Published for the Arts Based School Community
December 19, 2024
Early Dismissal- Friday, Dec 20
K-4 Dismiss at 11:45
5-8 Dismiss at 12 noon
Winter Break- No School Dec 23- Jan 3
Student return January 6
How We Do It and Why
By Mary Siebert, Founding Arts Director, retired
“It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing.” - Irving Mills, for Duke Ellington
For the last several years we have been honored and delighted to receive the gift of early morning swing from the “Jazz Dads”. When kids arrive at the door, still bleary-eyed from tumbling from bed to breakfast to back seat, they slow down as they approach, eyes widening as they hear that unexpected, joyful noise. A combo of volunteers cheer greets them with jazzy versions of Frosty the Snowman and Jingle Bells, and it gives everyone, teachers and students alike, a little zip to their step. They linger and listen, then head off to class with a head full of happiness.
Thanks to our middle school music teacher, Chris Reichmeier for putting together the band this year. The musicians, Chris on drums, Bill Stevens on piano, and John Ray with standup bass brought great music and delight to the middle school building last week.
3rd Grade Performances of “Renaissance Spectacles”
All performances at the Alex Ewing Theater at ABS North
Fletcher: Monday, December 16 12 noon
Paden: Tuesday, December 17 12 noon
Ruffin: Wednesday, December 18 12 noon
Chaney: Thursday, December 19 12 noon
Munoz: Thursday, December 20 10am Early Release Day
Happy Winter Break!
Friday, Dec 20 is "Long Winter's Nap" spirit day. Celebrate the last day before our winter break by wearing comfy clothes (e.g. sweatpants, pajama pants). Please be sure your comfy clothes are appropriate for school. Student participation is optional.
School Calendar 2025-26
The ABS Board of Directors is considering the school calendar for 2024-25. If you would like to review the updated Draft A calendar and Draft B calendar provide feedback, please respond to this form.
School Calendar Considerations
- 1050 hours of instruction
- Draft A starts school August 13, Draft B starts school August 11
- Major breaks coincide with WS/FC schools
- Trimester system allows teacher workdays to coincide with parent/teacher conferences
- Snow Make up days are built into calendar throughout the school year
- Gather input from teachers, staff, and parents
High School Information Night
Thanks to our counselor, Ms. Carlisle for putting together a great information session about the transition to high school. We had over a dozen local high school representatives here last night to provide details and support to families with students entering high school next year. Here is the slideshow she prepared in case you missed it.
Parent Council Notes:
PC Virtual Meeting Recording- recording from Dec 13.
ABS PC Meeting Minutes 12/13/2024.
Thanks to Erin Sorenson for creating and coordinating an “ABS window” for the Cardinal Hotel Holiday Window Display Contest on 4th St. We received 283 votes to grab first place! Our prize is $500 earmarked for teacher appreciation treats.
Thanks to the Parent Council for providing sweets and treats for our teachers and staff this week!
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.
December Raffle Drawing
Congratulations to our Assistant Principal Raffle Winners for December, Olivia Ellison, Margot Bongel at South Campus and Addy Hoffman at North Campus.
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. Applications will be accepted beginning January 1. The lottery will be held the second Tuesday of February.
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).
Around Town…
Daniel Marks Celebration of Life
ABS students are invited to attend the event “Daniel Rocks” on December 21st at FirstHand Climbing gym. Daniel Rocks will be a celebration of the life of ABS student Daniel Marks and a way to introduce young people to bouldering (indoor climbing) - an activity Daniel greatly enjoyed.
Daniel, who played young Simba in last year’s production of “Lion King”, was beloved by many at ABS. He passed away this summer after a long battle with cancer.
“Daniel Rocks” will feature several of the things that Daniel loved. There will be a tie dye station and a mac & cheese cook-off. Come try out climbing on lots of easy routes, learn from experienced climbers, all while listening to some of Daniel’s favorite rock tunes.
The event is from 11am-2pm on December 21st and new kid climbers climb for free. A waiver must be completed and can be done online at https://www.firsthandclimbing.com/ or at the gym, which is located close to North campus at 1024 N Chestnut Street.
Contact Kate at [email protected] with any questions.
Please come to Daniel Rocks and share this invitation with other young persons in the Triad who might be interested!