Published for the Arts Based School Community
April 23, 2026
Community Creates – Join Us May 2!
Community Creates is just around the corner on May 2, and it promises to be one of the most joyful evenings of the year—a celebration of creativity, connection, and community spirit.
This special event is more than a fundraiser. It is an art auction featuring works generously donated by community artists in support of our school, along with a festive gathering of families, friends, and supporters who believe in the power of arts and education. It’s a wonderful opportunity to come together, enjoy an inspiring evening, and directly support the mission of our school.
At this point, we are hoping to build stronger momentum with ticket sales. If you are planning to attend, we are deeply grateful—and we also need your help spreading the word. Personal invitations make a real difference. Please consider inviting friends, neighbors, and colleagues to join you for this special night. Every conversation helps us reach new supporters and strengthens the impact of this event.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit:
CommunityCreates.org
Community Creates is one of those rare evenings where art, generosity, and community come together in a meaningful way. We hope you will join us in filling the room, celebrating local artists, and supporting our school in a joyful and memorable way.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Supporting Teachers and Schools
You may have seen the recent announcement that the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education voted to cancel school on Friday, May 1, in anticipation that they may not have enough teachers to cover classrooms if many attend the May 1 rally in Raleigh. To meet required instructional hours, an additional school day has been added to the end of their school year.
At The Arts Based School, we want to acknowledge that we strongly support efforts to ensure teachers are fairly compensated and valued for the important work they do each day. We deeply appreciate the dedication, professionalism, and care you consistently show our students and families, and we respect the importance of advocacy for the teaching profession.
At this time, ABS will continue with our regular school schedule on May 1. Maintaining continuity of instruction and honoring our established school calendar are important commitments to our students and families.
We also recognize that many staff members may wish to express their support for increased teacher pay and strong public schools. There are many meaningful ways to do so, including:
- Wearing red on May 1 as a visible sign of solidarity with educators across the state
- Writing or emailing state legislators to share your perspective and advocate for increased teacher pay and school funding
- Participating in advocacy efforts outside of school hours
- Sharing positive stories about teaching and learning that highlight the important work happening in our schools
- Engaging in respectful conversations with community members about the importance of investing in public education
We respect the professionalism of our staff and your commitment to both your students and the broader educational community. Thank you for continuing to show up each day for our students and for the profession we all care deeply about.
Save the Date: Final Friday Sing (on a Wednesday) April 29
Both campuses will enjoy a Final Friday Sing at 10:00 on Wednesday, April 29. This will be outdoors at both campuses, and parents are welcome to attend.
North campus is K-8 with favorite songs chosen by the 8th grade graduates, in the 7th Street courtyard. South campus is K-4 in the playground. In the event of inclement weather, we will need to cancel.
Aftercare Schedule Adjustment
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: Petite Palette’s Art Camp (RISING Kindergarten (NEW TO ABS) & 1st Grade)
with Ms. Tashina Fielding & Ms. Brady
An art camp for the littles! We welcome kids from incoming kindergarteners thru 2nd grade to join us for a week of creativity, crafting, and art galore! Each day we will make new creations from your budding artists using different mediums and ideas. We will draw inspiration from music, famous artists and our natural world. Come join Ms. Tashina and Mrs. Brady for a week making artful memories!
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:
Here are the minutes from last week's PC meeting for Thursday notes
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
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