Shout Out from Eastern High Brian Ewbank...Drafting class. A Drafting III student printed some parts needed with our 3-D printer. All 3 Carpentry classes have been working on it daily

ALAMANCE-BURLINGTON SCHOOLS AROUND OUR SCHOOLS SHOUT OUTS Apr. 29, 2016

Shout Out from Eastern High Brian Ewbank

April 22, 2016 brought about the Fourth

Annual Eastern Alamance Earth Day Celebration. Each year seems to get bigger and better and this year is no different. We had several activities throughout the day including many student groups, classes, and many community groups involved!

Student musician performances

A student presentation about Art via Electricity

A demonstration on the ancient art of henna


The day began with student projects on display at the beginning of every class period.

The projects were based off of STEAMS (Science, Technology, Engineering Arts, Math and Service). Outdoor activities included an engineering challenge competition, community groups like the Alamance county beekeepers, the Waste Water Treatment Facility, PART (Piedmont Area Regional Transit), Tiger Rescue and a local farmers group. School groups had many activities for students to enjoy, including: an environmental trivia game, student-designed pottery pendants, tie dye on a student-designed t shirt to commemorate the day, zero energy games, a photography booth run by our photography students, an earth day poetry contest, a campus clean-up, a school wide recycled bottle cap mural, a dunking booth and more! Hats off to Shelley Casey who puts a ton of effort into making this event a success every year!


Shout Out from Graham High Jason Cheek, Entrepreneurship Instructor

Students in my Entrepreneurship class visited Elon University recently. Students were able to listen to two Elon students who were launching their own businesses while studying at Elon. Our GHS students were able to hear about how these Elon students created their ideas, developed and manufactured their products, and grew their companies. The group was also welcomed to the Innovation House on Elon's campus which promotes a collaborative residential and work environment and encourages innovative sharing of ideas. The group then toured the Elon's Love School of Business and visited the Maker Hub which allows students to have access to 3-D printers as well as other state-of-the-art technology to promote and encourage the development to turning ideas into actual products and creations.

The experience allowed the GHS students to explore the business and entrepreneurship concepts learned in an environment outside the classroom.

It helped students to connect classroom content and the idea that each of them has the ability and opportunity to become the next big entrepreneur!



Shout Out from Eastern High John Stewart, Carpentry & Mike Brumble, Drafting

We were approached by the Children's Museum of Alamance County to design and build a wooden race car track for the children to race cars while at the Museum. We have been working on it for over a month with the design beginning several weeks before the building started. A student here at Eastern designed the track in Drafting class. A Drafting III student printed some parts needed with our 3-D printer. All 3 Carpentry classes have been working on it daily. Students also carved wooden cars for children to race on the track.

Our joint project is almost complete and ready to be delivered to the museum very soon!

Here is a photo of our work-in-progress in the shop.


Shout Out for Elementary Scientists Melaine Rickard, Western Middle

Elementary Science Olympiad Shout Out!

On Saturday, April 16, 2016 400 ABSS elementary students participated in the 2nd annual Alamance County Science Olympiad Tournament graciously hosted by Alamance Community College.

Olympiad team members competed in 19 different events in diverse areas of science and math. Some of the awesome events included Marshmallow Catapult, STEM Design Challenge, 3,2,1 Blast Off, Data Crunchers, Planet Protectors, SkyQuest, and more!

Sixteen ABSS elementary schools participated. Please congratulate these teams: AO, Alexander Wilson, Garrett, South Mebane, B. Everett Jordan, Pleasant Grove, North Graham, South Graham, Sylvan, Hillcrest, Elon, EM Yoder, Haw River, Eastlawn, EM Holt, and Smith.

All the coaches, volunteers, and parents deserve a big round of applause for their support of the event! Thanks!

Every school won at least one medal in the competition, and Alexander Wilson received the SPIRIT award! Our overall winners were: Sixth Place Overall: Smith Fifth Place Overall: EM Holt Fourth Place Overall: AO Varsity Third Place Overall: Elon Second Place Overall: Alexander Wilson First Place Overall: South Mebane

Check out this link for a slide show of pictures from the event.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i31HxF3Qxno&feature=youtu.be

Thanks to ACC for taking the photos and creating the slide show!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i31HxF3Qxno&feature=youtu.be


Shout Out from Newlin Elementary Ashley Westmoreland, Assistant Principal

On Wednesday, April 20th, 8th grade reading students from Broadview Middle School came to Newlin to read aloud picture books to our Pre-K through 2nd grade students! It was wonderful to see many of our former students as well as other Broadview students leading and mentoring our Newlin Wildcats.

