Alamance-Burlington School System

While the staff at Haw River Elementary kept their classrooms running smoothly today, Stearns Ford in Burlington was helping their cars do the same. The dealership brought their new mobile service van right to the school parking lot and treated 54 staff to FREE oil changes and multi-point inspections on their vehicles or a voucher for a later date! 🚗 That's not all - Stearns Ford also held a raffle (announced live on the school intercom!) with Casey Hill winning a gift card to The Victorian Coffee Shop ☕️ in Haw River and Rebecca Hodge winning a $100 Amazon gift card. What an incredible way to say thank you to our hardworking educators for Teacher Appreciation Week! A huge shoutout to Stearns Ford for going above and beyond with this thoughtful service. 🙌

✨ 38 Days, 38 Schools: Western Alamance High School truly stands out as a remarkable institution where a powerful sense of community intertwines with cherished traditions and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. It's a place where the whole community wraps their arms around the students and school. Whether it's a big game, a play, or an awards ceremony, you can count on people showing up and showing their support. They give so generously of their time and resources because they truly believe in the power of education and what this school does for kids. It's that kind of community spirit that makes Western so incredible. Western is also deeply rooted in tradition. You'll find students whose parents and even grandparents went there. Teachers too - some have spent their entire 30+ year careers at Western because they love the school's history and traditions so much. Those traditions create this powerful legacy that gets passed down from one generation to the next. Ultimately, Western is synonymous with excellence across the board. Academics, sports, arts, clubs - you name it - the students strive to be the best. It's called the "Warrior Way" and it pushes them to reach their full potential and make their mark on the world. Western is the total package!

It was a gorgeous day ☀️ at Burlington Carousel Park for this year's D.A.R.E. Days celebration! Hundreds of excited fifth graders from Eastlawn, Highland, Grove Park, Andrews, Smith, Hillcrest, and Newlin elementary schools arrived Thursday and Friday to take part in the fun-filled festivities. The students spent the day rotating between a variety of awesome activities. They got to ride the newly renovated carousel, play kickball and dodgeball, and take turns running under the always-popular parachute. The playground was packed with laughter and energy and the dance party had everyone moving to the beat. Students also enjoyed a train ride around the park and plenty of water breaks to stay hydrated. Of course, no D.A.R.E. Days would be complete without a picnic lunch! 🥪 The event wrapped up around 1:30pm with words of encouragement from Officer Gonzalez and Sgt. Chad Laws of the Burlington Police Department. They worked tirelessly to organize this awesome D.A.R.E. Days celebration for all the fifth graders who completed the D.A.R.E. program. It was a day filled with nonstop fun, friends, and important lessons!

Curiosity, wonder and excitement filled the air at Harvey R. Newlin Elementary last night for their annual Science Night. 🔬This year's "Science Expedition" theme transported students and families through an amazing journey of hands-on science experiments set up in classrooms throughout the school. Ten different stations like Dancing Raisins, Galaxy Jars, and Lava Lamps were available! After the science rotations wrapped up from 5-6PM, the cafeteria hosted a lively dinner and BINGO night until 7pm. Families enjoyed a meal together, playing for science-themed prizes and books that continued the evening's engaging learning experience. There were a lot of fist bumps and cheers as the numbers were called. 👏 It was clear the passionate efforts of Newlin's Family Involvement Team paid off. Thanks to everyone who was a part of this great event!

✨ 38 Days, 38 Schools - Harvey R. Newlin Elementary Nestled right in the heart of a wonderful neighborhood, Harvey R. Newlin Elementary School is home to over 500 awesome PreK-5th grade students, affectionately known as the Newlin Wildcats. It's not just the kids who make Newlin special; the dedicated staff and engaged community partners are equally devoted to creating an exceptional learning environment. At Newlin, the motto is "ALL IN and READY." They don't just talk the talk; the entire school community is fully committed to supporting one another every day. You'll find families actively involved through events like Wild About Reading nights and Science Expeditions. Recently, they even organized an Autism Awareness Walk, celebrating the beautiful diversity within their ranks. This school takes pride in honoring the rich cultural tapestry of the Graham Zone. They celebrate the community through events such as Local Black Leaders and Wonderful Women Celebrations. It's this strong community focus that makes Newlin truly stand out as an exceptional place of learning and growth.

