These 8th-grade Hawfields Middle School scientists are engaged in hands-on learning this morning extracting DNA 🧬 from juicy strawberries using lab techniques and equipment like micropipettes! 🍓#StudentCenteredFutureFocused
6 months ago, James Shuler
Two middle school students examine a pipette of liquid extracted from a strawberry during a science lab
Two middle school students examine a pipette of liquid extracted from a strawberry during a science lab
#ABSSAlert | Due to downed trees and water intrusion inside some buildings from roof leaks that occurred during the storm, we will operate on a 2 hour delay for students Wednesday, Jan 10 to allow our team time to fully assess campuses before students arrive. Safety is our top priority as we work to address storm impacts. Staff should use caution if coming in before the delay. Please communicate with your principal or supervisors if you will be delayed in your arrival in the morning.
6 months ago, Les Atkins
2 hour delay graphic with ABSS logo
Due to severe weather conditions later today, we are canceling our afternoon Board of Education work session. We will move all agenda items to our evening meeting on January 22. Central Services will close today at 1 p.m. All support staff will be working remotely for the remainder of the afternoon.
6 months ago, ABSS Webmaster
Jan 9, 2024 Early Dismissal UPDATE graphic
Early Dismissal Alert: Due to an upgraded risk from the National Weather Service this evening, ABSS will dismiss elementary students at 11am and middle and high at noon on Tuesday. All after-school activities including after-school child care are cancelled. Staff will have the option to work remotely once bus routes are completed.
6 months ago, Les Atkins
Early Dismissal Alert graphic with ABSS logo Jan 9, 2024
Weather Statement for Tuesday, January 9th: We are closely monitoring the current forecast to ensure the safety of our students and staff. While we prioritize instructional time, safety remains our top concern. As of now, a final decision regarding early dismissal will be made tomorrow morning. Please prepare accordingly. All after-school activities for Tuesday are canceled.
6 months ago, ABSS Webmaster
Weather Statement with text We are closely monitoring the current forecast to ensure the safety of our students and staff.  While we prioritize instructional time, safety remains our top concern. As of now, a final decision regarding early dismissal will be made tomorrow morning.  Please prepare accordingly.  All after-school activities for Tuesday are canceled.
Congratulations to the fifth graders at Altamahaw-Ossipee Elementary on completing the D.A.R.E. program this year! We're so proud of you for your hard work learning about making safe and healthy choices. Thank you to the wonderful teachers who supported the students all year long, and especially to Sgt. Chad Laws for dedicating his time to equip our students with the knowledge and skills to live empowered, safe lives. The future is brighter because of leaders like you investing in our community's youth. Great job!
6 months ago, James Shuler
A class of fifth graders at AO Elementary wearing matching black D.A.R.E. t-shirts hold up certificates of completion. Sgt. Chad Laws is standing beside them.
A class of fifth graders at AO Elementary wearing matching black D.A.R.E. t-shirts hold up certificates of completion
A class of fifth graders at AO Elementary wearing matching black D.A.R.E. t-shirts hold up certificates of completion
Due to the inclement weather forecast, we have decided to delay all activities scheduled for tomorrow (1/6) until 10am. There will be no practices, games, or events held before 10am on any campus. If conditions worsen, we will make a call Saturday morning to potentially modify this plan. Stay warm and safe!
6 months ago, ABSS Webmaster
Weather alert graphic with WEATHER STATEMENT heading and text All Activities delayed until 10 AM on Saturday, January 6th with ABSS Logo at the bottom.
Save the Date! 🗓️ Join us for a fun and informative evening at the last Family University of the year, January 29th at Cummings High School! 🌟 A light dinner will be provided at no cost to families before you choose from many useful sessions on topics like registering for high school courses, career and technical education opportunities, and elementary reading and math strategies. Several sessions will also be available in Spanish (Algunas sesiones también estarán disponibles en español.) Childcare will be available for children from Pre-K to 5th grade, so the whole family can participate. The Family University is a great chance to get helpful information while connecting with other families and teachers. We hope to see you there - don't miss this valuable opportunity to support your student's growth and education!
6 months ago, James Shuler
Graphic advertising the Family University event with text Light dinner provided Choose your sessions Help your child excel in their educational journey! ABSS Family University Monday, January 29th 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM Cummings High School and a photograph of a teacher working with an elementary student at a desk
Our community is currently experiencing a power outage. Restoration is expected within an hour. We're continuing classes as our building is warm and suitable. We will communicate further if necessary.
