alamance-burlington schools around our schools …...shout out from grove park elementary traci...

ALAMANCE-BURLINGTON SCHOOLS AROUND OUR SCHOOLS SHOUT OUTS Nov 16, 2018

Shout Out from Graham High Ashleigh Denny, AP & Honors Social Studies

On Nov 1, Graham High School students had the amazing opportunity to see the hottest ticket in town--Hamilton! This out-of-this-world opportunity was made possible by the Gilder Lehrman Hamilton Education Program. American History students completed a document based unit and had to create a performance based project at the conclusion of the unit in order to earn their ticket.

Our day at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center in Charlotte, NC was packed full of activity with a morning student showcase, followed by a Q & A with the cast and crew from Hamilton, and then we were treated to a special afternoon matinee of Hamilton. We were also lucky enough to have three of our very own (Daisy Santiago, Anahy Martinez Carbajal,

Lizbeth Cruz Hilario) chosen to perform at the morning student showcase on the stage/set. These ladies had to submit a video of their project in order to be considered for the student showcase.


The talent shown by the high school students across our state during the morning session was incredible. This day was unforgettable and truly made history come alive!


Shout Out from Williams High Mary Margaret Harris, Career Development Coordinator

On Thanksgiving morning, join in the annual family fun run and 5K to support the Williams High Finance Academy and the Bulldogs Cross Country team!

It’s not too late to register to trot!


Shout Out from A-O and BEJ Music Taylor Schmidt, A-O

On November 10th and 11th, four Alamance County students performed as a part of the North Carolina Elementary Honors Chorus in Winston-Salem! The concert was held Sunday afternoon at the historic Stevens Center. These students sang with 200 students from all over the state and were chosen to perform in the chorus out of over 600 students who auditioned. This was quite an honor and wonderful experience for these girls and their teachers!

Congratulations to (pictured from left to right) Hunter Wilson (AO), Ashtyn Whitfield (AO), Jada Walker (BEJ), and Samantha Norwood (BEJ)! Their directors are Taylor Schmidt (AO, pictured left) and Kate Jackson-Adams (BEJ, pictured right) Great job! We’re very proud of you!


Shout Out from Alexander Wilson Elementary Daniel Flack, STEAM Club

The Alexander Wilson Elementary STEAM Club hosted the 4th annual STEAM Night. STEAM students led families and members of the community on a journey through the Enchanted STEAM forest.

Participants of all ages got to experience everything from catapult painting and making robotic hands to testing out 3 little pig houses and Egg drop devices.

Our Spring STEAM night is already in the works! Can't wait hope to see you there!


Shout Out to South Mebane Elementary Ashley & Dean Bruton, SME parents

My son Matthew Currier was admitted to UNC PICU Wednesday morning 11/7/18. His teacher Rachel Harper of South Mebane Elementary found out and sent me an email asking how he was doing and letting me know she and his classmates were thinking about him.

We were in PICU most of the day and I received an email asking if Ms. Harper and Caren Simon could come visit him. I said of course he would love to see ya’ll.

These teachers went above and beyond and exceeded my expectations. The moment they both walked into his room, Matthew’s face lit up and he smiled so big!

Please recognize these 2 teachers. They truly are AMAZING! Thank you!

Shout Out from South Graham Elementary KerrieAnn Brown,

School Social Worker

Trailhead Church of Graham, NC donated over 85 turkey dinners to families for Thanksgiving on Thursday!

Church volunteers and SGE support staff loved helping distribute the meals - even in the rain!


Happy Thanksgiving and thank you Trailhead Church!!!!

Shout Out from ABSS Career & Technical Education Liz Vaden,

Special Populations Coordinator

On Wednesday, November 14th, ABSS Career & Technical Education (CTE) hosted the State Employees’ Credit Union to provide the “Reality of Money” to students who are currently enrolled in Personal Finance and Accounting at Cummings, Eastern, Graham, Ray Street Academy, Western and Williams High schools (Southern will participate in the Spring). This simulation provides students an opportunity to make real-world financial decisions about paying for housing, transportation and other monthly expenses as they transition into young adults with financial responsibilities. Teachers left with some great follow- up lesson ideas reinforcing financial literacy. Thank you to the community and school volunteers who graciously gave of their time to assist students with this event. It would not happen without them!

Check out some more pictures on our ABSS Career & Technical Education Facebook page or on twitter with #ABSSCTE!


Shout Out from Graham High

On Friday, November 9th, the Graham High School Ensemble and Woman's Choir, hosted a Veterans Day breakfast at the Graham Civics Center. The members from both choirs cooked and served a breakfast of pancakes, sausage, biscuits, and coffee. The groups then performed several songs for the honored guests. It was a great experience to be able to serve those who served our country!


The following day members of the Graham Ensemble participated in the Veterans Day parade. They rode in an army vehicle drove by a native Alamance County veteran. It was an incredible weekend of community service the students will never forget! Go Red Devils!

