Today, Hillcrest Elementary School didn't just celebrate 100 days of school — it celebrated the people who are so important to the students and who showed up big today — their community support. Beginning around 10:30 AM, the cafeteria was completely full and it was hard to see the students among the crowds of families and community members who showed up to eat with them during the 100 Days, 100 Dads lunch event! We spotted them smiling and proudly chatting about their while enjoying their lunch. This will be one day they will never forget. And to all those in the #ABSSCommunity who showed up — parents, step-parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, local first responders, Board of Education, local government, anyone who sat down and ate with a student today — thank you. Shout out to Ashley West and all the Hillcrest staff involved in making this a fun and well-organized celebration! Look for a FOX8 story highlight soon! Here's a link to the photo album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/XMQWLYBr1TuQoj1P7

1 day ago, James Shuler
A family eating with a Hillcrest student in the cafeteria
A parent posing with their child in the cafeteria
Board member Seneca Rogers posing with his nephew in the cafeteria at lunch
A parent eats with their child in the cafeteria at Hillcrest
A parent poses with their child at lunch
A parent with their children, one baby and one student, at lunch
The Hillcrest staff and students pose with the hornet mascot
A student hugs the Hillcrest hornet
A parent and his student gives a thumbs up
Parents with their student in the cafeteria
We are honored to recognize our 2026 Classified Employees of the Year! They support our staff and students in so many ways and we deeply value the expertise, passion, and hard work they bring to our schools every day. Thank you and congratulations!
2 days ago, James Shuler
List of all 2026 Classified Employees of the Year
We are proud to announce our 2026 Teachers of the Year representing every school across the district. These educators go above and beyond every single day for our students and our community. They are more than just teachers; they are mentors, innovators, and the heart of our schools.
4 days ago, James Shuler
Ten of the teachers of the year for 2026
Ten of the teachers of the year for 2026
Ten of the teachers of the year for 2026
Ten of the teachers of the year for 2026
List of all teachers of the year for each school
It all began in 1997. Furbies were flying off shelves, AOL was sending everyone free CDs in the mail, and Dave L'Heureux was just getting started on what would quietly become a legacy in ABSS.

In those early days, Dave was answering calls on a pager and a beeper, becoming the district's very first webmaster at a time when having a website was still considered cutting edge. Back then, we were on dial-up connections, floppy disks, and schools had computer labs that felt like spaceships. He watched those bulky desktop computers evolve into laptops, then tablets, then Chromebooks. He lived through the Windows 95 era, survived Internet Explorer, helped roll out interactive whiteboards, navigated the shift to cloud computing, and kept everything running as classrooms went from chalkboards to smartboards to full-on digital learning environments. Through every upgrade, every rollout, and every "I don't know what happened, it just stopped working" moment spanning nearly three decades, Dave showed up calm, patient, and smiling. Have you ever called the Web Help Desk for technology support? That friendly, unhurried voice on the other end was Dave.

At his retirement celebration today, surrounded by loved ones and co-workers who he proudly calls family, Dave left everyone with one final piece of hard-earned wisdom: "If something goes wrong, make sure it's plugged in, try restarting it, or check if it has paper." Now a new adventure begins. Roads to travel, a guitar that has been waiting patiently in the corner, and meaningful work ahead with Habitat for Humanity, because Dave has never been the type to stop building things or supporting people. Thank you for 27 years of steady hands and a good heart, Dave. Enjoy every second of what comes next!
5 days ago, James Shuler
Dave holding a crystal plaque celebrating his retirement
Dave holding a signed photo caricature of him answering help calls at a computer desk
Dave posing for a photo with staff
Dave and his wife
Dave speaking to attendees at his retirement party
Dave and technology staff at his retirement party
Dave speaking into a microphone in front of a cake
A closeup of Dave's cake with an inspiration quote

We are excited to launch our All Hands on Deck campaign! We know that when students are in class, they are building the habits, relationships, and confidence they need to thrive. As we sail towards the end of the school year, we’ve set our sights on improved attendance district-wide! Every school has created incentives and celebrations for hitting this target! 🎯

Facts on Attendance:
📉 Missing just 2 days per month can cause a student to fall behind academically.
🎓 Strong attendance is the #1 predictor of reading at grade level and graduating on time.
🤝 Being in school every day builds the routines and social connections that help students succeed.

How Families Can Help:
✅ Set consistent bedtime and morning routines.
✅ Prepare backpacks and clothes the night before for a smooth start.
✅ Schedule appointments outside of school hours whenever possible.

