Selina Knapp, Anna Dement, and Maggie Walker were expertly modeling skills, providing feedback in whole group and small group activities. As you can see, some of the students were more than happy to proudly show off their hard work! Later at recess, Mr. Byron Lindie was teaching his class how to play cricket at recess. A great day with the Dragons!
13 days ago, James Shuler
A teacher wearing glasses and a floral print dress sits at a white table with three elementary students in a classroom, working on math worksheets with colorful markers spread across the table. Math displays and student work are visible on the walls in the background.
A young Black student in a blue soccer jersey smiles brightly at the camera while holding a marker over a comic book or graphic novel, sitting at a desk in a classroom with other students working in the background.
A young girl with glasses and bracelets holds up a multiplication worksheet showing a grid for practicing times tables, smiling at the camera while seated at a classroom desk with a laptop nearby.
A teacher wearing distinctive turquoise cat-eye glasses sits next to a young boy in a Marvel t-shirt at a desk, both working on math worksheets with manipulatives and materials visible on the table.
A teacher in a beige sweater sits on a desk at the front of a classroom, gesturing while teaching a math lesson about equations that's displayed on a projector screen behind her, with students seated at tables facing her.
Four elementary students sit at a white table working on assignments, with a student in a black and white graphic tee centered in the frame, focused intently on their work. Classroom storage bins and materials are visible on shelves behind them.
A teacher in a denim jacket sits at a small group table with five elementary students, holding up a whiteboard with a math problem while teaching. Books, pencil holders, and classroom materials surround the cozy learning space.
A teacher with her hair in a bun and wearing glasses works with a small group of elementary students at a wooden table, all focused on writing and math work. A whiteboard with math problems and colorful decorations are visible in the background.
A group of enthusiastic elementary students line up in a school hallway, with two students in front making excited, silly faces at the camera while others smile and wait patiently behind them.
A young person throws a ball while playing on a sunny field during recess or outdoor activities, with other students and playground equipment visible in the background and a colorful climbing structure on the right side of the frame.
It’s National School Lunch Week and these students at Haw River Elementary School are loving it! 🥗 Today's menu included chicken filet sandwich with whole grain bun, spaghetti with meat sauce, a whole grain garlic breadstick, fresh garden salad, seasoned corn, and sliced pears! Our wonderful cafeteria staff prepares the meals and keeps up with the demand throughout the day, all while serving with a smile. Thanks for providing the fuel for a full day of learning! ⚡
15 days ago, James Shuler
Student smiling at lunch table with tray containing chicken sandwich, corn, milk, and fruit cup in elementary school cafeteria
Young student in purple shirt giving thumbs up while sitting at lunch table with chicken sandwich, corn, and milk carton
Four elementary students sitting together at lunch table smiling at camera with their lunch trays containing various menu items
School staff member in glasses posing with two young students in elementary school cafeteria during lunch period
Two cafeteria staff members in blue ABSS School Nutrition uniforms standing together in kitchen with Halloween decorations visible in background
Student in Stitch sweatshirt carrying lunch tray with spaghetti, breadstick, and salad through cafeteria line
Student in black Under Armour jacket waving both hands at camera with big smile while standing in cafeteria
Five students posing together at lunch table with their meal trays, smiling at camera with basketball lunchbox visible
Large group of diverse elementary students gathered with teacher behind lunch table, all smiling at camera
Cafeteria worker in blue ABSS uniform serving lunch through service window decorated with Halloween cutouts, placing chicken sandwich and corn on tray
Stallions at the Swamp! Southeast Dream Team was at Garrett this morning to open car doors and greet students! #ThisisABSS
19 days ago, James Shuler
Southeast Alamance High School Dream Team and staff in front of Audrey W. Garrett Elementary School
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!
21 days 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!
22 days 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

26 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.
about 1 month 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!
about 1 month 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.
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
about 1 month 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.