Published for the Arts Based School Community
April 30, 2026
End of Grade Testing (EOG)
It’s that time of year again. The flowers are blooming, the days are longer, and the tests are coming! ABS students in grades 3-8 will be taking the North Carolina End-of-Grade tests during the last ten days of school.
The North Carolina End-of-Grade Tests are designed to measure student performance on the goals, objectives, and grade-level competencies specified in the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. The End-of-Grade tests in reading comprehension and mathematics are administered to students in grades 3-8 as part of the statewide assessment program. End-of-grade tests in science are administered in grades 5 and 8. Math I students in 8th grade take the EOC test.
Parents, please help your child do his or her best by following these guidelines:
- Help your child get 9 hours sleep throughout the weekend and each night before the test.
- Make sure your child eats a healthy breakfast, including more proteins and fewer carbohydrates.
- BE ON TIME to school. Rushing around creates anxiety. Latecomers must take a make-up test.
- Exercise. Limit screen time— Go outside, run, and play. You will rest better, think more clearly, and feel better.
- Help them arrive at school with a positive attitude.
Testing Schedule
May 14 EOG Reading 3rd-8th
May 15 EOG Math 3rd-8th,Math I EOC
May 18 EOG Science 5th, 8th
May 20 EOG Reading Make Up Tests 4th-8th
May 21 EOG/EOC Math Make Up Tests 3rd-8th
May 22 Read to Achieve-3rd
May 26 EOG Science Make Up Tests
EOG results will be shared with parents at the third trimester conferences.
Test Proctors -Volunteers Needed
The North Carolina Dept of Public Instruction (NCDPI) the testing requirements for schools:
- Test administrators should not be the teacher of record. When possible, a teacher who is not exposed to the subject content should be assigned to administer end-of-grade (EOG) and end-of-course (EOC) tests.
Or…
- Schools should implement full-time one-on-one proctors when the teacher of record is administering the test.
We feel students will feel most confident and comfortable testing with their own teacher so we will need to provide proctors for each testing session.
These practices affirm testing protocols are followed with fidelity, ensuring that reported
test scores accurately reflect student achievement and support state and local
accountability measures.
Important information to know:
-You can NOT proctor in the grade level of your own child(ren). Be sure to volunteer for a different grade level.
-Cell Phones and electronic devices are not permitted in the testing room. If proctors choose to bring their phone into the building, they will be required to put them in our Electronics Collection Container before entering the classroom in which they proctor.
-Training will be provided at 8 am each morning before testing begins. You must be on time for training to participate in proctoring.
-We must have people who can stay the entire time. You may finish early but need to be prepared to stay until students are finished testing.
If you can serve as a proctor, please sign up on this proctor form.
Cell Phones and Testing
Just a reminder that cell phones and smart watches are not permitted in any End-of-Grade or End-of-Course test session. All cell phones or devices will be collected prior to each testing session. Students may have a book or magazine, but they may not use any electronic devices. Parents and students may choose to keep all electronic devices at home during testing to avoid any issues.
EOG/EOC Retesting Opportunity
We’ve received approval from the Office of Accountability and Testing to offer students who do not score proficient on their EOG/EOC exams one opportunity to retest before the end of the school year. We believe this gives students a valuable second chance to demonstrate what they’ve learned.
Remediation and Re-administration Details:
- Who is eligible: Students scoring Not Proficient on Reading or Math EOGs.
- Parent permission required: Please complete this form to provide permission for retest in the event your child is not proficient. Students may only retest with parent permission.
- Grouping: Students will be appropriately grouped for retesting
Please reach out with any questions—we’re here to support your child’s success!
MAP results sent home
Third through Eighth grade students will receive MAP results in their Thursday Packets today. Please take some time to review these results. Overall results show that ABS students in each of those grades achieve higher scores than the national norms in all areas tested: math, science, reading, and language arts. Congratulations to our students and their teachers for a job well done. If you have any questions regarding MAP results, please contact your child’s teacher.
ABS 2026 Summer Camps -One Week Left!
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: Craft Camp with Ms. Cruz (1st-4th)
Craft Camp is a hands-on, creative adventure where kids explore painting, building, and making every day! Campers will experiment with different art materials, try new techniques, and create one-of-a-kind projects they’ll be proud to take home. Our focus is on creativity, imagination, and having fun—no experience needed, just a love for making things!
Congratulations to Olivia Ellison! Her family was selected as the national grand prize winner in the Booster drawing for a Family Cruise from Royal Cruise Line. By participating in our school’s Booster fundraiser last January, Olivia was automatically entered into the nationwide drawing—and what an exciting surprise to win! We are thrilled for the Ellison family and grateful to all of our families who supported the fundraiser and helped make it a success.
Costa Rica Interest Zoom Meeting for rising 6th-8th Graders
Tuesday, May 5th-3:15-3:45
This meeting is an initial interest meeting for those interested in travel for the summer of 2027 with STEAM Club. The trip is intended for any ABS 6th-8th grade student, but can include parents, siblings, and ABS Alumni if interested. The meeting will be hosted by Mrs. Gledhill and Mrs. Hoffman (STEAM Club sponsors) along with travel company liaison from JumpStreet Travel. The meeting will be recorded and is NOT required to be attended if interested. This is simply the first informational meeting. We will discuss a $200 early registration discount. Please see sample itinerary and additional information here. Zoom Link for Meeting Meeting ID: 368 427 0958 Passcode: CostaRica
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 for our North Campus and our South Campus 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
Around Town…
Scott Ertl will be facilitating a Parent-Child Retreat on Saturday, May 16 from 10:00-1:30pm at the Dream Center, which is located at 1201 N. Liberty Street.
He has led them at ABS for several years and wanted to extend an invitation to 2nd-8th grade families who would like to attend. Here’s a quick video to see what is involved.
Here’s the link to register (for free):
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