Published for the Arts Based School Community
April 24, 2025
How We Do It and Why
By Mary Siebert, Founding Arts Director, retired
“The human soul can always use a new tradition. Sometimes we require them.”
― Pat Conroy,
Few productions capture the imagination and spirit of young performers like Disney’s The Lion King Jr. With its powerful themes of identity, community, and the circle of life, this beloved show has become a favorite on school stages across the country. Its vibrant music, striking visuals, and timeless story offer students a rich, meaningful theatrical experience that’s both entertaining and transformative. We’ve discovered that The Lion King Jr. has become a landmark production and tradition for our 8th graders. They’ve known the music, the characters, and the story since childhood. It draws out students who have never performed a leading role before and builds a strong sense of unity and ensemble.
Every year our production team works to provide an immersive performance experience for students. Visiting choreographer Thao Nguyen brings fresh, energetic movement to engage students by adding dynamic layers to iconic numbers like “Hakuna Matata” and “Circle of Life.” Elizabeth Gledhill, our art teacher, created the stunning visuals for our set and this year rebuilt many of the elaborate headpieces, masks, and props. Director Jordan Brown and music director Chris Reichmeier report that this year’s 8th graders are focused, dedicated, and delivering remarkable work. For some, the biggest challenge is simply staying in the game amid busy school days. For others, it’s a chance to stretch their budding artistic identities and discover new talents. For everyone, it’s a moment of connection, creativity, and pride.
We can’t wait to see what magic this group of students brings to the stage tonight with their heartfelt and spirited performance of The Lion King Jr..
Disney’s The Lion King Jr. Will be performed tonight by the entire ABS 8th grade
Where: First Presbyterian Church Worship Center, 200 N. Cherry Street, downtown W-S
When: Thursday, April 24, 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Free, but we welcome your donation to cover theater costs.
Parking: available on the south side of 2nd Street across from the theater, between Marshall and Cherry. There are parking decks across the street on Cherry, as well.
Test Proctors -Volunteers Needed
Thanks to those who have already signed up to proctor our EOG/EOC test sessions in May. We still need many more to cover all the test session on those days. If you can serve as a proctor, please sign up on this proctor form.
ABS DanceFit-Student Fundraiser
Big thanks to all our students, staff and families for making the DanceFit Student fundraiser a huge success. We far exceeded our funding goal by raising over $51,000. Our big ABS Dance Fit is tomorrow! We can’t wait to celebrate with all the students.
Got tickets?
Community Creates – May 3rd!
Don’t miss the return of Community Creates on Saturday, May 3rd from 7-11pm! It’s a fun-filled evening with food from The Porch, drinks from Thirsty Buffalo, 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!
Community Creates Volunteers needed
If you are interested in volunteering for the event, you are able to get a half-price ticket ($25). We need help on Friday afternoon set up, Saturday during event, and Sunday clean up. The list of specifics is on the form.
Sign up here to volunteer
Happy Earth Day!
Our first-grade students have been hard at work studying plants and discovering what they need to grow and thrive. This spring, they’ve had the wonderful opportunity to put their learning into action by helping prepare our garden beds for the season.
Working alongside Misty Luper—an ABS parent, substitute teacher, and member of our aftercare staff—students have gained valuable hands-on experience in gardening. Their enthusiasm and curiosity have truly brought the lessons to life.
We are incredibly grateful for the generous donations of plants and soil from Triad Landscape and Supply Nursery, Lots of Plants Nursery, and House of Plants. Thanks to their support, our young gardeners have had everything they need to get planting.
It’s been an exciting and educational way to celebrate Earth Day and welcome the new season!
2025 Summer Camps
Registration for summer camps closes on May 9th- 15 days! Make sure to look at the updated flier with the current available camps. We still have a couple that need more students to enroll in order to run. Payments for camp will be due by May 9, 2025. You may receive a refund up until May 30th for any changes in schedules. After May 30th refunds will not be given for missed camps. Please email Ashley Tate, [email protected] with any questions.
Check out the updated flyer here!
Parent Council News
New Parent Council Officers were approved at April meeting. Congratulations and thank you to these super volunteers.
- Co-Chairs: Kathleen Stimely (North) & Emily Gregg (South)
- Member-at-large: Stephanie Smith
- Secretary: Open Position
- Still looking for nominations for the 24/25 school year.
- Class Rep Coordinator North: Tabatha Smith
- Class Rep Coordinator South: Sara Morales
- Teacher Appreciation Coordinators North: Amy Wright & Cinda Coe
- Teacher Appreciation Coordinator South: Jill Lane
- Social Media Coordinator: Katherine White
- Event Coordinators: Erin Sorensen & Hanna Jackson
The next Parent Council meeting is scheduled for May 16 at 12noon. This will be a virtual meeting. ABS PC Meeting Minutes 04/14/2025, also available on our website.
Teacher Appreciation Week is May 5th- May 9th. Help us show our amazing ABS teachers and staff all the love they deserve! Check out each day’s idea below!
Message Monday: Have your student write a special letter or thank-you card.
Treat yourself Tuesday : Treat your teacher with something from their favorites list (ex. gift card for their favorite store, self care items, a relaxing candle etc)
Wishlist Wednesday: Surprise your teacher with an item from their wishlist
Thirsty Thursday: Bring in a beverage or gift card to a coffee/smoothie shop OR a yummy treat.
Floral Friday: Have your student pick a flower or bring in a plant for the classroom. Or get creative with seeds for a garden, floral jewelry, or customize a pressed flower bookmark (look for these to come home in Thursday Folders).
Lost & Found
Please check lost and found for items that are anxiously awaiting their return to your student. Any items not claimed by next Friday, 5/2 will be donated.
Parent Council Board
Parent Council is still in need of someone to fill the Secretary position for the 25-26 school year. Please reach out to Katy or Stephanie if you’re interested or have questions.
Around Town…
Spring Theatre and Beth Frack of Frackalicious Studios and Camp Oonie Koonie Cha bring an original production, I Promise, to Reynolds Place Theatre this weekend. What happens when a young child wants one thing, but hasn't really thought about what it means to have that one thing? Young Jessica wants a pet, any pet will do! With help from her friends, parents, grandparents and a few potential pets, Jessica learns what it means to care for an animal. This is a fun, inspiring production with some groovy tunes and a sprinkling of ABS students! Shows are Friday and Saturday at 6:30 PM and Sunday at 2 PM.
Winston Salem Autism Foundation Kid Connect Day-April 26, 9-1 See flyer for more details
Piedmont Earth Fair
You’re invited to the Piedmont Earth Day Fair on April 26 from 10AM - 4PM at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds. Enjoy great food and music, activities for adults and kids, and wonderful earth-friendly exhibitors...all while learning about how you can support a greener city. Thanks to the support of sponsors and community partners, the Piedmont Earth Day Fair is a FREE event, including free parking. Rain or shine.
Meet Sofia Sanchez – Book Signing Event!
Join us for a special Meet & Greet and Book Signing with Sofia Sanchez on Saturday, May 3rd from 10:00–11:00 AM at the Millennium Center in Winston-Salem.
Come say hello, snap a photo, and get your favorite Sofia Sanchez book signed by the author herself!
This event is FREE and open to the public—perfect for families, fans, and anyone inspired by Sofia’s story.