We are "All Hands on Deck" to support our students, and we thank you for being partners in education! We know it takes a community to help a child thrive. This includes educators providing engaging lessons, parents ensuring a structured routine, and students putting in the effort. We need everyone working together to finish the year strong. If the waters are rough and you're facing barriers to getting your child to school on time, please reach out! We are to help. Our crew is stronger when we are all together! 🌊✨

5 days ago, James Shuler
Attendance campaign with nautical theme, "All hands on deck! We are setting sail for improved attendance at all schools!"
You have $40, now what do you do with it? Our third graders in Ms. Kellis' class at Elon Elementary had money on the mind with a great lesson from Junior Achievement of the Triad! From saving strategies to understanding taxes, students explored real-world scenarios about earning and managing money. The highlight was Elon University President Connie Book who led the lesson and joined groups of students for an interactive game called "That's Life!" where students made decisions about how to earn, save, spend, or give $40 in their community. Junior Achievement was also filming the lesson and will be featuring Dr. Fleming and some of our students! Thanks to JA and Dr. Book for visiting our schools and providing this valuable learning opportunity!
12 days ago, James Shuler
President Connie Book high-fives a third-grade student during an interactive financial literacy game, with other students seated at tables working on "That's Life!" game boards and worksheets.
President Connie Book of Elon University sits at a table with third-grade students, reviewing Junior Achievement financial literacy materials including colorful game boards and worksheets.
Two women present to a classroom of third-grade students at Elon Elementary. One woman in a teal sweater gestures while speaking, and another in a leopard print top stands nearby. Students are seated at desks listening attentively, with classroom posters and the "RESPECT" acronym visible on the wall behind them.
President Connie Book stands at the front of a third-grade classroom holding up a yellow card with an illustration, engaging with students seated at their desks during the Junior Achievement lesson.
Dr. Fleming sits at a table with three third-grade students and a Junior Achievement volunteer, all giving thumbs up while playing the "That's Life!" financial literacy board game.
Elon Elementary principal Cara Hurdle works with a small group of third-graders at a table, guiding them through the "That's Life!" game as they make decisions about earning, saving, and spending money.
Dr. Fleming being filmed in a school hallway decorated with international flags. A videographer operates a professional camera on a tripod as Dr. Fleming speaks to the camera in a suit and tie.
A Junior Achievement representative interviews three third-grade students in the school library, filming their responses as part of the lesson documentation.
A videographer films a third-grade student being interviewed in a classroom or media center, capturing student perspectives on the financial literacy lesson.

🔬 Region 5 Science Fair Winners

We are so proud of these ABSS students for their incredible work in this year's Science Fair. Four students are moving on to the State Fair! Here are the winners:

🏆 Riley Justice, Levi Prince & Natalya Cooper (Eastern Alamance High) – 1st Place: Physics (State Fair Qualifier)

🏆 Dawson Allen (B. Everett Jordan Elementary) – Exemplary Award (State Fair Qualifier)

⭐ Braxton Ballard, Lillian Massey & Morgan Beckham (Eastern Alamance High) – 3rd Place: Physics

⭐ Ethan Lambert, Ulises Flores & Jamal Davis (Eastern Alamance High) – 3rd Place: Earth/Environmental

⭐ Margaret Parker (Southeast Alamance High) – 3rd Place: Biology A

⭐ Jett Hutchings (Western Alamance Middle) – Honorable Mention

⭐ Natalie Mathis (Altamahaw-Ossipee Elementary) – Honorable Mention

💧 Joseph Carmack & Vincent Cervantes (Eastern Alamance High) – Special "NC ONE Water" Award that included a monetary prize!

