Published for the Arts Based School Community
May 14, 2026
Don’t forget the last day to order meals-May 20th
Pizza on Field Day must be order before May 26
EOG/EOC Retesting Opportunity
The Office of Accountability and Testing allows 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!
ABS 8th Grade Graduation
Let’s celebrate our 8th graders! Graduation is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27 at 12 noon in the ABS Alex Ewing Theater. Seating is limited to 4 tickets per graduate. Thanks to MIXXER to allowing the use of their parking lot for overflow parking during the graduation ceremony.
Guest Speaker: Duncan MacMillan
Duncan MacMillan, a graduate of The Arts Based School Class of 2016, will return to ABS on May 27 to serve as the guest speaker for this year’s 8th grade graduation ceremony.
Duncan was part of the early years of ABS middle school and has continued to pursue his passion for music and creativity since graduating from the school. A musician and songwriter from Winston-Salem, Duncan studied Communication Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill while remaining active in music performance and recording. He has performed with the Carolina Bluegrass Band and continues to write and share original music.
As an ABS graduate, Duncan represents the lasting impact of arts-integrated learning and the many different paths creativity can inspire. His return to speak with our graduating students is especially meaningful as he reflects on his own experiences as an ABS middle school student and encourages students to continue pursuing their interests, talents, and sense of curiosity.
We are excited to welcome Duncan back to ABS and look forward to the message and encouragement he will share with the Class of 2026.
DIBELS Results Sent Home
Kindergarten through third-grade students will receive HomeConnect/DIBELS results in their Thursday Packets today. Please take some time to review these results. This assessment is required for kindergarten through third-grade students to help teachers assess, track and support each student’s reading skills. Each student will be assessed every trimester. Teachers will use this data to focus their instruction around your child’s specific needs, in areas that may include:
- Hearing and using sounds in spoken words (Phonemic Awareness)
- Knowing sounds of letters and sounding out written words (Alphabetic Principle)
- Reading words in stories easily, quickly, and correctly (Accuracy and Fluency)
- Understanding what they read (Reading Comprehension).
After each assessment period you receive a letter outlining your child’s specific assessment results and progress as a reader. The letter includes learning activities you and your child can do together at home to reinforce skills learned at school. Parent support and reading at home are a vital part of your child’s education. The teacher’s efforts, combined with your support, will help your child read with mastery and confidence. If you have any questions about the assessment, the activities, or your child’s classroom work and progress, please talk to your child’s teacher.
Videos of Performances
You can find videos of this year’s performances at the Family Portal on our website.
End of Year Checklist
- Pick up medications from the front office.
- Be sure all fees and lunch balances are paid.
- Let us know if you will not be returning to ABS next year. If your child is transferring to another school, please let us know where to send your child’s records by emailing Director Hollis [email protected]
- Thursday, May 28 is the last day of school, with early dismissal. K-4 dismisses at 11:45. 5-8 dismisses at 12pm.
Field Day
Field Day will be held on Thursday, May 28, this year. It’s a half-day and we need volunteers to help the classes run their games. Please contact your class rep if you can help. This is one of the last opportunities of the year to earn volunteer hours. In the event of rain, field day will be canceled.
HELP: Summer Seamstress Needed!
We need help repairing props and costumes this summer — giving everything a little TLC before next year’s productions begin. If you have any sewing skills, whether you enjoy simple hand-sewing or have professional-level serger skills, we would love your help!
All costumes for our Kindergarten through 8th grade productions are handmade by ABS staff and volunteers, and every year they need some summer TLC to get them stage-ready again.
Whatever your sewing ability, if you are willing to help, please email Liz Green ([email protected]) and she will connect you with the perfect summer project.
Late Summer Camp Registration- Shhh…
Summer has a funny way of sneaking up on all of us. Between wrapping up the school year, juggling schedules, and keeping up with the everyday chaos, summer camp registration can easily get bumped down the to-do list. But shhh... if summer plans are still coming together, this secret sign-up link is your chance to squeeze in quietly and secure a spot before camp begins!
Top Secret Information: We are now offering aftercare from 2pm-5pm for registered campers for $75/week.
Late 2026 Summer Camp Flyer
Late 2026 Summer Camp Registration
Yearbooks Are Here!
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.
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:
- 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 last week.
- Last Parent Council Meeting of the Year: Friday May 15th at 8:30 AM — CHANGED TO ZOOM ONLY BECAUSE OF TESTING. [Submit your questions here!] Agenda linked here.
ZOOM LINK FOR PARENT COUNCIL MEETING FRIDAY MAY 15
- 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]
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