Alamance-Burlington School System

The second grade superstars at Alexander Wilson recently celebrated their incredible reading growth with a fantastic "Camp Read-a-Lot" Day! 📚🎉 The students were treated to surprises throughout the day, including Mystery Reader appearances by parents, older siblings, school staff, and even Interim Superintendent Dr. Harrison. 📖💡 We couldn't be more proud of these young readers for their dedication and progress. Keep shining bright, second graders! 🌟

Today, we honor and congratulate our amazing teachers who have successfully completed three years of the Beginning Teacher mentoring program. 🌟 These dedicated educators have demonstrated unwavering passion, resilience, and a true love for teaching. They were honored at a special celebration for their hard work and commitment. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to mentors Leslie Carriker and Bambie Evans for their invaluable guidance and support throughout this journey. These teachers are more than just educators; they are life-changers, role models, and shining examples of what's right with public education. ❤️🍎 To our beginning teachers: Thank you for being the heart and soul of our schools. You are true heroes, and we are honored to have you as part of our educational community. #StudentCenteredFutureFocused

We are excited to announce that starting June 17th, families will have access to summer meal options. To accommodate various needs, both daily and weekly pick-up choices are provided. Registration is required for those opting for the weekly grab-and-go meals. For the most current information throughout the summer, including pick-up locations, please visit our dedicated Summer Food Services Program website. Summer Food Services Program website: https://www.abss.k12.nc.us/page/summer-food Weekly Meals Registration Form: https://forms.gle/FFmvbHDz7TkUvKH3A

Congratulations to Kelly Corum, School Nurse at Alexander Wilson Elementary, for being named the ABSS School Nurse of the Year! 🎉👩‍⚕️ Kelly's unwavering dedication, expertise, and compassion have made her an indispensable asset to the school community. As Principal Ashley Westmoreland stated, "Kelly approaches each situation with empathy and proficiency. Her ability to provide immediate medical assistance while simultaneously offering comfort and reassurance is truly commendable." Beyond her exceptional care for students and staff, Kelly's commitment to preventative care has significantly contributed to the overall well-being of the school. Through educational initiatives like the growing up class for 5th graders and proactive health screenings, including multiple dental van opportunities, Kelly has empowered the community to prioritize their health and adopt healthy lifestyle habits. We are incredibly proud of Kelly and grateful for her tireless efforts in promoting a culture of wellness at Alexander Wilson Elementary. Congratulations once again on this well-deserved recognition! 🏆💐

✨38 Days, 38 Schools: Altamahaw-Ossipee Elementary (AO Elementary) is committed to building a foundation for the future by nurturing caring, responsible, and lifelong learners who make appropriate choices in a challenging world. Inside the walls of AO, students can be found who are all engaged in learning and staff who want the best for their students. At AO, standards are unpacked, both whole group and small group lessons are taught, growth and progress are tracked, one another's growth and achievements are celebrated, and everyone is encouraged to be the best that they can be. The people at AO are at the heart of what makes it such a fantastic place to be. The teachers strive to build not only strong teacher-student relationships but also relationships with families. They love having volunteers in the classroom, guest readers, and speakers. The PTA at AO is one of the best and helps support the school, students, and staff! What makes AO extraordinarily awesome? This year at AO, "Be Kind" was added to the core values of "Be Respectful," "Be Responsible," and "Be Safe." Students work hard each day looking for ways to show kindness to other students, staff, and themselves. Earlier this year, the school had the opportunity to invite Greensboro's A Special Blend, a coffee shop with a mission to employ adults with disabilities, and students learned valuable lessons on accepting others exactly as they are. Individual classrooms have also looked for opportunities throughout the year to spread kindness. Students are celebrated through a variety of recognitions, but a favorite way is collecting Brag Tags. Students each receive a Brag Tag chain in Kindergarten and have ways that they can earn Brag Tags through their years at AO. The 5th Graders leave taking their memories and achievements with them!

Student Spotlight: As a sophomore at Williams High School, Hillary Mendoza-Ramirez has already made a remarkable impact. A former student of Southern Alamance Middle School, she has shown exceptional drive and determination throughout her academic journey. Despite facing personal and academic obstacles, she persevered and left SAMS as an International Baccalaureate student at Williams High School. Now a sophomore at Williams High School, Hillary's passion for empowering others has led her to establish the Women's STEM Club. Recognizing the importance of End-of-Grade (E.O.G.) scores and their impact on the transition to high school, Hillary has taken it upon herself to organize tutoring sessions for SAMS' eighth-grade students. Through the Women's STEM Club, Hillary has assembled a team of dedicated Williams High School students to provide tutoring in Math and Science subjects. Her initiative aims to equip SAMS students with the necessary skills and confidence to excel in their E.O.G. assessments, ultimately setting them up for a successful freshman year. Hillary's commitment to giving back to her community and supporting the next generation of learners is truly commendable. Her efforts not only foster academic growth but also inspire others to embrace a spirit of mentorship and service!

