Published for the Arts Based School Community
October 30, 2025
Conference Days- Oct 31- Early Dismissal
K-4 Dismiss at 11:45
5-8 Dismiss at 12 noon
November 3-No School-Conferences
Resident Artist Spotlight: Diana Greene
We’re delighted to welcome Diana Greene as a resident artist at The Arts Based School again this year. Based in Winston-Salem, Greene is a multimedia artist and documentarian whose work investigates themes of identity, memory, and place—often intertwining photography, text, and narrative to create emotionally resonant stories.
About Diana Greene
Greene’s photography has found its way into international exhibitions and notable collections such as the University of Melbourne and the City of Winston‑Salem. Her portraits have been recognized by institutions including the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. She has also earned fellowships from the National Parks Service and the Virginia Center for Creative Arts. Beyond her studio work, Greene is a passionate educator who creates multimedia programs to help students find their voice through narrative and photography.
One of Greene’s major recent projects is the documentary Making Sense Backwards: The Nick Bragg Story, which she directed and produced. The film follows North Carolina muralist Nick Bragg, at age 87, as he creates a “life mural” that visualizes his own journey—exploring his past, his art, and the forces that shaped him. Nick Bragg Documentary+1 Greene describes the film as a “southern memoir on canvas,” blending real-time painting, reflection, humor and flights of fancy to craft a deeply personal portrait.
Her Residency at ABS
Here at the Arts Based School, Diana is currently working with our 4th-grade students across both campuses—leading writing and storytelling workshops that encourage self-expression and creative reflection. She will return in February to engage with our 8th-grade students in a series of lessons culminating in a student-driven project.
Visiting and resident artists are central to the ABS mission: they help embed the professional arts community into daily school life—showing students, teachers, and families that art is for all of us to share and experience together.
We are grateful to have Diana Greene among us this year—bringing her extraordinary practice, her storytelling insight, and her passion for mentoring young voices.
ABS Annual Giving Campaign
We are thrilled to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your incredible support of our Annual Giving Campaign for the Arts Based School! Thanks to your generosity and commitment, we’re able to enrich our students' educational experience with a vibrant arts curriculum that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression.
Your contributions allow us to fund the necessities and the enhancements that make our school a dynamic place for young artists, innovators, and learners. The collective strength of our community truly shines through, and we are so grateful to each of you for making this possible.
Thank you once again for believing in our mission and investing in our students’ futures. Together, we’re creating a foundation for lifelong learning and creativity!
Today is the day! Our goal is 100% participation, please click on the link today help us reach that goal!
Total School Participation to Date: 28 %
Total Gifts to Date: $55,788
Get Involved with Volunteering!
- One-stop site for all things volunteering at ABS!
- Learn about volunteer opportunities at both campuses
- Links to sign up and log your volunteer hours
Welcome, Baby Adaline!
Hannah and Brian are thrilled to announce the arrival of Adaline Claire, born on October 23, 2025, weighing 9 lbs 1 oz. Mom and baby are doing well and soaking up all the snuggles! Hannah Bethune, our friendly front office receptionist at the MLK campus, will be on maternity leave through January. Kristi Benyo will be covering in her absence. Kristi has been doing an awesome job stepping into this very challenging role with grace, patience, and positivity. Congratulations to the Bethune family!
School Pictures Are Here!
If you ordered school pictures, they’re coming home today in Thursday packets—keep an eye out! Haven’t ordered yet? Follow these steps to order online. Simply scan the QR code and follow the on-screen directions to access your child’s picture ordering gallery. For security, you’ll need your child’s last name and Student ID number to get started.
Congratulations to Mrs. Ashley Tate!
We’re proud to share that Mrs. Ashley Tate will be presenting at the North Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCCTM) Annual Conference in Winston-Salem on November 13–14.
NCCTM is the state’s professional organization for math educators from kindergarten through college, supporting excellence in math teaching across North Carolina. Mrs. Tate will share her expertise and innovative strategies for engaging students in mathematics—representing our school and inspiring educators from across the state.
ABS School Counselor Dr. Natalie Gwyn to Present at State Conference
We’re excited to share that Dr. Natalie Spencer Gwyn, our school counselor, will be presenting at the Annual North Carolina School Counselor Conference on Thursday, November 6, 2025, in Greensboro, NC.
Her session, titled “Anxious Students: Helping Students Discover Their Power When Feeling Powerless,” will focus on student anxiety and offer practical strategies for school counselors across North Carolina. We’re proud to see Dr. Gwyn sharing her expertise with educators statewide and bringing her insights back to support our ABS students and community.
ABS Skate Night-Nov. 13
The ABS Builders Club is sponsoring a Skate Night on Thursday, Nov 13, from 6:30 - 8:00 at Skate Haven, 120 Hood Drive in Winston-Salem. All students invited! This event funds many charities the ABS Builders Club supports during the year. Skate Night $7.00-includes entrance and skate rental.
K-Kids Elections
Congratulations to our elected K-Kids Officers! We’re looking forward to a great year of service and fun with our K-Kids North and South!
North Campus South Campus
President: Takenzie Springs President: Essence Morrison
Vice President: Clara Young Vice President: Matthew Gengler
Secretary: Nolan Bullock Secretary: Hannah Brock
Treasurer: Sayda Smith Treasurer: Nala Petree-Yellock
Save the Date: High School Information Night
Attention All 7th and 8th grade Families:
Tuesday, December 2nd, 6-7 pm at the ABS 7th St. middle school building, we will have our second annual High School Info Night! This is a chance to hear about the high school registration process and to meet representatives from several high schools in the area. It will be a fun and informative night. We welcome all of you!
Additionally, on Saturday, November 1st, the WSFCS Magnet Fair is held. Find more info here.
Please copy Dr. Natalie Gwyn and Donna Brown if you have any more questions about the registration process and/or record requests.
Prospective Parent Tours
School tours for prospective parents begin in October. They are scheduled weekly on Tuesdays at 9:15 am at South Campus and Thursdays at 9:30 am at North Campus. Each tour is limited to 10 adults in an effort to limit the disruption to our students and teachers in the classrooms. Parents interested in learning more about ABS and how to enroll their child, should contact the front office to sign up for a tour. 748-4116 ext 1023. Applications will be accepted beginning January 1. The lottery will be held the second Tuesday of February.
Halloween is Coming
Please do not send students to school in costumes. We all enjoy the fun and excitement of Halloween but find that costumes and accessories make it very difficult to concentrate. Also we do not want students to bring candy in their lunch bags for snacks. Although it can be delicious, high sugar snacks should not replace a healthy snack. Thanks for your help!
Around Town…
Join Us for a Special Film Screening at Salemtowne!
Salemtowne is excited to host a special screening of An Unlikely Fandom: The Impact of Thomas the Tank Engine, and we warmly invite Arts Based School families to attend- Nov 14 at 7pm! This heartwarming program celebrates Thomas’s timeless messages of friendship, kindness, and connection, and is perfect for guests of all ages. Free but reservation required.
Come enjoy an inspiring story, snacks, and goodies for the kids while sharing a memorable experience with our community. Our goal is to fill the auditorium with families and fans alike to celebrate the joy and lessons Thomas brings to generations.
For more details, please see the attached digital flyer. We hope to see you there!
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