Published for the Arts Based School Community
February 12, 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
Booster Fundraiser! Thank you!!
As we wrap up our fundraiser, we have some exciting news to share with you! Thanks to your incredible support and generosity, we have raised $55,208! We had a school-wide goal to raise $60,000 to go toward school operations. To see if we can still make it happen, our fundraising platform, MyBooster.com, will remain open for one more day!
Could you reach out to one or two more people to see if they could help us reach our goal?
You also have one more day to place your Reward Store order. Get those orders in ASAP!
Once again, thank you for your unwavering support, whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word. Your involvement has made a tremendous difference and showcases the strength of our school community!
5th Graders Enjoy the Mary Starling Concert
Our 5th-grade students enjoyed an incredible musical experience today at the Mary Starling Concert at Reynolds Auditorium! This interactive performance by the Winston-Salem Symphony invited students to participate with the orchestra right from their seats.
The program, Orchestra Rocks & Swings, introduced students to the power of rhythm in the year of Beethoven. Guided by the Symphony musicians, students actively engaged in the music and even lifted their voices to sing “Ode to Joy” from Beethoven’s beloved Symphony No. 9.
In preparation, students explored the Building the Orchestra playlist, and teachers reviewed concert etiquette to ensure they were respectful and engaged audience members. Curriculum for this performance was provided through Carnegie Hall’s Link Up Education Program, enriching the experience even further.
It was a joyful, hands-on celebration of live orchestral music, and we are grateful for the opportunity to witness our students learning through such an inspiring performance.
Solar Schools Professional Learning Workshop
On February 10, teachers from our school attended the NC GreenPower Solar Schools Workshop in Raleigh, a required component of our Solar Schools grant. We’re grateful to Ms. Frazier, Ms. Meeks, and Ms. Hoffman for participating and bringing this learning back to our classrooms.
The workshop provided hands-on training from NEED, along with classroom-ready solar curriculum kits and CEU credit. This experience supports our commitment to sustainability and STEM learning—and we’re excited to continue this work as we look ahead to the installation of our solar panels this spring!
Staffing Updates for the 2026–27 School Year
As we look ahead to the 2026–27 school year, we’re excited to share a few important staffing updates connected to our continued growth.
Monique Johnson will be moving to the South Campus to help launch our new 5th grade as we expand by another grade level. We are grateful for Monique’s leadership and look forward to the energy and expertise she will bring to this exciting new chapter at South Campus.
At the same time, Adam Tate will return to a familiar role with the 5th grade team at North Campus. We are thrilled to have Adam stepping back into this position, where his experience and connection with students will continue to make a positive impact.
As we prepare for the upcoming year, we will also be hiring for additional positions to support our growth. Openings will be posted on our website. If you are interested—or know someone who would be a great fit for ABS—please encourage them to visit our website to learn more and apply.
We are excited about what 2026–27 holds and are grateful for the talented team that makes our school community so special.
Schedule Adjustments for Performances & End-of-Year Events
Due to recent missed school days, several performances and end-of-year events have been adjusted. We appreciate your flexibility as we work to ensure students still have the opportunity to showcase their learning and celebrate important milestones.
Testing & End-of-Year Events:
EOG/EOC testing has shifted to the final 10 days of the school year. In addition, Field Day and 8th Grade Graduation have been adjusted to accommodate newly scheduled make-up days. These changes are reflected on the ABS calendar. Please let us know if you notice any discrepancies.
Updated Performance Schedule
Kindergarten Production – Peter & the Wolf
- Feb. 17 (Tues) – Londoño (12:00–12:30 @ ABS)
- Feb. 18 (Wed) – Greene (11:30–12:00 @ ABS)
- Feb. 18 (Wed) – Warren (12:30–1:00 @ ABS)
- Feb. 20 (Fri) – Barnes (11:30–12:00 @ ABS-N)
- Feb. 20 (Fri) – Heck (12:30–1:00 @ ABS-N)
4th Grade Production – Like a Family
- March 23 (Mon) – McGarry-Pike (12:00–12:45 @ ABS)
- March 24 (Tues) – Robertson (12:00–12:45 @ ABS)
- March 25 (Wed) – Brady (12:00–12:45 @ ABS)
- March 26 (Thurs) – Boyd (12:00–12:45 @ ABS-N)
- March 27 (Fri) – Preston (12:00–12:45 @ ABS-N)
6th Grade – Math & Science Dances
- April 7 (Tues) – Christian (12:30–1:00 @ ABS)
- April 8 (Wed) – DeJarnette (12:30–1:00 @ ABS)
- April 9 (Thurs) – Tate (12:30–1:00 @ ABS)
Your child’s classroom teacher will also keep you informed of any additional schedule adjustments, including changes to field trips or other special events. Thank you for your continued support and flexibility as we adjust our calendar while keeping student experiences at the center of our planning.
Welcome to Baby Tate!
We are delighted to share joyful news with our ABS community—Baby Tate has arrived! 💕 Callie was born on Saturday, February 7, weighing 6 pounds and measuring 18 inches. Mom, Ashley, our Director of Operations/Student Services, is doing great, and everyone is healthy and well. Adam Tate, our 6th grade teacher, and Ashley are enjoying this special time at home as they welcome their newest addition and watch big brother Kamden step into his new role. Please join us in sending the Tate family lots of love and congratulations as they begin this beautiful new chapter.
What is Community Creates?
Community Creates is ABS’s community fundraising event—a vibrant, adults-only evening featuring art, auctions, great food, and community connections! Our Middle School building transforms into a chic gallery with incredible artwork from local artists, all supporting our artists-in-residence program.
Enjoy a night of fantastic art, a 100 for $100 drawing, silent and live auctions, and delicious food and drink! Save the date: Saturday, May 2nd, 7–11 PM!
Want to get involved?
Become a Sponsor – Advertise for your company or business… Sponsorship Package info
Submit Artwork or Volunteer – Contact Robin Hollis ([email protected])
Tickets go on sale soon—$60 for single ticket. Two for $100. Don’t miss it!
Crosby Scholars
Crosby Scholars will meet on Thursday February 12th 3pm-345pm in Room 2006. Please email Dr. Gwyn with any questions at [email protected].
Upcoming Meeting Dates: February 26th, March 26th, April 16th- Earth Day Campus Clean Up,
April 30th, May 14th , May 28th - End of School Celebration
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.
We have used all 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).
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:Weather Make Up Days survey
Thank you for your continued flexibility, partnership, and support as we plan thoughtfully and responsibly for the remainder of the school year.
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:
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!
Parent Council Meeting Thursday February 13th at 8:30am at North Campus Café and on Zoom
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!
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!
Around Town…
Valentines Latin Dance with SonCaribe featuring Live Music from West End Mambo
Saturday, February 14, 7:00pm - 11:30pm
Reynolds Place Theatre
Join us for a romantic night of Latin Dance featuring live music from West End Mambo.
Start the night with an hour long dance class to learn the moves followed by a night of open social dance featuring live music from West End Mambo and recorded music as well.
So grab your valentine and we'll see you there!
Tonight's Special Comedy Special
February 14 and March 14 at 8:00pm
Mountcastle Forum
Tonight's Special Comedy Special!
A comedy variety show featuring improv, music, stand-up, and more! A new and different show each month so you never know what you'll get. Bring your friends and enjoy a night of laugher and fun.