Published for the Arts Based School Community
August 13, 2026
How We Do It and Why
By Mary Siebert, ABS Founding Arts Director, retired
"In order to create, there must be a dynamic force, and what force is more potent than love?" - Igor Stravinsky
Welcome, familiar friends and new ones! Our first day of school breezed by smoothly, both in the classrooms and in the hallways. There was joy in the air! Nearly every Thursday, you’ll find an article highlighting our unique methods, the research supporting our philosophy, and inspiring moments from the classroom and school community.
We believe that our approach “levels the playing field” so that your child has many options for appropriately challenging learning and accomplishment. We continually assess and reconsider our work with this important goal: helping your child become a successful student who loves learning. We focus on meeting each child where they are, and moving forward from there. Beyond that, we want our students to become confident, inspired, curious, creative problem-solvers. We need your partnership in this endeavor as well. Based on current research, here is how you can give your child the opportunities they desire and deserve. Make sure your child:
- Gets 10 hours of sleep every night. (That’s right…TEN!)
- Eats a nutritious breakfast every morning, avoiding sugary foods.
- Brings a healthy snack and a water bottle, every day.
- Arrives at school on time, and avoids early departure.
- Gets outside and exercises after school and on weekends.
- Has clear expectations and supervision of your child’s screen time and social media
- Reads at home daily. (Read aloud together!)
- Talks with you about school and enjoys your help with learning, daily.
- If your child takes medication, administer it appropriately and consistently. Make sure you send any meds, even cough drops, to the front office of your building with a medication form completed by the doctor.
- Even on difficult mornings, send your child off with a hug and loving words.
No amount of creative, dedicated, brilliantly taught lessons or technology can replace the love and care you provide. Please, partner with us to make your child’s year at ABS the best it can possibly be, and we pledge to do the same!
Note: Mary Siebert, our founding Arts Director, retired a few years ago. You will see and feel her presence throughout our school because she was one of the founders and creators of the Arts Based School. With her permission, we continue to publish some of her wise words and philosophical musings in Thursday Notes.
Learning Beyond the Classroom: The Value of Field Trips
At ABS, we believe that some of the most meaningful learning experiences happen outside the classroom. Field trips give students the chance to explore new environments, connect classroom concepts to the real world, and build lasting memories with their peers.
Soon our students will begin traveling into the community for field trips. Each grade level will visit a variety of exciting destinations. For example, our kindergarteners will explore the Piedmont Farmer’s Market and the Kaleideum, while our first graders will dive into local history at Bethabara Park, and our second graders experience hands-on science at the Greensboro Science Center, and even take in the beauty of Pilot Mountain. Fourth graders will dig into earth science at the Emerald Hollow Mine and explore NC history at Guilford Courthouse Military Park, while fifth graders will learn about art and culture at Reynolda House and history at the Greensboro Civil Rights Museum. Older students will broaden their horizons further with visits to Sawtooth, the Iredell Museum, and other cultural landmarks.
These experiences help bring lessons to life—whether through art, science, history, or the natural world.
Important Reminder: Every student must have a completed field trip permission slip on file each school year in order to participate. If you haven’t yet, please take a moment to complete this year’s form here: Field Trip Permission Form.
We’re excited to see our students learning, exploring, and growing throughout our community this year!
Activity Fee
ABS is publicly funded and free to all students. We ask families to contribute a $40 activity fee each year to help cover the costs of our field trips, special arts activities, and more. You can pay your Activity Fee through the website donation link. Please mark other and in the comment box type “Activity Fee”. Families qualifying for free/reduced lunch are exempt from this charge.
Curriculum Night- Save the Date! Sept 15 & 16
Come experience your child’s classroom through their eyes during an interactive evening designed for the whole family. Families will step into the learning by trying activities, games, challenges, and routines that students experience throughout the school day. Bring your child and get ready to learn, play, problem-solve, and discover what makes learning at ABS come to life!
Curriculum night activities are held in your child’s classroom.
To ease parking, we have scheduled staggered sessions-
North Carolina Vaccine-Specific Requirements
The North Carolina General Statutes (G.S. 130A-152(a)) require immunizations for every child present in this state. Every parent, guardian or person in loco parentis is responsible for ensuring that their child(ren) receive required immunizations. Here’s the NCDHHS website for more information about school immunization requirements. If you have specific questions regarding your child, please contact your child’s health care provider or your local health department.
