Published for the Arts Based School Community

December 17, 2020

No School-Winter Break Dec 21-Jan 1

Remote Learning resumes Jan 4, 2021

How We Do It and Why

by Mary Siebert

“Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for. Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.” - Maya Angelou

Romeo & Juliet on the Border is still being edited, with sixty children, their families, and their teachers waiting expectantly for the big release day. As predicted, it will not be ready before winter break. We are making three separate videos, one for each class. It is complicated and multi-layered, with virtual choirs, bits of stage combat and dance, and many dramatic opportunities for our young actors to work with the tools of the trade, including facial expression, focus, movement, gesture, listening, vocal expression, and costumes; all from the complicated location called “home.” 

Juliet loses hope in the living room. The messenger gallops an imaginary horse through the kitchen. And, even at these early stages of editing, the urgency of the cautionary tale is still palpable and, as is always true with this story, still applicable to life today. While we long for the days when we will again share real-time performance experiences, our students are gaining new understanding of how to work with what is possible. Courage and commitment are still required, and these qualities were brought to the camera.

It is deeply touching to see evidence of parents, in making every moment of our on line productions happen. Parents who create backdrops, provide costume assistance, or reserve a quiet space in a busy household. Parents who learn how to frame the picture, who keep the dog and cat and baby in a separate room for a few minutes, who check the complicated schedule and provide encouragement. Parents are attentive stage managers; the unsung heroes who make the show possible. 

Thank you parents, for your generosity of spirit, your time, and your attention to the details that make it possible for us to bring your children into a bit of enchantment, even from afar. But now, it’s time to rest. We’ll take our work back up when we return. We wish all of you a peaceful, hopeful break.

Inclement Weather

We're at that time of year when some of us start hoping for wintry weather! As you know, this year we were required to have 185 days in our calendar instead of the usual 180. Because of this, we do not have inclement weather days built into our calendar. 

During remote learning, there will be no days called off for inclement weather. Teachers will continue to take attendance on a day with bad weather and it will count as a school day. We know that everyone loves the occasional snow day and there is a lot to learn and fun to be had by playing outside in the snow! We anticipate that teachers will take this into account when assigning work. 

Congrats to Ms. B!

Congratulations to our music teacher, Mary Boudreault!  She recently completed her National Board Certification.  National Board Certification, offered by the National Board For Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), is a way to recognize the accomplished teaching that is occurring in North Carolina's classrooms. The certification process is based on high and rigorous standards that evaluate teaching practice through performance-based assessments; the ultimate result is improved performance and achievement for North Carolina's students.

ReOpening School Plans

Based on the rising number of COVID infections in our community, the Arts Based School Board of Directors voted unanimously to stay in Remote Learning-Plan C until January 25, 2021.The Board will consider the options again on January 12.

How Do I Stay Up to Date with School ReOpening Plans?

We’re doing our best to keep ABS families, staff and community updated with the latest information about our School ReOpening. We will continue to provide information in multiple places, including direct email, Thursday Notes and Virtual Parent Meetings. If you have specific topics, or questions, please send them to us at this form so we can be sure to address them. Form to submit questions

2021-22 School Calendar

As we look forward to a more “normal” year, the ABS Student Calendar is being drafted to be considered for Board approval.  Please email ([email protected]) me with any feedback or input you would like to be considered as we work on this draft.  

School Calendar Considerations

• 180 days of instruction
• Major breaks coincide with WS/FC schools
• Trimester system allows teacher workdays to coincide with parent/teacher conferences
• Begin school year earlier than WS/FC school to secure enrollment and fill from waiting list
• Snow Make up days are built into calendar throughout the school year 
• Gather input from teachers, staff, and parents

Around Town…

Two Nutcrackers with lots of ABS students and alumni are available to you at home:

Don’t miss your chance to experience a “Nutcracker” like no other and celebrate alumnus Julian Pecoraro as the Nutcracker Prince!  This is a great accomplishment for the talented students, faculty and staff of UNCSA. The film will be widely released for free on demand beginning Dec. 17 at uncsa.edu/nutcracker, YouTube and Facebook.   

Nutcracker in a Nutshell is another way to see this story and support ABS dancers.  See flyer attached to your email.