Published for the Arts Based School Community
November 10, 2022
Nov 11: Veterans Day-No School
How We Do It and Why
By Mary Siebert
Here is a word of support for our bus driver, Smitty Marshall. Smitty stepped in generously when our previous bus manager, Milton Rhodes, passed away unexpectedly, two years ago. Smitty immediately took on the tasks of getting our buses to inspections, driving frequently for our classes, and recruiting other drivers, in a time when drivers are scarce. During Covid, he checked frequently on our buses and found a safe place to park them while we waited for our routines to resume. He has taken on the new regular routes with great dedication. Smitty considers ABS a part of his family. Although he drives for other schools, we know for sure that we are his favorite, because he tells us so. He enjoys stopping by before and after a run, to joke for a moment with the staff. He loves looking out for our kids.
Smitty is temporarily out of commission, as he waits for a long-anticipated surgery that will bring him relief and a fresh start. The daily bus routes have been temporarily suspended this week, as we await his recovery. Families who use the bus service will receive additional information and updates about the bus service by email directly. Other drivers, themselves fans of the amiable Smitty, have been stepping in to cover field trips, where possible. We send Smitty all of our best hopes and wishes for a complete and rapid recovery! We miss you, Smitty!
Bus Drivers Needed!
If you have appropriate licensure and training and an interest in driving for The Arts Based School, please email Assistant Principal Yvonne Leab at [email protected]
November Dates:
- Nov 10, 7-8pm: 8th Grade Performance: The Lion King, Jr. at First Pres. Theater Downtown
- Nov 11: Veterans Day (No School)
- Nov 14-18: Parent/Teacher Conferences
- Nov 15, 5-6pm: Open House at ABS South for Prospective Parents
- Nov 15, 5:45pm: ABS Monthly Board Meeting at ABS South
- Nov. 18, 8:30-9:30 am: Parent Council Meeting in MLK Cafe at ABS North and via Zoom
- Nov 18: Early Dismissal for Conferences (11:45 am for K-4, 12 pm for 5-8)
- Nov 21-25: Thanksgiving Break (No School)
Dental Screening
When children have dental problems, their overall health and ability to learn can be seriously compromised. As part of our regular school preventive dental health program, the NC Oral Health Section, Division of Public Health, and Mashica Jefferson-Tobias, BSDH, RDH, Public Health Dental Hygienist for Forsyth County, will conduct dental screenings for children in grades K, 3rd, 5th on November 14th (ABS-North) and November 17th (ABS-South). She will use gloves, mask, flashlight, and will use a new tongue depressor for each child. The screening serves as an educational, positive dental experience and also collects information to help improve the Children’s Dental Health programs. Children who see a dentist regularly will also benefit from the screening for the educational opportunity. A form letter will be sent home to show your child’s results. If you do not want your child included in this dental screening, please send a note to your child’s teacher. If you have any questions, please call Mashica Jefferson-Tobias, BSDH, RDH, at the Forsyth County Health Department at (336) 391-4822.
Volunteer Opportunity!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0a4cafa92daa8-dental
Lost and Found
With fluctuating temperatures, jackets and coats come on and off and often get left behind. Items from the MLK Lost and Found have been displayed on the playground fence. Please have a look when you can… any unclaimed items will be donated this weekend. Thanks!
Double Hours Volunteer Opportunities!
Volunteers needed to move sets, props and costumes! These are high-energy, rewarding tasks that help us produce our beautiful performances. These magical shows do not just magically happen...we rely upon magic-making volunteers!
There are fast-moving, heavy objects involved in these processes, so if you bring your children, we'll have them wait safely in the lunchroom or in the theater seats with supervision. (Please, no infants or toddlers.)
You are invited to log DOUBLE VOLUNTEER HOURS for these tasks:
Tonight! 8:00-9:15 p.m.
Meet onstage at the First Presbyterian theater after the 8th Grade performance of Lion King. We will:
- Load sets, drums, costumes, and props onto the truck, sweep the stage, tidy the dressing rooms
- Meet at the basement doors at ABS to offload into the basement.
Friday, December 16, 8:15-9:45 a.m.
Meet in the Ewing Theater at the MLK building after morning drop-off. We will:
- Move 3rd grade sets to basement storage.
- Move Kindergarten sets from basement into Ewing theater
If you can help with any of these, sign up HERE
We also need one volunteer with a pickup truck and some muscle to please load the debris in the center median of the MLK parking lot (concrete bird feeder, palettes, and bagged trash) and take it to the dump. Thank you! If you can do this, you are welcome to just roll on up anytime that works for you.
Prospective Parent Tours
School tours for prospective parents are scheduled weekly on Thursdays at 9:30am. 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 ext 1023. Applications will be accepted beginning January 1. The lottery will be held the second Tuesday of February. An Open House Tour of South Campus will be held Nov. 15, 5-6pm.
Assistant Principal for the Day
Does your child want a chance to be Assistant Principal for the day? We hold drawings every month at Friday Sing! You can purchase raffle tickets online or in the front office of your campus to give your child a chance to be Assistant Principal of the Day. Assistant Principals have their own desk, name tag, and list of very important duties for the day. All proceeds from the raffle support our teacher appreciation fund and allow us to do special things for our staff throughout the year. Thank you, and good luck!
Around Town
Student Auditions for The Wizard of Oz
Reynolds High School is inviting elementary and middle school students from all over town to audition for their huge 100th year anniversary production of The Wizard of Oz! Auditions are in December, for performances in March. If your child is interested, here are the links:
The Art SHAC is hosting a fall fundraiser Saturday, Nov. 12, from 10 am to 4 pm at The Elberson Fine Arts Center at Salem College. To learn more, visit their website: TheArtSHAC.org.