Published for the Arts Based School Community
July 20, 2023
Who’s My Teacher?
Classroom teachers met with the grade level team before school was out to create the class rosters for next year. They use all that they know about your child’s academic, social, emotional, and behavioral qualities to determine which classroom is the best match. Class placement will be sent to parents in late July.
Staff Hellos and Goodbyes!
Vivian Mayers will be joining the third-grade team. Vivian is a graduate of Yale and Julliard. She is a professional violinist. But most importantly she is an ABS graduate. Vivian has been teaching grades 4-6 in the Bronx this summer and will be returning to Winston-Salem.
Rebecca Parker will be joining the second-grade team. Rebecca has been a sub and TA at ABS as she worked to finish her Master's degree in Education. She is also an ABS graduate.
Patrica Bullock will be working with Heather Cruz in first grade as a teaching assistant. Ms. Bullock has been working at Speas and Jefferson Elementary. Thanks to Kenya Heck for bringing Ms. Bullock to ABS!
Sofie Garcia will be working with Nicole Howard in first grade as a teaching assistant.
Ms. Garcia is currently in school for visual arts at Forsyth Tech. She has experience as a teaching assistant in private schools in Florida.
Sadly, Jess Broughton has decided to leave ABS. She will be greatly missed. As one of the early pioneers, she helped to develop and shape our school, specifically second grade. We wish her all the best.
Household Income Survey
The Household Income Survey is to determine eligibility for financial support for school lunches as well as reporting data required by the federal Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA) for economically disadvantaged student subgroups such as ethnic origin, students with disabilities, those in poverty, and those identified as limited English proficient.
ABS Family Portal Access
Access to our ABS Family Portal will be switching over to new credentials for the 2023-24 school year. Currently enrolled families will receive login information via email. The ABS Family Portal is your source for a great deal of information that is not publicly available on our website, including class lists, a family directory, links to videos of our past productions, and more.
ABS Bus Service
For the 2023-24 school year, ABS will offer morning and afternoon bus service with dropoff and pickup locations of: Winston Lake YMCA, Hanes Mall, and Sherwood Plaza. For more information see links below.
ABS Bus Registration Form
Bus service is scheduled to begin Monday, August 21.
After School Care Registration for 2023-24
We are happy to offer an in-house after school care program! Our After School Care program is offered Monday-Friday, from the end of the school day until 6pm. On some days when school is not in session, full day care may be available from 8am - 5:30pm. More detailed information on After School Care is available in the ABS Aftercare Parent Handbook. Please contact Ashley Tate, Director of Operations/Student Services, with any questions. Registration opens Monday, July 10.
School Calendar and Important Dates
The approved 2023-24 school calendar is available here, on our website or Student Calendar
Important dates coming up (details below):
- July 25: ABS North Campus Playdate
- July 26: ABS South Campus Playdate
- August 2: New Parent Orientation
- August 14: Special Visits
- August 16: First Day of School (Staggered Entry dates for Kindergarten)
New Student Playdates
We're bringing back an old tradition! We will host a playdate for our incoming K at local parks, an informal opportunity to meet one another and play. We've reserved the shelters at the splash parks for these events.
- July 25 10am-12:30
- North Campus K Play Date- Hathaway Park 301 Anita Dr.
- July 26 10am-12:30
- South Campus K -2 graders Play Date-Happy Hill Park 1230 Alder St
New Parent Orientation
Save the Date- Wednesday, Aug 2 at 10am for the New K-4 Parent Orientation at ABS. This program is designed specifically for new families in grades K-4th at ABS to support your transition into ABS and to answer your questions. Please mark your calendars and join us!
Middle School Orientation
Save the Date-Wednesday, Aug 2 at 2pm for Middle School Orientation. For new parents (grade 5-8) and also for parents new to middle school. This program is designed to answer questions about how our middle school program works (grades 5-8) and what to expect.
Medicines at School
The Arts Based School staff is not allowed to administer any herbal, over-the-counter, or prescription medications or ointments without prior written authorization from the child’s physician. If your child needs to take medication during school hours or your child has a life-threatening allergy that requires medication to be kept at the school, please complete the Medication Authorization form. All medications, along with the authorization form must be dropped off by a parent and kept in the school office.
Special Visits
Educational research shows that the relationship between the student and his or her teacher is one of the most important factors in a student’s academic success. This critical relationship is enhanced by our small class size and our educators’ commitment to children. In support of the teacher/student relationship, our teachers will be offering a Special Visit before school begins. A Special Visit is simply an opportunity for your child to meet his or her teacher in a familiar setting, a chance to learn a bit about the class and what to expect in the coming school year. This year’s scheduled day for Special Visits is August 14. Your child’s teacher will be contacting you to schedule a 15 minute meeting (zoom or at school) in early August.
Ways to get involved and learn more about ABS:
- Follow us on Social Media
- Read and Review the Student/Parent Handbook
- Catch up on Thursday Notes you may have missed
- Explore the ABS website
- Make sure we have best contact information so that you receive all communications