📢 Shout out to the Alamance Chamber ROAR women's collaborative for sponsoring the second annual donation drive for basic feminine hygiene products to support ABSS students! These essential items were delivered to the school nurses today. Access to these basic necessities can make a huge difference in a student's confidence and ability to focus on their studies! In the picture from left to right: Edna Parker (ROAR collaborative), Kelly Roberts (Alamance Chamber), Reagan Chandler Gural (Alamance Chamber President), Gina Carroll and Tammy Troxler (ABSS lead nurses), and Kevin Szosak (Alamance Chamber). A huge thank you to the ROAR collaborative for their compassion and commitment to supporting our local students! 🙌

Nuclear energy sparked excitement at Highland Elementary today! 🔥 The 4th graders had a special guest - Zach Veselich, a Penn State student majoring in nuclear engineering. This former Williams High School grad shared his passion, teaching the kids about nuclear fission, different nuclear careers, and how nuclear energy can power our world. The highlight: Glowing uranium glass! ⚛️

We shared this last week, but we can't pass up another chance to shout-out the 2024 ABSS Teacher of the Year, Chanel Jones from Broadview Middle! Her classroom is buzzing with positive vibes, motivated and engaged students, and top-tier teaching. Let's hear it for Ms. Jones! 👏

On National School Nurse Day, we celebrate our dedicated school nurses! Thank you for your compassion, expertise, and relentless dedication to keeping our students healthy and safe! They gained a tiny assistant in the front row for this photo - she is not a registered nurse. 😉

✨38 Days, 38 Schools - Broadview Middle School Broadview Middle School is all about giving students a complete educational experience. They started things off right with a back-to-school cookout for the Bobcats community, with staff firing up the grill and handing out school supplies. Broadview makes parents feel like they're part of the team through open house events, report card pickups, and working together to set academic goals for students. While Broadview delivers solid academics, their true standout quality is the deep connections teachers build with students. Educators take the time to really get to know each child's strengths, struggles, and personalities. This creates an incredibly supportive environment where every student feels appreciated and encouraged to shine their brightest. Broadview also boasts thriving arts programs that allow kids to explore their creativity through art, chorus, and orchestra!

Those who know, know - Mrs. Dodson from AO Elementary is one exceptional teacher! We were thrilled to recognize her at the Evening of Excellence as the 2024 Teacher of the Year Runner-Up! She is a dedicated teacher who goes above and beyond to ensure every child thrives. 👏

✨38 Days, 38 Schools - R. Homer Andrews Elementary Andrews Elementary is a Nationally Recognized Leader in Me Lighthouse School where the culture, academics, and leadership framework are centered around the "7 Habits of Highly Effective People." These habits are taught, lived, and celebrated every day, guiding the school's work in setting goals for academics, attendance, and behavior. What makes Andrews Elementary truly unique is its student-centered approach. Students actively lead and collaborate within the school community, taking ownership of their learning journey. The school is guided by principles that foster leadership, recognize the potential in every child, encourage continuous growth, empower students through motivation, and develop the whole person - not just academic achievement. At the core of Andrews Elementary is a culture that celebrates the strengths and differences of all students. This creates an environment where students can thrive as confident, capable leaders ready to make a positive impact!

We're thrilled to recognize our exceptional Beginning Teachers of the Year finalists and winner. Although new to ABSS, these educators have already left an indelible mark on their students and schools: Finalists: ✨ Yanitza Negron, 1st Grade (Dual Language) at Alexander Wilson Elementary ✨ Zoe Rein, English 3, English 1, and English 1 Honors at Eastern Alamance High ✨ Mineshia White, Second Grade at Haw River Elementary ✨ Lexi Humphreys, History at Southern Alamance High ✨ Payton Ray, 8th Grade Science at Southern Alamance Middle ✨ Terri Andrews, Nursing Fundamentals, HSI, and Bio Tech at CTEC And our 2023 Beginning Teacher of the Year: 🏆 De'Ana Tyson, 7th Grade English at Western Alamance Middle 🏆 Congratulations to all our finalists and winner! Their passion, dedication, and innovation inspire us! These exceptional teachers were honored at last week's Evening of Excellence event. Join us in celebrating these rising stars who are shaping young minds and making a lasting impact on our community.

