No School- Monday Sept. 2
How We Do It and Why
By Mary Siebert
“In order to create, there must be a dynamic force, and what force is more potent than love?” – Igor Stravinsky
Welcome, familiar friends and new! Our first day of school breezed by smoothly. I am the Arts Director at the Arts Based School, and nearly every Thursday you will find an article from me about our unique methods, the research supporting our philosophy, and inspirational moments in the classroom and school community. If you would like me to explore a particular topic, please suggest it by e-mailing me at [email protected]
We believe that our approach “levels the playing field” so that your child has many options for appropriately challenging learning and accomplishment. We continually assess and reconsider our work with one major goal: helping your child become a successful student who loves learning. We focus on meeting each child where s/he is, and moving forward from there. Beyond that, we want our students to become confident, inspired, creative problem-solvers. Sometimes, you are the missing link. Based on current research, here is how you can give your child the opportunities he or she desires and deserves. Make sure your child:
- Gets 10 hours of sleep every night. (That’s right…TEN!)
- Eats a nutritious breakfast every morning, avoiding sugary foods.
- Brings a healthy snack and a water bottle, every day.
- Arrives at school on time, and avoids early departure.
- Gets outside and exercises after school and on weekends.
- Has restricted screen time, and reads at home daily. Read aloud together!
- Talks with you about school and has your help with learning, daily.
- Also, fulfill your volunteer hours. Research proves that children of active parent volunteers perform better in school.
- Even on difficult mornings, send your child off with a hug and loving words.
No amount of creative, dedicated, brilliantly-taught lessons or technology can make up for a lack in these parental responsibilities. Please, partner with us to make your child’s year at ABS the best it can possibly be, and we pledge to do the same!
Clubs and Ensembles
ABS offers a few select clubs and ensembles for students after school. These are taught by ABS teachers, to provide an extension for activities that students enjoy. Clubs and music ensembles begin Sept 9-13.
Here’s what’s happening!
Sports Club with our PE teacher, Ms. Pierce on the field, is new this year, for 4th and 5th graders on Tuesday/Thursday and for 2nd and 3rd graders Fridays only, beginning the week of Sept 9. Sports Clubs will be canceled for inclement weather. Sports Club students will develop skills and learn new games, mastering teamwork and positive mutual support. [email protected]
Sign up link will be active at noon, Friday, August 29 -Click HERE to enroll in Sports Club
Art Clubs and Music Ensembles for 6, 7, 8 Grades
Art clubs and music ensembles begin on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, beginning the week of September 9. Students may participate from 2:45-3:35 in their choice of band, drama, choir, and art club. (Students will not be admitted without a completed parent permission form.)
Sign up link will be active at noon, on Friday, August 29 -Click HERE to enroll in Clubs and Ensembles for 6, 7, and 8.
Band – Tuesday and Thursday
With Ms. Engel in the 7th Street Music Room: [email protected]
In band, students will continue to grow as musicians and learn to play challenging and fun music of different styles, that fits our development. We’ll grow like crazy and have fun together.
Show Tunes Choir – Wednesday and Friday
With Ms. Engel in the 7th Street Music Room: [email protected]
We’ll sing for fun, learn how to sound better, strengthen our voices, and support each other. If we want to, we’ll add some simple choreography.
Art Clubs –Tuesday and Thursday OR Wednesday and Friday (choose one.)
With Mrs. Gledhill in the 7th Street Art Studio [email protected]
Art Club will be a student project driven club, allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of their personal artwork, receiving guided instruction outside of their class curriculum. Students will problem-solve and grow their artistic abilities.
Drama Clubs –Tuesday and Thursday OR Wednesday and Friday (choose one.)
With Mr. Brown in the 7th Street Drama Studio [email protected]
Students will work on a variety of skills, from juggling to improv to monologues and small scenes.
Guidelines: Please read them all!
- Students must be picked up on time. Pickup will be at dismissal tents at 3:35.
- Students who are disruptive or who don’t actively participate will be dismissed.
- Younger siblings may not wait at school unless enrolled in an after school program.
- Band students will receive a supply list.
- If you need to leave early for another activity, we’ll work it out!
- If you want to play but need an instrument, email the teacher.
- There is limited space in these free clubs. First come, first served.
