Published for the Arts Based School Community
February 26, 2026
Spring Break- March 9-13-No School
Resident Artist Spotlight: Bob Moyer
Our fourth graders are once again stepping back in time thanks to Resident Artist Bob “Mr. Bob” Moyer and the beloved “Like a Family” experience. More than a performance, this culminating event is a shared journey into the art of Appalachian storytelling and song, and into the rich history of the textile industry in North Carolina’s Piedmont region. Students explore life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries—before radio, when entertainment was created on front porches through stories, dancing, singing, fiddling, hambone rhythms, and music made from everyday household objects. Along the way, they learn about the vibrant cultural mix of people who shaped our state’s identity and examine the shift from farming to mill work, including child labor and early unionizing efforts, through period photographs by Lewis Hine and firsthand memoirs.
Preparation for the storytelling includes dedicated time with Mr. Bob, who guides students in the “lifeblood lines” of acting: simply telling the story and truly listening. Students learn traditional tales, imagine themselves into textile mill scenes using authentic quotes from workers’ letters, and prepare regional songs, dances, and hambone rhythms. They will also showcase their hand-sewing projects and student artwork during the “Like a Family” presentations, March 23–27, in the Ewing Blackbox Theater at the ABS North Campus (MLK building). Fourth grade families are warmly invited to attend and experience this meaningful celebration of history, culture, and community.
This year, Mr. Bob is working alongside Ally Shelton to ensure this rich programming can also grow and thrive at our South Campus. Ally brings a strong background in arts integration, elementary arts education, and ensemble-based learning. With experience in both classroom teaching and performance-based instruction, she is passionate about helping students build confidence through storytelling, movement, and collaborative play. By partnering closely with Mr. Bob during the residency, Ally is deepening her expertise in Appalachian storytelling traditions, drama games, and historical arts integration so she can lead this work for South Campus students.
In addition to his work with students, Mr. Bob is partnering with our staff for an exciting professional development series focused on drama games and intentional play rooted in the Viola Spolin tradition. Teachers will meet twice monthly for after-school sessions centered on ensemble-building and arts-integrated practice, with alternating weeks spent implementing and refining strategies directly in their classrooms alongside Mr. Bob. This immersive model—complete with classroom coaching, reflection, a small stipend, and CEU credits—reflects our commitment to sustaining this powerful work across both campuses. We are grateful for the creativity, expertise, and heart both Mr. Bob and Ally bring to our ABS community.
Pizza Ordering Update:
We understand that ordering lunches a week in advance can sometimes be challenging. To provide a bit more flexibility, we are happy to share an update regarding pizza orders.
Starting next week, late pizza orders for Friday can be placed as late as the Wednesday prior by emailing [email protected] . While we still ask that you do your best to submit all meal orders—including pizza—on time the week before, this new option allows for some flexibility if a Friday pizza order is missed.
Please note: Unfortunately, we cannot accept late orders for Monday–Thursday meals, so it’s important to order those meals by the regular weekly deadline.
Thank you for helping us keep lunch service running smoothly, and we appreciate your continued support!
mClass/DIBELS Results Sent Home
Kindergarten through third-grade students will receive HomeConnect/DIBELS results in their Thursday Packets today. Please take some time to review these results. This assessment is required for kindergarten through third-grade students to help teachers assess, track and support each student’s reading skills. Each student will be assessed every trimester. Teachers will use this data to focus their instruction around your child’s specific needs, in areas that may include:
- Hearing and using sounds in spoken words (Phonemic Awareness)
- Knowing sounds of letters and sounding out written words (Alphabetic Principle)
- Reading words in stories easily, quickly, and correctly (Accuracy and Fluency)
- Understanding what they read (Reading Comprehension).
After each assessment period you receive a letter outlining your child’s specific assessment results and progress as a reader. The letter includes learning activities you and your child can do together at home to reinforce skills learned at school. Parent support and reading at home are a vital part of your child’s education. The teacher’s efforts, combined with your support, will help your child read with mastery and confidence. If you have any questions about the assessment, the activities, or your child’s classroom work and progress, please talk to your child’s teacher.
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!
2026 Builders Club Spirit Week for Grades 5-8- March 2-6 Middle School ONLY!
Please join the ABS Builders Club in supporting local organizations while showing some spirit! Please be sure all of your outfits are comfortable to wear all day and school appropriate. ABS Builders Club will have collection bins located in the 7th street lobby. Thank you for your participation!
- 3/2 Monday: Matching Monday- Dress alike day- Shepherd’s Center- Gently used books
- 3/3 Tuesday: Dress like a Teacher/Teacher’s dress like a Student Swap- For every can of seltzer water for the workroom BC will donate 10cents to Senior Services.
- 3/4 Wednesday: Wacky Wednesday- wear your wackiest outfit-Sunnyside Ministry- Socks
- 3/5 Thursday: Tropical Thursday-That means tropical and beach themed clothes. Pretend you’re on vacation. No Swimwear - H.O.P.E. ziploc and sandwich bags
- 3/6 Friday: P.J. Friday- Wear your favorite school appropriate pjs. to school.- Individually wrapped snacks for Ronald McDonald House/Brenners.
- 3/6 Friday: Movie Day 2:30-5:00-Zootopia 2-Wrinkle in Time
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.
AfterSchool Programs
LazerDoJo: 3rd-8th Grade, 3/16-4/24 Please note start date change
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!
Acting Out's Spring Break Camp:
Make-A-Movie returns this March for a fun-filled and creative three-day camp! Students will learn the basics of acting in front of the camera while also developing the skills behind the lens of the camera. By the end of camp, students use a green screen,write their own script and storyboard, create props, and of course- act!
Dates: Monday, March 9 through Wednesday, March 11
Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Arts-Based School North Campus
Grades: 5 - 8
Registration Link: https://uncsa.asapconnected.com/#CourseGroupID=61740
Email [email protected] with questions!
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