Published for the Arts Based School Community
December 18, 2025
Early Dismissal- Friday, Dec 19
Winter Break- No School Dec 22- Jan 2
Students return January 5
How We Do it and Why?
by Mary Siebert, ABS Founding Arts Director, retired
If you have never tried African drumming, you should. The first time you’re faced with the challenge of sitting down at a drum circle, you might feel that you don’t have the skills or background to participate. But that is one of the beauties of African drumming: you will succeed right at entry level, and there’s the possibility of a lifetime of growth in artistry. And it feels great!
When kindergarten students first walk into a room to find a circle of beautiful djembe and ashiko drums waiting at every chair, they don’t experience the fear of failure that adults do. They are simply struck with hope: “Is this for me?” Everyone wants to play a drum! When they sit down at a drum, they’re in heaven. And by the end of the very first class, they have experienced the thrill of playing in ensemble, supported by the booming expertise of the teachers on the big dunun drums.
Bill Scheidt has taught African drumming at ABS for many years. In this time his local company, Tam Tam Mandingue Djembe Academy, has grown dramatically. “Mr. Bill” is not only in demand at drumming residencies around the country, but also internationally. He and his associates have introduced the djembe to small collections of five-year-olds, and also to vast assemblies of corporate leaders, but his roots are in his studies with his mentor and dear friend, Mamady Keita, a master drummer from Guinea. Bill made many extended visits to Guinea to master his art, and was adopted as part of Mamady’s family. Sadly, he passed away in 2021, but not before he’d shared the beauty and excitement of his art and culture, founding the Tam Tam Mandingue school, world-wide.
Drumming students work with rhythms from simple counting to complex, layered, traditional songs. This internal understanding of rhythm assists children with patterning and grouping in math. There is obviously an important social studies connection to African culture, but in addition there are proven health benefits, such as strengthened immunization and stress relief, from group African drumming.
We bring African drumming workshops to every student in the school. Our middle school students just completed their residency. K-4 students will be drumming the first week of Janaury. Time to make a joyful noise!
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
Shout Out: Ms. Ashley Brady!
We are thrilled to celebrate Ms. Ashley Brady, one of our amazing 4th-grade teacher, for earning National Board Certification! This prestigious credential recognizes exceptional teaching practice and a deep commitment to student learning. Ms. Brady’s dedication, creativity, and passion for her students make her an inspiring part of our school community. Congratulations, Ms. Brady!
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.
School Calendar 2026-27
The ABS Board of Directors is considering the school calendar for 2026-27. The WSFC school board recently approved their calendar with a late start in August. We have added an additional draft for consideration. If you would like to review the Draft A calendar and Draft B 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
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:
Parent Council meeting minutes December 12.
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…
ABS Families: Winter Break Fun at Ctrl V!
Looking for a creative, high-energy activity during winter break? Ctrl V Virtual Reality Arcade is a fun experience for the whole family—no gaming skills required! Recommended for ages 8+, it’s perfect to play together… or drop the kids off while you tackle some last-minute shopping
Enjoy 1-hour VR sessions with access to 30+ games, including multiplayer and family-friendly options. Ctrl V will have extended weekday hours during winter break, opening at 12:00 PM.
ABS Student Discount:
Use code STUDENT5 for $5 off your booking.
Weekly Specials:
- Wednesdays: Seniors get 50% off
- Thursdays: BOGO 50% off
- Sessions start at set times, so booking ahead is recommended.
Acting Out Spring Registration info for January Flyer and registration link here: https://www.uncsa.edu/community/drama-acting-out/classes-dates.aspx
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