Published for the Arts Based School Community
May 7, 2026
Celebrating the Heart of ABS: Our Teachers and School Community
As another long and wonderful school year begins to wind down, I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude on the people who make The Arts Based School such a joyful and inspiring place for children to learn and grow. During this season of Teacher Appreciation, it feels especially important to recognize our amazing teachers and staff who help surround our students with care each and every day.
Thank you to our teachers for the creativity, patience, flexibility, and love you pour into your classrooms. Thank you for seeing the potential in every child and for making learning meaningful, joyful, and deeply human. The work you do matters in ways that cannot always be measured, but it is felt every day in the confidence, curiosity, and growth of our students.
And thank you to the many people in our school community who help support that work behind the scenes and alongside it.
Thank you for creating a joyful place for children to learn and grow.
Thank you for taking care of each other with caring words, delicious treats, and loving hearts.
Thank you for bringing your creative energy and enthusiasm to our school each day.
Thank you for making the extra effort, staying the extra hours, and tending to the details because it really does matter.
Thank you for serving lunches, reading with children, listening with empathy and enthusiasm, applying band-aids and ice packs, and keeping kids safe.
Thank you for your time, attention, generosity, and expertise that support the exciting opportunities we are able to offer children.
Most of all, thank you for sharing the dream of a school where children love to learn.
The Arts Based School has always been more than a building or a program. It is a community of people who believe deeply in children, in creativity, and in the power of joyful learning. We are grateful every day for the many hands and hearts that make this school possible.
Community Creates! Raises Nearly $20,000 — Thank You!
We are thrilled to report that Community Creates! was a joyful success, raising nearly $20,000 to support ABS’s resident artist programs! These funds will go directly toward enriching our students’ experiences through meaningful collaborations with professional artists in the classroom.
This event was a true community effort, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made it possible. From the beautiful performances and artwork to the shared laughter and conversations, Community Creates reminded us of the magic that happens when our community comes together.
We’d like to express our deepest gratitude to the many people who helped bring this event to life:
- Our talented local artists who donated their time and talent to the auction
- ABS Board members for their leadership and ongoing support
- The Community Creates Committee for their dedication and creativity
- The incredible volunteers, parents, staff, and friends of ABS who gave their time and energy
- And, of course, our wider community for showing up, participating, and celebrating with us
A very special thank you goes to our generous sponsors, whose support made this event possible:
- Pella
- Neal and Kim Foster
- First Citizens
- Michelle & Adrian Lawrence
- Prestige/Acadia Northstar
- Salem Counseling/Consulting
- Raffaldini Vineyards
- The Dwelling
- Petal Punk Florals
- Thirsty Buffalo
As we look ahead, we’re already imagining how Community Creates might return next year—possibly as part of ABS’s 25th anniversary celebration. Let’s keep the conversation going and continue building something beautiful together. If you attended the event, please take a moment to provide your feedback! Thanks!
Dr. Fernando Jones Brings the Blues to ABS
Last week, our sixth grade students had the incredible opportunity to learn from Dr. Fernando Jones during a dynamic Blues Master Class at The Arts Based School. Through music, storytelling, and performance, Dr. Jones introduced students to the rich history and cultural roots of the blues while encouraging creativity, collaboration, and self-expression. We are deeply grateful to Dr. Jones for sharing his time, talent, and passion with our students.
We are also excited to share that Dr. Jones will return to Winston-Salem on June 11–12 to lead a free Blues Camp International at ABS in partnership with the Delta Arts Center. The camp is open to young musicians ages 12–18 and offers students a unique opportunity to learn, perform, and explore the traditions of blues music in a hands-on setting. Learn more about the camp and Dr. Jones here: Blues Camp at ABS
Fourth Grade Fly Ups
Next week our fourth-grade students will enjoy a special tour of the middle school building, called 4th Grade Fly Ups. Mr. Cutts guides each fourth-grade class through their new building, showing them the classrooms, the drama room, the band room, and art. They learn what will feel the same and what will feel a bit different as they move into 5th grade. Exciting times! Don’t worry, parents, you’ll get a chance to have middle school orientation in August.
