Published for the Arts Based School Community
November 17, 2022
Conference Days- November 18- Early Dismissal
- K-4 Dismiss at 11:45
- 5-8 Dismiss at 12 noon
No School-Nov 21-25 Thanksgiving Break
How We Do It and Why
By Mary Siebert
“Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.” ― Mr. Rogers
“Playtime—especially unstructured, imaginative, exploratory play—is increasingly recognized as an essential component of wholesome child development.”
― Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods
We all need opportunities to think freely, instead of forever trying to “get it right.” No amount of grit and fortitude alone can make up for lack of creative thought. We want our students to become both accomplished and original. And so, we play. That’s where new ideas come from.
In her article School’s Out: the Loss of Recess in America, author Leah Lefler writes about the trend away from unstructured play in American schools…even kindergartens. We buck that trend. Unstructured play has been proven to aid in cognitive development and physical health. Socially, the endless negotiations with other children during play time is critical to maturing. When we witness the simple flush of joy that unstructured activity and fresh air inspire, it’s obvious: this is good for them! And any teacher can testify that rainy days without outdoor recess make it harder for children to focus. We provide recess at every grade level.
At our ABS South campus, we took advantage of creative tools while we waited for the playground equipment, delayed by supply chain issues, to arrive. There are varied lengths of PVC pipe, sand tables, a “mud kitchen” (these stations thanks to Ms. Hadera’s husband, who built them!) balls, ramps, and other “loose parts” that have provided students with engaging, problem-solving opportunities while we were outside.
But when that delivery truck drove up this week, and the workers began to assemble the big new, brightly colored playground equipment??? Yippee! Even in the pouring, cold rain on Tuesday, those workers were outside fitting together our new monkey bars and slides and things. The students have presented thank you cards to those workers already, (the workers said that was a first for them!) and when I interviewed students today, I learned that they are imagining what will happen next.
“I think it’s gonna be amazing. It’s gonna make stars in my eyes.”
“I’m going to slide down every single slide.”
“I might play on the monkey bars first.”
They are making plans, so we are too. After our Friday Sing on December 9th, we’ll have a little ribbon cutting ceremony, and then students can show their parents their favorite features. (If it’s ready before then? Are you kidding? We’ve waited long enough!)
Double Hours Volunteer Opportunity!
Volunteers needed to move sets, props and costumes! These are high-energy, rewarding tasks that help us produce our beautiful performances. These magical shows do not just magically happen...we rely upon magic-making volunteers!
There are fast-moving, heavy objects involved in these processes, so if you bring your children, we'll have them wait safely in the lunchroom or in the theater seats with supervision. (Please, no infants or toddlers.)
You are invited to log DOUBLE VOLUNTEER HOURS for these tasks:
Friday, December 16, 8:15-9:45 a.m.
Meet in the Ewing Theater at the MLK building after morning drop-off. We will:
- Move 3rd grade sets to basement storage.
- Move Kindergarten sets from basement into Ewing theater
If you can help with any of these, sign up HERE
Kiwanis-Kids
3rd-5th Grade Families
Does your child want to make a difference in our school, community, and the world? Your child is invited to join the K-Kids program at the Arts Based School. K-Kids is a service organization and a member of the Kiwanis Family, which sponsors our club. K-Kids provides the opportunity to develop self-esteem, leadership skills, morals and standards, and respect for others. Registration information will be sent home in 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Thursday folders.
Prospective Parent 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 will be accepted beginning January 1. The lottery will be held the second Tuesday of February.
Assistant Principal for the Day
Does your child want a chance to be Assistant Principal for the day? We hold drawings every month at Friday Sing! You can purchase raffle tickets online or in the front office of your campus to give your child a chance to be Assistant Principal of the Day. Assistant Principals have their own desk, name tag, and list of very important duties for the day. All proceeds from the raffle support our teacher appreciation fund and allow us to do special things for our staff throughout the year. Thank you, and good luck!