Published for the Arts Based School Commu
September 5, 2024
How We Do It and Why
By Mary Siebert, ABS Founder, and Former Arts Director
Wake up, Jacob, Day’s a-breakin’!
Peas in the pot and the hoecake’s bakin’.
Early in the morning, almost day;
If you don’t come soon…gonna throw it all away.”
-Cook’s Wake-Up (Traditional American)
Fifth graders lie on the ground, cowboy hats tipped over their closed eyes, imagining a time when only the sounds of nature and the occasional snoring comrade were heard at night. Suddenly, their repose is shattered by the banging of spoon on frying pan, and the “Cook’s Wake-Up”, and with a big “yahoo!” we’re off on another day of the “Cowboys” unit, beginning next week.
The unit is built around historic folk songs, works of art, and frontier history of the cattle drive era of the American “Wild West”, dating from the end of the 19th century. Students learn about the direct connection from the Civil War to the cattle drives and the cattle industry’s role in Reconstruction. They explore cultural changes taking place in the west during that time, how economic factors pushed the cattle onto the prairies, and how technology and over-grazing brought an end to the iconic era.
We focus on these questions:
- How do social factors impact economic ones?
- How do folk songs and visual art serve as primary sources to teach us history?
- Who were the cowboys and cowgirls of the American Wild West?
Daily “rodeos” help students maintain learning about a diverse group of topics including the prairie biome and its creatures, star constellations, African American cowboys and the scarcity of women, influence of Mexican culture, the railroads, supply and demand, transportation, and social customs. More questions are added to this assessment activity each day. By the end of the week, we have us a wing-ding of a rodeo!
Visiting and resident artists are integral to the culture of ABS, and are established in the ABS charter as critical to our mission. Visiting and resident artists in poetry, visual art and the performing arts help students, teachers and their families to experience interaction with the professional arts community as something natural that we all deserve and share; one of the valued benefits of living in our arts-rich area.
Here is an extensive, (but certainly incomplete,) listing of visiting and resident artists whom we have hosted at The Arts Based School since we started in 2002.
We’re excited to announce, Mary Siebert will be back at ABS volunteering her time as a resident artis in the fifth grade classrooms. Ms. Siebert developed and delivered curriculum for the Cowboys unit as part of the Romeo and Juliet on the Border unit of study.
The Mary Siebert Legacy Fund
To honor Mary Siebert’s outstanding legacy, her friends are collecting gifts large and small to ensure that Mary’s influence will be felt for years to come in the place where she dedicated so much of herself. All gifts made to the Mary Siebert Legacy Fund will support the resident artist program that bring learning to life at ABS. For more details and to make a gift, please visit this page.
Stock the Food Bank-East Ward Food Drive
Annually, our Builder’s Club and K-Kids Service clubs work to collect food donations for our local food bank. This year we are working with all schools in the East Ward to make a difference in September (Hunger Action Month). Both ABS campuses are located in the East Ward of Winston-Salem. We’re asking all ABS families to help us collect food donations or make donations. Collections boxes are located at each ABS school building near the offices. For more information see the flyer Stock the Food Bank
T-shirts, Hoodies, and Totes, oh my!
We are happy to offer a fresh round of Arts Based School merch! As requested we’ve added tote bags ($15), hoodies ($30), and long-sleeve t-shirts ($25). Deadline to order is September 20, 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 send them home via Thursdays folders once we receive them!
Grab a Bag Black, Blue, and Lavender
Ready for Fall t-shirts and hoodies!
Parent Council Notes:
Reminder for the PC meeting next Friday 9/13 via zoom at noon.
Please send agenda requests to Katy Whiteheart or Stephanie Smith.
SAVE THE DATE-October 19 for Fall Fest! We are looking forward to an amazing afternoon of community, fun, games, vendors and food. Please join us!
Assistant Principal for the Day Raffle
Does your child want a chance to be Assistant Principal for the day? We hold drawings every month at Friday Sing! 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!
MAP testing continues
ABS uses Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) to assess each student’s academic growth. We will give students in grades 3-8 MAP tests to determine each child’s instructional level and to measure academic growth throughout the school year, and from year to year in the areas of math and reading. Students take the tests on a computer. MAP tests are unique in that they adapt to be appropriate for your child’s level of learning. As a result, each student has the same opportunity to succeed and maintain a positive attitude toward testing. And with MAP tests, we can administer shorter tests and use less class time while still receiving detailed, accurate information about your child’s growth.
After-School Violin Program
We are excited to announce a new after school program for 5th - 8th graders! Former ABS teacher Vivian Mayers will lead a violin class on Mondays after school. Ms. Mayers is a performer and violin teacher, and runs the Salem Suzuki Violin Studio. The class is designed for students with little or no experience on the violin, who are interested in exploring this beautiful instrument. Students will develop a strong technical foundation on the violin, and will have the opportunity to learn and perform music of several different genres throughout the year. A final concert at the end of each semester will allow students to showcase the work they've done as a musical community.
Ms. Mayers will provide information regarding instrument rentals. For the first few classes, no instrument is necessary. An interest meeting and orientation to the program for students and parents will be held on Monday, Sept 9, in Middle School Music Room. Classes will be held on Mondays from 2:40-3:50, with a calendar for the Fall semester distributed at the interest meeting.
Class fee: $20/session (for a total of $220 for the Fall semester). Any questions, please contact Vivian Mayers. Please complete interest form if you would like your child to participate or learn more.
School Calendar and Important Dates
The approved 2024-25 school calendar is available here, on our website, or Student Calendar Here is a copy of the updated Parent Student Handbook