Congratulations to the amazing 4th-5th grade IV League students at Hillcrest Elementary! They recently celebrated with a special ceremony. This year, 18 students completed the IV League club, learning about various healthcare careers and gaining hands-on experience through interactive sessions with professionals like chiropractors, physical therapists, nurses, EMTs, dental hygienists, and physician assistants. 🏥 🌟 A special shout-out to the 5th grade graduates who have completed two years of the program: Kylee, Annabelle, Ashley, Ainhara, Areli, Brissa, Jeice, and Cristofer. They each received a stethoscope in addition to their certificate of completion. These students have worked hard, exploring the different systems of the human body, practicing essential skills like taking blood pressure and pulse, and even assisting with vision screenings and dental exams. 🩺 The IV League club has provided these students with invaluable opportunities to learn, grow, and envision their future in healthcare careers. Thanks to the generous support of Glenn Raven for this celebration and encouraging these students to pursue their dreams! Also, a huge thank you to Hillcrest nurse Deana Green for leading the club and nurturing these students' interests in healthcare!

✨38 Days, 38 Schools: The Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) offers high school students in the ABSS a unique opportunity to take courses in different building than their home school as they prepare for their future college and career paths. Students come over from their home schools during the day for specialized, hands-on classes in fields including automotive technology, computer engineering and programming, construction and carpentry, culinary arts, digital design and animation, digital media, engineering, and health sciences. Students register for CTEC classes the same way they register for other classes! CTEC provides a distinctive learning environment with specialized facilities tailored to each program. Students have access to a makerspace, where they can bring their ideas to life using various tools and resources. The center also features plenty of tables and workspaces for hands-on projects and collaborative learning. These programs offer smaller class sizes, personalized learning environments, and practical training using industry-standard equipment. Students gain real-world experiences tailored to their interests and aspirations, giving them a competitive edge for success in college, technical schools, or direct entry into the workforce. CTEC's career-focused courses seamlessly integrate into students' regular high school schedules, allowing them to explore potential professions while earning credits toward graduation.

🎓 Congratulations to Ms. Lynn Bare on her well-deserved retirement after 30 years of dedicated service to ABSS, particularly with Southern Alamance High School - SAHS Patriots! A few highlights from her remarkable career: ✨ Southern Alamance High alumna ('80-'84) ✨ Returned to teach at Southern in 1994 after earning her English degree from UNC ✨ Served as advisor for the award-winning yearbook "Southerner" for 29 years ✨ Longtime department chair, National Honor Society advisor, and mentor ✨ Both her children are Southern graduates, with her oldest also teaching there Ms. Bare has left an indelible mark on generations of Southern Patriots through her passion for teaching. As she embarks on this new chapter, we wish her all the best in her retirement plans - becoming a grandma, traveling (especially to Salem for The Crucible), and plenty of pool time! Thank you, Ms. Bare, for your unwavering commitment to Southern. You will be dearly missed!

✨38 Days, 38 Schools: At Graham Middle School, the dedicated team of talented educators and staff goes above and beyond to ensure every student reaches their full potential, embodying the school's slogan "Falcons RISE." Graham's commitment to providing a well-rounded education for all students remains steadfast. The school takes immense pride in its vibrant and inclusive community, fostering a welcoming environment where students, staff, and families feel valued and supported. What truly sets Graham apart is its exceptional staff and diverse offerings. The passionate teachers' unwavering efforts, expertise, and genuine care for the students drive the school's achievements. Graham's rich arts and athletics programs offer ample opportunities for students to explore their passions and talents, from award-winning theatre productions to competitive sports teams. The school encourages its Falcons to soar and embrace their unique gifts within this nurturing and supportive atmosphere.

⭐ Congratulations to Karla and Jennifer for being recognized as the April 2024 STAR Student & Staff. They were recognized with the May winners during last night's Board meeting. 👏 🌠 Karla overcame the challenge of being a non-English speaker by demonstrating extraordinary growth in language, reading, and math skills through exceptional self-motivation. Beyond academics, she enriches the school community through thoughtful gestures promoting inclusion and enthusiastically supporting her peers. Karla's remarkable achievements and positive influence at her young age bring immense pride to the school. 🌠 Jennifer embodies educational excellence at ABEC through her innovative and engaging Honors English instruction that inspires creativity. Her profound impact extends beyond academics as a compassionate mentor guiding students through college applications and spearheading community initiatives. Fostering meaningful relationships, Ms. Fisher motivates achievement while empowering self-expression. Her passion for nurturing student growth as scholars and citizens earns profound appreciation from the entire school community. 🙌 Join us in celebrating our STAR Student & Staff of the Month! #StudentCenreredFutureFocused

⭐ Congratulations to Everett and Tania for being recognized as the May 2024 STAR Student & Staff at tonight's Board Meeting. 👏 🌠 Everett has shown significant growth in his learning and has emerged as a role model for his class. He tackles challenges, knows when to seek help, and consistently treats both peers and teachers with kindness and respect. He is diligent and exemplifies a strong work ethic. 🌠 Ms. Rivera embodies kindness and dedication through her exceptional efforts supporting newcomer students. Volunteering twice weekly for after-school tutoring, Ms. Rivera fosters meaningful relationships and partners with colleagues to organize impactful community-building events like the monthly "Newcomer Socials." Her compassionate support and warm demeanor create an ideal environment for academic growth and English language development among newly arrived students. Ms. Rivera's selfless devotion to empowering this population through academics and community makes her truly deserving of recognition.