Piedmont Environmental Alliance Visits ABS
This week, Mrs. Hoffman’s science classes welcomed the Piedmont Environmental Alliance for their annual Every Drop Counts and Energy Explorers programs. These engaging presentations help students explore environmental sustainability through hands-on learning and real-world connections.
Seventh graders investigated renewable energy, energy conservation, and “energy vampires” that waste electricity, while eighth graders explored water conservation and the impact of climate change on Earth’s limited freshwater supply. Students powered turbines, tested energy-efficient lights, generated electricity by riding a bike, and participated in interactive water labs.
We are grateful for this ongoing partnership that inspires our students to think creatively and responsibly about caring for the environment.
Yearbooks Are Here!
Yearbooks are coming home in Thursday Folders today! If you missed purchasing one, a limited number of extra copies will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at each front desk beginning Thursday, May 14. $30 cash, check, or credit card. We are not able to “hold” copies.
Staffing Updates at ABS
As we begin planning for the 2026–27 school year, we want to share a few staffing updates with our ABS community.
After eight wonderful years at ABS, Mary Boudreault will be leaving at the end of this school year. Mary has been an extraordinary music teacher whose creativity, dedication, and joyful spirit helped shape and grow our elementary music program in meaningful ways. Through performances, classroom experiences, and daily interactions with students, she has left a lasting impact on countless children and families. Mary will be moving on to lead the Oakridge Arts Collective, a transition that brings her closer to home and family. While we will miss her deeply, we are incredibly grateful for all she has given to our school community and wish her every success in this exciting new chapter.
We also want to share that Lauren Alzamora, our South Campus dance teacher, will be leaving ABS at the end of this year to join the University of North Carolina School of the Arts Dance Preparatory Program. This is a wonderful professional opportunity, and we are proud of the inspiring work Lauren has done to grow our dance program and encourage creativity and confidence in our students. Thankfully, Lauren’s children will continue to be part of our ABS family, so we know we will still see her around campus.
Fortunately for our dance program and students, Ally Shelton will be joining us full-time next year as Dance Teacher for grades K–4 and Drama Teacher for 5th grade. Many families have already seen the positive impact Ally has had working with students, and we are excited to welcome her into this expanded role.
With this transition, we will also be hiring a part-time PE teacher for the South Campus. If you know someone who would be a great fit for our community, we would love to hear from them.
ABS 2026 Summer Camps -Two Days 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: Rise of the Young Wizards with Ms. Katelyn
A legendary Harry Potter adventure begins! After House sorting, campers train through enchanted crafts, spellbinding games, and epic team quests. Every challenge builds skill, confidence, and camaraderie in this unforgettable wizarding experience.
Kona Ice for Field Day!
Kona Ice will be at field day again this year! We will have one truck per location. Families can pre-purchase using the link and codes below or they can bring cash the day of field day (May 28th). There are sugar-free and dye-free options available for students to purchase if needed Check out the link and location codes below!
Link: app.konaicepay.com
North (MLK): K79X19215429
North (7th St): K79X36215431
South: K79X60615430
Parent Council Notes:
- Parent Council Notes:
- Volunteer Hub: Find opportunities for Pizza Friday, Teacher Appreciation, Car Line, and more — plus log classroom or miscellaneous hours. [ABS Volunteer Hub]
- Teacher Appreciation Luncheon: A huge thank you to everyone who donated! We were able to treat every teacher, administrator, and staff member to a catered lunch this week.
- Last Parent Council Meeting of the Year: Friday May 15th at 8:30 AM — South Campus & Zoom. [Submit your questions here!]
- Field Day: Your parent reps will reach out soon with volunteer needs for your classroom's station. Middle School still needs volunteers — [sign up here! MIDDLE SCHOOL FIELD DAY]
- 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