Life Gets Busy; Take a Moment to Celebrate ABS!
How many of us clearly remember getting the news that our children were selected through the lottery to attend ABS? Becoming an ABS family was not by chance or because of location – we all chose to apply for that lottery! Many of us made that choice specifically because we wanted something different in education. We wanted a different approach to learning that would give our kids new experiences and broader, richer opportunities than they might have received elsewhere. We wanted our children to be in a place that fostered a love of learning.
At ABS, the Annual Giving campaign is as original as the school we chose for our children. The written request for donations that we received in our Thursday Folders is another way we experience how ABS is different. We are asked for support with a single letter requesting a single donation to help keep our school running in its amazingly unique and different way from so many other schools. This is not a request to sell wrapping paper or candy or fruit (or even mattresses!) We do not have to keep up with an order form, beg family and friends to order, and deliver merchandise. We do not have to pay for candy that is eaten rather than sold. We do not have to wonder why only 60% of the money raised actually gets to our children.
At ABS, we can make a single donation of any amount knowing that 100% of it will be used to continue making ABS the amazing school we knew it was on lottery day.
As parents, we often must juggle our jobs, school and volunteer commitments, family obligations, our kids’ sports and hobbies, LIFE… it can be easy for a request for giving to get lost in the fray or to feel like one more task or obligation to fulfill. We hope you will take a moment to remember why you chose ABS, and how simple it is to make a difference for our kids.
Thank you all for considering this opportunity to be different and to support our unique school!
Sincerely,
Sam Pearce and Becky Dickson
Annual Giving!
This is our final week of the Annual Giving Campaign, which will draw to a close on October 31. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to date; thank you sincerely! If you’ve been meaning to make your gift, but haven’t had a chance yet, this is the time. Please take a moment this week to send a check to school, or visit our website to make a secure one-time or monthly gift online: http://artsbasedschool.com/your-support/make-a-gift/. As always, we are striving for 100% participation this year. Please help us get closer to our goal by making a gift in our final week. Thank you!
Total School Participation to Date: 24%
Total Gifts to Date: $37,513
Positive Discipline for Parents on Saturday, Oct 26, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Join Principal Hollis this Saturday at the Positive Discipline workshop. This is for parents who are looking for long-term parenting skills that will encourage their children to think for themselves, become more responsible and have greater respect for themselves and others. The teachings on Positive Discipline are filled with non-punitive, respectful methods that will incorporate kindness and firmness into parenting, help parents get to the core of their child’s misbehavior, bring more joy into the home and give parents a sense of accomplishment. There will be a $10 charge per family to attend the workshop and childcare will be provided. Pick up a flyer in the front office to sign up or email Hannah Brown at [email protected].
Dental Screening
A Forsyth County Public Health Department dental hygienist will be here on Thursday, November 14 to screen all students in grades K,3,5. If you do not want your child to be screened, please send a note or email your child’s teacher prior to the screening day.
No Afterschool Chess Club on Tuesday, Oct 29.
Yearbook Ordering
Last year we sold out of yearbooks! Make sure you have your copy by ordering today! Orders can be placed by filling out the order form that was sent home in last week’s Thursday notes, or by visiting the Strawbridge website at http://www.strawbridge.net/ and clicking the red “Order Pictures and Yearbooks” button at the top of the page. The price is $22 and our school code is YB106312.
Prospective Parents’ Tours
School tours for prospective parents are scheduled weekly on Thursdays at 9:30am. Each tour is limited to 10 adults in an effort to limit the disruption to our students and teachers in the classrooms. Parents interested in learning more about ABS and how to enroll their child should contact the front office to sign up for a tour. 748-4116 ext 1023. Applications will be accepted beginning January 1. The lottery will be held on the second Tuesday of February.
ABS Family Volunteer Questionnaire
The Parent Council Board has received requests to improve the system we utilize to fulfill our volunteer commitment.
As a board, we have all completed varying amounts of volunteer hours per year. Work schedules, travel schedules, extracurricular activities, family schedules, etc. all take precious hours of our days. We understand that volunteering one hour per child per school week can be difficult at times.
Please take a moment to provide anonymous feedback. Your family will not be identified unless you choose to do so.
Thank you in advance!
Click here to fill out the questionnaire.
ABS Tech Support Committee
We have an immediate need for a team of tech support volunteers. Do you or a member of your family have experience troubleshooting issues with laptops, servers, printers, software, phone systems, smart classroom products, or other electronic products used throughout the school? If you or a member of your family are interested, please contact Courtney Cashin, Tech Co-Chair on the ABS Parent Council Board.
Calling All Web Gurus
As we look at the ABS website, we would love the help of our families who have experience as a website developer, designer, or content creator. If you or a member of your family are interested, please contact Courtney Cashin, Tech Co-Chair on the ABS Parent Council Board.