Published for the Arts Based School Community
February 19, 2026
ABS Booster Fundraiser Surpasses Goal!
We are thrilled to announce that our recent ABS Booster Fundraiser was a tremendous success! Thanks to the energy, enthusiasm, and generosity of our students, families, and community, we surpassed our goal of $60,000, reaching an estimated school profit of $62,328.
This year, 68% of students signed up to participate, and 53% of students made donations, demonstrating incredible engagement and school spirit across grades. In recognition of their efforts, 100% of our students received a day pass to Great Wolf Lodge—a fun celebration of the teamwork, dedication, and community-mindedness that made this fundraiser possible.
The funds raised will directly support our programs, enhancing classroom experiences, arts integration, and student learning opportunities throughout the year. A heartfelt thank-you goes out to everyone who contributed—your support makes a real difference, and together we continue to strengthen the ABS community!
Raleigh Rockers visit ABS
Today our ABS 2nd–8th grade students were energized and inspired by a performance from the Raleigh Rockers at the North Campus Ewing Theater! Founded in 2007 as a club at North Carolina State University, the Rockers have grown into a respected crew that competes, performs at festivals, and leads workshops and community outreach throughout the region, using hip-hop dance to promote creativity, discipline, and positive self-expression. Our students were captivated by the athleticism, artistry, and storytelling woven into each routine—and many left the theater buzzing with excitement and ready to try a few moves of their own. It was a powerful reminder of how the arts connect movement, music, and community in unforgettable ways.
Thank you to Parent Council
This week, we feel especially appreciated thanks to our incredible Parent Council! They are treating our teachers and staff to a wonderful coffee bar that brings smiles, warm cups, and a much-needed boost of energy to our days. From delicious brews to thoughtful touches, every detail made us feel seen and celebrated. We are so grateful for the time, generosity, and care our Parent Council pours into supporting our staff. Thank you for reminding us how fortunate we are to be part of such a supportive school community!
Parent Satisfaction Survey
Yes, that's you! We want to know what you think! Please follow the link ABS Parent Survey to a 10-question online survey about our school. Your responses are completely anonymous and help us determine what's working well and what needs more work! Please take a few minutes to complete and submit. Thank you!
NC Teacher Working Conditions Survey
This spring, educators across North Carolina will participate in the biennial Teacher Working Conditions Survey, an important statewide effort led by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction to understand teachers’ experiences and classroom environments.
More than 102,000 teachers and school-based licensed staff shared their feedback this year, and results show that an overwhelming majority—92%—agreed that their school is a good place to work and learn, the highest percentage on record for that question. This encouraging outcome reflects many educators’ positive views of their schools and helps inform future planning.
The survey asks about many aspects of school life that matter for both teachers and students, including leadership, safety and wellbeing, professional development, resources, and managing student conduct.
The insights gathered from this survey are used by school leaders and state officials to strengthen teaching conditions, improve support systems, and guide ongoing efforts to make our schools even better for students and staff alike.
We appreciate our teachers’ voices and the work they do every day to support student learning and growth!
What is Community Creates?
Community Creates is ABS’s biggest 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!
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!
ABS 2026 Summer Camps-Registration OPEN!
It's time to sign up for ABS Summer Camps! Click here for the flyer to preview all of our camps, and click the dates above the camp to register! This year we are offering before camp care from 7:45-9:00 for an additional childcare fee. Read the FAQ at the bottom of the flyer for more information and email Ashley Tate at [email protected] with any questions.
Winter-Spring Afterschool Enrichment Clubs
Starts NEXT WEEK: 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.
Starts THIS WEEK: 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!
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