Published for the Arts Based School Community
February 5, 2026
Friday, February 13- Early Dismissal-Conferences
- K-4 Dismiss at 11:45
- 5-8 Dismiss at 12 noon
Monday, February 16 No School-Conferences
Weather Days & School Calendar: What to Know
As we continue to navigate a winter with multiple weather-related closures, we want to keep our ABS community informed and involved.
As of Thursday, February 5, The Arts Based School has used 4 of the 5 remote learning days permitted under North Carolina law. We have also used all currently designated snow make-up days (May 26, 27, and 28).
If additional inclement weather days occur, ABS may need to consider adjustments to the school calendar to meet instructional requirements. Possible options include:
- Requesting a state waiver for additional remote learning days
- Converting existing non-instructional days to school days (Feb 16, March 9-13, April 3)
- Extending the school year beyond the currently scheduled end date (first week of June)
- Adding instructional minutes to the school day over time
- Using a combination of these approaches
While final decisions will be made by the ABS Board, we value input from our community. Families and staff are invited to share feedback through a brief survey:
Thank you for your continued flexibility, partnership, and support as we plan thoughtfully and responsibly for the remainder of the school year.
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.
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 — New Date-Saturday, February 28 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!
Winter-Spring Afterschool Enrichment Clubs
Crazy Running, Kindergarten-4th Grade, 2/23-4/22
Cost: $120/8 week program
North Campus: Mondays , 2:45-3:45
South Campus: Wednesdays, 2:45-3:45
We’re all about sparking a lifelong love for fitness in our young athletes! Our coaching style is all about blending fun with fitness, ensuring our kiddos are learning essential skills while having a blast. From drills to plyometrics, we’re shaping not just runners, but strong resilient athletes with a burning passion for the sport. Let’s get them moving, improving, and achieving their best.
Club Invention: Kindergarten-4th Grade, 2/12-4/12
Cost: $79/8 week program (optional aftercare add on +$40)
The Saving Our Species organization (SOS) has contacted the Camp Invention program and asked participants to help protect and save homes across the United States. From roving black bears to Indiana Bats, children invent devices that will help endangered species.
This club will be ran by our very own teachers, Ms. Katie Pipes (North) and Ms. Jehn Boyd (South)! The club will run from 3:45-4:45. If your student would like to attend and is not already registered for a 3 or 5 day plan for aftercare, we are starting a “Club Hold Over” Membership.
The “Club Hold Over” membership will be $40 total for the 8 weeks. This will allow students to stay in the aftercare program for the hour in between regular dismissal and when the club begins. If you register for the club and are not a part of aftercare, please email Angela Wooten to start the Club Hold Over Membership. You may also pick up your student at dismissal and bring them back for the club if you prefer.
North Campus Registration (Fridays)
South Campus Registration (Thursdays)
LazerDoJo: 3rd-8th Grade, 3/12-4/24
Cost: $210/8 week program
North Campus: Mondays: Grades 3–5, 2:45-3:45, Register Here!
Wednesdays: Grades 6–8, 2:45-3:45, Register Here!
South Campus: Tuesdays: Grades 3–4, 2:45-3:45 Register Here!
LAZR Dojo is an afterschool STEAM club where students explore digital art, game design, and virtual reality. Students go beyond playing games to learn how to create their own using creative technology tools. Click here to read a little more!
Each session includes rotating activity stations such as:
- Digital art and illustration
- Character and game design
- 3D art creation in virtual reality
- Beginner-friendly game creation and coding
All equipment is provided. and is led by Larry Stowe, an experienced educator, offering a fun and creative way for students to build technology and problem-solving skills.
Soccer Shots: Kindergarten-2nd Grade, 4/6-5/15
Cost: $108/student
Soccer Shots Premier is a new to ABS Soccer Program that focuses on individual skill, fitness and sportsmanship by providing an opportunity for children to be challenged through fun games and team interaction. Children will also be introduced to competition in a developmentally appropriate manner.
North Campus: Wednesdays, 2:45-3:30, Registration Here!
South Campus: Mondays, 2:45-3:30, Registration Here!
Although winter has kept us busy, it’s time to think about summer! Summer Camps for The Arts Based School will be released for registration on February 19th (updated). We already have some great ideas from our teachers such as Knits & Giggles, Unplug and Explore, and Camp 90s Rewind. Mark your calendars today!
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