Due to the forecast of below-freezing temperatures accompanied by precipitation, ABSS will be closed for all students and staff tomorrow, Friday, December 5th. This includes all after-school activities. We have made this decision out of caution to ensure the safety of our school community.
During Monday's Board of Education meeting, the 2026-2027 academic calendar's latest draft was unanimously approved. The updated version moves required workdays to Monday or Friday. We sincerely appreciate the valuable and extensive feedback provided by our community. You can download the calendars here: https://www.abss.k12.nc.us/documents/district-information/calendars/350847
As we continue into the school year, we're excited to look back at the amazing progress during the first nine weeks! Our Progress Report Video highlights three key areas:
📵 Cell phone-free classrooms leading to greater student connection and engagement.
🤝 Strong relationships that are building confident learners.
💡 Data-driven, standards-aligned instruction challenging and supporting every student.
We're proud of this progress and encourage you to keep the conversation going at home! Ask your student about what they're learning class and connections at school. Thank you for being a vital part of the #ABSSCommunity!
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AjYlPQ99Hk
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!
🎻 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!
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!
🌞 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
#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
Yesterday Highland hosted a Kindergarten open house for families and students. We loved getting to meet our future Highland Hawks!
Yesterday Highland held our annual Parade of Diverse Cultures!
Students representing 35 different countries walked in the parade to cheers from fellow students as well as teachers and parents. It was amazing to see the pride students took in displaying and celebrating their diversity! Check out the ABSS facebook post for more pictures of this amazing event!
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Hp8uUiwMw/
🏆 CONGRATULATIONS to our incredible 2025 Classified Employees of the Year! From assisting families all day to supporting students in all subjects, your contributions make a profound difference in our schools. Thank you for all you do!
It's never too early for students to consider their next steps after graduation. We invite you to our to the Enroll, Enlist, Employ Fair!
📅 When: April 3, 2025, 5 PM to 8 PM
📍 Where: ACC Main Building, Alamance Community College, 1247 Jimmie Kerr Road, Haw River, NC 27258
Website with map: https://www.abss.k12.nc.us/o/abss/page/enroll-enlist-employ-fair
RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/673132028729178
Connect with representatives from:
🎓 Local and state universities
🏫 Community colleges
🪖 Military branches
💼 Employment agencies
🤝 Community organizations
Students: This is your chance to explore ALL your options in ONE place! Whether you're considering college, military service, or entering the workforce, this event has something for everyone. Check out our impressive lineup of participants, including Duke University, UNC schools, military branches, and local employers ready to talk about your future!
Spanish language support will be available to ensure everyone can access this valuable opportunity.
It was all about March Madness today as students participated in our third nine weeks PBIS celebration! Students kicked off the event with a visit from some local mascots.
Check out this video to see the excitement! https://5il.co/3bugf
Highland's 1st grade students recently enjoyed a field trip to the Nido & Mariana Qubein Children's Museum where students are able to learn through exploration and play. Students had a wonderful time discovering all the museum had to offer!
🌟 #ABSSExcellence | Talent. Dedication. Passion. Innovation. We're honored to present the remarkable 2025 Teachers of the Year. These educators represent the very best of our district. Their exceptional work shapes tomorrow's leaders. Join us in celebrating them! 👏 #ThisisABSS
Book Fair Preview is here! Our students are so excited to check out the books that will soon be available for purchasing. Purchasing week begins March 17th and Family Shopping Nights will be Thursday March 13th and 20th from 3-5:30pm. Highland Hawks love books!
It is that time of year again! If you have not already ordered your copy of Highland Elementary's 2024-2025 Yearbook, be sure to get your order in between now and Spring Break (April 14). The cost for the book is $23, or if you want to add your child's name on the cover it is $29. Orders will only be accepted online at the Yearbook Order Center website at this time.
After the yearbooks are delivered in late May, there will be a few copies for purchase from the school office (at a higher cost), but these will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The only way to guarantee your copy of the yearbook is to order now!
The link to order is - https://yearbookordercenter.com/job/19575
✨ Start strong, start here! Kindergarten registration is live! Instructions can be found on our website: https://bit.ly/absskindergarten. Also, don't forget about our Kindergarten Fair next Saturday, March 8th, 9 AM to 12 PM at Holly Hill Mall! #ABSSEvents #ThisisABSS
As a student told us today, our brains get busy! 🧘♀️ Highland Elementary third grade teacher Sasha Denham is bringing mindfulness to her classroom with daily yoga sessions. Ms. Denham leads students through calming poses like "tree tops," "bird breaths," and "doing the laundry" to help them start their day focused and ready to learn.
This innovative approach will be featured on FOX8 "What's Right With Our Schools" segment with Cindy Farmer, airing next Monday morning and again on Thursday. You can look forward to interviews with Ms. Denham and student Candace, as well as footage of the class applying their yoga-induced focus to finding details in a passage about Mercury.
Back to School Updates & Information
Back to School Food Drive: We are hosting a Food Drive to stock our food pantry for the start of the school year. Please consider donating non-perishable food items. These can be dropped off at the Highland Car Circle in the green box!