✨38 Days, 38 Schools: At B. Everett Jordan Elementary, education goes far beyond just reading, writing, and math. The school is committed to nurturing the whole child, and meeting every student's academic, social, and emotional needs. BEJ believes all students benefit from activities that build skills like communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. Through integrated lessons combining core subjects with the arts, engineering, and technology, BEJ aims to prepare students to fully thrive in the 21st century as productive citizens. There are also a variety of special community events throughout the year, including the Fall Festival, Curriculum Nights where families can learn about the school's academic programs, an Arts Fest celebration, and musical concerts showcasing our talented Tiger Cubs!

North Graham Elementary is fortunate to have a leader like Rickeya Jones, who has just obtained her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration from UNC Greensboro. Your hard work and perseverance have paid off. Congratulations, Dr. Jones! 🎓

✨38 Days, 38 Schools: You know what they say - the Eagles of Woodlawn Middle don't just succeed - they excel. This vibrant community nurtures excellence across academics, athletics, and arts. The incredible staff ensures students thrive in the classroom, prepping them for lifelong success, while athletic programs instill teamwork and a competitive spirit. Just this year, the exceptional music department earned a Superior rating and the chorus topped scores. Additionally, nine visual artists showcased their talents at the prestigious Alamance Arts Center. The bottom line? Woodlawn cultivates well-rounded individuals destined for greatness. With a nurturing environment that unleashes potential in every arena, these Eagles are prepared to leave their mark. The academic achievers, talented artists, and winning athletes all soar thanks to an unmatched experience that allows students to spread their wings. The sky is truly the limit at Woodlawn Middle!

38 Days, 38 Schools: Elon Elementary truly stands out as a Global School. Upon entering the campus, one is immediately immersed in a rich tapestry of cultures. With a faculty comprised of educators from around the world, the school's 700 students benefit from a diverse array of perspectives. This global mindset is seamlessly integrated into the academics. Their Dual-Language Spanish Immersion program provides students with an exceptional opportunity to become bilingual from an early age. Moreover, the school hosts numerous cultural events and welcomes guest speakers throughout the year, effectively bridging classroom lessons with real-world experiences. Elon's approach to academics extends beyond the classroom. One example is the community garden, meticulously maintained by the dedicated Garden Club, serves as a living classroom, allowing students to cultivate a profound appreciation for nature and sustainable living through hands-on learning. The diverse staff works hard to meet children where they are, providing a balanced education with opportunities to grow and connect with the world. These Lil' Phoenix are soaring!

We are so thrilled to recognize Elon Elementary teacher Jamie Haripershad as the 2024 Participate Learning Teacher of the Year! Mrs. Haripershad was surprised during a class celebration today for her students who recently published a book about her home country of South Africa (look for that story soon!) 🇿🇦 She is an incredibly kind, hard-working teacher who brings so much enthusiasm to celebrating her students' achievements. Did we say she was surprised? It was a BIG reveal and many tears were shed. Jamie was selected from thousands of talented teachers for this prestigious honor. Her dedication to creating an engaging, supportive classroom environment is inspirational. Join us in congratulating her on this well-deserved recognition!

Lauren Gallathen, a senior at Western Alamance High School, was awarded the prestigious Bronze NJROTC medal from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Gallathen has demonstrated outstanding academic excellence, dependability, good character, adherence to military discipline, and leadership as the Operations Officer overseeing many unit events this past year. After graduating, Gallathen plans to pursue a nursing degree with the goal of eventually joining the Air Force, following the military path of her two brothers currently serving. Her achievements at such a young age make her very deserving of this honored NJROTC recognition. Congratulations, Lauren!

✨38 Days, 38 Schools: Grove Park Elementary fosters a nurturing environment that promotes academic growth and cultivates empathy and compassion. This wonderful place of learning encourages students and staff to take pride in themselves, their school, and their community. At GPE, the focus is on empowering children to reach their full potential while developing essential life skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom. Also, why is Principal Horton taped to the wall? Read on.. These Bulldogs are a close-knit community! The staff instills a sense of determination and perseverance in every student. The skilled educators guide children to grow academically through engaging lessons and individualized support. If they meet their academic goals, they can contribute a piece of tape to Principal Horton's hilarious reward! However, Grove Park recognizes that education encompasses more than just academics. By hosting community nights like Science Night, the school creates an interactive environment that nurtures curiosity and learning. Students are also taught to embrace diversity and show compassion towards others, preparing them to be responsible citizens in an ever-changing world.

Congratulations to the #ABSSClassof2024 from Early College @ ACC! 🎓 Your determination, hard work, and unwavering spirit have brought you to this monumental achievement. You have a brilliant future ahead – embrace it wholeheartedly! We're proud of these Cobras! 🐍❤️