Kindergarten, 7th grade students, and any students new to the school system who are not compliant with state immunization requirements will not be permitted to attend school after 30 days. Please turn in all immunization documentation by September 18, 2026.
Notes from Parent Council:
Parent Council Meeting – August 14, 2026
Join us Friday, August 14, at 8:30 AM at the North Campus cafe (or via Zoom link) for our first Parent Council meeting for the 26-27 school year. We welcome all parents to attend! You can submit topics for the meeting here.
Parents Needed: South Campus Class Representatives!
We are still looking for a few South Campus parents to serve as Class Representatives for the 2026–2027 school year!
We are especially looking for Class Reps for:
- 3rd Grade: Fray & Daniels
- 4th Grade: Stewart
- 5th Grade: Hayden
Each classroom should have a Class Representative who helps connect families, teachers, and Parent Council. The Parent Council will provide the information and support you need throughout the year.
Main responsibilities include:
- Coordinating class-specific volunteer efforts and classroom needs
- Coordinating parent volunteers for Book Fair, Fall Fest, and Field Day
- Helping with hospitality events such as Teacher Appreciation Week and teacher birthdays
- Sharing important information from Parent Council with your class
You don't have to be an expert or have lots of free time! A big part of the role is simply communicating with families and helping connect parents with opportunities to support the classroom and school.
If you're willing to help one of these classrooms, please sign up here: ABS Class Reps 2026–2027:
Want to learn more about what being a Class Rep involves? ABS Classroom Representative Information Sheet:
Have questions? Please reach out to:
Sara Morales, South Campus Class Rep Coordinator [email protected]
Tabatha Smith, North Campus Class Rep Coordinator [email protected]
Thank you to all of our parents who have already volunteered to serve as Class Reps! And thank you to everyone who considers stepping up to help fill these remaining South Campus positions. Your involvement makes a huge difference in our school community!
Volunteer Hub – Get Involved!
There are so many ways to jump in and make a difference this year—whether you have an hour a week or just an occasional day to help! Opportunities include 2026–2027 Classroom Reps, car rider line, pizza Friday lunch delivery, art room assistance, teacher snack & fridge stocking, and more. Plus, remember to log your volunteer hours. Check out the Volunteer Hub.
Aftercare Registration 2026-2027
Aftercare Registration is now open for both campuses! We look forward to providing a safe and fun filled environment where we focus our efforts on the social, emotional, and physical development of your child. We'll do this by nurturing strong relationships and offering your children choices that reflect their individual needs, interests and abilities. This year we are hopeful to offer more structured activities that the students and staff will both love! The program runs from 2pm-6pm each day and we offer a 2 days (NEW!), 3 days, and 5 days a week program. You can also register for the drop in service. Check out updated pricing and dates in the Aftercare Parent Handbook. Please email Ashley Tate at [email protected] with any questions.
2026-2027 Aftercare Registration
2026-2027 Aftercare Parent Handbook
ABS Bus Service
For the 2026-27 school year, ABS will offer morning and afternoon bus service with dropoff and pickup locations of: Winston Lake YMCA, Hanes Mall, and Sherwood Plaza. Please review the Bus Guidelines and Information before registering.
Please contact Mr. Cutts at [email protected] with any questions.
2026-2027 ABS Bus Registration
ABS Bus Guidelines and Information
Costa Rica Zoom Interest Meeting for 6th-8th Graders
Tuesday, August 25th- 3:15-3:45
This meeting is for those interested in travel for the summer of 2027 with STEAM Club. Our 7 day, 6 night adventure 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) as well as our travel company liaison from JumpStreet Travel. The meeting will be recorded and is NOT required to be attended if interested. This is simply an informational meeting.
A sample itinerary and additional information can be here.
Meeting ID: 368 427 0958
Passcode: CostaRica
Around Town…
Good Luck, Jax!
Jax Barbour (7th grade) is competing this weekend in the U1200 section of the NC State Chess Championship, right here in downtown Winston-Salem! Spectators are welcome, so consider stopping by to cheer him on. Please join us in wishing Jax the best of luck!
NC State Chess Championship Details
Ways to get involved and learn more about ABS:
- ABS Parent Student Handbook
- 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