13 days ago, James Shuler
Three young participants in the Region 5 science fair on stage being recognized
Five participants in the Region 5 science fair on stage being recognized
Four participants in the Region 5 science fair on stage being recognized
Six participants in the Region 5 science fair on stage being recognized
Six participants in the Region 5 science fair on stage being recognized
Two participants in the Region 5 science fair on stage being recognized
It was a true 'team effort' at Cummings High School as students, staff, and local partners joined forces to prepare 174 juniors for the upcoming statewide ACT. This high-energy event was made possible by the incredible coordination of Principals Dr. Fliehman and Eric Yarborough, and we are especially grateful to Principal Clifton Thomas for opening the doors of Cummings High School to host this district-wide effort. Our students showed incredible grit and determination as they spent the day sharpening their skills and building momentum for the upcoming statewide ACT on February 25th. Guiding our students was a powerhouse team of twelve expert educators who volunteered their time to lead intensive instructional sessions. We want to highlight the leadership of our lead teachers Jesica Fitzgerald, April McDonald, Medora BurkeScoll, and Angee Reed, alongside our dedicated facilitators: Tammy Knight, Drew Cheap, Aeron Sizemore, Dawn Adams, Rachel Johnston, Angie Stuart, Kristen Davenport, and Roy Ballard. Their expertise provided our juniors with the tools and confidence necessary to excel on test day. The day was further fueled by the generosity of our community partners. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Food Lion, BJ’s Wholesale Club, and the Kelly Wirt Realty Group for their donations, and a special note of gratitude to Grace Church of Alamance County for providing a delicious lunch and assisting with service and cleanup. It is truly inspiring to see our staff, local businesses, and community members unite to champion the academic success of our students!
15 days ago, James Shuler
a group of students in the hallway at Cummings
A group of community leaders serving a Papa John’s pizza lunch
Two students concentrating at an ACT bootcamp
A student with a notes binder open on a student desk
A teacher leads a lesson in the Cummings media center
A teacher leads ACT prep lessons with a class of students
A teacher leads ACT prep lessons in front of a smart board
A teacher leads ACT prep lessons in front of a smart board
Teachers and students working together in an ACT prep session
A student working on activities during an ACT prep session
A​BSS will operate on a two-hour delay tomorrow, Friday, February 6. Temperatures are expected to be below 30-degrees and there are many wet roads that can freeze. The delay will allow for more daylight as everyone begins traveling in the morning. Staff and families are urged to use caution and give themselves extra time to get to school and work in the morning. As a reminder, these decisions are made with the safety of our staff and students in mind. We hope to be on a normal schedule next week!
17 days ago, ABSS Webmaster
Alert graphic announcing a two hour delay for Friday, February 6
We love seeing our students back in action! Here's what some of our Western Alamance Middle School classes were up to today. Ms. Romero's Spanish class was tackling communication goals such as telling time and responses at different times of the day; Ms. Burnette's class was creating a diagram showing different levels of the atmosphere; and Ms. Bledsole's class was working around the room solving challenging two-step equations. Engaged students and passionate teachers — that's a formula for success! There was great enthusiasm during class changes, and the cameraman even got a few high fives!
17 days ago, James Shuler
Four students pose in the hallway in front of a black bulletin board and brick wall
Two students highlight terms in their binders during a Spanish class
A teacher leans over and points to a term on a student-created diagram of atmospheric levels
A student gestures towards a two-step math problem on her paper
Multiple middle school students at their desks which are clustered together, all working on two-step math problems
Two students sit beside each other on the floor while working on two-step math problems
Multiple middle school students at their desks which are clustered together, all working on two-step math problems
A teacher leans over a student and points to a two-step math problem
With the possibility of winter weather overnight, A​BSS will operate on a two-hour delay tomorrow, Thursday, February 5.​ The delay will allow for more daylight as everyone begins traveling in the morning. Staff and families are urged to use caution and give themselves extra time to get to school and work in the morning.

Ante la posibilidad de condiciones climáticas invernales durante la noche, el distrito escolar de ABSS operará con un retraso de dos horas mañana, jueves 5 de febrero. Este retraso permitirá que haya más luz natural cuando todos comiencen sus desplazamientos por la mañana. Se recomienda al personal y a las familias que extremen las precauciones y se tomen tiempo adicional para llegar a la escuela y al trabajo por la mañana.
18 days ago, ABSS Webmaster
Alert message indicating two hour delay for February 5, 2026
💙 HAPPY NATIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELOR WEEK! 💙

This week, we celebrate the incredible school counselors who guide, support, and inspire our students every single day. Our counselors are champions for student success, helping with everything from academic planning to social-emotional support, college and career readiness, and so much more. To our amazing counseling team, THANK YOU for your compassion and unwavering commitment to our students! Your impact reaches far beyond the classroom.

Please join us in celebrating our school counselors and interns:

Erin Stoker, Glennis Lesane, Kim Davis, Kion'Shay Whitley Brown, Shantia Shackelford, Kate Cushman, Genevieve Lyons, Beth Taylor, Megan Palmer, Kristin Rosario, Joy Toms, Dana Crowder, Jodi Carson, Liza Palazzi, Cheryl Williams, Joanne Simao, Mary Oney, Lindsey Vega, Kimberly Yancey, Mindy Bacchus, Joy Hayes, Annie Goldberg, Amanda Hylton, Sam Westbrook, Rikki Dashaies, Amory Sparger, Leslie Murray, Jennifer Lombard, Nicole Watlington, Crystal Taylor, Vache Davis Johnson, Graham Smith, Dayna Bryden, Carrie Strickland, Tracy Jefferies, Cameron White, Holly Herring, Angela Parsons, Melissa Day, Isabel Allen, Jennifer Barnhardt, Elizabeth Tricomi, Sarah Anderson, Ashley Cole, Mandy Moore, Amber Chatman, Ashley Price, Randy Milton, Marie Lunde, Meredith Willis, Hannah Stokes, Tanika Walker, Clay Oliver, Isabella Guidino de Grote, and Maureen Tumey

