Published for the Arts Based School Community
May 20, 2021
How We Do It and Why
By Mary Siebert
“Arts education isn’t something we add on after we’ve achieved other priorities, like raising test scores and getting kids into college. It’s actually critical for achieving those priorities in the first place.” - Michelle Obama
There is a lot about ABS that makes us different from other public schools. But that defining word, “public,” means that we share certain absolutes with typical schools. For example, we teach the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. We can approach these goals creatively, and we do, when it’s effective. But we take exactly the same end of grade tests that our public school relatives take. We do not get creative about testing regulations.
Our staff must follow all of the complicated, serious testing requirements. Our classrooms are different during testing. We are silent in the testing rooms. We drape or remove any materials on the walls that could cue or assist with answers. We practice so kids know how the test looks, and how to use successful testing strategies. We supply any required accommodations. We are hushed in the building, with Kindergarten, first, and second grade teachers planning quiet activities inside, and non-disruptive play outside. (In a typical year, these teachers plan field trips during testing, saving those getaways for the time when older kids need the support of silence.)
What we can be creative about here is our attitude! And for that...we have a leg up. How do we prepare for this important assessment time, where the mood and the energy of our school is so different from our typical, upbeat, boisterous bunch? First, we learn the material as well as possible, just as a musician prepares by studying, practicing, and practicing again. Next, we learn the regulations of the test, just as a fine artist learns the requirements of a juried art show before sending in her work for consideration, or an architect does the math. We might practice breathing techniques to remain calm and focused, just as an actor does in the wings, between demanding entrances. We trust our training and fly, just as a dancer does when the music cues them to begin.
Performances and tests are similar in many ways. They feel very different from rehearsals. Maybe your most inspired singing occurs at home, when you’re practicing, but you focus and bring your best to the stage. Maybe you make a mistake here and there on the test, but you focus and do your very best on each question and persevere to the end.
The adults around our students, both teachers and families, set the tone. We like to think of testing as an exciting time to try our skills. We tell our students “You can do this!” We make sure they are rested, fed, watered, and ready to go. We know they will do beautifully! We also know this is just one test on one day. They are full of ideas and smarts and skills that will keep growing after test day, and their skills as artists will progress after performance day. It’s a lifelong flow.
The Muse Literary Magazine - First Edition
Ms. MacNamara’s students have created the very first version of a virtual literary magazine! Please enjoy these inspirational pieces and celebrate their new publication! We expect this sweet, new, literary idea to grow over the years.
PARENT COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Open positions for the 2021-22 School Year:
- Parent rep coordinator: coordinate training and communication with classroom representatives
- Technology coordinator (2): help with the school website and technology-related issues
- Secretary: take notes at meetings
We are also looking for volunteers interested in coordinating events for next year. In past years we have held a Fall Fest and Field Day which needs coordination and planning.
Curious? Interested? Please reach out to us!
Evening Parent Council Meeting Coming Up
We have had requests to hold meetings at alternative times, so we will try this out later in the month. Stay tuned for date/ time.
Last Call for T-Shirts!
We will be placing one final round of orders for t-shirts tomorrow, May 21, and will distribute them before the end of the school year. If you’d like to have yours for the summer months, you can order here: https://www.artsbasedschool.com/apps/pages/tshirts. A portion of every sale supports the ABS annual fund. T-shirts are high-quality cotton and are printed locally. If you have any questions or need help, please contact Leah Lavin: [email protected].
Courtyard Construction!
This week in the 7th street courtyard, the wallboard is up, and we are beginning to tape and “mud” the wall seams. The rough-in of the cabling has also begun, and will be tied in to existing systems early next week. Many, many thanks to those families who are making this new learning, gathering, and music-making space possible for us! Please consider participating in the effort by making a one-time gift to help us complete the courtyard construction by the end of the school year! If you have any questions, or if you are interested in designating a larger gift to a particular need, please reach out to Leah Lavin: [email protected].
Around Town:
FREE Tonight from 6:00-9:00 p.m. and again on June 17 at SECCA on the sculpture deck: Nathanial Ward Jazz Trio. Jam session includes an opening set by the trio and 2 sets with musical guests. Face coverings required while at the bar, and at all times when entering SECCA's buildings. To play along with the trio in the 2nd or 3rd set, bring your instrument and sign up HERE.