Published for the Arts Based School Community
August 20, 2026
Shout-Out to Our Amazing Teachers!
We are so proud to celebrate the outstanding work of our ABS teachers beyond the classroom!
Elizabeth Gledhill (Middle School Art), Jordan Brown (Middle School Drama), and Alysha Christian (former 6th Grade teacher) were selected to present their workshop, “From Masterpieces to Movies: Sustaining World History Through the Arts,” at the National Council for the Social Studies Annual Conference in Chicago this December. Their proposal was selected from thousands of submissions—a wonderful recognition of the innovative arts-integrated learning happening at ABS!
We also want to celebrate Lenora McNamara, Middle School Language Arts, and Ms. Lee Ann Farrell, Middle School Social Studies for their recognition as Teach Democracy Civic Action Project Cohort teachers. Through this national professional learning opportunity, Lenora and LeeAnn are helping students build skills in critical thinking, civic engagement, research, collaboration, and using their voices to make a difference.
Congratulations to all of these incredible educators! We are grateful for the creativity, leadership, and dedication they bring to our students and proud to see ABS teachers sharing their great work on a national stage.
Attendance Notes
Just a reminder as we begin the new school year: please send all attendance notes to [email protected] rather than directly to your child’s classroom teacher. This process was implemented last year, but we know it’s easy for procedures to slip from memory over the summer!
This includes both parent/guardian notes and doctor’s notes. Centralizing attendance information helps us maintain accurate records and meet state reporting requirements.
Thank you for helping us keep attendance records accurate and up to date! For more information, you can review our full attendance policy.
Tardiness
School begins at 8:15 a.m. Students may arrive at school between 7:45 and 8:10. Students will be counted tardy if they’re not in their classroom by 8:15 a.m. The student entrance will be locked at 8:15 a.m. After 8:15 a.m., parents must park and escort their child(ren) to the Front office entrance to sign them in. Ten tardies are considered one absence on state attendance records.
Beginning of Grade Test (BOG)
The State Board of Education requires a standardized reading test for all third graders in North Carolina. Third-grade students will take the Beginning of Grade (BOG) test in reading. A student’s BOG score will be used as baseline data to measure growth as well as a screening tool to identify those students who will need remediation to pass the End of Grade test. The NC Read to Achieve initiative requires retention for students who do not pass the Reading EOG at third grade. The test has 42 questions, takes approximately 90 minutes to complete, and is administered online at school. It will be administered on August 25 at North Campus, and August 26 at South Campus. Testing accommodations will be provided for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEP). Make-up tests will be required for any student who is absent from the regular administration of the test.
mClass/DIBELS Reading Testing This Month
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction has implemented and required a kindergarten through third-grade reading assessment called mCLASS: Reading 3D to help teachers assess, track, and support each student’s reading skills. Each student will be assessed every trimester using the online assessment program. mCLASS: Reading 3D will instantly analyze your child’s development in grade-appropriate foundational reading skills. 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 will receive a letter outlining your child’s specific assessment results and progress as a reader. The letter will also include 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.
Kindergarten Speech Screening
We will soon begin screening kindergarten students for any speech or language difficulties. Mary Dunevant and Erin Whitaker , our speech pathologists, will visit each kindergarten classroom to have a short conversation with each student. This screening allows us to identify any speech concerns that may interfere with your child's learning. If further testing is required, the parents will be notified for additional permissions for formal testing. If your child already receives speech services, a screening will not be conducted. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mary Dunevant at [email protected]
Please complete this form to provide written consent for the kindergarten speech screening. Thank you!
Notes from Parent Council:
Parents: Check out the new volunteer opportunities in the Volunteer Hub!
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 here.
Garden Club
The Garden Club is launching its monthly workdays, alternating between campuses to care for our shared spaces. The first session takes place on Saturday, August 22, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the North Campus, and students are invited to participate. This fall, volunteers will plant crops in the raised beds near the church, growing produce directly for classroom use. To ensure all efforts align with campus plans, families are asked to coordinate with a Garden Club representative before purchasing materials, donating items, or starting any independent projects. Email Sarah Avery ([email protected]) for information.
Fall Fest Save the Date – Saturday, October 3, 2026
Mark your calendars! Join us Saturday, October 3, from 12–3 PM at the North Campus for Fall Fest fun. Enjoy vendors in the courtyard, food trucks, class booths, and the Book Fair—plus music and activities for the whole family. Tickets are $5 per child (cash or Venmo only) and adults are free. If you or someone you know is interested in bringing their food truck, musical talents, or crafts as a vendor, sign up at these links- Vendor, Performer, Food Truck! Email questions to Sarah Avery ([email protected]), Jessica Crews ([email protected]), or Naquita Yellock ([email protected]).
Mark your calendars for Book Fair!
The annual Book Fair will run from September 28 through October 2, and volunteer support is vital to making the event a success. Support is needed across both campuses for setup, daily operations, and takedown. If you are interested in lending a hand, convenient volunteer shifts are now available to browse and select through the Volunteer Hub via SignUpGenius. Additionally, the Book Fair will stay open during Fall Fest on October 3 so families can shop together. Interested parents and supporters should sign up online, or reach out directly to absbookfair@artsbasedschool.
Parents Needed: South Campus Class Representative for 3rd grade Daniels!
We are still looking for a South Campus parent to serve as Class Representative for Ms. Daniel’s 3rd grade class for the 2026–2027 school year!
The Class Representative helps connect families, teachers, and Parent Council. Parent Council will provide the information and support you need throughout the year.
Want to learn more about what being a Class Rep involves? ABS Classroom Representative Information Sheet
Does this interest you? Have questions? Please reach out to: Sara Morales, South Campus Class Rep Coordinator [email protected]
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
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.
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