Published for the Arts Based School Community
July 11, 2024
First Day of School - Monday, August 12 (Staggered entry for Kindergarten)
Summer Fun and Transitioning Back to School
Although we have several more weeks of summer, we are all preparing for the new school year. For our students, summer is a great time to enjoy family and new adventures. Here are some ideas as we transition through summer and get ourselves ready for another great school year.
Embracing Summer Fun
Summer is a special time for students and families to relax, explore, and create lasting memories. Whether you're spending time at the beach, visiting relatives, or simply enjoying the long, sunny days at home, I encourage you to make the most of this season. Here are a few ideas you might try:
- Outdoor Adventures: Nature walks, picnics, and trips to local parks can be both fun and educational. Encourage your children to observe their surroundings and ask questions about the natural world.
- Reading Together: Summer is an excellent time to cultivate a love for reading. Visit your local library, choose books that interest your child, and set aside time each day to read together. This will help maintain their literacy skills and foster a lifelong passion for books.
- Creative Projects: Engage your child in creative activities such as arts and crafts, cooking, or building projects. These activities not only keep them entertained but also develop their problem-solving skills and creativity.
- Family Time: Use this time to strengthen family bonds. Play board games, have movie nights, or plan family outings. These moments create cherished memories and reinforce the importance of family connections.
Preparing for the New School Year
As summer begins to wind down, it's important to start thinking about the transition back to school. Here are some tips to help your child smoothly adjust to the new school year:
- Establish a Routine: Gradually reintroduce a school-year routine, including regular bedtimes and wake-up times. This will help ease the transition and ensure your child is well-rested and ready to learn.
- School Supplies and Organization: Start gathering school supplies early to avoid the last-minute rush. Involve your child in organizing their materials. Supply lists will be available when class placement lists are published.
- Open Communication: Talk to your child about their feelings regarding the upcoming school year. Address any concerns they may have and share positive aspects to build excitement and confidence.
- Attend School Events: Keep an eye out for any back-to-school events, including splash pad playdates, special visits, and orientation sessions. These are great opportunities for your child to familiarize themselves with the school environment and meet their teachers and classmates.
Looking Forward to a Bright School Year
At ABS, we are committed to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment for your child's growth and development. We have been working diligently over the summer to prepare for an exciting and successful school year. Our dedicated staff is eager to welcome your child back to school and support their academic and personal achievements.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Wishing you and your family a joyful and memorable remainder of the summer. We look forward to seeing you all soon!
Kindergarteners Staggered Start
ABS kindergarten students begin the school year with a staggered start. Students in kindergarten will be assigned their first day of school when they receive their class placement. We schedule a third of each class to attend to help students acclimate to their school day and routine. Kindergarteners will only attend one of the first days, either Monday (8/12), Tuesday (8/13), or Wednesday (8/14). Then all kindergarteners will attend together starting Thursday, August 15. The staggered entry schedule does not affect a student’s attendance record.
Kindergarten Required Forms
Parents of kindergarten students are required to provide the school with a copy of the child’s birth certificate, immunization record, and NC Kindergarten Health Assessment form.
Save the Date- ABS Parent Workdays July 19 & 20, 9am-12noon
Help us move get ready for a new school year! We'll be moving furniture, distributing materials, assembling furniture, and so much more at both North and South campus! Please join us, and let us know you’re coming by to help! You get double hours credit for these days! Sign up here so we know how many to expect! Thanks!
Value of Volunteering
Of course, each of you knows that volunteering is an important commitment that each family makes to our school. We ask each family to volunteer one hour per week for each child enrolled at ABS. We welcome and encourage parents to volunteer in a variety of ways—we know that you are people of many talents! Our volunteers help in the classrooms and with schoolwide projects. Ongoing volunteer opportunities are also posted throughout the year in our Thursday Notes. Check out our Volunteer Handbook to learn more.
ABS Aftercare Program
We are delighted that you’ve chosen the Arts Based School After School Care Program for your child. We look forward to providing a safe and fun filled environment where we focus our efforts on the social, emotional, and physical development of your child.
Please review the 2024-2025 Aftercare Handbook and register with the link below. Email Ashley Tate at [email protected] with any questions.
2024-2025 Aftercare Registration
ABS Bus Service
For the 2024-2025 school year, ABS will offer morning and afternoon bus service with dropoff and pickup locations of: Winston Lake YMCA, Hanes Mall, and Sherwood Plaza. Please review the Bus Guidelines and Information before registering.
Please contact Mr. Cutts at [email protected] with any questions.
2024-2025 ABS Bus Registration
ABS Bus Guidelines and Information
ABS T-shirts-Last day to order!
We are happy to offer a fresh round of Arts Based School t-shirts! All shirts are a soft blended fabric available in youth and adult sizes, choose red, pink or black. Deadline to order is July 12, closes at midnight tonight. All orders will ship to ABS (unless you elect to have them shipped to your home for an additional fee). We will sort orders and have them ready for pick up at Special Visits, August 6th and 7th.
School Calendar and Important Dates
The approved 2024-25 school calendar is available here, on our website, or Student Calendar
Important dates coming up (details below):
- July 24: ABS South Campus Playdate
- July 25: ABS North Campus Playdate
- July 29: New Parent Orientation
- August 12: 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 24 10am-12:30
- South Campus K -2 graders Play Date-Happy Hill Park 1230 Alder St
- July 25 10am-12:30
- North Campus K Play Date- Hathaway Park 301 Anita Dr.
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.
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 lists will be sent to parents mid-July.
New Parent Orientation
Save the Date- Monday, July 29 at 10am for the New K-4 Parent Orientation at ABS. Families from both campuses will have orientation at our North Campus, 1380 N Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr 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-Monday, July 29 at 2pm for Middle School Orientation. For new parents (grade 5-8) and also for parents new to middle school. Families will meet in the middle school courtyard, 107 E 7th St. This program is designed to answer questions about how our middle school program works (grades 5-8) and what to expect.
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 days for Special Visits are August 6 and 7, 2024. Your child’s teacher will be contacting you to schedule a 15-20 minute appointment.
ABS Family Portal Access
Access to our ABS Family Portal will be switching over to new credentials in July for the 2024-25 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.
Around Town…
Join us on July 27th, 2024, for Creative Wellness Community Day 2024, a free and transformational event celebrating the power of the arts and holistic practices in mental and physical health! At United Health Centers @ Peters Creek Parkway, this designated day is intended to motivate, inspire, and unite individuals of all ages in the community. Event is free but registration required.
Ways to get involved and learn more about ABS:
- Follow us on Social Media
- 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