Published for the Arts Based School Community
April 3, 2025
Piedmont Environment Alliance visits ABS
This week, Mrs. Hoffman’s science classes hosted the Piedmont Environmental Alliance’s (PEA) Every Drop Counts and Energy Explorers presentations. This annual partnership brings locally focused environmental education to our students, inspiring them to make environmentally sustainable and socially responsible choices.
The 7th Grade "Energy Explorers" presentation focused on energy conservation and the benefits of renewable resources. Using the train that regularly passes ABS as a real-world connection, students explored how energy reaches our classrooms and compared renewable energy sources to fossil fuels. Hands-on demonstrations included powering a turbine with wind, analyzing the energy efficiency of different holiday lights, and generating electricity by riding a bike. By learning about "energy vampires" that waste electricity in schools and homes, students gained practical strategies to reduce energy consumption in their daily lives.
The 8th Grade "Every Drop Counts" program emphasized the importance of water conservation. Students discovered that less than 1% of the Earth's total water is available for human use and explored how climate change affects this vital resource. Through an interactive lab, they examined where our water comes from and learned actionable steps to prevent water waste and protect water sources from pollution.
For those looking to take environmental action beyond the classroom, don’t miss the 20th Annual Earth Day Fair, hosted by PEA on Saturday, April 26th, from 10 AM to 4 PM. This free, family-friendly event features activities, vendors, debates, and demonstrations—all focused on sustainability and conservation.
Special Performance of Carnival of the Animals
We are excited to invite kindergarten and first-grade students to a delightful piano concert next Thursday featuring selections from Carnival of the Animals, a charming musical suite composed by Camille Saint-Saëns. This special performance will take place at the Ewing Blackbox Theater and will be brought to life by talented pianists Marti Bessinger, ABS South music teacher, and Carmine Mann (an ABS mom), with engaging narration by Mary Boudreault, ABS North music teacher.
Written in 1886, Carnival of the Animals is a whimsical and imaginative piece that takes listeners on a musical journey through the animal kingdom. Saint-Saëns originally composed this work as a bit of fun, and it was meant to amuse his friends. However, it has since become one of his most beloved compositions, especially among children. The suite features fourteen short movements, each depicting a different animal through playful melodies and expressive instrumentation. From the graceful “Swan” to the lively “Aquarium” and the humorous “Tortoises,” each piece paints a vivid picture of the creatures it represents.
For this performance, the narration will follow a script by poet Jack Prelutsky, adding a lyrical and entertaining touch to the music. Students have been learning about Saint-Saëns and Carnival of the Animals in music class, making this a wonderful opportunity to experience the piece in a live setting. The event will last under 30 minutes and will include a brief instructional segment along with a Q&A session, allowing students to deepen their understanding of the music and its composer.
Wake Forest University Students Collaborate with ABS
Wake Forest University Education students are teaming up with ABS for an exciting opportunity to observe and learn from our K-6 classrooms! As part of their methodology lab, these future educators will focus primarily on classroom management while also exploring arts integration, instructional design, and disciplinary literacy.
During their visits, Wake students will observe everything from preparation and instruction to transitions, lunch, and more. We appreciate the opportunity to work with future educators.
Dance Fit Fundraiser for ABS
The day is here! You can now sign up for our The Arts Based School Dance Fit! Our goal is to raise $30,000 for Supporting our kids, strengthening our school, and building brighter futures together. Signing up is easy and free!
⭐️ Sign Up Now On MYBOOSTER.COM ⭐️
Thank you for working with us to make our school stronger. We are grateful for your support!
Follow our social pages for updates on our fundraiser.
Key Dates to Remember:
💻 Sign up online OPEN at MyBooster.com – Start TODAY!
🎉 Fundraiser Kickoff in school – 04/15/2025
👟 Event Day – 04/25/2025
*Need help signing up? Video instructions HERE
Kids STEAM Night Out
Join Mrs. Hoffman and Mrs. Gledhill for an evening of science, technology, and art fun Saturday, April 12th, 5:30-8:30pm! Dinner will be served. All proceeds will benefit the ABS STEAM Club. The cost is $30 per child, $25 for additional siblings. Spots are limited- Registration begins Friday, 3/28. Open to any ABS Student K-8.
Sign Up- https://bit.ly/aprilsteamnight
2025 ABS Summer Camps-Only 36 days left!
Several of our camps are already full so be sure to snag your spot soon! In one week, students in the community will be able to join our summer camps. Please follow the link below to view all of our amazing camps and register. Click on the description of the camp that you would like to register for and fill out the Google Form. Invoices will be sent in the coming weeks following registration to secure your spots! Check out the FAQ at the bottom of the flyer for important information!
2025 Summer Camp Registration
Contact Ashley Tate at [email protected] with any questions.
National School Lunch Program at ABS-Updates
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we transition to this new system. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don’t hesitate to reach out to [email protected], and we will be happy to assist you! See FAQ for more details.
Community Creates – May 3rd!
Join us for the return of Community Creates on Saturday, May 3rd from 7-11pm! It’s a fun-filled evening with dinner from The Porch, drinks, friends and some outstanding artwork! All proceeds from the event support our Artist-in-Residence program (think Mr. Bill, Mr. Bob, Diana Greene, Thao Nguyen and many others!). Tickets on sale now at Eventbrite!
We would like to offer our great thanks to our Community Leader Sponsors Elliot Morgan Parsonage PLLC and Wrennie & Elizabeth Pitt. Visit EMP at https://emplawfirm.com/. Thank you for your generous support!
News from Parent Council
The next PC Meeting will be Monday April 14th at 8:30AM in person (and on zoom). May’s meeting is schedule for Friday 5/16 at 12pm on Zoom
If you have any announcements, questions or concerns that need addressing prior to the next meeting, please send those to Katy Whiteheart or Stephanie Smith.
We would like to open nominations for all positions on the 2025-2026 Parent Council. Nominations can be made on this form. We do have existing members staying in many positions, so the biggest need is for the following four positions:
- Co-Chair from South Campus
- Secretary
- Teacher Appreciation Coordinator from South Campus
- Event Coordinators (we have coordinators staying on, but can use more)
Save the Date: Final Friday Sing (on a Wednesday) May 14
oth campuses will enjoy a Final Friday Sing at 10:00 on Wednesday, May 14. This will be outdoors at both campuses, and parents are welcome to attend.
North campus is K-8 with favorite songs chosen by the 8th grade graduates, in the 7th Street courtyard.
South campus is K-3 in the playground.