Shout Out to ABSS Orchestra Musicians Check out the Times-News story about the recent ABSS All County Orchestra workshop and performance! https://www.thetimesnews.com/news/20181115/abss-all-county-orchestra-works-with-professionals

https://www.thetimesnews.com/news/20181115/abss-all-county-orchestra-works-with-professionals

https://www.thetimesnews.com/news/20181115/abss-all-county-orchestra-works-with-professionals


Shout Out from Grove Park Elementary Traci Horton, Principal

Grove Park Elementary would like to send a huge Shout Out to Shonda Covington.!

We are so proud to announce that Shonda was the recipient of the 2018 NC EC Educator of Excellence Award at the 68th Annual Conference of Exceptional Children on Thursday, November 15th!

Shonda demonstrates leadership both at Grove Park and in our district. Her positive spirit along with her expertise in providing high quality special education programs makes her a very deserving recipient of this award.

Shonda, you are awesome and Grove Park is fortunate to have you! Thank you for ALL you do!


Shout Out from Cummings High Tonya Cope, NHS Advisor

On Thursday, November 15th, Cummings High School celebrated their National Honor Society Fall Induction Ceremony. The new members are Terrence Crawford, Dimari Faucette, Tyshawn Graves, Keith Haith, Dianna Hernandez-Salinas, Jose Lesso, Jocelyn Luna, Daniela Magallanes, Yamilet Martinez Morales, Jesus Martinez, Donta Miles, Kasandra Perez, Dilber Reyes, Xenia Ruiz-Amaya, Preston Sykes, and Amani Valines. Attendees were treated to speeches by NHS President Adriana Guzman, Vice President Charles Tolentino Rodriguez, Secretary Armani Graves, and member Cody Whitesell. Each speech was based on one of the four tenets of the National Honor Society: Character, Leadership, Service, and Scholarship.

New members were welcomed with the traditional candle lighting ceremony, a charge to new members, and refreshments afterwards. New inductee Kasandra Perez said that being in NHS means “that my academic hard work is noticed, and I can make a social impact on my peers and community.” While Laura Sanchez stated that “new members will have to know and understand that being chosen for this club is very important and valuable to their school career.”

Congratulations to all these fine students!


Shout Out from Southern Alamance FFA Emma Kate Dilello, Member

“Competing for Southern Alamance FFA is an honor, winning at Southern is a tradition”, this quote was prevalent as the Southern Alamance FFA sent ten members to the 91st National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, at the end of October. The two teams that competed were the Nursery Landscape team and the Floriculture team. We also had two

individuals compete at the national level. Mycai Brooks competed in the Dairy Handler individual competition, and was a silver placing individual overall in the nation. Taylor Loy was recognized as a bronze placing individual on the national level for her Agriscience fair project that placed first on the state level. (Pictured above: Mycai Brooks, Dairy Handling)

SECOND IN THE NATION The Floriculture team placed second in the nation overall! Members of the Floriculture team include Nick Newlin, who placed first in the nation individually, and was also awarded a thousand dollar scholarship for placing first in the nation Hannah Clanton, who placed fifth in the nation overall, was awarded a seven hundred scholarship for placing fifth in the nation, Ryan Jarrett who placed 12th in the nation was awarded a four hundred dollar scholarship. Taylor DiLello was the fourth member of the floriculture team and a silver placing individual in the nation.


FIRST IN THE NATION The Nursery Landscape team placed first in the nation overall, and had the top 3 scoring individuals in the nation. Members of the Nursery Landscape team include, Rhett Pasour, who placed first in the nation individual, Lizzie Foushee, who placed second in the nation individually, David Newlin, who placed third in the nation individually, and Spencer Huffines, who was a gold placing individual. All members of the Nursery Landscape team were awarded a thousand dollar scholarship for their achievements! This was Southern Alamance FFA’s sixth national championship! Go Patriots!


Shout Out from Elon Elementary (the new Elon Elementary) On Friday, November 16, a topping out celebration was held on the campus of the new Elon Elementary School at 730 Walker Road, Elon. A topping out celebration is a centuries old tradition that signifies good fortune for those who construct buildings and for the residents who will enjoy the building. It signifies prosperity and good luck. An evergreen tree or branches are placed atop a new building—a tradition dating back to ancient Egypt (2700 B.C.), continuing through the Dark Ages, and still prevalent today.

Elon Elementary Student Council officers and current fifth graders hosted the event and introduced special guest speakers, including Dr. Connie Book, President of Elon University, Mrs. Allison Gant, chairman of the Alamance-Burlington Board of Education, Town of Elon Mayor Pro Tem Ron Klepcyk, Ken Grube, Regional Vice President of Samet Corporation and Elon Elementary principal Jack Davern.

The Elon Student Council members are pictured at left:

L to R:

Eamon Hipps, Vice President

Ben Vincent, Secretary

Cohen Gresham, President


Can’t wait until the building is completed in time for next school year and the community is invited to tour the campus!

What a great day to be a Lil Phoenix!

alamance-burlington schools around our schools …...shout out from grove park elementary traci...

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