38 Days, 38 Schools - Eastern Alamance High School Eastern takes great pride in fostering a strong sense of family and belonging for all students. Their theme this year, "bElong," perfectly summarizes the school's dedication to providing a supportive environment where every student can find a path to success. The school boasts a rich tradition of excellence in academics, athletics, and cultural arts, with students consistently demonstrating remarkable achievements. These eagles are soaring! 🦅 As they say at the games: EA - you know! 💚

✨ 38 Days, 38 Schools - Sylvan Elementary 💙 Sylvan Elementary is a fantastic place to work and learn, distinguished as an A+ school that weaves the Arts into the curriculum, enabling students to develop a profound understanding of themselves as learners while harnessing the transformative power of creativity! 🎨🎼🎭 What truly sets Sylvan Elementary apart is the unwavering support it receives from the tight-knit community it serves. 👪🤝 A strong and engaged PTA, coupled with the dedicated Hammer Board committee, supports the school's goal to provide an enriching, arts-infused educational experience. Steeped in the rich heritage of Snow Camp, this close-knit school upholds a tradition of excellence, nurturing the next generation of Blue Jay 🐦 leaders. 🌟

Congratulations to Kelly Westbrook, the Career & Technical Education teacher at Southern Alamance High School for being named NCCAT (North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching) Teacher of The Year for the district! Since joining ABSS in 2005, Mrs. Westbrook has been teaching Food Science and Technology, as well as various levels of Foods and Nutrition. Her dedication to improving learning, advocating for the program, and participating in FCCLA (a CTE student organization) is truly inspiring. Not only does she encourage her students to earn credentials and their ServSafe certificate, but she has also led professional development activities to enhance the learning experience. Congratulations on this outstanding accomplishment!

Today is School Lunch Heroes Day and we want to give a huge shout-out to the incredible nutrition staff members who swoop in daily to power up our students' minds and bodies! 💥 Their super power is serving hundreds of nutritious meals a day with a smile. Thank you! 🙌

✨38 Days, 38 Schools - Graham High School For students charting their course after high school, Graham High School offers a comprehensive array of programs to prepare them for college, entrepreneurship, or direct workforce entry. Whether bound for further academics or eager to launch a career, the staff at Graham equips students with the skills and knowledge to find success. The Pre-Collegiate Academy is a standout offering, providing an accelerated academic track for those eager to get a head start on their college journey. Not all paths lead to a four-year college or university, though! That's why we've invested in robust #ABSSCTE programs like Public Safety and Welding. These hands-on programs equip students with valuable skills and industry certifications, opening doors to rewarding careers straight out of high school. No matter which route students choose, Graham High School creates an inclusive environment where every student feels at home. Their supportive community nurtures personal growth, maturity, and the confidence to tackle post-secondary goals head-on. We're committed to empowering the next generation of leaders, innovators, and skilled professionals – all while instilling that Red Devil pride.

Our #ABSSCTE teachers and school counselors have been helping students find the right path for their future. Many local opportunities are available and our Senior Job Fair shined a light on many of them today! Thanks to our local community partners for participating.

✨ 38 Days, 38 Schools - Turrentine Middle School At Turrentine Middle School, "We are FAMILY" is more than just a motto – it's a way of life. This school has made an unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that prioritizes social-emotional well-being and strong relationships. By implementing initiatives like Capturing Kids' Hearts, Turrentine proactively addresses the needs of students, recognizing that academic success is deeply intertwined with emotional well-being and a sense of belonging! The school's emphasis on cultivating a positive culture where everyone feels valued and supported is not just a strategy; it's a testament to their belief that nurturing strong bonds and creating a safe space for learning is crucial for overall growth and development. Truly, at Turrentine, they are a FAMILY united in their mission to empower and inspire every student. 💚