Our Broadview partner students did a wonderful job reading and it was evident that they gained confidence through this leadership opportunity at our school!

Special thanks to Frederick Sellars and Christine Boggan for initiating this partnership!

We are hoping to expand upon it during the 2016-17 school year!


Shout Out from Alexander Wilson Elementary Melissa Harrelson

Kids Fighting Cancer Walk Alexander Wilson Elementary staff, students and community work together all school year to collect money for Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society! Students enjoyed a beautiful day at their annual end of the year KFC Walk on April 8th. Students, staff and families joined together to walk and celebrate the $3063.50 collected to date!

Classes created signs to show their support of finding a cure for cancer such as “Hunting for a Cure,” “Sock it to Cancer” and “Wipe Cancer Away.” AWE is proud of supporting our community and those who have been touched by cancer!




Shout Out from Western High

Congratulations to Sam Lowe and Megan Miller from Western High! These 2 outstanding seniors earned the prestigious Morehead Cain Scholarship from the University of North Carolina! The official announcement from the foundation was made late last week. Congratulations on your outstanding accomplishment!

Check out the Times-News story about these talented seniors and the Morehead Cain Program:

http://www.thetimesnews.com/news/20160422/two-area-students-win-morehead-cain-scholarships

Shout Out from Turrentine Middle Sarah Loftin, 8th Grade ELA

My 8th grade ELA classes from the Red Wolves Team at Turrentine Middle School celebrated "National Poetry Month" and "Poem in your Pocket" by going to the Village of Brookwood Retirement Center and sharing their own poetry that they had written and also poems by various famous poets. The students read and gave their poems as "gifts" to the residents. They worked on creating, researching and analyzing poetry. They also practiced their fluency and public speaking before going on the field trip.

http://www.thetimesnews.com/news/20160422/two-area-students-win-morehead-cain-scholarships


We had a great time walking across the street to visit our school’s neighbors. It was the perfect way for students to share their creativity and practice their public speaking skills!

News Channel WXII 12 recorded this story about our visit: http://www.wxii12.com/news/students-share-poetry-at-retirement-center/39166314

A big Shout Out to our eighth grade talented Trojans!

Shout Out from Hillcrest Elementary Joyce Bulot, 4th Grade

On Monday, April 18th, Hillcrest Elementary students in Ms. Cheek's and Mrs. Bulot's fourth grade classes at Hillcrest Elementary had a special speaker. Jackie Manuel, member of the 2005 UNC's men's basketball National Championship team, came and shared his experiences, showed his jerseys and NCAA rings!

His message was one of never giving up in the face of adversity, trying your best and the importance of respect and character. The students enjoyed hearing him talk about trying out for the NBA, and how he dealt with being injured and unable to play, then later being cut from another NBA team.

http://www.wxii12.com/news/students-share-poetry-at-retirement-center/39166314





Jackie has gone on to become a successful assistant coach at UNC-G, and now taking a position as the assistant coach at Valparaiso!

Shout Out from ABSS Student Services

ABSS Student Services partnered with Cardinal Innovations Healthcare to provide a workshop for ABSS teachers entitled Youth Mental Health First Aid USA. The Saturday program was an 8 hour public education program which introduces participants to the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents, builds understanding of the importance of early intervention, and teaches individuals how to help an adolescent in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge. Mental Health First Aid uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis; select interventions and provide initial help; and connect young people to professional, peer, social, and self-help care.

Check out the TWC News 14 story about the very successful and informative event:

http://www.twcnews.com/nc/triad/news/2016/04/23/alamance-burlington-teachers-receive-mental-health-training.html

http://www.twcnews.com/nc/triad/news/2016/04/23/alamance-burlington-teachers-receive-mental-health-training.html


Shout Out from Highland Elementary Melissa Blum, K Teacher

In addition to teaching kindergarten at Highland, I am the chairperson for our EC awareness committee atHighland Elementary. Highland Elementary kicked off a Spirit Week with a Pep Rally for our Special Olympics athletes and their Project Unify buddies! Steve Glahn, director of Special Olympics of Alamance County, came out and spoke to our school about what Special Olympics is and why Project Unify is important. Then he introduced our athletes as 700 people cheered for them!

Mr. Glahn led us in some fun games including a basketball toss, hula hoop contest and teacher tug of war. We kicked off a coin drive at the event and we encouraged students and staff to bring coins all week.


All proceeds went to Special Olympics and we were able to give them a check for $1,392.75! Most importantly, we are creating a culture of inclusion and acceptance at Highland, where every success is celebrated and every person is respected.


