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ABS Thursday Notes- November 30, 2023

Published for the Arts Based School Community

November 30, 2023


How We Do It and Why

By Mary Siebert

“I am still learning.” – Michelangelo

 

Third grade students study the Italian Renaissance as part of an exploration of innovation and its power to initiate change. They study the solar system and body systems through the art of Leonardo DaVinci, who helped create breakthroughs in those scientific fields. The artist and his work are introduced in both art and the classroom. Italy is located on a world map; Leonardo’s biography is explored. Students study Leonardo’s scientific precision in drawing the muscular and skeletal systems. They sing new lyrics to the Renaissance hit song La Folia. Personalized Renaissance banners are created in art class, along with the Leonardo studies. In dance, the posture and traditional movements of Renaissance dance are studied for grand entrance, a short performance dance, and a celebratory romp, all to be performed at  Renaissance Spectacles in two weeks.

 

During the Italian Renaissance, exquisite, miniature presentations were developed to be performed between the acts of a play. These “Intermezzi” became more popular than the plays themselves, and eventually gave birth to opera. Intermezzi were lavishly produced portrayals of Greek myths and other stories, in which performers posed progressive scenes in fluid tableaux, without speaking. Leonardo DaVinci designed elaborate stage mechanisms for the Medici family’s Intermezzi, dazzling the wealthy at celebratory events. 

 

We have created an Intermezzo of the Greek myth “Jason and the Golden Fleece,” with beautiful sets designed and painted by Elizabeth Gledhill, with additional set pieces and props by Alysha Christian. The result is summed up for me by a comment by a 3rd Grader. “Ms. Siebert,” he said, “I think this school is a Renaissance school.” I asked him why. “Because,” he answered, “we learn about things by using everything. Math, science, reading, and all of the arts.”

  

3rd Grade Performances of “Renaissance Spectacles”

All performances are 12:00 noon at the Alex Ewing Theater at ABS North

Ruffin- Tuesday, December 12

Brady– Wednesday, December 13

Mayers– Thursday, December 14

 

Staff Update

We are excited to announce Mr Curtis Southerland  has joined the ABS team to provide afternoon traffic support on 7th St.  “Mr. Curtis” has been a neighbor and friend of ABS for twelve years.  Please be kind and courteous as he helps us maintain a safe afternoon dismissal.

 

EPA Clean School Bus Initiative

In an eco-conscious stride towards sustainability, the Arts Based School is working to replace one of its diesel buses with an electric counterpart.  We are at the beginning of the work it will take to apply and win an EPA Clean School Bus rebate.   This strategic move aligns with the school's commitment to environmental stewardship and prioritizes the well-being of students and the community. The grant not only facilitates the transition to a greener and cleaner transportation system but also sets a commendable example for other educational institutions. When the electric bus joins the fleet, it will bring a breath of fresh air to the school's commitment to fostering creativity and innovation while reducing its carbon footprint. This initiative is part of the school's journey towards a more environmentally responsible and energy-efficient future.

Crisis Control Food Drive

K-Kids and Builders Club are sponsoring a canned food drive for Crisis Control Ministries, a non-profit organization which provides food for the needy in our community. Please bring non-perishable items in cans and boxes (no class containers, please). Items will be collected in a hallway location outside each grade level and in the lobby of the 7th St building.. This drive will continue until Friday, Dec. 15.


Cold and Flu Season

As you know, viruses can be easily spread from person to person. We are asking for your help in reducing the spread at ABS. The symptoms for the seasonal flu and COVID are very similar: fever of 100 degrees or more, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, and feeling very tired. Students with these symptoms will be sent home.

 

You can help us by taking these simple steps:

  • Keep sick children home.
  • Teach children to wash their hands often.
  • Teach your children not to share food or drink.
  • Teach children to cough or sneeze into their elbows to avoid spreading germs.

 

Contact your local pharmacy and/or your child’s doctor about getting the flu and/or COVID vaccine. 

 

Medications at School

A Request for Medication Form must be completed and signed by a parent/guardian, and your health care provider for nonprescription medications such as vitamins/supplements, or any other over-the-counter medicine, including cough drops.  These must be brought to school in the original container. The date, dose and time(s) for nonprescription medication(s) to be given at school must be indicated. No medicine will be given unless the above steps have been completed. To make sure your child receives medicine safely, NO EXCEPTIONS can be made. If a Request for Nonprescription Medication Form is NOT completed, the parent/guardian will have to come to school to administer the medication personally. Students are not allowed to carry or administer medicines at school. 

 

News from Parent Council

The minutes from last week’s Parent Council meeting will be available in next week’s Notes.  The next meeting is scheduled for December 15 at 8:30am at the MLK building cafe.

Parent Council Meeting Recording November 27, 2023

December Raffle Drawing

We hold drawings every month at Friday Sing for Assistant Principal of the Day! You can purchase raffle tickets online 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!

 

School Calendar 2024-25

The ABS Board of Directors is considering the school calendar for 2024-25. 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

 

Parent volunteer opportunity--become a volunteer reading tutor! 

Love Literacy tutors receive 13 hours of training across two days. The training includes an introduction to foundational reading skills and teaches volunteers how to execute a pre-planned lesson. Tutors will learn how to assess students to identify any gaps and determine what students are ready to learn next. Tutors use the UFLI Foundations curriculum which is based on the most current research on the science of reading. Tutors work one-on-one with a student twice weekly for 30-40 minutes focusing on foundational reading skills. 

 

The final training for the 2023-2024 school year is January 17th and 18th from 9 am - 3:30 pm each day. 

 

To learn more, visit our website (www.loveliteracy.org) or email their Director of Education, Alice Day Clark ([email protected]). 

 

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 posted on the ABS website (www.artsbasedschool.com).


Prospective Parent Tours

School tours for prospective parents begin in October. They are scheduled weekly on Tuesdays at 9:30am at South Campus and Thursdays at 9:30am at North Campus. 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. 

 

 

Around Town

Winston Salem Chorale Academy (formerly Winston Salem Girls' Chorus) is hosting three exciting winter concerts. The events are free and open to the public and several ABS students are in the three choruses. The WSCA now has a Boys' Chorus. For male students who are interested in group singing, this program teaches how to: read music, focus; have composure for the stage, sing in harmony and be part of an interdependent team. 

 

Saturday, 2 December, 3PM, Centenary United Methodist, 646 W. 5th Street, W-S

Sunday, 3 December, 7:30PM, Augsburg Lutheran Church, 845 W 5th Street, W-S

Sunday, 10 December, 5PM, Festival of Lessons and Carols, Centenary Methodist, 646 W. 5th St.

 

Annie Warbucks is the holiday-themed musical sequel to Annie. It will be performed at Theatre Alliance downtown from December 8th through 17th, Fridays at 7:30, Saturdays at 4:00, and Sundays at 2:00. A current ABS student plays Annie, and the cast also includes an ABS alum and a former ABS teacher, Tickets are at https://www.theatrealliance.ws/box_office/.


A Christmas Carol The Little Theatre's presents A Christmas Carol star-studded with ABS students.. The link to tickets is below! (Note that all ABS 7th graders will attend this production on December 15.)

https://ci.ovationtix.com/36350/production/1149960?performanceId=11232977



Nutcracker Tea Party-Special Show for ABS families

UNCSA Preparatory Dance program is offering a free in-studio presentation of Nutracker Tea Party for ABS families- December 7 at 6pm.  Limited capacity.  You must register to attend.

See Flyer in email for more details.


Ways to get involved and learn more about ABS:

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