Published for the Arts Based School Community
July 3, 2025
First Day of School - Monday, August 11 (Staggered entry for Kindergarten)
Summer Fun and Transitioning Back to School
Although we have several more weeks of summer, we are all preparing for the new school year. For our students, summer is a great time to enjoy family and new adventures. Here are some ideas as we transition through summer and get ourselves ready for another great school year.
Embracing Summer Fun
Summer is a special time for students and families to relax, explore, and create lasting memories. Whether you're spending time at the beach, visiting relatives, or simply enjoying the long, sunny days at home, I encourage you to make the most of this season. Here are a few ideas you might try:
- Outdoor Adventures: Nature walks, picnics, and trips to local parks can be both fun and educational. Encourage your children to observe their surroundings and ask questions about the natural world.
- Reading Together: Summer is an excellent time to cultivate a love for reading. Visit your local library, choose books that interest your child, and set aside time each day to read together. This will help maintain their literacy skills and foster a lifelong passion for books.
- Creative Projects: Engage your child in creative activities such as arts and crafts, cooking, or building projects. These activities not only keep them entertained but also develop their problem-solving skills and creativity.
- Family Time: Use this time to strengthen family bonds. Play board games, have movie nights, or plan family outings. These moments create cherished memories and reinforce the importance of family connections.
Preparing for the New School Year
As summer begins to wind down, it's important to start thinking about the transition back to school. Here are some tips to help your child smoothly adjust to the new school year:
- Establish a Routine: Gradually reintroduce a school-year routine, including regular bedtimes and wake-up times. This will help ease the transition and ensure your child is well-rested and ready to learn.
- School Supplies and Organization: Start gathering school supplies early to avoid the last-minute rush. Involve your child in organizing their materials. Supply lists will be available when class placement lists are published.
- Open Communication: Talk to your child about their feelings regarding the upcoming school year. Address any concerns they may have and share positive aspects to build excitement and confidence.
- Attend School Events: Keep an eye out for any back-to-school events, including splash pad playdates, special visits, and orientation sessions. These are great opportunities for your child to familiarize themselves with the school environment and meet their teachers and classmates.
Looking Forward to a Bright School Year
At ABS, we are committed to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment for your child's growth and development. We have been working diligently over the summer to prepare for an exciting and successful school year. Our dedicated staff is eager to welcome your child back to school and support their academic and personal achievements.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Wishing you and your family a joyful and memorable remainder of the summer. We look forward to seeing you all soon!
ABS Aftercare Program
We are delighted to offer the Arts Based School After School Care Program for your child at both North and South Campuses! We look forward to providing a safe and fun filled environment where we focus our efforts on the social, emotional, and physical development of your child.
Please review the 2025-2026 Aftercare Handbook and register with the link below. Email Ashley Tate at [email protected] with any questions.
2025-2026 Aftercare Registration
ABS Bus Service
For the 2025-26 school year, ABS will offer morning and afternoon bus service with dropoff and pickup locations of: Winston Lake YMCA, Hanes Mall, and Sherwood Plaza. Please review the Bus Guidelines and Information before registering.
Please contact Mr. Cutts at [email protected] with any questions.
2025-2026 ABS Bus Registration
ABS Bus Guidelines and Information
ABS T-shirts-8 days left to order!
We are happy to offer a fresh round of Arts Based School t-shirts! All shirts are a soft blended fabric available in youth and adult sizes.. Deadline to order is July 11, closes at midnight tonight. All orders will ship to ABS (unless you elect to have them shipped to your home for an additional fee). We will sort orders and have them ready for pickup at Special Visits, August 5th and 6th.
ABS Summer Camps
Only 5 spots remaining in our ABS Kindergarten summer camp with Mrs. Nicole Londono and Mrs. Rosy Warren-Windfelder! Rising Kindergarten students will explore our classrooms, make new friends, and engage in exciting activities like painting, oil pastels, watercolor, and games that combine literacy, math, bubbles, and playdoh. It’s a great way for your child to get familiar with their future learning space while having fun in a hands-on, enriching environment.
*If you are interested as a new kindergartner OR returning kindergartner, or new to ABS in general, please contact Ashley Tate to register at [email protected]. The cost is $250 per student for the week of July 7th-July 11th and the camp runs M-F, 9am-2pm.
School Calendar and Important Dates
The approved 2025-26 school calendar is available here, on our website or Student Calendar
Important dates coming up (details below):
- July 12: Parent Workday
- July 22: ABS North Campus Playdate
- July 23: ABS South Campus Playdate
- July 28: New Parent Orientation
- August 11: First Day of School (Staggered Entry dates for Kindergarten)
Calling All Volunteers! Help Us Get Ready for a Great New School Year!
As we continue to grow, especially with the exciting addition of fourth grade at our South Campus, we need your help! We’ll be relocating the library and several classrooms to create space, and we couldn’t do it without our amazing community.
We’re looking for parent volunteers to help on Saturday, July 12, 9am-12noon us move furniture, distribute materials, assemble shelves and classroom items, and more, at both North and South Campuses. Whether you can lift heavy things or lend a hand organizing, many hands make light work, and every bit of help makes a difference!
Double volunteer hours will be credited for your time during these moving days. Let us know you’re coming by signing up here.
ABS Family Portal Access
Access to our ABS Family Portal switched over to new credentials for the 2025-26 school year on July 1. Currently enrolled families will receive login information via email. The ABS Family Portal is your source for a great deal of information that is not publicly available on our website, including class lists, a family directory, links to videos of our past productions, and more.
Ways to get involved and learn more about ABS:
- Follow us on Social Media
- Catch up on Thursday Notes you may have missed
- Explore the ABS website
- Make sure we have best contact information so that you receive all communications