Published for the Arts Based School Community
September 19, 2024
Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon
By Liz Green, Director of Arts and Curriculum
Fairy Tales are some of the most beloved and well-known stories of all time. They herald from every culture all over the world, with many of the “same” stories being told across several different cultures. A recent episode of the Netflix documentary-style series Explained, dives deep into the origins and history of fairy tales. Fairy tales originated as oral traditions meant to entertain and pass on ancestral wisdom from generation to generation. Scholars who trace the origins of fairy tales engage in work similar to that of evolutionary biologists. As they trace the evolution of a story, they encounter many branches and limbs sprouting from all over the world, forming a family tree whose trunk can sometimes be traced back 4,000 to 6,000 years.
Fairy tales follow a predictable structure—involving a hero, a villain, and some magic—and they are a product of the time and place in which they were told. The modern Disney version of Cinderella involves a fairy godmother and a glass slipper, while older versions include magic fish bones, magic bowls, golden shoes, and eagles stealing sandals. Many years ago at The Arts Based School, our first graders performed 3 unique versions of the Cinderella story: Cinduri (India), Cenerentola (Italy), and Yeh Shen (China). Eventually we moved away from performing Cinderella stories with 6-7 year olds, in part because of the story’s tendency to reinforce harmful stereotypes about gender, beauty, and evil stepmothers. These were hard concepts to unpack with students at this age, and we wanted instead to help students focus on the cultural nuances of a variety of fairy tales and folk tales from all over the world.
The Brothers Grimm are two of the most famous names associated with fairy tales. Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm were librarians and folklorists in Prussia (now Germany) in the 1800s. They began traveling the country collecting German folk stories at a time when Napoleon was rapidly expanding his empire and threatening to erase many of their German traditions and culture. The brothers managed to preserve 86 tales in their first written collection published in 1812, and eventually they collected over 210 stories. Most of these original tales are unrecognizably crude and uncivilized, often reflecting the barbarities of their medieval origins. In Grimm’s Cinderella, the stepsisters’ feet are too big for the shoe, so they choose an obvious solution from the time—dismember their feet to fit in the shoes! Meanwhile, a nearby bird sings a rhyming couplet: “Rook di goo, rook di goo, There’s blood in the shoe. The shoe is too tight. This bride is not right!” This same bird returns at the end of the story and rather than gingerly carrying Cinderella’s dress train, as we see in Disney’s Cinderella, the bird attacks the step-sisters.
This year ABS’ 7th graders will perform a new production: The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon. Brothers Grimm is a zany, unpredictable, ensemble-driven, comedic mash-up of several Grimm fairy tales, presented in a highly energetic and interactive manner. Many of the show’s fairy tales are familiar to students and the audience (Cinderella, Snow White, Hansel and Gretel), but this play turns them on their head adding modern interpretations, unexpected twists, and a touch of dark humor. And how do you engage a middle-schooler in new material?—with a lot of drama, a hint of romance, a bit of gore and, of course, plenty of sarcasm and dark humor! Playwright Dan Zolidis does all of this and more in his play. As is traditional for the retelling of fairy tales, Zolidis pays tribute to the Grimms versions, while adding modern day twists and cultural nuance of today. In this same way, adolescents take everything they know from childhood and begin to put their own twist on their life's traditions. With one foot still in childhood and the other foot lunging headlong into adulthood, middle schoolers are learning to find their voice and discovering the world is not all happy endings.
The show is written in the style of Story Theater, a theatrical form that combines elements of improvisation and traditional storytelling. Story Theater involves actors narrating and performing stories, usually folk tales or myths, in a way that blurs the line between narration and action. The actors not only play multiple characters, but they also act as narrators, often switching roles and interacting directly with the audience. The style is challenging as actors must stay in the present moment, while also responding organically to their fellow performers and the audience—which in the theater world is known as “breaking the fourth wall.” Paul Sills, a pivotal figure in the development of this style of improvisational theater, was significantly influenced by the work of his mother, Viola Spolin, who is often considered the grandmother of improvisation and theater games. Fun fact—our very own Mr. Bob studied directly under the late, great Viola Spolin!
The play has obvious connections to 7th grade ELA standards for literature and Social Studies standards of understanding major elements of culture in societies around the world. Yet Story Theater and The Grimm Brothers play connect even more deeply to our 7th Grade Health standards. Health objectives for this age uniquely address mental and emotional health, as well as interpersonal communication and relationships. Students study outcomes of impulsive behavior, stress and anger management, as well as how to discern trustworthiness, mutual respect, and consent in relationships. Story Theater requires students to work together, fostering teamwork and collaborative problem-solving skills—a crucial skill for middle schoolers who are developing their own unique social identities while learning to navigate peer relationships. Taking on different roles and perspectives in Story Theater helps students develop empathy and a deeper understanding of diverse experiences and viewpoints. Story Theater also allows students to explore different characters and narratives, encouraging creativity and expression as they perform for their peers. The improvisational nature of Story Theater helps students build confidence as they take risks, make quick decisions, and adapt stories and characters by adding their own twists to make the narrative more relatable and personal.
ABS Drama teacher, Jordan Brown, worked over the summer to create an edited version of Zolidis’s one-act play for ABS (with permission from the original playwright, of course!). Our ABS version of The Grimm Brothers Spectaculathon includes just the right combination of middle-school-engaging material while remaining PG-appropriate for our family audience. Written in the style of Story Theater, this new show will most certainly challenge and engage our ABS’ middle schoolers while captivating their theater audience. Stay tuned for more details about the show and for ways you can volunteer to help us with the new sets, props, and costumes!
