Published for the Arts Based School Community
May 8, 2025
Community Creates! Raises Nearly $40,000 — Thank You!
We are thrilled to report that Community Creates! was a joyful success, raising nearly $40,000 to support ABS’s resident artist programs! These funds will go directly toward enriching our students’ experiences through meaningful collaborations with professional artists in the classroom.
This event was a true community effort, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made it possible. From the beautiful performances and artwork to the shared laughter and conversations, Community Creates reminded us of the magic that happens when our community comes together.
We’d like to express our deepest gratitude to the many people who helped bring this event to life:
- Our talented local artists who donated their time and talent to the auction
- ABS Board members for their leadership and ongoing support
- The Community Creates Committee for their dedication and creativity
- The incredible volunteers, parents, staff, and friends of ABS who gave their time and energy
- And, of course, our wider community for showing up, participating, and celebrating with us
A very special thank you goes to our generous sponsors, whose support made this event possible:
- Wrennie and Elizabeth Pitt
- EMP Law Firm
- Pella
- Salem Counseling/Consulting
- Neal and Kim Foster
- First Citizens
- David Neill
- B Balanced Counseling
- Prestige/Acadia Northstar
- The Snob Shop
- Andy Scott – State Farm Agent
- Wildfire
- Teresa Blackburn
- Raffaldini Vineyards
- The Porch & Alma Mexicana
- Twin City Floral
- Thirsty Buffalo
As we look ahead, we’re already imagining how Community Creates might return next year—possibly as part of ABS’s 25th anniversary celebration. Let’s keep the conversation going and continue building something beautiful together. If you attending the event, please take a moment to provide your feedback! Thanks!
EOG/EOC Retesting Opportunity
We’ve received approval from the Office of Accountability and Testing to offer students who do not score proficient on their EOG/EOC exams one opportunity to retest before the end of the school year. We believe this gives students a valuable second chance to demonstrate what they’ve learned.
To support this, we’ve updated our testing plan. You can view the full plan here:Remediation and Re-administration Details:
- Who is eligible: Students scoring Not Proficient on Reading or Math EOGs.
- Parent permission required: Notification will be sent by email or a printed letter. Students may only retest with parental permission.
- Grouping: Students will be appropriately grouped for retesting
Schedule for Retesting:
- May 22 – 3rd–4th Grade Math Remediation
- May 23 – 3rd–4th Grade Math Retest
- May 27 – 5th–8th Grade Reading & Math Remediation
- May 28 – 5th–8th Grade Math Retest
- May 29 – 5th–8th Grade Reading Retest and 3rd Grade RtA Reading Retake
Please reach out with any questions—we’re here to support your child’s success!
Test Proctors -More 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.
2025 Summer Camps
Registration for summer camps closes on May 9th (TOMORROW)! 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.
Click here for camps who could use a boost!
Click here for all of the summer camps still available (some are full and not listed!)
Parent Council News
The next Parent Council meeting is scheduled for May 16 at 12noon. This will be a virtual meeting.
Teacher Appreciation Week is May 5th- May 9th. Help us show our amazing ABS teachers and staff all the love they deserve! One day left. Check out each day’s idea below!
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.
A Message from Mr. Smitty, ABS Bus Driver
I want to express my deepest gratitude to the staff, parents, and students for the incredible support you’ve shown during my recovery. The Arts Based School is more than just a place to work—it’s a true family.
In the day-to-day hustle, we sometimes forget just how much this community means to each of us. For me, it’s a source of strength, joy, and youthfulness. Being part of The Arts Based School is a privilege I never take for granted.
Thank you again for your kindness, encouragement, and presence in my life during this time. I love you all.
— Mr. Smitty
Around Town…
Springwell Students’ Personality Players Present:
Sparkly Songs and Scenes of Wonder from The Wiz as a fund-raiser for arts programming (cultural field trips, future performances, art supplies, etc.) at Springwell on:
Thursday, May 22nd
Doors open at 6:30 pm
Raffle drawing at 7:15 pm
Performance will begin promptly at 7:30 pm at:
The Arts Based School
Tickets are $30 Tickets can be purchased here:
https://springwellnetwork.org/
Springwell Network, Inc. is a non-profit, United Way member agency that serves adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities and provides Community Navigating services.
Springwell Network, Inc. provides quality residential care and training for adult persons with mental challenges and/or other intellectual developmental disabilities and consistently looks for innovative resources and means for the expansion of services for these individuals. The agency was established in 1974 under the name of Group Homes of Forsyth. The cornerstone of our program is the belief that individuals must be allowed to fulfill their destinies in their own way, at their own pace, according to
their own personalities.