Published for the Arts Based School Community
Sept 25, 2025
The Value of Baseline Data in Supporting Student Growth
At ABS, we know that every child’s learning journey is unique. One of the best ways we can support our students is by gathering baseline data at the beginning of the school year. Baseline assessments give teachers a clear picture of each child’s starting point so that instruction can be tailored to meet individual needs. By using this data thoughtfully, we can ensure that every student is challenged, supported, and given opportunities to grow.
State and School Assessments
ABS students participate in all state-required testing, including:
- Beginning of Grade (BOG) Reading Test – All third graders in North Carolina take this assessment, which provides a baseline measure of reading skills and helps identify students who may need additional support in order to pass the End of Grade test. Testing accommodations are available for students with IEPs, and make-up tests are given for any child who is absent.
- mCLASS Reading (K–3) – As part of the Read to Achieve legislation, students in kindergarten through third grade complete this reading assessment three times a year (September, January, and May) to monitor early literacy development.
In addition to state-required tests, ABS administers MAP testing in math and reading for students in grades 3–8. These computer-based tests adapt to each student’s learning level, creating a more positive testing experience. They provide benchmark data at the beginning of the school year and allow us to track academic growth throughout the year.
How Teachers Use the Data
Teachers met during the first week of October to discuss and review student test data. To make this possible, the school provides substitute teachers so classroom teachers have uninterrupted time to analyze results. These data review days are essential opportunities for teachers to:
- Identify each child’s strengths and areas for growth.
- Plan lessons and activities that target specific skills.
- Create flexible groupings so students can receive instruction that meets them where they are.
- Share strategies and collaborate to ensure all students are on track to meet achievement goals.
Why It Matters
Baseline data is not about labeling or limiting students—it’s about opening doors. By starting the year with a clear understanding of each learner’s needs, teachers are empowered to design responsive instruction that builds confidence and achievement. Parents can feel assured that their children are being supported with thoughtful, personalized strategies to help them thrive.
At ABS, we view assessment as a tool for growth, not just a score. Together, with students, teachers, and families working in partnership, baseline data helps us create a strong foundation for success throughout the school year.
MAP Results Sent Home
Third through Eighth grade students will receive MAP results in their Thursday Packets today. Please take some time to review these results. Overall results show that ABS students in each of those grades achieve higher scores than the national norms in all areas tested: math, science, and reading. Congratulations to our students and their teachers for a job well done. If you have any questions regarding MAP results, please contact your child’s teacher.
Get Ready! ABS Annual Giving Campaign-Kicks off in October
WHAT IS ANNUAL GIVING?
Annual Giving is exactly as it sounds – gifts requested and given each school year to help support operating expenses at The Arts Based School (ABS). There is no tuition for attendance at ABS, but as a charter school, we do not receive the same state and federal funding as traditional public schools. We rely on the generosity of parents and families, board members, and our community to support the learning and creating that happens every day at ABS. Instead of asking our students and families to participate in fundraising activities (like selling cookies or wrapping paper), we ask all families for financial support just once each year. This is our annual fundraiser.
WHY IS MY PARTICIPATION IMPORTANT?
This year, as in past years, we are hoping to achieve 100% participation. Family participation in Annual Giving at ABS is more than financial support; it is a vote of confidence that demonstrates your belief in and investment in this remarkable place. When asking people outside of the school for financial support, it is especially important to be able to show them that our family participation in Annual Giving is reflective of the commitment to ABS that our community feels.
Your participation is also important because ABS needs broad-based financial support from everyone to continue to provide students with an effective and joyful way to learn.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I GIVE?
Given the importance of the Annual Giving Campaign and the impact those dollars have on each child’s education, we ask that you give as generously as you are able. For every family this is a personal decision and should be at a level that is comfortable for you. This year, you also have the option of making a recurring monthly gift to ABS. We are grateful to everyone who contributes, as each gift is crucial to the success of the Annual Giving Campaign.
HOW CAN I MAKE MY GIFT?
There are two simple ways to give:
Make your check payable to “The Arts Based School,” You can send it by mail, or drop it off in the front office. We also accept cash in the school front office.
You can make a secure gift online at our website
Author Visit: Ryan T. Higgins at ABS!
