Published for the Arts Based School Community
August 15, 2024
How We Do It and Why
By Mary Siebert
"In order to create, there must be a dynamic force, and what force is more potent than love?" - Igor Stravinsky
Welcome, familiar friends and new ones! Our first day of school breezed by smoothly, in the classrooms and hallways. There was joy in the air! I am the Arts Director at the Arts Based School, and nearly every Thursday you will find an article from me about our unique methods, the research supporting our philosophy, and inspirational moments in the classroom and school community.
We believe that our approach “levels the playing field” so that your child has many options for appropriately challenging learning and accomplishment. We continually assess and reconsider our work with this important goal: helping your child become a successful student who loves learning. We focus on meeting each child where they are, and moving forward from there. Beyond that, we want our students to become confident, inspired, curious, creative problem-solvers. We need your partnership in this endeavor as well. Based on current research, here is how you can give your child the opportunities they desire and deserve. Make sure your child:
- Gets 10 hours of sleep every night. (That’s right…TEN!)
- Eats a nutritious breakfast every morning, avoiding sugary foods.
- Brings a healthy snack and a water bottle, every day.
- Arrives at school on time, and avoids early departure.
- Gets outside and exercises after school and on weekends.
- Has clear expectations and supervision of your child’s screen time and social media
- Reads at home daily. (Read aloud together!)
- Talks with you about school and enjoys your help with learning, daily.
- If your child takes medication, administer it appropriately and consistently. Make sure you send any meds, even cough drops, to the front office of your building with a medication form completed by the doctor.
- Even on difficult mornings, send your child off with a hug and loving words.
No amount of creative, dedicated, brilliantly-taught lessons or technology can replace the love and care you provide. Please, partner with us to make your child’s year at ABS the best it can possibly be, and we pledge to do the same!
Note: Mary Siebert, our Arts Director retired last year. You will see and feel her presence throughout our school because she was one of the founders and creators of the Arts Based School. With her permission, we continue to publish some of her wise words and philosophical musings in Thursday Notes.
Helpful Links and Reminders:
- Have you filled out your required student form in Enrollease? Please complete these ASAP!
- If you are new to ABS, please download the app PikMyKid for our dismissal process. You should have received your car tag and Pikmykid number at Special Visits.
- Please register in HelpCounter to keep track of your hours and learn about opportunities to support your class and school.
Activity Fee
ABS is publicly funded and free to all students. We ask families to contribute a $40 activity fee each year to help cover the costs of our field trips, special arts activities, and more. You can pay your Activity Fee by check or at your MyMeal Acct. Families qualifying for free/reduced lunch are exempt from this charge.
North Carolina Vaccine-Specific Requirements
The North Carolina General Statutes (G.S. 130A-152(a)) require immunizations for every child present in this state. Every parent, guardian or person in loco parentis is responsible for ensuring that their child(ren) receive required immunizations. Here’s the NCDHHS website for more information about school immunization requirements. If you have specific questions regarding your child, please contact your child’s health care provider or your local health department.
Kindergarten, 7th grade students, and any students new to the school system who are not compliant with state immunization requirements will not be permitted to attend school after 30 days. Please turn in all immunization documentation by September 20, 2024 .
Parent Council
Our first Parent Council Meeting of the year will be held on Friday 8/16 at 8:30am at the MLK North cafe. A zoom link for those preferring to attend virtually. Here is the agenda.
After School Band and Percussion
After School Music Clubs (6th- 8th grade only) will begin the week of August 26.
Band Club will help students advance as musicians, prepare for high school marching or symphonic ensembles, or just have fun making great music together. Mr. Reichmeier will work with students in the 7th Street music room from 3:00-3:45 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There is no fee to participate, but your child must rent or own their instrument. There is no limit to the number of participants who may enroll in after school band. If you would like to participate, please complete the following survey.
World Percussion Ensemble
Mr. Reichmeier will teach a variety of percussion skills including West African djembe drumming, Afro-Cuban drumming and singing, and Brazilian samba drumming. Instruments will be provided (but will remain at school.) All 6th-8th students are welcome to participate.
Schedule:
Mr. Reichmeier will work with students from 3:00-3:45 pm as follows:
- Tuesdays and Thursdays - Band
- Fridays - World Percussion Ensemble
Openings at First Grade South Campus
We have a few spots open at the South Campus in first grade if you know of someone trying to get into ABS. Please spread the word. If interested, apply for an open spot by completing the Lotterease lottery application for 1st grade South Campus. These spots are first come first serve.
ABS Aftercare Program
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 in our Aftercare Program.
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
Mad Science Program- K-5
Mad Science is coming to Arts Based Elementary School North & South! Kids will unbox the surprising world of science as they discover a new STEM topic in each class!
In this program, kids learn about several specialized areas of science, including forensics, geology, meteorology, entomology, and mechanical engineering. They gain foundational science knowledge that will help them in their future science endeavors. See more in this fun video!
Mad Science will run on Wednesdays from September 10-October 29 from 2:30-4:00. The cost is $132 per student.
Register here for Mad Science Club for North or South Campus!
Crazy Running Program- NEW K-4 AND 5-8!
October 7th-December 2nd
We’re all about sparking a lifelong love for fitness in our young athletes! Our coaching style is all about blending fun with fitness, ensuring our kiddos are learning essential skills while having a blast. From drills to plyometrics, we’re shaping not just runners, but strong, resilient athletes with a burning passion for the sport. Let’s get them moving, improving, and achieving their best!
North Campus: K-4 on Mondays 2:45-3:45, 5th-8th Tuesdays 2:45-3:45
South Campus: K-4 on Mondays 2:45-3:45
Cost: $120, includes training, t-shirt, and season ending Mistletoe 5K Race & Fun Run
Register at crazyrunning.com today- spots fill up fast!
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