🏆 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!
Don't miss the chance to win this great prize. Looking forward to seeing parents at our 1st PTA meeting Monday at 4:30pm!
Highland Elementary School's 2nd grade classes had an exciting and educational Career Day today! The students had the opportunity to learn about a diverse range of careers from visiting parents and family members who graciously volunteered their time.
The students discovered what it's like to be a banker, an occupational therapist, a dentist, a dietician, a software engineer, a sales account manager, a teacher, an exercise physiologist, and even a college football coach! The presenters shared valuable insights about their professions, the skills required, and what a typical day looks like in their job.
Career Day is an important event that helps broaden students' horizons and get them thinking about their future aspirations. A big thank you to all the parents and family members who made this day possible!
Highland 2nd Graders participated in Career Day yesterday. They learned about many careers from parents and family members. Some of the careers they learned about were: banker, occupational therapist, dentist, dietician, software engineer, sales account manager, teacher, exercise physiologist, and college football coach.
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! ⚛️
✨ 38 Days, 38 Schools - Highland Elementary 💚
At Highland Elementary, academic excellence and cultural diversity go hand in hand. The dedicated staff work provides a rich learning experience for all students, while actively involving families in the educational journey. Highland prides itself on celebrating the various cultures represented within the student body!
Through initiatives like the monthly cultural celebrations organized by the Diversity Committee, and events such as the Holiday Lights Around the World night and the Parade of Diverse Cultures, Highland fosters an environment of understanding, appreciation, and inclusivity. These events not only showcase the cultural richness but also provide opportunities for families to engage with their children's learning.
The Hawk's Nest is a great place to learn and grow!
There are cultures from 38 countries represented at Highland Elementary. 🌍 What better way to celebrate this diversity than with a parade on a beautiful sunny day! ☀️
During today's Parade of Diverse Cultures, students proudly represented their cultural heritage by dressing in traditional clothing, waving flags, and walking around the school track. They were supported by a sea of cheers and waves from other students, staff, and many #ABSSCommunity members who came together for this special event. 🤝
A huge shoutout goes to the Highland Elementary Diversity Committee for their hard work in organizing this fantastic parade. Thanks to their efforts, today was a truly memorable celebration.
📣 Spread the word: the ABSS Job Fair is this Saturday, April 13th, at Highland Elementary! it will open at 9 AM and go until 12PM. We are excited to welcome anyone looking to start a new career in ABSS. Many positions are available. Schools will have tables set up and our talented staff is available to greet you and answer your questions. See you there!
📚✨Our Media Specialists totally deserve a shoutout on National Library Workers Day! Sure, they'll help you find the perfect book, but they also collaborate with teachers, model tech skills, and think outside the box to engage inquiring minds. From cozy story nooks to cutting-edge resources, they maintain an incredible space just brimming with opportunities to learn and grow. Thanks for all you do! 🙌 #StudentCenteredFutureFocused
🌟Teacher of the Year Finalist Feature: Linda Gruener, First Grade Teacher at Highland Elementary
An effective elementary teacher possesses patience, strong communication abilities, and creativity to engage young learners. They have excellent classroom management skills and the flexibility to adapt to diverse student needs. Above all, a commitment to professional growth and a genuine passion for teaching are essential qualities - all of which Ms. Gruener at Highland Elementary exemplifies.
Today, she led an engaging lesson comparing schools Then and Now, using visuals, examples, and continual assessment to solidify her students' understanding. With an engaging scavenger hunt mid-lesson and an independent activity, Ms. Gruener's creativity and expertise were on full display! We're lucky to have such a dedicated teacher helping shape young minds at Highland.
#StudentCenteredFutureFocused
