Published for the Arts Based School Community
April 18, 2024
Tribute to Mary Siebert, ABS Arts Director
It is with great admiration and appreciation that we celebrate the work and contributions of Mary Siebert, who has dedicated 22 years of her life to the founding and ongoing success of The Arts Based School. Mary Siebert, our esteemed Arts Director, is retiring, leaving behind an indelible mark on every aspect of our school.
Mary's vision and expertise have been the guiding lights that shaped the school into the vibrant and nurturing haven for artistic expression that we cherish today. Her unwavering dedication has not only transformed our physical spaces but has also left an everlasting impact on the hearts and minds of the students, teachers, and the entire community.
Throughout her tenure, Mary has been a beacon of support for everyone involved in our artistic journey. Her passion for the arts has been contagious, inspiring countless students and teachers to explore their creative potential and discover their unique artistic voices. Mary has not only fostered a love for the arts but has also cultivated an environment where imagination and innovation thrive.
As a champion for the arts, Mary understands the profound power it holds in shaping not only individuals but society as a whole. Her tireless efforts have not only enriched our lives within the school walls but have also contributed to the cultural tapestry of our wider community. Mary's advocacy for the arts for all reflects a deep understanding of its transformative power and the importance of making it accessible to everyone.
As we bid farewell to Mary Siebert, let us express our deepest gratitude for her years of service, dedication, and the immeasurable impact she has had on shaping the very essence of our school. May her retirement be filled with the same joy, inspiration, and artistic fulfillment that she has so generously shared with us over the years.
Congratulations, Mary, on a well-deserved retirement! May your days ahead be as creative and enriching as the masterpiece you've created during your tenure at ABS.
We are collecting stories and well wishes to share with Mary at her retirement party. If you have a story, anecdote, or memory about Mary Siebert that makes you laugh, smile, or feel happiness, please share here.
Student Artists Participants in the Piedmont Environmental Earth Fair
Students in grades K through 12 were invited to participate in the 2024 Piedmont Earth Day Art Contest, sponsored by WXII Channel 12. Ms. Trish submitted poster art from these student artists. These will be on display at the Piedmont Earth Day Fair on Saturday, April 20, 10-4pm at the WS Fairgrounds.
Silas McGee - 1st Paloma Kuzmovich - 3rd Gigi Marlow - 4th
Xander Rogers - 1st Oliver Hampton - 3rd Althea Dickson - 4th
Will Burczyk - 2nd Lily Parsonage - 3rd Beatrice Dickson - 4th
Ava John-Lewis - 2nd Morrison Quilty - 3rd Malcolm Bradshaw - 4th
Roland Drake - 2nd Claire Alderman - 3rd Sierra Lane - 4th
David Duran - 3rd Iris Mann - 3rd Piper Duffala - 4th
Annabelle McGee - 3rd Jonathan Driver - 3rd Reese Maier - 4th grade
Water Bottle Donations Needed
Mrs. Gledhill will be collecting clean, clear plastic water bottles for the 5th grade Earth Day Chihuly project. If you have any bottles to recycle into beautiful art please drop them off at the middle school art room.
End of the Year 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. Your child will 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.
Garden Grant
Thank you to the Garden Club Council of Winston Salem Forsyth County. The Arts Based School was awarded a grant of over $2,000 for adding native pollinators, trees, and shrubs to the Arts Based campus. You will see these new additions installed in the next few weeks. Special thanks to Leah Lavin and Kristen Haaf for their ongoing stewardship and commitment to outdoor spaces at ABS. If you’d like to help spruce up the gardens, please contact Leah Lavin for more information.
ABS Skate Night
The ABS Builders Club is sponsoring a Skate Night on Thursday, April 25, from 6:30 - 8:00 at Skate Haven, 120 Hood Drive in Winston-Salem. The charge is $6.00, which covers the rental of skates. This event funds many charities the ABS Builders Club supports during the year. All are welcome but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Parent Council News
Final Parent Council Meeting for 24-25 will be Friday, May 17th @ 8:30am (ABS North- MLK Cafe)
Parent Council Meeting 04/12/2024 Minutes
Open Parent Council Board positions for the 24-25 school year include:
Teacher Appreciation/Hospitality Co-Coordinator- North (2 open positions)
Teacher Appreciation/Hospitality Coordinator-South
Class Representative Coordinator- South
Social Media Coordinator
Secretary Co-Coordinator
Event Coordinator/s
Nominations can be sent to Katy Whiteheart or Stephanie Smith, voting will occur at the May PC meeting.
We need your help to make Field Day tons of fun! Here's the sign up for class stations. Please email Amanda Davis if you have any questions.
2024 ABS Summer Camps
Did you know there are only 15 days left to register for 2024 Summer Camps? There are new updates for certain camps as well as two Rising Kindergarten Camps! Remember to have everything done by May 3rd (including payment)! *NEW*: Camps are now open to friends and family in the ABS Community! Share the camps with those who are looking for something awesome to do this summer!
Register for 2023-2024 ABS Summer Camps (Click on the title of the camp to register.)
Contact Ashley Tate at [email protected] with any questions.
Ways to get involved and learn more about ABS:
- Follow us on Social Media
- Read and Review the Student/Parent Handbook
- 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