Published for the Arts Based School Community
March 5, 2026
Spring Break- March 9-13-No School
Health Update: Measles Awareness & Preparedness
We are sharing important information with families regarding measles awareness and prevention.
A large measles outbreak is currently ongoing in South Carolina, and several recent cases have been reported in North Carolina. At this time, no cases have been reported in Forsyth County. However, the Forsyth County Department of Public Health has asked local schools to review preparedness procedures in the event a case occurs in our community or school.
What is Measles?
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms typically appear 7–14 days after exposure and may include:
- High fever, Cough, Runny nose, Red, watery eyes
- Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots)
- A red, blotchy rash that usually begins on the face and spreads downward across the body
- A person with measles is contagious four days before the rash appears and four days after.
Vaccination & School Requirements
North Carolina schools require students to receive the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccination unless they have an approved medical or religious exemption. The MMR vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles and limiting the spread of illness during outbreaks.
If a Case Occurs at School
If a confirmed case were identified in our school:
- The Forsyth County Department of Public Health would work closely with us to guide next steps.
- Health officials would help identify individuals who may have been exposed.
- Unvaccinated students or staff who are exposed would be required to remain at home for up to 21 days to prevent further spread of the virus.
We understand that this type of information can feel concerning. Please know that we are working in partnership with local health officials to ensure we are prepared and able to respond quickly if needed.
If your child develops symptoms consistent with measles, please contact your healthcare provider and notify the school office. And as always, please keep children home from school who are sick.
Thank you for your partnership in keeping our school community healthy and informed.
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!
Writer and Journalist, Kim Underwood at ABS
This spring, our 2nd grade students will have the exciting opportunity to collaborate with local author and former journalist Kim Underwood. Mr. Underwood, who spent many years reporting for the Winston-Salem Journal, will work with students in the art studios to help bring some of his children’s book ideas to life through illustration and storytelling.
During two special sessions with each class, students will explore the creative process behind children’s books—learning how ideas grow into stories and how illustrations help bring those stories to life. This collaboration offers a wonderful opportunity for our young artists and writers to experience the connection between storytelling and visual art while working with a professional author from our community.
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!
- 3/6 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
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. The School Leadership team (SLT) has been working with feedback from parents and staff. ABS Student Calendar Draft C will be presented for approval at the March 17 board meeting.
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
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 a 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 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 using a green screen, their own script and storyboard, props, and of course acting.
Dates: Monday, March 9 through Wednesday, March 11, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm t Arts-Based School North aCampus for Grades 5-8
Registration Link: https://uncsa.asapconnected.com/#CourseGroupID=61740
Email [email protected] with questions!
Ctrl V Virtual Reality Arcade
ABS Students can enjoy a special Spring Break promotion at Ctrl V Virtual Reality Arcade. This immersive virtual reality gaming experience is offering a limited-time discount for students—perfect for trying something new over the break! Special promotion for spring break for all students at Ctrl V Virtual Reality Arcade.
Around Town…
The City of Winston-Salem is seeking public input on two high-priority initiatives and wants you to help shape plans moving forward. These surveys provide important insights and feedback to City staff and officials.
The Winston-Salem Transit Authority is considering updates to the bus network to help more people get where they need to go faster. It is important that they hear from riders and employers on these proposed changes. If you, or your employees, utilize WSTA services, don’t miss this important chance to inform the plan. You can also participate in a listening session tomorrow, March 5, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, at the Hanes Hosiery Community Center. WSTA Transit Survey
The City of Winston-Salem wants to learn more about what the residents, businesses, and property owners in the Business Improvement District (BID) need in the way of services. This is another excellent opportunity to make sure your voice is counted when it comes to downtown planning. Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) Survey
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