Published for the Arts Based School Community
May 15, 2025
End of Grade Testing (EOG)
It’s that time of year again. The flowers are blooming, the days are longer, and the tests are coming! ABS students in grades 3-8 will be taking the North Carolina End-of-Grade tests during the last ten days of school.
The North Carolina End-of-Grade Tests are designed to measure student performance on the goals, objectives, and grade-level competencies specified in the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. The End-of-Grade tests in reading comprehension and mathematics are administered to students in grades 3-8 as part of the statewide assessment program. End-of-grade tests in science are administered in grades 5 and 8. Math I students in 8th grade take the EOC test.
Parents, please help your child do his or her best by following these guidelines:
- Help your child get 9 hours sleep throughout the weekend and each night before the test.
- Make sure your child eats a healthy breakfast, including more proteins and fewer carbohydrates.
- BE ON TIME to school. Rushing around creates anxiety. Latecomers must take a make-up test.
- Exercise. No couch potatoes, video games, or on-line junkies the week before. Go outside and run and play. You will rest better, think better, and feel better.
- Help them arrive at school with a positive attitude.
The following dates have been adjusted to accommodate remediation and retesting.
Testing Schedule
May 16 EOG Science 5th, 8th
May 19 EOG Reading 3rd-4th
May 20 EOG Math 3rd-4th
May 21 EOG Reading 5th -8th grades
May 22 EOG Math 5th -8th grades, Math I EOC
May 23 EOG Reading 3rd-4th Make Up Tests/Retests
May 23 EOG Science Make Up Tests
May 27 EOG Math 3rd-4th Make Up Tests/Retests
May 28 EOG/EOC Math 5th-8th Make Up Tests/Retests
May 29 Read to Achieve-3rd
May 29 EOG Reading 5th-8th Make Up Tests/Retests
EOG results will be shared with parents at the third trimester conferences.
Retesting Opportunity
We know that every student is capable of great things, and we also understand that sometimes a testing day might not reflect their true abilities—everyone can have an off day. That’s why students who do not demonstrate proficiency on the initial test will have the opportunity to participate in a second round of testing. At ABS, we see this as a supportive chance for students to show what they really know. That said, we also recognize that retesting may not be the right fit for every student, and the decision to participate is entirely up to each family.
Please complete the retesting permission form by Thursday, May 16, if you would like your student to have the opportunity to retest. You must complete a separate form for each child.
Cell Phones and Testing
Just a reminder that cell phones and smart watches are not permitted in any End-of-Grade or End-of-Course test session. All cell phones or devices will be collected prior to each testing session. Students may have a book or magazine, but they may not use any electronic devices. Parents and students may choose to keep all electronic devices at home during testing to avoid any issues.
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.
Fourth Grade Fly Ups
This week our fourth grader students enjoyed a special tour of the middle school building, called 4th Grade Fly Ups. Mr Cutts guides each fourth grade class through their new building showing them the classrooms, the drama room, the band room, and art. They get to know what will feel the same and what will feel a bit different as they move into 5th grade. Exciting times! Don’t worry parents, you’ll get a chance to have middle school orientation in August.
Videos of Performances
You can find videos of this year’s performances at the Family Portal on our website.
End of Year Checklist
- Pick up medications from the front office.
- Be sure all fees and lunch balances are paid.
- Let us know if you will not be returning to ABS next year. If your child is transferring to another school, please let us know where to send your child’s records by emailing Director Hollis [email protected]
- Friday, May 30 is the last day of school, with early dismissal. K-4 dismisses at 11:45. 5-8 dismisses at 12pm.
Field Day
Field Day will be held on Friday, May 30 this year. It’s a half-day and we need volunteers to help the classes run their games. Please contact your class rep if you can help. This is one of the last opportunities of the year to earn volunteer hours. In the event of rain, field day will be canceled.
ABS 8th Grade Graduation
Let’s celebrate our 8th graders! Graduation is scheduled for Thursday, May 29 at 12 noon in the ABS Alex Ewing Theater. Seating is limited to 4 tickets per graduate. Thanks to MIXXER to allowing the use of their parking lot for overflow parking during graduation ceremony.
2025 Summer Camps
Registration for summer camps has closed. Please remember to pay your invoices sent from bill.com. If you need a new invoice sent, please contact Angela Wooten at [email protected]. If you are in need of signing up for a camp and can provide payment on the same day, please email [email protected].
ABS Yearbooks
If you weren't able to order a yearbook and would still like one, Strawbridge will help you online (starting June 1st) and mail it directly to your home address. Use this code: YB30085 There is a $10 shipping charge in addition to the cost of the book. This is available until the end of October.
Parent Council News
The next Parent Council meeting is scheduled for May 16 at 12noon. This will be a virtual meeting.
Shout out to all of our amazing volunteers this year. We thank you for your time and expertise as you support your school!
Around Town…
Lyrics by the Lake- May 18 at Tanglewood Park
Don't miss an unforgettable celebration of music, art, and community this weekend! Lyrics by the Lake is a one-of-a-kind community arts event featuring live musical performances, comedy acts, poetry & spoken word, live painting, food vendors, and an artist market. Event is free but register here for more information.
Rowan Duvall, 6th grader at ABS, is an Irish Dancer and will be performing in an upcoming production of "Grace O'Malley, The Pirate Queen" to be held May 30 & 31 on the Wake Forest University campus. More information about the production can be found on the studio's website.