Published for the Arts Based School Community
January 7, 2021
How We Do It and Why
Mary Siebert
“Enjoying success requires the ability to adapt. Only by being open to change will you have a true opportunity to get the most from your talent.” - Nolan Ryan
Parents, students, and school staff are all experiencing fatigue from our extended effort to stay positive and pull together. This pandemic experience can’t even be compared to a wartime unification, when there was at least a unified and collective energy against a dynamic foe, and citizens had the ability to gather at theaters, restaurants, concerts, worship, and family celebrations. This feels more like a long, dry slog across the wilderness. We have a significant advantage though, that Laurence of Arabia and other celebrated sloggers did not share: technology. It allows us to communicate. We persist in using technology to adapt opportunities for growth, including through our theatrical productions, one grade level at a time.
We have two shows that are wrapping up editing (Romeo & Juliet on the Border with 5th grades,) and final filming (Renaissance Spectacles with 3rd grades.) Two more are just about to begin. (Peter and the Wolf, with Kindergarten, and a unique narrative writing project at 4th grade, with volunteer guest artist Diana Greene.) Soon after this, 6th Graders will begin working on their performance.
Parents report that these projects help unite the grade level and give students an exciting sense of participating in something special. These positive experiences are especially enhanced when parents are able to help with the basics: watching for rehearsal and filming times, making sure kids are in costume and ready to go, finding a quiet space, providing good light, and positively encouraging students to participate.
For some of our extroverted, theatrical students, we’re learning that it can actually be harder to sing, dance, or act all by yourself before a camera at home. You might feel that your parents or siblings, or your classmates, will judge or tease you. You might feel vulnerable in a different way: the support of a whole room of students dancing or singing at once can help students take chances, because they see peers doing so, and share that energy.
On the other hand, we’re discovering that some of our more introverted students are surprisingly comfortable performing without their peers in the room. They make eye contact with the camera and spontaneously improvise new ideas, with a freedom they might not have revealed before. Their teachers see personality in those little moments that they have never seen before.
As your child moves into these special performances, please support and encourage them to participate. You never know what they will discover in the process.
Friday Drum!
Instead of a Friday Sing this month, grab yourself a drum, or a bucket, or a pot, or pull up to a table. Join “Mr. Bill” Scheidt for a special session of Friday Drum. Visit the ABS YouTube station beginning at 2:00 this Friday and prepare to make a joyful noise!
Peter and the Wolf Costume Pick-Up
Kindergarten parents, remember to pick up your child’s costumes for Peter and the Wolf at the materials exchange, next Monday, January 11.
Student Intent for 2021-22 School Year
As we prepare for next year’s enrollment lottery (2021-22), it is important to know how many spaces are available in each grade. As a current student, your child has priority placement and no additional action is required. If your child is not returning to ABS for the 2021-22 school year, please notify Stephanie LeFever at [email protected]
Siblings of students also receive priority, but must fill out an enrollment application. You must complete an application for the 2021-22 school year for siblings of current students in order to reserve a space before the lottery. The deadline for receiving applications is Jan 31 at 3pm. Please click here to submit an enrollment application.
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.
Welcome
We’re delighted to be hosting Sidney Matthews as a student teacher from Wake Forest University for the Spring semester. Ms. Matthews will be working with Ms. Robertson in fourth grade. Even during this unusual school year, we appreciate the opportunity to support developing educators from area universities as we prepare the next generation of teachers.
MAP Testing in February
Third through eighth grade students will complete the second round of MAP testing in February. After the testing is complete, parents will receive an updated score report showing the progress your student has made this year.
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] 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
Board Member Nominations
The ABS Board nominating committee is now accepting applications to serve on the ABS Board of Directors. To learn more about Board member expectations and responsibilities, please read the performance expectations outlined here. Interested candidates should complete and submit signed application forms by January 31st. The skill sets we’re hoping to fulfill include expertise in accounting/finance, real estate, and facilities.
ABS Regular Board Meeting
The ABS Board of Directors Board will meet on January 12, 2021 at 5:45pm using a virtual meeting platform. Board meetings are open to the public. If you would like to view the meeting, please email Principal Hollis [email protected] for the link.