Published for the Arts Based School Community
April 16, 2026
Why We Send Thursday Notes
Many families know to look for our Thursday Notes each week, but fewer may know the story behind this long-standing tradition.
In high-reliability organizations like NASA, leaders developed a simple communication principle: share important information before the weekend—don’t wait until Friday. Doing so gives teams time to respond, solve problems, and plan ahead. This approach became widely known as the “Thursday rule,” a reminder that timely communication builds trust and keeps organizations running smoothly.
Interestingly, a similar idea took root here at The Arts Based School during our very first year of operation.
One of our founding board members, John Llewellyn, suggested that we establish a consistent weekly communication with families—and that Thursday would be the ideal day. At the time, Dr. Llewellyn was serving as an associate professor of communication at Wake Forest University, where his work focused on public speaking, media, and organizational communication. He had previously worked in public relations and media relations in North Carolina before entering academia, bringing a practical understanding of how clear, timely communication strengthens organizations and communities.
From that early conversation, Thursday Notes was born.
What began as a practical suggestion quickly became part of the culture of our school. Each week, Thursday Notes provides families with updates, reminders, celebrations, and important information—ensuring that everyone has what they need before the weekend arrives. Like the NASA tradition that inspired it, the goal is simple:
no surprises, clear communication, and a strong partnership between school and families.
As we continue to grow and celebrate the history of our school—especially as we look ahead to milestones like the 25th anniversary year—this small but meaningful tradition reminds us that strong schools are built not only on great teaching, but also on consistent communication and shared trust.
So when Thursday rolls around and Thursday Notes lands in your inbox, know that you are participating in a tradition that dates back to our founding year—one rooted in thoughtful leadership, clear communication, and a commitment to keeping our community connected.
Resident Artist Spotlight: Danielle Tarmey
For many families at The Arts Based School, Danielle Tarmey is a familiar and beloved presence—an artist who brings both professional stage and screen experience and a deep understanding of children to her work in our classrooms.
Before becoming a resident artist, Danielle served our school community as a 6th-grade teacher for several years, where she built strong relationships with students and families. After many years in education, she made the courageous decision to pursue her lifelong passion for acting full time—an inspiring example for our students of what it means to follow your dreams.
Today, Danielle balances her professional acting career with her continued commitment to arts education. She has appeared in television series and films, demonstrating the very real pathways that begin with creativity, persistence, and a willingness to take risks. At ABS, we are fortunate that she remains an integral part of our community, working with students in grades 1–3 to develop their grade-level performances.
Our first graders are now exploring Chinese folklore through Great Dragon and the Pearl of Wisdom, an adaptation inspired by traditional legends such as The Ten Brothers and The Seven Sisters. In this story, students work together as an ensemble of siblings with unique talents, while also learning about Chinese culture through music, movement, and storytelling. They have been working diligently with their teachers and specialists, including Ms. Tarmey, and we are excited for families to see their growth in confidence and performance skills.
Performance Schedule: All shows are at the North Campus in the Alex Ewing Blackbox Theater
- Monday, May 4, 12:00 — Rogers
- Tuesday, May 5, 12:00 — Cruz
- Wednesday, May 6, 12:00 — Parker
- Thursday, May 7, 12:00 — Clarke
- Friday, May 8, 12:00 — Fray
We look forward to welcoming families to these joyful performances that showcase both cultural learning and the power of ensemble work—something that aligns beautifully with the spirit of arts-integrated learning at ABS.
Got tickets? Community Creates!- May 2, 7-11pm
Join us for Community Creates! It’s a fun-filled evening with delicious food, great margaritas from Thirsty Buffalo, friends and some outstanding artwork! All proceeds from the event support our Artist-in-Residence program (think Mr. Bill, Mr. Bob, Diana Greene, Thao Nguyen and many others!). Tickets are $60/single or 2 for $100 and will be available for purchase now at communitycreates.org - 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.
Aftercare Schedule Adjustment
Aftercare NORTH will be closed on April 20th, and Aftercare SOUTH will be closed on April 27th.
We will be closing to provide our staff with a dedicated day of professional development and program planning.This time will allow our team to strengthen procedures, enhance student activities, and ensure we are providing the highest quality care and experience for all students. We appreciate your flexibility and support as we invest in making our aftercare program even more structured, engaging, and consistent for your children. All students will need to go home in the regular car line this day.
ABS 2026 Summer Camps -Time is Running Out!
May 8th is the deadline to sign up and pay 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.
Camp Spotlight: ACTION! with Mr. Brown
Have you ever wanted to explore acting and creating for the camera? Do you wish your visual and performative talents could be used to write, storyboard, and film your very own short movie? Maybe you don’t consider yourself only a performer, but you’ve also wanted to consider the production side of things - being behind the camera! This camp is for YOU! We will use nothing more advanced than a phone camera and some savvy editing techniques to create something you can cherish as an onscreen memory when our camp concludes! Camera ready…? Aaaaaaand ACTION!
Lost & Found
Please check lost and found for items that are anxiously awaiting their return to your student. Any items not claimed by next Friday, April 16 will be donated. Pro Tip: Write your child’s name on the tag of jacket so we can help them find their way home.
Parent Council Notes:
Find opportunities for Pizza Friday, Teacher Appreciation, Car Line, and log miscellaneous or classroom volunteer hours.
Teacher Appreciation Luncheon
Our 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:
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 and locations) plus a monthly lunch planning meeting. All positions are open for nomination and voting, even where current members are continuing. We could especially use nominations for the following positions:
- Teacher Appreciation (North Campus)
- Teacher appreciation coordinator will organize a Welcome Back Breakfast, volunteer signups for staff snack meetings and stock the fridge, a coffee event (twice per year) and a catered lunch during teacher appreciation week. (The entire council will help you!)
- Event Coordinator (North Campus - Fall Fest Coordinator)
- Book Fair Coordinator (South)
- Volunteer Coordinator (South)
Teacher Appreciation Week | May 4–8
Let’s show our amazing ABS teachers and staff how much they are appreciated!
- Message Monday (5/4): Have your student write a letter or thank-you card
- Treat Tuesday (5/5): Bring a favorite snack or treat
- Wow Wednesday (5/6): Share a drawing, favorite memory, or something your student loves about their teacher
- Thirsty Thursday (5/7): Bring a beverage or a gift card to a coffee or smoothie shop
- Floral Friday (5/8): Send in a flower or small plant for the classroom
Around Town…
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.
Wake Forest University School of Medicine will conduct two free community eye screenings in Winston-Salem as part of its Project Screening Eyes and Education initiative.
The project is co-directed by Class of 2027 medical students Jaelen King and Avery Kerwin. They are participants in the Schweitzer Fellowship, a year-long community service fellowship focused on addressing gaps in health care access. The first screening will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday for those ages 17 and under at the Downtown Health Plaza, 1200 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
The second screening will be held at the same times and location on May 9 for adults.
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