Published for the Arts Based School Community
February 3, 2022
How We Do It and Why
By Mary Siebert
“Let us read, and let us dance; these two amusements will never do any harm to the world.”
― Voltaire
Last week, sixty Kindergarten students whirled and leapt and pawed the air beside lithe, tall UNCSA modern dance majors. They were preparing for this, their 12th annual collaboration. The tiny and great dancers partner to perform through joint dance classes taught by ABS dance teacher Jan Adams. Ms. Adams also taught prep ballet classes for 27 years at UNCSA and was North Carolina’s Charter School Teacher of the Year in 2014-2015.
The young students and their teachers use Prokofiev’s beloved musical tale to study story structure and sequence, character and setting, and scientific examination of animal movement. They compare the evil wolves in children’s literature with real wolves, discovering that the shy creatures are family-oriented and have been vilified through much of classic fiction.
The students each dance the role of one character from the story. After introductory dance classes with the big dancers, Ms. Adams works with the UNCSA dancers to consider how they might choreograph the story for little people. Eventually, the story is prepared with big dancers leading the little dancers through, providing the little ones with a visual safety net. When the duck appears on stage, seven little ducks waddle behind her. If stage fright confuses the little ducklings, they can look up at their tall leader and follow. There are also breathtaking performances by the grown-up dancers when they break off into moments of their own.
This year’s performance took place yesterday on the big Freedman Theatre stage at UNCSA, (our first return to that campus since 2019) and in spite of ongoing adjustments due to the ever-changing Covid landscape. But most notable, it was Ms. Adam’s last. She has announced her retirement at the end of this year. The production was her unique idea. Her carefully developed mixture of individualized care and detailed group procedures makes it possible for us to manage a production of this scope with sixty little children, safely, effectively, and joyfully. It’s memorable, too. Our 8th graders recall it with nostalgic delight. The respect and trust extended to Ms. Adams by the famed dance department at UNCSA has made her an ideal mentor for accomplished dancers who are working with the community. She has given us this beautiful gift for twelve years, and we are most grateful.
Weaver Plant Chemical Fire
Our hearts go out to all of the many Winston-Salem citizens who are displaced and affected by the ongoing Weaver Plant chemical fire—and we are especially grateful to the first responders, including some ABS parents, who are helping to manage this crisis.
Our campus is under no immediate threat from the fire, and we are following the recommendations and advice of health officials and those monitoring our air quality. At the moment, this means indoor recess and lunch for all students. To help prevent the spread of the virus during indoor lunch, we have asked teachers to distance students and stagger eating times for students, with only half of a class unmasked at a time.
We will continue to keep you updated as things change, and we hope for the continued safety of all involved.
School Calendar 2022-23
The ABS Board of Directors is considering the school calendar for 2022-23. If you would like to review the draft calendar and provide feedback, please respond to this form.
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
Inclement Weather
In the event of inclement weather, ABS will announce school closings on local TV channels, under “The Arts Based School.'' This information will also be emailed to our parent list and posted on the ABS website (www.artsbasedschool.com).
6th Grade Video - Math & Science Dances
The 6th grade video from last Wednesday’s performance will be posted on the Family Portal on our website: artsbasedschool.com
Yearbook Request
The yearbook creators are looking for “Guess Who?” baby pictures for 8th grade students, as well as candid shots from all grades. Please send your photos with the student’s name to Nicole Taylor by Feb. 1, 2022.
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 are being accepted now until January 31 at 3pm. The lottery will be held on the second Tuesday of February.