Published for the Arts Based School Community
March 26, 2026
What is Community Creates?
We are thrilled to bring Community Creates back again this year at The Arts Based School. Some of you are longtime fans of this special event, while others may be hearing about it for the first time. So what is it exactly? A party? A fundraiser? A chance for our whole community to come together? Absolutely—yes, yes, and YES!
Community Creates is a fabulous adult-only party. For one evening, our ABS Middle School building and courtyard are transformed into a chic, hip art gallery full of unique artwork created for this event. Local artists you love, and new ones you don’t know yet, come together to provide pieces for our 100 for $100 drawing, silent auction and live auction. Enjoy drinks, hors d'oeuvres and dinner. It’s an evening you don’t want to miss!
Community Creates is a vital fundraiser for ABS. ABS deeply arts-based, experiential learning includes visits and residences from highly accomplished professionals in visual, performing and literary arts (think Mr. Bill, Mr. Bob, Diana Greene & Thao Nguyen just to name a few). Funds raised from Community Creates help us pay for this artists-in-residence program. The relationships between our students and these local artists inspire and instruct us, while helping create and solidify meaningful bonds within the community.
Everyone is invited to Community Creates! Community Creates draws a mix of ABS parents, staff, Board members, artists and many people throughout the community that attend for the chance to walk away with some fantastic artwork, or at the very least, have a fabulous evening out! Tickets are $60/single or 2 for $100 and will be available for purchase very soon - but go ahead and save the date - Saturday, May 2nd from 7pm–11pm!
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])
If you are interested in volunteering for Community Creates, please complete this form.
Shout-Out to Ms. DeJarnette’s Class from CNN 10!
We are excited to celebrate Ms. DeJarnette’s 6th grade class, who recently received a special shout-out on CNN 10, a national student news program watched by classrooms across the country.
CNN 10 is a free, daily 10-minute news show designed specifically for students. Many teachers use it to introduce current events in an engaging, age-appropriate way while helping students build critical thinking and global awareness. Here’s the short clip of the Shout Out.
Parent Satisfaction Survey Results — Thank You for Your Feedback!
Thank you to all of our families who took the time to complete the recent Parent Satisfaction Survey. Your participation reflects the strong partnership that defines our school community, and we are truly grateful for your thoughtful input and engagement.
We are pleased to share that overall feedback was very positive. Families highlighted many strengths, including the dedication of our teachers and staff, the welcoming school environment, and the strong sense of community that supports our students’ growth and well-being. It is encouraging to see affirmation of the work happening each day in our classrooms and across campus.
At the same time, your responses also helped identify areas where we can continue to grow. We carefully review all feedback to guide planning, strengthen communication, and ensure we are meeting the needs of our students and families. Continuous improvement is a shared responsibility, and your voice plays an important role in shaping the future of our school.
We invite you to review the full survey results at the link below:
Parent Satisfaction Survey Results
ABS Staffing Updates
- Rebecca Parker (1st Grade North) will be leaving ABS at the end of the school year to begin writing her next chapter in life. We are grateful for the care and dedication she has given to our students and community.
- I am excited to announce that Tashina Fielding will be moving into the lead teaching position at Kindergarten North as Missy Warren prepares to leave us at the end of the school year.
- Rosy Warren-Windfelder, kindergarten assistant will also be leaving us at the end of the school year. Caitlin Adam will be partnering with Mrs. Londono as a kindergarten teaching assistant. We are pleased to have her supporting our youngest learners.
Soon, we will begin scheduling interviews and sample lessons for our open teaching positions. If you know of someone who would be a perfect fit for ABS, please have them check out our website for employment opportunities.
Yearbook Orders Are Closing Soon!
It’s time to order your student’s yearbook! Don’t miss out on capturing all the memories from this school year.
Deadline: Tuesday, March 31st
*Please note: there will be NO late orders accepted, so be sure to get your order in on time!
Parent Council Notes:
Find opportunities for Pizza Friday, Teacher Appreciation, Car Line, and log miscellaneous or classroom volunteer hours.
Teacher Appreciation Luncheon
ABS Parent Council is excited to host a special Teacher Appreciation Luncheon during Teacher Appreciation Week to celebrate the incredible dedication of our entire staff—including teachers, administration, specials, EC staff, custodial staff, and bus drivers—at both campuses.
The luncheon will take place on Wednesday, May 6, with our North Campus celebration on Thursday, May 7. Staff members will be able to select from a variety of delicious options provided by Apple Spice Catering.
If you would like to sponsor lunch for one teacher or staff member, please sign up for a slot using the link below and send $15 via Venmo to @artsbasedschool. Your support helps make this event a meaningful way to show appreciation for the many people who care for and support our students each day.
Parents can sign up and donate here:
Thank you for helping us celebrate our amazing team!
Next Meeting:
Friday April 17th at North Campus Café and on Zoom
Submit Your Questions for Parent Council here
Nominations are open for the 2026–2027 ABS Parent Council!
Parent Council meets monthly (alternating times) plus a monthly lunch planning meeting. All positions are open for nomination and voting, even where current members are continuing. Here's a quick snapshot of where things stand:
- Co-Chairs — Emily Gregg returning for South; North is open! (2 year term)
- Secretary
- Teacher Appreciation
- Class Rep Coordinator
- Event Coordinator
- Social Media Coordinator
- Book Fair Coordinator (South)
- Volunteer Coordinator
Interested in a role or want to nominate someone? We'd love to have you involved — especially for Teacher Appreciation and Event Coordinator, where we still need candidates on both campuses!
Minutes from the March Parent Council meeting.
Around Town…
Tonight at 7pm Salem Academy will be performing Mean Girls: The Musical, and we are excited to share that ABS Alum, Jolie Douglas-Steele, will be playing one of the lead roles, Janice! Tickets are free, but registration is required. Don’t miss this chance to see an amazing performance! Here’s the link
Disney Frozen presented by RJ Reynolds HS Drama Club, this weekend at Reynolds Auditorium. For information about tickets, and times, click here.
Everyone is welcome at the Piedmont Earth Day Fair on April 18th from 10AM-4PM at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds! Enjoy great food and music, activities for adults and kids, and 120+ earth-friendly exhibitors.
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