Published for the Arts Based School Community
November 13, 2025
Thanksgiving Break-No School- Nov 24-28
Celebrating World Kindness Day at The Arts Based School
Today is World Kindness Day, a day to remind ourselves that even the smallest gestures of care and compassion can make a big difference. At The Arts Based School, kindness isn’t reserved for special occasions—it’s woven into everything we do. We believe that learning and creating together thrive best in an environment where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported.
Our students learn that kindness means more than simply being “nice.” It means showing care through actions—offering help, listening with empathy, celebrating others’ successes, and taking responsibility for making our community stronger. Whether it’s through collaboration in the arts, teamwork in the classroom, or friendships on the playground, we model and expect kindness every day.
Here are some ways we intentionally add kindness to our school days:
- Morning Meetings/ Greeting at the Door– Students start the day by greeting one another and checking in emotionally, setting a tone of connection and respect.
- Peer Support and Reading Buddies – Older students read with younger ones, offering encouragement and building community across grade levels.
- Kindness Messages – Messages of gratitude, encouragement, and art inspired by compassion fill our hallways.
- Community Care Projects – From food drives to art-based fundraisers, we find creative ways to give back and show love to our wider community.
- Celebrating the Good – Teachers and students regularly share “kindness shout-outs” to recognize thoughtful acts, big and small.
This week, we’re joining schools around the world in celebrating Random Acts of Kindness—simple, unexpected gestures that brighten someone’s day. A random act of kindness might be as easy as holding the door for a friend, writing a thank-you note to a teacher, or inviting someone new to play. Every small, selfless act has the power to ripple outward and make our school an even happier place.
Need inspiration? Try a few of these:
Leave a positive note on a locker or desk.
Compliment a classmate or staff member.
Help tidy a shared space without being asked.
Share school supplies with a friend who forgot theirs.
At The Arts Based School, we know that kindness grows through practice, reflection, and creativity. On World Kindness Day—and every day—we invite our students, families, and staff to notice kindness, celebrate it, and keep it going.
ABS Skate Night-Nov. 13-Tonight!
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.
Crisis Control Food Drive: Supporting Our Community
Our K-Kids and Builders Clubs are sponsoring a Canned Food Drive to benefit Crisis Control Ministries, a local organization that provides food and essential items to families in need.
We invite everyone to join in this effort by bringing non-perishable food items—such as canned goods and boxed foods—to the collection boxes located in the hallways outside each grade level and in common areas. (Please avoid glass containers.)
The drive will continue through November 20, and every contribution helps make a difference. Together, we can show our care and support for neighbors in our community who need it most.
Fall Picture Retakes
November 18 is picture make-up and retake day. Any student who was absent on picture day will automatically be photographed as these pictures are used for our annual yearbook. However, if you are interested in your child having his/her picture retaken, please send a note or email to your child’s homeroom teacher. Students will only be sent for a retake if the parent sends in a request. Here’s a link to Strawbridge for more information about school pictures.
Kids STEAM Night Out
Join Mrs. Hoffman and Mrs. Gledhill for an evening of science, technology, and art fun on Saturday, November 15th, 5:30-8:30pm! Dinner will be served. All proceeds will benefit the ABS STEAM Club. The cost is $30 per child and $25 for each additional sibling. Spots are limited- Registration begins Thursday, 11/6 and ends Thursday, 11/13. Open to any ABS Student K-8.
Sign Up- bit.ly/steamnightnov
Attendance Reminder
Consistent school attendance is an essential component of each student’s academic growth and progress. As a public school, we are required to record and report excused and unexcused tardies and absences daily. Please notify the office when your child is expected to be absent. When your child returns to school, please send note or email explaining the reason for the absence, dated and signed by a parent or guardian. Attendance Notes should be emailed to [email protected]
TARDINESS-School begins at 8:15 a.m. Students may arrive at school between 7:45 and 8:10. Please do not “drop off” your child before 7:45am. Children should stay in your vehicle until the doors are unlocked at 7:45am.
Students will be counted tardy if they’re not in their classroom at 8:15am. The student entrance will be locked at 8:15 a.m. After 8:15 a.m., parents must park and escort their child(ren) to the Front office entrance and sign in. Ten tardies are considered one absence on state attendance records.
Please help your child have a successful school year by being at school on time each day!
Happy Holidays
The holidays can be perplexing for American educators. The North Carolina Standard Course of Study (guidelines for what children should be taught at each grade level) specifies only first grade as a time for focusing on celebrated holidays and special days in communities, while nearly every other grade is expected only to discuss historical figures and practices associated with diverse holidays. We respect the religious and cultural backgrounds of every student.
Holiday decorations are not used indiscriminately in the classroom or about the school; though they may be used as part of a focused study. We do encourage fun in learning and discovering. We decorate our walls all year with the brilliant creations of our students. We often incorporate delicious receptions into our art openings and performances. We join together singing songs of peace and understanding. Thank you for supporting us in making every child feel included in the delights of learning together.
High School Information Night
ABS will host counselors, teachers, and administrators from several area high schools for an information session on December2nd from 6-7pm. This will include a brief introduction from the high school reps and time to ask questions and gather information from a variety of schools. High School Information Night will take place in the 7th Street building and all 7th and 8th grade families are invited to attend.
Shout Out to Lenora McNamara!
We are thrilled to celebrate Lenora McNamara, our talented middle school language arts teacher, who will be presenting next week at the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Conference in Denver, Colorado! Ms. McNamara will be part of a session titled “Eight Great Classics Boldly Reimagined,” where presenters explore creative, modern approaches to teaching eight canonical texts. She will also join a roundtable discussion on The Giver, sharing strategies to help students connect deeply with timeless literature while bridging gaps with contemporary perspectives. We are delighted to have Ms. McNamara representing The Arts Based School on this national stage and for inspiring curiosity, creativity, and a love of reading in her students every day!
Brava!
We are so proud to celebrate Arts Based School graduate Veronica Siebert, who is performing this weekend at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., singing the role of Cherubino in Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro with the Washington National Opera. Veronica, a member of the prestigious Cafritz Young Artists program, has built an impressive career in opera, and this milestone performance marks another shining achievement for her. Congratulations, Veronica — your ABS family is cheering you on!
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
Parent Council Meeting:
- Friday, November 21 at 12pm on Zoom
- Submit questions, concerns or suggestions you'd like discussed here.
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.
Thanksgiving Break Camp: TV Broadcast, November 24 & 25, 2025
Grades 5-8
Students create their own broadcast that portrays a world they want to see. Become a broadcaster in sports, the weather, the local news, and more and learn the speaking skills to deliver important news in an effective and fun way. Students can choose to be in front of the camera, behind the camera, or writers.
Camp Times: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
It will be at ABS and here is the link to register:
https://go.asapconnected.com/?org=5375#CourseID=301682
JUXTAPOSITION Fine Arts presents Music Man Kids on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 2 PM at Arts Based School Theatre (1380 N Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Winston-Salem, NC). This shortened, child-friendly adaptation of Meredith Willson's classic musical follows a charming con man who convinces a small town to form a boys’ band to scam them, only to have his plans complicated by falling for the local librarian. With roles for children of varying skill levels, the show is family-friendly and perfect for young performers. Tickets are $15 + tax/fees, and Arts Based families receive 50% off with code ABS50. Seats are limited—get yours here: Ticket Link.
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