6 months ago, Les Atkins
Beyond the Brush: After 26 years of teaching art at Western Middle School, Dana Wheeler is still finding new ways to inspire her students. Over this year's winter break, Ms. Wheeler experimented with a paint-pouring technique to create stunning abstract art on canvas. 🎨 She mixed paints in a cup and then poured them over the canvas, using a hair dryer or straw to manipulate the paint into eye-catching flows and swirls. 🌀 Now her students are creating their own masterpieces using this technique! #ABSSArts #StudentCenteredFutureFocused
6 months ago, James Shuler
Western Alamance Middle School art teacher Dana Wheeler holding a large paint-poured artwork with mainly blue, white, and green color swirls and circles.  Beside her is another paint-poured artwork on a black canvas, resembling a volcano with a fiery center.
Two students at Western Alamance Middle inspect a black canvas with a cup of mixed pink and yellow paint, about to be used for a paint-pouring technique.
A student in a white hoodie pours white paint into a cup of yellow and pink paint as part of a paint-pouring technique used on a black canvas.
Students inspect their paint-pouring artworks.  One is cyan with black swirls, the other is blue with black swirls.
For #SchoolBoardMonth, we would like to recognize our Board members who spend countless hours crafting policies, listening to stakeholders, and recognizing outstanding programs - all aimed at advancing public education and student achievement. Thank you, ABSS Board members, for serving our #ABSSCommunity! 📷 Back Row, Left to Right: Chuck Marsh, Dr. Charles Parker, Dan Ingle, Seneca Rogers 📷 Front Row, Left to Right: Ryan Bowden, Superintendent Dr. Dain Butler, Chair Sandy Ellington-Graves, Vice Chair Donna Westbrooks
6 months ago, James Shuler
ABSS Board of Education members: Chuck Marsh, Dr. Charles Parker, Dan Ingle, Seneca Rogers, Ryan Bowden, Superintendent Dr. Dain Butler, Chair Sandy Ellington-Graves, Vice Chair Donna Westbrooks
Looking for a rewarding job that fits your schedule? We are hiring nutrition employees - no nights, weekends, or holidays are required. 🍎As a school nutrition worker, you'll have the same schedule as your kids, making this the perfect opportunity for parents. We also offer split positions! Gain experience in the food and hospitality industry while making a real difference for students. 💻 Apply online: https://abss.ted.peopleadmin.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=1258
6 months ago, James Shuler
Hiring graphic with blue and yellow color scheme, a photograph of three school nurtition workers and a little girl holding a lunch tray, with text No nights, weekends, or holidays Perfect job for parents with school-aged children Split positions as a bus driver or daycare worker available Opportunities for a rewarding career School Nutrition employees Make a positive impact on the lives of abss students! We are hiring bit.ly/abssjobs Apply Online:
Dashing into the new year, we hope all our families had a great holiday break. We wanted to post this reminder that school resumes tomorrow, January 2nd, on a normal schedule. This is a teacher workday for ABEC students. Wishing everyone in our #ABSSCommunity a very happy 2024!
6 months ago, James Shuler
Welcome Back Students graphic with photo of three girls ready to run and ABSS logo
Alamance-Burlington students, staff, and families - we hope your holidays are full of warmth, love, and making magical memories! Happy holidays! ✨❤️ We'll see you back on January 2nd (ABEC Teacher Workday). #ABSSCommunity
6 months ago, James Shuler
Five Garrett Elementary kindergarten students standing beside each other in pajamas
After over 50 years of service to our country and community, beloved JROTC instructor Master Chief Dirk Butler is retiring from Western High School. For over a decade, Master Chief Butler has mentored the next generation of leaders, instilling his cadets with courage, leadership, and community values. Beyond instruction, Master Chief Butler demonstrated deep care and commitment to students by attending their games, competitions, and events over the years. His unwavering support has left a profound impact on so many young lives. As Master Chief Butler sets sail into retirement, we salute all he has given our school and thank him for his service. Fair winds and following seas in your next voyage, Master Chief!
