Coronavirus Information
The N.C. Department of Public Instruction reports numerous inquiries from schools and parents regarding the coronavirus and its potential impact on schools. DPI is aware of the concerns about this developing public health emergency. While the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared this particular coronavirus a public health emergency, it is important to stay focused on the facts surrounding the virus.
Thus far there are no cases in North Carolina. The flu infects and results in many more deaths every year than we are currently discussing with 2019-nCoV. The symptoms presented look much like a cold or early flu, and schools are being advised to follow their same policies and procedures in place for responding to other communicable diseases.
DPI advises schools should be continuing with their regular reminders about cough and hand hygiene for students and following their policies for those determined to be ill at school, regardless of cause. Schools are also encouraged to consult with their local health department’s communicable disease staff or health director as an important resource. DPI is in close contact with NC Public Health and the Department of Health and Human Services and will be discussing and planning for the possibility of additional steps if the situation changes.
DHHS has provided this information:
- Currently, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in North Carolina.
- For more information on COVID-19, please visit the CDC’s website at cdc.gov/coronavirus. North Carolina resources can be found on the Division of Public Health website at ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus.
If members of the public have questions or concerns, call the COVID-19 Helpline toll free at 1-866-462-3821. To submit questions online, go to www.ncpoisoncontrol.org and select “chat.”
Additional and up-to-date information can be found here:
https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/cd/diseases/2019nCoV.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/index.html
Romeo & Juliet on the Border will be performed tonight: Thursday, February 27 at 7:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Worship Center theater, at 200 N. Cherry Street. Admission is free, and a free-will offering will be taken.
Volunteers Needed to strike the set and load it into the truck after the show, on Thursday, February 27 at 8:15, then meet at ABS to load the pieces into the basement. We usually finish before 9:00 p.m.
Yearbook Ordering
Last year we sold out of yearbooks AND sold out of our reprint! Make sure you have your copy by ordering today! Orders can be placed by visiting the Strawbridge website at http://www.strawbridge.net/ and clicking the red “Order Pictures and Yearbooks” button at the top of the page. The price is $22 and our school code is YB106312.
Summer Camp registration is now OPEN to ABS families. Be sure to visit our website to register your child while spaces are still available.
Conference Time is Coming
Soon your child’s teacher will be setting up conferences to discuss your child’s progress. Students attending the Arts Based School are assessed using a portfolio system in place of the traditional report card. The portfolio is designed to illustrate a student’s academic growth and successes as well as guide the teacher in planning appropriate instruction. Teachers at ABS do not issue letter grades. Teachers use observation, interviews, analysis of student work and performance tasks to assess student understanding. Examples of student work, as well as other objective standards of assessments are incorporated into the student’s portfolio to give an enhanced portrait of the student’s progress. These portfolios will be discussed and presented to parents during the Student-Teacher-Parent conferences. Please be sure you schedule and attend your conference so that you can support your child’s learning.
Conference Days
- March 6- Early Dismissal
- K-4 Dismiss at 11:45
- 5-8 Dismiss at 12 noon
- March 9 No School
Money Due Friday for Read to Feed!
Are we buying a heifer? A water buffalo? Two goats? It’s up to you! The money is due for Read to Feed. Make sure you have gotten your sponsors and read your books in order to raise money for sustainable family businesses in some of the poorest countries in the world. Checks should be made out to Heifer International.
No Chess Club March 3!