Published for the Arts Based School Community
December 11, 2025
Early Dismissal- Friday, Dec 19
Winter Break- No School Dec 22- Jan 2
How We Do It and Why
By Mary Siebert, Founding Arts Director, retired
“I am still learning.” – Michelangelo
Third grade students study the Italian Renaissance as part of an exploration of innovation and its power to initiate change. They study the solar system and body systems through the art of Leonardo DaVinci, who helped create breakthroughs in those scientific fields. Leonardo’s biography is explored, and students locate Italy on a world map. They study Leonardo’s scientific precision in drawing the muscular and skeletal systems. They are introduced to the music of Monteverdi, superstar composer of the late Renaissance. Leonardo studies and sketches for inventions are shared in art. In dance, the posture and traditional movements of Renaissance dance are studied for a performance.
As a culminating activity, we present a Renaissance Spectacles performance, inspired by exquisite, miniature presentations that were developed during the Renaissance. These “Intermezzi” were designed to engage the audience between acts of a longer play, and became more popular than the plays themselves. Intermezzi were lavishly produced portrayals of Greek myths and other stories, in which progressive scenes appeared in fluid tableaux. The performers did not speak or sing, but relied on gesture and static positioning to retell familiar tales. DaVinci designed elaborate stage mechanisms for the Medici family’s Intermezzi, dazzling the wealthy at celebratory events.
Our production tells the story of the Greek myth Jason and the Golden Fleece. Our beautiful sets were designed and painted by ABS art teacher Ms. Gledhill, with additional set pieces and props painted by 6th grade teacher and artist Ms. Christian. The story, pre-recorded during this production’s premiere year by sound engineer/composer Bill Stevens (also an ABS dad,) at Ovation Sound, is played during the pantomime. Third-grade students are working with guest director Danielle Tarmey on gesture, facial expression, and manipulation of props and sets as isolated elements of acting.
No traditional textbook can hope to compare to this constellation of connections! The result is summed up for me by a comment by a 3rd Grader. “Ms. Siebert,” he said, “I think this school is a Renaissance school.” I asked him why. “Because,” he answered, “we learn about things by using everything: math, science, reading, and all of the arts.”
3rd Grade Performances of “Renaissance Spectacles”
All performances at the Alex Ewing Theater at ABS North
Abbe: Monday, December 15 12 noon
Brady: Tuesday, December 16 12 noon
Hargrove: Wednesday, December 17 12 noon
Chaney: Thursday, December 18 12 noon
Munoz: Thursday, December 19 10am Early Release Day
Happy Winter Break!
Friday, Dec 19 is "Long Winter's Nap" spirit day. All students are invited to celebrate the last day before our winter break by wearing comfy clothes (e.g. sweatpants, pajama pants). Please be sure your comfy clothes are appropriate for school. Student participation is optional. Please leave blankets, pillows, and slippers at home.
Third Grade Classroom Update
We would like to share an important update regarding our third-grade team. As many of you know, Ms. Alexandra Brady has resigned from her position as third-grade teacher at North Campus. We are grateful for her time with us and wish her the very best in her future endeavors.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Ms. Caitlin Adam, who has provided outstanding support as a substitute teacher throughout the final two weeks of December. Her dedication and care for our students during this transition have been invaluable.
We are also excited to welcome Andrea Slusher, who will begin teaching the third-grade class in January. Ms. Slusher is a veteran educator with a master’s degree and National Board Certification. She brings extensive classroom experience as well as leadership roles in coaching and supporting teachers.
We are confident that Ms. Slusher will be a wonderful addition to our school community and will provide strong support for our students’ continued growth.
As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions.
Sewing Volunteers Needed
Fourth-grade students will begin their hand-sewing pillow project in January. We can use several parent volunteers in every sewing session in the art room to provide hands-on help quickly and efficiently to our students who are sewing.
Students will be in the art room at North Campus on Monday-Friday from 1:40-2:20 pm, and on Monday mornings from 8:20-9:00 am.
Students will be in the art room at South Campus on Thursday from 1:00-1:40, and on Tuesday mornings from 9:10-9:50 am.
There are multiple slots on the volunteer sign-up that you can claim. Sewing experience is not necessary.
North Campus (Art Room)
- Monday–Friday, 1:40–2:20pm
- Monday, 8:20–9:00am
- North Sign-up Sheet
South Campus (Art Room)
- Thursday, 1:00–1:40pm
- Tuesday, 9:10–9:50am
- South Sign-up Sheet
School Calendar 2026-27
The ABS Board of Directors is considering the school calendar for 2026-27. If you would like to review the draft calendar and provide feedback, please respond to this form.
School Calendar Considerations
- 1050 hours of instruction
- Major breaks coincide with WS/FC schools
- Trimester system allows teacher workdays to coincide with parent/teacher conferences
- Snow Make up days are built into calendar throughout the school year
- Gather input from teachers, staff, and parents
Middle of the Year MAP Testing Dec 15-16-Grades 5-8
ABS uses Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) to assess each student’s academic growth. We will give students in grades 5-8 MAP tests to determine each child’s instructional level and to measure academic growth throughout the school year, and from year to year in the areas of math and reading. Grades 3-4 will test in January. Your child will take the tests on a computer. MAP tests are unique in that they adapt to be appropriate for your child’s level of learning. As a result, each student has the same opportunity to succeed and maintain a positive attitude toward testing. And with MAP tests, we can administer shorter tests and use less class time while still receiving detailed, accurate information about your child’s growth.
Yearbook Ordering Is OPEN!
It’s that time of year! Our 2025-2026 yearbook is officially available for pre-order, and you won’t want to miss it. Packed with photos, memories, and all the amazing moments that made this school year shine, this year’s book is one to treasure! LINK TO ORDER
Parent Council Notes:
Join us for the December Parent Council Meeting Friday, December 12 at 8:30am — North Campus Café and on Zoom
Zoom Link
Submit questions here
Volunteering
ABS Volunteer Hub
Find opportunities for Pizza Friday, Teacher Appreciation, Car Line, and log miscellaneous or classroom volunteer hours.
ABS Ice Skate — Saturday, February 21 at 1:30pm!
Join us at the Annex (414 Deacon Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27105) for a fun Parent Council fundraiser supporting our Teacher Appreciation lunch. Admission is $12 and skate rental is $3. Please arrive a little early to ensure skate sizes, and remember: parents must stay with their children—no drop-offs. We hope to see you on the ice!
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.
Inclement Weather
In the event of inclement weather, ABS will announce school closings on local TV channels, under “The Arts Based School”. This information will also be posted on the ABS website (www.artsbasedschool.com) and emailed to the Thursday Notes distribution list.
Our school calendar has three inclement weather days “built in” so we do not need to make up the first three days. Breakfast/Lunch orders will be credited to student accounts if school is cancelled due to inclement weather.
Activity Fee-Reminder
ABS is publicly funded and free to all students. We ask families to contribute a $40 activity fee each year to help cover the costs of our field trips, special arts activities, and more. You can pay your Activity Fee through the website donation link. Please mark other and in the comment box type “Activity Fee”. Families qualifying for free/reduced lunch are exempt from this charge.
Around Town…
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