🎻 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!
5 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!
10 days 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
17 days 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
19 days 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! 😴
22 days 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 1 month 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 1 month 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
about 1 month 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!

about 1 month 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
about 1 month 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!
about 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

about 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.
about 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
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!
about 2 months 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!

about 2 months 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
2 months 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
3 months 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.
3 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
3 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
3 months ago, James Shuler
Summer Food Services Program starting June 16th and ending August 14th