We are excited to announce that children’s author and illustrator Ryan T. Higgins will visit ABS on Friday at 11:00am as part of the upcoming annual Bookmarks Festival of Books and Authors!
Students in grades K–2 will have the wonderful opportunity to attend and hear directly from the award-winning creator of the Bruce books. Higgins is best known for his beloved character Bruce, the grumpy bear with a heart of gold. His newest book, Bruce Saves the Day, will be featured during the visit.
We are thrilled for our young readers to be inspired by meeting a real author and to experience the joy of storytelling come to life.
ABS Family Directory
This year’s Family Directory will be published behind the Parent Portal of our website by October 1st! Families who opted out of the directory or did not complete the required form are not listed. This information includes student name and parent email address and is provided only for school-related communications. If you’d like to make any changes to your contact information or be added to the directory, please email Director Hollis
Builder’s Club-6th-8th grade
Does your child want to make a difference in our community and the world? Your child is invited to join the Builders Club program at the Arts Based School. Builders Club is a service organization and a member of the Kiwanis Family, which sponsors our club. Builders Club provides the opportunity to develop self-esteem, leadership skills, morals and standards, and respect for others. This program involves 6th-8th grade students, their parents, teachers, and Kiwanians in community service projects impacting our school, city, and global community. Your child will be inducted into the Builders Club at ABS and Builders Club of Winston-Salem with your permission. Meetings will occur on Friday mornings from 7:45 to 8:15 each week beginning September 26th. Meetings will be held in Mrs. Gledhill’s room in the 7th Street building.
Parent Council News
Parent Council Meeting
In case you missed last week’s PC meeting, here are the minutes.
Pizza Friday T-shirts!
We’re excited to share that one of our ABS parents has designed special Pizza Friday T-shirts for our school community! Each shirt purchase includes a $5 donation to the Parent Council. Youth shirts are $20 and adult shirts are $25. Shirts can be paid for conveniently through Venmo or PayPal. Don’t miss out—orders are due by 10/2/25. Click here to order yours!
ABS Book Fairs September 29-October 3, PLUS Fall Fest!
The Scholastic Book Fairs are coming!! Exciting news! We will have a fair set up at both North and South Campuses! The North Campus will also be extended to be open at Fall Fest which will be a great way to grant those wish lists AND enjoy Fall Fest!
We will NEED YOUR HELP! Volunteer signup is LIVE! This is a really fun opportunity to get volunteer hours during the school day and during Fall Fest.
Sign up to volunteer here for North Campus: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FABAF22A4FD0-57973274-north
Sign up to volunteer here for South Campus: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4FABAF22A4FD0-57973322-south
Please visit the links below to sign up for an E-Wallet account*, see the fair schedule, view the book fair flyer, or shop our online book fair.
North Campus Book Fair link: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/artsbasedschoolnorth
South Campus Book Fair link: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/artsbasedschoolsouth
*Set up an E-wallet account so your student can shop the Fair cash-free. If you have multiple children, you must create a separate account for each child, be sure to use the correct fair link.
Every purchase you make at the book fairs earns money towards new books for ALL CLASSROOM libraries and BOTH SCHOOL LIBRARIES! More than half of all dollars spent at the book fairs go directly to purchase books for the school!
Questions can be directed to Kristen Faulkner, Book Fair Chairperson at [email protected]
Fall Fest 2025
Saturday, Oct. 4 | 12–3 PM
Arts Based School – North Campus
Come celebrate fall with games, crafts, food, and family fun! Enjoy grade-level game booths, a cake walk, book fair, and a festive photo backdrop. Kids can check out the police car (12–2 PM) and fire truck (2–3 PM), while parents browse local vendors and handmade goods.
Food trucks will serve everything from tacos and sliders to charcuterie, coffee, and sweet treats. Don’t miss the raffle with prizes like Kersey Valley tickets, pickleball and dance lessons, lawn service, concert tickets, and more.
Admission: $5 per child (adults free). Wristbands required for activities.
Parking at Mixxer, Atrium Health WFB Health Plaza, or N. Main St. (no parking on campus)
We can’t wait to see you at Fall Fest 2025!
Around Town…
Bookmarks Festival of Books- Sept 25-28
The 20th Annual Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors is coming soon! Visit the website or stop at the bookstore to pick up your festival program and start to plan your day.
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