Published for the Arts Based School Community
January 29, 2026
ABS Lottery Closes January 31, at 3pm.
Weathering Winter Together
Recent winter weather has resulted in several missed school days, and we recognize the challenges this can create for families and staff. The safety of our students and team remains our top priority, and weather-related decisions are always made with great care.
Our school calendar includes three designated make-up days (May 26, 27, and 28) to ensure we meet instructional requirements while continuing to support student learning. Should we need to use all three make-up days, we would then transition to remote learning packets. Teachers and school teams are prepared to adjust pacing as needed and support students as they return to regular routines.
We are also closely monitoring the forecast, which currently indicates the potential for additional snow this weekend that may impact school operations. We will continue to communicate any updates or decisions as early and clearly as possible.
Once we are able to confirm a return to school, we will promptly share updated schedules for Peter and the Wolf, the Booster Fundraiser, January Jam, and other exciting upcoming programming. We appreciate your patience as we thoughtfully reschedule events to minimize disruption.
Thank you for your continued flexibility, understanding, and partnership as we navigate this season together.
How We Do It—and Why
By Mary Siebert, Founding Arts Director (retired)
“There are shortcuts to happiness, and dancing is one of them.” — Vicki Baum
Soon each of our five kindergarten classes will perform a re-telling of Peter and the Wolf in the ABS Ewing Black Box Theater for an audience of their most enthusiastic supporters—their families. This joyful performance is the result of weeks of thoughtful preparation and integrated learning.
Using Prokofiev’s beloved musical tale, students explore story structure, character, and setting while also examining animal movement through a scientific lens. They learn that the “big bad wolf” of children’s literature is, in reality, a shy and family-oriented animal—often misunderstood in classic fiction.
Through music and dance, students discover how each character is represented by a specific instrument and musical theme. Using what they know about animals, people, story, and sound, they learn to tell the story through movement—often realizing for the first time that dance itself can be a powerful form of storytelling.
Each student is assigned a character role, with teachers nearby to offer visual cues and reassurance. Sometimes three ducks waddle together, and if a dancer needs support, classmates and teachers provide a gentle safety net—making the experience both individual and collaborative.
Years later, our 8th graders still recall their kindergarten Peter and the Wolf performances with delight, remembering themselves not as one of many cats, but as the Cat. That sense of ownership, confidence, and joy is exactly why we do this work.
Stay tuned for updated schedule for Peter and the Wolf performances.
Conference Time is Coming
Soon your child’s teacher will be setting up conferences to discuss your child’s progress. Students attending the Arts Based School are assessed using a portfolio system in place of the traditional report card. The portfolio is designed to illustrate a student’s academic growth and successes as well as guide the teacher in planning appropriate instruction. Teachers at ABS do not issue letter grades. Teachers use observation, interviews, analysis of student work and performance tasks to assess student understanding. Examples of student work, as well as other objective standards of assessments are incorporated into the student’s portfolio to give an enhanced portrait of the student’s progress. These portfolios will be discussed and presented to parents during the Student-Teacher-Parent conferences. Please be sure you schedule and attend your conference so that you can support your child’s learning.
Conference Days- February 13- Early Dismissal, February 16-No School
K-4 Dismiss at 11:45
5-8 Dismiss at 12 noon
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.
Breakfast/Lunch orders will be credited to student accounts if school is cancelled due to inclement weather.
Student Intent for 2026-27 School Year
As we prepare for next year’s enrollment lottery (2026-27), it is important to know how many spaces are available in each grade. As a current student, your child has priority placement and no additional action is required. If your child is not returning to ABS for the 2026-27 school year, please notify Director Hollis.
Siblings of students also receive priority, but must fill out an enrollment application. You must complete an application for the 2026-27 school year for siblings of current students in order to reserve a space before the lottery. The deadline for receiving applications is Jan 31 at 3pm. Applications are available on our school website under enrollment.
EC Parent Survey
The NC Department of Public Instruction, Office of Exceptional Children, is asking for your input through the 2025-26 Indicator 8 Parent Survey. You may access the survey using the link. To better serve families, the short, two-minute survey allows the respondent to select from multiple languages in which to complete the survey.
School Calendar 2026-27
The ABS Board of Directors is considering the school calendar for 2026-27. The WSFC school board recently updated its calendar with an early start. We have added an additional draft for consideration. If you would like to review the Draft A calendar and Draft B and Draft C 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
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:
ABS PC Meeting Minutes 1/16/2026
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!
Clubs and SummerCamps!
We have several very exciting afterschool clubs coming in the spring: Crazy Running, Soccer Shots, Club Invention, and LAZR Dojo! Keep checking back for registration and dates in the next several weeks.
Although winter break just passed, it’s time to think about summer! Summer Camps for The Arts Based School will be released for registration on February 12th. We already have some great ideas from our teachers such as Knits & Giggles, Unplug and Explore, and Camp 90s Rewind. Mark your calendars today!
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.
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