ABS Thursday Notes- February 24, 2022

Published for the Arts Based School Community

February 24, 2022

Last week Governor Cooper and Secretary Kinsley announced that NCDHHS will update their guidance on March 7th to focus on the most effective tools to reduce the risk of COVID-19. NCDHHS is announcing this now so that schools and school leaders have time to prepare.

NCDHHS’ guidance below is effective March 7, 2022.

Schools

• Promote vaccination for students and staff.
• Participate in the School Testing Program.
• Consider moving to voluntary masking, at the discretion of local authorities, as universal masking is a less important tool in lower risk settings like schools.

Individuals

• Stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines and booster.
• Get tested if you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 and stay away from others if you are sick or test positive, following isolation guidance.
• Get treatment early if you are at risk for severe illness.
• Wear a mask if you are at high risk for severe illness or if you want an added layer of protection.
• Wear a mask if you have a COVID infection or exposure.
• Wear a mask if you are not up-to-date on your vaccines.

The ABS Board of Directors has called a special Board meeting for Tuesday, March 1, 2022 to review the mask policy updates and vote on our school’s policy.  If you would like to request the link to the virtual meeting, please email Principal Hollis.

How Do I Stay Up to Date with School COVID policies?

We’re doing our best to keep ABS families, staff, and community updated with the latest information about our School COVID policies. We will continue to provide information in multiple places, including direct email, Thursday Notes, and Virtual Parent Meetings. Our next virtual information meeting is scheduled for Friday, March 4th at 8:30. The link is included in the Thursday Note email.  If you have specific topics or questions, please send them to us via this form so we can be sure to address them. Form to submit questions.

ABS After School Clubs

Our current round of after school clubs will come to a close next Thursday, March 3. We will begin a new round of clubs (with the same offerings) on Tuesday, March 8. Because clubs were in such high demand this trimester, with many options completely filling within the first few minutes—this time, we will offer a "head start" to students who have not yet participated in clubs this year. For those who are interested, please keep the following in mind:

• ABS offers clubs as a fun, relaxed extension of our electives, taught by ABS specialists. These are offered free of charge, and spaces are limited. 
• The club sign-up form will open on Wednesday, March 2 on this page of the ABS website. 
• Students who have not yet participated in clubs this year may sign up beginning at noon. 
• Everyone else may sign up beginning at 1:00 pm.
• Clubs will begin March 8.
• Clubs will meet from 3:00-3:35, twice weekly.
• Pick-up is at the 7th Street Building entrance between 3:35-3:45, using the same traffic patterns as regular dismissal.
• Late pick-up is not allowed. Students who are picked up after 3:45 will be sent to Aftercare and charged accordingly.
• Students whose behavior is disruptive or who don't participate will be dismissed from their club.
• Clubs and ensembles will be canceled if the club teacher is out.

Conference Time is Coming

Soon your child’s teacher will be setting up conferences to discuss your child’s progress. Students attending the Arts Based School are assessed using a portfolio system in place of the traditional report card. The portfolio is designed to illustrate a student’s academic growth and successes as well as guide the teacher in planning appropriate instruction.  Teachers at ABS do not issue letter grades until 6th grade. Teachers use observation, interviews, analysis of student work and performance tasks to assess student understanding.  Examples of student work, as well as other objective standards of assessments are incorporated into the student’s portfolio to give an enhanced portrait of the student’s progress.  These portfolios will be discussed and presented to parents during the Student-Teacher-Parent conferences. Please be sure you schedule and attend your conference so that you can support your child’s learning. 

Conference Days

• March 4: Early Dismissal
• K-4 Dismiss at 11:45
• 5-8 Dismiss at 12 noon
• March 7: No School

7th and 8th Grade Math Classes

Parents of rising 7th and 8th graders may be wondering about math classes for next year. All students are required to learn 7th grade math in 7th grade and 8th grade math in 8th grade.  Most students will take these required classes as their only math instruction. Some students who have demonstrated advanced skills in math will be eligible for advanced math instruction in addition to the math they are required to learn for their grade level. The advanced math classes in 7th grade will work towards the 7th grade math EOG while also participating in enrichment activities. We will offer Math I for 8th graders who qualify based on standardized test scores. Current Math I 7th graders who pass the EOC may move on to Math II in 8th grade next year. Mrs. Raper will send letters home to families of rising 7th and 8th graders near the end of the school year with additional information. 

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