ABS Thursday Notes - July 10, 2025

Published for the Arts Based School Community

July 10, 2025

 

First Day of School - Monday, August 11  (Staggered entry for Kindergarten)

 

North Carolina Schools, Including the Arts Based School, Transitioning to Infinite Campus

We’re excited to announce that all North Carolina public schools—including the Arts Based School—will be moving from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus for our Student Information System (SIS). Infinite Campus is a modern, comprehensive platform that will handle everything from attendance and grades to schedules and communication, providing a more streamlined experience for staff, students, and families.

What is Infinite Campus?
Infinite Campus is a leading SIS used in school districts across the country. It offers an all-in-one solution for managing student records, grades, attendance, communication, and more. The system is known for its user-friendly interface, powerful tools, and real-time updates, making it easier for everyone to stay informed.

Why the Change?
The statewide move to Infinite Campus aims to unify systems across all North Carolina schools. By consolidating information and tools into a single platform, we hope to improve efficiency, accuracy, and communication among staff, students, and families. Infinite Campus also releases regular updates and enhancements to keep the system current and secure.

Staff Training Underway
Our staff will participate in training sessions this summer to learn how to use Infinite Campus effectively before the start of the 2025–2026 school year. These sessions will cover essential tasks like taking attendance, entering grades, updating schedules, and using communication features. We’re committed to making sure our teachers and staff are comfortable and confident with the new system so we can continue to provide the best possible support for our students.

Parent Access Coming Soon
One of the exciting features of Infinite Campus is the Campus Parent Portal. Parents and guardians will soon have access to a secure online portal and mobile app where they can view their child’s attendance, update contact information, and more—all in real time. This will make it easier than ever to stay connected with your child’s education.

More Information to Come
We know families will have questions about the new system, and we’ll be sharing more details soon, including instructions for accessing the parent portal and tips for navigating Infinite Campus. Please keep an eye on your email and our school website for updates.

We’re looking forward to this transition and the many benefits it will bring to our school community!

 

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 Handbook

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-Last days 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.

Place your orders here! 

 

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.

 

Who’s My Teacher?

Classroom teachers met with the grade level team before school was out to create the class rosters for next year.  They use all that they know about your child’s academic, social, emotional, and behavioral qualities to determine which classroom is the best match.   Class placement lists will be posted on the Family Portal  Thursday, July 10 EOD.  Parents will receive an email with Family Portal access credentials.

 

New Parent Orientation

Save the Date- Monday, July 28 at 10am for the New K-4 Parent Orientation at ABS.  Families will attend orientation at the campus of their enrollment.  This program is designed specifically for new families in grades K-4th at ABS to support your transition into ABS and to answer your questions.  Please mark your calendars and join us!

 

Middle School Orientation

Save the Date-Monday, July 28 at 2pm for Middle School Orientation.  For new parents (grade 5-8) and also for parents new to middle school.  Families will meet in the middle school courtyard, 107 E 7th St.  This program is designed to answer questions about how our middle school program works (grades 5-8) and what to expect.

 

Special Visits

Educational research shows that the relationship between the student and his or her teacher is one of the most important factors in a student’s academic success.  This critical relationship is enhanced by our small class size and our educators’ commitment to children.  In support of the teacher/student relationship, our teachers will be offering a Special Visit before school begins.  A Special Visit is simply an opportunity for your child to meet his or her teacher in a familiar setting, a chance to learn a bit about the class and what to expect in the coming school year.   This year’s scheduled days for Special Visits are August 5 and 6, 2025.  Your child’s teacher will be contacting you to schedule a 15-20 minute appointment when they return from summer break, after August 1st.



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

 

 

 

Published