Shout Out from Eastern Alamance Football

Get up a golf team and come out and enjoy a great tournament with proceeds going to support Eastern Eagles football!


Shout Out from Highland Elementary Tiffany Cardwell

The Highland Elementary PTO hosted our first Family FUNdraiser Dance on April 15th. Families came together to dance the evening away while raising money for their school. The luau themed evening included a photo booth, silent auction, raffle baskets and duct taping the assistant principal and guidance counselor to a

wall! It was a great event!

Everyone enjoyed a wonderful time! Well,

except maybe Mr. Blunk and Mr. Wells!


Shout Out from Turrentine Middle Jody Gaedtke, Orchestra Director

Eight outstanding musicians from Turrentine were selected by audition to participate in the Western Regional Junior High All State Orchestra which was held this past weekend at Watauga HS in Boone! They represented all of Alamance County. There were 2 orchestras: Honors - which was made up of the top scores, and Repertory Orchestra which was made up of the 2nd group of scores. Only 170 students from across the western half of the state that were selected to participate. It is a prestigious opportunity for students to earn. I chaired this year’s event. Congratulations to! Students from left to right are: James Spradlin - 8th grade - Honors Orchestra - violin Abby Cash - 8th grade - Repertory Orchestra - violin Anna Steed - 7th Grade - Honors Orchestra - 1st chair Bass Kenzie Talhelm - 7th Grade - Repertory Orchestra - 1st chair Bass Sheidy Rios - 7th grade - Repertory Orchestra - violin Eli Wells - 7th grade - Honors Orchestra - violin Kiara Rodriguez - 7th grade Repertory Orchestra - viola Ryan Alvarado - 7th grade Repertory orchestra - violin


Shout Out from Western Middle Melaine Rickard, AIG Teacher

What do flying a drone and solving math problems have in common? Watch this video of 6th and 7th graders solving the Pythagorean Theorem by flying a drone:

http://www.twcnews.com/nc/triangle-sandhills/camm/2016/04/25/students-learning-math-through-flying-drones.html

This story aired on Monday, April 25 across the state of North Carolina for all Time Warner Cable networks as part of the Connect A Million Minds series about STEM education.

Shout Out from South Graham Elementary Amanda Almodovar, School Social Worker

The Panda Patch opening day was a huge success! Thank you to all students and staff who contributed their handprints for beautification and planted different veggies and flowers in the soil. Huge thanks to our community partners, including Master Gardeners from the Cooperative Extension office led by Martin Perkey. It took every one of us to make this project possible. We look forward to enjoying the garden and adding on in

the days to come!

Mrs. Price our principal put her hand imprint on one of our planters, too!

This has made the courtyard area of our school beautiful!

http://www.twcnews.com/nc/triangle-sandhills/camm/2016/04/25/students-learning-math-through-flying-drones.html


Liz Eckman, data manager for SGE, really helped to spearhead this project and she kept a photo journal. Check out the before and after photos. What a transformation, thanks to our community volunteers, our students and our staff members who made this project just a success.

We look forward to watching everything grow!


Shout Out from Newlin Elementary and the Augustine Literacy Project ®

Do you know community volunteers willing to help students achieve new heights in reading and ELA skills?

Augustine Literacy Project® Accepting Applications for Tutor Training Program

The Augustine Literacy Project®, Burlington chapter is in its fifth year training adult tutors and improving literacy skills of children in need at Newlin Elementary School. To date, 25 tutors have been trained and 50 students have

benefitted from the outreach program. The Augustine Literacy Project® is a partnership between Newlin Elementary School and Holy Comforter Episcopal Church of Burlington.*

You, too, can become a tutor. Or you can encourage a friend or family member to become a tutor. An Augustine Literacy Project® tutor:

teaches reading strategies to one child just two sessions per week during school hours

receives thorough training in a specialized reading approach (see below*);

receives all the tutor support and help needed; and

enjoys a thoroughly rewarding experience.

Fall dates are set for September 19-23 and September 26-30. Ten days (two five-day weeks) of training with practicum. Interactive classroom training; practicum sessions taught at Newlin Elementary School. Classes staffed by experienced tutors. Days begin at 8:30 AM and end at 2:30 PM, lunch break included. (Some days are shorter.)