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our students!
19 days ago, James Shuler
Official National School Counseling Week graphic from the American School Counselor Association
Names of all the district school counselors and interns: Erin Stoker, Glennis Lesane, Kim Davis, Kion'Shay Whitley Brown, Shantia Shackelford, Kate Cushman, Genevieve Lyons, Beth Taylor, Megan Palmer, Kristin Rosario, Joy Toms, Dana Crowder, Jodi Carson, Liza Palazzi, Cheryl Williams, Joanne Simao, Mary Oney, Lindsey Vega, Kimberly Yancey, Mindy Bacchus, Joy Hayes, Annie Goldberg, Amanda Hylton, Sam Westbrook, Rikki Dashaies, Amory Sparger, Leslie Murray, Jennifer Lombard, Nicole Watlington, Crystal Taylor, Vache Davis Johnson, Graham Smith, Dayna Bryden, Carrie Strickland, Tracy Jefferies, Cameron White, Holly Herring, Angela Parsons, Melissa Day, Isabel Allen, Jennifer Barnhardt, Elizabeth Tricomi, Sarah Anderson, Ashley Cole, Mandy Moore, Amber Chatman, Ashley Price, Randy Milton, Marie Lunde, Meredith Willis, Hannah Stokes, Tanika Walker, Clay Oliver, Isabella Guidino de Grote, and Maureen Tumey
Despite the sun and slightly warmer temperatures today, many roads are still covered in ice and snow. Tomorrow, Tuesday, February 3, will be an Optional Teacher Workday. There will be no school for students. There will also be no athletics or after-school activities. The Rezoning Community Session at Southeast Alamance High School has been rescheduled to Monday, February 9th, at 6:00 pm. Thanks again to our Facilities & Maintenance crew for assessing road conditions, sharing these photos from around our county, and clearing our school lots and walkways.

A pesar del sol y las temperaturas ligeramente más cálidas de hoy, muchas carreteras aún están cubiertas de hielo y nieve. Mañana, martes 3 de febrero, será un día de trabajo opcional para los maestros. No habrá clases para los estudiantes. Tampoco habrá actividades deportivas ni extracurriculares. La sesión comunitaria sobre la rezonificación en la Escuela Preparatoria Southeast Alamance se ha reprogramado para el lunes 9 de febrero a las 6:00 p. m. Agradecemos nuevamente a nuestro equipo de Instalaciones y Mantenimiento por evaluar las condiciones de las carreteras, compartir estas fotos de todo el condado y despejar los estacionamientos y las aceras de nuestras escuelas.
20 days ago, ABSS Webmaster
Graphic with a groundhog on the bottom corner and text Optional teacher workday, February 3, 2026 and ABSS logo. Background is a road approaching school that is covered in snow and ice.
A snow and ice covered road with trees on either side.
A snow and ice covered road with trees on either side.
A snow and ice covered road with trees on either side.
Who's ready to build a snowman? Superintendent Fleming is eager to see everyone again, but we're calling a Remote Learning Day for tomorrow, Monday, February 2nd. Facilities will be closed for staff and students, and there will be no athletic or after-school activities. Safety is always our top priority! Students should continue to work on remote learning assignments as directed by their school. ​The Rezoning Community Session at Southeast Alamance High School has been rescheduled to Monday, February 9th, at 6:00 pm. Stay safe and warm!
21 days ago, James Shuler
Remote Learning Day with an image of Superintendent Dr. Fleming in a fictional snow setting

Say hello to Mike! He's an important part of the Maintenance team working in schools every day. They've been checking on buildings all week. We know the weather has been unpredictable, but they're taking precautions such as putting down salt on the sidewalks for our staff working today. Thank you, Mike and the entire Facilities & Maintenance team, for keeping our schools safe and running smoothly!

