Published for the Arts Based School Community
May 22, 2025
No School-Memorial Day Monday, May 26
How We Do It and Why
By Mary Siebert, Founding Arts Director, retired
Arts education isn’t something we add on after we’ve achieved other priorities, like raising test scores and getting kids into college. It’s actually critical for achieving those priorities in the first place. - Michelle Obama
There is a lot about ABS that makes us different from other public schools. But that defining word, “public,” means that we share certain absolutes with traditional schools. For example, we teach the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. We can approach these goals creatively, and we do, when it’s effective. But we take exactly the same end-of-grade tests that other public schools take.
We are interested in nationwide efforts to correct biases in testing. We are aware of changing practices at the college level, inspired by indications that standardized tests may not be the most accurate measure of learning or potential, but as a state-supported school, we do what is required of us, as well as we possibly can. Our staff follows all detailed testing requirements.
What we can be creative about, where testing is concerned, is our attitude! And for that...we have a leg up. How do we prepare for this important assessment time, where the mood of our school is so different from our typical, upbeat, spirited energy? First, we learn the material as well as possible, just as a musician prepares by studying, practicing, and practicing again. Next, we learn the regulations of the test, just as a fine artist learns the requirements of a juried art show before sending in her work for consideration. We might practice breathing techniques to remain calm and focused, just as an actor or spoken word artist does in the wings, before a demanding entrance. We trust our training and fly, just as a dancer does when the music cues them to begin.
Performances and tests are similar in many ways. They feel very different from rehearsals. Maybe your most inspired singing occurs at home in the shower, but you focus and bring your best to the stage. Maybe you make a mistake here and there on the test, but you focus and do your very best on each question and persevere to the end.
The adults around our students, both teachers and families, set the tone. We like to think of testing as an exciting time to try our skills. We tell our students “You can do this!” We make sure they are rested, fed, watered, and ready to go. We know this is just one test on one day. They are full of ideas and intellect and skills that will keep growing after test day, and their skills as artists will progress after performance day. It’s just a moment in a lifelong flow.
EOG Testing Schedule continues
May 23 EOG Reading 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.
EOG Science Scores Delayed
EOG Science Scores for fifth and eighth grade will be delayed until late summer due to the implementation of the new North Carolina Science Standard Course of Study and Extended Content Standards, adopted by the State Board of Education (SBE) in July 2023 and rolled out in the 2024–25 school year. As a result, new science assessments for grades 5, 8, and biology were developed and administered. The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) must now process test data and conduct analyses, including standard setting workshops in summer 2025 to determine new academic achievement levels. These recommendations will be presented to the SBE for approval in August 2025, after which schools will release student scores and Individual Student Reports. We appreciate your patience and commitment to accurate student performance reporting. For questions or concerns, please contact Director Robin Hollis.
Student Survey Results
Each year, we conduct a student survey (grades 2-8) to gauge our success from our students’ perspectives. We also use these results to understand what’s working and what’s not working as well as we’d like. See results here.
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].
Parent Council News
May 16 Recording ABS PC Meeting Minutes 05/16/2025
The Parent Council board has finished the By-Laws revision. Please review and send any questions/comments to Parent Council Chairs-Kathleen Stimely/Emily Gregg. Parent Council will plan to vote/adopt at the August Parent Council meeting. The May 2025 revision can be found here.
Around Town…
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.