Published for the Arts Based School Community
June 1, 2023
How We Do It and Why
by Mary Siebert
“Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.” –Nelson Mandela
Next Monday we celebrate the commencement of our 8th grade graduating class of 2023. It has been moving and delightful to watch these memorable students grow over the past nine years. We thank all their families for sharing these brilliant children with us. Here is a message for the graduates from Mrs. Siebert:
This is a big day. People call these Mountaintop Days, because these are the times when you stop and look back, to see how far up you have climbed. From this vantage point, you can also cast your vision forward, to dream of what is ahead. It’s a good time to be still for a moment.
The adults in your lives are all filled with memories, seeing you at that mountaintop, because we can’t imagine how you could possibly have rocketed forward so quickly. We’re remembering when you were learning to hold a pencil. We’re remembering the first time you played an African drum, laughed with Mr. Bob, scraped your knee, showed off the first chapter book you could read, the day you swished that hook shot, the day you lifted your head and said “now I get it!” And here you are, warp speed, ready for high school. You are like astronauts looking back at the Earth from outer space, remembering the days when you only dreamt of flying, recalling the steps that got you to where you are now. We gaze back with you, marveling at the distance you have traveled, moved by the ephemeral beauty of that treasured, blue globe of childhood.
We’ve traversed unknown territory together, pioneering new ways of communicating, reaching across distance without getting too close, learning from our successes and our mistakes. Next year, you all become the pioneers. You sit at the controls. Wherever you are headed, you will take the same tool kit with you: knowledge. You have two secret weapons: you know how to think creatively, and you have confidence.
The adults in your world might remember 9th grade as a time when they just hoped to fit in. You are different. You are confident in your individuality. You can shout Shakespeare into the open cavern of a dark theater without revealing a moment of anxiety. You have dissected a cow heart. You have danced algebra. You can do anything.
You are creative thinkers. Wherever you go, for the rest of your life, there are lessons you have learned from the arts that will apply to everything. For example:
- If you make a mistake, sometimes you can turn it into something even better than your first idea.
- If you are nervous: breathe!
- You can always make your work better, no matter how good you are.
- If you feel scared, remember you are an actor, and ACT like a confident person would act.
- Every effort counts. Be respectful of others’ work, and honor your own.
- Look into the other person’s eyes when they are talking to you, and really, really listen.
- Share your voice!
- Present yourself with elegance and attitude. Stand tall and remain flexible.
- Every part is important.
- Details are important.
- Do your absolute best, and then let it go.
- Try new things. Listen to new things. Open your mind.
- Seek the balance between passion and discipline.
- Ensembles are powerful. Honor each individual voice, add yours to it, and work together.
We will miss you, 8th graders! You take our hearts with you.
Fourth Grade Fly Ups
This week our fourth grader students will take a special tour of the middle school building, called 4th Grade Fly Ups. Mrs. Raper guides each fourth grade class through their new building showing them the classrooms, the drama room, the band room, and art. They get to know what will feel the same and what will feel a bit different as they move into 5th grade. Exciting times! Don’t worry parents, you’ll get a chance to have middle school orientation in August.
Testing Schedule Continues
June 1 EOG Reading Make Up Tests & RtA-3rd
June 2 EOG Math Make Up Tests
June 5 EOG Science Make Up Tests
EOG results will be shared with parents at the third trimester conferences- June 9 and 12.
Class Picture for Sale
We have a few copies of each class picture for sale in case you missed it. Available at Middle School front desk on field day. $10.00 cash only. We have limited quantities of all classrooms.
Videos of Performances
You can find videos of this year’s performances at the Family Portal on our website.
End of Year Checklist
- Pick up medications from the front office.
- Be sure all fees and lunch balances are paid. (Reach out to Ms. Garner to check your balance.)
- Let us know if you will not be returning to ABS next year. If your child is transferring to another school, please let us know where to send your child’s records by emailing Principal Hollis [email protected]
- Tuesday, June 6th is the last day of school, with early dismissal. K-4 dismisses at 11:45. 5-8 dismisses at 12pm.
Field Day
Field Day will be held on Tuesday, June 6th this year. It’s a half-day and we need volunteers to help the classes run their games. Please contact your class rep if you can help. This is one of the last opportunities of the year to earn volunteer hours. In the event of rain, field day will be canceled.
We will serve pizza on Field Day, June 6 and it is an early dismissal! Don’t forget to order the day before.
ABS 8th Grade Graduation
Let’s celebrate our 8th graders! Graduation is scheduled for Monday, June 5 at 12 noon in the ABS Alex Ewing Theater. Seating is limited to 4 tickets per graduate. Thanks to MIXXER to allowing the use of their parking lot for overflowing parking during graduation ceremony.
Interested in working for ABS?
The Arts Based School (ABS) is a popular and successful K-8 public charter school in Winston-Salem, offering competitive salaries and NC State health plan and retirement benefits to full-time employees.
Warm collegial relationships and a high level of collaboration are consistently noted by teachers as favorite aspects of working at ABS. We accept applications year-round from licensed teachers. Ideal candidates are passionate, energetic, creative, and innovative. ABS teachers are team players who plan together across arts and other disciplines to deliver uniquely integrated curriculum. This contributes to our cheerful, vibrant, learning community, and results in accomplished, confident students.
Our campus, located in downtown Winston-Salem, includes two updated brick tobacco warehouses: a colorful K-4 building with a blackbox theater, dance studio and art room, and an “industrial chic” 5-8 building with a drama studio, an art room bordering an outdoor sketching garden, a modern, light-filled music room, and a large, open courtyard.
For more information and application, check our website: https://www.artsbasedschool.com/apps/pages/employment
Current Openings: Middle School Science, Middle School EC, Teaching Assistant, Part-time K-2 Music