Published for the Arts Based School Community
April 15, 2021
Courtyard Construction!
Many of you may be aware of the exciting changes happening in our 7th Street courtyard. While remote learning was in full force this winter, so were construction crews and cranes—laying the groundwork for what will soon become expanded space for learning, gathering, and music-making.
This new space will directly benefit current and future ABS students—allowing our band program to evolve, giving us the opportunity to introduce a new music technology program, and providing a safe, weather-proof gathering space for a wide range of needs. This 5,000 square-foot expansion represents much more than bricks and mortar—it reminds us that though we are moving through challenging times, brighter days lie ahead!
While the COVID-19 pandemic is still very much a part of our daily lives and calculations, we are nonetheless able to reflect on what we have learned and are learning throughout this time. In many ways, education has come to the forefront, with the forced separation from the heart of schools everywhere reminding us just how many needs our schools today are meeting. In the words of one parent, “ABS widens the world my children inhabit, wIth a host of caring adults to nurture and guide them, new ideas to challenge and inspire them… it is a whole, happy place meant for them.”
As we work to complete the expansion of our physical space, we ask those of you who are able to please support ABS by making a gift toward the courtyard construction. With your help, we will be able to complete this project by late Spring and welcome students into the new space by Fall 2021.
Of a $500,000 project budget, we have already raised approximately $200,000 in gifts and pledges from community foundations and ABS board members, past and present. Please consider joining in to help create this important new space for our students and our school.
If you have questions about this project or a desire to support with a leadership gift, please contact Leah Lavin at [email protected].
PikMyKid Dismissal
So far we have 64% of parents who have registered with the Pikmykid app. For families who have chosen to return to in-person learning, it is important that you download the PikMyKid parent smartphone app on IOS or Android. Once you have downloaded the app, you will press the “Register” button and follow the prompts to sign up. When you have successfully registered, please log in, allow notifications, and check to make sure that you see your ABS student(s) listed. If you do not see your child’s name, it is most likely because we do not have your mobile phone information. Please contact Stephanie LeFever at [email protected]
Drop off and Pick Up
Each day this process gets easier and faster for all of us! Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through the kinks. Please remember to be thoughtful and kind to our neighbors as you wait in line, letting residents of the apartments pass through, and parents dropping off at Foundations Childcare. We are getting into our rhythm and timing and hopefully will hit our stride soon. Also, 7th Street has now reopened. We do not recommend trying to arrive at the school via 7th St. It is challenging to turn left onto Chestnut with the long line already formed. Turning right on 7th St to exit is an option to leave, unless a train is passing.
School Pictures: More appointments added
April 19 is our drive-thru picture day for all ABS students!
Here’s the link to sign up to have your child’s picture taken! Please follow the normal traffic route through the school parking lot, arriving near your appointment time. The photographer will be set up near the basement of the MLK building. In the event of rain, we will move the photographer inside the MLK building cafeteria. We also need parent volunteers to help with picture day. Please sign up here to volunteer.
Parent Volunteers Needed for Outdoor Task
We need regular parent volunteers to assist with the tents in our lunch and dismissal areas. The process is simple and, with four people, it’s quick and efficient. These tasks pair well with drop-off and pick-up times for you! We need you Tuesday-Friday, daily. Set up tents at 8:15, and Break down tents at 2:20. Please email Mary Siebert if you can help. Thanks! [email protected]
Health Screening and Temperature Checks
Thanks to each of you for your extra help each morning as we work through the health screening and temperature checks. We do recognize these procedures take extra staff and extra time each morning. Although the state has changed this procedure from required to recommended, we will continue to conduct health screenings and temperature checks for now.
Goodbye to Counselors
Staffing/Hiring 2021-22 School Year
As we look toward the 2020-21 school year, we have a few staff positions to consider.
Both of our school counselors are leaving ABS. Mr. Ertl is retiring and Ms. Sullivan is taking time off to care for her mother. We will miss both of these special people and the expertise they shared with our school and students!
We will also be looking to hire an educational interventionist to support struggling students K-8 in reading and math. This position will be funded by a COVID ESSER II grant designed to address learning loss resulting from the COVID pandemic.
End of Grade and End of Course Testing
All students will be required by the State to take the End of Grade Tests administered in math and reading to all students in grades 3-8 in the school building. Fifth and eighth grade students will also be testing in Science. Remote Students will be brought in for testing on Mondays. Testing schedule runs May 17-June 8. Parents will receive score reports at Parent Conferences on June 10 and 11.
Parent Council Meeting - Friday, April 16th at 12:00 PM
We invite all parents, caregivers, and learning coaches to join us for the parent council meeting this Friday, April 16. Here is a link to the agenda There are great opportunities to get more involved in the parent council as a board member. Opportunities will be discussed at the meeting, or feel free to reach out for more information!
Save the Date- June 10 morning for 8th grade graduation
We are working on plans for the 8th grade graduation as a morning event outside. We’ll keep you posted as we know more!