6 months ago, James Shuler
Western Alamance ROTC teacher Dirk Butler wearing a UNC Chapel Hill blue vest
Western Alamance High School ROTC instructor standing with some of his students
Be sure to listen to the latest episode of Southeast Alamance High School's student podcast. ABSS Board Chair Sandy Ellington Graves sat down with Student Body President Nsima Ikpe for a straight-from-the-heart talk before heading to Hillcrest Elementary for a festive pajama party. Ms. Ellington Graves talks openly about her breast cancer diagnosis and the life lessons she has learned along the way. She also gives students some advice about planning their future. Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6vEuJ1sgGi2SLgx98T6OAN?si=_eY2vNSdSmScnoQ0wpVMQA
6 months ago, James Shuler
Board Chair Sandy Ellington-Graves looking towards a student as they complete a podcast in a Media room at Southeast Alamance High School
Western High School students shone brightly today by putting together a festive holiday brunch, from concept to clean-up. Students from Foods 1 & 2, Interior Design, Adaptive Curriculum, and Western's Chorus demonstrated phenomenal teamwork in planning and executing every detail of the event. Several ABSS Board of Education members, administrators, and Central Services staff attended. The Foods students prepared multiple made-from-scratch dishes complete with holiday place settings. Each student played their part in delivering an incredible meal and event. Their talent, dedication and collaboration on full display made us so proud! Events like these truly showcase the best of our students! 🤩
6 months ago, James Shuler
Two students from Western Alamance High hold out scratch-made muffins in a tray
Four Foods students from Western Alamance High standing beside cabinets in a cooking classroom
Two Foods students wearing aprons are preparing scratch made quiche and potatoes for a brunch
A Western Alamance High student whisked eggs
Two Western Alamance High students in white aprons stand behind a cutting board
Scratch-made muffins in a glass bowl
Two Western Alamance High students standing behind plates and trays of scratch-made brunch food including quiche and biscuits
Board Members Chuck Marsh and Donna Westbrooks with Deputy Superintendent Lowell Rogers sitting at a table for brunch at Western Alamance High School
Western Alamance High School Foods students and instructor Jason Jones stand with Board Members in a cooking classroom
Western Alamance High School Foods students and instructor Jason Jones stand with Board Members in a cooking classroom
All aboard! 🚂🎅❄️ Hillcrest Elementary was transformed into a wintry wonderland this week as students took a magical round trip to the North Pole via The Polar Express. After getting their golden ticket stamped, they boarded the "train" in the gym and listened as Media Specialist Ms. Mann read the classic story while enjoying hot cocoa and cookies. 🍪🥤The hardworking staff went above and beyond to create decorations that really enhanced the experience. This will be a day the students won't forget!
6 months ago, James Shuler
Young elementary students, many wearing pajamas, hold a golden Polar Express ticket in the air
A staff member wearing a Santa hat holds up a golden ticket
A staff member dressed as a conductor punched a hole in a golden ticket
A staff member pushes a cart with cups of hot cocoa towards students sitting in chairs in the gym
A student in white pajamas looks intently during a special Polar Express event in the gym
A student in green festive pajamas looks intently towards the stage in the gymnasium
Many students in the front row of a large Polar Express event look intently on as Media Specialist Ms. Mann reads The Polar Express
Media Specialist Ms. Mann holds a bell while she reads The Polar Express on stage in the gymnasium.  A lit Christmas tree is in the background.
Hillcrest admin and students pose for a photo in front of a festive wintry backdrop
Elon Elementary students were treated to a toe-tapping performance today thanks to the talented Western Alamance High School Jazz Band! 🎷🥁 The musicians played jazzy renditions of holiday classics that had the whole gym clapping and singing along. 👏 Band director Michael Jefferson introduced the high schoolers and their instruments, giving the Elon students an idea of each one's role and sound. Perhaps we'll see some of them take up the saxophone, trumpet, trombone, or other instruments when they reach middle school! 🎺 We're grateful to Mr. Jefferson and the WA Jazz Band for the fantastic performance! 🎄❤️
6 months ago, James Shuler
Western Alamance High School jazz band and director playing in front of a large group of Elon Elementary students
Western Alamance High School jazz band musician Whit Stiegel playing the keyboard.  Sheet music is on the keyboard and a Christmas tree is in the foreground.  In the background is a crowd of Elon Elementary students.
A Western Alamance High School jazz band musician in a festive sweater playing the saxaphone
Multiple Western Alamance High School jazz band musicians playing saxaphones
A Western Alamance High School jazz musician playing a trombone
A Western Alamance High School jazz band musician stands behind a xylophone and looks towards sheet music on a stand.
Western Alamance High School jazz band director Michael Jefferson points towards a crowd of elementary students
Western Alamance High School jazz band members playing their trumpets in festive holiday sweatshirts
'Tis the season for snowmen! ⛄️ This morning, our Alamance Burlington Early College at ACC students came to Alexander Wilson Elementary to spread some holiday cheer. These high schoolers embraced their inner teacher as they read stories aloud and helped our younger students with their snowman crafts. Both the little listeners and the teen teachers enjoyed the festive visit!
6 months ago, James Shuler
Alexander Wilson Elementary kindergarten students are holding a snowman picture craft.  Behind them are Early College at ABSS high school students who helped them with the craft.
A kindergarten student wearing a Santa hat and green Santa sweater looks up while working on a snowman craft
A kindergarten student with a red hairband looks up as she works on a snowman craft
An Early College at ACC student shows the pages to a picture book to Alexander Wilson Elementary kindergarten students sitting on the floor in front of them.  Other Early College students sit beside the reader looking on.
An Early College high school student reads a picture book aloud to a group of kindergarten students