- Questions? Email Ms. Siebert: [email protected]
EOG Math Results Sent Home
Last spring our 3rd-8th graders were administered the NC Math EOG test. Results were delayed from the state because it was a new test based on new math standards. You will be receiving those scores in today’s Thursday Packet. Congratulations to our students and teachers for a job well done.
K-Kids Serves the World!
Does your child want to make a difference in our community and the world? Your child is invited to join the K-Kids program at the Arts Based School. K-Kids is a service organization and a member of the Kiwanis Family, which sponsors our club. K-Kids provides the opportunity to develop self-esteem, leadership skills, morals and standards, and respect for others. This program involves 3rd – 5th grade students, their parents, teachers, and Kiwanians in community service projects that impact our school, our city, and our global community. Meetings will take place on Friday mornings from 7:50 to 8:10 each week beginning September 6. Meetings will be held in the music room in the MLK building. K-Kids Letter
North Carolina Vaccine-Specific Requirements
The North Carolina General Statutes (G.S. 130A-152(a)) require immunizations for every child present in this state. Every parent, guardian or person in loco parentis is responsible for ensuring that their child(ren) receive required immunizations. If you have specific questions regarding your child, please contact your child’s health care provider or your local health department.
Kindergarten, 7th grade students, and any students new to the school system who are not compliant with state immunization requirements will not be permitted to attend school beginning Tuesday, Oct. 1 without proper documentation of immunizations.
Household Income Survey
Every year the Arts Based School applies for federal and state grants that help fund the education we provide to our students. The Income Eligibility Survey for our ABS families provides vital information to determine how much funding we are eligible to receive. These forms will be included in Thursday Packets today. This information also allows us to provide assistance to families with the lunch pantry and band instrument scholarships. Please complete this form and return it by Friday, Sept 6.
Activity Fee
Each family is asked to pay $30.00 per year per child to help cover the costs of our extensive curriculum enhancement activities, including field trips and art trips. Fees are payable at the start of the year and may be paid for the full year or in smaller increments if needed. Financial assistance is available to those families with demonstrated need per the approval of the principal. Checks should be made out to The Arts Based School and turned into your classroom teacher or front office.
Parking Lot News
Thanks to each of you for being so careful and patient as we master the drop-off and pick up routines in the parking lot. A few more notes…
- Please have students ready to quickly exit the vehicle during morning drop-off once you are in the drop-off zone. If your student needs extra time, you may need to park and escort your child inside.
- Please time your arrival to campus between 2:10 and 2:25 for first dismissal. We begin loading and moving the cars at 2:30. After 2:40 we take the younger students inside.
- The second dismissal is 2:45-2:55. Although some cars can queue, it creates great congestion on Chestnut. Please plan your arrival for second dismissal between 2:40-2:50.
- As we train parents and students, our dismissal line will begin to move more efficiently. Please be patient and follow the rules to help us get there.
- Please do not pass cars that are unloading or loading. Stay in one lane until you exit 7th Street.
- Although we love creativity, please do not “get creative” in the drop-off and pick-up lines. Review the map on the back of your name card and the rules and follow them! Thanks!
If you have any questions, please let me know. I’m happy to help. [email protected]
Parent Council Meeting – Friday, September 13!
Please join us for the first Parent Council meeting of the school year on Friday, September 13 at 8:15 in the MLK Cafe. All ABS parents, families, and caregivers are part of the Parent Council and are welcome to attend! If you would like to submit a topic for the agenda, please send an e-mail to Parent Council Co-Chairs, Becky Dickson ([email protected]) and Sam Pearce ([email protected]) by Friday, September 6. We look forward to seeing you there!
Box Tops info
Box Tops for Education is changing the way our schools earn money. They are phasing out of clipping and sending in box tops. Instead, families need to download the Box Tops for Education App on their phones and use it to scan their receipts. The app identifies which items count towards our school earnings from the receipt. They are still going to be accepting the clipped box tops. Therefore, we will have a collection at our school on October 25th. Check it out at BTFE. com
Save the Date
Garden Workday- Saturday, September 14
Join Principal Hollis in the garden, Saturday morning, September 14 from 8:30-11: 30 am to weed, plant and beautify our gardens and campus. Bring gloves, tools, wheelbarrows and plenty of water! Double hours for your volunteer time! Rain date- Sept 21