Save the date-Thursday, February 27, 7:00pm SECCA - ABS 7th Grade, The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon
ABS Board Retreat
The Arts Based School is governed by the ABS Board of Directors. This is a voluntary board comprised of community leaders, business people, educators, and parents committed to the success of our school and its mission. The Board of Directors convenes a monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:45 pm at the school. Board meetings are open to the public.
Last Saturday, the ABS Board and School Leadership Team met for the annual Board Retreat. We used our time to dig into the challenges of the school budget and fundraising opportunities, as well as a short tour on the new electric bus exploring the ABS history around Winston-Salem. Thanks to our board members and SLT members for spending their Saturday supporting the school. If you are interested in learning more about our Board of Directors visit our website
Curriculum Night
Thank you to our families and teachers for making our first curriculum night a success! Hopefully, you had the opportunity to learn more about your child’s classroom and what to expect in their education this year. Please consider providing us feedback about the evening in this short survey so we know what works well and what we can improve. Thanks!
Say Something Tip Line and Training
State law (G.S. 115C-105.51) requires public secondary schools (grades 6 and up) to have an anonymous safety tip application available for public safety tips from students and others. The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System (SS-ARS) is a life-saving school safety program that teaches students, educators, and administrators how to recognize the warning signs for individuals who may be at risk of hurting themselves or others and to report this information by going to a trusted adult, calling 911, or using the anonymous reporting system. Our students in fifth grade will receive “Say Something” training in his/her classroom during the next few weeks.
August Raffle winners
Congratulations to our August Asst Principals for the Day- Zora Donegan and Jessica Borrero. Each will spend a day shadowing the Principal and taking the care of the important duties of the day. We hold drawings every month at Friday Sing!
Fall Fest is coming…October 19
The Arts Based School is hosting a Fall Fest and Crafters Market! If you are interested in purchasing a vendor table, please fill out the form . Tables are $25, first come, first serve. Payment can be made at mymealorder.com under Fall Fest. Questions? Please contact Erin Sorenson.
Bookmarks Author visits ABS
We’re excited to host author Caroline Palmer to present to ABS middle schoolers on Friday, September 27. Thank you to Bookmarks for bringing great authors into our community and school. In addition, Bookmarks has donated 160 copies of Camp Prodigy to ABS to ensure that every student that would like a book can receive one at the author visit.
STEAM Club for Grades 6-8
Join Ms. Hoffman and Ms. Gledhill for the exciting launch of our STEAM Club! Our first meeting will be held on October 1st from 3-4pm and will meet every other Tuesday. Whether you're passionate about Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, or Mathematics, this club offers a unique opportunity to explore these fields through fun, hands-on activities and collaborative projects. Make new friends, spark your creativity, and expand your knowledge in a supportive and enthusiastic environment. Don't miss out on this chance to be part of an innovative community. We are asking for a $5 supply donation to cover costs of materials. More information and permission slips will be sent home in Thursday Folders. We can't wait to see you there!
K-Kids Club
Does your child want to make a difference in our school, community, and the world? Your child is invited to join the K-Kids program at the Arts Based School. K-Kids is a service organization and a member of the Kiwanis Family, which sponsors our club. K-Kids provides the opportunity to develop self-esteem, leadership skills, morals and standards, and respect for others. This program involves students (grades 3-5), their parents, teachers, and Kiwanians in community service projects that impact our school, our city, and our global community. With your permission, your child will be inducted to the K-Kids at ABS as well as K-Kids of Winston-Salem. Coach Bri and Ms. Carlisle will be facilitating K-Kids this year. Meetings will be held every Thursday, beginning October 3rd, 7:45am-8:10am in the Ewing Theater (Black Box). If interested, please sign the form provided in their Thursday folders today, and have your child return it with the $2 fee in a labeled envelope, by the end of Tuesday, October 1st.
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!- Last days to order…
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 at midnight. All orders will ship to ABS (unless you elect to have them shipped to your home for an additional fee) on 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:
In case you missed it, here is the Parent Council meeting Recording and Minutes from September 16.
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!
Save the Date: Scholastic Book Fair
We are excited for the return of the Scholastic Book Fair! The fair will take place October 15th-21st. We will have our North Campus Fair in the gym and the South Campus Fair in the Art Room. Book Fair will also be open during Fall Fest! Stay tuned for more information on ways to volunteer and shop during the fair.
Be sure to watch the Thursday Notes, and your student's Thursday packets for information leading up to the fair.
Questions can be directed to Kristen Faulkner at [email protected].
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
Around Town:
Free Hockey Program
The Thunderbirds Hockey team is offering a free program for youth to learn the sport of hockey. All equipment, uniforms and meals will be provided. See flyer for more information.
NICA Team Outreach
Attention parents and students! If you’re passionate about mountain biking or eager to try something new, consider joining the local NC NICA cycling team. It’s a fantastic way for students to stay active, develop new skills, and connect with fellow riders in a supportive environment. All experience levels are welcome—we’d love to have you be part of our biking community! Registration is open to all students 5th - 12th grade and practices are held at Tanglewood, Hobby Park, and Salem Lake. Contact Ian Atchison: [email protected] or Rob Snow at [email protected] for more information!
The annual Salem Bach Festival returns with three free concerts of Bach on September 27, 28 and 29. Learn more at https://www.salembachfestival.com/
Bookmarks Festival of Books
The 19th Annual Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors is less than two weeks away! Visit the website or stop at the bookstore to pick up your festival program and start to plan your day.
On September 28, the 19th annual Bookmarks Festival of Books and Authors will host more than fifty authors in conversations and panels, storytimes, and keynote events in a fun, all-day event for people of all ages. To keep the Saturday events and activities free for everyone, Bookmarks relies on community support. So far, $4,500 has been donated by individuals in our community, but we still have not met our goal. Please consider donating today to help us continue connecting people through the life-changing power of stories! Click here to support the upcoming festival.