Volunteer to tutor in the Augustine Literacy Project®, a structured, multisensory, phonetic teaching approach. ”Tutor one child. Change two lives.” For complete information about this program and upcoming training for six new tutors contact Betsey Savage, Director, Burlington Chapter, ALP, 336-213-0654; email: [email protected]. Website: www.hc-b.org

______________________________________

* The mission of the Augustine Literacy Project® is to improve the reading, writing, and spelling of low-income children who struggle with literacy skills. The project trains and supports volunteer tutors at Newlin Elementary

School. Tutors provide free, long-term, one-on-one instruction using the Orton-Gillingham approach and Wilson

Reading System®

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.hc-b.org/


Shout Out from Woodlawn Middle Suzanne Simpson, Assistant Principal

The Woodlawn Middle School Science Olympiad team traveled to state competition in Raleigh on April 23rd. We would like to congratulate all of our Olympians on and job well done and thank our coaches Ms. Rivers and Mrs. Fitzgerald!

Also we would like to give a special shout out to Paarth Tara and Landon Perry who placed second in the "Crave the Wave" event and Damien Beaver and Paarth Tara who placed third in the "Dynamic Planet" event.

Pictured above: The Woodlawn Middle JV and Varsity team members.

Pictured at left: L to R: Landon, Paarth and Damien

Congratulations for a job well done!


Shout Out from Elon Elementary Cheryl Howe, Second Grade

Elon Elementary hosted our annual Multicultural Event this past week. The Step Club performed and brought the house down! The Step Club was led by Tia Wilson, LaToya Dawson and Kimberly Carr.

Mr. O'Brian led the students in songs. Kindergarten sang Kangaroo Song, First Grade and Second Grade sang Bonaust Harbor, Third Grade sang It'a Small World, Fourth Grade sang Les Ninos for esplanade Cantan and Fifth Grade sang Down by the Riverside. Each grade level had a table of artifacts, food samples and an art activity to share with our school community, all seven continents were represented. We also had the pleasure of having Willa Brigham a two time Emmy Award Winner come share stories with us. She was very entertaining and the kids were engaged. Thanks go to the Multicultural Committee and staff. We know that hard work pays off and our school community benefited. Mr. Morton and Miss Cruz performed a dance from Colombia called the Cumbia


Thank you to the restaurants that donated some of our food Happy Garden and Mykonos. We could not have been as successful without the help of our community!


Shout Out from the Graham Zone Schools Joy Rust, GMS Choral Director Twelve cast members from Seussical the Musical shared their talents with members of Alamance Lutheran Church at a Sunday evening event on April 24. After singing, a sumptuous covered dish dinner was enjoyed by all! We appreciated the opportunity to share the show with ABSS stakeholders!

The show will be presented at Graham High School Auditorium on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights (April 28/29/30) at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the door ($3 students, $5 others. ABSS ID:free admission for employee). Here are the teachers involved in our barely-off Broadway production: Morgan Shearon - GHS Theater Arts Jennifer Wells - GHS Chorus Lauren Parker - GHS Dance Joy Rust - GMS Chorus Jordan Clifton - NGE Theater Arts Katy Combs - NGE Visual Arts Debbie Whittington - NGE Dance

Don’t miss it!


Shout Out from B E Jordan Elementary Christine Landess

On Saturday, April 26th, members the B. Everett Jordan STEAM club participated in the Burlington Mini Makerfaire at Holly Hill Mall! Students had the opportunity to share things they've designed, created and explored during STEAM club with visitors to the Faire. They taught the community about coding, Spheros, Snap Circuits, using a green screen (in collaboration with Graham Middle's STEAM students) and about making items from recycled materials. They also showed off sewing skills with bookmarks they sewed themselves. We are so proud of the way that they greeted guests to the booth and took time to explain their designing processes. Way to go Tiger Cubs!


Shout Out for ABSS School Nurses Gaile Bowling, Lead School Nurse

School Nurses: Better Health. Better Learning.TM

National School Nurse Day, May 11, 2016, is a time to celebrate the specialty practice of school nursing. The National

Association of School Nurses (NASN) applauds the contributions school nurses make every day to improve the safety,

health, and academic success of all students.

The theme this year -- School Nurses: Better Health. Better Learning.TM

-- continues to be reflective of the significant roles

school nurses have in the health care in their school communities, as well as in modeling health and resiliency. That

healthy children learn better is a simple truth, and school nurses work to remove barriers to learning. In the United States

more than 73,000 school nurses are stepping up to help students meet new challenges they face today and working to

support education and advance student health. Health, healthy lifestyles and graduation are the goals.

“School nurses collaborate with students, the school community, families, the health care community, the community at

large, and government agencies so that children are in school, healthy, safe, and ready to learn,” said NASN President

Beth Mattey, MSN, RN, NCSN. Adding, “A professional school nurse is needed in every school to care for every child

because school nursing is the foundation for student health.”

Thank you to our ABSS School Nurses!