23 days ago, James Shuler
Mark from the Maintenance department standing in front of a white truck parking in the front of Hawfields Middle School
Thank you to all our students, teachers, and parents for working together this week during remote learning. Tomorrow, Friday, January 30, will be an Optional Workday. That means there will be no remote learning for students tomorrow. We’re doing this so we can save our very last remote learning day for any future weather events. There will be no athletic or after-school activities tomorrow. Friday, February 13th will now be a regular school day for students instead of a teacher workday. We appreciate you being so flexible and for making this week a success. Enjoy the long weekend, and we hope to see everyone back soon! Thank you, and stay safe.

Gracias a todos nuestros estudiantes, maestros y padres por trabajar juntos esta semana durante el aprendizaje a distancia. Mañana, viernes 30 de enero, será un día de trabajo opcional. Esto significa que no habrá clases a distancia para los estudiantes mañana. Hacemos esto para reservar nuestro último día de aprendizaje a distancia para cualquier eventualidad climática futura. No habrá actividades deportivas ni extracurriculares mañana. El viernes 13 de febrero será ahora un día escolar normal para los estudiantes, en lugar de un día de trabajo para los maestros. Agradecemos su flexibilidad y por hacer de esta semana un éxito. Disfruten del fin de semana largo y esperamos verlos a todos pronto. Gracias y cuídense.
24 days ago, ABSS Webmaster
Alert graphic with the relevant optional teacher workday information

We know this has been an unusual week, and we appreciate your flexibility and support as the district prioritizes safety. ABSS will continue with Remote Learning on Thursday, January 29. Students should continue to work on their assignments. There will be no athletic or after-school activities. Please continue to check your email and our website for updates. Thanks to our Operations and Transportation crews for traveling around the county to assess road conditions. Stay safe, everyone!

Sabemos que esta ha sido una semana inusual y agradecemos su flexibilidad y apoyo mientras el distrito prioriza la seguridad. ABSS continuará con el aprendizaje a distancia el jueves 29 de enero. Los estudiantes deben seguir trabajando en sus tareas. No habrá actividades deportivas ni extracurriculares. Por favor, consulten su correo electrónico y nuestro sitio web para obtener actualizaciones. Agradecemos a nuestros equipos de Operaciones y Transporte por recorrer el condado para evaluar el estado de las carreteras. ¡Cuídense todos!

25 days ago, ABSS Webmaster
Remote Learning Day text over a photograph of icy road conditions
An icy road from the perspective of inside the car looking out the windshield
An icy road from the perspective of inside the car looking out the windshield
An icy road from the perspective of inside the car looking out the windshield
Today's Community Voice Session at Southeast Alamance has been rescheduled to next Monday, February 2nd. Doors open at 5:30 PM and the session starts at 6:00 PM. It is open to everyone! Translation services will be available. This is a great opportunity to hear from SchoolCAMP and ABSS leadership about the rezoning process and for you to share your feedback and ask questions in person. We hope to see you there! #ABSSCommunity
25 days ago, ABSS Webmaster
Community Voice Sessions reschedule announcement graphic
Due to continued hazardous road conditions, we will transition to a Remote Learning Day on Tuesday, January 27. This means all schools and facilities will be closed for students and staff. Students should work on their remote learning assignments. No athletics or afterschool activities. Remote Learning Days are flexible school days where students work at their own pace on posted assignments, also known as asynchronous work. While there are no required live classes, teachers are available during optional office hours if students have questions. Students are expected to complete all activities and reach out to their teachers if they need assistance. Work is due within five days of returning to school. View/Download our Remote Learning Guide here: https://5il.co/3tij1

Los días de aprendizaje a distancia son días escolares flexibles en los que los estudiantes trabajan a su propio ritmo en las tareas asignadas, lo que se conoce como trabajo asincrónico. Si bien no hay clases presenciales obligatorias, los profesores están disponibles durante el horario de consulta opcional para responder las preguntas de los estudiantes. Se espera que los estudiantes completen todas las actividades y se comuniquen con sus profesores si necesitan ayuda. Las tareas deben entregarse dentro de los cinco días posteriores al regreso a clases presenciales. Consulte o descargue nuestra Guía de aprendizaje a distancia aquí: https://5il.co/3tij1
27 days ago, ABSS Webmaster
Remote Learning Day informational graphic with details about January 27
We saw Lura Byrd's class at Turrentine Middle gathered around this large poster paper last Friday and knew they were working on something special. These vocabulary words are all about "leaving a legacy" and students were proud to show off their work!
27 days ago, James Shuler
a student pointing to the word Responsibility on a whiteboard
a small group of students holding a green poster with an outline of a person and inside or written various vocabulary words related to empathy
A smaller students on the floor gathered around a green poster writing vocabulary rewards related to empathy inside the outline of a person