NASN believes all teachers deserve to have school nurses in their buildings so that teachers can focus on instruction and

students’ individual educational needs; and parents deserve to feel secure that children are safe at school and their health

needs are met every day by specialized school nurses. School nurses have the skills to plan and implement care for

students with chronic and medically complex conditions and prepare school staff to recognize and respond appropriately

to potential emergencies. Prevention is key in school wellness and safety, but planned emergency response and disaster

preparedness is an essential part of the important role school nurses play.

“It is a tremendous privilege to honor our nation’s school nurses as we celebrate National School Nurse Day,” said NASN

Executive Director Donna Mazyck, MS, RN, NCSN. “School nurses influence wellness and disease prevention practices

as change agents in schools and communities.”

The National Association of School Nurses is a non-profit specialty nursing organization, first organized in 1968 and

incorporated in 1977, representing school nurses exclusively. NASN has more than 16,000 members and 50 affiliates,

including the District of Columbia and overseas school nurses. The mission of NASN is to optimize student health and

learning by advancing the practice of school nursing. Please visit us on the Web at www.nasn.org.

Additionally………. In July of 2015, 3 ABSS school nurses completed and passed the National Certification Exam for School Nurses:

Becky Gabrielli, serves EM Yoder and Hawfields Paula Siegel, serves Andrews Jennifer Miles, serves Williams High School

In February of 2016, another ABSS school nurse completed and passed the National Certification Exam for School Nurses: Cindy Costello Cross, serves South Graham Elementary and Alamance Burlington Middle College.

Congratulations!

http://www.nasn.org/


Shout Out from Western High Sean Lucier, WA Cappella Director

Come enjoy a great evening of music sponsored by the WA Cappellas!


Shout Out for Elementary Battle of the Books Grace Cole, Pleasant Grove

On April 20th, 2016, 15 different elementary schools came together at Hope Church in Burlington for the Elementary Battle of the Books. Students had to read 12 books and be able to recognize which book was being spoken of in the question. Students have worked and practiced all year. Congratulations to all students who competed. Much thanks to the individuals who came to judge the event!

A big Shout Out to our top 3 teams:

3rd place- Sylvan 2nd place- Pleasant Grove 1st place- EM Holt

Congratulations to my fabulous Pleasant Grove Team!


Shout Out from Southern Middle Alison Scarlett, Media Specialist

On April 4th, the Southern Middle School Battle of the Books Team traveled to Winston-Salem to participate in Regional Book Battle Competition. Southern Middle finished in second place and we are very proud of their accomplishment! This extraordinary team was able to go to Regional Competition two years in a row in which they beat 13 teams, only to face a loss by two points after battling it out with Surry County in the last round of competition. The dedication and sportsmanship of this team is to be commended!


Shout Out from Turrentine Middle Patti Perrou

Ms. Kelley Smith, RTI Specialist, organized a sharing session between Ms. April Drake's 5th grade students at Newlin Elementary and Ms. Jennifer Kaffenberger's 7th grade students at Turrentine Middle!

Both groups had been working on poetry for National Poetry Month and were eager to share what they had learned. The classes used Google Hangouts to read poems that they had been practicing to each other.

Both groups were nervous but when it was all over, they all wanted to know when they could do it again!

This was a great way to meet students from another school and be able to share the awesome things they are learning using technology!


Shout Out from Hillcrest Elementary Julie Bethea, Principal

Annual 5th Grade Students vs. Staff Basketball Game It was an another intense game, but the Hillcrest Staff was able to hold onto a 2-point lead and win the annual 5th Grade Students vs. Staff Basketball game again this year. The 5th grade students showed great sportsmanship, played well as a team, and were raining 3-point shots throughout the game. But, in the end, staff won over the students, 22-20. Thank you to the Harmonics for a fantastic half-time performance. And thank you to all of our wonderful families who came out to cheer on the players! Hillcrest Staff - Always Reppin'!


Shout Out from Southern Middle Alison Scarlett, Media Specialist

Support the ALS Baseball Classic

to honor and remember those impacted

by Lou Gehrig’s disease

Admission $5.00

NO PASSES accepted during this charity event

5/16 - one game at SMS - 4:15 - 6 vs. 7

5/17 - one game at SMS - 4:15 - 3 vs. 6/7

5/18 - one game at SMS - 4:15 - 4 vs. 5

5/19 - two games at Graham Middle - 4:00, 6:30 - 1 vs 4/5 winner, 2 vs. 3/6/7 winner

5/20 - one game at Graham Middle - 5:00 - Final Game

Documents

Shout Out from Eastern High Brian Ewbank...Drafting class. A Drafting III student printed some parts needed with our 3-D printer. All 3 Carpentry classes have been working on it daily